Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance ranks high on the list of elite car shows worldwide. In 2013 some 300 vintage autos wowed the crowd, each a prime example of its class.
Special categories highlighted the fiftieth anniversary of the Porsche 911, the Corvette Singray and the Lamborghini.
No wonder thousands attended the multiday events strewn around Amelia’s Ritz Carlton and the fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island. Amelia Island itself is a gem, a skinny strip of land off Florida’s northeastern coast. The isle attracts beach goers with 13 miles of uninterrupted coastline and golfers to ten top courses within ten miles.
I drove from St. Augustine to Amelia Island to meet Richard Truesdell, Editorial Director of Automotive Traveler.com Magazine. Richard had flown in from California to attend three days of the auto festival: the auction, road rally and Sunday’s spectator viewing and awards ceremony.
A winning Porsche
While I’m certainly no authority on cars, hanging with Rich made the event more understandable and fascinating. He pointed out engine and design details and why each change was significant. I could best relate to the Porsche’s since I once attended Porsche Driving School sponsored by Brumos. In addition, working as a contributor at Automotive Traveler Magazine has provided me opportunities to tour auto assembly plants, get behind the scenes at Daytona Speedway and ride in a pace car on the Kansas Speedway.
But, I’ve never had a ride in a 1908 Mercedes Benz – I suspect not many have. This serendipitous experience occurred after the awards presentation at Amelia Concours, as the vintage autos were being loaded onto transporters to be shipped home or to another auto show.
It just so happened that the trailer for the Mercedes was parked in an area near a deserted section of the beach. Richard asked Hans Wurl, the manager, to drive the vehicle onto the sand for photos. Best of all, I got a ride!
Riding in a 1908 Mercedes-S
The bumpety-bump, jostling feel of the car was somewhat akin to riding a bike with firm tires down a cobblestone street. The horseless carriage engine made put-put sounds and the airy openness provided a totally outrageous view. The brief ride gave me a memory I’ll always cherish.
I have now learned that many car enthusiasts acknowledge this roadster as the world’s first sports car. How cool is that?
Like any journalist, I asked Hans about the prize-winning racer and its worth. He answered, as any good manager would, saying, “The auto, a 1908 Prinz Henrich owned by Bruce and Jolene McCaw, is not for sale.”
Yes, I said I understood, but then pitched the question in a different manner. “Suppose the car was listed in an auction, would the price start over a million dollars?”
“Absolutely,” was the answer.
So there you have it: my ride in a million dollar baby.
1908 Mercedes Benz at Amelia Island Beach
Please watch the video to see some of the vintage autos on display at Amelia Concours:
Florida’s documented cultural history dates back more than 12,000 years to Native Americans. The first inhabitants were hunters and gatherers whose diets consisted mainly of small animals, plants, nuts and shellfish. They learned to cultivate agriculture and began trade with other native groups in the Southeast. They developed a social organization and built large temple mounds and village complexes.
I recently visited the Florida Museum of History in Tallahassee to learn more about the state’s illustrious past. The Museum proudly presents its new permanent exhibition called Forever Changed: La Florida 1513-1821, in conjunction with Viva Florida 500. Phase 1 exhibits were opened March 3, 2013 and include three interactive galleries and artifacts showing 16th century European presence in Florida.
Wooly Mammoth at Florida Museum of History
In the Land of Many Cultures tourists learn about the native peoples shortly before the European arrival. They have a fabulous fossilized Wooly Mammoth, life size diorama, and a recreated Timucuan house. I was attracted by a rare (and gorgeous) ceramic bowl dating from 1350-1500, and a 1593 Astrolabe used for navigation.
The second section called Meeting of the Cultures showcases Spanish explorers such as Hernando de Soto and Tristan de Luna. Stop to hear these historical life size figures tell their stories. Note to parents — kids really like this area.
Life size model of Ana Menendez
The third new section, Spanish Exploration, boasts a portion of a 16th-century Spanish ship which everyone can board, plus investigate the dock area. The interactive exhibits, such as knot tying, allow guests to learn about life on the sea, navigation and what items the settlers needed to bring to the new world.
