Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Jekyll Island Shrimp n’ Grits Festival in Georgia

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The annual Shrimp n’ Grits festival in Jekyll Island, Georgia, is one of our favorite festivals on the coast. There is always a lot to see and do at this festival. This year it’s the 8th year for the popular Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival. If you love seafood, especially shrimp, this is the place to visit. The festival takes place in the historic district on September 19 – 21, 2014.
To kick-off the weekend, Opening Night Plate Samples will be offered on Friday, Sept. 20, with plates priced at $3 each. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival hosts two cooking contests, first, an amateur Cooking Competition and then the Professional Chef Cooking Competition. There will also be cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs.
Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, GAFrom the Kids Fun Zone, zip lines and bounce houses, to ongoing cooking demos, shrimp eating contests and never-ending assortment of tasty finds, the 2013 Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival promises to dish up a good time for the whole family!

General admission to the festival is free.

Here is our video from when we visited the festival a while back.

Things to do in Georgia – March 2012

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Spring is in the air, and festival season is getting into full swing, so this month is packed with happenings and events.

You have to taste the catfish!

Heart & Soul Festival
March 4, 2012
Kingsland, Georgia

The three most popular festivals in Camden County; the Rock Shrimp Festival in St Marys, Catfish Festival in Kingsland and Crawfish Festival in Woodbine are combining forces in a special festival where you get the opportunity to taste food from all the festivals. Taste tickets on sale now at Kingsland Visitor Center. The event takes place 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM lat North Shore’s Shell Cracker Clubhouse and is one of the events where the TV series Lovetown, USA is filming. For more information contact Kingsland CVB at 912-729-5999

Savannah International Boat Show
March 2 – 4, 2012
Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

Set course for the annual Savannah Boat & Outdoor Show. The show attracts thousands of boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive displays of the latest in watercraft lines, marine equipment, accessories and services. Live music, fishing clinics and simulations, kids’ activities and great food make this a family-friendly event.

Peaches to Beaches

Peaches to Beaches Yard Sale
March 9 – 10, 2012
various locations in Georgia & Golden Isles

This popular yard sales takes place along the Golden Isles Parkway, US 341, from Middle Georgia to the beaches in the Golden Isles. It’s a 220 mile long yard sale paradise for those looking for a good deal. 

Jekyll Island Arts & Antique Festival
March 9 – 11, 2012
Jekyll Island Historic District

Jekyll Island is also located in the Golden Isles area, and on the same weekend, there is an Arts & Antique festival in the beautiful historic district on the island. 

st patrick's day savannah georgia
Green for everyone

St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah
March 9 – 17, 2012
various locations

This is one of the biggest and most popular events in Savannah. Actually, the parade is the second largest in the country – so expect a huge crowd. The official start of the celebration is the Greening of Forsyth Park Fountian at noon on March 9, 2012 in Forsyth Park. This event is followed by a family-friendly event to celebrate everything Irish in Emmet Park on March 10, 2012 – Tara Feis Irish Festival. On the same day, there’s also a parade on Tybee Island. But the big event is the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17. Read all about St. Patrick’s Day parade here.

Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
March 22 – 25, 2012

For the past 76 years, Savannah has played host to the Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens, which offers residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to enter some of the City’s finest private homes. Historic Savannah Foundation partners with the Women of Christ Church to host the Tour, giving participants the chance to admire restored interiors and special furnishings that have been treasured by families for generations. In addition to a variety of walking tours, guests will enjoy seminars, special trolley tours, evening events and some of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer. Call 912.234.8054.

Bassekou Kouyate
Savannah Music Festival

Savannah Music Festival
March 22 – April 7, 2012
various locations

The Savannah Music Festival is a city-wide musical arts event showcasing renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music against the backdrop of one of America’s most enchanting historic districts from March 22 to April 7. Described by The Times of London as “one of the best events around the world,” the festival features more than 100 productions over 17 days. Highlights include numerous festival debuts and unique collaborations. In addition to a wealth of varied concert programs, SMF gives attendees a chance to hit the dance floor with Cajun, Salsa and Zydeco dance parties, and also presents an unmatched variety of American acoustic music, blues and jazz. More information at savannahmusicfestival.org

Things To Do in Georgia — September

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It is definitely the start of the action-packed fall festival season, and when you see the list of some of the upcoming events below, you will know why I call it that. 

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially here on the coast and it’s definitely a busy time of year for us. It’s hard to choose where to go and what to do, there is simply to much going on at the same time. The best way to handle it is to get the calendar out and making plans early. Just take a look at these events.

 

day at the beachSavannah Ocean Exchange

The month of September, 2011

Through four Public Exchanges – Culture & Cuisine, Events & Excursions, Presentations & Performances and Vessels & Viewings – participants can see, hear, taste, smell and touch to explore the wonders of our coast and ocean.  Each Exchange hosts specific venues throughout the month of September at different locations in and around Savannah and on Tybee Island. Most are free and open to the public. Events vary from boat building, to learning about the Right Whale, Cockspur Lighthouse dedication, boat parade, performance by McIntosh Shouters and much more.  Please visit the Savannah Ocean Exchange website for details. 

 

Taste of Savannah

September 9, 2011

This food event takes place at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center from 7 – 10 pm. 

General Admission Tickets $60 per person, $85 for VIP.

