Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to do in Florida – October 2010

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October is a month filled with festivals and happenings — and it’s usually one of the best times of the year to spend time outdoors.  There is a lot more happening in October than just Halloween and Halloween events. Just take a look at some of our suggestions below. (Also, don’t forget to watch our video podcast with October events on the coast)

First Friday Artwalk – St Augustine, Florida

October 1, 2010
The art walk in St. Augustine is a social affair with lots of people mingling in the streets outside the many quaint shops, galleries and other venues participating. Read more – First Friday Artwalk St Augustine, Florida

Datil Pepper Festival – St. Augustine, Florida

October 2 – 3, 2010
Spice things up with the datil pepper at this festival. The datil pepper is celebrated at this festival in St. Augustine every year. More details here – Datil Pepper Festival.

Les deMerle

Amelia Island Jazz Festival – Fernandina, Florida

October 3 – 10, 2010
The well-known jazz musician Les deMerle has been the driving force behind this popular jazz festival for many years and created an exciting program. Read more here – Amelia Island Jazz Festival

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville, Fl

October 6, 2010
This is a monthly event in downtown Jacksonville. This month the theme for the event is “Hispanic Heritage” Find out more on the page for First Wednesday Art Walk

Greek Festival – St Augustine

October 8 – 10, 2010
Experience food and culture from Greece, without leaving your own backyard – just come to this festival in October. Read all about it here – Greek Festival in St. Augustine


Amelia Island Autumn Fine Arts Festival
October 9, 2010
This street festival in the historic downtown district on beautiful Amelia Island will feature 60 fine arts/crafts exhibitors. Galleries in the historic district will be participating in the Second Saturday Artrageous Artwalk and many visiting artists will take part in the Artwalk by staying open until 8 p.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the historic train depot. Call 904-261-7020 for more information.

Jacksonville Film Festival

October 13 – 17, 2010
The film festival seems to becoming more popular every year. The opening night always takes place at the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Get more details on our page for Jacksonville Film Festival

Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, Florida

October 14 -17, 2010
Motorcyclists from near and far will converge in Daytona for the special Biketoberfest. Read more on our event page for Biketoberfest.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Jacksonville, Fl

October 22, 2010
Come to a very special movie screening where the audience is participating. There’s even a street festival before the movie. Read more here – Rocky Horror

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise – Daytona, Fl

October 22 – 24, 2010
This is a car show and event for car enthusiasts from the region with lots of events around Daytona Beach, Florida. Read more on our special page for Daytona Beach Dream Cruise


NAS Air Show – Jacksonville, Florida

October 23 – 24, 2010
The annual airshow in Jacksonville always brings a huge crowd. Lots of fun for the whole family at this big, annual event. More details at our special events page for NAS Air Show

Jacksonville Caribbean Festival

October 24, 2010
This colorful festival returns to Jacksonville in October with a parade, festival and concert. Read more about the event on the page for Jacksonville Caribbean Festival

St Augustine, Florida

Uptown Saturday Night – St Augustine

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District hold the popular event Uptown Saturday Night. This monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals. Find out more here – Uptown Saturday Night

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic – Jacksonville, Fl

October 27 – 31, 2010
The football fans from both universities will gather in Jacksonville for the annual battle between the two giants. Lots of events and happenings around town. Read more here Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

Things to do in Georgia – October 2010

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When it’s October, fall festival season is in full swing and this is the month before the holidays take over. It’s time for Oktober Festivals, football and to top it off with Halloween.

Pirate Fest, Tybee Island, GA

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

October 1 – 3, 2010
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 8 – 9, 2010
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 8 – 9, 2010. Check out our special events page for Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

Georgia Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

October 7 – 10, 2010
In October Georgia is hosting the greatest diversity of bird species. Jekyll Island celebrates with a special festival where you can learn more about our birds and nature. Check out the special page for Georgia Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival on Jekyll Island, GA

The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival – Richmond Hill, GA

October 15-17, 2010
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.

