Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fun things to do in Florida in October

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Who doesn’t love October? The weather is a little bit cooler and it’s a great time to spend time outside. October is always a month filled to the brim with festivals, celebrations and events. But October is not only about pumpkin patches, scary ghosts and gremlins or lederhosen and oompah bands.  Just take a look at some of our suggestions below.

First Wednesday Art Walk – Jacksonville, Florida
October 3, 2012 
The theme for the month is Hispanic Heritage. Head downtown for dance and music and much more. Here is our video from last year’s event.

 

First Friday Artwalk – St Augustine, Florida

October 5, 2012
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 6 – 7, 2012
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 7 – 14, 2012
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

 

Greek Festival

 

Greek Festival – St Augustine

October 12 – 14, 2012
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

 

 

Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, Florida

October 18 -21, 2012
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 19-21, 2012 & October 26-31, 2012

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. 

Daytona Beach Dream Cruise

 Southern Women’s Show

Oct 18 – 21, 2012

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

Here is the link for a $2.00 off admission to the show to print out!

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 26 – 28, 2012
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

 

 

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic – Jacksonville, Fl

October 24 – 37, 2012
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

 

Father’s Day in Jacksonville, Florida

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THINGS TO DO FOR FATHER’S DAY IN THE JACKSONVILLE

This weekend it’s Father’s Day.  For Mother’s Day many of us like to take our parent out for breakfast, lunch or dinner – and fathers will enjoy a nice meal to.

I have found a few interesting things you can do in the Jacksonville area with your Dad.

 

Father’s Day at the Jacksonville Zoo

On Sunday June 19th, 2011, the Zoo has a special “Buy One – Get One Free”, so for Dads who want to take a child to the Zoo, or vice versa – Father’s Day could be the day to visit the zoo.  Please note, for the special price on admission you need to print out the coupon from their website. Click here to get to the coupon now!

 

For the Ice Prince and Princess
Looking for something fun and unusual to do with Dad? How about a spin on the ice, it’s the perfect way to cool off in the summer heat.  Jacksonville Ice & Sportplex has a matinee session from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sunday June 20, 2011. The cost is $9.00 which includes skate rental. Located off of I-95 at the Emerson (#347) exit!

Sunday, June 20, 2011 Event Time: 11 am – 1 pm 
Click here for more information!

 


World Golf Hall of Fame on Father’s Day

If you’re Dad is a golf enthusiast, why not take a road trip to the World Golf of Village for Father’s Day.

The World Golf Hall of Fame will offer complimentary admission to everyone who visits the museum on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2011,  from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate the final round of the U.S. Open, the museum will be featuring its U.S. Open memorabilia with self-guided tours and storytellers in the building.

The first 500 fathers will receive a goodie bag and enjoy free admission at the Hall’s 18-hole, natural-grass putting course and half price admission to the IMAX Theater. Contests will also be conducted throughout the day on the Hall of Fame’s Challenge Hole, indoor golf simulator and indoor putting green.

The World Golf Hall of Fame offers free admission for everyone for its annual Community Day which takes place on June 20th.

World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village I-95, Exit 323, St. Augustine, Fla.

For more information, call 904-940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org .





Gator Bowl Events 2010 – Jacksonville

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New Year’s means parade, fireworks and football — at least in Jacksonville, Florida. As you know, The 2010 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will showcase the West Virginia Mountaineers vs. the Florida State Seminoles. The big game kicks off at 1:00 pm on New Year’s Day at the stadium.

small-footballThe River City is going to attract a huge crowd of football fans for the week leading up to game day. Didn’t get tickets? No worries, there is a whole bunch of fun events around town and plenty of cool hang outs.

The Patch
A great idea is to purchase “The Patch” which gets you in for free at some of the events – for example the Budweiser Tailgate Party, and the patch also gives you pretty good rebates at different places from $2.00 off admission at the Zoo to half price on golf karts and laser tag at the Adventure Landing. The Patch is only $10.
For details about what rebates you get with the patch, click here

Here is the list of what’s happening day by day:

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Sunday Dec 27 & Monday Dec 28, 2009

adventurelanding_logoAdventure Landing Players Outing

December 27, 2009 – ACC Team
December 28, 2009 – Visiting Team
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM
Adventure Landing on Beach Blvd.

This is a special event for players participating in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl. There is plenty to do at Adventure Landing including laser tag, go-carts, miniature golf and arcade games. Fans with “THE PATCH” are welcome to join the fun!

Please note: NO additional PATCHES can be purchased on the day of the event; Members must be wearing “THE PATCH” in order to be admitted and receive the benefits of “THE PATCH”.
(Click here to purchase the patch!)