700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Aqua Star at the Westin Savannah Harbor, Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks, DeSoto Grill at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, Garibaldi , Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Olde Pink House,  Uncle Bubba’s Seafood & Oyster House, and many more. For more details visit the website.

 

Fiesta Latina – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

This annual festival takes place every year at Rousakis Plaza, River Street. Performances will showcase a variety of Latino cultures through folkloric song and dance, as well as music ranging from salsa to reggaeton. This is a free festival. Read more about the festival here.

 

Lucas Theatre Open House – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

Learn more about the historic theatre with self-guided tours and archival posters and documents, as well as what is in store for the coming season. Try our 90th Anniversary ice cream flavor from Leopold’s, snack on some popcorn, or just enjoy the air-conditioning. From Noon until 4:30 p.m., the main level will be open to explore.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., you can also watch the Savannah Philharmonic as they rehearse for their Patriot’s Day concert. Until 7:30 p.m., this open rehearsal will be viewable from the balcony seating. 

Free and open to the public. No reservation needed.  912.525.5040

 

9th Annual Food & Wine Festival

September 10, 2011

Taste food from 12 restaurants/food tables (including Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, Vic’s on the River, Garibaldi’s, Olympia Cafe, Driftaway Cafe, Edible Arrangements, Taste of India, Toucan Cafe, Crystal Beer Parlor, 45 Bistro, River House Seafood, Papa’s Barbeque and Seafood) and over 50 wines for one incredibly low price.

Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. The Food & Wine Festival will be held at the Hellenic Center of the St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 14 W. Anderson St., on Saturday, September 10 (no one under 21 admitted.)

 

Shrimp n’ Grits Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

September 16 – 18, 2011

This food festival in the historic district of Jekyll Island, is one of the most popular festivals in Coastal Georgia every year. Chefs compete in making the best shrimp n’ grits. There is also lots of arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment and more.  You can watch our video and get more details on the special events page for Shrimp n’ Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, GA.

 

Omotunde Festival – Savannah

September 16 – 18, 2011

“Omotunde” is a Yoruba word which means “The child has returned”. This name is an appeal to a common African heritage which was born in Africa and transplanted in America during the tragedy of African enslavement. The Omotunde Festival is a recurring celebration that calls forth a cultural renaissance among African descendents in America in order to do their part to meet the challenges of the hanging world. The festival takes place at River Street & Savannah State University. 

For more information, call 404.348.4040 

 

Savannah Jazz Festival

September 18 – 25, 2011

Savannah Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events for the Fall in the city.  All concerts are free and open to the public. Watch a video from the festival and check out this year’s line up on our special events page for Savannah Jazz Festival.

 

Jazz in the Park — St Simons Island, GA

September 25, 2011

This is the last performance for the season at the St. Simon Light House where Julie White and the Bohemian Dream Band will be performing. The concert will remind you of a hip 1930s Parisian night club. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic, and your favorite beverage. All concerts are from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Call 912-262-6934 to purchase.
St. Simons Lighthouse, 12th St. at Beachview, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Ph: (912) 262 – 6934 or visit www.goldenislesarts.org

 

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

September 30 – October 2, 2011

With the month of October comes Oktober Fest in Savannah. This fun event on Riverstreet includes all the October “musts” – wienerdog race, oompah bands, bratwurst and sauerkraut. So don your lederhosen and get ready for a good time. Watch our video from the wienerdog race here.

Other stories to read:
title=”talk like a pirate day” target=”_blank”>Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Green Fair in Charleston, SC

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


Things to do in Georgia – October 2010

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When it’s October, fall festival season is in full swing and this is the month before the holidays take over. It’s time for Oktober Festivals, football and to top it off with Halloween.

Pirate Fest, Tybee Island, GA

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

October 1 – 3, 2010
Savannah has a wonderful Oktoberfest on Riverstreet. This festival has everything you expect from beer garden, to Oompah band and Wienerdog race. Visit our special events page for Oktoberfest on the River

Tybee Island Pirate Fest -Tybee Island, GA

October 8 – 9, 2010
Quickly change from lederhosen to peg leg and eye patch because as soon as the Oompah band stops playing, the pirates take over the whole island of Tybee. It’s time for the popular Pirate Fest on October 8 – 9, 2010. Check out our special events page for Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

Georgia Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

October 7 – 10, 2010
In October Georgia is hosting the greatest diversity of bird species. Jekyll Island celebrates with a special festival where you can learn more about our birds and nature. Check out the special page for Georgia Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival on Jekyll Island, GA

The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival – Richmond Hill, GA

October 15-17, 2010
There’s another seafood festival in Georgia in October. This time, head to Richmond Hill outside Savannah for lots of fun for the whole family. Find out more here – The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival.

Shalom Y'All Jewish Food Festival

Tybee Island Festival of the Arts

October 16 – 17, 2010
Tybee Island goes straight from pirates to the arts, and why not. This is a great arts festival with lots of artists from the region. Read more on our page for Tybee Island Festival of the Arts

Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah, GA

October 31, 2010
There is another food festival in Georgia this month. This festival takes place in Forsyth Park. Come explore Jewish food. Find out more on our special page for Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah

Savannah Film Festival

October 31 – November 6, 2010
This festival is getting bigger and bigger every year. The festival kicks off at the end of October, check out our special events page for Savannah Film Festival.

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