Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to do in Georgia – March 2012

by

Spring is in the air, and festival season is getting into full swing, so this month is packed with happenings and events.

You have to taste the catfish!

Heart & Soul Festival
March 4, 2012
Kingsland, Georgia

The three most popular festivals in Camden County; the Rock Shrimp Festival in St Marys, Catfish Festival in Kingsland and Crawfish Festival in Woodbine are combining forces in a special festival where you get the opportunity to taste food from all the festivals. Taste tickets on sale now at Kingsland Visitor Center. The event takes place 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM lat North Shore’s Shell Cracker Clubhouse and is one of the events where the TV series Lovetown, USA is filming. For more information contact Kingsland CVB at 912-729-5999

Savannah International Boat Show
March 2 – 4, 2012
Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

Set course for the annual Savannah Boat & Outdoor Show. The show attracts thousands of boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive displays of the latest in watercraft lines, marine equipment, accessories and services. Live music, fishing clinics and simulations, kids’ activities and great food make this a family-friendly event.

Peaches to Beaches

Peaches to Beaches Yard Sale
March 9 – 10, 2012
various locations in Georgia & Golden Isles

This popular yard sales takes place along the Golden Isles Parkway, US 341, from Middle Georgia to the beaches in the Golden Isles. It’s a 220 mile long yard sale paradise for those looking for a good deal. 

Jekyll Island Arts & Antique Festival
March 9 – 11, 2012
Jekyll Island Historic District

Jekyll Island is also located in the Golden Isles area, and on the same weekend, there is an Arts & Antique festival in the beautiful historic district on the island. 

st patrick's day savannah georgia
Green for everyone

St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah
March 9 – 17, 2012
various locations

This is one of the biggest and most popular events in Savannah. Actually, the parade is the second largest in the country – so expect a huge crowd. The official start of the celebration is the Greening of Forsyth Park Fountian at noon on March 9, 2012 in Forsyth Park. This event is followed by a family-friendly event to celebrate everything Irish in Emmet Park on March 10, 2012 – Tara Feis Irish Festival. On the same day, there’s also a parade on Tybee Island. But the big event is the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17. Read all about St. Patrick’s Day parade here.

Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
March 22 – 25, 2012

For the past 76 years, Savannah has played host to the Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens, which offers residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to enter some of the City’s finest private homes. Historic Savannah Foundation partners with the Women of Christ Church to host the Tour, giving participants the chance to admire restored interiors and special furnishings that have been treasured by families for generations. In addition to a variety of walking tours, guests will enjoy seminars, special trolley tours, evening events and some of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer. Call 912.234.8054.

Bassekou Kouyate
Savannah Music Festival

Savannah Music Festival
March 22 – April 7, 2012
various locations

The Savannah Music Festival is a city-wide musical arts event showcasing renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music against the backdrop of one of America’s most enchanting historic districts from March 22 to April 7. Described by The Times of London as “one of the best events around the world,” the festival features more than 100 productions over 17 days. Highlights include numerous festival debuts and unique collaborations. In addition to a wealth of varied concert programs, SMF gives attendees a chance to hit the dance floor with Cajun, Salsa and Zydeco dance parties, and also presents an unmatched variety of American acoustic music, blues and jazz. More information at savannahmusicfestival.org

Things to do in Georgia in October

by

When it’s October, fall festival season is in full swing. October  means seafood festivals, lots of football, fall festivals, Oktoberfest and then we top it all off with Halloween.

Pirate Fest, Tybee Island, GA

 

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

September 30 – October 3, 2011
This year the Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Savannah has a wonderful Oktoberfest on Riverstreet. This festival has everything you expect from beer garden, to Oompah band and Wienerdog race. Visit our special events page for Oktoberfest on the River

Tybee Island Pirate Fest -Tybee Island, GA

October 6 – 9, 2011
Quickly change from lederhosen to peg leg and eye patch because as soon as the Oompah band stops playing, the pirates take over the whole island of Tybee. It’s time for the popular Pirate Fest on October 6 – 9, 2011. Check out our special events page for Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

Hand on learning

 

CoastFest 2011 – Brunswick, GA

October 1, 2011

Learn more about the coastal landscape, the marshes, and the life in the ocean in this very special annual festival perfect for families with young children. Touch tank, arts & crafts, living history events and lots of learning for free. Read more here.

