Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fun Things To Do in June on the Coast

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In the Coastal Companion Calendar of our TV show “I Know Jax” broadcasting on CW17 on Saturdays at 11 pm,  we take a look at what’s happening on the coast in the area.  

Savannah Asian Festival in June

One of the most popular cultural festivals on the coast is coming up in June, the Savannah Asian Festival. This yearly one-day festival attracts about 60,000 people, so you know it’s a popular event.

Here you can sample exotic cuisines from across the continent. Local restaurants, will be cooking up favorite dishes from Polynesia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. In addition, there’s a variety of martial arts and dance performances, and live music on stage from artists representing different countries.

There’s also traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. From hand made jewelry to calligraphy sets, paintings, hand-beaded clothing, henna body painting, and even a workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea Ceremonies. The festival takes place on June 23 at the Savannah Civic Center, located at Montgomery and Liberty Streets. Parking at the Civic Center is free for the day. Read more about Savannah Asian Festival here.

Greek Festival

Greek Landing Day Festival – St. Augustine, Fl

Maybe you already know that St Augustine, Florida has a strong historic tie with Greece and Greek culture. In June the community celebrates the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish what was called the New Smyrna Colony.

If you haven’t tried greek food before, this is your chance. My favorite is baklava, but I also enjoy spanakopita and mousaka.

Visit the so called “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing during the Greek Landing Day Festival June 22 – 24, 2012. Admission is free.

The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.

For more information, call 904-829-8205

 

Daufuskie Day in South Carolina

Another heritage festival in our area is the annual Daufuskie Day in South Carolina. This festival was organized by islanders to preserve the gullah heritage. this year it’s the 36th year for the festival where you can taste authentic Gullah cuisine, and learn more about the culture.

You can take a boat from Savannah or from Hilton Head Island.  Daufuskie day takes place on June 23.

For more information visit www.daufuskieislandfoundation.com

National Get Outdoors Day – Free Admission

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America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.* This is part of the promotion to get families outdoors more often, so maybe this would be a good time for you to pack a picnic and go visit a park with your family or group of friends. National Get Outdoors Day takes place on June 9, 2012, you can visit some of our parks for free. 

Please check with each park for operating hours and event schedules.

South Carolina
Fort Sumter National Monument

Florida
Canaveral National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Gulf Islands National Seashore

Georgia
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Read More:

National Outdoors Day at Fort Pulaski in Savannah, GA

National Get Outdoors Day at Fort Pulaski – Savannah, GA

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National Get Outdoors Day is an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. National parks across the country are celebrating this new event by waiving entrance fees. Get outdoors, and enjoy your national parks! Fort Pulaski National Monument will offer free admission to all visitors on National Get Outdoors Day 2012 – Saturday, June 9th.

Not only is Fort Pulaski one of the most well-preserved fortifications in the Southeast, but it is also surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, looking out over the Savannah River, marshes and woodlands. “Fort Pulaski National Monument has more than 5,000 acres of beautiful natural resources and wilderness,” said Superintendent Randy Wester.

Programs scheduled for Saturday, June 9 are as listed:

Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia Department of Economic Development

10:00 AM Guided Fort Tour

11:00 Cannon Firing

12:00 PM Musket Firing

1:00 Cannon Firing

1:30 Guided Fort Tour

2:30 Musket Firing

3:00 Cannon Firing

4:00 Guided Fort Tour

5:00 Musket Firing

Extended summer hours will be available at Fort Pulaski National Monument, effective June 2, 2012. The Visitor Center and the historic fort will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The park gates will close at 6:45 PM. Please go to the official Fort Pulaski National Monument website for more details regarding park programs. Information on special offerings at parks nationwide is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. “National park vacations are always memorable and affordable,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. “However, in these tough economic times, we added fee free days as a way to ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit a park. I encourage everyone to sample a new park or revisit an old favorite.”

Read More:

The History of Fort Pulaski

Drake’s Raid in St. Augustine

Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia
Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia

Things to do in St Augustine, Florida in June, 2012

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Here is our take on what to do in St. Augustine in June, 2012. There is quite a bit going on in St. Augustine over the Summer. St. Augustine is a popular destination, so there are always a lot of monthly or recurring events such as the First Friday Art Walk, Uptown Saturday Night, Concerts in the Plaza and Music by the Sea. June is also a big month for Greek culture in St. Augustine. Here’s our list.

