Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things To Do Amelia Island May 2011

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FODfest (May 6-7)
A special fundraising event, FODfest offers the community free, public concerts that bring together diverse groups of artists and audiences. FODfest offers, school programs, and multimedia productions that promote its community-building mission. For additional information, visit www.fodfest.org.

Butterflies are Free Breakfast, Author Talk, and Butterfly Release (May 10)
New York Times best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe has chosen Amelia Island to launch her latest book, “The Butterfly’s Daughter”.  A breakfast and author talk will be followed by a release of monarch butterflies, coordinated by volunteers from Wild Amelia Nature Festival. Tickets are $50 and include a signed copy of the book. Tickets can be purchased at Red Otter Outfitters and the Golf Club of Amelia Island after March 15, or by contacting Dickie Anderson (904) 556-6455. The event will benefit the Wild Amelia Nature Festival.

Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (May 20-June 19)
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival will showcase world-class artists performing classical music in intimate and historic settings on Amelia Island. The festival is dedicated to bringing a wide variety of chamber music at the highest level, with performances by the Tokyo String Quartet, Louciana Souza, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, eighth blackbird, classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, and many more. The festival offers four free concerts, including the Air National Guard Band of the South performing a Splendor in the Brass concert. Other Festival highlights include two Candlelight Concerts at Fort Clinch State Park, the more informal Beer and G Strings at the Palace Saloon, and La Tierra Prometida. Click here to read more about the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival

Wild Amelia Nature Festival (May 20-22)

The 2011 Wild Amelia Nature Festival invites residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Amelia Island. With more than 25 seminars and experiences, the three-day festival includes a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, kayaking the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park, and exploration of bird habitats by bike. The festival also offers programs designed specifically for children, including a Kid’s Niche with hands-on nature activities. There will also be an EcoExpo with green and nature-based exhibitors, and a Silent Auction. For more information visit Wild Amelia Nature Festival

2011 Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge (May 28)
The Ed Gaw Amelia Island Open Water Challenge includes a 5K (3.1 miles) ocean swim. The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. at Main Beach. The cost to participate is $30. Participants can register online at www.active.com or at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center.


WWII Event (May 28-29)
Fort Clinch State Park will hold a Memorial Weekend program in honor of the men and women who served in World War II.  Visitors can explore military displays, view memorabilia, and learn about the uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and lifestyle of those who were part of the war during the 1940’s.  The event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For details, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.

Fun Things To Do in St. Augustine, Fl – April 28 – May 1, 2011

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GAMBLE ROGERS FOLK FESTIVAL
This weekend you can listen to the best in folk and Americana music at this three-day Gamble Rogers Folk festival in downtown St. Augustine. Starting Friday April 29, 2011.

 

LIVING HISTORY DAYS AT FORT MOSE

On Saturday April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m you can meet real-life St. Augustine’s 1740 residents, Los Presidiales de San Agustín. Fort Mose was established back in 1738. It is the site of the first, legally-sanctioned free black settlement in the continental U.S.  The re-enactors portraying townsfolk will present 18th-century Living History Day programs at the fort. Fort Mose State Park is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $2 per person. For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.

 

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

On Saturday April 30, 2011, from 5 to 9 p.m., you can experience a fun, Uptown Saturday night  in downtown St. Augustine along galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. Read more here about Uptown Saturday Night in St. Augustine, Florida.
RUBBER DUCK RACE Don’t miss the rubber duck for a good cause at the Sixth Annual Rubber Duck Race to fight cancer. Presented by the American Cancer Society, the race will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Johns County Pier Park and Pavilion in St. Augustine Beach. For more information, call 903.307.3638.

MENORCAN DAY TEA

On Sunday May 1, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. you can learn about unique Menorcan customs while enjoying a traditional Menorcan tea hosted by three natives who can trace their heritage back through nearly 445 years of St. Augustine history and into antiquity in Spain. These heritage natives portray the city’s Spanish Royal Family – Queen Maria Anna, her son King Carlos, and her daughter Princess Margarita Maria – the royal family of Spain during the construction of the city’s Castillo de San Marcos.  
For more information, call 904.824.4991.

 

EMMA FREE CONCERT

How about a free concert? Violist Jorge Peña Portillo has performed with the National Orchestra Institute, Washington D.C., the Grand Teton Music Festival, Jackson Hole, WY and others and was the Assistant Principal Violist for both the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The free concert takes place on Sunday May 1, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit www.EMMAConcerts.com.

Kenny Chesney is coming to Jacksonville

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Kenny Chesney is coming to the Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Kenny is of course on of the biggest and brightest stars on the horizon of country right now. He has produced more than 30 Top Ten singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, 20 of which climbed to the top of the charts. Kenny Chesney has been honored with numerous awards from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), Country Music Association (CMA), American Music Awards (AMA), Country Music Television (CMT), Billboard Music Awards (BMA), People’s Choice Awards (PCA), and the French Country Music Awards (FCMA).

