HGTV ranks this Florida city among US's best in southern charm. Have you been to it?
Need ideas for your next weekend trip? HGTV released its list of the "40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America," featuring one in Florida.
The home improvement and real estate network explored the history, culture, attractions and beauty that make small-town downtowns across America charming.
"Nothing charms like a small downtown that beckons visitors with historic architecture and boutique shops or local culture and tree-lined streets," the HGTV article said, adding that the writers specifically sought downtowns inviting visitors.
Only one Florida town appeared on HGTV's list — Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island.
"Situated in the northeast corner of Florida, Amelia Island is bursting with charm and a distinct character all its own," HGTV writes. "It's also home to Fernandina Beach and its delightful 50-block historic district that has something for everyone, particularly along Centre Street where you'll find antique shops, eclectic boutiques and local favorites like indie bookstore, the Book Loft."
HGTV also highlights the Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast, where visitors can unwind and dine at Lagniappe, where the chef puts a French spin on Southern cuisine. The story suggests travelers feast at Down Under while watching the sunset and looking for manatees and dolphins from the oversized deck.
HGTV clearly knows what it's talking about — travel magazine Travel + Leisure referred to the town last year as "a delightful blend of Southern charm, centuries-old historical sites, and, as its name suggests, picture-perfect stretches of sand and sea."
"Fernandina Beach was once a stomping ground for swashbuckling pirates, Prohibition-era bootleggers, and a host of other interesting characters. Today, it's a quirky, relaxing, family-friendly escape full of great food, unique stories, and plenty of activities to enjoy," the outlet writes.
HGTV narrowed its list of the best small-town downtowns across America down to 40 destinations. Here is where they are:
Athens, Georgia
Mystic, Connecticut
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Middleburg, Virginia
Concord, North Carolina
Dahlonega, Georgia
Cape Charles, Virginia
Conway, South Carolina
Pacific Grove, California
Greenville, South Carolina
Charlottesville, Virginia
Breckenridge, Colorado
Wickford, Rhode Island
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bastrop, Texas
Lewes, Delaware
Taos, New Mexico
Galena, Illinois
Marquette, Michigan
Lewiston, New York
Abilene, Kansas
Ketchum, Idaho
St. Michaels, Maryland
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Virginia City, Nevada
Lake Placid, New York
Bend, Oregon
Williams, Arizona
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Covington, Kentucky
Medora, North Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota
Solvang, California
Montpelier, Vermont
Park City, Utah
Livingston, Montana
York, Pennsylvania
Franklin, Tennessee
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Contributing: Ginnie Sandoval, Salem Statesman Journal
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: HGTV: Fernandina Beach, Florida, on most charming downtowns list
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