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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Flying High over Jacksonville

October 19, 2012 by Joe Talentino

Flying is every boy’s dream, and it has been mine for a long time. I have been in planes before, and in a helicopters, but when we were invited to fly in a WWII plane – I was thrilled!

The GEICO Skytypers are the only flying unit in the world that performs at air shows typing their messages in the sky. The team fly vintage WWII planes and they are in Jacksonville for this year’s Sea & Sky Spectacular air show at Jax Beach. The team “types” messages at 10,000 feet with puffs of smoke in dot matrix-style letters. We went out to Mayport Naval Station to meet up with the team and to fly over Jacksonville. By the time we made it out to the tarmac the skies were blue and the visibility awesome. We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions. After getting suited up and receiving a quick safety lesson, it was finally time to climb into the plane to take off. We had a group of three planes going up at the same time because we were going to fly formation.

We were ready for take off, but we had to wait for the Blue Angels who were practicing for the air show. We didn’t mind at all because we had the best seats in the house. When the Blue Angels landed, the runway was clear for take off.

The first thing that hits you when you get up in the air is literally the wind. The open cockpit makes this a completely different experience from flying in a “regular plane”. We loved it! Our camera guy Kris also loved the fact that he didn’t have to shoot through glass. We got great footage of the planes, and also of the downtown area of Jacksonville. (You can watch the story on I Know Jax on CW 17 on Saturday at 11 p.m. – and we will be uploading the video here soon too!)

Geicos Skytypers over downtown Jacksonville

The GEICO Skytypers use six of the remaining 11 North American SNJ-2 planes left in the world to write messages at an altitude of 10,000 feet.  Each World War II-era plane has been restored and equipped and with a computer that coordinates the smoke puffs from the aircraft. The six aircraft fill the sky and come from all directions, providing spectators a unique viewing experience. During skytyping missions the pilots fly 250 feet apart in a wide “line-abreast” formation. When aligned, the smoke puffs form letters as tall as the Empire State Building. Skytyping is 17 times faster than skywriting because each pilot can create a letter every four seconds. Entire messages can be as large as 6 to 8 miles wide.  Messages are visible for 15 miles in each direction on a clear day.

These flying machines have been around for a while. The SNJ-2 planes served as a training plane for most of the Allied pilots flying in WWII. This aircraft is known by many names; the T-6 Texan (Army Aircorp) and the Harvard (RAF), but was most affectionately known as the “pilot maker” by crew members. The SNJ-2 also won honors in WWII and in the early portion of the Korean War.   A total of 15,495 planes were manufactured training thousands of pilots across 34 different countries. Today there are only eleven SNJ-2 planes still in existence, the Geico Skytypers have six of these planes.

Maneuvering the antique aircraft requires great skill and expertise. Most of the GEICO Skytypers pilots earned their wings in the military and several currently fly for commercial airlines. In addition to skytyping, the team also performs a low-altitude, precision-formation flying routine combined with a thrilling aeronautical demonstration. You will be able to see the Geico Skytypers perform on both Saturday and Sunday at Jax Beach.

We had a great flight, and we got great footage. I think I had a silly grin on my face for hours after we landed – and I had wind noise in my ears too, but that didn’t bother me at all. Once back on the ground, Ken presented me with a special badge that is only given to visitors who have been on a formation flight with the Geico Skytypers. I think I’m going to sew that one to my leather jacket. All I need now is some cool pilot sunglasses and I’ll be ready for a dogfight.

Read more about the air show Sea Sky Spectacular in Jacksonville, Florida

I am almost a real pilot now!

 

 


 

Mother’s Day in Jacksonville, Florida

April 28, 2011 by Joe Talentino

We will barely have time to recuperate from everyone’s favorite party – Cinco de Mayo – before it’s time for the big golf event of the year – the Players Championship at  TPC Sawgrass. Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I haven’t made any plans yet. Now, I am not known for preparing far in advance for any holiday. I am one of those guys who will go out on Christmas Eve to pick up a few gifts for Christmas. But this year, I was going to change all that. So, I decided to do some research and see what I could come up with for Mother’s Day this year.

Most people I’ve talked to usually take Mom out for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Some moms who have lots of kids end up going out to eat all day.  The biggest problem for families with many siblings seems to be to agree on who is having Mom over when. After all, there are only so many meals mom can eat in a day. This can be a great way to celebrate the day, especially if your Mom is a “foodie”. Just keep in mind that some restaurants get extremely busy on Mother’s Day and make a reservations.  (Hint; this is also a good way to impress Mom, especially for those of us who are not known for our great organizational skills.)

On the other hand, if you’re mom is like mine, who eats like a bird, this is not the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Besides, we have done that already. I wanted to see what else we could come up with to do for Moms in Jacksonville.

If you want to try something a little bit different this year,  keep reading.  I have found activities in Jacksonville both  you and your mother can enjoy. I even found a few that fit those of us who are working with a more modest budget for the big day.

