Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

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

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

Savannah Film Festival Announces Workshops and Panels

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The 2010 Savannah Film Festival, which runs Oct. 30 – Nov. 6, has announced its program of panels and workshops. A diverse group of film professionals – designers, cinematographers, writers, directors – from the industry’s top television and movie studios will participate in panel and question-and-answer discussions on a variety of topics about the film, television and digital media business.

Among the top professionals hosting the variety of panels are:
• The dialog, sound, and film editors behind ABC’s hit series, “Lost”;
• Michael Lembeck, the Emmy Award-winning director of “Friends” and the feature films “The In-Laws” and “The Santa Clause 2”;
• Denise Cramsey, the seven-time Emmy Award-nominated producer of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Trading Spaces”;
• Carson Kressley, the fashion expert on Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and the host of ‘How to Look Good Naked’ and “True Beauty”;
• Barry Rosenbush, the Emmy Award-winning producer of the “High School Musical” series
• Lev Spiro, the director of “Weeds,” “Ugly Betty” and “Everybody Hates Chris.”

Panels and workshops will include:
• “The Next Big Hit,” how to package and sell your idea;
• “The Cable Documentary,” how the cable documentary goes from idea to the screen;
• “Getting The Gig,” reality TV hosts discuss how to create your brand;
• “Young Director’s Forum,” advice on going from student director to professional;
• “Casting Director, Actor Agent,” advice for aspiring casting directors, agents and actors;
• “Kodak presents STOP BY. SHOOT FILM,” a fun learning opportunity – talk to a top cinematographer; learn how to use a 16mm camera; and film and shoot your own scene – all under two hours.

Panels are $5 for the general public; $3 for students, seniors and military; and free for SCAD students, faculty and staff with a valid SCAD ID.

Click here for more information about the Savannah Film Festival

Talk Like a Pirate Day

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It’s has to be one of the silliest ideas of the century. Who in their right mind would ever come up with the idea to start a holiday where you Talk Like a Pirate?

Actually two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers, did just that. The idea was born in Albany, Oregon, which as far as we know is not nationally known for its relationship to pirates. This is what happened.

Mark Summers ("Cap'n Slappy") and John Baur ("Ol' Chumbucket"), founders of Talk Like a Pirate Day.

John and Mark were playing racquetball when, for reasons that aren’t clear to either of them now, they started insulting each other in pirate lingo. They realized it was a lot of fun and one of them said: “We should have a Talk Like a Pirate Day”. They decided to start Talk Like a Pirate Day, and picked September 19th because it is Summers’ ex-wife’s birthday. And the story could have ended there, if it hadn’t been for Dave Barry, who mentioned it in his nationally syndicated newspaper column and then Talk Like a Pirate Day took off.

All around the world and even hundreds of miles above it, people celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day every September 19. It’s been celebrated by millions of people on all seven continents – yes, even at the South Pole – and on the International Space Station!

The two friends – now go by the pirate personas of Ol’ Chumbucket and Cap’n Slappy have swashed their buckles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Puget Sound, from Los Angeles to Chicago to Philadelphia. They’ve performed at a glamorous Las Vegas
resort, at libraries, bookstores, schools and at several seedy bars.

This year the guys will celebrate the holiday more than 5,000 miles apart. Cap’n Slappy will be in Alaska as guest of the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Ol’ Chumbucket moved in 2008 to a sunny island in the Caribbean and can’t think of a reason to leave. www.talklikeapirate.com

There are a number of events around the coast celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day. Many pubs and bars have special celebrations. 

 

The Pirate Museum in St. Augustine, Florida

September 19, 2011

Starting at 5 p.m. on September 19, The Pirate Museum courtyard overlooking the Castillo de San Marcos–built because of devastating pirate raids–will be transformed into a lively pirate stronghold with:

*    Pirate Soul face painting
*    Sword fighting demonstrations
*    Live pirate music
*    Storytelling and magic by Captain William Mayhem, the Pirate Magician of St. Augustine
*    Talk Like A Pirate contest 
*    Don’t Walk The Plank Trivia Game

Attendees also receive 25 percent off of museum admission during the event, which runs until 8 p.m. 

Regular admission for adults is $11.99 and for kids 5 to 12 years old is $6.99.

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

12 S Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084

(877) GO-PLUNDER (877.467.5863)

 

These pirates walk and talk. Fernandina Pirate Club.

 

Talking Like a Pirate – The Beginner’s Course

(Excerpt from “Pirattitude!” So You Wanna Be a Pirate? Here’s How!” by John “Ol’ Chumbucket” Baur and Mark “Cap’n Slappy” Summers, published in 2005 by New American Library. All rights reserved.)


“Aarr!” is one of what we call “the Five As.” We call them this because that’s the letter they begin with, and our crack mathematics team assures us that there are five of them.
These exclamations are the glue that binds together pirate lingo. Even if you don’t know a bunghole from a broadside or a mizzenmast from a maidenhead, you can still give your conversation a little pirate panache by injecting these exclamations into yer landlubber lexicon.
Avast – Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise, “Whoa! Get a load of that!” when a beautiful woman walks into the room. “Avast! Check out the bowsprit on that fine beauty!” you might say.
Ahoy – “Hello!” Any inference beyond “Hello!” is simply vocal inflection and has nothing to do with the real meaning of the word.
Aye – “Why, yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did.”
Aye aye – “I’ll get right on that, sir, as soon as my break is over.” We’ve never heard any similarly colorful expressions for “no,” perhaps because pirates were the type you didn’t want to say no to.
Arr – This one is often confused with arrgh, which is of course the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin. “Arr!” can mean, variously, “yes,” “I agree,” “I’m happy,” “I’m enjoying this beer,” “My team is winning,” “My team is losing,” “I saw that television show, it sucked,” “I am here and alive” and “That was a clever remark you or I just made.” And those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of “Arrr!” It’s a little bit like the pirate version of “Oy,” that indispensable Yiddish word that has almost as many meanings as there are ways to pronounce it.

Upcoming Pirate Events on the Coast

Tybee Island Pirate Fest, takes place October 6 – 9, 2011. The party has grown this year with multiple concerts, fireworks, “Buccaneer Ball”, Thieves market, Pirate Victory Parade and Kid’s Zone.

St. Augustine Pirate Gathering
St Augustine Pirate Gathering takes place October 28 – 30, 2011 at St Francis Field in St. Augustine, Florida.


Tybee Island Pirate Fest