Your ultimate guide to the coast
Love a good fight? Here are two choices coming to Jacksonville, Florida, in the month of April – Art of Fighting and the Guns N’ Hoses Boxing.
This event takes place at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday April 2, 2011 at 7:00 pm.
Click here to reserve your seat for Art of Fighting!
Guns N Hoses Charity Boxing event returns to Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday April 16, 2011 at 6:30 pm.
Click here to reserve your tickets now!
As you know, Charleston is rich in history, but this year is a very special year for Charleston. April 12, 2011 actually marks the 150 year anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter, more commonly known as the First Shot of the Civil War. Now you can come and witness where it all began…right here on the coast.
April 12, 2011, Marks the 150-Year Anniversary of the Firing on Fort Sumter, First Shot of the Civil War.
The Charleston area served as the backdrop for many of the Civil War’s significant events, which include
These events are some of the landmark dates of the American Civil War, which will be commemorated during the Civil War Sesquicentennial.
Listed below is a sampling of special Charleston area Civil War Sesquicentennial events and activities that range from concerts and theater performances to living history programs and reenactments, as well as events, lectures and complimentary film screenings.
• Fort Sumter will switch on two large, entwining lights aimed skyward on April 12; once the symbolic firing commences, the lights will separate to indicate the split of the nation. Motors will be fired intermittently until April 14.
• Spiritline Cruises Sesquicentennial Tour and Dinner Cruise, April 9, 12, 14; includes living history program, period music, lecture by a military historian, three-course southern-style meal and cruise aboard the Spirit of the Lowcountry; boarding at Fort Sumter Visitors Center
• Film on the Green, “Glory,†April 10; Marion Square Park, Charleston
• Voices from the Civil War Concert, April 11; Program includes music selections from the score to the PBS documentary film, The Civil War by Ken Burns, featuring Jay Ungar, Molly Mason and The Family Band with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sean Newhouse, along with the CSO Spiritual Ensemble & Mt. Zion AME Spiritual Ensemble; White Point Garden, Charleston
• Sunrise Concert: When Jesus Wept, April 12; In remembrance of the moment the first shots of the Civil War were fired, this candlelight concert features hymns by Colonial American composers including William Billings and others; White Point Garden, Charleston
• Reflections on the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War: Volunteers in Blue and Gray, Why they Fought, April 12; lecture by James M. McPherson, American Civil War historian and author of numerous books including For Cause and Comrades, winner of the Lincoln Prize; Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston
• The Battle of Fort Sumter by Boat, April 12; historian and author Michael Coker leads guests of an intimate discussion of the events leading up the war and the Battle of Fort Sumter during a 1.5-hour boat tour • Stephen Marc – Passage of the Underground Railroad, April 8-July 10; exhibit organized by the University at Buffalo Art Galleries features Marc’s fascinating photographs and digital montages that explore the history of freedom-seekers on the Underground Railroad; Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston
• A Soldier’s View of Civil War Charleston, April 8-July 10; exhibit featuring over 30 paintings depicting the batteries and forts around Charleston Harbor as painted by Conrad Wise Chapman (1842-1910) during the Civil War; Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston • Living History Programs with Confederate and Civilian Reenactors, April 9-17; Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center
• Union Reenactors Portraying Companies E&H, 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment, April 9-14; Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor • Encampment of Confederate Reenactors, April 9-17; Fort Moultrie, Sullivan’s Island
• Garrison of Fort Sumter Reenactment, April 14-17; Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor • South Carolina Masonic Research Society 2011 Banquet & Symposium, April 22; featuring keynote speaker Michael Halleran, author of The Better Angels of our Nature: Freemasonry in the American Civil War; Omar Shrine Temple, Mount Pleasant
• “The Beginning of the Civil War†Manuscripts Exhibit, through April 27; Karpeles Manuscript Museum • Post Civil War Charleston – 1865: A Photographic Retrospective, through April 30; City Gallery at Waterfront Park, Charleston
• Remembering the Civil War: South Carolina Artists’ Perspectives, through April 30; City Gallery at Waterfront Park, Charleston Ongoing permanent exhibits include: • City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War; provides a rich overview of events in and around Charleston from secession to 1865, including the Federal naval blockade, Union bombardment, social dislocations, privations and five major Union attempts to capture the “Queen City of the South;†Charleston Museum
