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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

National Get Outdoors Day – Free Admission

June 4, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

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

June 3, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

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 Jacksonville May

April 26, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

May is the best month of the year, at least when it comes to festivals and events. The kids will soon be out of school, many students are doing finals and for most of us, May tends to be a really busy month.  The weather is right now nice and warm, many of us love to head to the beach on the weekend. But if the beach is not what you are looking for, there is a whole bunch of events going on in Jacksonville this month. Here are a few suggestions.

 

Visiting French Navy Schooners during French Week
April 30 – May 2
Jacksonville is celebrating 450 years of Ribauld and the French influence on the city this month with a special French week. There are lot of history and learning type events and happenings, performance of Les Miserables, special french menus and much more. But what my eye was the two French schooners that are scheduled to visit downtown Jacksonville during the French Week celebration. You can board the ship for a tour, and it is free. Now that sounds like fun to me.  Read more about French week here.

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville
May 2, 2012
The theme for the month of May is Conservation, Fashion, Art on Wednesday, May 2 nd, 2012. You can download the art walk map right here, or pick up your copy in Hemming Plaza. Check out dates and themes for future art walk events right here on our special First Wednesday Art Walk page.

World of Nations Celebration
May 3 – 5, 2012
Take a trip around the world without leaving the city. Head to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure without having to pack suitcases, get plane tickets or worry about getting a passport. See the world right here on the First Coast. Read more about this event at our page for World of Nations in Jacksonville.

Movies in the Park
May 4, 2012
In the warmer months you can get your gang ready and head out to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars in the park. This year the outdoor film screening takes place on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn on Downtown’s Southbank.. On May 4 Th. you can watch Jurassic Park.

First Friday Art Walk in St.Augustine
May 4, 2012
This monthly event is one of the most popular in St. Augustine.  Check out the many galleries in the downtown area for the latest. You can read more about this recurring event on our special page for First Friday Art Walk.

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
May 4 – 5, 2012
This festival celebrates folk music with lots of music. On Friday at St. Augustine Marina, and then all day at St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – Amelia Island
May 4 – 6, 2012
This is without doubt the biggest event of the year for Fernandina Beach, Fl. The festival kicks off already on Thursday with a parade complete with pirates and cannons. Then on Friday night it’s time for the pirate invasion, followed by the big festival itself on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday there’s also a blessing of the fleet. You can read more about Amelia Island – Fernandina Shrimp Festival here.

World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Monday, May 7, 2012
The world will be watching as Phil Mickelson, Hollis Stacy, Dan Jenkins, Peter Alliss and Sandy Lyle are honored in an evening ceremony at the World Golf Hall of Fame.Call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.

THE PLAYERS Championship
May 10-13, 20112
It’s one of golf’s biggest events and it’s played annually on the coastline of Northeast Florida at the famed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The lush, green rolling hills and steep inclines offer spectacular views of each hole.

Pops at the Beach 
May 13, 2012
As usual, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to a concert on Mother’s Day at Jax Beach Seawalk Pavilion from 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm.  Goliath Flores performs at 6:00 p.m. Featuring the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, then at 7:30 p.m. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Jacksonville Beach Hotline:  904.247.6100 x3 

Wild Amelia Festival
May 18 – 20, 2012
Wild Amelia Nature Festival is a three day long festival celebrating the bioregion around Amelia Island. This nature festival includes a variety of nature tours led by naturalists and Park Rangers, as well as nature photography workshops by local professionals.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 24 – 27, 2012
The Jazz Festival in Jacksonville is acolorful, vibrant street festival. The popular music festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend – May 24 – 27, 2012. Besides music, you can enjoy the Heart Art Show & Sale, Wine Down Brew Town Tasting Experience, jazz exhibits, children’s educational activities and much more. More than 150,000 fans converged on downtown Jacksonville during the 2010 festival.

Moonlight Movies
May 25, 2012
Come to Seawalk Pavilion to enjoy the first movie in the moonlight series for the Summer. First movie out, everybody’s favorite: Men in Black. This is a free screening. 

Uptown Saturday Night – St. Augustine
May 26, 2012
During this monthly event, shops, antique stores and art galleries stay open late in the San Marco district. There’s live music, sometimes readings or book signings and you can rub elbows with artist and art lovers alike. Many places serve refreshment and there is a festival-like atmosphere in the area.

World Class Soccer in Jacksonville
May 26, 2012
This match U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Scotland is what’s called an “international friendly” but don’t let that fool you. This is an anticipated world-class soccer event on Everbank Field, right here in Jacksonville.

Fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida – April 2012

April 2, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.


Jacksonville Beer Week
April 2 – 7, 2012 
Lots of different events around town from smaller tastings to a pub crawl on April 6th. The week culminates with a grand tasting on Saturday, April 7th.
Read all about beer week here. 

MOSH Planetarium Jacksonville FloridaCosmic Concerts
April 6, 13, 20, 27
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online at www.moshplanetarium.org or at the door.

