If you need an ice cream stop after a morning downtown, The Cinnamon Bear Country Store scoops at 107 Centre Street, in the first block up from the waterfront and a few doors from the Palace Saloon. It's the Florida member of a small Southern group of stores that also includes Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island and two shops on River Street in Savannah, and the company says it has been in business for more than 25 years.
Ice cream is the draw. Scoops come single, double or triple in a waffle cone, sugar cone or bowl, toppings are free, and the counter also makes floats, milkshakes and slushies. Flavors run from Vanilla Super Supreme and Moose Tracks to Southern picks like Praline Pecan, Bourbon Pecan and White Butter Pecan, and the posted flavor list marks every one as gluten-free. The store also says it keeps sugar-free and dairy-free options and knows how to handle food allergies, which matters if you're buying for a group of kids.
The rest of the shop is gifts:
- Amelia Island t-shirts, hats and other apparel
- Plush toys and children's toys
- Local gourmet foods and bulk candy
- Flags, banners and home gifts
The company says its inventory changes constantly, so a return visit won't look the same as the last one. The store advertises late hours, and the day's times are posted on cinnamonbearstores.com along with the store phone, (904) 432-7932.
If fudge is more your thing, Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge is about a block up Centre Street at 218, and the rest of downtown Fernandina Beach shopping starts right outside the door.