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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

National Get Outdoors Day – Free Admission

June 4, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.* This is part of the promotion to get families outdoors more often, so maybe this would be a good time for you to pack a picnic and go visit a park with your family or group of friends. National Get Outdoors Day takes place on June 9, 2012, you can visit some of our parks for free. 

Please check with each park for operating hours and event schedules.

South Carolina
Fort Sumter National Monument

Florida
Canaveral National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Gulf Islands National Seashore

Georgia
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument

*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Read More:

National Outdoors Day at Fort Pulaski in Savannah, GA

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

June 3, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

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

Things To Do in Jacksonville May

April 26, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

May is the best month of the year, at least when it comes to festivals and events. The kids will soon be out of school, many students are doing finals and for most of us, May tends to be a really busy month.  The weather is right now nice and warm, many of us love to head to the beach on the weekend. But if the beach is not what you are looking for, there is a whole bunch of events going on in Jacksonville this month. Here are a few suggestions.

 

Visiting French Navy Schooners during French Week
April 30 – May 2
Jacksonville is celebrating 450 years of Ribauld and the French influence on the city this month with a special French week. There are lot of history and learning type events and happenings, performance of Les Miserables, special french menus and much more. But what my eye was the two French schooners that are scheduled to visit downtown Jacksonville during the French Week celebration. You can board the ship for a tour, and it is free. Now that sounds like fun to me.  Read more about French week here.

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville
May 2, 2012
The theme for the month of May is Conservation, Fashion, Art on Wednesday, May 2 nd, 2012. You can download the art walk map right here, or pick up your copy in Hemming Plaza. Check out dates and themes for future art walk events right here on our special First Wednesday Art Walk page.

World of Nations Celebration
May 3 – 5, 2012
Take a trip around the world without leaving the city. Head to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure without having to pack suitcases, get plane tickets or worry about getting a passport. See the world right here on the First Coast. Read more about this event at our page for World of Nations in Jacksonville.

Movies in the Park
May 4, 2012
In the warmer months you can get your gang ready and head out to watch a family-friendly movie under the stars in the park. This year the outdoor film screening takes place on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn on Downtown’s Southbank.. On May 4 Th. you can watch Jurassic Park.

First Friday Art Walk in St.Augustine
May 4, 2012
This monthly event is one of the most popular in St. Augustine.  Check out the many galleries in the downtown area for the latest. You can read more about this recurring event on our special page for First Friday Art Walk.

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival
May 4 – 5, 2012
This festival celebrates folk music with lots of music. On Friday at St. Augustine Marina, and then all day at St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival – Amelia Island
May 4 – 6, 2012
This is without doubt the biggest event of the year for Fernandina Beach, Fl. The festival kicks off already on Thursday with a parade complete with pirates and cannons. Then on Friday night it’s time for the pirate invasion, followed by the big festival itself on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday there’s also a blessing of the fleet. You can read more about Amelia Island – Fernandina Shrimp Festival here.

World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Monday, May 7, 2012
The world will be watching as Phil Mickelson, Hollis Stacy, Dan Jenkins, Peter Alliss and Sandy Lyle are honored in an evening ceremony at the World Golf Hall of Fame.Call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.

THE PLAYERS Championship
May 10-13, 20112
It’s one of golf’s biggest events and it’s played annually on the coastline of Northeast Florida at the famed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The lush, green rolling hills and steep inclines offer spectacular views of each hole.

Pops at the Beach 
May 13, 2012
As usual, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to a concert on Mother’s Day at Jax Beach Seawalk Pavilion from 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm.  Goliath Flores performs at 6:00 p.m. Featuring the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, then at 7:30 p.m. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Jacksonville Beach Hotline:  904.247.6100 x3 

Wild Amelia Festival
May 18 – 20, 2012
Wild Amelia Nature Festival is a three day long festival celebrating the bioregion around Amelia Island. This nature festival includes a variety of nature tours led by naturalists and Park Rangers, as well as nature photography workshops by local professionals.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 24 – 27, 2012
The Jazz Festival in Jacksonville is acolorful, vibrant street festival. The popular music festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend – May 24 – 27, 2012. Besides music, you can enjoy the Heart Art Show & Sale, Wine Down Brew Town Tasting Experience, jazz exhibits, children’s educational activities and much more. More than 150,000 fans converged on downtown Jacksonville during the 2010 festival.

