Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville March 3, 2010

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Maybe winter has finally left Florida, about time I say.  I checked the weather report today and it says that the weather for Wednesday is partly cloudy but with a high temperature of 55 F, so we should be OK for the art walk.

The theme for March 3, 2010: Rock ‘n’ Roll, so you don’t want to miss this one.

A few notes for this month’s event:

There’s a new venue for this art walk, the RiverFit Gym at The Landing, where you can meet t artist, Rejel of REJCEL.co.

Rock ‘n’ Roll to help Haiti with the best bands in Jacksonville and a silent auction benefit by local artists will take place at Suite 106 Gallery.

There’s an Elvis tributes by five-year-old (?!)  Gabriel Jarrett, and Elvis tribute artist, Randy Elvis Walker at Visit Jacksonville. If you enjoy fashion, you’ll have the opportunity to watch a live runway show by “Princess of the Prom” at Cafe 331 & The Sinclair

At the Florida Theater you can view  the 2010 ADDY award-winning work from local advertising agencies and participate in the 2010 AAF JAX Media Auction at 6 p.m.

To watch our video, and to download an map for The First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville, Florida –  click here

World Class Service at Jacksonville Airport

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We always loved flying from Jacksonville, it’s quick and easy to get in and out at the airport.
So we were not surprised when we read this press release about the customer service at Jacksonville Airport, Florida.

Jacksonville International Airport’s Customer Service
Recognized as Among the Best in the Industry

Two New Surveys Show JAX Providing World-class Service

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has earned top rankings for providing some of the aviation industry’s best customer service and overall passenger satisfaction in 2009, according to two recently released surveys.

In a J.D. Power & Associates study that measures overall airport satisfaction, JAX ranked No. 4 among all U.S. airports with fewer than 10 million annual passengers. Six factors – assessed through 27 specific attributes – are examined as part of the survey to determine overall customer satisfaction. They include: airport accessibility, baggage claim, check-in/baggage check process, terminal facilities, security check, and food and retail services.
In addition, JAX was ranked the 4th best airport in North America in a survey of participating airports by Airports Council International (ACI). The ACI Airport Services Quality (ASQ) passenger survey, a leading industry benchmarking tool, is used by many airports as one of the key performance indicators of an airport’s service.

In the same ACI survey, JAX ranked No. 5 in the world among airports with five to 15 million annual passengers.

“Congratulations to the entire JAX team, including Jacksonville Aviation Authority staff, the Transportation Security Administration, airlines and airport vendors,” said JAA Chair Deborah Pass-Durham. “2009 continued to be a tough year for airports, and for JAX to maintain such high levels of customer service is truly a source of pride for this region.”

Tickets for Charleston Fashion Week 2010 Available

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More than 30 Runway Shows, Live Entertainment, Celebrity Designers, & Rock The Runway Modeling Competition…
GLAM ROCKS for 2010 Charleston Fashion Week!

After months of anticipation and planning, Charleston Fashion Week® proudly announces the schedule of events and runway show participants for the fourth annual event “Glam Rocks!” March 16-20, 2010. Hailed by industry leaders as the next Bryant Park, Charleston magazine has confirmed that among the list of this year’s highlights, Project Runway’s finalist Carol Hannah Whitfield and Mychael Knight will both be debuting collections. Other CFW alum, featured designers, and celebrity judges to return to the tents in Marion Square this spring include: designer Cynthia Rowley, ELLE magazine’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, Project Runway’s Gordana Gehlhausen, and 2009 Emerging Designer Competition winner Marysia Reeves, whose Spring/Summer 2010 line has been picked up by Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

The premier fashion event tucked in historic Charleston, SC, will also include the 1st annual Rock the Runway competition in which the top models will strut their stuff to win a fashion spread, modeling contract, and the opportunity to appear before the top modeling scouts in the country. With a cast of celebrity designers in attendance, live entertainment, chic after parties, on-site shopping in the Style Lounge, more than 30 retail runway shows, plus an afternoon of Bridal Couture, Charleston Fashion Week® is ready to prove why “Glam Rocks!” for 2010. Charitable partners for the week long fashion extravaganza proudly include: MUSC Children’s Hospital, The Center for Women, and Lowcountry AIDS Services. To catch all the action and drama of the 2010 Emerging Designer Competition LIVE and check out the latest looks in stores for spring 2010, visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com and purchase your tickets soon. Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, a guaranteed seat at this event could possibly be one of the hottest tickets of the year!


Savannah Irish Festival 2010

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The 18th annual Savannah Irish Festival takes place February 12-14, 2010 at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia. The festival begins Friday night in the Civic Center Ballroom from 6:30pm – 9:00pm when it’s time for Ceili. Participants will be taught Irish folk dance in large groups. Then on Saturday, February 13, the festival is open from 10:30am until 8:00pm and on Sunday, February 14, from 12:00pm until 7:00pm.

Four stages of entertainment bring fun for the entire family throughout the weekend.
Come to the Irish Festival and enjoy some of the top Irish traditional acts in the world. There will also be performances from The St. Vincent’s Academy Chorale, two schools of Irish Dancers, Glor na h‘Eireann, and the Irish Dancers of Savannah.
There’s free arts and crafts area for kids as well as entertainment on stage geared towards children.
The Festival Cultural Stage will focus on a variety of topics of Irish History, Irish Literature and Irish Music. On top of that, there will also be a large numbers of vendors setting with booths where you can browse interesting Irish items.



This will be a weekend filled with fun for the whole family, including music and plenty of Irish Dancing. Please join us this year for Valentine’s Day weekend. Stroll through our romantic city and enjoy the largest Irish Festival in the South.

Festival Ticket Information:
$5 donation taken at the door for the Friday night Ceili in the Civic Center’s upstairs ballroom.

A one day ticket for Saturday or Sunday costs $12 and a two day ticket is $16, plus service charges for both from the Civic Center Box Office.

Children Under 14 are admitted FREE.

You can purchase tickets the day of the event, or call 912-651-6556 or 800-351-7469.

Read about other events for Valentine’s Day in Savannah

What To Do in Savannah for Valentine’s Day

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Spending Valentine’s Day in Savannah is romantic enough for most of us who don’t live there. The beautiful parks, the river, and the live oaks makes a city to Savannah just perfect for romance.

But if you still need a few ideas about what to do with your sweet heart in Savannah, Georgia, during your visit – you need to read our article about it.

Click here for a few suggestions for Valentine’s Day in Savannah