Just north of the bustling city of Jacksonville on Florida’s East Coast, historic Amelia Island is a slower, dreamier destination — especially for food lovers. Fresh catch is always a great place to begin, but the island also offers a wide selection of specialty food shops, brewpubs and great restaurants well worth exploring.

First Love Brew Pub © Debra Bokur

At Salt Life Food Shack, sit outside on the open-air deck and enjoy ocean views while sipping a tropical cocktail and noshing on sushi, Bahamian fish chowder, wood-grilled mahi tacos, crab baked grouper or seared ahi tuna salad. Better yet, go local at the raw bar, where the menu includes a variety of oyster choices.

Don’t miss Wicked BAO, where proprietor Nathalie Wu welcomes dining guests at the door of the historic building housing her eatery, personally guiding them through menu choices and helping diners have an outstanding experience. Featuring Asian fusion street food, the can’t-go-wrong menu includes handheld baos — think soft, bun-like tacos —stuffed with fillings like adobo pulled pork, buttermilk fried chicken and bulgogi beef. The bao is served with sides including Sichuan dumplings, shrimp spring rolls and crispy rice tots. Mains range from crispy pork chop rice and Singapore-style chili shrimp to daily chef specials.

A bookstore with adult story time and a fabulous café? That’s what you’ll find at Story & Song Neighborhood Bookstore Bistro, where the two-story space brims with colorful books and cards. The menu offers book title-themed soups, sandwiches and salads, such as the Little Paris Bookshop Slice of Quiche and Eat, Pray, Love Hummus & Flatbread. Try the Seasonal Secret Garden Salad with a heavenly salad dressing whipped up with Champagne vinegar and citrus juices, then browse to your heart’s content — or at least until you’ve stocked up on great summer reads. Or settle in for an author talk, storytelling session or musical jam.

Luxe Picnics by Lex © Debra Bokur

For something else special, plan a catered picnic on the beach (or your choice of location), prepared by Luxe Picnics by Les. The small, locally owned company prepares grazing boxes and picnic repasts as beautifully presented as they are delicious. Guests can also take part in pop-up charcuterie board workshops, private wine- and whiskey-pairing experiences and picnic packages for small groups of up to 12 guests that can be added onto activities like sunset horseback rides, intimate meeting gatherings, bridal parties and much more.

Go home with a bespoke tea or a basket full of spice blends, perfect for augmenting your favorite recipe, made up fresh at The Spice and Tea Exchange. From the seasoning department, try the Florida Sunshine, a grinder blend concocted with a recipe including orange zest, green peppercorn, ginger and rose petals. Heavenly teas include Strawberry Clouds White Tea and Blue Raspberry Crush Herbal Tea. While you’re browsing the wide selection, wander the shop while sipping a freshly brewed cup of your favorite hot or cold tea from the shop’s own Tea Bar.

© Debra Bokur

Local brewpubs include Mocama (a local Timucuan word meaning “big water where the sun is born”) and First Love Brew Pub, where husband-and-wife team Kevin and Jessie (who holds a master’s degree in brewing science) created a relaxed and welcoming space that serves up handcrafted brews and a delicious comfort food. including family recipes and pizzas made from imported Italian flour. Pizza-beer pairings are also offered.

Prefer spirits? Head to Marlin & Barrel Distillery for a tour, tasting or relaxing cocktail. In case you’re wondering, the business name refers to the marlin fish, with an additional nod to an Ernest Hemingway character. Handcrafted, organic-ingredient spirits include espresso rum, smoked pepper vodka, seasonal apple-spice rum and tangerine-flavored Blossom — a cordial similar to limoncello that’s a great addition to flavored summertime margaritas and martinis.