Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Labor Day Weekend – Georgia – 2010

by

Labor Day is always a big deal on the coast of Georgia with a variety of annual festivals and events. It’ll be hard to choose, but here’s a quick rundown to help you with you plan your weekend getaway trip.

Savannah Craft Brew Fest

Let’s start in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is always a beautiful city to visit, especially in the warmer season. You can take a nice walk down to Riverstreet. One of our favorite places to visit for a drink, something to eat or just to people watch is the City Market.

But if you visit Savannah during Labor Day weekend, the place to be is Savannah Craft Brew Fest. This event start already on September 4 with the grande tasting event on Saturday September 5.

For more information visit our special page about Savannah Craft Brew Fest.

Tybee Island Beach Bash

About a 20 minute drive from Savannah, you’ll find Tybee Island, often referred to as Savannah’s own beach.  If you’re looking to spend your Labor Day weekend on the beach – why not head out to Tybee Island. The island has plenty of nice restaurants and bars, quaint shops and on Saturday September 5, 2010, Tybee celebrates the weekend with a big bash. It’s the Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash – complete with fireworks.

Read more here – Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash

You have to taste the catfish!

In Camden County further south, Labor Day weekend is celebrated every year with a festival. It’s the annual Kingsland Catfish Festival. This festival of course serves southern fried catfish – but besides food, the festival comes with vendors, arts & crafts, live music and a parade.

Read more here about the Kingsland Catfish Festival

Click here to watch our video podcast about Labor Day Weekend!

Things to do in Georgia – August 2010

by

I never get tired of visiting Savannah with its beautiful squares and beautiful architecture. In the summer, downtown is usually filled with people and there’s a lot going on.  There are so many different places to sit down, have a bite to eat or a drink.  With the beginning of a new month comes another “week of firsts” – and in Savannah there are even two special events.

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaIt’s always a pleasure to visit the riverfront in downtown Savannah, especially in the summer.  Lot’s of people, and lots of fun.  To finish off a day of sightseeing head to the riverfront for First Friday Fireworks on August 6, 2010 at 9:30 pm.  Then on Saturday August 7, it’s the First Saturday on the river, with lots of events, arts & crafts and fun for the whole family.

St. Simons is also busy in the summer.  In the evenings, lots of people walk down to the pier to watch the sunset or the fishermen.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

The Jazz in the park at the lawn of St. Simons Lighthouse has become a favorite summer event in the Golden Isles area. This month the concert takes place on Sunday, August 22 when  Gwen Hughes and the Retro Jazz Cats are performing. Read more about the event on our page for Jazz in the Park

To me nothing says summer more than beach music.  You can’t beat the combination of beach music and bbq, and this is especially attractive when the event in question takes place on beautiful Jekyll Island, Georgia. This year the festival is held in Great Dunes Park for the first time.  Everyone’s favorite beach music band “The Swingin’ Medallions” are coming again.  The Beach Music Festival and BBQ Bash takes place August 20 – 21, 2010.

Check out our video from the event on the special page for Beach Music Festival and BBQ Bash on Jekyll Island.

Old Fort Jackson Auction invites you to join for a special Low Country Boil and Auction on August 28, 2010. This is an annual fundraiser for Old Fort Jackson, a National Historic Landmark site in Savannah, Georgia.
The fundraiser takes place at Old Fort Jackson on Saturday, August 28, 2010 6:00pm There will be a silent auction, children’s activities, cannon firings, and live music, and lots of fun for the whole family. Free admission. Food and concessions available for purchase. For more information contact Old Fort Jackson directly at 912.232.3945

Another fun event coming on August 21, 2010 is the Songwriters Showcase in St. Marys, Georgia. It’s the first year for the event, but if you enjoy live music, it might be something for you. You can read more about the event on our sister site Camden Happening. Here is the link to the post about the Songwriters Showcase in St Marys, Georgia Also in St. Marys in August, there’s Starry Nights. Here is the link to the Starry Nights in St Marys post.

World Golf Village Fireworks – and Vampires

by

Get into the right patriotic spirit and kick off your Fourth of July weekend early with World Golf Village Fireworks happening already on Friday July 2, 2010. This is one the largest fireworks displays in Northeast Florida. Bring family, friends, neighbors, blankets or lawn chairs to a spectacular fireworks show. Parking is limited and a small parking fee will be required for entry to the event.

Feeding Frenzy for Vampire Fans
It might not sound very appetizing to to talk about food and vampires in the same sentence, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Make a complete evening out with a Dinner and a Movie for vampire fans. The special “Dinner and a Movie” package is available at the World Golf Hall of Fame and includes a buffet at the Fairways Café, and the popular movie The Twilight Saga: Eclipse at the IMAX theatre. The package also includes unlimited free putting on the Hall’s 18-hole putting course. All this for $35 for adults with special pricing for children and IMAX Movie Club Members.

Reservations can be made by calling 904-940-4118.
www.wgv.com

MORE FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS….

Fourth of July in Florida

Fourth of July in St Augustine


If you liked this article – sign up for our newsletter below.

Fourth of July in Florida

by

The Fourth of July holiday is built around traditions and for many it’s a great family tradition to celebrate the weekend together friends and family.  We have come up with a few ideas for fun things to do on the coast of Northeast Florida for the Fourth of July weekend.

