Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Two Holiday Parades in Fernandina

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Two lighted holiday parades will be held back to back in downtown Fernandina Beach this holiday season – one by land, the second by sea – on Saturday evening, December 11, 2010.

The Lighted Holiday Land Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. along Centre Street. The theme this year is “A Jingle Bell Christmas”. The grand marshal is Ms. Latrace Rowell, Executive Director of Florida Community Prevention Center, Inc., formerly the Healing Balm. Presented by America’s Youth, contact Vernetta Spaulding at 904-261-0801 for more information about the land parade.

The Fernandina Harbor Marina Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, presented by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, Westrec Marinas and the City of Fernandina Beach, will begin thirty minutes after the end of the Holiday Land Parade at the foot of Centre and Ash Streets (approximately 7:00 pm). The best lighted boat will be awarded a “Head of the Line Privilege” for an advanced boat slip reservation for the 2011 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.

The Fernandina Harbor Marina is also offering a Weekend Boaters Special for the parade weekend, which is one night reservation FREE with one night paid reservation. Call (904) 491-2090 to sign up, as spaces are limited.

Spectators are invited to bring their chairs and view both parades, first from along Centre Street and then move to the beautiful waterfront boardwalk. For more information about the boat parade, contact Sandy Price, at 904-206-0756

Holiday Events – Golden Isles, GA

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When you have family or friends visiting during the holiday season, make sure to plan for a road trip to the Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Brunswick and Darien).  This is a beautiful area, known for its wide expanses of marshes, miles of beaches and the unique historic district of Jekyll Island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is also well worth a visit.  Head to St Simons Island for a walk on the pier or a tour of the lighthouse.  This area is filled with quaint shops, and lots of restaurants.

Here is a list of some of the holiday events in the area:

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Candle Light Tour & Reception – Jekyll Island Club Hotel
December 1, 2010 at 5:00pm
Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Hall of Mirrors, Dining Room, Veranda

Come and see the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in all its Christmas finery during a guided candlelight tour of the Grand Dining Room, lobby, and other public rooms. Hear the fascinating story of the hotel and its history. Refreshments afterwards. Reservations are required. Free. Call Jekyll Island Club Hotel at (800) 535-9547 to reserve your spot.

The Brunswick Christmas Parade
December 4, 2010
This annual community parade takes place on the first Saturday in December. Starting at 10:00 a.m. at Howard Coffin Park, over 100 floats, vehicles, walking groups and marching band units make their way one mile down the length of Gloucester Street to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in the heart of the Old Town National Register Historic District.  Santa Claus also makes an appearance at the end of the parade and distributes free bags of candy afterwards at Mary Ross Park. Santa is joined at the park by arts and crafts vendors offering hand-made holiday gifts for sale and by the farmers offering fresh fruit and produce at the Brunswick Farmers Market.  For information on entering a float, vehicle, walking or marching unit in the parade, please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 912-265-4032 912-265-4032

Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday December 4, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Downtown Brunswick
Follow the Brunswick Christmas Parade to Mary Ross Waterfront Park for the best deals from multiple vendors on gifts, holiday items, food products, toys, home decor, pet supplies, yard sale items, and much more. Or get a jump on other shoppers and be there first thing in the morning of the first Saturday every December. The bazaar also features holiday music and a special visit from Santa at noon, so it’s great fun for the whole family!

Christmas Tour of Homes om Brunswick
December 4
Historic Old Town Brunswick homes decorated for the holidays, bake sale. Portion of proceeds benefits restoration and maintenance of Oak Grove Cemetery. 1-6pm. $20 advance, $25 day of tour, $17 groups of 10+. Tickets, tour booklets available at United Methodist Church, Norwich St., Bwk. Magnolia Garden Club: mgcbrunswickga.blogspot.com

St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Silver Screen Saturday: Miracle on 34th Street
December 4
Come watch the Classic Christmas story for whole family from 1947. 3pm. $5. Historic Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. GIAHA: 912-262-6934

Silver Screen Saturday: Edward Scissorhands
December 4
Come watch Tim Burton’s imaginative and warm-hearted fable featuring Johnny Depp at 7pm. $5. Historic Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. GIAHA: 912-262-6934.

