Pine Bluff National Bank Crown Club members recently took a winter vacation with sunny Florida being their final destination.
A motorcoach full of members and guest spent the first evening in Spanish Fort, Ala. The travelers enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Original Oyster House overlooking the bay, voted one of three best seafood restaurants in the southeast by Southern Living Magazine. They have received many positive reviews and awards over the years.
The following day, the crown clubbers continued their journey east, with various stops along the way. They enjoyed a movie and rounds of Bingo, as well as visiting with friends along the route. The group arrived in Jacksonville just in time for a large home-style Italian dinner at Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant. Following the fantastic dinner, the group checked into their area hotel, the Hampton Inn at Jacksonville Beach.
The next morning, following breakfast, the group departed for a private guided tour of St. Augustine “The Nation’s Oldest City”. The city continues to thrive and prosper today. The travelers were delighted to have free time to shop historic St. George Street and dine at one of the many beautiful, charming restaurants. Many in the group had to try the original Cuban sandwich, which is very popular in the area. After lunch, it was time to visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where the group enjoyed a tour and sampled from the fountain. This is the site of the first and oldest continuous European Settlement in the USA founded in 1565. After a full day, the group sat down to another great seafood dinner at Barnacle Bill’s Restaurant.
After breakfast, the fourth day of their vacation, the crown clubbers departed for a private guided tour of Amelia Island, they also made a short stop at Fernandina Beach where the group spent their time taking photos, wading in the ocean and picking up seashells for souvenirs. Following the tour and beach time, they had some more free time for shopping the unique waterfront shops and enjoying another wonderful lunch on their own. Many had to try Brett’s Restaurant on the water for some more delicious seafood. The group returned to their hotel to freshen up for dinner.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The following day began with a private historic guided tour of Jacksonville. Midday, the group had time for shopping and dining at St. John’s Town Center. After lunch, it was a beautiful afternoon for the crown clubbers to enjoy a lovely cruise on the St. Johns River. After the cruise, the travelers departed for dinner at the River City Brewing Company overlooking the beautiful St. John’s River and the skyline of downtown Jacksonville. After a delightful evening, the travelers had to stop for a photo opportunity of the lights and fountains, before heading back to the hotel.
The next morning the group bid farewell to Jacksonville Beach and made their way back to Spanish Fort. Along the route, they stopped at the Mission San Luis for a short film and tour before continuing on. The group enjoyed a farewell dinner on their last night.
The last day of the tour, the group was surprised at lunch, when Cindy Whitwell, director of PBNB’s Crown Club, gave everyone a $10 Cracker Barrel gift certificate. Whitwell had one more surprise stop at Paul Michael’s for a little shopping and she called ahead to have Rhoda, the tamale and pie lady meet the group there. Whitwell reminded the group that space is still available on the exciting New York City Holiday Tour and the exotic Hawaiian Cruise Tour coming up.
Crown clubbers and guests that enjoyed this winter break holiday were Rose and Major Akenhead, Bonnie and Joe Appling, Christa Bruner, Barbara Bryles, Ellen Spakes, Marnelle Clement, Chris Norton, Elaine and Tommy Dial, Patsy and Edward Gnau, Betty and Jimmy Johnson, Glenda and David Johnson, Marie and Billy McGriff, Ladell and Buddy Pittillo, Betty Lacy, Paula Nicholson, Donna and James Stewart, Elaine Rose, Jo Stanfield, Jackie and Charel Tubbs, Johnita and Ham Waddle, Mary and Claude Wilbern, Patsy and A.J. Worthen, Sherri Dodd, Vi Ross, Sherry Wells, Jo Ann and Dorsey Raymick and John Whitwell.