  • April 6: Pink Floyd: The Wall at 7 p.m., Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Best of the Wall at 10 p.m.
  • April 13: Laser Beatles at 7 p.m., Laser U2 at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Jimmy Buffett: Parrot Head Party at 10 p.m.
  • April 20: Laser Magic at 7 p.m., Laseropolis at 8 p.m., Laser Hypnotica at 9 p.m., and Laser X at 10 p.m.
  • April 27: Lasermania at 7 p.m., Laser Retro at 8 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 9 p.m., and Laser Led Zeppelin at 10 p.m.

First Wednesday Art Walk
April 4, 2012
Downtown Jacksonville turns into an art adventure every first Wednesday of the month. The event is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more. It’s a downtown happening you have to try at least once. Read more about the event here.

Spoken Word – The Ritz
April 5, 2012
Visit the Ritz for a Spoken Word event on Thursday, April 5. Call 904.632.55555 for more information. 

Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 7 – 8, 2012
Every Easter holiday art is celebrated at this two-day event in Mandarin. More than 100 artists are expected to participate this year. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There’s also a Kids Art Show and an egg hunt for the younger ones. You can read more about the Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt here.

Riverside Arts Market
Saturdays in  April 7, 14, 21, 28 2012
This market under the Fuller Warren Bridge is full of hand made items, arts and crafts, as well as produce, plants and vegetables. Great place for people watching! 

5th Annual Sunrise on St. Johns
April 8, 2012
A variety of churches and faith-based organizations come together to host the 5th annual Easter sunrise service, open to the public at The Jacksonville Landing. More information available at www.jacksonvillelanding.com 

Movies in the Park
April 13, 20 and 27
Movies in the Park on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn is a free, four-week-long movie series. The series is held each spring on Downtown’s Southbank, screening family-friendly movies under the stars beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring family and friends, blankets to sit on or lawn chairs and a picnic. Music and kids lawn games will keep moviegoers busy before each show.

  • April 13 – Despicable Me, rated PG
  • April 20 - The Muppet Movie, rated G
  • April 27 - Grease, rated PG 

 

Jacksonville Sharks vs. Utah Blaze

April 12, 2012

The Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team take on Utah Blaze at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.  

Jacksonville Superfest
April 13-15, 2012
 This festival is super BIG. Three stages, three days and over 70 acts. The organizers are expecting over 10,000 music fans of all ages, races, nationalities and abilities to come together during this event. All styles are represented here; from bluegrass, to R&B, dance, pop, rock, metal, gospel, country and more. Check out jacksonvillesuperfest.com for ticket information.

George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 13-15, 2012
This popular three-day oceanfront music festival is free and features a number of renowned blues performers, held every spring in Jacksonville Beach. Click here for more information about Springing the Blues.

Van Halen – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
April 16, 2012
Legendary performer Van Halen is coming to Jacksonville to play at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Also, Kool and the Gang.

Burn the Floor – Times-Union Center, Jacksonville
April 17, 2012
If you love ballroom dancing and TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance?” – then this performance is for you. See the magnificent Paso Double, the Jive, Tango, Mamba and more performed by a company of 20 dancers. 

Southeast US Boat Show
April 20 – 22, 2012
The 16th Annual Southeast US Boat Show, formally known as the Jacksonville spring boat show, will take place  at the Metropolitan Park and Marina.  The 3 day event includes live seminars, live music and the world’s most enthusiastic boaters.

22nd Annual Earth Day & Ecology Fair
April 21, 2012

Come to the Jacksonville Landing to celebrate Earth Day and learn about how you can help save the planet. more than 80 booths of educational and interactive displays, arts and crafts and activities for the entire family.  Live entertainment takes place throughout the day on the main stage and the children’s stage. 


MOSH After Dark: The City Dark

April 26, 2012
 Stimulate your mind with an evening of “Thought Theater.” MOSH After Dark in April will showcase a thought-provoking documentary (starts at 6 p.m.). The City Dark tells the definitive story of light pollution and the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for members. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 226 to register or register online. The City Dark is part of MOSH After Dark, a fun series of adult programs presented each month.

Cirque de la Symphonie
April 26, 2012

Special performance with Jacksonville Symphony featuring aerial artist Alexander Stretslov and a cast of cirque-nouveau performers. Cirque de la Symphonie returns with an all-new show that combines the best in symphonic music with the magic of aerial and acrobatic artistry. Some of the most accomplished Cirque performers from across the globe, including acrobats, dancers, contortionists and stongment, enter the concert hall for an unforgettable night.

Butterfly Festival – Treehill Nature Center
April 28, 2012
The annual Butterfly Festival takes place at Treehill Nature Center in Arlington. This festival includes a live butterfly release and lots of fun for kids from kid’s activities, animal demonstrations, arts and crafts activities and much more. 

International Astronomy Day
April 28, 2012
The international Astronomy Day is celebrated in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a variety of family-friendly activities in salute of International Astronomy Day. The day’s programming will also include a showing of the documentary, The City Dark, which tells the definitive story of light pollution, the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof.

day at the beachOpening of the Beaches & Parade 
April 28-29 
The beaches officially welcome visitors as temperatures become warmer and families head for a day in the sun. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend with prizes in several categories on Saturday. Then on Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach at 2 pm – and Summer is officially here!

Korn – Metropolitan Park
April 29, 2012
Korn comes to Jacksonville and performs at Metropolitan Park.  

Things to do in Georgia in October

September 23, 2011 by Susanne Talentino

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

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