Daytona International Speedway - NASCARDAYTONA BEACH
NASCAR fans kick off Indpendence Day early and head to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the famous Coke Zero 400 Weekend.  This event takes place July 1 – 3, 2010, at Daytona International Speedway.  It’s one of the few NASCAR races taking place at night, and with the summer heat, that’s a good thing for us.  Besides fast cars, there’s live music, fireworks and much more.
Check out our page for Coke Zero 400 Weekend for more.

ST AUGUSTINE
There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the Nation’s Oldest City – St. Augustine, Florida.  The beautiful, historic city is always well worth a visit, especially if you have friends and family coming to town.  Make sure to take time to walk around in the historic downtown area – or take a horse carriage ride if it’s too hot.

St. Augustine offers free concert and of course impressive fireworks over Mantanzas Bay. This is one of the most anticipated events in St. Augustine, so expect lots of people – and traffic.  Check out page for  Fourth of July in St Augustine for more details and parking suggestions.

JACKSONVILLE

Last year the city of Jacksonville had a lot of events going on around town – but with the budget cuts it seems as if everything is now centered around the Jacksonville Landing in downtown.  The day starts with free concerts at the Jacksonville Landing, and at dusk it’s time for fireworks at the riverfront.

There’s also fireworks and fun at Jax Beach.

Click here to visit our special page with details including parking suggestions for Fourth of July Events in Jacksonville.

FERNANDINA BEACH

The Stars and Stripes Freedom Festival and Parade takes place in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. The Festival itself takes place on Saturday July 3, 2010, while the parade and fireworks happen on Sunday July 4.

We went to Fernandina Beach for Fourth of July last year and made a video about the experience that is posted on the  special page for Stars and Stripes Freedom Festival & Fireworks

Fourth of July in South Carolina

by

There is no shortage of things to do in South Carolina for the 4th of July weekend.  Every city on the coast has its own way of celebrating the big day  – from festivals, to live music performances and of course fireworks.

Many of us visit coastal South Carolina for summer vacation, a coastal weekend getaway or maybe even romantic weekend getaway.

Here are some ideas of fun things to do for the 4th of July weekend 2010 in South Carolina.

MYRTLE BEACH
There are lots of events in Myrtle Beach – from fireworks to music and even an Italian festival.  Click here to check out our special page Fourth of July Events in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade on 4th of July

MURRELLS INLET JULY 4TH BOAT PARADE
Many places have a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July, but in Murrells Inlet the festivities keep a coastal theme. This year it’s time for the 28th Annual July 4th Boat Parade.

Here you can see a line of red, white and blue decorated boats cruising down the creek for the Murrells Inlet Fourth of July parade. The theme for the 28th annual parade is “2010: Freedom is In”.

Boat decoration contest entry forms available at Garden City Realty, Dunes Realty, Crazy Sister Marina or Booty’s. Entry costs $5. You only need to enter if you want to be judged in the decoration contest. Any boat is welcome to join in the parade at no charge.

The best view of the parade is said to be the Marshwalk area. Plan to arrive early for a great viewing spot. The Boat Parade on July 4, 2010, starts at 1:00 pm at Garden City Point area, arriving around MarshWalk area around 1:45-2:00 pm.

After the boat parade, cool off at one of the many restaurants, have a cold beverage and relax. Finish off the day with fireworks.
Call 843-357-2007 for more information or visit murrellsinletsc.org

Fireworks – Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet also has a July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at 10pm. New for 2010 is the staging area – right off the end of Veterans Pier! Independence Day is a big day in Murrells Inlet and thousands of people are expected to line the shores for the fireworks. For more information call 843-357-2007.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The 25th Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 Road Race and Family Fun Walk will be held on Sunday, July 4 at 8:00am from the Mall at Shelter Cove.
The Time Warner Cable Firecracker 5000, is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County. Over 1000 runners and walkers of all ages and ability from across the United States annually participate in this fun event.
www.bearfootsports.com

SHELTER COVE

There’s a special Fourth of July fireworks show at Shelter Cove Harbour, offering a vibrant extravaganza of light over the harbor.

Go here to visit our page about Hilton Head Island – 4th of July

CHARLESTON

Patriot’s Point
The Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point in Charleston, South Carolina, is the ultimate Independence Day celebration.  The fireworks show has been named “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” by the New York Times.  Fireworks are launched from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown.
Read all about the 4th of July Blast at Patriot’s Point

Independence Weekend at Middleton Place
Middleton Place starts already on Friday July 2, 2010, with a special Naturalization Ceremony.  There is no more suitable place in Charleston, SC, for a Naturalization Ceremony than Middleton Place, the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 60-75 candidates will pledge alligence to the flag and become U.S.  citizens at this event.  Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Middleton Place Foundation President Charles Duell will kick off the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. under the grand live oaks.  The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services will swear in the candidates. Color guard and costumed interpreters will present theflag and sing the national anthem. This event is open to the publics.  Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.  Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.  America’s newest citizens are welcome to tour the gardens after the ceremony free of charge.

middleton place charleston south carolinaFourth of July at Middleton Place
American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.

American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.  For more information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org

Uncle Sam Jam on July 4
Come to Mount Pleasant Pier to enjoy live beach music under the stars. The music starts at 8 p.m. This Independence Day, the East Coast Party Band is performing. The pier is located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge on Charleston Harbor.

The Mount Pleasant Pier will be a great spot to view the area’s fireworks displays!  Gates open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m.  Tickets will be limited, so purchase yours in advance.  On-site tickets, if available, will be $10.  Beverages will be available for purchase on site.
For more information, call 843-795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.