Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Old City Farmers Market at St. Augustine Amphitheatre

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In St Augustine you can visit the Old City Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and more. The market offers locally grown vegetables, organic food, fruits, artesian breads, pastries, flowers and plants, herbs, roasted peanuts, bonsai, and even the famous datil sauces the area is known for.
Datil is a locally grown hot pepper.
There’s also a great assortment of soups, burritos and other delicious foods so come hungry and plan to have lunch!

This market is held every Saturday, rain or shine, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

St. Augustine Amphitheatre, is located 1340 A1A south, about 2 miles south of the Bridge of Lions and 1 mile north of SR 312 on A1A

Click here for the events calendar post for Old City Farmers Market, St Augustine

veggie

Cocktails with Summer Heat

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No time or money for a summer vacation? These colorful cocktails will make the destination of choice your own backyard Just kick up your feet, close your eyes and invoke the feelings of the tropics with these refreshing, fruity cocktails.

Summer Cocktails - Tequila SunburstTequila Sunburst
1 1/2 oz. TABASCOâ„¢ Spicy Tequila
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
Squeeze Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in a 12 oz. highball glass filled with ice. Stir and serve garnished with a pineapple wheel.

Summer Cocktails - Avery IslandAvery Island
1 ½ oz TABASCO™ Spicy Tequila
¾ oz Triple Sec
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
¾ oz Cranberry Juice
¼ oz Simple Syrup

Shake ingredients vigorously over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Summer Cocktails - Hot BreezeHot Breeze
1 1/2 oz. TABASCOâ„¢ Spicy Tequila
2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
3 oz. Cranberry Juice

Build over ice and garnish with a lime.

spicydrink

Wine Stroll at Middleton Place All Summer – Charleston, SC

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How about spending a relaxing Wednesday evening at one of Charleston’s most beautiful gardens? Now you can enjoy a leisurely walk through America’s oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a variety of summer wines at Middleton Place. Each Wednesday, Middleton Place will host the wine tasting in a different garden location.

Wine tasting in the Gardens of Middleton Place takes place on Wednesdays from from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10.00 per person.
Summer Wine Strolls every Wednesday through September.
Wine strollers can also make a complete evening by including a dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant. Just call (843) 266-7477.

Visit our events calendar for additional information about the Wine Stroll

Wine Stroll at Middleton Place, Charleston, SC

Fourth of July in South Carolina, 2009

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4th of July Blast at Patriots Point, Charleston
One of the best places to watch fireworks and celebrate Independence Day has to be Patriots Point in Charleston.

Fourth of July South CarolinaFirst, during the day there is a action-filled festival with live music, a kids Zone, a beverage garden with both soda and adult libations, and a food village. Admission to the actual land festival is free, but there is admission fee to the ships, Medal of Honor Museum and exhibits.

(Click here to watch our newest videos for Fourth of July)

The fireworks display is one of the bests in the country. Fireworks begin at 10:05 PM. The fireworks show has been calledd “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” by the New York Times. Fireworks is set to patriotic music and launched from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown with the Charleston Harbor as a backdrop.

27,500 people showed up last year, so come early and prepare to stay late. Read more about the 4th of July Blast at Patriots Point, Charleston, SC

Middleton Place Celebrates Independence Day Weekend – Charleston, SC
Remember exactly why we’re celebrating Independence Day, and learn more about how it all started with a real Independence Day celebration at Middleton Place. Take a step back in time, hear the fife and drums and smell the gun powder at the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Here you can walk through an 18th century military camp with re-enactors and experience up close and personal how the troops lived. There will also be cooking and musket firing demonstrations, and ceremonies commemorating the contributions of Arthur and Henry Middleton.
At 3:00 pm the Declaration of Independence is read.
Regular Admission. Call 843-556-6020 or visit middletonplace.org

Luau in the Swamp
Maybe you’re looking for something a little bit more exotic than your common picnic, barbeque, parade and firework combo, and I have found a great little event for you. Take the whole family to a Luau at Cypress Gardens on Independence Day for a big birthday bash called “Luau in the Swamp”.

