Your ultimate guide to the coast
This time of year is the perfect time to visit Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, at least if you enjoy eating good food. The Amelia Island Restaurant Week kicks off on January 22, 2012 and lasts until January 29. This is the perfect time to visit the area to explore restaurants.
Participating restaurants offer a fixed price menu, so for $19 or $29 you get a three course meal.
http://www.ameliaisland.com/plan-your-vacation/memorable-offers/2012-restaurant-week/
Mardi Gras traditionally takes place before the fasting season of Lent, its origins go all the way back to the ancient Rome. Many cities continue the tradition today, for example Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, and maybe the most famous celebration of them all takes place in Rio de Janeiro.
But did you know that here on the coast of Georgia, we actually have two festivals of our own.  St. Marys Mardi Gras Festival has a long tradition, in 2012 it will be;the 18th year for the family friendly Mardi Gras festival. Tybee Island is slightly behind in years anyway – but the Tybee Island Mardi Gras Festival makes up for that with lots of activities, events and participants.Â
Mardi Gras St Marys
The Annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade will showcase festive floats and costumes. This is one of the most popular annual festivals in St Marys. Everyone comes downtown to view the Mardi Gras parade and catch beads.
A 10 a.m. parade will kick off the festival and the parade is followed by an action-packed day of entertainment, arts and crafts, and amusements. This year there is also a Chili Cook Off and a Pet Costume Contest. The, when the sun goes down , adults can continue to the Mardi Gras Ball. Â A new King and Queen are chosen and prizes are awarded for best costumes.Â
Tickets for the ball are available at the St. Marys Welcome Center and Once Upon a Bookseller in Downtown St. Marys. Beads are also available at the bookstore on days leading up to the festival. For more information, call 912-882-7350 or 912-552-0072.
The Mardi Gras Festival includes a parade and live entertainment on Saturday, February 18, 2012.
For more information, please call St Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau at 912.882.4000 or visit www.stmaryswelcome.com
Mardi Gras Tybee
Tybee Island is celebrating Mardi Gras for the second time this year.
Purple, gold and green flags will dress up Tybee Island for the party. Mardi Gras Tybee kicks off with a Masquerade Ball on Friday, February 12th at 8pm, hosted by Fannies on the Beach. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door.
On Saturday February 13th, there will be a Mardi Gras parade at 3pm down Butler Avenue and a street party with music and festivities on Tybrisa Street. Join the fun, listen to authentic Zydeco music featuring Brad Randell and the Zydeco Ballers, All American All Star Dixieland Review and Jeff Beasley Band. The music starts already at noon. Admission to the street party and parade viewing is free.
Read more on our page for Tybee Island Mardi Gras Festival
Tickets for the Fantasy Masquerade Ball can be purchased online at www.mardigrastybee.com
This year it will be the 11th year for the Amelia Island Book Festival – and in 2012 the festival has an impressive line up of guest authors. Best selling author STEVE BERRY  is again participating. He is a big supporter of the Amelia Island Book Festival. Also participating this year is David Morrell. DAVID MORRELL, is also a New York Times best selling author of more than 30 books, the creator of Rambo, and a noted writing teacher and mentor.
The festival has a Writer’s Workshop, a luncheon which this year will feature Paula McLain, known for her best selling novel Paris Wife.
The Reader’s festival on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 9 am – 4.30 pm, is free and open to the public. It’s a great opportunity for those who want to write, or if you just enjoy books and reading. Everyone is invited to come and hang out.
Read more on our special page for the Amelia Island Book Festival.Â
It is safe to say that festival season is in full swing, just look at our list of upcoming events. It won’t be difficult to find something fun to do, but it will be difficult to choose where to go.
With September comes a couple of music festivals, first out the inaugural Blues Festival at the Main Beach in Amelia, there’s another jazz festival in New Smyrna. Jacksonville also has a Beer Cup, while Daytona starts early with Oktoberfest. But there is a lot more happening on the coast. Just take a look at the list below.
September 10, 2o11
This inaugural event on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 8:00 am – 2 pm will feature world-renowned Guru Yogi Amrit Desai and Chandrakant John Heister. The group yoga session overlooking the St. John’s River will be followed by an enlightening speech by Yogi Desai. Funds generated from the event will benefit In the Pink…a boutique for women living with all types of cancer, a local non-profit 501c3 organization. Admission is $10. Call (904) 372-0029
9 -11 Heros Run JacksonvilleSeptember 10, 2011
The 2011 9/11 Heroes Run is bringing communities together throughout the country this September 11th. Our goal is to never forget the sacrifices of all of the Heroes of September 11th – veteran, first responder, and civilian.
September 10, 2011 at 6PM at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall
Race costs: Â 5K: $25/Person –Â 1 Mile Fun Run: $15/PersonÂ
Family Rate: $50.00 (minimum of 3 family members, maximum of 6)
September 10, 2011
Witness the reenactment of the landing of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, along the same shoreline where Spanish colonists came ashore in 1565. Following the reenactment of the Spanish settler’s arrival there will be a presentation about St. Augustine and America’s Spanish history, then a celebration of Mass at the Mission’s outdoor altar. After the Celebration of Mass, there will be informative presentations guest speakers. Following the formal ceremonies, Menendez and his men will lead a procession from the Mission grounds to the historic encampent at the Fountain of Youth Park.