Tuesday Dec 29, 2009

Gator Bowl FCA Breakfast
December 29, 2009 at 7:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Jacksonville

This is an event for the early birds! Coaches and players from both teams in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl 2010 will join the Jacksonville business community and local youth for a time of fellowship and devotion at the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Coaches and athletes will share testimonials of how Christianity is a part of their life and two local student athletes will be presented the Tony Boselli Award of Excellence.

Tickets: $20. Click here to buy tickets.

Wednesday Dec 30, 2009

jacksonville-zooA Day at the Zoo presented by Outback Steakhouse
Times: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – ACC Team
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Visiting Team

Players of both teams competing in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will enjoy a day at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Refreshments will be provided by Outback Steakhouse.

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NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS

Jacksonville Fireworks
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009
CSX Coaches Luncheon and Hall of Fame Induction
December 31, 2009 at 12 NOON
Hyatt Regency Hotel

Tickets for this popular luncheon are sold out already. The event showcases the best of the past and present in Gator Bowl history. It’s a chance for fans to meet and greet coaches and players, as well as rub elbows with legends from the Gator Bowl past.

runners-blockVyStar 5K Run
Thursday, December 31 at 1:30 p.m.
The Jacksonville Landing

This race is held right before the Gator Bowl Parade, and runs along the parade route through downtown Jacksonville. It’s a great way to participate in the excitement. If running is not for you, come down and support the runners. Each entrant will receive a VyStar Credit Union 5K Run T-shirt.

Click here for complete race information.

winndixie-gatorbowlWinn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade
Thursday, December 31 3 p.m.
Downtown Jacksonville
$10 Reserved Parade Seat

This is one of the most popular annual events in Jacksonville, and there is no better way to celebrate the beginning of a New Year than with a parade. So come to downtown for the Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade filled with colorful floats, high school bands, college bands, giant helium balloons, and entertaining specialty units. The units will be routed along the Northbank in downtown Jacksonville. Click here for complete parade information.

Gator Bowl Parade Route
The parade will start at the Prime Osborn Convention Center and on Water Street in front of the Federal Reserve Bank.
Take Water Street (east) continuing east to Independent Drive
Make a left on Laura Street (north) to Bay Street
Make a left on Bay Street (west)
Follow Bay Street ending at the Prime Osborn Convention Center (end of parade)

Gator Bowl Pep Rallies
The Jacksonville Landing Courtyard
Florida State Pep Rally: 1:30 p.m.
West Virginia Pep Rally: 5:30 p.m.

Get pumped up for the Toyota Gator Bowl Classic! Excited fans are gathering at the Jacksonville Landing to show their team spirit at the Pep Rallies. There will be music, bands, cheerleaders, mascots and lots and lots of screaming football fans!

New Year’s Eve Party
The Jacksonville Landing Courtyard

The Party in the Park
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Metropolitan Park
with Donavon Frankenreiter & Friends
Gates open at 5 p.m.
Please click here for more information

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Midnight
Downtown Jacksonville
Presented by The City of Jacksonville

Finish off a full day of events with fireworks! Count down to 2010 with a spectacular fireworks display over the St. Johns River to light up the night sky and celebrate the New Year.

Fireworks will be shot from one barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing and another barge in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The fireworks can be viewed from the Northbank and Southbank.

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NEW YEAR’S DAY

January 1, 2010
Budweiser Tailgate Party
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Pepsi Pavilion
$10 at the gate or free admission with the PATCH

Thousands of football fans come together to celebrate their team in a festive and family-oriented entertainment atmosphere. Feel the excitement of college football. There will be pep rallies, cheerleaders and bands from both Universities. This party is guaranteed to spark the passion in every college football fan. You can also test your own athletic skills� – or compete with friends and family – with a wide variety� of interactive games. There a whole selections of inflatables for kids of all ages to enjoy. This is a Tailgate Party you don’t want to miss!
And if you’re planning on going, make sure you check out the patch. You get rebates at a few other locations as well. Click here to buy the patch.

Times-Union Touchdown Party
January 1, 2010 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Inside Tailgate Party

Tickets to the Touchdown Party are SOLD OUT. This pregame Tailgate Party complete with game day Bar-B-Q and complimentary beverages is a great way to sample game day excitement.

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl Classic
Florida State University vs. West Virginia University
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
With six Heisman trophy winners, 175 all-Americans and over 1,000,000 fans, the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl is truly more than a football game…it is a premiere event of Florida’s First Coast.
For ticket information, visit www.gatorbowl.com

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Download the fan guide

PARKING

Parking for the 2010 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl is SOLD OUT.

