Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Gypsy Cab Indie Film Series in St. Augustine, Florida

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In St Augustine you can always catch a dinner and a movie on the last Wednesday of the month. Get a group of friends together and head to the Gypsy Cab where you can order a drink, relax and enjoy a film chosen especially for the Gypsy Cab audience by The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

Doors open and dinner starts at 6p.m. Movie starts at 7p.m. Reservations are suggested. Call 904-824-8244 for reservations.
Wednesday, March 31: Macho Macho
Episode I: Fortunato spent years transporting stolen Ferraris to the Arabs. His next trip is going to be his last and pass the baton to Marcello.  An encounter forces a surprising detour.
Episode II: Giulio’s divorce plunged him into depression.  He is supposed to attend a convention in St. Petersburg, but doesn’t want to go. However, Fausto, a colleague is in no doubt: Russia is the land of easy sex.  He puts Giulio in contact with Vito, an on-line organizer of sexual tourism jaunts. Things get out of hand in this comic romp.
April 28: Life is a Banquet
May 31: Don McKay
June 30: Vince & the Fever

Lowcountry Cajun Fest in Charleston, SC

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Zydeco Music Heats up Lowcountry Cajun Fest coming to James Island Country Park outside Charleston, South Carolina.

The 19th annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival is bringing spice and heat to Charleston on Sunday,  March 28, 2010. Experience a little bit of  Louisiana right here on the coast. The Lowcountry Cajun Fest is a fun filled day packed with live music, entertainment, food, children’s activities and more!

Lowcountry cajun festival james island county park charleston south carolinaCome hungry, and take the opportunity to enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole fare prepared by local and regional chefs. There’s even a crawfish eating contest at 2:30 p.m.

Delicious food is not the only attraction, there’ s also a lot of live music  from renowned Zydeco bands.  Taking the stage at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. will be one of the hottest bands on the Zydeco scene, Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners. Promising to deliver hits that will get folks dancing, Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners have toured the world specializing in traditional Louisiana Zydeco music. Leroy is a throwback to first-generation Zydeco, and has an encyclopedic repertoire of Zydeco, Cajun, Blues, R&B and Country music.

Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas

Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas will perform at 2:15 and 4:45 p.m. For over 20 years, Nathan and his hard-working band have toured the world bringing their unique brand of authentic Zydeco music to fans around the globe. Uplifting and connected to its place in history, the music of Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Chas is the expression of a remarkable South Louisiana family.

Other festivities include a crafter market and mechanical, inflatable and carnival games for kids. Check www.ccprc.com/cajun for a current entertainment schedule.

Admission is $10. This event is free for ages 12 and under with paying adult.  Call 795-4FUN (4386) or visit website!

lowcountry cajun festival james island county park, charleston, south carolina

YMCA Flowertown Festival in Summerville, SC – 2010

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A fun thing to do in spring is to visit the small town of Summerville, South Carolina, to enjoy blooming azaleas and southern hospitality during the popular Flowertown Festival. The 38th Annual flowertown Festival takes place on March 26 – 28. Every year Summerville celebrates the passing of winter with over 250,000 of its closest friends.

Flowertown Festival Summerville South CarolinaLots and lots of Art!
The popular Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival has been a South Carolina tradition since 1971. More than 200 artisans from across the country come to the Festival to show their skills and sell their art. You’ll find a wide variety of arts and crafts from painting, pottery, glassworking, woodworking, needlework and much, much more!

Taste of the Town
But the three-day event is not only about art. You can also enjoy delicious foods from local restaurants at the Taste of the Town,there is also fun activities and rides for children at the Children’s Jubilee. Now if that isn’t enough to convince you there is also free admission and parking. This festival has consistently ranked one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The festival is open on Friday and Saturday from 9-5 and on Sunday from 9-4 for more information visit the Flowertown Festival website


St Augustine Lions Seafood Festival 2010

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Spring is the time for festivals on the coast. The air is cool and fresh, and it’s a great time to be outdoors. In St Augustine it’s time for the annual St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival.  Here you can of course get  great seafood  nearly any way you want it, but you can also enjoy  live  music from bluegrass, to folk and country music.

There will also be more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors at the event.  This is a fun event for the whole family.  You can even win groceries, gifts and prizes. The festival is held at Francis Field at 25 W. Castillo Drive next to the Visitors Center. Festival hours are 3-9 p.m. on Friday, March 12th, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is only $2 for adults. Net proceeds go to Lions Club charities.

Visit www.lionsfestival.com for more information.

Riverside Arts Market Re-Opens for Spring 2010

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Winter has definitely left the coast – and a sign of spring is the re-opening of the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) on Saturday March 6, 2010.  The Riverside Arts Market is located next to the St Johns River and here you’ll find local arts and crafts, produce, flowers, and you can watch entertainment on stage as well. It’s a great event for the whole family.

To celebrate the re-opening, there will be a big parade. (Click here to download the pdf document)

Here is a video we did when we visited the Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville last year