Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Hootie and the Blowfish in Charleston

by

Hootie & The Blowfish – In Concert at the Family Circle Cup

 

 

The Family Circle Cup
Daniel Island, SC

Come out to the Lowcountry’s biggest party on August 12 – 13, 2011,  when Charleston’s favorite band returns for the eighth consecutive Homegrown Concert.  Lead singer/guitarist Darius Rucker, lead guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber, and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, and a variety of  special guests will be on stage August 17-18, 2012, during the Homegrown Concert Series. This Concert Series is designed to raise funds and collect back-to-school supplies for the Charleston County School District.

This concert at Family Circle Stadium is always sold out, so don’t hesitate or wait – you need to buy your tickets today!

Click here to reserve your tickets today!

Hootie & the Blowfish,  Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, have sold more than 25 million albums since they started back in 1994.  The band established the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation to support children of South Carolina through supporting school music programs.

 


Fun Things To Do in June – Charleston, SC

by

Wine Stroll

Charleston, SC, is always a beautiful place to visit in the Summer and there is always a lot going on in Charleston. One of our favorite places to visit is Middleton Place, and Arthur Middleton was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, so this is the time of year when a visit seems appropriate. There’s even a special naturalization ceremony to celebrate Independence Day.

There is of course a lot of other things to do in Charleston. Just walking around in the downtown district is an experience, and you might also want to visit Patriot’s Point. This is where the big 4th of July celebration is taking place. 

Here are some of the events in Charleston in June.

Wine Stroll Wednesdays
June 13, 20, 27
Middleton Place

Sip and stroll in a different garden location each week while sampling old and new world wine vintages. Special themed strolls are scheduled throughout the season.  The Wine Strolls take place from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Cost $15. Call  (800) 782-3608 for more information.

Movies at the Mount Pleasant Pier
Friday, June 15. Movie begins around sundown.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and Pier

Come to the Great Lawn at the Town of Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for movies under the stars!This time Back To The Future is screening. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a family-friendly film. Event admission is free.

Charleston Farmer’s Market
June 15, 22, 29 – Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Marion Square, Downtown Charleston 

Visit Charleston Farmers Market at Marion Square on Saturday mornings. Fresh produce, vegetables, baked goods, plants, arts and crafts and more. This is an excellent place for people watching, or to have breakfast or brunch.

Read more about the Charleston Farmers Market here.

Folly Beach Pier

Folly Pier Fishing Tournament
Saturday, June 16, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Come to a great fishing event at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, the second largest pier on the East Coast. Online registration open through June 14. On-site registration available June 16 beginning at 6 a.m. Tournament ends at 4 p.m. and prizes are awarded at 4:15. Prizes are awarded for the largest catch in the King Mackerel category and the three largest catches in the Big Fish category. For additional information, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474. Ages 3 & up. An adult chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. Tournament held rain or shine.

Mt Pleasant, SC
Dance the night away in Mount Plesant, SC

Shaggin’ on the Cooper: The Cruiseomatics
Saturday, June 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the new Mount Pleasant Pier while enjoying live classic oldies and beach music performed by The Cruiseomatics. Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. As only 800 tickets will be sold for this event, advance purchase is recommended. Age: 3 & up. Fee: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available

Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series
Sunday, June 17, 7:15 a.m. race start
James Island County Park

Now in its 22nd year, the series will consist of five triathlons and will include a .3-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. To register, contact Paul King at (843) 881-8872, or go to www.ccprc.com/csts. Open to ages 16 and up.

Moonlight Mixer
Friday, June 22, 7 – 11 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Dance the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. DJ Jim Bowers of 1340 The Boardwalk will play the hottest oldies and beach music classics! Beverages, food, and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are limited, so advance purchase is recommended. No refunds or exchanges. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR (Charleston County Resident) Discount/$10 on-site if still available

middleton place charleston south carolina
Middleton Place

Naturalization Ceremony
June 26, 2012 – 10 a.m.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC 

Celebrate Arthur Middleton’s 270th birthday and welcome America’s newest citizens as they take the oath of citizenship at the home of an ardent patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Reggae Concert Series: Da Gullah Rootz
Saturday, June 30, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park

Enjoy traditional old school roots reggae with a new school attitude in the beautiful outdoor setting of James Island County Park. Bring your chair or blanket and rock the night away to live music by Da Gullah Rootz! Food, beverage, and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. No advance tickets will be sold. Bands are subject to change. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; music begins at 8:30 p.m. Fee: $8/Free: Gold Pass Holders & ages 12 & under. For more information about upcoming Reggae Nights, click here.

