Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

St Simons Food & Spirit Festival – Saint Simons Island, Georgia

by

The inaugural Saint Simons Food & Spirits Festival, to benefit Hospice of the Golden Isles, will be held September 21 through 23 on Saint Simons Island, GA. This festival is the first of its kind in the area and will be headlined by James Beard award-winning television personality, cookbook author and grand dame of Southern cooking, Nathalie Dupree and her co-author, Cynthia Graubart.

Additional culinary luminaries scheduled to participate include Ford Fry, chef and restaurateur of Atlanta restaurants no. 246, JCT. Kitchen and The Optimist; Libbie Summers, lifestyle expert, blogger at Salted and Styled and author of The Whole Hog Cookbook; and Saint Simons’ own beekeeper, Ted Dennard, founder of Savannah Bee Company.

Event highlights include:

· First Bite kick-off reception on Thursday, Sept. 20 in the courtyard of Halyards Restaurant.

· Friday Night Festival Feast hosted by Sea Island. Executive chef Jonathan Jerusalmy and guest chef Ford Fry will present a five-course dinner featuring local foods, specialty cocktails and fine wines.

· Saturday festivities at Gascoigne Bluff include The Market, which features a farm stand, retailers and a juried arts and crafts show, free to the public.

· Southern Specialties Cooking Class, presented by Elegant Island Living and led by Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart, held in the Harbour Room at Coastal Kitchen.

· Local Flavors Tasting Tent featuring 25 local chefs and restaurants, craft beers, artisan spirits and fine wines.

· VIP Riverside Sporting Club will televise SEC football and guests will enjoy food from Frederica, Little Saint Simons and Sea Island as well as libations from the mixologists at the King & Prince. In this venue, festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with festival talent.

· Culinary Creations Demo Tent featuring Ted Dennard, Libbie Summers, Ford Fry, Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart.

· Lowcountry Concert with bluegrass and rock-n-roll from the Mosier Brothers and the eclectic, soulful sounds of Mudcat. Local restaurants will sell coastal favorites and during the concert, football viewing will continue and VIPs will enjoy pub grub in the Riverside Sporting Club.

· SPIRITual Sunday Brunch at Halyards. Chef and owner Dave Snyder and his team will serve a multi-course meal featuring recipes from invited culinary talent, who will be seated among the guests.

day at the beach

Fun things to do for Labor Day Weekend in South Carolina

by

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 – and going to the beach.  This weekend there are lots of festivals to choose from in the low country involving the beach, live music and also good food.

 

 

Low Country Jazz

Jazz has always held a special place in our hearts here on the coast. The Low Country Jazz Festival on August 31 – September 3, 2012, 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.

 

 

 

Lowcountry Wine and Beer Festival

On Sunday, September 2, 2012, from 4.00 pm to 7.30 pm you can sample more than wines from around the globe, as well as craft beers. There is also a Lowcountry buffet from Hege’s Restaurant on the Village Green at Freshfield Village.All proceeds will support Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, which provides free medical care to those in need on Johns, James and Wadmalaw islands. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at the gate.
 
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!
 
 
 
 

Fourth of July in South Carolina

by

4th of July in Coastal South Carolina

Since Independence Day is a national holiday,  many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of extra time off to spend time with relatives. The first week of July is usually one of the busiest travel times of the year. Many people are heading to South Carolina for the Fourth of July, and there are a lot of events going on.

Here are a few suggestions:

 

Fourth of July F-16 Fly Over – Pawleys Island
July 4, 2012

Turn your eyes to the eastern sky on the Fourth of July to wave to the F-16s of the 77th Fighter Squadron. “The Gamblers” of the 20th Fighter Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base will conduct a flyover of the South Carolina Coast. Listen to the sound of freedom as the F-16s roar along our shoreline. Spectators are urged to wear and wave the red, white and blue along the beaches during the flyover. The flyover, which is organized by the non-profit organization, Salute from the Shore, and the Town of Pawleys Island.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade, Murrells Inlet, SC

 

Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade
July 4, 2012

The 29th Annual July 4th Boat Parade kicks off at 9am (high tide) from Garden City Point.  This year’s parade theme is “Red, White & View!  Inlet-style Tried and True.”  The parade will head over to the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and then follow the Murrells Inlet shoreline down to the Hot Fish Club.  Best public viewing points are the Marshwalk, Belin Methodist Church, Nance’s Restaurant, Captain Pooh’s Restaurant and the Hot Fish Club.  Click here to visit our page.

