Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Holiday Events – Golden Isles, GA

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When you have family or friends visiting during the holiday season, make sure to plan for a road trip to the Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Brunswick and Darien).  This is a beautiful area, known for its wide expanses of marshes, miles of beaches and the unique historic district of Jekyll Island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is also well worth a visit.  Head to St Simons Island for a walk on the pier or a tour of the lighthouse.  This area is filled with quaint shops, and lots of restaurants.

Here is a list of some of the holiday events in the area:

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Candle Light Tour & Reception – Jekyll Island Club Hotel
December 1, 2010 at 5:00pm
Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Hall of Mirrors, Dining Room, Veranda

Come and see the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in all its Christmas finery during a guided candlelight tour of the Grand Dining Room, lobby, and other public rooms. Hear the fascinating story of the hotel and its history. Refreshments afterwards. Reservations are required. Free. Call Jekyll Island Club Hotel at (800) 535-9547 to reserve your spot.

The Brunswick Christmas Parade
December 4, 2010
This annual community parade takes place on the first Saturday in December. Starting at 10:00 a.m. at Howard Coffin Park, over 100 floats, vehicles, walking groups and marching band units make their way one mile down the length of Gloucester Street to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in the heart of the Old Town National Register Historic District.  Santa Claus also makes an appearance at the end of the parade and distributes free bags of candy afterwards at Mary Ross Park. Santa is joined at the park by arts and crafts vendors offering hand-made holiday gifts for sale and by the farmers offering fresh fruit and produce at the Brunswick Farmers Market.  For information on entering a float, vehicle, walking or marching unit in the parade, please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 912-265-4032 912-265-4032

Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday December 4, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Downtown Brunswick
Follow the Brunswick Christmas Parade to Mary Ross Waterfront Park for the best deals from multiple vendors on gifts, holiday items, food products, toys, home decor, pet supplies, yard sale items, and much more. Or get a jump on other shoppers and be there first thing in the morning of the first Saturday every December. The bazaar also features holiday music and a special visit from Santa at noon, so it’s great fun for the whole family!

Christmas Tour of Homes om Brunswick
December 4
Historic Old Town Brunswick homes decorated for the holidays, bake sale. Portion of proceeds benefits restoration and maintenance of Oak Grove Cemetery. 1-6pm. $20 advance, $25 day of tour, $17 groups of 10+. Tickets, tour booklets available at United Methodist Church, Norwich St., Bwk. Magnolia Garden Club: mgcbrunswickga.blogspot.com

St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Silver Screen Saturday: Miracle on 34th Street
December 4
Come watch the Classic Christmas story for whole family from 1947. 3pm. $5. Historic Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. GIAHA: 912-262-6934

Silver Screen Saturday: Edward Scissorhands
December 4
Come watch Tim Burton’s imaginative and warm-hearted fable featuring Johnny Depp at 7pm. $5. Historic Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. GIAHA: 912-262-6934.

Christmas at Ashantilly – Darien
December 5
Live Celtic music, decorations, seasonal food and drink; fundraiser for preservation of Ashantilly. 4-6pm. Ashantilly Center, GA 99, Dairen. 912-289-114, ashantilly.org

19th Glynn Art in the Park Festival Christmas Craft Festival
December 5-6
 with 60+ artists and craftsmen. Saturday December 4 and Sunday December 5 from 10am-5pm. Postell Park, Pier Village, St Simons Island. For more information contact Glynn Art Association 912-638-8770, or visit www.glynnart.org

Christmas Around the World
December 6, 2010
 Holiday favorites from Britten, Corelli, Rimsky-Korsakov. 7:30pm. Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium, 1001 Mansfield St., Bwk. Adults $25, Children/Students $5. Coastal Symphony of Georgia: 912-634-2006, coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org