 

The Snake Oil Salesman

I was so excited when I found this event. Unfortunately, there is no way I will be able to sell my Mom on this idea. Too bad! I would love to go and my kids would too. This event fits the bill as a very unique choice for Mother’s Day.

Maybe your Mom is a bona fide snake charmer who can’t wait to go to the Repticon Jacksonville Reptile & Exotic Animal Show. Boy, aren’t you lucky! My Mom would call me all kinds of names but Joe  if I ever tried to get her up close and personal with a reptile.

This event takes place on Sunday, May 8, 2011 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Jacksonville Fairgrounds and Expo Center.

For those of us who like the idea of animals, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has a special Mother’s Day deal which I am sure many mothers, including mine, really would enjoy. Keep in mind, the Zoo also has some amazing gardens. Kids young and old can bring Mom to the Zoo to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8th. You will receive one free adult or senior general admission ticket with the purchase of one adult or child ticket – but you need to print the special coupon from the website.

Here is the link to the coupon page.

 

Herding Cats for Mother’s Day

I usually can’t go wrong with animal encounters for Mother’s Day – as long as I stay away from the reptiles. This fundraising event sounds really cool. You can bring your whole gang out for a guided tour at the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. During the tour you get to meet the special residents of the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary –  Siberian tigers, lions, cougars, spotted and black leopards, a serval, two coatimundis, a European wild cat and two arctic foxes. Bring family and friends out to see the big, beautiful cats at the sanctuary. Admission is $10 per person. Children 3-11 are $5, 2 years & under are free. (But remember, you’re supporting the sanctuary with your ticket purchase).

For more information visit the Catty Shack website.

 

Look Mom – No Hands!

Spring is the best time for biking! It doesn’t matter if you barely remember how to ride a bicycle or if you are a Tour de France Pro, this is a great tour for the whole family – and if you and mom are looking for an activity to do together in the beautiful spring weather, this could be a lot of fun. You will ride through cool Jacksonville neighborhoods with interesting architecture and history. Rent everything or bring your own bike. Call (904) 945-1571 for more information or visit the website.


Artsy Fartsy

My Mom enjoys arts and craft shows, so this festival is her cup of tea. The Sawgrass Village Art Festival Spring Show  is a juried art festival for fine artists. The popular festival on May 7 – 8, 2011, now in its 17th year, and the event attracts thousands of visitors every spring to Ponte Vedra. Here you can see a wide variety of art works from first-class watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, drawings, clay, photography, wood, glass, fiber, graphics, metal, paper to mixed media fine arts. In addition, there is also food, lots of other fun and children’s activities. The festival takes place at Sawgrass Village Shopping Center from 10am to 5pm both days. Admission is free.

 

Champagne Taste

Museum of Contemporary Art MOCA Jacksonville FloridaIn downtown Jacksonville, Sunday is always “Family Free Sunday” at MOCA Jacksonville. This is a good idea, especially if you have a big group.

You can splurge and treat Mom to a special Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch in Cafe Nola on Sunday, May 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  All Moms get free mimosas! Now we’re talking, my Mom would love that. Reservations are strongly suggested. Call (904) 366-6911, ext. 231 for reservations.  $25/adults, $8 children under 10

Visit www.MOCAjacksonville.org for more information.

 

Beach Bums for the Day

I’d suggest heading to Jacksonville Beach on Mother’s Day for a free concert.  Here you can enjoy a live performance with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra at Sea Walk Pavilion.    The event area opens at 5:00 pm.  Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket for mom to sit on.   For those of us with a modest Mother’s Day budget, you could even turn the whole Mother’s Day dinner into a outdoor picnic.  Hey, you don’t even have to cook the picnic food. Just visit your grocery store’s deli counter and pick up cheese, sandwich meat and good bread. You could even go for a grilled chicken. Gather the family, make a big outing and a great impression while saving money, after all this is a free concert.

 

Singing Sisters

There is more music in Jacksonville. Fearless is the one word used to describe the creative spirit of groundbreaking duo Mary Mary.  Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell broke through in 2000 with their crossover hit “Shackles (Praise You). Since then ” the chart-topping sister act has never wavered from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone. Mary Mary performes at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville May 7 – 8, 2011.

Get your Mary Mary tickets here!

 

Music for Bookworms

There is also a free concert at the Main Library downtown on Sunday May 8, 2011 at 2:30 pm, so if you’re going to MOCA, you might be able to stop by. Pianists Marion Wilkinson Scott and Rosa Villar Scott will perform works for piano solo and piano 4-hands, by Schumann, Brahms, Schubert, and Dvořák. Mr. Scott, a native of Jacksonville, and Mrs. Scott, who is from Lima, Peru, both have won numerous awards and prizes for their playing.

Music @ Main concerts are presented in the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium, located on the Conference Level of the Library near the Main Street entrances. Call 904-630-2665 for more information.

