Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

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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.

 

Father’s Day in Savannah, GA

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If you haven’t made plans for Father’s Day yet – don’t worry. Here are a few ideas for what you can do if you are in Savannah for the big day from fun things for the  outdoors type, the history buff, or gourmet.

 

Have a Blast with Dad!

Most boys, young and old, loves anything that goes “boom”.  So why not take Dad to a good  old cannon firing? This time of year there are cannon firings at Old Fort Jackson! For history buffs, a visit to the National Historic Landmark Old Fort Jackson is a special treat – especially when the visit includes cannon firings. The cannon firings take place at 10am and 2pm all throughout the spring and summer.

For more information, contact us at 912.232.3945 or visit www.chsgeorgia.org for more.

 

The Big Engine

Blasting cannons might not interest your Dad, but how about another type of noisy machinery – a diesel train ride. Sunday rides take place at 1pm and 2 pm, but please check the schedule since it’s subject to change. A visit to the GA State Railroad Museum includes a tour of the passenger car and the depot and you will learn all about the railroad. General admission is $10. The museum is open on Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm.

Roundhouse Railroad Museum, 601 W. Harris St. Savannah, GA 31401
912.651.6823

 

For the Country Cowboy

Is Dad a big fan of good old country music? The Country Star Revue at Savannah Theatre is going to be the perfect choice for your music lover.  The performance is a two hour long tribute to the wonderful music of the great country stars of the past 50 years. You will hear music from Patsy Cline to Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash to The Rascal Flatts performed to a live country band by seven talented vocalists. The Country Star Revue takes place on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm.

Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St., Savannah 912.233.7764

 

Jazz It Up


If your dad enjoys jazz, this is a great idea for a fun event to attend..

Jazz – Just Across The River presents the Annual Fathers’ day Concert, featuring a concert with guitarist Howard Paul and organist Scott Giddens. The concert takes place on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at  5 pm at the Westin Harbor Resort on Hutchinson Island.

The concert is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for non-members. Attendees who join CJA while at the concert will also be admitted for free.

For more info call: 912.920.1317 or go to www.coastal-jazz.org

 

Tybee Turtle Walks

On Sundays you can visit Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn more about the amazing loggerhead sea turtles who visit our beaches to nest every year. The program takes 90 minutes and includes a walk on the beach.  The fee is $10. Call 866.557.9172 for more information.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 1510 Strand Avenue, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328

 

I Scream, You Scream…


The heat and the humidity, and lately the smoke from the fires, can wear anyone out. A good way to relax and cool off is with a trip to Leopolds Icecream Parlor.  What Dad turn down a delicious cool treat?

Leopold’s has been around forever, and there is a special flavor for everyone. The pink grapefruit sherbert is so refreshing, especially in the summer.  But I know from experience suggesting something “fruity” and “pink” would meet with what we in the family refer to as “the look” from my Dad. He would have opted for the more appropriate “real man” flavor of Peanut Butter Chippy or Rum Bisque.

Leopold’s Ice Cream, 212 E. Broughton St., Savannah
912.234.4442 or visit Leopolds Icecream


Other stories to read:

Fourth of July in Savannah

Festivals & Events in Savannah, GA

The History of Fort Pulaski

Savannah Westin Hotel, Georgia

Father’s Day in Jacksonville, Florida

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THINGS TO DO FOR FATHER’S DAY IN THE JACKSONVILLE

This weekend it’s Father’s Day.  For Mother’s Day many of us like to take our parent out for breakfast, lunch or dinner – and fathers will enjoy a nice meal to.

I have found a few interesting things you can do in the Jacksonville area with your Dad.

 

Father’s Day at the Jacksonville Zoo

On Sunday June 19th, 2011, the Zoo has a special “Buy One – Get One Free”, so for Dads who want to take a child to the Zoo, or vice versa – Father’s Day could be the day to visit the zoo.  Please note, for the special price on admission you need to print out the coupon from their website. Click here to get to the coupon now!

 

For the Ice Prince and Princess
Looking for something fun and unusual to do with Dad? How about a spin on the ice, it’s the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat.  Jacksonville Ice & Sportplex has a matinee session from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sunday June 20, 2011. The cost is $9.00 which includes skate rental. Located off of I-95 at the Emerson (#347) exit!

Sunday, June 20, 2011 Event Time: 11 am – 1 pm 
Click here for more information!

 


World Golf Hall of Fame on Father’s Day

If you’re Dad is a golf enthusiast, why not take a road trip to the World Golf of Village for Father’s Day.