 

 

Rock Shrimp Festival – St Marys, GA

October 1, 2011
This annual festival celebrates the Rock shrimp with a big party in downtown St. Marys. Lots of fun for the whole family with parade, 5K run, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and more. The highlight is of course the rock shrimp dinner! Watch our video from the festival here.

 

The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival – Richmond Hill, GA

October 14-16, 2011
There’s another seafood festival in Georgia in October. This time, head to Richmond Hill outside Savannah for lots of fun for the whole family. Find out more here – The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival.

 

Rockin’ Brunswick Stewbilee – Brunswick, GA

Shalom Y'All Jewish Food Festival

 October 22, 2011

There are so many fun food festivals on the Georgia coast in the month of October. This is one of our favorites – the Brunswick Stewbilee. This event is complete with Pooch Parade, arts & crafts and of course a Brunswick Stew competition. You can find out more about the event here.

Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah, GA

October 30, 2011
There is another food festival in Georgia this month. This festival takes place in Forsyth Park. Come explore Jewish food. Find out more on our special page for Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah

 

Savannah Film Festival

October 29 – November 5, 2011
This festival is getting bigger and bigger every year. The festival kicks off at the end of October, check out our special events page for Savannah Film Festival.

 

Wait… There is more to read…

Datil Pepper Festival

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

Concourse d’Elegance – Hilton Head Island, SC

Things To Do in Georgia — September

by

It is definitely the start of the action-packed fall festival season, and when you see the list of some of the upcoming events below, you will know why I call it that. 

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially here on the coast and it’s definitely a busy time of year for us. It’s hard to choose where to go and what to do, there is simply to much going on at the same time. The best way to handle it is to get the calendar out and making plans early. Just take a look at these events.

 

day at the beachSavannah Ocean Exchange

The month of September, 2011

Through four Public Exchanges – Culture & Cuisine, Events & Excursions, Presentations & Performances and Vessels & Viewings – participants can see, hear, taste, smell and touch to explore the wonders of our coast and ocean.  Each Exchange hosts specific venues throughout the month of September at different locations in and around Savannah and on Tybee Island. Most are free and open to the public. Events vary from boat building, to learning about the Right Whale, Cockspur Lighthouse dedication, boat parade, performance by McIntosh Shouters and much more.  Please visit the Savannah Ocean Exchange website for details. 

 

Taste of Savannah

September 9, 2011

This food event takes place at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center from 7 – 10 pm. 

General Admission Tickets $60 per person, $85 for VIP.

700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Aqua Star at the Westin Savannah Harbor, Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks, DeSoto Grill at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, Garibaldi , Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Olde Pink House,  Uncle Bubba’s Seafood & Oyster House, and many more. For more details visit the website.

 

Fiesta Latina – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

This annual festival takes place every year at Rousakis Plaza, River Street. Performances will showcase a variety of Latino cultures through folkloric song and dance, as well as music ranging from salsa to reggaeton. This is a free festival. Read more about the festival here.

 

Lucas Theatre Open House – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

Learn more about the historic theatre with self-guided tours and archival posters and documents, as well as what is in store for the coming season. Try our 90th Anniversary ice cream flavor from Leopold’s, snack on some popcorn, or just enjoy the air-conditioning. From Noon until 4:30 p.m., the main level will be open to explore.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., you can also watch the Savannah Philharmonic as they rehearse for their Patriot’s Day concert. Until 7:30 p.m., this open rehearsal will be viewable from the balcony seating. 