Shalom Y'All Jewish Food Festival

Tybee Island Festival of the Arts

October 16 – 17, 2010
Tybee Island goes straight from pirates to the arts, and why not. This is a great arts festival with lots of artists from the region. Read more on our page for Tybee Island Festival of the Arts

Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah, GA

October 31, 2010
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 31 – November 6, 2010
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…
Kingsland Catfish Festival Video
Right Whale Festival – Jacksonville, Fl
Pirate Gathering – St Augustine, Fl
Taste of Charleston

Fall Festival and Events in Charleston 2010

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Charleston, South Carolina , is the perfect place to visit for a weekend getaway. The beautiful city with its international flair and southern charm, makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend. Charleston is also known for its many restaurant and renown chefs. The city even boosts to popular food festivals every year; BBT Wine & Food Festival in the spring and Taste of Charleston in the fall.

Take a horsedrawn carriage ride around the historic district, and let your guide tell you about the fascinating history of Charleston. When you have limited time to explore, a guided tour is well worth paying for. You’ll get a great overview and you’ll be able to easily figure out where you want to return to for more details. You might also want to stop by the visitor center downtown for maps, brochures and more details.

There’s always a lot happening in Charleston, but here is the list of the big annual events coming up this fall.

2010 MOJA Arts Festival
A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts
September 23 – October 3, 2010

A Swahili word meaning “One,” MOJA is recognized for its ability to bring people together through a celebration of Western and world cultures. Highlighting African-American and Caribbean fine arts, MOJA will showcase everything from gospel, dance, poetry, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more. For more information, call (843) 724-7305 or visit www.mojafestival.com.

Charleston Museum MileMuseum Mile Weekend in Charleston
September 25 – 26, 2010
Charleston is rich in history and culture, and the city has several museums.  If this history is something you love, or you want to visit the museums, don’t forget about this special weekend. You can visit the museums at a reduce rate during this time. Read all about it on our page for Museum Mile Weekend.

34th Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
September 23 – October 24, 2010

This event is sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston. Visitors tour breathtaking gardens, private homes, churches and public buildings showcasing architecture from the early Georgian period to the 20th century. The tours explore Charleston’s neighborhoods which emanate with a culture that started in the Colonial area. For additional information, go to our special event page for Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens, Charleston please call (843) 722-4630 or visit www.preservationsociety.org.

Taste of Charleston
October 8 – 10, 2010

The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association hosts this three-day gastronomical extravaganza highlighting lowcountry cuisine. It features some of Charleston’s finest, nationally recognized chefs. In addition to opportunities to sample the chefs’ creations, the event features an Iron Chef Competition, wine and beer classes, an art walk and live music.

Please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com or call
(843) 577-4030 for more information or read more on our Taste of Charleston page

Art & WineFest in Jacksonville,Florida, August 2010

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At the Art & Wine Festival in Jacksonville you get to sample wines from around the globe, and taste food from the area’s finest restaurants as well as explore amazing desserts while you mingle. You also get to look at the works from of over twenty five of the area’s most exciting artists.

In addition, there are silent auctions for wonderful surprises in art, travel, entertainment and lots more.

Proceeds from the Art & Winefest will benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The Art & Winefest, is presented by The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 177.
Tickets:$35 (plus a Service Charge of $1.50)
Thursday, August 12 from 6pm-9pm at Hyatt Regency Riverfront

Click here to buy your tickets now

Things to do – Northeast Florida – August 2010

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This year it seems to be heading for a new record, so finding different ways to keep cool is a main concern.   I was pleasantly surprised to find out there’s an important holiday in August I never heard of.
On August 5th it’s International Beer Day.  I don’t know how I could have missed that special day which is supposedly a big deal on the other coast.  This year I promise I will make an effort and celebrate.

With the beginning of a new month comes what I like to refer to as “the week firsts”.   First and foremost that means time for art walks,  so lace up your most comfortable walking shoes, slap on some sunscreen, wear your coolest shades and cram your whole gang in the car and prepare for an evening out on the town.

Start your art walk at Hemming Plaza

ART – WHERE ART THOU?

In Jacksonville, the First Wednesday Art Walk takes place on August 4, 2010.  This month it’s time for the 5th Annual Petwalk as well.  So let your furry four-legged friends join for a special night out. There are lots of interesting watering holes in the downtown area, so don’t worry about the heat too much, just plan for spending time cooling off at one of the bars or cafes in the downtown area.  Some places even welcome furry friends in their outside dining areas, Cafe Nola and London Bridge are two worth mentioning.