• Threads of War: Clothing and Textiles of The Civil War; through Sept. 5, 2011, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of those on the home front who battled deprivation and fear while raising their families and protecting their property, as well as the soldiers who fought on the front lines; Charleston Museum
• The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls, April 3-June 19, 2012; coordinated by the S.C. State Museum, celebrates Smalls’ commandeering of the C.S.S. Planter in which he sailed with his family and several others past five Confederate batteries and out to the Union blockading fleet; Charleston Museum • Secessionists, Soldiers and Slaves: The Alston Family’s Civil War, through Dec. 31, 2015, showcases the permanent collections of the Edmondston-Alston including a rare original copy of the Ordinance of the Secession as well as the parole Charles Alston received form President Andrew Johnson after swearing allegiance to the United States in 1965; Edmondston-Alston House, Charleston
• Secessionists, Soldiers and Slaves: The Middleton Family’s Civil War, through Dec. 31, 2015; exhibit exploring rice culture during the war, the building of Charleston’s defenses, investing in experimental “seegar boats†and more; Middleton Place, Charleston
Fort Sumter-Fort Moultrie Historical Trust is a consortium that supports the National Park Service’s efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the sites for the benefit and education of the public. The Trust has aligned with historians and community leaders to plan activities that invite the public to learn about one of the most significant eras of the nation’s history. Although somber in tone, the unvarnished truth will be on display throughout the Sesquicentennial anniversary, 2011 – 2014.
A complete listing and additional information can be found at www.sccivilwar.org.
April is the perfect time for outdoor festivals, and this month there is no shortage of fun things to do in Jacksonville.
George’s Music Annual Springing the Blues
April 1-3, 2011
This popular three-day oceanfront music festival is free and features a number of renowned blues performers, held every spring in Jacksonville Beach. Click here for more information about Springing the Blues.
Cosmic Concerts
April 1, 8, 15, 22
Experience total-sensory entertainment as laser lights, high-def images and digital sound collide to create a Cosmic Concert! Each concert costs $5 per person; $1 for laser glasses. Tickets are available online at www.moshplanetarium.org or at the door.
First Wednesday Art Walk
April 6 2011
Downtown Jacksonville turns into an art adventure every first Wednesday of the month. The event is a free, self-guided tour that combines astounding visual and live art, engaging events and more. It’s a downtown happening you have to try at least once. Read more about the event here.
Movies in the Park
April 8, 15 and 26
Downtown Jacksonville’s series is returning to historic Treaty Oak Park Fridays in the spring. Hosted by Downtown Vision, Inc. and JaxParks, the series features four family-friendly movies shown under the stars, each beginning at dusk (around 8 p.m.). Bring family and friends, blankets to sit on or lawn chairs and a picnic. Music and kids lawn games will keep moviegoers busy before each show.
Starry Nights
April 9, 2011
The City of Jacksonville presents Starry Nights, an event that combines the sounds of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra with a national performer. Concert is held at Metropolitan Park, along the St. Johns River. www.makeascenedowntown.com
Earth Day at MOSH
April 16, 2011Â
Come to MOSH in Jacksonville for Earth Day activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Visitors will work to together to paint a masterpiece on a working rain barrel, make crafts from recycled items and more.
Beaches Sandcastle Contest & Parade
April 23-24
The beaches officially welcome visitors as temperatures become warmer and families head for a day in the sun. A sandcastle contest kicks off the weekend with prizes in several categories. On Sunday, a lively parade marches through Jacksonville Beach.
Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt
April 23-24
Every Easter holiday art is celebrated at this two-day event in Mandarin. More than 100 artists are expected to participate this year. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. There’s also a Kids Art Show and an egg hunt for the younger ones. You can read more about the Mandarin Art Festival & Egg Hunt here.
World of Nations Celebration
April 28 – May 1
Each spring, Jacksonville celebrates its cultural diversity with the World of Nations Celebration, presented by the City of Jacksonville. Metropolitan Park transforms into a multi-ethnic marketplace of cuisine, crafts and entertainment of people from around the world. Read more about World of Nations in Jacksonville here.