Free and open to the public. No reservation needed.  912.525.5040

 

9th Annual Food & Wine Festival

September 10, 2011

Taste food from 12 restaurants/food tables (including Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, Vic’s on the River, Garibaldi’s, Olympia Cafe, Driftaway Cafe, Edible Arrangements, Taste of India, Toucan Cafe, Crystal Beer Parlor, 45 Bistro, River House Seafood, Papa’s Barbeque and Seafood) and over 50 wines for one incredibly low price.

Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. The Food & Wine Festival will be held at the Hellenic Center of the St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 14 W. Anderson St., on Saturday, September 10 (no one under 21 admitted.)

 

Shrimp n’ Grits Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

September 16 – 18, 2011

This food festival in the historic district of Jekyll Island, is one of the most popular festivals in Coastal Georgia every year. Chefs compete in making the best shrimp n’ grits. There is also lots of arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment and more.  You can watch our video and get more details on the special events page for Shrimp n’ Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, GA.

 

Omotunde Festival – Savannah

September 16 – 18, 2011

“Omotunde” is a Yoruba word which means “The child has returned”. This name is an appeal to a common African heritage which was born in Africa and transplanted in America during the tragedy of African enslavement. The Omotunde Festival is a recurring celebration that calls forth a cultural renaissance among African descendents in America in order to do their part to meet the challenges of the hanging world. The festival takes place at River Street & Savannah State University. 

For more information, call 404.348.4040 

 

Savannah Jazz Festival

September 18 – 25, 2011

Savannah Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events for the Fall in the city.  All concerts are free and open to the public. Watch a video from the festival and check out this year’s line up on our special events page for Savannah Jazz Festival.

 

Jazz in the Park — St Simons Island, GA

September 25, 2011

This is the last performance for the season at the St. Simon Light House where Julie White and the Bohemian Dream Band will be performing. The concert will remind you of a hip 1930s Parisian night club. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic, and your favorite beverage. All concerts are from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Call 912-262-6934 to purchase.
St. Simons Lighthouse, 12th St. at Beachview, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Ph: (912) 262 – 6934 or visit www.goldenislesarts.org

 

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

September 30 – October 2, 2011

With the month of October comes Oktober Fest in Savannah. This fun event on Riverstreet includes all the October “musts” – wienerdog race, oompah bands, bratwurst and sauerkraut. So don your lederhosen and get ready for a good time. Watch our video from the wienerdog race here.

Other stories to read:
title=”talk like a pirate day” target=”_blank”>Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Green Fair in Charleston, SC

Things to Do in Georgia – August 2011

by

August is the month when kids go back to school and life returns to normal for many parents. But here on the coast Summer is far from over. Actually August is usually one of our hottest months, so there is no surprise that the month offers both cool jazz and and a beach music festival.

Savannah is a special place in the summer with its beautiful squares and gorgeous architecture. In the summer, downtown is usually filled with people from all corners of the world and the city takes on an international atmosphere.  

It’s always a pleasure to visit the riverfront in downtown Savannah, especially in the summer.  Lot’s of people, and lots of fun.  

SAVANNAH

2009 Heirloom Tomatoes

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!
August 2, 2011
Restaurant Cha-Bella is inviting all tomato-lovers to the 2nd Annual Heirloom Tomato Festival – a special evening of heirloom tomato celebration. This event offers 14 different kinds of organic heirloom tomatoes. A four course killer tomato meal is available for $29.  Email farmboxharvest@cha-bella.c​om to reserve your seat – space is limited and will fill up fast. Call 912.790.7888 for more information.