26th Annual Christmas Tour of Home – Cassina Garden Club
December 11
Visit five island homes decorated for the holidays. Proceeds used to maintain Hamilton Plantation historic slave cabins. 10am-4pm. Bake sale 9am-2pm. Tour tickets $25 advance, $30 tour day. Cassina Garden Club: 912-638-2880. cassinagardenclub.org

Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Carol
December 10-11, 17-19, 2010
 Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson as Scrooge in the beloved Dickens holiday classic. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Advance tickets: GIAHA members $15 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $5 ages 13 & under; non-members $20, $15, $5. Day of show: members $20, $15, $5; non-members $25, $20, $5. Historic Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. GIAHA: 912-262-6934

A Colonial Christmas at Fort King George – Darien, GA
December 11, 2010
Now you can join the garrison for a traditional Christmas dinner in the enlisted barracks and an evening of colonial-style Yule Tide jollification. The dinner takes place from 7 pm – 8.30 pm. RSVP by December 8. $30. (912) 437-4770.

Fort King George Historic Site, 302 McIntosh Rd SE, Darien, GA 31305

Santa at Crane Cottage – Jekyll Island
December 12
Visit from Santa in historic cottage; photographer available. 11:30am-2pm. Jekyll Island Club Hotel : 912-635-2600, 800-535-9547, or visit www.jekyllclub.com

Coastal Youth Symphony of Georgia Concert
December 12
 3pm. Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium, 1001 Mansfield St., Bwk. Adults $5, Children/Students $3. Coastal Symphony of Georgia: 912-634-2006, coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org

Sea-son’s Greetings Meet Santa – Georgia Sea Turtle Center

December 18
Make a recycled ornament, visit sea turtle patients. Noon. Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island. 912-635-4444 or visit www. jekyllisland.com

Christmas Bagpiper
December 20-24
Scottish bagpiper, Tim Akins, heralds the season at the Club. The first notes are heard at Cherokee Cottage, and then he winds his way to Crane Cottage and finally the lawn in front of the Riverfront Veranda of the Clubhouse. Guests are encouraged to wear the tartans of their clans, and many from neighboring MacIntosh County appear in their dress plaids for this traditional event. Free.   Jekyll Island Club Hotel : 912-635-2600, 800-535-9547
or visit www. jekyllclub.com


Strangers on a Train – Brunswick, GA

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Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock, director

Alfred Hitchcock is the master of suspense. Now you have an opportunity to see on of Hitchcock’s most acclaimed but rarely screened classics. The classic Strangers on a Train from 1951 is screening at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Brunswick on Thursday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m.

The screenplay was adapted by acclaimed mystery writer Raymond Chandler from the novel by famous author Patricia Highsmith. Many of Patricia Highsmith’s books have been adapted for the silver screen, including The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon and Jude Law.

The film features Farley Granger, who also starred in Hitchcock’s Rope a few years earlier, as a famous tennis pro who unwittingly becomes ensnared in a malicious plot concocted by the wealthy, decadent Bruno. played by Robert Walker. Alfred Hitchcock’s own daughter, Patricia, also has a supporting role in the movie.

This film is the fourth in the Summer Classic Movies at the Ritz series presented by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA).

Every week of the Summer Classic Movies series features a selection of fun and rare short subjects beginning at 6:30 p.m. This week’s screening includes a short film about train travel in the 1950s (appropriately enough) and a classic cartoon about a mischievous boy on a runaway train saved by his faithful dog. There is also free popcorn (first come, first served), as well as door-prize drawings and special offers from local merchants.

Admission to Strangers on a Train is $5. Doors open at 5:00. Ticket holders can show their tickets at Arte Pizza, a couple of doors down from the Ritz on Newcastle St., and get 10% off their meal before the show.

