Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to Do in Georgia – August 2011

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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.


 

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

Charleston, SC – January 2011 Events

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Need new ideas for the new year? The holidays are finally over, and it’s time to make plans for what to do for the month of January with your family and friends. As usual, there is always a lot going on in South Carolina, especially when it comes to food events and festivals.

First Friday on Broad – Jan 7, 2011
Participating galleries on gallery row will offer a featured wine to accompany their fine art on a relaxing stroll down The Row, on Friday January 7th from 5-8 PM. Many galleries will offer demos, music and refreshments.
http://coastalcompanion.com/south-carolina/charleston/first-fridays-on-broad/

Charleston Restaurant Week – Jan 14-22, 2011
There is no lack of good food in the city of Charleston, and every year there seems to be more restaurants and food festivals.
During this event you’ll get an opportunity to try out new restaurants and new menus and explore the culinary arts scene in Charleston. Participating restaurant serve food according to a fixed price menu. Some restaurants participate with three courses for $20, others with three courses for $30.
More details on our Charleston Restaurant Week page.

Charleston Marathon – Jan 15, 2011
The First Annual Charleston Marathon presented by the Riverfront Race Festival will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The start of the 26.2 full marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon course beginning near the South Carolina Aquarium, downtown Charleston. The course will run South on East Bay St., passing Rainbow Row, and White Point Gardens, then follow King Street North where the half marathon will end at the Navy Yard at Noisette and the full marathon race will continue. The 10K and 5K road races will also begin at this start/finish line on the old navy base.

In true Low Country tradition, shrimp and grits will be at the finish line, along with music on the course from the Charleston County School District groups and adult beverages. For more information, go www.charlestonmarathon.com or www.riverfrontfestival.com.

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Charleston Comedy Festival – Jan 19 – 22, 2011
The annual festival brings in some of the hottest improv, sketch, and stand-up artists from Chicago, New York, Canada, Atlanta, and LA to the city of Charleston for a weekend of comedy.
The Charleston Stand-Up Competition finals will kick off early with a Tuesday night show at Theatre 99. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, there will be shows by local troupes Cats Hugging Cats, Full Love Throttle, Neckprov, Hot Pants, Moral Fixation, and Human Fireworks. Out-of-town performers Nate Baratze, The Shock T’s, and the Village Theatre will take over the Charleston Ballet Theatre on Thursday for a night of stand up, sketch, and improv. Read more on our special page about Charleston Comedy Festival.

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On Friday night, choose from 15 shows at various venues across town, including a show by Robot Johnson, Introducing Fish Taco, and This is Chucktown at South of Broadway Theatre in North Charleston and a stand up show featuring Nate Baratze, Dave and Ethan, and Tom Keller at the Pour House on James Island. More information at www.charlestoncomedyfestival.com

Charleston Boat Show – Jan 21 – 23, 2011
This is the biggest boat show in the Low Country with lots of things to see and do. The show takes place at North Charleston Convention Center and during the three day event you can look of course look at boats, get fishing tips, there’s even lots of fun activities for the kids.

Low Country Oyster Festival – Jan 30, 2011
One of the most popular food festivals in Charleston is the Oyster festival at beautiful Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston, SC. This is an annual festival for oyster lovers from all over the region, and now wonder, after all this is the world’s largest oyster festival.

It is said that about 65,000 pounds of oyster are delivered to the famous Charleston oyster roast for the big day, can you believe it? Don’t miss the well-known “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests. There is also live music on stage, a Kids Corner, a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local restaurants and much more.

The Oyster Festival takes place January 30, 2011 from 10:30 am – 5 pm.
More details can be found on our special Low Country Oyster Festival page.

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Free Admission to National Parks – Fall 2010

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Visit one of our national parks on September 25, 2010 or November 11, 2010, without paying admission. The National Park Service offers fee free days every year, and these are the two dates for the fall. Pack a picnic and take family and friends to a state park for a visit. In our area you could for for example visit the Castillo de San Marco or Fort Pulaski.

