Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

National Get Outdoors Day at Fort Pulaski – Savannah, GA

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National Get Outdoors Day is an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. National parks across the country are celebrating this new event by waiving entrance fees. Get outdoors, and enjoy your national parks! Fort Pulaski National Monument will offer free admission to all visitors on National Get Outdoors Day 2012 – Saturday, June 9th.

Not only is Fort Pulaski one of the most well-preserved fortifications in the Southeast, but it is also surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, looking out over the Savannah River, marshes and woodlands. “Fort Pulaski National Monument has more than 5,000 acres of beautiful natural resources and wilderness,” said Superintendent Randy Wester.

Programs scheduled for Saturday, June 9 are as listed:

Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia Department of Economic Development

10:00 AM Guided Fort Tour

11:00 Cannon Firing

12:00 PM Musket Firing

1:00 Cannon Firing

1:30 Guided Fort Tour

2:30 Musket Firing

3:00 Cannon Firing

4:00 Guided Fort Tour

5:00 Musket Firing

Extended summer hours will be available at Fort Pulaski National Monument, effective June 2, 2012. The Visitor Center and the historic fort will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The park gates will close at 6:45 PM. Please go to the official Fort Pulaski National Monument website for more details regarding park programs. Information on special offerings at parks nationwide is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. “National park vacations are always memorable and affordable,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. “However, in these tough economic times, we added fee free days as a way to ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit a park. I encourage everyone to sample a new park or revisit an old favorite.”

Read More:

The History of Fort Pulaski

Drake’s Raid in St. Augustine

Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia
Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia

Things to do in St Augustine, Florida in June, 2012

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Here is our take on what to do in St. Augustine in June, 2012. There is quite a bit going on in St. Augustine over the Summer. St. Augustine is a popular destination, so there are always a lot of monthly or recurring events such as the First Friday Art Walk, Uptown Saturday Night, Concerts in the Plaza and Music by the Sea. June is also a big month for Greek culture in St. Augustine. Here’s our list.

First Friday Art Walk
June 1, 2012
This monthly event returns to St. Augustine on June 1st. The art walk is a self-guided gallery tour in downtown St. Augustine with lots of participants and lots of fun.
You can read more about the event on our page for the First Friday Artwalk in St. Augustine

Drake’s Raid
June 2, 2012
On June 2nd, 2012 in the 26th reenactment of Sir Francis Drake’s Raid on old San Agustine.
A 16th century-style military encampment opens at the Fountain of Youth Park. Here you can watch
military drills, living history demonstrations and much more. The encampment is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The reenactment of the sacking and burning of the Old City begins on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM at the Old City Gates.
The battle continues through the streets of St. Augustine and ends in the Plaza.
The event is created to symbolically commemorate the temporary abandonment of the city of St. Augustine by Spanish colonial forces. After the town was looted and burned by Francis Drake’s men, the Spanish returned to rebuild upon the same streets you walk on today.

St Augustine, Florida

Old City Farmer’s Market
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
The Farmer’s Market at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on A1A South is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.
At the Old City Farmers Market you can find fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items, plants
and even fresh seafood during the season.

Anastasia State Park Beach Bash
Saturday, June 2, 2012
This is the 18th Annual Beach Bash at the state park on Anastasia Island.The event includes sand castle building, bird walk, low tide bike ride and much more and takes place from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission to the park is $8.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people. Anastasia State Park is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine, just 2 miles from downtown.Call 904.461.2035 for more information.

Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
June 2, 2012
To get to the fort you have to take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island.
Here you can experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas, exactly how it used to be during the 18th century. The Spanish fort, Fort Matanzas, guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine.
Re-enactors dressed in uniform will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.
For more information call 904-471-0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma
There are no fees to enter the park or o take the ferry. The 36 person ferry operates on first come first serve basis.
The Historic Weapon Firing Demonstration take place the first Saturday of the month. Call 904.471.0116 for more information.