Moonlight Movies
May 25, 2012
Come to Seawalk Pavilion to enjoy the first movie in the moonlight series for the Summer. First movie out, everybody’s favorite: Men in Black. This is a free screening. 

Uptown Saturday Night – St. Augustine
May 26, 2012
During this monthly event, shops, antique stores and art galleries stay open late in the San Marco district. There’s live music, sometimes readings or book signings and you can rub elbows with artist and art lovers alike. Many places serve refreshment and there is a festival-like atmosphere in the area.

World Class Soccer in Jacksonville
May 26, 2012
This match U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Scotland is what’s called an “international friendly” but don’t let that fool you. This is an anticipated world-class soccer event on Everbank Field, right here in Jacksonville.

Fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida – April 2012

April 2, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.


Jacksonville Beer Week
April 2 – 7, 2012 
Lots of different events around town from smaller tastings to a pub crawl on April 6th. The week culminates with a grand tasting on Saturday, April 7th.
Read all about beer week here. 

MOSH Planetarium Jacksonville FloridaCosmic Concerts
April 6, 13, 20, 27
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online at www.moshplanetarium.org or at the door.

  • April 6: Pink Floyd: The Wall at 7 p.m., Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Pink Floyd: The Best of the Wall at 10 p.m.
  • April 13: Laser Beatles at 7 p.m., Laser U2 at 8 p.m., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 9 p.m., and Jimmy Buffett: Parrot Head Party at 10 p.m.
  • April 20: Laser Magic at 7 p.m., Laseropolis at 8 p.m., Laser Hypnotica at 9 p.m., and Laser X at 10 p.m.
  • April 27: Lasermania at 7 p.m., Laser Retro at 8 p.m., Laser Vinyl at 9 p.m., and Laser Led Zeppelin at 10 p.m.

First Wednesday Art Walk
April 4, 2012
Downtown Jacksonville turns into an art adventure every first Wednesday of the month. The event is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more. It’s a downtown happening you have to try at least once. Read more about the event here.

Spoken Word – The Ritz
April 5, 2012
Visit the Ritz for a Spoken Word event on Thursday, April 5. Call 904.632.55555 for more information. 

Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 7 – 8, 2012
Every Easter holiday art is celebrated at this two-day event in Mandarin. More than 100 artists are expected to participate this year. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There’s also a Kids Art Show and an egg hunt for the younger ones. You can read more about the Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt here.

Riverside Arts Market
Saturdays in  April 7, 14, 21, 28 2012
This market under the Fuller Warren Bridge is full of hand made items, arts and crafts, as well as produce, plants and vegetables. Great place for people watching! 

5th Annual Sunrise on St. Johns
April 8, 2012
A variety of churches and faith-based organizations come together to host the 5th annual Easter sunrise service, open to the public at The Jacksonville Landing. More information available at www.jacksonvillelanding.com 

Movies in the Park
April 13, 20 and 27
Movies in the Park on the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk’s riverfront lawn is a free, four-week-long movie series. The series is held each spring on Downtown’s Southbank, screening family-friendly movies under the stars beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring family and friends, blankets to sit on or lawn chairs and a picnic. Music and kids lawn games will keep moviegoers busy before each show.

  • April 13 – Despicable Me, rated PG
  • April 20 - The Muppet Movie, rated G
  • April 27 - Grease, rated PG 

 

Jacksonville Sharks vs. Utah Blaze

April 12, 2012

The Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team take on Utah Blaze at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.  

