Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We started Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours in 2016 with the idea that exploring a place should include getting to know its local businesses, its people, and the stories behind it. As a local business owner myself, I knew how much personality these small businesses bring to downtown Fernandina Beach, and I wanted to help guests discover that side of Amelia Island.
Our guided walking tours bring together food, drinks, and local history in a relaxed, social setting. We want guests to feel welcomed, enjoy good conversation, and discover places they’ll want to return to. It’s especially rewarding when someone tells us they went back to a restaurant, bar or store they first visited on one of our tours.
Over the years, we’ve grown to offer food and drink tours, cocktail tours, and private experiences for celebrations and corporate groups. We’ve also built a team of guides who each bring their own personality and love of the area to the experience.
Today, we’re continuing to develop experiences that give people more opportunities to connect, including corporate outings with time to mingle and network along the way. What remains at the heart of the business is our connection to this community. When guests leave with a favorite new local spot and a deeper appreciation for downtown Fernandina Beach, that’s a success for us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been the seasonality of tourism. Busy periods can be followed by quieter months, and that uncertainty is difficult when you’re running a small business. We’re continually learning how to reach new guests and build more consistent bookings throughout the year.
Another challenge is visibility. You can put a lot of care into an experience, but people still have to find you. That means spending time on marketing, our website, and relationships with hotels and tourism partners while also handling the day-to-day work.
There’s also a lot of coordination behind a relaxed walking tour. We work with multiple local venues and guides, accommodate dietary needs, and keep everyone on schedule while making sure guests feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.
Those challenges have taught me to adapt, be clear about what we offer, and recognize the value of our work. We’re still growing and learning, but our commitment to our guests and the local businesses we visit has stayed consistent.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours offers guided food and drink walking experiences in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. We bring together local flavors, history, and conversation, giving guests a chance to get to know the community while enjoying its restaurants and bars.
Our Booze & Bites Tour combines food tastings and cocktails, while our Cocktail Tour focuses on drinks and the downtown bar scene. We also offer private experiences for birthdays, reunions, corporate outings, conferences, and client appreciation events. For corporate groups, we can create a more social format that gives guests time to mingle and network while still enjoying tastings and local history.
What sets us apart is our connection to downtown. As a local small business owner, I understand the work that goes into creating a welcoming place and how much these businesses contribute to Amelia Island’s character. Our guides bring their own personalities, knowledge, and relationships to each tour, making the experience feel personal.
I’m most proud that our business helps support other local businesses. A tour introduces guests to places they might otherwise walk past, and we love hearing that they returned afterward for a meal or another drink. We want those connections to continue long after the tour ends.
Whether you’re visiting Amelia Island, celebrating with friends, or planning a company event, we want you to feel welcomed and leave with good memories, new connections, and a few favorite places to visit again.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck plays a role in any small business. We’re fortunate to be in a place like Amelia Island, with its history, character, and community of local businesses. Meeting the right people—whether that’s a guide, a business partner, or a guest who recommends us—can open doors you couldn’t have planned for.
There are also circumstances you can’t control. Weather, changes in tourism, and the timing of bookings can affect business despite your best efforts. Running a business has taught me to leave room for that uncertainty and adapt when things don’t go as expected.
For me, the important part is what you do with an opportunity when it comes. A referral might bring someone to us, but the care we put into their experience is what encourages them to recommend us to someone else. I’m grateful for good fortune, but I’ve also learned how much persistence and relationships matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ameliaislanddowntowntastingtours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holacubancafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliaislanddowntowntastingtours/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmeliaIslandTastingTours
