Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to do in Florida October

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Trick or Treat?

October is a month filled with festivals and happenings — and it’s usually one of the best times of the year to spend time outdoors. There is a lot more happening in October than just Halloween and Oktoberfests. Just take a look at some of our suggestions below.

First Friday Artwalk – St Augustine, Florida

October 7, 2011
The art walk in St. Augustine is a social affair with lots of people mingling in the streets outside the many quaint shops, galleries and other venues participating. Read more – First Friday Artwalk St Augustine, Florida

Datil Pepper Festival – St. Augustine, Florida

October 1 – 2, 2011
Spice things up with the datil pepper at this festival. The datil pepper is celebrated at this festival in St. Augustine every year. More details here – Datil Pepper Festival.

Les deMerle

 

Amelia Island Jazz Festival – Fernandina, Florida

October 2 – 9, 2011
The well-known jazz musician Les deMerle has been the driving force behind this popular jazz festival for many years and created an exciting program. Read more here – Amelia Island Jazz Festival

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville, Fl

October 5, 2011
This is a monthly event in downtown Jacksonville. This month the theme for the event is “Hispanic Heritage” Find out more on the page for First Wednesday Art Walk

Greek Festival

 

Greek Festival – St Augustine

October 7 – 9, 2011
Experience food and culture from Greece, without leaving your own backyard – just come to this festival in October. Read all about it here – Greek Festival in St. Augustine


Jacksonville Film Festival

October 13 – 16, 2011
The film festival seems to becoming more popular every year. The opening night always takes place at the San Marco Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Get more details on our page for Jacksonville Film Festival

 

 

Daytona Blues Festival – Daytona Beach, Fl

October 7 – 9, 2011

 This festival features the best in Blues music at the most beautiful time of year at Jackie Robinson Memorial Stadium in Downtown Daytona Beach.

Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, Florida

October 13 -16, 2011
Motorcyclists from near and far will converge in Daytona for the special Biketoberfest. Biketoberfest® is an international award-winning motorcycle festival offering a getaway weekend filled with bikes, sun, beaches and most importantly – lots of fun. During this event, traditionally scheduled on the third weekend in October, you can enjoy delicious food, live music and lots of people-watching.Read more on our event page for Biketoberfest.

Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo

 

October 20-23, 2011 & October 27-31, 2011

Come to Jacksonville Zoo for the spooktacular Halloween celebration – safe for children. Pirates cove, Pumpking Patch, Enchanted Forest and much more.  6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Click here for more information. 

O
Daytona Beach Dream Cruise

 Southern Women’s Show

Oct 20 – 23, 2011

The Southern Women’s Show returns to Prime Osborne Convention Center. This year it’s the 24th annual show.

women can shop for beautiful jewelry and hip handbags, watch fabulous fashion shows, attend cooking demonstrations and sample gourmet foods, treat themselves to makeovers, and meet celebrity guests! Visit their website for more info.

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise – Daytona, Fl

October 21 – 23, 2011
This is a car show and event for car enthusiasts from the region with lots of events around Daytona Beach, Florida. Read more on our special page for Daytona Beach Dream Cruise


St Augustine, Florida

 

Uptown Saturday Night – St Augustine

Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District hold the popular event Uptown Saturday Night. This monthly art event combines a festive party atmosphere with hospitality and special deals. Find out more here – Uptown Saturday Night

 

Pirate Gathering – St. Augustine, Fl

October 28 – 30, 2011

Ahoy, it’s time again for the pirates to gather in the old city for the old tradition of the pirate gathering. This is a popular event in St. Augustine with lots of fun for the whole family. Go find your eye patch, your lassie, parrot and peg leg and head to the old city for a boat load of fun. Read more about the pirate gathering here.

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic – Jacksonville, Fl

October 27 – 31, 2010
The football fans from both universities will gather in Jacksonville for the annual battle between the two giants. Lots of events and happenings around town. Read more here Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

 

Things to do in Florida – September

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It is safe to say that festival season is in full swing, just look at our list of upcoming events. It won’t be difficult to find something fun to do, but it will be difficult to choose where to go.

With September comes a couple of music festivals, first out the inaugural Blues Festival at the Main Beach in Amelia, there’s another jazz festival in New Smyrna. Jacksonville also has a Beer Cup, while Daytona starts early with Oktoberfest. But there is a lot more happening on the coast. Just take a look at the list below.

 


Yoga in the Park – Metropolitan Park, Jacksonville

September 10, 2o11

This inaugural event on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 8:00 am – 2 pm will feature world-renowned Guru Yogi Amrit Desai and Chandrakant John Heister. The group yoga session overlooking the St. John’s River will be followed by an enlightening speech by Yogi Desai. Funds generated from the event will benefit In the Pink…a boutique for women living with all types of cancer, a local non-profit 501c3 organization. Admission is $10. Call (904) 372-0029

 

9 -11 Heros Run Jacksonville

September 10, 2011

The 2011 9/11 Heroes Run is bringing communities together throughout the country this September 11th. Our goal is to never forget the sacrifices of all of the Heroes of September 11th – veteran, first responder, and civilian.

September 10, 2011 at 6PM at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall

Race costs:  5K: $25/Person – 1 Mile Fun Run: $15/Person 
Family Rate: $50.00 (minimum of 3 family members, maximum of 6)

 

Founder’s Day Celebration – St Augustine, Fl

September 10, 2011

Witness the reenactment of the landing of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, along the same shoreline where Spanish colonists came ashore in 1565. Following the reenactment of the Spanish settler’s arrival there will be a presentation about St. Augustine and America’s Spanish history, then a celebration of Mass at the Mission’s outdoor altar. After the Celebration of Mass, there will be informative presentations guest speakers. Following the formal ceremonies, Menendez and his men will lead a procession from the Mission grounds to the historic encampent at the Fountain of Youth Park.

Call 904.824.2809 for more information or visit the website.

 

Northeast Florida Beer Cup – Florida Theatre, Jax

September 15, 2011

This is the inaugural Northeast Florida Beer Cup, a new fundraiser featuring the region’s top craft brewers serving a variety of tasty ales, lagers, stouts and more. Plus there will be live music and we’ll be serving eats from favorite area pubs.

The event will be held at the Florida Theatre. The list of participating brewers and restaurants is growing, but here are those confirmed; Intuition Ale Works, Mojo #4, Engine 15, Sweetwater, Bold City, French Fry Heaven, River City Brewing Co., European Street, Hornsby’s Hard Cider, Green Room Brewing.

Event Time: 6:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $35 (Advance); $40 (Day of Event) The event benefits Dreams Come True. More info at 904. 389-3622 . Click here for tickets.

 

Amelia Island Blues Festival

September 16 -17, 2011

The Inaugural Amelia Island Blues Festival includes two days of outstanding music great food, beer, wine and more, taking place at the Main Beach in Fernandina.

The all-star lineup features great blues artists such as Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Albert Castiglia, Karl W. Davis, Sean Carney, Bill Sheffield, The David Gerald Band from Detroit, Michigan, Gainesville’s 6th St. Rhythm & Blues Review and South Florida’s Albert Castiglia. 

 

BeerFest – Daytona Beach, Fl

September 17, 2011

3:00pm-11:00pm, South Beach Street Historic District, Daytona Beach.

Daytona is celebrating Oktoberfest already in September with a craft beer festival with a special Oktoberfest theme.  The event will showcase craft beers and import beers and is held in the riverfront park across from McK’s Tavern. 

The Oktoberfest tent are will feature some of the best Oktoberfest style beers not only from Germany but from some of the best American breweries as well. There will be live German music by the world famous Swinging Bavarians and to top of the Oktoberfest theme there is even authentic German Style Food.

QuiltFest of Jacksonville

September 22 – 24, 2011

Quiltfest 2011 is the largest all-volunteer quilt show in the Southeast featuring over 400 quilts,Raffle Quilts from the 7 Sister Guilds, Quilt Sales, Silent Auction, Kids Corner, Free Demonstrations,Quilt Appraiser and Charity Corner. The event takes place at the Prime Osborne Convention Center. For hours and show information, visit the website.

MOSH After Dark – Jacksonville, Fla.

September 22, 2011

Learn about the stars shining over Jacksonville while enjoying a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. The museum will open at 6 p.m. for guests to explore; a star show will take place in the planetarium at 7 p.m. immediately followed by a live musical performance; and rooftop stargazing and wine tasting will be from 8 to 9 p.m. Music Under the Stars is part of MOSH After Dark and is a collaboration between the MOSH and Friday Musicale.

Call (904)396-MOSH for more information.

 

Daytona Beach Home, Garden & Boat Show

September 23 – 25, 2011

Daytona knows how to put on a big show, and by combining home, garden and boat into one show, this event promises to be a big deal.  The event will feature HGTV celebrity Brandie Malay, expert contractors willon-hand to answer questions and lead “how to” seminars, and the latest model boats and yachts. www.daytonabeachhomeshow.com.  407.273.7469

 

Florida Heritage Book Festival – St Augustine, Fla

September 23 -24, 2011

The festival will feature a wide array of events and activities including workshops, readings, and book signings by popular authors. On Friday, writer’s workshops take place at the Casa Monica Hotel in historic St. Augustine, then the Literary Legends Awards Banquet takes place at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. On Saturday, panel discussions take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College in downtown St. Augustine. Read more about the Florida Heritage Book festival here.

 

New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival

September 23 – 25, 2011

If you love the sweet sound of live jazz?  Then this festival featuring performances by popular regional artists is for you! www.newsmyrnabeachjazzfestival.com.  Call 386.423.9760.    

 

Festival di San Marco – Jacksonville, Fla

September 24, 2011

Festival di San Marco is a free fine arts festival that will take place September 24, 2011 in beautiful San Marco, Jacksonville. Come out and enjoy San Marco’s rich heritage, live music, prizes, food, fun and even a kid’s zone for children of all ages. Call  (904) 860-6170 for more information or visit their website for updated info and a video to watch.

 

Daytona Beach Classic Bodybuilding Tournament

September 24, 2011  
This competition’s final show will take place at Peabody Auditorium and will feature guest poser, professional bodybuilder Hidetada Yamagishi, who competes in the International Federation of BodyBuilders.   www.daytonabeachclassic.com.  386.671.3462. 

 

Heartland Poker Tour – Daytona Beach 

September 30 – October 9, 2011
The Daytona Beach Kennel Club & Poker Room will host a stop on the nationally-televised seventh season of Heartland Poker Tour.  HPT will film two episodes of the poker show at a tournament which is open to the public.  Qualifying rounds start September 30 for those who hope to win their way into the main event.  Seats are available for the taping.  www.daytonagreyhound.com/poker.  386.252.6484.

Labor Day Weekend in South Carolina

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Traditionally Labor Day is the holiday to say “goodbye” to Summer and “hello” to Fall.  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.  This weekend there are lots of festivals to choose from in the low country involving the beach, live music and also good food.

 

First Friday on Broad

Come join in and have a “Hot time on Broad”. On the first Friday of every month the merchant association on Broad Street hosts an art event.

Barbados comes to Charleston

“Barbados Comes Back to Charleston” is a five day celebration taking place in various locations in Charleston, SC, from September 1-5, 2011. The event highlights the shared history and heritage of Barbados and Charleston.

There are lots of events scheduled from an open air market, live entertainment and a gala and a lecture.  For more information about events, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.barbadoscharleston.com.

 

Low Country Jazz

Jazz has always held a special place in our hearts here on the coast. The Low Country Jazz Festival on September 3, 2011, 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.

 

BBQ and Bluegrass Festival

South Carolina is known for its delicious barbeque recipes. During Labor Day weekend you can enjoy mouth-watering South Carolina BBQ at Boonehall Plantation on Sunday September 3, 2011, while enjoying live music. This event has become a Lowcountry tradition, and no wonder.
BBQ and Bluegrass were meant for each other!
 

Lowcountry Wine and Beer Festival

On Sunday, September 4, you can sample more than 20 wines from around the globe, craft beers and a Lowcountry buffet from Hege’s Restaurant on the Village Green at Freshfield Village. The event takes place from 4 until 7 p.m.
An African safari, oceanfront condo vacation at Seabrook Island and other items will be up for bid at a silent auction while the Cobblestone Quartet performs live jazz music. All proceeds will support Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, which provides free medical care to those in need on Johns, James and Wadmalaw islands.
 
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!
 
 
 
 

Trail Mix Day is Coming Up!

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Trail Mix Day is coming up on August 31, 2011, so we thought you might want to try this  unique sweet and salty granola recipe which is very  easy to prepare and can be ready to eat in minutes!

Nutritious and Delicious Granola

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes

 

Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats

¾ cup coarsely chopped unsalted nuts of your choice

½ teaspoon of canola oil

1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup of dried fruit of choice

 

Put the oats, nuts, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir until evenly coated.

Put the oat mixture into the ActiFry pan and cook for 7 minutes, until the oats and nuts are well toasted. Add the dried fruit and cook for an additional minute.

Remove ActiFry pan from its base and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes. It will crisp further as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

More information at www.tfal.com

 

 

Restaurant Week in Jacksonville

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One of our favorite things — or guilty pleasure — is to go out and eat.  We always enjoy trying a new type of cuisine or a new restaurant. Unfortunately, these days everyone has had to cut down to save money, and eating out is one of those things we don’t get to do as often as we would like.

That’s why I always keep my eyes open for Restaurant Weeks and other deals. Instead of Restaurant Week, Jacksonville, Florida, has its own variation called “Eat Up Downtown”.

In August every year the downtown area of Jacksonville participates in an event called Eat Up Downtown. It’s a great deal for foodies. You get a three course meal at participating restaurants for only 25 dollars per person.

So make plans to take advantage of this event. Maybe you can find your new favorite restaurant this way. For more information and the list of participating restaurants, visit our special events page for

Eat Up Downtown in Jacksonville