“Treasure” Hunt on Amelia Island

New Geocaching Challenge Sends Visitors on “Treasure” Hunt on Amelia Island
 
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (March 26, 2010) – Building on the growing popularity the activity, Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island has launched a new geocaching program for visitors.  The Amelia Island Geocaching Challenge, created by the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, gives visitors a great way to explore many of the island’s most popular sites by way of a high-tech, GPS-based treasure hunt.  Upon check-in at any of the eight participating hotel and lodging partners, visitors can pick up an official entry form and start searching for six CVB-approved geocaches hidden in various locations around Amelia Island.
Geocaching involves the use of a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) to search for hidden containers, or geocaches, with only a set of coordinates.  According to geocaching.com, there are more than 971,000 active geocaches and an estimated four million geocachers worldwide.
“Amelia’s size, accessibility, and natural beauty make the island a perfect spot for geocaching,” said Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “The Geocaching Challenge takes visitors on an exciting and scenic journey around the island.”
Visitors can start the Geocache Challenge when they stay at any of eight participating inns, hotels and resorts on the island.  The entry form they receive includes coordinates for the six Amelia Island CVB geocaches, which contain coupons and other discounts they can use during their visit.  Once they complete the challenge, they can return the form to receive an official certificate of completion at the Amelia Island CVB (102 Centre Street) and be registered to win a four-night stay at the Addison on Amelia, a luxurious 14-room bed and breakfast inn in downtown Fernandina Beach.
Amelia Island Geocache Challenge lodging partners include:

Addison on Amelia                              Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Island Plantation                      Amelia Island Williams House
Fairbanks House                                 Hampton Inn Amelia Island @ Fernandina Beach
The Residence Inn Amelia Island       The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

 
Additional CVB-approved geocaches will be added throughout the coming year. For additional information about the Amelia Island Geocaching Challenge, please visit www.geocacheamelia.com.
 
- Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau -
 
 
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries.  Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island.  For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.