Spanish Ship within FL Museum of History
In addition to the Forever Changed exhibits, I found a fabulous collection of sunken treasures and gems discovered from Florida shipwrecks. Made me think of gold doubloons and pieces of eight! I also viewed displays on Florida’s involvement in the Civil War, WWI and WWII.
Sunken Treasures
Personally, my favorite exhibits were the array of kitschy Florida souvenirs spanning many years: an orange shaped tea set, mermaid memorabilia from Weeki-Wachee Springs, early Disney bric-a brac and the artwork on Florida orange crates.
We asked three of our favorite travel writers to describe the finest little-known hotels and resorts they’ve discovered. Some are off the beaten path or new or do not advertise. Others are just plain obscure. All are certified great by our panel of globetrotters. Happy traveling.
I was lucky enough to be one of those three travel writers!
A two-hour detour from Paris lands you in the Loire Valley, the site chosen by French kings and nobles for their châteaux. Most visitors tour the grand estates in day trips due to the scarcity of overnight lodging. However, you can sleep in a chateau instead of simply touring them.
Legendary Château de la Barre–which has been home to the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay’s family since 1404–offers accommodations and fine dining. Each of five bedrooms in the manor house contains 18th century antiques, surrounded by bright and bold designer fabrics and wallpaper. En suite bathrooms are sleek and modern. Surprisingly, pets are allowed.
Hosts Guy and Marnie de Vanssay (Marnie is American) offer helpful, often intriguing suggestions for outings: a Renaissance lunch in Leonardo da Vinci’s home (June through September), driving a dream car around the famous nearby Le Mans racetrack, hot-air-balloon rides that depart directly from the château mornings and evenings. Other possibilities include bicycling, golfing at numerous courses, tennis and horseback riding.
Twice a week, the owners host a Grand Siècle Dinner in the 17th century dining room with family silver and crystal. On other nights, the evening meal is served in the billiard room. Daily afternoon tea is poured in the Salon Rose. Ask about gourmet picnics and wine tastings.
The château is near the tiny village of Conflans-sur-Anille in the Pays de la Loire region. The nearest airport is Tours, a one-hour drive. –Debi Lander
If you’re dreaming of Gauguin’s tropical paradise but lack time to visit Tahiti, Florida’s Little Palm Island Resort and Spa will fulfill your needs. Fly to Key West or Marathon Key and the resort staff will escort you via a 1930s-style wooden launch over to Little Torch Key. The five-acre private island is a rarely advertised secret and can be reached only by boat or seaplane.
Switch your shoes for flip-flops and relax in one of the 28 thatched-hut guest accommodations, each surrounded by lush greenery. They include secluded outdoor showers and full indoor baths, some with redwood tubs.
No children, no pets. Guests are asked to use their cell phones only in their bungalows, although the library maintains Internet and phone access.
The “Floribbean” three-meal plan offers the freshest of the fresh as the chef changes the menu selections daily. Sunsets are a big deal in the Keys, and Little Palm is home to an upscale Margaritaville-style cocktail hour. The resort caters to those celebrating special occasions and will artfully arrange candlelight dinners on a private beach.
Prior to 1988, the island thrived as a tiny fishing camp that President Harry Truman and other dignitaries visited. Today, Little Palm serves as a sanctuary where you can simply relax and do nothing. Snooze in one of the rope hammocks at the edge of the tranquil Gulf or on one of the chaise lounges scattered over the property. Feeling more active? Try kayaking, windsurfing or swimming in the freshwater pool.
Off-island options include diving Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, the only living coral reef in North America; deep-sea fishing; and pole fishing from the docks. –Debi Lander
Fearrington House Inn and Restaurant, Pittsboro, NC
Chapel Hill, N.C., which has been called the “Southern part of heaven,” is well known for its mountaintop golf courses, tree-lined streets, acclaimed university and Tarheel’s basketball. Perhaps less well known but just as noteworthy is the nearby Fearrington House Inn and Restaurant.