First Friday Art Walk
June 1, 2012
This monthly event returns to St. Augustine on June 1st. The art walk is a self-guided gallery tour in downtown St. Augustine with lots of participants and lots of fun.
You can read more about the event on our page for the First Friday Artwalk in St. Augustine

Drake’s Raid
June 2, 2012
On June 2nd, 2012 in the 26th reenactment of Sir Francis Drake’s Raid on old San Agustine.
A 16th century-style military encampment opens at the Fountain of Youth Park. Here you can watch
military drills, living history demonstrations and much more. The encampment is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The reenactment of the sacking and burning of the Old City begins on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at the Old City Gates.
The battle continues through the streets of St. Augustine and ends in the Plaza.
The event is created to symbolically commemorate the temporary abandonment of the city of St. Augustine by Spanish colonial forces. After the town was looted and burned by Francis Drake’s men, the Spanish returned to rebuild upon the same streets you walk on today.

St Augustine, Florida

Old City Farmer’s Market
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
The Farmer’s Market at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A South is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.
At the Old City Farmers Market you can find fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items, plants
and even fresh seafood during the season.

Anastasia State Park Beach Bash
Saturday, June 2, 2012
This is the 18th Annual Beach Bash at the state park on Anastasia Island.The event includes sand castle building, bird walk, low tide bike ride and much more and takes place from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission to the park is $8.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people. Anastasia State Park is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine, just 2 miles from downtown.Call 904.461.2035 for more information.

Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
June 2, 2012
To get to the fort you have to take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island.
Here you can experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas, exactly how it used to be during the 18th century. The Spanish fort, Fort Matanzas, guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine.
Re-enactors dressed in uniform will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.
For more information call 904-471-0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma
There are no fees to enter the park or o take the ferry. The 36 person ferry operates on first come first serve basis.
The Historic Weapon Firing Demonstration take place the first Saturday of the month. Call 904.471.0116 for more information.

Magnificent view from the lighthouse

Sunset Moonrise Tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Monday, June 4, 2012
Enjoy a view of the sunset and full Moonrise from the most unique perspective of all – atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island. This special event includes a champagne toast (provided by San Sebastian Winery) and light hors d’oeuvres (provided by The Reef). Tickets are $25 for non-members ($20 for museum members), reservations are required and space is limited. For more information or to reserve call (904) 829-0745. 
June 4th, Monday from 7:45 – 9:15 (next event July 3 or August 2)

Music by the Sea
June 6, 13, 20, 27
This popular free Summer concert series returns to St. Augustine Beach.
Bring your own chair or a blanket and enjoy a lively musical performance by Navy PRIDE.
This family-friendly fun event takes place every Wednesday evening through September
from 7 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion on A1A Beach Blvd.
Admission is free. Enjoy a signature dinner starting at 6 p.m. from Gas Restaurant for under $10.00.
Or just pack your own picnic. For more information, please call 904.347.8007.

Concerts in the Plaza
June 7,14, 21, 28 2012
This is another popular free concert in St. Augustine.
free evening concert in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion.
Enjoy the cool breezes under a canopy of live oaks as you listen, clap and dance to live entertainment performed by Bob & Joline’s Friends of Mine Band. The concert takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

Big Fat Greek Food Festival
June 8 – 10, 2012
Now you can completely geek out at this Greek Food festival in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Old City has one of the oldest greek communities in the country, so if you haven’t tried greek food before,
here’s your opportunity to taste greek food, experience greek music, dancing and culture.
You can read all about this Summer festival at our Greek Festival in St Augustine page.

2012 Fountain Mercury King Buster 400
June 14 – 17, 2012
Put your fishing skills to the test in the premiere Southern Kingfish competition of the year – with over $175,000 in cash and prizes! The tournament kicks off on Wednesday with a children’s fishing outing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, located at Avenida Menendez and the Bridge of Lions. The King Buster 400 is limited to 400 boats.
In Thursday, the Junior Angler Registration is from 5 -7 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Captain’s Meeting. On Friday, the Junior Angler Tournament takes place with a noon to 3 p.m. weigh-in and a 6:30 p.m. Awards presentation. The Main Tournament Captains’ Meetings take place from 3 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday the tournament takes place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weigh-in is from 3 to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, there will be an awards party with live music Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 904.759.6588

World Golf Village, St Augustine, Florida

Vettes at the Village
June 16, 2012
Corvettes gather at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, so if you are a car enthusiast, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Or if you are planning to visit the World Golf Village anyway, this might be a good time to do so for you.
feature over 100 classic, late model and custom Corvettes around the Walk of Champions from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. An award ceremony featuring Best of Show and People’s Choice will follow the show. It all takes place at World Golf Village, located off I-95 at Exit 323 in St. Augustine.
For more information visit www.nfca.net or call 904.940.4123.