For more information about what to do in Charleston, visit www.charlestoncvb.com

REGGAE NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CHARLESTON

Things to do in Georgia – April 2012

by

Festival season is in full swing on the coast and April is one of the busiest months. There is a lot to do in Georgia, here are some of the events and festivals coming up in the month of April.

 

Photo courtesy of SCAD

SCAD International Festival
Saturday April 7, 2012
Travel around the world without leaving Savannah by visiting SCAD’s International Festival. Experience different cultures; music, dance and other performances. You can also taste food from different countries. This is a free event. More information here.

Easter Egg Stroll – Jekyll Island
Saturday April 7, 2012
From 10 am to 2 pm there is a classic Easter Celebration in the historic district on Jekyll Island. The easter bunny will visit and there is an egg stroll for the little ones. For more information call 1-877-4-JEKYLL

Shell-e-brate Earth Day
Saturday April 14, 2012
Jekyll Island is getting an early start with a special Earth Day celebration at the Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center. Earth-friendly games and crafts, and exhibitor’s venue, demonstrations and stage programs. This is a free event with paid admission to the center.

Blessing of the Fleet, Darien
April 20 – 22, 2012
This is without doubt the biggest event of the year in the small town of Darien. The whole county comes to this festival. The blessing itself takes place on Sunday at the bridge where shrimp boats will gather for a special celebration and kick off of the upcoming season.

Savannah Sidewalk Arts Festival
Saturday April 28, 2012
Every spring talented SCAD students gather in Forsyth Park for the colorful sidewalk arts festival. This is an art contest where students compete in creating beautiful chalk drawings on the sidewalks in the park.

Tybee Art Association Show & Sale
April 13 – 15, 2012
Local artists from Tybee Arts Association have a show and sale at the Firehouse Art Center on Tybee Island. Here you can find paintings,prints, glass art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, art quilts, notecards, art demonstrations and more. For more information visit www.tybeearts.org

Glynn Art in the Park
April 14 – 15, 2012
Over 80 fine artists and craftsmen gather in Postell Park for the Glynn Art in the Park event. Here you will find paintings, photography, pottery, baskets, woodwork, children’s toys, and much more. This is a free event. This event is sponsored by Glynn Art Association For more information call 912-638-8770 www.glynnart.org

NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens
April 20 – 21, 2012
This is the 37th year for this popular garden event. Walking tour of 10 private gardens located in the Historic District of Savannah. Gardens are selected for their excellence of design, architectural features, historic interest, and overall beauty. In addition to the garden tour, enjoy an authentic Southern Tea in the double parlors of historic Green Meldrim House where iced tea and tasty savories are served. Tea is held between the hours of 2 and 4 pm, only. Entertainment will be provided. More information at www.gardenclubsavannah.org

Earth Day Festival in Forsyth Park
April 21, 2012
Find out how you can become more earth friendly at this event in Forsyth Park, Savannah. More than 100 exhibitors promoting green living and environmental activism. Tons of fun activites for children and great workshops featuring raising chickens, bees, composting, etc. Call 912.651.6943 for more information.

Labor Day Weekend in South Carolina

by

Traditionally Labor Day is the holiday to say “goodbye” to Summer and “hello” to Fall.  For us here in the south, the warm weather will linger well after Labor Day weekend, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to turn down an opportunity for a party.  Especially if the party involves lots of fun for the whole family.  This weekend there are lots of festivals to choose from in the low country involving the beach, live music and also good food.

 

First Friday on Broad

Come join in and have a “Hot time on Broad”. On the first Friday of every month the merchant association on Broad Street hosts an art event.

Barbados comes to Charleston

“Barbados Comes Back to Charleston” is a five day celebration taking place in various locations in Charleston, SC, from September 1-5, 2011. The event highlights the shared history and heritage of Barbados and Charleston.

There are lots of events scheduled from an open air market, live entertainment and a gala and a lecture.  For more information about events, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.barbadoscharleston.com.

