Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Holiday Events on Amelia Island

by

Celebrate the holiday season on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, Florida. Besides taking relaxing strolls on the beach, visit the quaint little historic town Fernandina Beach. There are lots of events happening in December, here are just a few.

December 6-7, 13-14, & 20-21, 2008
Story Book Tea Party
Throughout the month of December, jolly old St. Nick will be dropping in at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for Santa’s Story Book Tea Party. The parties will provide sandwiches, sweets, tea and party favors for each child, along with a holiday story book performance. Admission is $39 for ages 3 and up. Reservations are required. For event reservations and information, call (904) 277-1028.

December 12, 2008
Holiday Champagne Dinner at Salt
At 6 p.m. on Friday, December 12, join Chef de Cuisine Richard Gras for a signature wine dinner at Salt, the island’s only AAA five diamond restaurant. A truly fantastic and fascinating dining experience, the dinner will feature wine experts who will discuss each wine’s unique characteristics and to answer questions. Served with a seven-course tasting menu designed to complement the featured vintage, the dinners are as entertaining as they are exquisite. The featured winery for the dinner is Veuve Clicquot. Tickets are $135 per person and reservations are required, as space is limited. To make a reservation, call (904) 491-6746.

December 13
Fernandina Beach Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
The 1st Annual Fernandina Beach Lighted Christmas Boat Parade will be held on Saturday evening, December 13, 2008 at the Water Front Marina at the foot of Centre and Ash Streets in downtown Fernandina Beach. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., spectators are invited to bring their chairs to view the lighted parade from along the beautiful waterfront walkway. All boats will be decorated with lights in a Christmas/Holiday theme. Applications will be available online at www.downtownfernandina.com after October 1, 2008. The 1st Annual Fernandina Beach Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is hosted by the Historic Fernandina Business Association. For more information, contact Sandy Price, event coordinator, at 904-206-0756 or by email at slprice@bellsouth.net.

December 31, 2008
New Years Eve party at the Falcon’s Nest
Toast the New Year at Falcon’s Nest at Amelia Island Plantation. The evening includes dancing to a live DJ starting at 10 p.m., party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. It’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year, island-style. Space is limited to the first 150 people, and a cover charge will be required. Those looking to start the celebration earlier can enjoy a prime rib dinner from 5-10 p.m. for $19.95 per adult. Call (904) 491-4242 for more information.

Church Tour in Jacksonville, Florida

by

Take a tour of seven Downtown historic churches, all built prior to 1925 on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 1-5 p.m in Jacksonville, Florida. Tickets can be bought at the Main Library, where the tour starts. Each church will have a guide available who will tell you about the architectural and historical significance of the church. Tour participants can walk the tour, and trolley service is also provided along the route.

The following seven churches are participating:

First Baptist Church
First Presbyterian Church
First United Methodist Church
Historic Mt. Zion AME Church
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral
St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church

Tour begins and ends at the Main Library. Tickets are $5 per person (children 12 and under admitted free) and will go on sale in November. Twenty percent of all ticket sales will benefit the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition.

Parking:
•Street parking is free
•Free parking is available at First Baptist’s #1 garage on Laura Street between Church and Ashley Streets.

For more information: Contact Michelle Brooks at 904-451-3344 or visit www.downtownjacksonville.org

The 500th Anniversary of Palladio’s Birth – Charleston, SC

by

If you have an interest in architecture and history, this is a perfect event for you. This is a special two-day event celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio whose work influenced the design of Charleston’s Drayton Hall.

It all begins on Thursday, November 6th, at the American Theater in downtown Charleston with a lecture by preservation architect and Palladio scholar Alexandra di Valmarana. A light reception will follow.

Thursday’s event is free, but reservations are required. Then on Friday, learn more about the Palladian connection through a special exhibit of never-before-seen Drayton-family architectural drawings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Director of Preservation Matt Webster will lead guests through this exhibit and draw comparisons between architectural pattern books, including Palladio’s Four Books of Architecture, Drayton Hall’s architecture, and the family’s own architectural drawings. The exhibit will be followed by cocktails on the portico and a plantation luncheon under the tent.