Father’s Day at World Golf Village
June 17, 2012
If Dad is a golf fan, how about a trip to the World Golf Village in St. Augustine to celebrate his special day?
The World Golf Hall of Fame will open its doors complimentary to everyone for Father’s Day. fun activities that include a self-guided tour through the museum highlighting past U.S. Open winners and their stories; visits from the Jacksonville Roar Cheerleaders, rock-climbing, putting and long drive contests, closest-to-the-pin on the challenge hole, chances to win prizes and more. Fathers will also be offered 50% off their ticket price for a movie at the newly reopened World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater.
www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

St. Augustine Music Festival
June 21 – 30, 2012
Enjoy a series of free classical music performances at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084, located on Cathedral Place in historic St. Augustine. Each themed performance takes place at 7:30 p.m.
June 21: Summer Music
June 22: Piano Spectacular
June 23: Grace and Beauty
June 28: Musica Nocturna
June 29: Sacred Music
June 30: Back to Bach

Greek Landing Day

Greek Landing Day Festival
June 22 – 24, 2012
Celebrate the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish the New Smyrna Colony.
St. Photios Shrine serves as a memorial to those Greek colonists by witnessing the Orthodox Faith and promoting the Hellenic culture.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday,
visit the “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing.
Admission is free.
The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.
For more information, call 904-829-8205

Battle of Bloody Mose
June 23, 2012
This exciting re-enactment commemorates the Battle of “Bloody Moosa” which forced the British to retreat from Spanish Florida in 1740. The settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, the First Free Black Settlement in North America, was home for hundreds of free blacks who escaped slavery from the English Colonies to the north. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. living history demonstrations, guided tours, food vendors, and music will be provided. Then, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Spanish and British forces will reenact the “Bloody Moosa” battle. The event is weather permitting.
It all takes place at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine.
Admission is $2 per person.
Fort Mose State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Call 904-823-2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

Mother’s Day Cocktails

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No matter what your plans are for Mother’s Day, you can never go wrong with a cocktail created for this very special day. If you prefer, you could start with a memorable treat: Breakfast in Bed. Next to the plate of perfectly browned French toast, offer her something celebratory – a glass of bubbly, something flowery or even fruity.

If breakfast is not the time for your celebration, no worries. These light cocktails are perfect for sipping outside in the shade on a sunny afternoon as well.

 

Here are three simple recipes for Mom’s special day:

Champagne DreamsChampagne Dreams
Jazz up a boring, ordinary Mimosa by adding other fruit liqueurs to make it even more delectable.

2 oz. PAMA Liqueur
2 oz. Champagne
¼ oz. orange liqueur
1 oz. fresh orange juice

Combine all ingredients except champagne in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled flute and top with champagne.

Tulipe de Lis
This floral cocktail is a perfect complement to a vase of flowers on the breakfast or lunch tray.

2 oz. Denizen Rum
¾ oz. St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
½ tsp. granulated sugar

Place sugar and lime juice in a shaker and stir to dissolve sugar. Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a wedge of lime. For an added touch, garnish with a tulip petal.

Fruit Cobbler
Welcome the warmer weather with this sparkling, fruity tipple perfect for a lazy afternoon.

1 oz. PAMA Liqueur
1 oz. Blueberry Vodka
1 oz. Lemon Juice
½ oz. Simple Syrup
Club Soda
Garnish: Blueberry, Kiwi and Strawberry Spear

Combine all ingredients except club soda in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass, fill glass with ice and top with soda. Garnish with a kiwi, strawberry and blueberry spear.

To find out more visit these websites:

PAMA: www.pamaliqueur.com 
Denizen Rum: www.denizenrum.com