Download the map and check out our video from the event on the special events page for First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville, Florida

It’s also the First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine, Florida on Friday August 6, 2010, from 5 – 9 pm.  Head to the San Marco district for a night out.  Enjoy arts, crafts, mingle with art lovers, artisans and authors.

Check out the page for the First Friday Art Walk in St Augustine

BACK TO SCHOOL

Even though most kids are heading back to school in August, summer in the South is far from over and Amelia Island Sun Splash is a Summer event celebrating having fun in the sun.  The event takes place at Seaside Beach on Saturday, August 7, 2010, 8am – 7pm.  Come enjoy island fun on the beach with live music and lots of activities.

At 7 am, there will be a beach clean up with Keep Nassau Beautiful, followed by a surf contest at 8am.  Then it is time for the popular reggae music concert. Live reggae is performed from 1-7pm. There’s also a swimwear fashion show, volleyball, ping-pong, sand castle contest, giveaways and prizes.

AND ALL THAT JAZZ

Summer Jazz at Jax Beach

There’s more music in the summer, than any other time of the year – especially when it comes to free concerts.  Head to Jacksonville Beach on Sunday August 8, 2010, for the next concert in the Summer Jazz series. The headliner: R n R featuring Rick Braun & Richard Elliott. For more details visit our special events page for the Summer Jazz series


Three favorite pastimes in Florida is without A  doubt playing golf, listening to good music and eating good food.  TPC Sawgrass took that into consideration and created The Summer Swing Music & BBQ, an event for golfers and non-golfers alike.  This sizzling summer series combines – golf, barbecue and music! The event takes place on August 18, 2010.

Visit the driving range and afterwards enjoy live music and delicious barbecue on the lawn at TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. The event takes place from 6 – 10 p.m. and is open to the public. Call  904.543.5105 for more information.

The lawns of TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse, 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

ART OUTSIDE THE BOX

Fernandina’s art walk is doing things a little bit  differently compared to other art events on the coast.   Instead of competing for fame for  “the week of firsts”, the organizers were thinking outside the box and created an art walk on the Second Saturday of the month.  The self-guided art walk is called the Artrageous Artwalk in Fernandina and takes place on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 5:30 – 8:30pm in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island. Meet the artists and enjoy a vast array of fine art.   This month the Island Art Association is hosting a Nouveau Art Reception ,”Sea and Sky” from 5-8pm. The featured artist is Rhonda Bristol, mixed media.

Magnificent view from the lighthouse

BAD MOON RISING

What goes down has to come back up, is that how the old saying goes? No, I’m not talking about the International Beer Day or the fact that August is Goat Cheese Month in the U.S.  That’s not where I was going at all.  The saying fits when it comes to the sun and the moon, that’s all I was saying.  Let’s just move on – and continue with the sun and the moon, two opposites marking the change from day to night. (Like that sentence better?)

In any case, on Tuesday August 24, 2010, you can view the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – from the vantage point of the top of the lighthouse. The Sunset/Moonlight Tour is $25 includes a champagne toast and light refreshments atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station.

St. Augustine Lighthouse Tower is located on Anastasia Island, 81 Lighthouse Avenue in St. Augustine, FL.  This is a recurring event, for reservations and more dates call 904.829.0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com

TAILGATING IN STYLE

The Great Tailgate Cookoff Amelia Island Florida
Tailgate in style!

Nothing says summer better than barbequing – and on Amelia Island the experts are gathering for a special event. You will be able to smell your way across the island to the Inaugural Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off at the Main Beach Park on Amelia Island. Over 40 cooking teams from across the country will compete for up to $20,000 in cash and prizes. The event takes place on Friday August 27 and Saturday August 28 on Amelia Island.

Visit our special event page for more information about the Great Southern Tailgate cook-Off

St. Augustine is alway a wonderful city to visit and to walk around in. There’s so much to see and do, but the last Saturday of the month is special. Uptown Saturday Night is a recurring event in St. Augustine, and it’s always popular but especially so in the summer months.  In August, Uptown Saturday Night takes place on Saturday August 28, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the last Saturday of every month in the San Marco Shopping District.   Many galleries, antique stores and shops between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open during this special event. Meet artists, meet authors during book signings, enjoy live music and refreshments in a party-like atmosphere. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for Uptown Saturday Night. The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association. Call 904.823.9263 for more information.