Located in the village of Fearrington–10 minutes from Chapel Hill and 30 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport–the English-inspired 32-room lodge boasts impressive credentials. Both the restaurant and inn have earned the coveted AAA Five-Diamond rating. Moreover, Forbes Travel Guide recently ranked Fearrington No. 1 on its list of the top 10 luxury hotels in the U.S. for weddings, while Conde Nast Traveler named it the No. 2 best small hotel in the South and Departures called it a “World’s Best Foodie Destination.”
One visit should be sufficient to explain all the accolades. The charming antiques-furnished property offers a splendid country atmosphere, exquisite gardens, a spa, world-class dining and proximity to 12 golf courses and one of the South’s best-known independent bookstores.
Consult the Fearrington House calendar for wine dinners and cooking lessons taught by executive chef Colin Bedford. Come hungry to fully appreciate his seasonal tasting menu, which is served in the restored mansion house. A noted wine sommelier will assist you with a choice from the 800-bottle list. Overnight guests are treated to handmade truffles at turndown and full gourmet breakfasts. Afternoons at Fearrington always feature a proper tea. –Debi Lander
Why not stay above Donatello’s workshop when visiting the art treasures of Florence? Discover lodging so close to the Duomo, Brunelleschi’s famous cathedral dome, that special permission is necessary to drive into the restricted historic district. Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo is a 16th century palace that has been renovated into an exquisite small hotel known mainly through word-of-mouth testimonials.
Leaving the courtyard, take a tiny lift to the second-floor reception area to enter what looks like an elegant patrician home. Then slip into the warm, luxurious drawing room, which bursts with brilliant fresco, carved wooden ceilings, tromp l’oeil paintings and comfortably arranged sofas. Book a private wine tasting of Tuscan reds in the lobby.
Palazzo Niccolini has just two large suites, one junior suite and five double bedrooms. The oversized, airy rooms feature king-size canopied beds among antique and reproduction furniture, oriental rugs and original art. The ceilings are so high, you’d have to erect scaffolding to repaint them.
Florence is a walking city and this hotel sits within easy distance of all the famous museums, churches, palazzos and shops. Spend your days strolling the Ponte Vecchio, gazing at Michelangelo’s David and Italian art, then return to rest your feet.
The Dome Suite on the top floor presents an extraordinary view of the Duomo, likely the best in the entire city. Overnight stays include a bountiful continental breakfast and aperitifs. –Debi Lander
Viceroy Riviera Maya, Near Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Riviera Maya developed some of the world’s most lavish all-inclusive resorts–gorgeous facilities that cater to upscale conventioneers. But move beyond those huge properties and bustling streets of Playa del Carmen to the small village of Playa Xcalacoco. Here, 40 miles south of Cancun International Airport, the Viceroy Riviera Maya showcases 41 palapa-roofed villas with heated private plunge pools and outdoor rain showers. Guests are enveloped within an eco-sensitive jungle-like property and enjoy beachfront or ocean views.
Maya-inspired ceremonies welcome you to the residential compound. The staff is known for prompt service and extras such as presenting iced face towels at the pool. Dine at the first-rate La Marea or the Coral Grill by the beach. Request Mayordomo (butler) service for breakfast or whenever you desire it.
The Viceroy includes seven miles of white sand beach, cabanas and daybeds by the water. The site is perfect for honeymooners, who should request a jungle villa for ultimate privacy or private romantic dining.
On-site activities include ceviche and tequila tasting, mixology and cooking classes and yoga. Those wanting to detox can experience the Temazcal steam cave treatment or other Maya-inspired spa ritual. Nearby you’ll find cenote and reef diving and snorkeling, golf, sailing and windsurfing. Plan to visit the Yucatan’s archeological ruins at Tulum, Coba, where you can still climb the ancient 140-foot pyramid, and World Heritage Chichen Itza. –Debi Lander