Tickets to Friday’s event are $75 each. Proceeds will go directly toward preservation of Drayton Hall’s main house. For more information, please call Courtney Bates at 843-769-2612 or email her at courtney_bates@draytonhall.org

11/06/2008 – 11/07/2008
843-769-2612
www.draytonhall.org

Hemming Plaza Market – Jacksonville, Florida

by

The market on Hemming Plaza is open every Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Here you can find delicious baked goods, fresh-cut flowers and jewelry. Pick up fresh produce at the fruit and vegetable stand and listen to live music.

Events in November – Amelia Island, Florida

by

Upcoming events on Amelia Island include:


November 20, 2008
2008 Beaujolais Nouveau
On November 20, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will celebrate the arrival of the 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau with a lavish fete in the Ritz-Carlton ballroom. An annual tradition since 1991, the event has featured the arrival of the world-famous wine by parachute, pirate ship, and Mercedes. More than 500 guests will enjoy the elegant affair, featuring art, wine and abundant hors d’oeuvres in a traditional French bistro setting. For ticket information for this extravagant event, please call (904) 277-1028.

November 22, 2008
Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association Holiday Cookie Tour
Looking for a new cookie recipe? Let Fernandina’s “pro” bakers share a recipe and a taste of their signature baked goods during the annual Holiday Cookie Tour. Enjoy a holiday treat and a walk through the common area of seven of Amelia’s beautiful inn’s, all decked out in holiday attire covering Thanksgiving through Christmas. Held from 1 – 5 p.m., the tour will include admission to the Addison on Amelia, Amelia Island Williams House, Ash Street Inn, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn, and Hoyt House. Tickets are $20 each and are available at any of the seven inns, the Visitor’s Depot on Centre Street, and the Chamber of Commerce Gateway Office. For more information, visit www.ameliaislandinns.com.

November 26, 2008
christmasAnnual Christmas Tree Lighting and Character Dinner
At 5:30 p.m., the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will hold their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with refreshments, music and, of course, a visit from Santa. The celebration will be followed by a Holiday Character Dinner at 6:30 p.m., where the family can dine with Santa, elves, reindeer and other holiday characters. Admission to the Character dinner is $49 for adults and $25 for children 3-12. The tree lighting is free and open to the public. For event reservations and information, please call (904) 277-1028.

November 28, 2008
Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest
Snuggling into the holiday shopping season in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, the Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest on Centre Street will begin at 8 a.m. Held the Friday after Thanksgiving, shoppers can enjoy free contest registration until 11 a.m., giving them plenty of time to slip into their footed pajamas, bunny slippers, and other assorted sleepwear. Pajama clad shoppers enjoy special deals and discounts, along with fresh juice, coffee and pastries to fuel their shopping spirit. Shoppers entering the contest are eligible for “Best Dressed Individual Shopper in Pajamas” and “Best Dressed Shopping Group in Pajamas.” For more information, contact Sandy Price at (904) 261-9504.

November 28, 2008
Annual Holiday Light Celebration
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Amelia Island Plantation will light up the holiday season with thousands of twinkling white lights. From 6 to 9 p.m., visit The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation for an enjoyable evening of live entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, and horse and carriage rides. And don’t forget to get your picture with Santa. For more information, go to www.aipfl.com/Calendar_of_Events_Shops.htm, or contact The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation at (904) 432-2202.

November 29
Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
christmasThe City of Fernandina Beach and Historic Fernandina Business Association will host the official City of Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Held in front of the old train depot at the foot of Centre Street, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive early, at 3 p.m., to meet and be available to take pictures with the kids of the community. Music by area choirs and bands will also take place in the downtown business district from 3 to 6 p.m. at various locations. Santa will return each Saturday in December, allowing parents a picture perfect opportunity. For more information, contact Melba Whitaker at 904-261-3635 or access the Calendar of Events at www.downtownfernandina.com.

November 29, 2008
Holiday Carnival
From 4 to 7 p.m., Amelia Island Plantation will hold its annual Holiday Carnival at The Spa & Shops. Bring the whole family to enjoy a ride on the carousel, chat with Santa Claus during a horse and carriage ride, and complimentary Christmas Cookies and Hot Chocolate. For more information, contact The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation at (904) 432-2202 or www.aipfl.com/Calendar_of_Events_Shops.htm.