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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Father’s Day in Jacksonville, Florida

June 12, 2014 by Susanne Talentino

When my kids were little, they used to draw cards for Father’s Day. Sometimes I would also get soap or a new screwdriver or other tool. I’m sure my wife was involved because she wanted me to fix the broken door handle or something similar. My kids no longer live at home, so now, I’m hoping my wife will feel sorry for me and make sure I get pampered. For me, Father’s Day Brewquets from Intuition Ale Works is the perfect gift. One of the beers you can get in your Brewquet is Honey Badger, you normally can’t even get Honey Badger in a growler! Just that, is worth it! Can you tell that Honey Badger is my favorite Intuition Beer? Growlers are always good for Dads who love beer, because when the beer is gone, you still have the growler and you can always go back and refill it. That’s the most inexpensive way to buy craft beer.

BeerGlass1

Father’s Day Brunch, Dim Sum or Dinner? Father’s Day is on a Sunday, so to me, brunch is a given. Our friends at Campeche Bay have a great brunch with what they call “topless mimosas”. All Dads will enjoy that. Campeche Bay is located in Jax Beach. (Campeche Bay Cantina )Speaking of Jax Beach, if the weather is nice, I love going to Casa Marina to sit on the deck. Casa Marina also serves brunch.

Dim Sum multi 2
Dim Sum – small steamer baskets with food for sharing

For dinner, there are so many options for places to go with Dad. I always enjoy the food at the Good Food Company, and I love to go to Fish Company for seafood. But if you are looking for something special, something to entertain the whole family, I’d suggest going to Taverna Yamas. It’s a greek restaurant in Tinseltown. On weekends they have belly dancing, and zorba dancing, and it’s great fun for the whole family. Their food is awesome too. I really like greek food. I especially love the homemade baklava. Speaking of international cuisine, if you are not up for brunch, how about Dim Sum? Sunday is a great day for Dim Sum. Dim Sum are those small plates with different types of food popular in Cantonese cooking. To eat dim sum is perfect for family gatherings, because you order food to share, by plate. My normal hangout for Dim Sum is otherwise the Dim Sum Room, located near Target and Avenues Mall. (The Dim Sum Room )I also saw online that Blue Bambo on Southside Boulevard is serving Dim Sum on Sunday, June 15th. Chef Dennis doesn’t do that every weekend, so that could be fun. Fun for Father’s Day Supercountry fest is in town on Father’s Day weekend, so for those of you who love country music, heading to Everbank Field for country music is an obvious choice. Luke Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryant and a bunch of other stars are coming. You can find out more at www.floridacountrysuperfest.com You could also celebrate Father’s Day with a visit to the Hall of Fame and IMAX Theater. Guests will enjoy complimentary admission to the Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 15 in honor of Father’s Day, which is great for the big golf lover. Dads will also receive a free round on the Putting Course, discounts in the IMAX Theater and the first 300 dads through the Museum will receive a special gift. Guests can enjoy a special scavenger hunt through the Hall of Fame and a photo opportunity with the U.S. Open Trophy. For more information visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org Going to the zoo is always fun, and on Sunday, Father’s get in for free. All you have to do is to get the special coupon with you. Click here for free admission on Father’s Day.  On Father’s Day, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers a special car show, and there’s music on the lawn and BBQ to purchase. Let’s not forget, that there are lots and lots of interesting animals to check out at the zoo. The zoo is a great option for a fun Sunday, if the weather permits. For more ideas for Father’s Day, read Kris Chislett suggestions for the wine lover here. jaxzoo

Jekyll Island Shrimp n’ Grits Festival in Georgia

September 20, 2013 by Susanne Talentino

The annual Shrimp n’ Grits festival in Jekyll Island, Georgia, is one of our favorite festivals on the coast. There is always a lot to see and do at this festival. This year it’s the 8th year for the popular Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival. If you love seafood, especially shrimp, this is the place to visit. The festival takes place in the historic district on September 19 – 21, 2014.
To kick-off the weekend, Opening Night Plate Samples will be offered on Friday, Sept. 20, with plates priced at $3 each. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival hosts two cooking contests, first, an amateur Cooking Competition and then the Professional Chef Cooking Competition. There will also be cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs.
Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, GAFrom the Kids Fun Zone, zip lines and bounce houses, to ongoing cooking demos, shrimp eating contests and never-ending assortment of tasty finds, the 2013 Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival promises to dish up a good time for the whole family!