 

Patriot's Point Charleston, SCFourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point – Mount Pleasant, SC
July 4, 2012

This is without doubt the biggest Fourth of July celebration in South Carolina every year. Patriot’s Point in Charleston, SC, hosts a big firework display. The fireworks are shot from the deck of USS Yorktown. You can get all the details about the Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point right here.

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
July 4, 2012

Dance the night away at the Cooper. This is one of the most popular events for the Summer in the Charleston area. Read more about this recurring event here.

27th Annual Firecracker 5000 – Hilton Head Island,SC
July 4, 2012

The 5K (3.1 miles) Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 course starts and finishes behind the Mall at Shelter Cove at Shelter Cove Community Park and takes participants through the fast and flat roads around Shelter Cove Harbour. The festive post-race celebration features music, fresh fruit, ice cold refreshments, door prizes and more. For more details about where to watch fireworks on Hilton Head Island, SC, just visit our special page for 4th of July Hilton Head Island.

Summerville, SC, parade
Non-motorized parade in Summerville, SC.

 

Red, White and Blue on the Green – Summerville, SC
July 1, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Historic downtown Summerville will be transformed into an Independence Day street festival. Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management) will be hosting the Annual Red, White & Blue On the Green with children’s activity stations, jump castles, live music and food stands. Summerville’s free family and community celebration! There is a special non-motorized parade, featuring kids on bikes, in wagons, on rollerblades, in strollers – all decked out for America!! Music and concessions start at 5 p.m. Please note that Summerville is celebrating Fourth of July a little bit earlier this year, which is perfect. You can make it to Summerville for the celebration on July 1 and then celebrate again in Charleston for July 4th. Get all the details for the Red, White and Blue on the Green in Summerville right here.

 North Charleston 4th of July

The City of North Charleston is hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4, 2011 from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. This year’s event features Common Ground, Coastrunners, Atlanta Pleasure Band, and Ruben Studdard, along with other activities throughout the event, ending a wonderful day with a spectacular fireworks display at dark, coordinated with live music from Equinox Jazz Band. The North Charleston 4th of July Festival boasts the largest fireworks show in the State of South Carolina. The Festival is presented free of charge to the public with all general admission for attendees. Guests attending the Festival are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors are always on site. Children activities are available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. The City of North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival is our largest sponsored event. Annually held at Riverfront Park, the Festival features nationally renowned performers, such as Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Marshall Tucker Band, and Lee Greenwood.

Fun Things To Do in June on the Coast

by

In the Coastal Companion Calendar of our TV show “I Know Jax” broadcasting on CW17 on Saturdays at 11 pm,  we take a look at what’s happening on the coast in the area.  

Savannah Asian Festival in June

One of the most popular cultural festivals on the coast is coming up in June, the Savannah Asian Festival. This yearly one-day festival attracts about 60,000 people, so you know it’s a popular event.

Here you can sample exotic cuisines from across the continent. Local restaurants, will be cooking up favorite dishes from Polynesia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. In addition, there’s a variety of martial arts and dance performances, and live music on stage from artists representing different countries.

There’s also traditional arts, crafts, fashions and treasures unique to each nation. From hand made jewelry to calligraphy sets, paintings, hand-beaded clothing, henna body painting, and even a workshop on Asian and Middle Eastern Tea Ceremonies. The festival takes place on June 23 at the Savannah Civic Center, located at Montgomery and Liberty Streets. Parking at the Civic Center is free for the day. Read more about Savannah Asian Festival here.