The series continues the remaining Thursday evening in July with the landmark 1968 film Bonnie and Clyde (July 29). The grand finale of the season will be a special matinee of Gone with the Wind on Sunday, August 1, at 3:00 p.m. Audiences can purchase tickets at the door to see just the movie and shorts for $5. Advance tickets are also on sale for $12, which entitles the ticket holder to admission plus a delicious intermission Silver Screen Snack catered by Southern Soul Barbeque: a pulled pork slider and two sides that you can take back into the theater and enjoy during the second half of the show. Advance tickets can be ordered on line at goldenislesarts.org; in person at the Ritz, 1530 Newcastle St., Downtown; or by phone(912-262-6934).

For more information www.goldenislesarts.org. Or call GIAHA at 912-262-6934.
Strangers on a train

Classic Movie – The Philadelphia Story – Brunswick, GA

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In the Summer Classic Movies at the Ritz series, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) presents the witty 1940 romantic comedy, The Philadelphia Story, starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart.  The award-winning film will be show at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Brunswick on Thursday, July 8, at 7:00 p.m.

“Cary Grant is easily the most requested and best-loved star of any of the movies we’ve shown in the summer classic series, so we’re happy to present another of his great roles,” notes GIAHA’s Rob Nixon. “And it’s especially wonderful to see him with one of his best on-screen partners, Katharine Hepburn. This was the fourth and final time they appeared together, and their romantic chemistry and comic sparring is a joy to watch.”

Nixon adds that this was perhaps the most important picture in Hepburn’s nearly seven-decade career. A couple of years prior to this, she was one of several actresses declared “box office poison” by a motion picture trade magazine. Many thought her career was finished, but with her characteristically steely Yankee determination, she returned to her first love, theater, appearing in the stage version of The Philadelphia Story to sold-out audiences. When MGM went to buy the film rights to the Broadway hit with the intention of producing it for one of their big stars, they found that Hepburn owned the property—the only way they could bring it to the screen was with her in it! The result was a triumph all around, not only restoring Hepburn’s film career but creating a new image that would shape the rest of her performances for the next 50+ years.

It was also an important role for James Stewart. The young star had broken through to major success the year before with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, earning him the first of five Oscar nominations. Stewart didn’t win then, but he did get the award a year later for The Philadelphia Story, holding his own with Grant and Hepburn as a “man of the people” writer who learns a few things about how the other half lives.

The movie starts at 7:00 p.m., but audiences who arrive at least a half hour early will also be treated to entertaining short subjects, including cartoons, coming attractions, and newsreels, just like the old-time movie experience. And there will be free popcorn (first come, first served) generously provided by Angie Aimar and James Laurens of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. Each night of the film series also features door-prize drawings and special offers from local merchants.

Admission to The Philadelphia Story, and to every film in the series, is only $5 for all ages. The first five films of the series are screened on Thursday nights in July at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00, leaving ample time to buy a ticket and take advantage of the many dining opportunities in Downtown Brunswick before the show.

The series concludes with a special matinee showing of Gone with the Wind on Sunday, August 1, at 3:00 p.m. Audiences can purchase tickets at the door to see just the movie and shorts for $5. Advance tickets are also on sale for $12, which entitles the ticket holder to admission plus a delicious intermission Silver Screen Snack catered by Southern Soul Barbeque: a pulled pork slider and two sides that you can take back into the theater and enjoy during the second half of the show.

Advance tickets can be ordered on line at goldenislesarts.org; in person at the Ritz, 1530 Newcastle St., Downtown; or by phone with credit card (262-6934).

Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

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Fourth of July Events in Georgia 2010

4th of July fireworks at Tybee Island, GA

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 the 3rd of July this year. This means that you can actually enjoy fireworks and events all weekend long and make the weekend an extraordinary birthday bash for the country.

SATURDAY JULY 3, 2010

Fireworks Tybee Island Pier
Get an early start for the  Fourth of July weekend and head out to Tybee Island. Here the party starts already on Saturday July 3, 2010, with fireworks at Tybee Pier and Pavilion.
Call 912-786-5444 for more information.