Call 904.824.2809 for more information or visit the website.
September 15, 2011
This is the inaugural Northeast Florida Beer Cup, a new fundraiser featuring the region’s top craft brewers serving a variety of tasty ales, lagers, stouts and more. Plus there will be live music and we’ll be serving eats from favorite area pubs.
The event will be held at the Florida Theatre. The list of participating brewers and restaurants is growing, but here are those confirmed; Intuition Ale Works, Mojo #4, Engine 15, Sweetwater, Bold City, French Fry Heaven, River City Brewing Co., European Street, Hornsby’s Hard Cider, Green Room Brewing.
Event Time: 6:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $35 (Advance); $40 (Day of Event) The event benefits Dreams Come True. More info at 904. 389-3622 . Click here for tickets.
September 16 -17, 2011
The Inaugural Amelia Island Blues Festival includes two days of outstanding music great food, beer, wine and more, taking place at the Main Beach in Fernandina.
The all-star lineup features great blues artists such as Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Albert Castiglia, Karl W. Davis, Sean Carney, Bill Sheffield, The David Gerald Band from Detroit, Michigan, Gainesville’s 6th St. Rhythm & Blues Review and South Florida’s Albert Castiglia.Â
BeerFest – Daytona Beach, FlSeptember 17, 2011
3:00pm-11:00pm, South Beach Street Historic District, Daytona Beach.
Daytona is celebrating Oktoberfest already in September with a craft beer festival with a special Oktoberfest theme. Â The event will showcase craft beers and import beers and is held in the riverfront park across from McK’s Tavern.Â
The Oktoberfest tent are will feature some of the best Oktoberfest style beers not only from Germany but from some of the best American breweries as well. There will be live German music by the world famous Swinging Bavarians and to top of the Oktoberfest theme there is even authentic German Style Food.
September 22 – 24, 2011
Quiltfest 2011 is the largest all-volunteer quilt show in the Southeast featuring over 400 quilts,Raffle Quilts from the 7 Sister Guilds, Quilt Sales, Silent Auction, Kids Corner, Free Demonstrations,Quilt Appraiser and Charity Corner. The event takes place at the Prime Osborne Convention Center. For hours and show information, visit the website.
September 22, 2011
Learn about the stars shining over Jacksonville while enjoying a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. The museum will open at 6 p.m. for guests to explore; a star show will take place in the planetarium at 7 p.m. immediately followed by a live musical performance; and rooftop stargazing and wine tasting will be from 8 to 9 p.m. Music Under the Stars is part of MOSH After Dark and is a collaboration between the MOSH and Friday Musicale.
Call (904)396-MOSH for more information.
Daytona Beach Home, Garden & Boat ShowSeptember 23 – 25, 2011
Daytona knows how to put on a big show, and by combining home, garden and boat into one show, this event promises to be a big deal.  The event will feature HGTV celebrity Brandie Malay, expert contractors willon-hand to answer questions and lead “how to” seminars, and the latest model boats and yachts. www.daytonabeachhomeshow.com. 407.273.7469
September 23 -24, 2011
The festival will feature a wide array of events and activities including workshops, readings, and book signings by popular authors. On Friday, writer’s workshops take place at the Casa Monica Hotel in historic St. Augustine, then the Literary Legends Awards Banquet takes place at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. On Saturday, panel discussions take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College in downtown St. Augustine. Read more about the Florida Heritage Book festival here.
New Smyrna Beach Jazz FestivalSeptember 23 – 25, 2011
If you love the sweet sound of live jazz? Then this festival featuring performances by popular regional artists is for you! www.newsmyrnabeachjazzfestival.com.  Call 386.423.9760.  Â
September 24, 2011
Festival di San Marco is a free fine arts festival that will take place September 24, 2011 in beautiful San Marco, Jacksonville. Come out and enjoy San Marco’s rich heritage, live music, prizes, food, fun and even a kid’s zone for children of all ages. Call  (904) 860-6170 for more information or visit their website for updated info and a video to watch.
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.Â
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.
Savannah Ocean ExchangeThe 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.Â
Taste of SavannahSeptember 9, 2011
This food event takes place at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center from 7 – 10 pm.Â
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, Â Uncle Bubba’s Seafood & Oyster House, and many more. For more details visit the website.
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, GASeptember 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.Â
Free and open to the public. No reservation needed.  912.525.5040
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, GASeptember 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.
September 16 – 18, 2011
“Omotunde†is a Yoruba word which means “The child has returnedâ€. 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.Â
For more information, call 404.348.4040Â
Savannah Jazz FestivalSeptember 18 – 25, 2011
Savannah Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events for the Fall in the city. Â 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.
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
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:
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Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Green Fair in Charleston, SC