Music Under the Stars
April 28, 2011
Learn about the stars that shine over Jacksonville while enjoying a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Event is from 6 to 10 p.m.. The music presentation begins at 7 p.m. and rooftop stargazing is from 8 to 9 p.m. Admission, which includes museum access, one beer or glass of wine, music presentation, star show, and rooftop stargazing, is $10 for the public and $5 for MOSH Members. Music provided by arrangement with Friday Musicale. Call 396.MOSH (6674), ext. 230 for required reservations.
April 1, 2011 – Sounds on CentreCome to downtown Fernandina and listen to live music under the stars. You can read more about this seasonal Amelia Island event by clicking here.
This event takes place on the first weekend of the month at Fort Clinch State Park. On Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
During the First Weekend, living historians will recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War Between the States. This is a fun way to learn a little bit about our history for the whole family. Activities may include black powder artillery demonstrations and marching drills, as well as soldiers and civilians taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary and kitchen. Candlelight viewings on Saturday evenings every First Weekend except December.
Fees: Park entrance fee plus $2.00 per person Fort admission.
Contact: For more information, call 904-277-7274.
April 2, 2011 – Old Town Fernandina Bicentennial CelebrationTwo hundred years ago, the small community of Fernandina was so named by Spanish Governor Enrique White, and the town was platted according to the Spanish Law of the Indies of 1573.  On April 2, 2011, Old Town Fernandina will mark this milestone with Bicentennial Day, a celebration of Old Fernandina’s unique history.  In 1811, two events took place in Old Town Fernandina that were milestones in the development of today’s City of Fernandina Beach. On January 1, the name of the Spanish Amelia Island Military Post and the town that had grown up around it was renamed Fernandina. The decree, issued by Enrique White, the Spanish Governor of the Spanish Province of East Florida, was issued on December 24, 1810, and named the town for Spain’s King Ferdinand VII.
On May 11, 1811 Jose Estrada, White’s successor as Governor instructed his Surveyor-General George F Clarke to plat the town according to the Spanish Law of the Indies. Other US cities have used the same plan include Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles. Fernandina was the last to be so platted, and according to the University of Florida “the Old Town grid remains as one of the last and purest examples of the Law of the Indies planning Edict of 1573”.
In 1811, Old Fernandina was booming as it profited from being close to the United States, but not subject to its laws. Smuggling and Slave-Trading were the mainstays of its economy. As the US grew in international stature, it became increasingly obvious thatWashington could not allow Amelia Island and Fernandina to remain in foreign hands. The next 10 years saw much of Fernandina’s colorful history as five of the island’s eight flags were raised and lowered, but in 1821, when Florida became a US Territory much of this “economic stimulus” was removed.The event will include walking tours, home tours, nature walks, archeological exploration, authentic Spanish music and Flamenco, a pirate weapons display, re-enactors, and much more.
Fort to Fort Run  (5K)                          08:30 AM
Official Opening                                    10:00 AM
Pirate Invasion                                      10:15 AM
Nature of Old Town                             10:30 AM and 2:00 PM
Pirate School                                        11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Sail Boat Race On The River                10:30 AM
Vignettes of History                              11 AM and 1:30 PM
Spanish/Music/Dance                           1:00 – 5:00 PM
Spanish Choral Music                           2:00 – 2:45 PM
Captain’s Homes, Cottages Tours         10:30-3:30 PM
Walking tours                                       10:30-3:00 PM
From 10:00 AM, Archeological dig, Bosque Bello Tour, Petanca by the Plaza, Music, Pirate weapons display, Vendors.
Home Tours – $10 prior to April 2 – $12 day of
Tickets available from March 21st at the Museum of History and Lindy’s on Centre Street .
Bosque Bello Tours – $8, $10 day of.  On sale at the library.
For more information:Â www.oldtownfernandina.org or call 904 491 1259
Note: These events may be modified or withdrawn at any time.
Join Kevin McCarthy of Amelia River Cruises for a fun way to travel to the Bicentennial Celebration of Old Town! Ferry service out of Fernandina Harbor Marina begins at 9:30 a.m. and will run out of Fernandina every hour on the half hour. Return trips from Old Town begin at 10 a.m. and will run every hour on the hour. Price is $5 roundtrip for adults; seniors (65 and older) and children under 12 years of age ride free! No reservations taken, first come; first serve basis.
