Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Jazz in the Park, St. Simons Island, GA – June 27, 2010

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On Sunday June 27th, 2010, it’s time again for Jazz in the Park at St. Simons Island. The event takes place outside the St Simons Island Lighthouse and is scheduled at high tide to take advantage of the breeze from the ocean. And this weekend, I think we will need all the breeze we can get.

But don’t let the heat keep you indoors. Instead, take advantage of the nice summer weather and spend an evening outside under the stars and enjoy a great jazz performance.

This Sunday the Savannah Stompers are performing.

For upcoming events and more details visit our special events page for Jazz in the Park – St Simons Island, GA

Jazz in the Park – St. Simons Island, Georgia

Fourth of July in Florida

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The Fourth of July holiday is built around traditions and for many it’s a great family tradition to celebrate the weekend together friends and family.  We have come up with a few ideas for fun things to do on the coast of Northeast Florida for the Fourth of July weekend.

Daytona International Speedway - NASCARDAYTONA BEACH
NASCAR fans kick off Indpendence Day early and head to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the famous Coke Zero 400 Weekend.  This event takes place July 1 – 3, 2010, at Daytona International Speedway.  It’s one of the few NASCAR races taking place at night, and with the summer heat, that’s a good thing for us.  Besides fast cars, there’s live music, fireworks and much more.
Check out our page for Coke Zero 400 Weekend for more.

ST AUGUSTINE
There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the Nation’s Oldest City – St. Augustine, Florida.  The beautiful, historic city is always well worth a visit, especially if you have friends and family coming to town.  Make sure to take time to walk around in the historic downtown area – or take a horse carriage ride if it’s too hot.

St. Augustine offers free concert and of course impressive fireworks over Mantanzas Bay. This is one of the most anticipated events in St. Augustine, so expect lots of people – and traffic.  Check out page for  Fourth of July in St Augustine for more details and parking suggestions.

JACKSONVILLE

Last year the city of Jacksonville had a lot of events going on around town – but with the budget cuts it seems as if everything is now centered around the Jacksonville Landing in downtown.  The day starts with free concerts at the Jacksonville Landing, and at dusk it’s time for fireworks at the riverfront.

There’s also fireworks and fun at Jax Beach.

Click here to visit our special page with details including parking suggestions for Fourth of July Events in Jacksonville.

FERNANDINA BEACH

The Stars and Stripes Freedom Festival and Parade takes place in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The Festival itself takes place on Saturday July 3, 2010, while the parade and fireworks happen on Sunday July 4.

We went to Fernandina Beach for Fourth of July last year and made a video about the experience that is posted on the  special page for Stars and Stripes Freedom Festival & Fireworks

Fourth of July in South Carolina

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There is no shortage of things to do in South Carolina for the 4th of July weekend.  Every city on the coast has its own way of celebrating the big day  – from festivals, to live music performances and of course fireworks.

Many of us visit coastal South Carolina for summer vacation, a coastal weekend getaway or maybe even romantic weekend getaway.

Here are some ideas of fun things to do for the 4th of July weekend 2010 in South Carolina.

MYRTLE BEACH
There are lots of events in Myrtle Beach – from fireworks to music and even an Italian festival.  Click here to check out our special page Fourth of July Events in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade on 4th of July

MURRELLS INLET JULY 4TH BOAT PARADE
Many places have a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July, but in Murrells Inlet the festivities keep a coastal theme. This year it’s time for the 28th Annual July 4th Boat Parade.

Here you can see a line of red, white and blue decorated boats cruising down the creek for the Murrells Inlet Fourth of July parade. The theme for the 28th annual parade is “2010: Freedom is In”.

Boat decoration contest entry forms available at Garden City Realty, Dunes Realty, Crazy Sister Marina or Booty’s. Entry costs $5. You only need to enter if you want to be judged in the decoration contest. Any boat is welcome to join in the parade at no charge.

The best view of the parade is said to be the Marshwalk area. Plan to arrive early for a great viewing spot. The Boat Parade on July 4, 2010, starts at 1:00 pm at Garden City Point area, arriving around MarshWalk area around 1:45-2:00 pm.

After the boat parade, cool off at one of the many restaurants, have a cold beverage and relax. Finish off the day with fireworks.
Call 843-357-2007 for more information or visit murrellsinletsc.org

Fireworks – Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet also has a July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at 10pm. New for 2010 is the staging area – right off the end of Veterans Pier! Independence Day is a big day in Murrells Inlet and thousands of people are expected to line the shores for the fireworks. For more information call 843-357-2007.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The 25th Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 Road Race and Family Fun Walk will be held on Sunday, July 4 at 8:00am from the Mall at Shelter Cove.
The Time Warner Cable Firecracker 5000, is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County. Over 1000 runners and walkers of all ages and ability from across the United States annually participate in this fun event.
www.bearfootsports.com

SHELTER COVE

There’s a special Fourth of July fireworks show at Shelter Cove Harbour, offering a vibrant extravaganza of light over the harbor.