Christmas at Ashantilly – Darien
December 5
Live Celtic music, decorations, seasonal food and drink; fundraiser for preservation of Ashantilly. 4-6pm. Ashantilly Center, GA 99, Dairen. 912-289-114, ashantilly.org

19th Glynn Art in the Park Festival Christmas Craft Festival
December 5-6
 with 60+ artists and craftsmen. Saturday December 4 and Sunday December 5 from 10am-5pm. Postell Park, Pier Village, St Simons Island. For more information contact Glynn Art Association 912-638-8770, or visit www.glynnart.org

Christmas Around the World
December 6, 2010
 Holiday favorites from Britten, Corelli, Rimsky-Korsakov. 7:30pm. Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium, 1001 Mansfield St., Bwk. Adults $25, Children/Students $5. Coastal Symphony of Georgia: 912-634-2006, coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org

26th Annual Christmas Tour of Home – Cassina Garden Club
December 11
Visit five island homes decorated for the holidays. Proceeds used to maintain Hamilton Plantation historic slave cabins. 10am-4pm. Bake sale 9am-2pm. Tour tickets $25 advance, $30 tour day. Cassina Garden Club: 912-638-2880. cassinagardenclub.org

Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Carol
December 10-11, 17-19, 2010
 Brunswick Mayor Bryan Thompson as Scrooge in the beloved Dickens holiday classic. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Advance tickets: GIAHA members $15 adults, $10 seniors (65+), $5 ages 13 & under; non-members $20, $15, $5. Day of show: members $20, $15, $5; non-members $25, $20, $5. Historic Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. GIAHA: 912-262-6934

A Colonial Christmas at Fort King George – Darien, GA
December 11, 2010
Now you can join the garrison for a traditional Christmas dinner in the enlisted barracks and an evening of colonial-style Yule Tide jollification. The dinner takes place from 7 pm – 8.30 pm. RSVP by December 8. $30. (912) 437-4770.

Fort King George Historic Site, 302 McIntosh Rd SE, Darien, GA 31305

Santa at Crane Cottage – Jekyll Island
December 12
Visit from Santa in historic cottage; photographer available. 11:30am-2pm. Jekyll Island Club Hotel : 912-635-2600, 800-535-9547, or visit www.jekyllclub.com

Coastal Youth Symphony of Georgia Concert
December 12
 3pm. Glynn Academy Memorial Auditorium, 1001 Mansfield St., Bwk. Adults $5, Children/Students $3. Coastal Symphony of Georgia: 912-634-2006, coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org

Sea-son’s Greetings Meet Santa – Georgia Sea Turtle Center

December 18
Make a recycled ornament, visit sea turtle patients. Noon. Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island. 912-635-4444 or visit www. jekyllisland.com

Christmas Bagpiper
December 20-24
Scottish bagpiper, Tim Akins, heralds the season at the Club. The first notes are heard at Cherokee Cottage, and then he winds his way to Crane Cottage and finally the lawn in front of the Riverfront Veranda of the Clubhouse. Guests are encouraged to wear the tartans of their clans, and many from neighboring MacIntosh County appear in their dress plaids for this traditional event. Free.   Jekyll Island Club Hotel : 912-635-2600, 800-535-9547
or visit www. jekyllclub.com


Thanksgiving Weekend in Savannah

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Many of us have friends and family visiting for Thanksgiving and you might be looking at something fun to do with your gang for the weekend. How about a trip to Savannah? Savannah is always a beautiful city to visit with its many squares, hanging spanish moss and charming Riverstreet and City Market. During the holiday season there’s a lot going on. This weekend it’s the kick off weekend for the Savannah Holly Days as well.

Just take a look at this list.