Magnificent view from the lighthouse

Sunset Moonrise Tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Monday, June 4, 2012
Enjoy a view of the sunset and full Moonrise from the most unique perspective of all – atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island. This special event includes a champagne toast (provided by San Sebastian Winery) and light hors d’oeuvres (provided by The Reef). Tickets are $25 for non-members ($20 for museum members), reservations are required and space is limited. For more information or to reserve call (904) 829-0745. 
June 4th, Monday from 7:45 – 9:15 (next event July 3 or August 2)

Music by the Sea
June 6, 13, 20, 27
This popular free Summer concert series returns to St. Augustine Beach.
Bring your own chair or a blanket and enjoy a lively musical performance by Navy PRIDE.
This family-friendly fun event takes place every Wednesday evening through September
from 7 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion on A1A Beach Blvd.
Admission is free. Enjoy a signature dinner starting at 6 p.m. from Gas Restaurant for under $10.00.
Or just pack your own picnic. For more information, please call 904.347.8007.

Concerts in the Plaza
June 7,14, 21, 28 2012
This is another popular free concert in St. Augustine.
free evening concert in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion.
Enjoy the cool breezes under a canopy of live oaks as you listen, clap and dance to live entertainment performed by Bob & Joline’s Friends of Mine Band. The concert takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.825.1004.

Big Fat Greek Food Festival
June 8 – 10, 2012
Now you can completely geek out at this Greek Food festival in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Old City has one of the oldest greek communities in the country, so if you haven’t tried greek food before,
here’s your opportunity to taste greek food, experience greek music, dancing and culture.
You can read all about this Summer festival at our Greek Festival in St Augustine page.

2012 Fountain Mercury King Buster 400
June 14 – 17, 2012
Put your fishing skills to the test in the premiere Southern Kingfish competition of the year – with over $175,000 in cash and prizes! The tournament kicks off on Wednesday with a children’s fishing outing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, located at Avenida Menendez and the Bridge of Lions. The King Buster 400 is limited to 400 boats.
In Thursday, the Junior Angler Registration is from 5 -7 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Captain’s Meeting. On Friday, the Junior Angler Tournament takes place with a noon to 3 p.m. weigh-in and a 6:30 p.m. Awards presentation. The Main Tournament Captains’ Meetings take place from 3 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday the tournament takes place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weigh-in is from 3 to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, there will be an awards party with live music Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 904.759.6588

World Golf Village, St Augustine, Florida

Vettes at the Village
June 16, 2012
Corvettes gather at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, so if you are a car enthusiast, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Or if you are planning to visit the World Golf Village anyway, this might be a good time to do so for you.
feature over 100 classic, late model and custom Corvettes around the Walk of Champions from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. An award ceremony featuring Best of Show and People’s Choice will follow the show. It all takes place at World Golf Village, located off I-95 at Exit 323 in St. Augustine.
For more information visit www.nfca.net or call 904.940.4123.

Father’s Day at World Golf Village
June 17, 2012
If Dad is a golf fan, how about a trip to the World Golf Village in St. Augustine to celebrate his special day?
The World Golf Hall of Fame will open its doors complimentary to everyone for Father’s Day. fun activities that include a self-guided tour through the museum highlighting past U.S. Open winners and their stories; visits from the Jacksonville Roar Cheerleaders, rock-climbing, putting and long drive contests, closest-to-the-pin on the challenge hole, chances to win prizes and more. Fathers will also be offered 50% off their ticket price for a movie at the newly reopened World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater.
www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

St. Augustine Music Festival
June 21 – 30, 2012
Enjoy a series of free classical music performances at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084, located on Cathedral Place in historic St. Augustine. Each themed performance takes place at 7:30 p.m.
June 21: Summer Music
June 22: Piano Spectacular
June 23: Grace and Beauty
June 28: Musica Nocturna
June 29: Sacred Music
June 30: Back to Bach

Greek Landing Day

Greek Landing Day Festival
June 22 – 24, 2012
Celebrate the 244th anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish the New Smyrna Colony.
St. Photios Shrine serves as a memorial to those Greek colonists by witnessing the Orthodox Faith and promoting the Hellenic culture.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday,
visit the “Glendi” for a celebration of music, food and dancing.
Admission is free.
The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine.
For more information, call 904-829-8205

Battle of Bloody Mose
June 23, 2012
This exciting re-enactment commemorates the Battle of “Bloody Moosa” which forced the British to retreat from Spanish Florida in 1740. The settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, the First Free Black Settlement in North America, was home for hundreds of free blacks who escaped slavery from the English Colonies to the north. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. living history demonstrations, guided tours, food vendors, and music will be provided. Then, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Spanish and British forces will reenact the “Bloody Moosa” battle. The event is weather permitting.
It all takes place at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine.
Admission is $2 per person.
Fort Mose State Park, 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Call 904-823-2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose

Fun Things To Do in Savannah in March

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Savannah is an artsy city, with SCAD placed right in the heart of downtown. Art is alive here and March is the month to explore creative expression in the city. There are two free events to get you started in the beginning of the month. Another big theme for March is of course music. First there’s the Stopover festival and then the big Savannah Music Festival. March is also the month when everything turns green, and I’m not talking about spring here – I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some of the events coming to Savannah in March.

telfair museum, savannah, georgiaFree week at Jepson
 Feb 27 – March 4, 2012
Jepson Museum
This week is the best time to take in a little culture at the Jepson Center. The art museum is offering free admission everyday, all day to the public Feb. 27 through March 4. Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy one of Savannah’s heralded museums at no cost. View the posted link for details about the different events offered each day during Free Week at Jepson Center. Hours are 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 912.790.8800.

PULSE 2012
Feb 27 – March 4, 2012
Telfair Museum Explore how art and technology can intersect in Telfair Museums’ Art and Technology Festival will be back in 2012 with a line up of exciting exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops, and events celebrating technology and creative innovation. These events are free. 

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.

st patrick's day savannah georgiaFirst Saturday on the River
March 3, 2012
Riverfront Arts and crafts, entertainment and fun for the entire family on historic River Street. This is free and open to the public. Fire engines, fireworks, fish and fiestas for First Saturday on the River. More information at www.riverstreetsavannah.com

Savannah Stopover Festival March
March 7 – 10, 2012
Historic downtown Savannah The best up and coming indie bands stop over in Savannah on their way to SXSW in Austin, Texas for 4 nights of music in the the city’s famed historic district.The Festival, founded in 2011, takes places across multiple venues within walking distance of all Savannah has to offer. Over 60 bands will perform. More information at www.savannahstopover.com The Greening of the Fountain March 9, 2012 Forsyth Park The official start of St. Patrick Day Celebration is the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park. The greening takes place at noon.

Tara Feis
March 10, 2012
Emmet Park
This is the family-friendly version of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of fun for the whole family. Read more on our special page for Tara Feis.

Tybee Irish Heritage Celebration Parade
March 10, 2012
Tybee Island
Tybee Island outside Savannah has its own parade. Tybee Island’s fun, family-friendly parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Dress in green & join in the fun at 3pm on Saturday. Parade starts at City Hall and proceeds down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. Call (912) 786-5444/(800) 868-2322 or visit tybeevisit.com

Girl Scouts over the Bridge
March 10, 2012
Join the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia in beautiful Savannah with a Centennial Bridging Ceremony and Party in the Park! Thousands of Girl Scouts will cross over the Savannah Bridge to symbolically cross over to the next century of the Girl Scout movement. Later Participants will gather at Forsyth Park in beautiful Historic Savannah for an afternoon of fun. Call 912.233.4501 or visit http://www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org/ for more info.

March of Dimes Shamrock Run
March 11, 2012
The annual March of Dimes 5K Shamrock Run begins and ends in City Market. The race starts at 6 p.m., with a free 1/4 mile Kiddie Fun Run prior to the race start. Call 912.354.5900 or visit www.savannahcitymarket.com for more information.

St Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GeorgiaCeltic Cross Ceremony
March 11, 2012
Charles H. Morris Center
The Celtic Cross Ceremony is a time to honor the city’s Irish ancestors and the contributions they made.

St Patrick’s Day on the River
March 16-17, 2012
Come to Riverstreet to wear, drink, eat, and be merry celebrating on historic River Street. The great green St. Patrick’s Day fun for the O’Masses with non-stop live entertainment and more. More information at www.riverstreetsavannah.com

St Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, 2012
Savannah is famous for it’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of people and lots of fun. This year it’s the 188th year for the parade. 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 or visit Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens page for more information.

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

Nel Adams at Gallery S.P.A.C.E in Savannah, GAThe Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival
March 24, 2012
Oatland Nature Center
Observe and participate in the magical creation of a shawl from sheep shearing to carding, spinning, dying and weaving the wool. Members of The Fiber Guild of the Savannah’s join Oatland staff and volunteers in making this traditional spring celebration fun for the whole family. Crafts, games, hay rides, pony rides and other children’s activities as well as food concessions will be available. 10 am – 4 pm. For more information call 912.395.1500 or visit oatlandisland.org

Spring Garden Festival
March 24, 2012
Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens
Visit the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens’ 18th Annual Spring Garden Festival. This event will help raise funds and will include educational lectures, activities for children, plant vendors, and arts and crafts vendors. Call 912.921.5460

Market at the Lighthouse
March 25, 2012
Tybee Island Lighthouse
“Market at the Lighthouse” on Sunday March 25th from 9 am. To 4 pm. The market features select local dealers selling art, antiques, collectables, jewerly, and photography. The market will take place on the field adjacent to the lighthouse grounds. Admission is free to the market.