Jacksonville Superfest
April 13-15, 2012
 This festival is super BIG. Three stages, three days and over 70 acts. The organizers are expecting over 10,000 music fans of all ages, races, nationalities and abilities to come together during this event. All styles are represented here; from bluegrass, to R&B, dance, pop, rock, metal, gospel, country and more. Check out jacksonvillesuperfest.com for ticket information.

George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 13-15, 2012
This popular three-day oceanfront music festival is free and features a number of renowned blues performers, held every spring in Jacksonville Beach. Click here for more information about Springing the Blues.

Van Halen – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
April 16, 2012
Legendary performer Van Halen is coming to Jacksonville to play at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Also, Kool and the Gang.

Burn the Floor – Times-Union Center, Jacksonville
April 17, 2012
If you love ballroom dancing and TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance?” – then this performance is for you. See the magnificent Paso Double, the Jive, Tango, Mamba and more performed by a company of 20 dancers. 

Southeast US Boat Show
April 20 – 22, 2012
The 16th Annual Southeast US Boat Show, formally known as the Jacksonville spring boat show, will take place  at the Metropolitan Park and Marina.  The 3 day event includes live seminars, live music and the world’s most enthusiastic boaters.

22nd Annual Earth Day & Ecology Fair
April 21, 2012

Come to the Jacksonville Landing to celebrate Earth Day and learn about how you can help save the planet. more than 80 booths of educational and interactive displays, arts and crafts and activities for the entire family.  Live entertainment takes place throughout the day on the main stage and the children’s stage. 


MOSH After Dark: The City Dark

April 26, 2012
 Stimulate your mind with an evening of “Thought Theater.” MOSH After Dark in April will showcase a thought-provoking documentary (starts at 6 p.m.). The City Dark tells the definitive story of light pollution and the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for members. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 226 to register or register online. The City Dark is part of MOSH After Dark, a fun series of adult programs presented each month.

Cirque de la Symphonie
April 26, 2012

Special performance with Jacksonville Symphony featuring aerial artist Alexander Stretslov and a cast of cirque-nouveau performers. Cirque de la Symphonie returns with an all-new show that combines the best in symphonic music with the magic of aerial and acrobatic artistry. Some of the most accomplished Cirque performers from across the globe, including acrobats, dancers, contortionists and stongment, enter the concert hall for an unforgettable night.

Butterfly Festival – Treehill Nature Center
April 28, 2012
The annual Butterfly Festival takes place at Treehill Nature Center in Arlington. This festival includes a live butterfly release and lots of fun for kids from kid’s activities, animal demonstrations, arts and crafts activities and much more. 

International Astronomy Day
April 28, 2012
The international Astronomy Day is celebrated in Bryan-Gooding Planetarium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a variety of family-friendly activities in salute of International Astronomy Day. The day’s programming will also include a showing of the documentary, The City Dark, which tells the definitive story of light pollution, the disappearing stars and the consequences thereof.

day at the beachOpening of the Beaches & Parade 
April 28-29 
The beaches officially welcome visitors as temperatures become warmer and families head for a day in the sun. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend with prizes in several categories on Saturday. Then on Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach at 2 pm – and Summer is officially here!

Korn – Metropolitan Park
April 29, 2012
Korn comes to Jacksonville and performs at Metropolitan Park.  

Riverside Arts Market – Jacksonville, Florida

February 28, 2012 by Susanne Talentino

Spring is in the air – and the opening of the season for Riverside Arts Market in downtown Jacksonville is a sure sign that spring has arrived. On Saturday, March 3, 2012, RAM holds its grand opening celebration. There will be a parade at 9:45 am to kick off the season and everyone is invited to participate. There will be music performances on stage, a juggler, a sword swallower and balloon art – just to mention a few. This is a great opportunity to come and check out some of the artists and the many hand made items available from the vendors, and make sure to come hungry – because there is always a lot of food to choose from. Lots of arts & crafts and fresh produce. For more information about Riverside Arts Market check out our special page.

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