Amelia Schoolhouse Inn in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Built in 1886, this charming brick property was the very first school on Amelia Island, with locals calling it “Schoolhouse No. 1.” The original four-room structure was designed by architect Robert Sands Schuyler, whose distinct style can be found throughout Downtown Fernandina Beach, from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to the Tabby House to the Fairbanks House. As the population of Amelia Island grew, the schoolhouse was expanded multiple times; however, it ultimately ceased functioning as a school in the 1930s due to overcrowding. Since then, the schoolhouse has led many lives, from a library office to a Masonic Lodge and — as of 2017 — a boutique hotel. To make the Schoolhouse Inn a reality, the property underwent extensive restorations, including the replacement of approximately 5,000 bricks on the exterior with historic red common bricks. Now fully outfitted with modern amenities, the space boasts 17 guest rooms, a swimming pool, and a peaceful courtyard complete with a putting green (not to mention a big jar of jelly beans at the front desk). Guests can also grab a drink or bite to eat at the on-site bar, The Principal’s Office, which specializes in cocktails with a historic flair. (In fact, a whole section of the menu is dedicated to Prohibition cocktails.) For another fun touch, there are framed pictures of various U.S. presidents who might have graced the walls when the building was still a school. A perfect evening at the Amelia Schoolhouse Inn means sipping a “Pep Rally” cocktail while live music and a warm breeze from the Amelia River flow through the courtyard. The hotel’s central location also puts you within a short stroll of Amelia Island’s best parks and restaurants, plus other historical buildings like the Villa Las Palmas House and the Nassau County Courthouse.

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