 

First Friday Oyster Roast & Fireworks
August 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm 

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaThe Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, libations and hot fresh grill items & oysters for the first Friday every month. Call 912.201.2000 for more information or visit www.westinsavannah.com

Cigar Box Guitar Concert
August 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Come to a free concert with local blues/slide guitarists Eric Culberson, Georgia Kyle and Roy Swindell at The Ships of the Sea Museum Garden. The musicians will play Museum-model cigar box guitars in advance of the cigar box guitar making workshop on August 20. Video appearances by Richard Leo Johnson and Scott Ainslie. Refreshments available. More information at www.shipsofthesea.org or call 912.232.1511

 

Jazz it Up on the River
August 13, 2011 at 5 pm. 
Jazz – Just Across The River presents, Barbara Rosene In Johnny Mercer Tribute at the Westin Savannah Harbor. 
Barbara Rosene, who is the vocalist with the Harry James Orchestra will perform a tribute to the master of lyric, Johnny Mercer. Recently Ms. Rosene has been touring with The Harry James Big Band led by Fred Radke. They have been visiting cities all over America and Canada including performances at The Montreal Jazz Festival. 

The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. For more info call: 912.920.1317

 

Low Country Boil at the Fort
August 27, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm.

This annual event is the only fundraiser for this National Historic Landmark and Georgia’s oldest brick fortification – Old Fort Jackson in Savannah. The event includes a silent auction, live music, a low country boil, and programming for kids and adults. Admission is free. Call 912.232.3945 for more information.

 

Something Old, Something New…
August 28, 2011 from noon  – 4 pm. 
Planning a wedding soon? This event will feature service providers for limousine, photography, music, flowers and rental furniture and equipment. See the very latest in fashions and wedding attire in the fashion show and experience culinary delights created by the Richmond Hill City Center team. The event takes place in Richmond Hill at the Richmond Hill City Center. Call 912.445.0043 for more information. Tickets $5.00 at the door.

ST SIMONS ISLAND

St. Simons is also busy in the summer.  In the evenings, lots of people walk down to the pier to watch the sunset or the fishermen.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

Jazz in the Park
August 28, 2011 

The Jazz in the park series at the lawn of St. Simons Lighthouse has become a favorite summer event in the Golden Isles area. This month the concert takes place on Sunday, August 28 when  Just Jazz Quintet is performing. Read more about the event on our page for Jazz in the Park

JEKYLL ISLAND

Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island, GA
August 12 – 13, 2011  

To me nothing says summer more than beach music.   The Jekyll Island Beach Music festival is held in Great Dunes Park which is the new park that was built on Jekyll Island. Everyone’s favorite beach music band “The Swingin’ Medallions” is performing again this year.  

Check out our video from the event on the special page for Beach Music Festival on Jekyll Island.


 

Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

by

Fourth of July Weekend in Coastal Georgia 2011

There are lots of fun things to do in coastal Georgia for the Fourth of July weekend. Many cities start their celebration of Independence Day already on Saturday July 2  this year.  So if you really enjoy fireworks, you  can actually enjoy several fireworks and celebrations and make the weekend an extraordinary birthday bash for our country.

 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Savannah celebrates Fourth of July in style. The Great American Weekend takes place on River Street July 2 – 4, 2011, with lots of fun things for the whole family. On Monday July 4th, there is of course fireworks over the river as usual.

In the Savannah area you can watch fireworks twice. Start already on Sunday July 3rd, with Tybee Island Fireworks at dusk. Just be prepared to come early and stay late.

Read more about Savannah & Tybee Island’s  Fourth of July Events here.

 

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

"state of georgia flag"St. Simons Island has a great Arts & Crafts Festival every Fourth of July called the Sunshine Festival.  The festival takes place July 2 – 4, 2011.  As usual, there is also Fourth of July fireworks over the water. The fireworks  on St. Simons Island are scheduled for 9 pm on July 4, 2011.

 


BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA

In downtown Brunswick, Georgia, head to Mary Ross Park for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with music, food and fun for the whole family.

 

DARIEN, GEORGIA

The concert Red, White and Blue on the Bluff takes place on Saturday July 2, 2011 at the waterfront park. The concert is followed by fireworks.  Another great family event in Darien is the Cannons Across the Marsh at Fort King George.

Read more about Fourth of July events in St Simons, Brunswick and Darien here.

 

ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

In St. Marys, Georgia, Fourth of July this year is celebrated on Monday July4, 2011, with a customary 4th of July Festival followed by fireworks.

Read all about the St. Marys Fourth of July here.