SKYWAY:
The Skyway stops at eight stations throughout downtown on both sides of the river. Change machines are available at each location. Cost: 50¢ (one way).

STATIONS:
• FCCJ (Hogan and State Streets)
• Hemming Plaza (Monroe and Hogan Streets)
• Central (Bay and Pearl Streets) The Jacksonville Landing stop
• Convention Center (Bay and Johnson Streets)
• San Marco (San Marco Blvd. and Mary Street)
• Riverplace (Flagler Avenue)
• Kings Avenue (Prudential Drive and Kings Avenue)

Visit www.jtafla.com for alternative transportation and parking options on game day.

For more information, visit www.gatorbowl.com

georgiavsfloridagame

Spring Garden Tour at Jacksonville Zoo in April

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Spring is in the air and at Jacksonville Zoo there will be a new Garden Tour on Saturday April 4th to explore new flowers and plants. During the tour visitors will stroll through the gardens with Jacksonville Zoo’s expert horticulture staff to see what’s blooming.

Pre-register is required and you can register online at www.jacksonvillezoo.org for the event. The cost is $20/person ($10 for zoo members) and admission to the zoo is included in the price.

Gator Bowl Events – Jacksonville, Florida

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The Gator Bowl is coming to Jacksonville and there will be lots of things to do in town before kick off. Here is the list of activities.

DSX Players Welcome Party
December 26, 2008
Visiting Team – 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
ACC Team – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Dave & Buster’s
The players in the 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of Jacksonville’s most exciting gaming venues to kick off their visit to the River City. Fans are invited to join us to welcome the teams and get autographs from the players. Dave and Buster’s will remain open to the public.
Mission Statement: The Gator Bowl Association’s mission is to provide Northeast Florida with the very best in college athletics and related activities in order to maximize positive impact on the area’s economy, national image and community pride.

Adventure Landing

Adventure Landing Players Outing takes place onDecember 27 & 28, 2008
from 2 PM – 4 PM at  Adventure Landing on Beach Blvd.

This is event for the whole family. Join us at Adventure Landing on Beach Boulevard for a great time on December 27th and 28th at 2:00 p.m. Meet and greet the players of the two teams that will play in the 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl and enjoy a free round of Miniature Golf.

Please note that A PATCH is necessary to attend and NO additional PATCHES can be purchased on the day of the event; Members must be wearing the PATCH in order to be admitted. please visit www.gatorbowl.com for more info about purchasing a PATCH

FCA Breakfast
December 29, 2008 at 7:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Jacksonville

Youth from the Jacksonville community are invited to enjoy a time of fellowship and devotion with players and coaches from the two participating universities along with an inspirational speaker. Tickets may be purchased for $20 and can be donated back to the organizing committee to be used by a deserving child.

Outback Steakhouse presents A Day at the Zoo
December 30, 2008, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Enjoy a day at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and meet up with the players for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet and greet the coaches and players from the two universities as well as legends from the Gator Bowl past.
Tickets may be purchased for $25.00.

Vystar 5K Run
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Location: The Jacksonville Landing

The VyStar 5K Run is a great way to get involved with all the excitement the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl has to offer. If running or walking is your thing, this race is for you. The race is held right before the Gator Bowl Parade, and runs along portions of the parade route through downtown Jacksonville.

Participants will enjoy live music, free beer, dancing and just down right partying inside the Jacksonville Landing right after the race. Each entrant will receive a colorful VyStar 5K Run T-shirt.

Cost: Cost: $20, $30 on race day

For more information click here or call 1st Place Sports: 904-731-1900 or visit www.1stplacesports.com

Winn Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade
December 31, 2008 at 3 PM

You are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade. The “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” themed parade features colorful floats, high school bands, college bands, giant helium balloons, and entertaining specialty units. The units will be routed through the Northbank in downtown Jacksonville.

Pep Rallies

Wednesday, December 31, 2008
(Home Team – ACC): 1:30 PM
(Visiting Team) 5:30 PM
Location: Jacksonville Landing

Get pumped up for the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl!Excited fans are invited to show their team spirit at the Pep Rallies. Join the bands, cheerleaders, and mascots in the excitement.

Times-Union Touchdown Party
January 1, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Location: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Entertainment Zone

Budweiser Tailgate Party
January 1, 2009 at 10 AM– 1 PM

“THE PATCH” grants free entry to the Budweiser Tailgate party where you can enjoy interactive games, pep rallies, live entertainment and food and beverage! for more information, visit www.gatorbowl.com

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl Classic
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Kickoff 1 p.m.
With six Heisman trophy winners, 175 all-Americans and over 1,000,000 fans, the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl is a premiere event of Florida’s First Coast.