Library customers who use the public garage at the corner of Duval Street and Main Street may take their garage tickets to the ground-floor Popular Services Desk to get validation for free parking. Free on-street parking is also available on weekends and evenings after 6 p.m.

Now, you might now that Jacksonville also becomes Rockville this weekend. Godsmack, Stone Sour, Seether and a bunch of other bands are performing at Metropolitan Park, but if you’re going to try to sell Mom on that event – you’re on your own.
(Go here to reserve your Rockville tickets now.)

 

For more information:

Repticon Jacksonville Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

Sunday, May 8, 2011 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Jacksonville Fairgrounds and Expo Center
510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL,32202

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218

www.jacksonvillezoo.org


Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
1860 Starratt Road
Jacksonville, FL 32226-1760
(904) 757-3603

www.cattyshack.org

Bike Tour
Saturday May 8th from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Bring your own bike , or rent one 
www.e2ride.com


The Sawgrass Village Art Festival
May 7 – 8, 2011

Sawgrass Village Shopping Center
1300 Sawgrass Village Dr.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art

www.MOCAjacksonville.org

Pops at the Beach
Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, Fl
Event Hotline (904) 247-6100 press 3
www.jacksonvillebeach.org

Mary Mary
Florida Theater
128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, Fl

www.floridatheatre.com

Music @ Main Concert

Main Library
303 North Laura Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-630-2665

Shrimp Festivals Fall 2010 – Coastal Companion Podcast

September 17, 2010 by Joe Talentino

In this episode Joe talks about one of his favorite things – food. Here on the coast seafood is popular, and most people enjoy shrimp.  Maybe that’s why we have a lot of shrimp festivals in our area.

Here is the list of events mentioned in the show:

Rock Shrimp Festival, St Marys, GA

Shrimp & Grits Festival, Jekyll Island, GA

Seafood, Jazz & Brew Fest, Hilton Head Island, SC

Little River Shrimp & Jazz Festival, SC

Bluffton Art & Seafood Festival, SC

Beaufort Shrimp Festival, SC

Museum Mile Weekend – Charleston, SC

August 30, 2010 by Joe Talentino

Museum Mile in Charleston, South Carolina is an area in historic downtown with lots of museums and cultural sites. As you know, the city of Charleston is rich in history, so the museum density in downtown comes as no surprise. No matter where I go, I always seem to miss out on some of the museums – lack of time and entry fees for a family of four will do that. That’s why I think the Museum Mile Weekend in Charleston is one of the best deals around.

Charleston Museum MileJust buy a weekend pass and explore all 13 sites in the Meeting street area downtown during September 25 & 26, 2010.

To find out more, see what sites are participating, download a map or to get ticket information, visit our special events page for Museum Mile Weekend – Charleston, South Carolina

Guy Fieri from Food Networks Showcases Jacksonville

August 25, 2010 by Joe Talentino

Chef Guy Fieri’s Food Network Show Maps Authentic Dining Options

Renowned chef and popular Food Network host Guy Fieri travels the country in search of local flavors on the hit show, “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.” However, in recent episodes, Fieri has been searching for real food, made with the best ingredients showcasing the community and its people. That search led him to Jacksonville. So what did Guy Fieri find?

First up, Singleton’s Seafood Shack. This restaurant has offered fish specialties for more than 40 years. Located in the heart of historic Mayport, the shrimping boats docked nearby return with the day’s catch of locally harvested Mayport Shrimp. The episode featured restaurant owner Dean Singleton’s four family favorite dishes – Minorcan chowder, blackened sheepshead, fried gator tail and classic shrimp burgers. Guy even boarded a boat “in search” of fresh seafood, and he found it in this self-professed dive.

Next, Culhane’s Irish Pub. This unique establishment offers a great menu of New World Irish Cuisine featuring traditional favorites mixed with fresh southeastern produce, seafood and all-natural ingredients. Four Limerick-born sisters started the restaurant in Atlantic Beach and have never looked back. You’ll always find one of their smiling faces at this local’s favorite for a cold pint and tasty dishes. Chef Olive Davis invited Fieri into her kitchen to give him the lowdown on patron favorites like Guinness Beef Stew and lamb sliders.

13 Gypsies in the historic Riverside neighborhood is home to newcomer Chef Howard whose attention to detail and his use of the freshest ingredients grabbed the attention of the Food Network. Definitely not a “Diner, Drive-in or Dive,” this unique restaurant peaked interest with its made-from-scratch breads, sausage, cheese and crème fraîche. A tapas-style menu is served with the true flavors of the Gypsy migratory trail – Spain, India, Central Europe and others. The small restaurant seats less than 15 people, so a reservation is a must, but is well worth the wait!
Jacksonville natives eagerly awaits the premiere of legendary Metro Diner on the show. Fieri also visited this restaurant, located in historic San Marco. Lines have been known to wrap around the building while waiting for a taste of a Metro Diner original, the Breakfast Pie, on a Sunday morning. The meatloaf and other down-home comfort foods are also featured daily for lunch.

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