• Last departure from Fernandina Harbor Marina – 5 p.m.
• Last return trip from Old Town – 5:30 p.m.
The only way to visit the Amelia Island Lighthouse up close and personal, is by going on the tour. The tour leaves from the Atlantic Ave Recreation Center.
on the 1st and 3rd Wed of the month through May, A shuttle will depart from the Atlantic Ave Rec Center for a tour of the Lighthouse. Limit 25 people per tour. Call 904-277-7350 for more information.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 10am
Atlantic Ave Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Avenue, FERNANDINA
Cost:Â Adults, $5; children 12 & under, $3
www.fbfl.us
April 8, 2011 — Friends of the Library Book SaleStock up for the summer and get new books to read. If you love to read and enjoy books, you certainly want to take advantage of the Friends of the Library Book Sale. Choose from books, audio books, magazines, videos, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, children’s books, games, and puzzles—with prices ranging from $.50 to $3 for most items. For the best deals, get there early to examine specially priced first editions and other special collections. The sale takes place at the Peck Recreation Center., 516 South 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, on Friday, April 8, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and continues on Saturday, April 9, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m., with fire-sale markdowns early Saturday afternoon. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Fernandina Beach Library, so you’ll be getting great deals and supporting a good cause.
Friday, April 8, 2011, 9:30am – 5pm
Peck Recreation Center, 516 South 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach Library: (904) 277-7365
This is a self-guided artwalk in downtown Fernandina. Take a nice stroll around town and get a first look at art from the area. You can read more about this event on our special events page, just click here.
This annual event is a showcase for fine artisans and craftsmen from throughout the northwest Florida/ southeastern Georgia region. Items featured include paintings, photographs, fabric accessories for the home and for personal wear, designer jewelry, beautiful glass objects, and other mixed media creations. The show is held in Maxwell Hall behind the Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, from 9am until 3 pm. There is no charge for admission. Delicious baked goods and light lunches are available for purchase.
Saturday, April 16, 2011, 9am – 3pm at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-261-8314
The shrimp festival on Amelia Island takes place from April 29-May 1, 2011, with lots of fun for the whole family.   The popular event features a nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, kids activities, contests, pirates, free admission and 25 food booths serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find, prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations, and of course a parade and a pirate invasion. Read more about the shrimp festival by clicking here.
Caravan Tour of Vintage Trailer – Vintage Style Sisters on the Fly are coming back to Tybee Island!
Sisters on the Fly is a group of over 1500 women from all over the country with a penchant for fly fishing, poker, campfires and traveling in vintage trailers. This colorful group and their adorable trailers are coming to Tybee Island, GA, for another week of cowgirl camaraderie at the River’s End Campground. The band of women with wanderlust will be opening their fabulous little trailer cuties for a 3 hour tour, along with a cowgirl lunch, book signing, and quilt auction all to benefit the restoration campaign of the historic Tybee Theater. If you love vintage trailers – you don’t want to miss this one!
Over 40 vintage tricked out trailers will be opened up for visiting on Saturday, April 9th from 11 till 2, hosted by another SOTF sister, Susan Kelleher, who owns the local gift shop Seaside Sisters. They aim to share stories, take the opportunity to impart their interstate itineraries with guests and other sisters, and sign the newly released book about them: “Sisters on the Fly: Caravans, Campfires and Tales from the Roadâ€.
Living by the motto: “we have more fun than anyoneâ€, Sisters on the Fly firmly believe there is some cowgirl in all of us! So grab your girlfriends and visit Tybee Island for a day or rootin’, tootin, boot-scootin’ fun!
For details please contact Susan Kelleher, Seaside Sisters seasidesisterstybee.com,
phone 912-786-9216 or email tybeeseasidesue@aol.com.
Sisters on the Fly Caravan Tour of Trailers
River’s End Campground, Tybee Island, Georgia
Saturday, April 9th 11am – 2 pm
Tickets $18 advance, $20 day of tour, includes cowgirl lunch
Click here for tickets information
Other events on Tybee Island:
Tybee Island Wine Festival