General admission to the festival is free.

Here is our video from when we visited the festival a while back.

Labor Day Weekend in coastal Georgia

August 29, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Labor Day is always a big deal in coastal Georgia with lots of fun things to do on the coast with festivals and events.Savannah is always a great city to visit. When the weather is hot and humid you feel transported back to the “good old days” when women wore long skirts, men hats and everyone traveled by horse carriage. At least that’s what it seems like when you watch movies. Speaking of which, Savannah has been the backdrop to many Hollywood films. There are even tours focusing on the movie history of the old city. Savannah is a great city for a walking. Just take your time and enjoy the beautiful architecture and the many squares and gardens. Besides the Riverfront, we always enjoy visiting the City Market. Lots of places to eat or just hang out, and lots of people to watch. The most popular event for Labor Day is probably the beer festival, Savannah Craft Brew Fest.

 

Savannah Craft Brew Fest

 

Savannah Craft Brew Fest

This event has grown over the years and has become one of the most popular fall events in Savannah. At Savannah Craft Brew Fest you get the opportunity to try 130 different kinds of beer, and lots more. Rub elbows with beer enthusiasts from all over the Southeast, and talk to brewers from all over the country. This event takes place August 26 – September 2, 2012.

Get the details on our special events page for Savannah Craft Brew Fest.

 

Labor Day Beach Bash — Tybee Island

Labor Day is traditionally the time of year when we should say goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall. That seems a bit too early for us here on the coast, we still have plenty of beach weather ahead. In any case, if you are determined to spend as much time on the beach as possible this weekend — head to Tybee Island. Tybee is located a short 20 minute drive outside Savannah. It’s actually a pretty cool drive too. You travel across the vast marshland before you reach the island itself. 

The Labor Day Beach Bash takes place on September 3, 2012. You can get more details about the event on our page for Labor Day Beach Bash — Tybee Island, GA.

 

 

 

Kingsland Catfish Festival 

South of Savannah and just north of Jacksonville on the other side of the border is where Kingsland, GA, is located. If you live in Jacksonville, this is a perfect day trip. You can even visit the small historic city of St. Marys first, take a stroll in the park or relax at the waterfront. From St. Marys you can take the boat over to Cumberland Island, but call first, this boat can be booked during big weekends. Kingsland CVB can answer all your questions about the area.

Just call them at 1-800-433-0225 or visit visitkingsland.com

This is the biggest festival in Camden County, attracting about 65,000 people over the weekend. The festival takes place in downtown Kingsland September 3 – 5, 2011, and includes a parade, entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors and much more. The biggest attraction is the fried catfish dinner. Get all the details here.

 

Here is our video from the event.

 

 

Mother’s Day Cocktails

May 7, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

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

 

 

 

St Patrick’s Day Cocktails

February 29, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Get your green on – and put on your party hat. Invite your best friends over and have your own Irish celebration. Everyone is Irish on March 17th!
Guiness and whiskey should be the drinks of choice, but for those who are not big fans of either – here are two ideas. Imbibe ‘till you’re green in the face with these St. Paddy’s Day themed cocktails from Three Olives Vodka and 1800 Tequila.

Lucky-tini

2 oz. Three-O Grape Vodka
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
Splash of Pineapple Juice

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass
Garnish with an orange slice

The Shamrocker

1 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
Splash of Orange Juice

Mix with ice, and garnish with an orange slice

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