The World Golf Hall of Fame will offer complimentary admission to everyone who visits the museum on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2011,  from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate the final round of the U.S. Open, the museum will be featuring its U.S. Open memorabilia with self-guided tours and storytellers in the building.

The first 500 fathers will receive a goodie bag and enjoy free admission at the Hall’s 18-hole, natural-grass putting course and half price admission to the IMAX Theater. Contests will also be conducted throughout the day on the Hall of Fame’s Challenge Hole, indoor golf simulator and indoor putting green.

The World Golf Hall of Fame offers free admission for everyone for its annual Community Day which takes place on June 20th.

World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village I-95, Exit 323, St. Augustine, Fla.

For more information, call 904-940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org .





Armed Forces Day at Jacksonville Landing

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Armed Forces Day Concert at the Jacksonville Landing

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, Armed Forces Day is celebrated with a special joint concert with First Coast Wind Ensemble and Navy Band South East. The concert takes place  at 4:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Landing.

The Navy Band Southeast is led by Musician First Class Jose Acosta USN. The performance includes military and patriotic music and video presentations that pay tribute to the brave men and women who serve our country in all our uniformed services.

First Coast Wind Ensemble
First Coast Wind Ensemble

First Coast Wind Ensemble and Navy Band Southeast
Captain Jeffrey Maclay USN, Commanding Officer, NAS Jacksonville
Saturday, May 21 @ 4:00 p.m.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Captain Jeffrey Maclay USN, Commanding Officer of NAS Jacksonville. The concert will include the Presentation of Colors by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Honor Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by vocalist Laurie Orth.

The program will feature vignettes by the Jacksonville Historical Society’s Executive Director Emily Lisska, who will highlight the role of Jacksonville’s service personnel during the different phases of World War II. The Landing’s jumbo tron will bring photos from the war period, most never publicly shown before.

The 60-member First Coast Wind Ensemble is an organization of community musicians led by principal conductor Artie Clifton and associate conductor Don Reynolds. The organization is celebrating its 21st season of concerts offered as a cultural service to the greater Jacksonville area.

Beach Safety Week in Charleston

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National Beach Safety Week in Charleston, South Carolina, takes place May 23-30, 2011

Every year the United States Lifesaving Association sponsors National Beach Safety Week in an effort to remind beachgoers to use caution in the aquatic environment. The objective of National Beach Safety Week is to make citizens aware of the need to be safe while in and near the water.

This objective stresses the following:

· Learn to swim

· Swim near a lifeguard

· Swim with a buddy

· Check with the lifeguards

· Use sunscreen and drink water

· Obey posted signs and flags

· Keep the beach and water clean

· Learn Rip Current safety

· Enter water feet first

· Lifeguards are your friends

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission provides lifeguards at the three county beach parks and at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier in an effort to reduce the number of beach accidents. The agency employs around 50 lifeguards to keep the county beach parks at Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Kiawah Beachwalker safe. Nevertheless, an informed public is essential to maintaining adequate levels of beach and water safety. In conjunction with National Beach Safety Week, the following beach safe demonstrations will be held on Saturday, May 28. Beach-goers and the general public are encouraged to attend and watch these demonstrations. ISLE OF PALMS COUNTY PARK – May 28, 2011 Visit our info table on the dune crossover for beach safety tips. All activities will begin at Stand 11. Beach safety demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. SCHEDULE: 11:30 a.m. – Swim Rescue Scenario 1:30 p.m. – Marine Life Information 3:30 p.m. – Board Rescue Scenario KIAWAH BEACHWALKER PARK – May 28, 2011 Visit our info area on the beach for beach safety tips. All activities will begin at Stand 42. Beach safety demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. SCHEDULE: 11:30 a.m. – Swim Rescue Scenario 1:30 p.m. – Marine Life Information 3:30 p.m. – Board Rescue Scenario FOLLY BEACH COUNTY PARK – May 28, 2011 Visit our info table in front of the Dunes House for beach safety tips. All activities will begin at Stand 32. Beach safety demonstrations will be performed throughout the day. SCHEDULE: 11:30 a.m. – Rescue Scenario 1:30 p.m. – Marine Life Information 3:30 p.m. – Board Rescue Scenario For more information contact Cole Thomas at (843) 886-3863 or cthomas@ccprc.com.

For more about Charleston:

For a list of annual events and festivals in Charleston, SC, click here!

Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival

Charleston CariFest

Spoleto Festival