This popular country star is coming to Jacksonville on Thursday May 12, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

Don’t miss this concert, book your tickets now!

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


MOSH Jacksonville Planetarium Opens Veterans Day Weekend

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The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH (the Museum of Science and History) in Jacksonville, Florida, is re-opening after the renovation.

The wait is almost over! The Grand Opening Celebration of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium is scheduled for November 11th through 14th. The opening will begin a new chapter in the Museum of Science & History’s 59-year history of space science programming.

The new Bryan-Gooding Planetarium will offer visitors total-immersion entertainment in a 360-degree theater at super-resolution four times better than the best HDTV. The new full-dome digital system is the latest in planetarium technology and is the only system of its kind in Florida. Expanded programming will take guests into the body of an astronaut to experience a shuttle launch or to the far edges of the universe to explore the mysteries of black holes. The debut schedule rotation, which includes programming suitable for all age groups, includes:

Black Holes: No longer the stuff of science fiction, the discovery of the black hole is a triumph of modern science. Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this program narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson. (Recommended for adults and children in grades 6 or higher.)

Astronaut: The exploration of space is humankind’s greatest endeavor. Go on an incredible voyage to discover what it takes to be an astronaut as you experience a rocket launch from inside the body of “Chad,” our test astronaut. (Recommended for adults and children in grades 4 or higher.)

Sesame Street’s One World, One Sky: Elmo and Big Bird meet a new friend – Hu Hu Zhu – who lives far, far away in China. The friends soon discover that despite the distance, they still see the same stars in the night sky! (Recommended for children in grades Pre-K through K.)

Zula Patrol: Down to Earth: While on a routine fossil hunting expedition, the Zula Patrol discover that someone’s been dumping trash in Earth’s prehistoric past! On their mission to catch the culprit, they learn all about the formation and development of Earth and its inhabitants. (Recommended for children in grades Pre-K through 4.)

In addition to planetarium programs every hour on the hour, extended hours, guest lecturers and rooftop stargazing, highlights of the Opening Celebration include:

– FREE Admission for Active & Retired Military – In observance of Veterans Day, all active and retired military will receive free admission to MOSH. In addition, from November 11 to November 24, veterans will receive $10 off the purchase of a MOSH Membership. Visitors can enjoy exhibits like Prehistoric Predators, which features 16 animatronic dinosaurs, or take in a show in the new state-of-the-art Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and members. Planetarium programs are $5 per person, per show.

Friday, November 12
Cosmic Concert Preview Party
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! The Cosmic Concert Preview Party is from 8 p.m. to midnight. Cost is $20 for non-members/$15 for members and includes one drink ticket, one cosmic concert, live music by The Druids, rooftop stargazing and access to museum exhibits. Additional drinks are available for purchase. Led Zeppelin will show at 9 p.m. followed by Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 10 and Pink Floyd: Best of The Wall at 11. Purchase tickets online at www.themosh.org or call 396.MOSH, ext. 240.

Saturday, November 13


 NASA Guest Speaker
NASA Aerospace Technology Engineer Antonio Pego will present “NASA’s Role in Astronomy” at 2 p.m. in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Pego’s appearance is part of the Grand Opening Celebration of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH taking place November 11 through 14. Tickets to the lecture are free with paid museum admission and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission is $10 for adults; $8.50 for military; $8 for children 3-12; and free for children 2 and under and members.

Sunday, November 14
Hubble’s Greatest
The Hubble Space Telescope has unlocked numerous mysteries of the Universe as well as added many new questions. The best – and in some cases – strangest of Hubble discoveries will be examined in “Hubble’s Greatest,” a presentation led by Mike Reynolds, Ph.D., Dean of Liberal Arts, Florida State College of Jacksonville, inside the planetarium at 2 p.m. Tickets to the lecture are free with paid museum admission and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission is $10 for adults; $8.50 for military; $8 for children 3-12; and free for children 2 and under and members.
* Dr. Reynolds will be available for interviews immediately following the presentation until 4 p.m.

Thursday, November 18
 Music Under the Stars
Learn about the stars that shine over Jacksonville and then enjoy a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Event is from 6 to 10 p.m.; presentation begins at 7 p.m. Admission, which includes museum access, one drink, music presentation, star show, and rooftop stargazing, is $10. Musicians courtesy of Friday Musicale. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 230 for tickets.

Visitors will be able to purchase tickets, preview program trailers and see a complete schedule of events on the new website www.moshplanetarium launching prior to the November 11 opening.

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Fountain Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, stimulates the joy of learning for visitors of all ages in science, astronomy and the history of the region. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for military and senior citizens, $8 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and members. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum members. Admission is $5 on Fridays. Admission to the Bryan Gooding Planetarium is an additional $5 per person for the first show and $1 for each additional show.

MOSH Planetarium Jacksonville Florida