If you'd like a shark tooth to take home without hunting the tide line for one, Ship's Lantern at 210 Centre Street, Suite B, bills itself as Northeast Florida's largest treasure chest of ancient shark teeth. The shop also calls itself Amelia Island's oldest gift shop and says it has been open in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach since 1969.
According to its official Facebook page, the stock comes down to three things:
- Ancient fossil shark teeth
- Nautical decor
- Local art
That mix makes it a practical stop if you're furnishing a coastal house and want something with a maritime feel, or if you're shopping for a kid who has spent the trip asking about shark teeth.
The shop doesn't have a website. Its Facebook page lists the phone number, (904) 261-5821, and an email address, shipslantern@bellsouth.net, so call ahead for hours if you're making a special trip.
Ship's Lantern sits in the 200 block of Centre Street, between 2nd and 3rd. The Book Loft is a few doors up at 214, and The Cinnamon Bear Country Store is down at 107 Centre, near the foot of the street, if the kids have earned an ice cream.