Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Greater Jacksonville Agriculture Fair

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The Greater Jacksonville Agriculture Fair invites you to join us as we annually celebrate our heritage, culture and community, by providing good wholesome family fun, great entertainment, friendly competition and educational experiences for the whole family! The Fair is where agriculture, industry, education and recreation unite in a cooporative effort for twelve days to dynamically portray the resources and accomplishments of the Jacksonville area.
All concerts are free with fair admission: $8 Adults, $5 children 6-12 and seniors. VIP seating available for an additional $12 for some shows.

Oct., 29 Justin Moore, 8 p.m.
Oct. 30 James Otto, 8 p.m.
Oct. 31 Eric Church, 8 p.m.
Nov. 1 Southbound, 8 p.m.
Nov. 2 Mint Julep, 8 p.m.
Nov. 3 Jason Michael Carroll, 8 p.m.
Nov. 4 Lee Brice, 8 p.m.
Nov. 5 Phil Vassar, 8 p.m.
Nov. 6 Poco, 8 p.m.
Nov. 7 Everlife, 7:30 & 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 Natural Truth, 8 p.m.
Nov. 9 Upright ‘08 Christian Rock Festival, 1 p.m.

Visit www.jacksonvillefair.com for more information and the complete schedule.

Georgia-Florida “Frat Bash” on Amelia Island

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At the Grand Pavilion. Dance & Party with two of America’s all-time favorite recording acts …the legendary Tams and “The party band of the south”, The Swingin’ Medallions!
Menu includes: Open Bar, Sautéed Gator Tail, Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwiches, Hot Dogs & Pasta Salad.
No one under 21 will be permitted. Public Welcome! For tickets information, call 904-491- 4646.

Amelia Island Plantation’s Halloween Carnival

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Enjoy a family carnival complete with hayrides, carnival games, candy, food, costumes and more!
From 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, the Haloween Carnival will take place at The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation. For more information, call (904) 491-4646.

Amelia Island in Top 10 North American islands

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AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (October 17, 2008) – Amelia Island, Florida received three top rankings in the recent Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards. The destination was named among the Top 10 North American islands for the second consecutive year, finishing in the #6 spot ahead of Hilton Head, S.C. and Sanibel, Fla. The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, a 25-room, oceanfront boutique hotel, held the #2 position in the rankings for Top Hotels in the US. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a 444-room beachfront resort, was also named #15 among Top U.S. Mainland Resorts, up from its #21 ranking in 2007.

“We’re thrilled to see Amelia Island so well represented again in the Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Gil Langley, President of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This kind of recognition from such discriminating travelers speaks volumes about Amelia Island’s enduring appeal and the commitment of the island’s tourism partners.”

Readers in the survey evaluated their favorite island destinations on activities, atmosphere/ambience, beaches, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, and scenery. Out of a possible 100 points, Amelia Island scored a 71.6, making it the highest ranked island in Florida. The top hotels category rated properties based on food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service, while the resorts category also focused on activities and facilities as well.

The awards are based on the results of the Readers’ Choice Survey, in which more than 32,000 travelers voted this year. Winners were announced on October 15 in New York and will be published in the November issue, available on newsstands starting October 21.

Photo: Amelia Island Tourist Development Council

Turtleween at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

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Bring your hatchlings for an afternoon of non-scary, turtle-tastic fun on Sunday, October 26 from 12 – 4 p.m. Costume contests, bobbing for jellyfish, make and take fossils, a sea turtle sea-metery and much more await turtle enthusiasts of all ages. Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and celebrate Halloween! For more information, contact the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444.

www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org