  • September 25, 2010 – Public Lands Day
  • November 11, 2010 – Veterans Day

Below is a complete list of participating National Parks in our area:

Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia Department of Economic Development

GEORGIA

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island.You still have to pay for the ferry boat ride to the island. Click here to visit the website
Visitor Information: (912) 882-4336 ext. 254

Fort Frederica National Monument, St Simons Island, GA
Spanish and British forces clashed on St. Simons Island in 1792. Fort Frederica’s troops defeated the Spanish troops. Georgia remained a British colony.
Visitor Information: (912) 638-3639
Click here to visit the website

Fort Pulaski National Monument
The Battle of Fort Pulaski in April 1862 featured the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat. The fort surrendered, which was a turning point, signaling the end of masonry fortifications.
Visitor Information: (912) 786-5787
Click here to visit the website

SOUTH CAROLINA

Fort Moultrie National Monument – Charleston, SC
The National Park Service’s fee-free weekends apply to Fort Moultrie, a unit of Fort Sumter National Monument. The site is located on Sullivan’s Island and is accessible by car. Fort Sumter is always free – but there is a fee for the ferry boat ride to the fort.
Click here for more information about Fort Sumter

FLORIDA
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument – St. Augustine, FL
The Castillo was constructed to defend Spain’s claims in the New World. It was never defeated in battle. The Castillo witness to over 330 years of history and culture and is an impressive place to visit.
Visitor Information: (904) 829-6506
Click here to visit the website.

Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia
Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia

Things to do in South Carolina – September 2010

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Another Labor Day weekend has passed, but September has a lot more to offer in South Carolina. It’s a great time of year to spend time outdoors, to visit festivals or hang out with friends. This is also the month when the big arts event of the year kicks off in Charleston, yes, it’s time for the MOJA Arts festival.

Charleston Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week in Charleston takes place September 8-19, 2010, so it’s actually a little bit more than just your regular restaurant week event. Charleston has become a culinary mecca, so make sure to take advantage of the fixed price special during this event. Go here to read more about Charleston Restaurant week

Seafood, Jazz & Brew – Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island has combined three of our favorite things – seafood, jazz and brew – into one extraordinary event. This event takes place on September 13 – 18, 2010. Get more details on our special events page for Seafood Jazz & Brew Festival.

Scottish Game & Highland Gathering
Come to Charleston to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture in this annual festival taking place on September 19, 2010. The festival offers everything from heavy athletics, to food and dancing.
Click here to read more about the Scottish Festival in Charleston.

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
Lowcountry radio personality Jim Bowers will keep your feet moving with the hottest oldies and beach music around on September 17, 2010.

Irish Italian Festival
North Myrtle Beach has created an unusual combination with this festival, but despite that this is a popular event drawing a crowd. This year the festival takes place on September 25, 2010.

Museum Mile Weekend
On September 25 – 26, 2010, you can get a special deal during the Museum Mile Weekend. You can purchase a special pass for this weekend which allows you to visit as many of the participating museums your feet can handle. Read all about how it works here – Museum Mile Weekend.
If you are two people and can only handle one museum visit, you can get free admission through the Smithsonian Museum Day to a few museums. Just check out the list of participating venues here.

Free Admission to National Parks
You guessed it. The free day is of course also on September 25, 2010.  So unless, you can fly like superman between venues, it looks like you will have to choose between a Museum Day or a National Park Day.  Here is the link to the Free Admission to National Parks for more info.

Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival
Thbis popular annual arts & crafts festival returns to Huntington Beach State Park on September 24 – 26, 2010 near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Here some of the best artisans around gather for a festival in a beautiful setting.

Read more about the festival on our special events page for the arts & crafts festival.

MOJA Arts Festival – Charleston, SC
This month the big arts festival in Charleston begins. MOJA Arts Festival takes place September 23 – October 3, 2010.

Get your tickets now and check out the program.

Read more about South Carolina:

Fall Festivals and Events in South Carolina

Jazz Festivals on the Coast

Taste of Charleston

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