4th of July Festival in St. Marys, Georgia

Independence Day Festival, St Marys, Georgia
Please note that this year, St Marys celebrates the 4th of July already on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010. Come visit historic downtown St Marys, GA, for a delightful Independence Day complete with parade and fireworks. Fireworks at dusk.  For more information call 912.882-4000

Cannons Across the Marsh, Fort King George, Darien
On Saturday- July 3, 2010 from 10am-4pm, Fort King George State Historic Site will be hosting their annual Cannons Across the Marsh celebration in honor of Independence Day.  Artillery and musket firings will be going on throughout the day.  Free watermelon and lemonade will be served.  Also, Boston Butts will be sold at $25 and may be picked up on the 3rd.  RSVPs for Boston Butts are being accepted now and must be received no later than June 30th.  Additionally, BBQ sandwiches will be sold during the day on Saturday the 3rd.

Fort King George State Historic Site, 302 McIntosh Rd. SE, Darien, GA  31305

Call (912) 437-4770 or www.gastateparks.org/fortkinggeorge

Sunday July 4, 2010

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, Brunswick, GA
Come to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick for an Old Fashioned Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2010, for the whole family.  Lots of fun with games, contests, free watermelon and much more. Fireworks at dusk. Downtown Brunswick. Contact 912-265-4032

Jekyll Island Beach, Georgia

Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show, St Simons Island, Georgia
This annual arts and crafts festival takes place in Postell Park in the village. Come and get inspiration for your next art project, or find that perfect gift! Painting, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, garden art, wood craft, photography, sculpture, sweetgrass baskets, art glass and much much more.

Fireworks July 4.  July 2 – 4, 2010. Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show. Pier Village Parks, St. Simons Island. Pier Village Association. Call 912-262-0628. Fireworks on St Simon’s at 9 pm!

Fourth of July Celebration – Jekyll Island, GA
Jekyll Island is a gorgeous island to visit, so if you have friends and family in town, it might be a great idea to head out to the beach on Jekyll Island.  Every year Jekyll Island hosts a family-fun party at the Beachdeck . The fireworks finale is said to be one of the best in the area. Click here to read more about the Jekyll Island Fourth of July Extravaganza

For more information call 877-4-JEKYLL

Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia

Fantastic Fourth of July on River Street, Savannah, GA
In Savannah, the celebration takes place on River Street in the downtown district.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in River Street style in Savannah, Georgia. The party starts at 5 p.m. on the plaza with live entertainment, ice cream eating contests and more. Fireworks will begin around 9:20 p.m.
Call 912.234.0295 or visit www.riverstreetsavannah.com

Click here to read all about Fourth of July events in Savannah

CoastFest 2009 – Brunswick, Georgia

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CoastFest is a family-oriented environmental festival where participants learn about Georgia’s coastal resources and have some fun at the same time. CoastFest 2009 takes place on Saturday October 3, 2009 from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm in Brunswick, GA. Admission is free, so it’s perfect for the family!

Each year more than 7,000 visitors come to the festival to learn about our nature and the coastal environment. This year you’ll find exibits from over 85 area coastal, environmental, educational and resource organizations.

coastfest Brunswick Georgia

Since 1995, Coastal Resources Division in support of the three-week national ‘CoastWeeks’ event held in all 50 states to celebrate the nation’s waters and shorelines has hosted CoastFest on the first Saturday in October.

Art Activities for Kids, Cannon firing demonstrations, Creek Indian encampement, face painting, Living history demonstrations, Touch tanks and much more.

Program Schedule:
10.30 Magician
11.00 Birds of Prey
12.00 Creek Indian Heritage
12.30 Magician
1.00 Creek Indian Heritage
1.45 Magician
2.30 Snakes
3.15 Creek Indian Heritage

Where is CoastFest?
Department of Natural Resources HeadQuarters, Conservation Way at US 17 South, Brunwick
Near Sidney Lanier bridge

For more information call 912-264-7218
www.coastalGaDNR.org