We woke to high winds this morning.  It was blowing over 10 mph with gusts up to 25mph.  We decided to stay one more night at the Fernandina Harbor Marina since we had nowhere to be in such a hurry.  This will give us a chance to really explore the town more.  We did some sightseeing yesterday.

Historic Downtown Fernandina, Fl

We ate dinner at the Salty Pelican.  Pretty good.  Of course, I had seafood.  Wayne had beef.  And we both enjoyed  a pitcher of beer.  yum, sip, burp…

Salty Pelican for Dinner

This restaurant is right off the Rail Road track.

Florida’s first cross state RR

Following the Rail Road track leads to the Port of Fernandina.  Who knew?  I had no idea there would be a “port” here.  See the cranes?  Able to lift containers on and off barges and rail road cars, I suppose.  You can tell we were getting a little rain in the forecast.

Port of Fernandina

Tracks leading to the Port

Makes sense when you consider how these paper mills get their products to market.  The port was busy with trains coming and going several times a day.

Paper mill in the morning light

Getting back into the mood of travel, here is one of several road signs that directs tourists. I saw the “Slightly Off Centre” store and just had to find out what was in it.  The store was on the way to the “Central Park”.  A good stretch of the legs was needed.   “Slightly Off Centre” is a pottery and painting place.  The only thing “off center” were some of the platters.  Gee, I was hoping for something a tad more different… a store filled with whatnots just off.

Road sign in Fernandina Beach, FL

We did walk by this fellow after dinner.  Palace Saloon says it is the oldest bar in Florida.  I went in and saw some of the old memorabilia but didn’t stay long.  A wall of cigarette smoke hits you when you enter.  Not my place to hang out even is the price for a pint is only a couple of bucks.

Palace Saloon

Isn’t this just the iconic small town with a horse drawn carriage?

Horse drawn Carraige

The houses in the historic district are mixed use.  Some are personal residences.  Some are businesses.  Some are Inns or Bed and Breakfast establishments.   This house looks in really good shape.   Always makes me laugh when I see that many fireplaces in a Florida home.  It is like seeing fireplaces in Arizona.  Yes, it may get a tad chilly here, I admit.  The only thing I worry about is the ivy growing up the one wall.  Ivy digs in their roots pretty well.

This one is for sale.  Note the merry-go-round horses on the porch.  I wonder what it takes to keep these homes in such pristine condition.

Now this should be called a “slightly off” because of the whimsical garden stuff.  Lots of antique-ish looking items that are just waiting for you to find a spot in your garden.  Antique looking is also known as rusty and old.  Right?

Garden Shop

I forgot to mention the Independence docked here yesterday.  We saw many of the passengers out and about the town.  I struck up a conversation with a couple that were enjoying a bit of sun.  They said their stateroom had a king-sized bed and a couch.  Lots of room.  Food?  Way too much food, the couple said.  Remember when I mentioned the “American” cruise ship?  This is a sister ship.  They hit all the important ports of call up and down the east coast.

Independence

Yes, we did find the ice-cream shop!!  This is one scoop.  Remember, always eat dessert first so you know you have room.  I got the chocolate chip scoop.  Wayne got the “old people” flavor…. butter pecan.

Chocolate Ice cream

Gotta go.  Dinner may be smaller tonight after all the ice-cream!