Making Space for a Birthday Retreat
We’re sharing all the details of our birthday retreat including a peek inside The Addison on Amelia where we stayed.
Truth be told, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with my birthday.
I’m pretty sure my Mom feels the same way because her birthday is a few days before mine.
Love because it’s an absolute privilege to even have a birthday.
Hate because it’s less than a month after Christmas and everyone is trying to get back into the swing of things.
So, finding ways to celebrate can be a bit tricky.
Especially, given our family celebrates 3 birthdays during that short period of time.
Birthday Inspiration…
Last year was a memorable one because it snowed in Florida on my birthday which never happens.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I woke up to the most beautiful dusting of white.
Since we were shut in, we made a big fire, enjoyed Dolly Parton’s coconut cake recipe, spent the day in our pajamas, and made the best of it.
The year before I had a vintage holiday Barbie themed birthday party where everyone dressed up as their favorite Barbie.
I’ll never forget when my parents came as Ken and Barbie complete with blonde wigs.
It still gives me the giggles every time I think about it!
Making Space for a Birthday Retreat…
This year I wanted something completely different though.
I wanted a birthday retreat.
Since 2025 was largely filled with caregiving activities, my only wish was to wake up in a well-appointed space that felt peace filled and relaxing with zero plans or demands on my time.
I wanted a sleepy little town where I could walk to shops and restaurants, nap as I pleased and had plenty of room to work on my goals and dreams.
My Mom and I thought about the Casa Monica in St. Agustine, the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and the Jekyll Island Club Resort on Jekyll Island.
All of which are beautiful properties.
Ultimately though, I landed on a quaint bed and breakfast called The Addison on Amelia.
The Addison on Amelia…
The Addison on Amelia is located in the charming historical district of Fernandina Beach.
The Inn is a short walk to lots of delicious restaurants and Centre Street, which is the main shopping area.
My Mom and I stayed in Room 3, which was perfect for our needs.
We had a fireplace, a king-size bed, a desk, comfortable chairs, a beautiful en suite bathroom with a soaking tub and lavender scented self-care products, and a large porch overlooking historic homes in the area.
There was also a tv in the room (we never turned it on), ample reading light, large windows and plush robes.
The Innkeepers, Ron and Lisa, were very professional and helped to make our stay a special one.
They make such a delicious breakfast too!
Favorite Memories From the Birthday Retreat…
My favorite thing about our stay was just how relaxing it was.
We spent the mornings journaling on the porch with coffee while listening to the birds sing after breakfast.
Midday we had lunch and shopped on Centre Street.
The afternoons were spent napping and refining our goals and dreams.
And each night we had truly memorable meals.
Because we went during the week, it wasn’t crowded, which made shopping, dinner reservations and parking a lot easier.
Plus, the holiday lights were still up.
So, it felt like we were walking through a fairyland every night we walked back to the Inn.
Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint one single thing that made this birthday retreat experience such a special one.
Maybe it was the chimes from the clock tower, the friendly people we encountered, the fresh cookies from the oven, the delicious meals we ate, the time we spent lingering over dinner, on the porch, at the bookstore, a variety of boutiques, thrift stores, antique finds, or throwing coins in the wishing well.
Perhaps it was how we made time for collagen masks, new makeup, naps, and the warmth from the fireplace as we discussed our favorite parts of the day over tea.
Either way, this birthday retreat is something I’m grateful to have experienced.
I hope you’ll be able to experience something similar for your birthday this year too.
Also of Note in Fernandina Beach…
Places to Eat:
- Burlingame (I had my birthday dinner here and it was amazing)
- David’s (food almost too pretty to eat)
- Mezcal (traditional Mexican recipes with a fine dining twist)
- The Patio (lots of space to eat outside and relax)
- Cafe Karibo (feels like a cozy coffeehouse with great food)
- Ciao Italian Eatery (traditional Italian recipes with a friendly atmosphere)
Places to Shop:
- The Book Loft (the cutest bookshop with a You’ve Got Mail vibe)
- Pearl Boutique (luxury pieces for women with beautiful style)
- Lori + Lulu (specialty clothing items for women)
- Twisted Sisters (clothes, jewlery, gifts and home decor items. I bought a Susan Shaw bracelet)
- Salty Local (has an old school Anthro vibe that’s well curated)
- Spice and Tea Exchange (teas, spices, gifts and cafe)
- Eight Flags Antiques
- Antiques and More
Other Birthday Posts to Explore…
Vintage Holiday Birthday Party
A Birthday Celebration in Savannah
Wishing you a year filled with all your favorite things,
CoCo