Go here to visit our page about Hilton Head Island – 4th of July

CHARLESTON

Patriot’s Point
The Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point in Charleston, South Carolina, is the ultimate Independence Day celebration.  The fireworks show has been named “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” by the New York Times.  Fireworks are launched from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown.
Read all about the 4th of July Blast at Patriot’s Point

Independence Weekend at Middleton Place
Middleton Place starts already on Friday July 2, 2010, with a special Naturalization Ceremony.  There is no more suitable place in Charleston, SC, for a Naturalization Ceremony than Middleton Place, the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 60-75 candidates will pledge alligence to the flag and become U.S.  citizens at this event.  Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Middleton Place Foundation President Charles Duell will kick off the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. under the grand live oaks.  The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services will swear in the candidates. Color guard and costumed interpreters will present theflag and sing the national anthem. This event is open to the publics.  Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.  Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.  America’s newest citizens are welcome to tour the gardens after the ceremony free of charge.

middleton place charleston south carolinaFourth of July at Middleton Place
American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.

American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.  For more information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org

Uncle Sam Jam on July 4
Come to Mount Pleasant Pier to enjoy live beach music under the stars. The music starts at 8 p.m. This Independence Day, the East Coast Party Band is performing. The pier is located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge on Charleston Harbor.

The Mount Pleasant Pier will be a great spot to view the area’s fireworks displays!  Gates open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m.  Tickets will be limited, so purchase yours in advance.  On-site tickets, if available, will be $10.  Beverages will be available for purchase on site.
For more information, call 843-795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

Boone Hall Beach Blast – Charleston, SC

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Life’s a Beach in Charleston, SC, when Boone Hall Plantation opens it gates to the 2nd Annual Boone Hall Beach Blast on Saturday June 26, 2010.

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs
Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs headline the 2nd Annual Boone Hall Beach Blast on Saturday June 26, 2010. Maurice Williams is best known for his number one hit “Stay” which was also featured in , “Dirty Dancing,” starring the late Patrick Swayze. But Williams rose to the top of billboard’s charts back in 1964 with the big hit “May I”.

The Mighty Tams are also appearing at the event, this group is well-known in beach music circles. Their entertaining performance includes
memorable hits and choreographed dancing. Other performers are The
Fantastic Shakers, The Sugar Bees, and reggae music by The Mystic Vibrations.

The Tams
The Tams

But there’s more than music at this event. No Beach Party is complete without a bikini contest – so Boone Hall hosts its own. There will also be
volleyball, shag lessons, and much more.

Beer, wine, and “beach” style food will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and beach blankets and find your spot on the beautiful back lawn at Boone Hall Plantation.

Schedule – Gates open 11am

Boone Hall Beach Blast12:00 – 1:45 Mystic Vibrations
2:00 – 3:00 – Sizzling Summer Bikini Contest
3:30 – 4:30 – The SugarBees
5:00 – 6:30 – The Fantastic Shakers
7:00 – 8:30 – The Tams
9:00 – 10:30 – Maurice Williams – The Zodiacs

For more information, visit www.boonehallplantation.com

Fashion in Focus – Savannah, GA

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Oscar de la Renta for Pierre Balmain, Evening Gown
Oscar de la Renta for Pierre Balmain, Evening Gown – Haute Couture, black silk tulle with laser-cut tulle skirt and train, c. 2001. Photo by SCAD

The SCAD Museum of Art announces its latest exhibition, “Fashion in Focus: Photos and Evening Wear from the SCAD Museum of Art Collection,” ongoing now through Sept. 30, 227 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

This exhibition of more than 30 objects highlights recent couture gifts to the SCAD Museum of Art including exquisite evening dresses by contemporary designers Ralph Rucci, Oscar de la Renta for Balmain, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Isabel Toledo, Valentino, and Lars Nilsson for Bill Blass. The aesthetic ranges from the sumptuous splendor of an aubergine opera coat and the charm of an ice cream pink ball gown to the clean simple lines of a little black dress or the austere grace of silver and ivory evening dresses.

Among the fashion photographs on view are images from the past few decades by noted photographers Sir Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, Karl Lagerfeld, David Bailey, Arthur Elgort, Herb Ritts and others, in images that graced the pages of Vogue or other fashion journals and featured the top models of the time.

As a teaching museum, the SCAD Museum of Art supports the academic and creative programs at SCAD by providing students with direct encounters with works by major artists while enriching the artistic, educational and cultural offerings available to the university and wider communities. The museum is a cultural gem that adds to Savannah’s reputation as an ideal location for visitors and those interested in the arts and architecture.

For more information about the exhibition and to arrange group tours, call 912.525.7191, or visit www.scad.edu/scadmuseum. Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.