Greek Festival

Greek Landing Day Festival – St. Augustine, Fl

Maybe you already know that St Augustine, Florida has a strong historic tie with Greece and Greek culture. In June the community celebrates the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish what was called the New Smyrna Colony.

If you haven’t tried greek food before, this is your chance. My favorite is baklava, but I also enjoy spanakopita and mousaka.

Visit the so called “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing during the Greek Landing Day Festival June 22 – 24, 2012. Admission is free.

The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.

For more information, call 904-829-8205

 

Daufuskie Day in South Carolina

Another heritage festival in our area is the annual Daufuskie Day in South Carolina. This festival was organized by islanders to preserve the gullah heritage. this year it’s the 36th year for the festival where you can taste authentic Gullah cuisine, and learn more about the culture.

You can take a boat from Savannah or from Hilton Head Island.  Daufuskie day takes place on June 23.

For more information visit www.daufuskieislandfoundation.com

Things to do in St Augustine, Florida in June, 2012

by

Here is our take on what to do in St. Augustine in June, 2012. There is quite a bit going on in St. Augustine over the Summer. St. Augustine is a popular destination, so there are always a lot of monthly or recurring events such as the First Friday Art Walk, Uptown Saturday Night, Concerts in the Plaza and Music by the Sea. June is also a big month for Greek culture in St. Augustine. Here’s our list.

First Friday Art Walk
June 1, 2012
This monthly event returns to St. Augustine on June 1st. The art walk is a self-guided gallery tour in downtown St. Augustine with lots of participants and lots of fun.
You can read more about the event on our page for the First Friday Artwalk in St. Augustine

Drake’s Raid
June 2, 2012
On June 2nd, 2012 in the 26th reenactment of Sir Francis Drake’s Raid on old San Agustine.
A 16th century-style military encampment opens at the Fountain of Youth Park. Here you can watch
military drills, living history demonstrations and much more. The encampment is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The reenactment of the sacking and burning of the Old City begins on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at the Old City Gates.
The battle continues through the streets of St. Augustine and ends in the Plaza.
The event is created to symbolically commemorate the temporary abandonment of the city of St. Augustine by Spanish colonial forces. After the town was looted and burned by Francis Drake’s men, the Spanish returned to rebuild upon the same streets you walk on today.

St Augustine, Florida

Old City Farmer’s Market
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
The Farmer’s Market at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A South is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.
At the Old City Farmers Market you can find fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items, plants
and even fresh seafood during the season.

Anastasia State Park Beach Bash
Saturday, June 2, 2012
This is the 18th Annual Beach Bash at the state park on Anastasia Island.The event includes sand castle building, bird walk, low tide bike ride and much more and takes place from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission to the park is $8.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people. Anastasia State Park is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine, just 2 miles from downtown.Call 904.461.2035 for more information.

Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
June 2, 2012
To get to the fort you have to take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island.
Here you can experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas, exactly how it used to be during the 18th century. The Spanish fort, Fort Matanzas, guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine.
Re-enactors dressed in uniform will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.
For more information call 904-471-0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma
There are no fees to enter the park or o take the ferry. The 36 person ferry operates on first come first serve basis.
The Historic Weapon Firing Demonstration take place the first Saturday of the month. Call 904.471.0116 for more information.

Magnificent view from the lighthouse

Sunset Moonrise Tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Monday, June 4, 2012
Enjoy a view of the sunset and full Moonrise from the most unique perspective of all – atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island. This special event includes a champagne toast (provided by San Sebastian Winery) and light hors d’oeuvres (provided by The Reef). Tickets are $25 for non-members ($20 for museum members), reservations are required and space is limited. For more information or to reserve call (904) 829-0745. 
June 4th, Monday from 7:45 – 9:15 (next event July 3 or August 2)

Music by the Sea
June 6, 13, 20, 27
This popular free Summer concert series returns to St. Augustine Beach.
Bring your own chair or a blanket and enjoy a lively musical performance by Navy PRIDE.
This family-friendly fun event takes place every Wednesday evening through September
from 7 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion on A1A Beach Blvd.
Admission is free. Enjoy a signature dinner starting at 6 p.m. from Gas Restaurant for under $10.00.
Or just pack your own picnic. For more information, please call 904.347.8007.