Wait, it’s not as odd as it sounds.

Fourth of July Party in South Carolina 2009This is the year the state of Hawaii is officially “over the hill” – or to put it in plain English; it’s Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood. So Cypress Gardens is putting on a big party on the 4th of July and everyone is invited. If you and your family want to experience a little bit of Hawaii in South Carolina, just head out to Cypress Gardens. It’s a whole lot cheaper than flying to Hawaii.

As expected, hula dancers and ukulele band will be a part of the entertainment lineup. Everyone is invited to enter the limbo and the Hawaiin costume contest. The kids will love it, and I’m afraid my wife won’t be able to resist either. In that case, it’ll be one of those events one will be glad to forget, but the kids will remember for ever.

You’re also invited to bring your own ice cream churn and enter the ice cream contest. I can see it clearly now. I’ll be forced to wear a Hawaiian shirt with pink flowers and parrots and carry an ice cream churn under one arm, and under the other, a wife dressed in a hula outfit ready to limbo.

What can I say…oh poi!

I was encouraged to hear that The Supporters of Historical Cypress Garden will roast a pig, because I know that will be delicious. There will also be other island food available, and for the less adventurous among us the American staple of hot dogs and hamburgers.

Call 843-553-0515 or visit www.cypressgardens.info. More details in the events calendar for Luau in the Swamp at Cypress Gardens, South Carolina

fourth of July Celebration in South Carolina 2009Festival in the Park – Moncks Corner, SC
Celebrate the 4th of July at Old Santee Canal Park. This is an event for the whole family with live music and entertainment, a classic car and truck show, and pet shows. The Berkeley Artist’s Guild’s annual members show will be in the Berkeley Museum from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. And to cap the day off, fireworks will go off at dusk.

For more information call 843-899-5200 or visit www.oldsanteecanalpark.org

Red, White and Blue on the Green, Summerville, SC
This year’s annual 4th of July Celebration in Historic Summerville is going to be a celebration of gigantic proportions. There will be live music featuring 60 Cycle Humm, a magic show by Van Doren the Magician, Jump Castles, Hot dogs and Hamburgers, Barbeque, Ice Cream, Cold Drinks. Also tons of games and Contests for the whole family, the Patriotic “Non Motorized Parade” and one of South Carolina’s most fantastic Fireworks Displays.

MYRTLE BEACH

Star Spangled Celebration
Come celebrate Independence Day in Myrtle Beach with face painting, sidewalk sales, Balloons by Green Jelly Bean, Pony and Camel Rides, petting zoo, patriotic music, beach music and of course fireworks

Hwy. 17 Bypass between 21st and 29th Ave. Additional satellite parking will located at the old NASCAR Grille with free shuttle buses service.

Call 843-444-3200 for more information or visit www.BroadwayAtTheBeach.com. visit our events calendar for Star Spangled Celebration in Myrtle Beach.

The Market Common Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy music, children’s activities and fireworks as we celebrate our Independence Day Celebration at the Market Commons, 4017 Deville Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 on July 4th from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Visit www.MarketCommonEvents.com or call 843-839-3500

Fourth of July in SC
Independence Day Celebration at the Surfside Pier
Surfside has its own 4th of July festival at the pier. Steve Fairchild, who has been called the city of Surfside’s own “Garth”, is performing, but if that’s not enough to convince you to head to the pier – how about free ice cream and watermelon? There’s also concessions available with hot dogs,hamburgers,chips &drinks


Murrells Inlet Boat Parade
Celebrate Independence Day with a unique 4th of July tradition, South Carolina style. Plan for a full day for the whole family, beginning with a boat parade.

26th Annual July 4th Boat Parade at high tide – Freedom is Fine in 2009. Watch a parade of creatively decorated boats cruising down the creek. The fitting theme for this year is “Freedom is Fine in 2009”. The best view is from the Marsh walk area. Make sure to arrive early to get the best spot. Boat Parade starts at 5 p.m. Call 843-357-2007 for info.