Savannah Holly Days Kick-off Event

Nov 26, 2010 6 – 9 p.m.  & Nov 27, 2010 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This takes place Savannah’s Landmark Historic District: Broughton St. and Reynolds Square
Admission: $20 for the International Wine Tasting and $5 for Skating Under the Stars on Broughton

On Saturday, Savannah’s Historic District will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland! Activities for all ages abound as Ellis, Johnson and Reynolds Squares feature entertainment, live ice-carving, activities for the kids, real snow and surprises around every corner. Along Broughton Street, shop at our special merchant marketplace, experience outdoor skating, frolic in a life-sized snow globe and spend time with Santa. (for more details visit our special Holly Days page)

Parking is free in Whitaker Street Parking Garage at 7 Whitaker St. at Bay Lane on Saturday, November 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily rates apply after 5 p.m.

For more information, event details, and link to a map, visit our special event page for Savannah Holly Days

Savannah Westin Hotel, GeorgiaSavannah Harbor Foundation Gingerbread Village


Take a trip to the Westin to see not just a house, but an entire Village! This is a popular destination for the younger kids. This display of culinary delights is created anew each year by local chefs, students, community groups. This is a can’t-miss for anyone with a sweet spot for candy delights and holiday cheer!
11/25/10-1/1/11

Holiday Card Contest – Cards for Soldiers


Show our troops how much you care with a hand-made card this holiday! The “Cards for Soldiers” card drive and contest is being held as part of the Savannah Harbor Foundation Tenth Annual Holiday Series and will be on display at The Westin during the Savannah Harbor Foundation Boat Parade of Lights,being held Saturday, November 27th, after which they will be mailed to troops stationed overseas.

Savannah Harbor Foundation’s 10th Annual Boat Parade of Lights


Also on November 27 at 5:00 PM
Free and open to public
A Christmas Parade – Savannah Style! Join us as a fleet of local boats alight the Savannah River in an annual celebration of the season. The event officially marks the beginning of the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony and a presentation of a proclamation by Gen. James Oglethorpe, founder of Savannah, and live entertainment. FREE viewing opportunities available at The Westin Savannah Harbor. Click here to visit the Boat Parade of Lights Page

St Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular & Tree Lighting 2010

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A full day of holiday activities is planned at St Johns Town Center on Saturday November 20, 2010. It all begins around noon with a Holiday Street Festival leading up to the grand finale with Santa, tree lighting and of course fireworks.

The Holiday Street festival includes the Kids’ Family Zone (12 – 7 p.m.) and The Cat in the Hat from WJCT Public Broadcasting will visit. There will also be face-painting, balloon artists and bounce houses. The Holiday Street Festival will feature 40 local artists, boats from Marine Max, the Ashley Furniture SUITE, food vendors,interactive games, obstacle courses and more.

Also, for you arena football fans out there, Jacksonville Sharks players  – and Shark Attack Dancers will be at the event from 2 pm – 7 pm.

Main Stage activities kick off at 6 p.m. with special performances from the Charlie Walker Band, Ryan Star and the University of North Florida Tuba Euphonium Quartet. At 8 p.m., event headliner Vertical Horizon will perform hit songs like their first major release, ” Everything You Want”, as well as seasonal favorites to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Right after the performance, Santa will lead the countdown to light the dazzling 32-foot Christmas tree followed by a fireworks finale.

During the event, St. John’s Town Center retailers will also offer lots of in-store promotions and specials.

St Johns Town Center – Holiday Spectacular 2010 & Tree Lighting
11/20/2010 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Christmas Made in the South

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This is the best time of year for arts & crafts, and one of the most popular Arts & Crafts Shows comes to the coast every season – Christmas Made in the South. This is the perfect show to visit for those who love arts and crafts, it’s a great place to get new ideas, find inspiration, or just to pick up unique gifts for friends and family.

The show visits the coast on the following days (visit the special page to download a coupon with a rebate on admission):

Christmas Made in the South – Savannah on Nov 19 -21,2010

Christmas Made in the South – Jacksonville Nov 26 – 28, 2010

Christmas Made in the South – Charleston Dec 3 – 5, 2010