50th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, FL

This past weekend the kids and I ventured out to the Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, FL. We waited until Sunday to go because McKinley had her first dance recital on Saturday {more on that later} and it had been raining for days and days prior. Sunday's forecast promised sunny skies. Yay!!!

It had been years since the last time I went to the Shrimp Fest...I was dying to get down there and people watch and antique window shop. The food, of course, was a deciding factor in our going. Who doesn't love some fresh, fried shrimp and hushpuppies?? Did someone say Fresh Squeezed Lemonade?? Funnel Cakes? Bring it on!! It can all be found at the Shrimp Fest!

{look at all of those hands...like vultures, I tell ya!}

The sights are beautiful at the Festival! There are, of course, shrimp boats.

{that's our Jonah up front there...growing up so fast!}

{my favorite shot of the day!}

{Jonah and Jett spotted a shark!!}

You are sure to see a pirate, or five, while enjoying your day!

{we found these fellas waiting by the restrooms. the kids thought it was so funny. pirates have to potty too!}

{be sure to catch the "How To Be A Pirate" show if you do take the kiddos. my littles thoroughly enjoyed every moment!}

What else is there to do other than eat, shop, take in the scenery and watch for pirates?? Make memories with the kiddos, of course! But, don't forget your wallet!!

{before we even got there McKinley was asking to have her face painted like a kitten. wish granted, baby girl!}
{{a little tip // see that ice cream in her hand? if you make your way all the way to the little Marina Shop on the water you will find ice cream treats for less than $2.00 each. that's a significant savings to what you'll pay the vendors inside the festival!}}

{pony rides!! McKinley's day was made right under this tent!}

{there was a tiny horse, that was no bigger than a goat, that you could feed!}

{out of nowhere this really HOT police officer comes over and started feeding the ponies with us!! my day was made!! #itwasHubs}

{Jett braved the rock-climbing wall.}

{and made it all the way to the top! proud momma moment!}

Lots of people bring their dogs to the festival too.

Meet Espy. McKinley fell in love with Espy and didn't want to leave his side.

Espy is a Bouvier Des Flandres, a real life *dog with a blog*! {you may only know that reference if you have children who watch the actual TV show, Dog With A Blog.}


Have you ever been to the Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, FL?? What is your favorite memory of going?

This is an oldie, but a goodie post. The Shrimp Festival is in its 55th year this year. We'll be going on Saturday, will I see you there?

Spend A Day in Fernandina Beach, FL

A couple of weeks ago I told you about the 50th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival that goes on in Fernandina Beach, FL.  Well, as it says in the name...annual...you'll have to wait until next year to go to it.  But, I have great news!  You can visit Fernandina Beach anytime of the year and experience good food and beautiful sights.

Last weekend we spent a day exploring Historic Fernandina Beach and a few of the treats it offers.

Our first stop was Timoti's Seafood Shak.



We went with some more of our family to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday. The atmosphere is casual. Most of the seating is outside with a few places to sit and eat inside.

Be sure to take the kids. There's a pirate play ship that's just off the outdoor dining area that will keep them entertained until your food is ready!

Speaking of food, OH. MY. YUM!



We got a bunch of shrimp baskets and one oyster basket {that I failed to get a picture of} and each of us were completely satisfied. There was even food leftover!



The seafood was, indeed, fresh!



{a couple of the cute kid tagalongs}




After lunch we went for a short walk to Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge located on Centre Street.



When we walked in we got to watch a girl finishing up some homemade fudge on the marble slab.



Doesn't that look amazing?!?!

Funny thing, we didn't get any fudge. It was so hot outside that we opted for a scoop of their delicious ice cream each.


And hubs got a frozen lemonade too. Nom.


There's so much to do and see in Fernandina Beach.  Have you ever been?  Tell me where we must go next in the comments.