Camellias at Middleton Place – Charleston, SC

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The beautiful Camellias are blooming in the middle of winter at Middleton Place in Charleston, SC. The camellias enhance the Middleton Place Gardens with thousands of blossoms, from white to all shades of red and pink. The Camellia is a southern landscape favorite, and it show off an amazing variety of color throughout the winter months. It is said that the French botanist Andrè Michaux gave the Middletons some of the first camellias to be planted in an American garden. Some 50 years later, in 1838, a Middleton daughter wrote, “Papa called me to the terrace to admire the Camellias which I found in great beauty both the white and variegated…”

Now, the gardens at Middleton Place has over 3,500 camellias including many rare varieties as well as one of the four original Michaux plants, fondly referred to as the “Reine des Fleurs” or “Queen of Flowers”, and during this time Middleton Place offers special Camellia Walks to learn more about the fascinating plant. 

Enjoy the beauty of the blooming camellias while learning more about its history during a Camellia Walk. These tours are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday beginning February 11th and continuing through March 24th, 2012. The special guided tours will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden Market & Nursery and last approximately an hour and a half.

There is no additional fee for the Camellia Walks but reservations are required. Adult admission is $25, students are $15, children (6-13) are $10 and 5 years old and under are free. For reservations and additional information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org.

The camellia will also be the topic of a Free Seminar to be held at the Middleton Place Garden Market and Nursery on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00 pm. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the care of camellias, when and where to plant them and what varieties work best in the southern garden. Sidney Frazier, VP Horticulture will conduct the informative seminar.

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Fall Festival and Events in Charleston 2010

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Charleston, South Carolina , is the perfect place to visit for a weekend getaway. The beautiful city with its international flair and southern charm, makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend. Charleston is also known for its many restaurant and renown chefs. The city even boosts to popular food festivals every year; BBT Wine & Food Festival in the spring and Taste of Charleston in the fall.

Take a horsedrawn carriage ride around the historic district, and let your guide tell you about the fascinating history of Charleston. When you have limited time to explore, a guided tour is well worth paying for. You’ll get a great overview and you’ll be able to easily figure out where you want to return to for more details. You might also want to stop by the visitor center downtown for maps, brochures and more details.

There’s always a lot happening in Charleston, but here is the list of the big annual events coming up this fall.

2010 MOJA Arts Festival
A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts
September 23 – October 3, 2010

A Swahili word meaning “One,” MOJA is recognized for its ability to bring people together through a celebration of Western and world cultures. Highlighting African-American and Caribbean fine arts, MOJA will showcase everything from gospel, dance, poetry, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more. For more information, call (843) 724-7305 or visit www.mojafestival.com.

Charleston Museum MileMuseum Mile Weekend in Charleston
September 25 – 26, 2010
Charleston is rich in history and culture, and the city has several museums.  If this history is something you love, or you want to visit the museums, don’t forget about this special weekend. You can visit the museums at a reduce rate during this time. Read all about it on our page for Museum Mile Weekend.

34th Annual Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens
September 23 – October 24, 2010

This event is sponsored by the Preservation Society of Charleston. Visitors tour breathtaking gardens, private homes, churches and public buildings showcasing architecture from the early Georgian period to the 20th century. The tours explore Charleston’s neighborhoods which emanate with a culture that started in the Colonial area. For additional information, go to our special event page for Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens, Charleston please call (843) 722-4630 or visit www.preservationsociety.org.

Taste of Charleston
October 8 – 10, 2010

The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association hosts this three-day gastronomical extravaganza highlighting lowcountry cuisine. It features some of Charleston’s finest, nationally recognized chefs. In addition to opportunities to sample the chefs’ creations, the event features an Iron Chef Competition, wine and beer classes, an art walk and live music.

Please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com or call
(843) 577-4030 for more information or read more on our Taste of Charleston page