Have a picnic dinner with your family for the 4th of July (check out some of our recipes) or visit one of the restaurants in the area. You’ll have time to finish off your meal before it’s time to head down to the water again for fireworks. (Read the calendar entry for Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, South Carolina)

July Fourth Fireworks at 10pm
Fireworks are shot off over the Inlet waters. Thousands of people line the shores to enjoy the display. Call 843-357-2007.

Hilton Head Island

Firecracker 5000, Hilton Head Island, SC
Work up a healthy appetite for all those barbeques and picnics on Independence Day and start out with a run or walk 5K Run fourth of July Hilton Head Island, SCduring the Firecracker 5000 race on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
The 5K (3.1 miles) Island Packet Firecracker 5000 course starts and finishes behind the Mall at Shelter Cove. This is a fast and flat course around Shelter Cove Harbour. The independence day inspired post-race celebration features live music, fresh fruit, ice cold refreshments, door prizes and more. (Visit the events calendar for Firecracker 5000, Hilton Head Island, SC)

Visit www.bearfootsports.com for more information.

Fireworks at Shelter Cove on July 4th, Hilton Head Island, SC
Shannon Tanner will perform at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a special Harbourfest celebration and perform a selection of patriotic music.
Call 800-827-3006 for more information or visit hiltonheadisland.org

Harbourfest 2009 July 4th Celebration, Hilton Head Island, SC
Don’t miss the special Fourth of July fireworks show, which offers a vibrant extravaganza of light over the harbor at Shelter Cove Harbour.

Skull Creek Fireworks, Hilton Head Island, SC
Free Community Fireworks display from a barge in the Intracoastal Waterway – Skull Creek at 9:30PM. Live outside entertainment begin at 6PM at Hudson’s, Boathouse II, and Charley’s Crab. Food and beverages available.

Free Parking and Shuttle Service is offer from 6pm – 10pm from the Boys and Girls Club on Gumtree Rd to parking lot at Hudsons (pick up and return). Shuttle is offered by the Island Rec Center.

Call 843-681-6444 or visit www.islandreccenter.org

Young Boys running with Flag

Ideas for a Star-Spangled Celebration!

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Celebrate the Fourth! Dine outdoors and serve a fabulous make-ahead menu.

Looking for inspiration for your Independence Day Dinner, take a look at this easy to make and tasty dishes.

Star-Studded Starter

Start with a sassy salsa of in-season sweet, plump Northwest cherries paired with peppers, onion and cilantro! Serve cracker-like crisps – cut from pita breads using star-shaped cookie cutters – for dipping.

Salads Make the Meal

Toss orzo, chicken and sweet cherries with red wine vinaigrette and pack into a star-shaped pan. Chill and then turn out onto a platter for serving. Add a simple mixed green salad topped with glazed almonds, creamy goat cheese and fresh, antioxidant-rich cherries.

Dazzling Dessert Trio

Swirls of red, white and blue candy bark, a giant cupcake adorned with stars and stripes, and luscious frozen cherry cream atop a brownie shell create a perfect patriotic finish to enjoy with the fireworks finale.

Visit www.nwcherries.com for cherry recipes and information about storage, purchasing, nutrition and health.

Check www.wilton.com for more celebration ideas and recipes, plus bakeware, books and decorating supplies.

A Star of a Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 box (16 ounces) orzo
  • 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast or turkey breast
  • 1 1/2 cups diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 cups pitted Northwest Red or Rainier cherries, quartered

Preparation

  1. Line Star Pan with plastic wrap. Prepare orzo following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In large bowl, combine orzo, chicken, bell pepper and shallots. In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, mustard, salt, thyme and black pepper. Pour over orzo mixture; mix well. Gently stir in cherries. Pack into prepared pan. Chill at least 1 hour. To serve, place serving platter over star pan. Carefully turn over to release salad; remove plastic wrap.

