Santa pj's on black Friday in Fernandina Beach

Each year on black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, shoppers in Fernandina Beach are encouraged to come downtown and shop in their pj’s to receive a discount at all purchases in local stores.  As a result the downtown streets are filled with all manner of interesting pj looks and of course besides the discount, a prize is awarded for “best dressed” shopper.  From santa to diva’s, the view is unique and colorful as each shopper trys to outdo their neighbor and be considered for the grand prize.  To be consistent all contestant’s register at the main booth and have their pictures taken so judging can be uniform and more easily rendered.  I’m not sure this approach would work in a large mall setting, but in the quaint streets of downtown Fernandina Beach, it creates a lot of fun and entertaining experiences.  People gladly pose for pictures and are actually buying from local stores, so it’s great for shoppers, merchants and casual observers.  This event is a prelude to the next day when Santa comes to downtown and the Christmas tree is lit  by the harbor.  The lighted boat parade is scheduled for December 11 at 7 pm and is another fun evening in this holiday season.  Come on down and enjoy Christmas and the Holidays in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island!

Pajamas in Fernandina Beach

shopping in their pj's

pj's for everyone but the dog

pj's and a talking hat

mama pajama and cool slippers

the robe look with slippers

the angelic look

red is her signature color

group pj's in Palace Saloon

pirates and pj's

Santa's helpers

diva's in pj's

Current ride of Magna's owner Tom

Why a motorcycle as the lead picture for a blog on the 10th anniversary of a local salon?  With good reason, since the inspiration and name for the salon “Magna’s – A Full  Body Salon” came to Tom Hughes as he was riding his Honda Magna motorcycle in the days before opening (his current ride is pictured above).  The Latin meaning for magna is large, great , powerful or mighty and Tom felt it captured the concept he had in mind for his salon and spa.   Tom and his partner Stacye chose to match their decor with this theme and create a space that would appeal to both sexes.  Hence the decor includes light hardwood floors, recessed lighting,  earthtone colors,  Roman style columns and a mixture of both masculine and feminine decorating.   Tom and Stacye  recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on Amelia Island and held an open house for clients and friends.  We utilize Magna’s often for weddings and spa packages and Deborah has been the beneficiary of several of their relaxation packages on birthdays and anniversaries.  It was a nice evening with the opportunity to meet their staff, visit with other locals and see the full range of the spa and salon at one time.  Wine, beer and treats were available and enjoyed by all.  It’s great to see local businesses succeed and we appreciate having the services available to provide for guests of the Williams House.  Come to Amelia Island, stay at the Williams House and enjoy a trip to Magna’s!  Our congratulations to Tom and Stacye and our hope for many more successful years here on Amelia Island!

Tom greets Deborah in front of Salon and Shrimp art

Magna's waiting room/retail shop

Front desk view of Magna's salon

Guests enjoy Magna's hospitality

Deborah enjoys snacks while Tom chats

Relaxing space inside Magna's salon

Snowshoes in window of hardware store

You never know what you will find in the unusual shops in our quaint downtown area, but these snowshoes in the window of Amelia Island Paint and Hardware caught my a attention on a recent walk and may be the most unique item I’ve ever seen for this area.  I’m sure there is a story behind these, but I haven’t had a chance to get with Andy, the owner, to find out what’s behind it.  Clearly it would not be a fast moving item anytime here in Florida, but particularly not in August . Perhaps they are for sand dune climbing?  If you live somewhere where snowshoes are of need and value and think this listed price is good, just come on down to our little Island and take them home.

Are they worth it?

Fernandina Beach's Old Fashioned Hardware Store

When I was a boy growing up  in central Missouri, my father was an avid woodworker hobbyist.  He would save each year so he could buy a new power tool, starting with a table saw, then a drill press and so on until he eventually amassed a pretty effective shop.  One of my joys was to accompany him on Saturdays to the local hardware store/lumber yard for whatever project need was active at the time.  My memories were rekindled when I came to Fernandina Beach and visited the Amelia Island Paint and Hardware store.  Once again I was drawn back to the narrow aisles filled with all manor of unique items, certain to fit the need you were attempting to fix.  The current owner, Andy Palmisano, purchased the store from his mother in 2001 and relates that she bought the store in 1980.  The original building has been there since at least the 1930′s and was originally Askin’s Super Market.  Later it becme a paint store and was subsequently expanded by stages in 1982, again in 1985 and finally to its current size in 1988.   Today it continues to supply local needs, act as a gathering place for locals (both homeowners and contractors), and a convenient on-island way to get what you need (and we are always having some hardware need at the B&B).  There is popcorn most afternoons and unless Andy is is working the books, good conversation.  This is a store where men love to shop but I also see a lot of ladies in looking for the right gadget or widget to keep the home working smoothly.  We are indeed fortunate to have so many locally owned businesses here on the island where everyone  can be either customer or supplier, but also friend and neighbor.  So when you come to town for that great historical experience don’t forget to stop in at our local hardware store right down Ash Street just a couple of blocks from the Inn.  It just might bring back a few pleasant memories and you’ll get to meet Andy unless he happens to get out early for a round of golf.

Andy behind the paint mixing area

We get most of our paint from Amelia Island Paint since the colors are registered there on Andy’s somewhat old but still works just fine computer.  He has also color matched when needed.

One of many aisles with useful stuff

There always seems to be something we need to complete a repair or fix somehting that just got broken and we can usually find it just down the street.  Saves gas since it is walk-able or even bike-able.

Racks of miscellaneous parts

There are numerous sections for different hardware parts and this is the main section for the unusual and unique items. Andy and his staff read customers well and will let you look on your own or provide help later when you can’t seem to find that unique item.  Nuts, bolts, washers, screws, clips, spacers, etc. can all be had here.

Narrow aisles make for fun shopping and discovery

Yes, we have the big box stores whose name we won’t mention just off the Island, but it is nothing like the experience of an old fashioned hardware store.  Prices are also quite competitive and you save all the gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.  Deborah has accused me of making up needs to go visit the hardware store, but it’s just me doing my maintenance role at the B&B.   Of course, sometimes we talk a little golf while we’re waiting for the paint to mix.