 

Low Country Jazz

Jazz has always held a special place in our hearts here on the coast. The Low Country Jazz Festival on September 3, 2011, is quickly becoming a highly anticipated event in the Carolinas attracting festival attendees from North, South Carolina and abroad. More details on our special events page for the Low Country Jazz Festival.

 

BBQ and Bluegrass Festival

South Carolina is known for its delicious barbeque recipes. During Labor Day weekend you can enjoy mouth-watering South Carolina BBQ at Boonehall Plantation on Sunday September 3, 2011, while enjoying live music. This event has become a Lowcountry tradition, and no wonder.
BBQ and Bluegrass were meant for each other!
 

Lowcountry Wine and Beer Festival

On Sunday, September 4, you can sample more than 20 wines from around the globe, craft beers and a Lowcountry buffet from Hege’s Restaurant on the Village Green at Freshfield Village. The event takes place from 4 until 7 p.m.
An African safari, oceanfront condo vacation at Seabrook Island and other items will be up for bid at a silent auction while the Cobblestone Quartet performs live jazz music. All proceeds will support Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, which provides free medical care to those in need on Johns, James and Wadmalaw islands.
 
Freshfields Village, 149 Village Green Lane John’s Island, SC 29455.
Call 843.768.6491   or visit www.Freshfieldsvillage.com for more information.

Beach, Boogie and BBQ – Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach always celebrates the end of the summer season with a big party combining three of our favorite pastimes – Beach fun, music and good food!
 
 
 
 

Labor Day Weekend in Northeast Florida

by

Summer is winding down and the stores are advertising for Fall Fashion and Back To School Specials, but we are not ready for Summer in Florida to be over.  We’re just not ready to give up on the beach, outdoor concerts and fun in the sun.  Luckily, Labor Day weekend is here to remind us about having outdoor fun with both family and friends. 

Here are some ideas for fun things to do for Labor Day. 

 

Sounds on Centre – Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island


Come to historic downtown Fernandina Beach for a free outdoor concert — and don’t forget your dancing shoes! This is a great way for the whole family to spend an evening enjoying live music in the quaint downtown district of Fernandina.  A perfect way to start your Labor Day Weekend.

 

Fernandina Farmer’s Market – Amelia Island, Florida

Every Saturday this popular market opens in downtown Fernandina. Here you will find fresh produce, vegetables, fruit, lots of plants and garden supplies, arts and craft items and much more. 

 

Union Garrison at Fort Clinch – Amelia Island, Florida

This is one of those great Living history events. The Union Garrison event recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War between the States.  Visitors can see how soldiers lived during the Civil War at Fort Clinch on  Saturday, September 3 and  Sunday, September 4, 2011. Get a glimpse into garrison life, by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. The schedule varies, but the program may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills.This event is held on the first weekend of every month.   Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. Fort Clinch State Park 904-277-7274.

 

First Friday Art Walk – St Augustine

On Friday September 2, 2011 it’s time for another First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine. This is alwyas a fun event with lots of people mingling, checking out local arts. You can read more about on our special events page.

 

St. Augustine Labor Day Concerts in the Plaza

Bring your chair and enjoy an evening cocert featuring the St. Augustine Jazz Society in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion while enjoying the cool breezes under a canopy of live oaks as you enjoy the final concert of the season featuring the St. Augustine Jazz Society.

Concerts in the Plaza takes place at Plaza de la Constitucion in Historic St.augustine across from the Cathedral. From 1 to 5 p.m. This is a free concert.

 Market at the Jacksonville Landing

The Jacksonville Landing Market takes place on Friday, September 2, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine! Don’t miss dozens of vendors as they set up throughout The Landing selling locally-grown produce, baked goods, plants, pottery, arts and crafts and much more.

Meet the Big Cats at CattyShack Sanctuary

Enjoy a leisurely stroll of the sanctuary with a guided tour and meet all the residents (Siberian tigers, lions, cougars, spotted and black leopards, a serval, two coatimundis, a European wild cat and two arctic foxes) and experience the night time feeding time! 
Gates open at 6pm – 8:30 pm. Feeding starts approx 7:45pm. More information, visit http://www.cattyshack.org/

Â