Serves
Makes about 12 servings

Cherry Salsa With Star Crisps

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups pitted Northwest cherries, quartered
  • 1/3 cup finely diced sweet red bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely diced purple onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Star Crisps

Preparation

  1. In medium bowl, place crushed red pepper. Stir in boiling water; let stand at least 10 minutes. Stir in lime juice, vinegar, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add cherries, bell pepper and onion; gently stir. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir in cilantro and serve. Serve with Star Crisps.

Serves
Makes about 4 cups salsa

Star Crisps

Ingredients

  • 2 packages pocket pita breads (6 inch or larger)
  • Olive or vegetable oil
  • Coarsely ground salt and pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Using 2.4-inch or 3.23-inch star cutter, press and cut shapes from pita; pull apart into two pieces. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush with oil. If desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.

Serves
Makes 10 to 15 crisps

Mixed Green Salad With Northwest Cherries, Almonds & Goat Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pitted Bing cherries
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 pound (about 8 cups) mixed salad greens, washed, dried, and chilled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Bing or other dark Northwest cherries, split in half and pitted
  • 1 log (4 ounces) fresh white goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup glazed sliced almonds*

Preparation

  1. In blender or food processor fitted with steel blade, purée 1/4 cup cherries, vinegar and oil until smooth; set dressing aside.
  2. In large bowl, gently toss greens with dressing. Add salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 1 cup cherries, goat cheese and almonds; toss gently. Serve immediately.

Serves
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
*Found pre-packaged in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Red, White and Blue Bark

Ingredients

  • 1 package (14 ounces) White Candy Melts
  • 1 package (14 ounces) Red Candy Melts
  • 1 package (14 ounces) Blue Candy Melts
  • Cinnamon drop sprinkles or crushed peppermint pinwheel candies

Preparation

  1. Line cookie pan with parchment paper.
  2. Melt each package of Candy Melts following package instructions. Spoon candy into prepared pan distributing colors randomly. Tap pan on counter to remove air bubbles; with spoon or butter knife, marble candy in pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon drops or crushed peppermint candies. Chill until firm, about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove parchment from pan; break candy into smaller serving pieces.

Serves
Each piece serves 1

America’s Star Cupcake

Ingredients

  • 6 cups of your favorite pound cake batter
  • 3 cups buttercream icing
  • Red-Red and Royal Blue icing color
  • Patriotic nonpareils
  • 2 packages Patriotic Stars icing decorations

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Giant Cupcake Pan cavities with vegetable pan spray with flour.
  2. Pour 3 1/2 cups batter into base/bottom half of pan and 2 1/2 cups batter into top part of pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan 20 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.
  3. Stack cake layers on serving plate with icing between layers. Decorate sides of cupcake with lines of red and blue Decorating Tip #18 stars. Cover cupcake top with white icing using Decorating Tip #1M stars. Sprinkle with nonpareils; attach icing decorations.

Serves
Makes 12 servings

Black Forest Brownie With Frozen Cherry Cream

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 pound (about 4 cups) individually quick-frozen cherries
  • 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
  • 2 packages (about 15 ounces each) brownie mix (8 x 8-inch size)
  • Eggs, water and oil to prepare mix
  • Vanilla Whipped Icing or whipped topping
  • Whole Bing cherries, for garnish

Preparation

  1. In medium bowl, combine sugar, water, lemon juice and extract; stir until sugar is dissolved. Place in freezer until slushy, about 1 1/2 hours.
  2. In food processor fitted with grater attachment, grate frozen cherries. Immediately whisk into slushy sugar syrup. Cover with plastic wrap or place in airtight container. Freeze 2 to 3 hours or until mixture is a soft serve consistency. Fold in ice cream; freeze 8 hours or overnight.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Dessert Shell Pan with vegetable pan spray. In large bowl, prepare brownie mix following package instructions; spoon 1/2 the batter into cavities of prepared pan.
  4. Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
  5. Place cooled brownie dessert shell on plate; add scoop of cherry ice cream mixture; add whipped icing and cherry to garnish.

Serves
Makes about 6 servings

SOURCE:
Northwest Cherry Growers
Wilton Industries, Inc.