A few more details:

We drove past Merge a dozen times in 5 days and not once did I see a car in the lot. Apparently others got the message that it is closed or about to close.

Fort Clinch State Park was a treat. We toured the fort and the 2 actors on site made the place come alive. They were a pretty funny pair. The Corporal of the guard tried to get me to enlist and he wanted to sign up Mrs BamaVol as a "washerwoman". The fort is well preserved and well provisioned. We spent a good 90 minutes touring it. There is an excellent video as well. We were both giggling as it finished as it was very funny as well as informative. After that we walked one of the trails. What we were told would take 1:45, took about an hour. The downside is the bike traffic, the trail is for hikers as well as bikers. At one point you have an option to take 2 nature trails through the swamp. ALthough we didn't see any, the "alligator crossing" signs looked like they meant business.

We also dined at Bretts, by the marina. Lots of outdoor seating with views of the boats coming in and out. We got to observe a small pod of dolphins out in the water while we ate. I thought the food was good there as well.

At least twice, I drank an I-10 IPA from a craft brewer out of JAX. A good drink and I will be looking for it locally.

We did not realize that we would be there the weekend of the FL-GA game. Fernandina was filled with Bulldog fans. It was not a problem. In fact, it made the atmosphere at the 2 beach bars we went to a lot more lively. I resisted wearing my orange UT shirt since both teams had already beaten us this season, although when the desk clerk asked me who I wanted to win, I told her I wished there was a way both could lose.

We drove through the Omni property. It looks fabulous. It is somewhat remote but it looks like there is enough right there to keep you from wishing it was closer to the rest of the action on the island. It was pouring rain when we drove through so did not get out and look around.

Downtown Fernandina Beach is very pretty. We appreciated the historical buildings and wished there were more we could go into. We were disappointed that the Catholic church was undergoing renovation and we attended mass in the church hall. We stepped inside the Palace Saloon. This is a historical 120 year old saloon but the stench of stale beer and half dozen disreputable types at the bar discouraged us from coming in for a drink.