This trip!! Most of the passengers, including me, have waited one year for this adventure. Covid cancelled it last March. Everyone was so happy to be traveling again, albeit with a few changes and adjustments due to Covid.

DAY 1: After an all-day drive, with rest stops, lunch and dinner, we arrived in Columbia, SC at the Hilton Garden Inn for an overnight before heading to Amelia Island.

DAY 2: AMELIA ISLAND: Amelia Island is the southernmost of the Sea Islands, and the northernmost of the barrier islands on Florida’s Atlantic coast. It is the only US location to have been under the dominion of eight different flags (French Flag – 1562, Spanish Flag, British Flag, Patriots Flag, Green Cross Flag (Scottish), Mexican Revolutionary Flag, National Flag of the Confederacy, and United States Flag). It is said that the French visited, the Spanish developed, the English named it and the Americans tamed it.

After a delicious, freshly made-to-order breakfast, we were on the road again, destination Fernandina Beach, Florida. Our hotel, Hampton Inn Amelia Island, was located a short walking distance from the beach. Due to a storm passing by the day before, it was windy and cool. Our dinner location was The Sandbar and Kitchen. Good food, and of course key lime pie!

DAY 3: We had leisure time this morning and were on the bus at 10:00 to be dropped off in downtown Fernandina Beach for shopping and lunch. We enjoyed an afternoon river cruise. Our temperatures were taken before boarding. We were warned that once out on the water, even though the sun was shining, we would be cold. The captain had blankets on board and offered them for our comfort. This was a very enjoyable and informative hour and a half ride. We learned about rich people who built mansions on the nearby island of Cumberland. The shrimping business was a big industry at one time. We saw wild horses, as well as white swans.

DAY 4: Our morning was spent in St. Augustine. We met our tour guide for a tour of the city. At noon, we had lunch and shopping on our own. Our dinner was back in Fernandina Beach at Ciato Italian Eatery.

DAY 5: This morning we drove to Savannah, Georgia. Our lunch was at the Lady and Sons Restaurant (Paula Deen). Normally, a buffet would be served. Due to covid, our meal was served family style. And what a treat with southern fried chicken, meatloaf, sides and desserts.

Next, we boarded the Old Town Trolley for a 75-minute, narrated private tour of Savannah. Our guide/driver was one of the best with her humor and history of this beautiful city lined with Victorian-style mansions. She pointed out the bench where the famous Forrest Gump scene was filmed. She mentioned the book and movie called “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” about a well-known Savannah resident who endured four trials for murder. The city has 22 “squares” which are little parks loaded with huge trees and lots of azaleas. Most trees had Spanish moss, which she proceeded to tell us was neither Spanish nor moss! We drove by the waterfront of the Savannah River, which separates Georgia from South Carolina.

Our afternoon drive took us to Columbia, SC for an overnight at the same hotel as our first night. As dinner time approached, seems that no one was hungry after that large meal at Lady and Sons. But of course dinner opportunities were available to those who cared to eat again.

DAY 6: Travel day home. A group photo was taken beside the bus after our Cracker Barrel lunch stop. On these multi-day trips, I enjoy gathering information about our group, and usually I will experience what I call a “small world” moment. This trip did not disappoint.

A couple booked this trip to celebrate their 45 anniversary.
A couple told me they had traveled with Croswell for over 30 years.
Our driver has driven for Croswell for over 30 years.
We had two sets of sisters along.
We had a mother and son traveling together.
We had two 90-year-olds (maybe three).
Two passengers celebrated March birthdays.
One lady, in her younger years, hiked the Appalachian Trail.
On a personal note and a “small world” moment for me, I met a lady who asked me if I knew Jane Akers. I said yes, she’s my niece. I asked her why she was asking, and she replied, “You look like her.” Many years ago, my brother’s family and her family were neighbors as she and Jane were growing up in Middletown!

From the Escort Seat of Maxine Harris

Croswell's Amelia Island