Concerts in the Plaza
June 7,14, 21, 28 2012
This is another popular free concert in St. Augustine.
free evening concert in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion.
Enjoy the cool breezes under a canopy of live oaks as you listen, clap and dance to live entertainment performed by Bob & Joline’s Friends of Mine Band. The concert takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

Big Fat Greek Food Festival
June 8 – 10, 2012
Now you can completely geek out at this Greek Food festival in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Old City has one of the oldest greek communities in the country, so if you haven’t tried greek food before,
here’s your opportunity to taste greek food, experience greek music, dancing and culture.
You can read all about this Summer festival at our Greek Festival in St Augustine page.

2012 Fountain Mercury King Buster 400
June 14 – 17, 2012
Put your fishing skills to the test in the premiere Southern Kingfish competition of the year – with over $175,000 in cash and prizes! The tournament kicks off on Wednesday with a children’s fishing outing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, located at Avenida Menendez and the Bridge of Lions. The King Buster 400 is limited to 400 boats.
In Thursday, the Junior Angler Registration is from 5 -7 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Captain’s Meeting. On Friday, the Junior Angler Tournament takes place with a noon to 3 p.m. weigh-in and a 6:30 p.m. Awards presentation. The Main Tournament Captains’ Meetings take place from 3 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday the tournament takes place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weigh-in is from 3 to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, there will be an awards party with live music Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 904.759.6588

World Golf Village, St Augustine, Florida

Vettes at the Village
June 16, 2012
Corvettes gather at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, so if you are a car enthusiast, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Or if you are planning to visit the World Golf Village anyway, this might be a good time to do so for you.
feature over 100 classic, late model and custom Corvettes around the Walk of Champions from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. An award ceremony featuring Best of Show and People’s Choice will follow the show. It all takes place at World Golf Village, located off I-95 at Exit 323 in St. Augustine.
For more information visit www.nfca.net or call 904.940.4123.

Father’s Day at World Golf Village
June 17, 2012
If Dad is a golf fan, how about a trip to the World Golf Village in St. Augustine to celebrate his special day?
The World Golf Hall of Fame will open its doors complimentary to everyone for Father’s Day. fun activities that include a self-guided tour through the museum highlighting past U.S. Open winners and their stories; visits from the Jacksonville Roar Cheerleaders, rock-climbing, putting and long drive contests, closest-to-the-pin on the challenge hole, chances to win prizes and more. Fathers will also be offered 50% off their ticket price for a movie at the newly reopened World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater.
www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

St. Augustine Music Festival
June 21 – 30, 2012
Enjoy a series of free classical music performances at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084, located on Cathedral Place in historic St. Augustine. Each themed performance takes place at 7:30 p.m.
June 21: Summer Music
June 22: Piano Spectacular
June 23: Grace and Beauty
June 28: Musica Nocturna
June 29: Sacred Music
June 30: Back to Bach

Greek Landing Day

Greek Landing Day Festival
June 22 – 24, 2012
Celebrate the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish the New Smyrna Colony.
St. Photios Shrine serves as a memorial to those Greek colonists by witnessing the Orthodox Faith and promoting the Hellenic culture.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday,
visit the “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing.
Admission is free.
The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.
For more information, call 904-829-8205

Battle of Bloody Mose
June 23, 2012
This exciting re-enactment commemorates the Battle of “Bloody Moosa” which forced the British to retreat from Spanish Florida in 1740. The settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, the First Free Black Settlement in North America, was home for hundreds of free blacks who escaped slavery from the English Colonies to the north. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. living history demonstrations, guided tours, food vendors, and music will be provided. Then, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Spanish and British forces will reenact the “Bloody Moosa” battle. The event is weather permitting.
It all takes place at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine.
Admission is $2 per person.
Fort Mose State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Call 904-823-2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose