Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite – Ponte Vedra, Florida

by

In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient
Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite
Wine and hors d’oeuvres sponsored
by Brucci’s Pizza

Janice Machin, University of North Florida professor, presents this amazing new exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

Machin facilitates a presentation of the ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite. For the first time in the United States, this exhibition brings to light art objects and archaeological artifacts found in four ancient Roman villas of extraordinary proportions, innovative design and luxurious decoration.
This wonderful presentation will conclude with a thrilling Italian opera performance by Bella Voce Cabaret. Erin Barnes, a member of the Bella Voce Cabaret will perform Italian opera arias following the lecture.
Thursday, December 20, The Cultural Center, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This lecture and peformance is FREE for members of The Cultural Center and members of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Non-members may attend at a cost of $10. Please RSVP by calling (904) 280-0614 ext 204.

Live Nativity in St Marys, Georgia

by

For many Christmas is a time of stress. There are so many family members to buy gifts for, and so little time. The malls are packed with shoppers and annoying Christmas music is played around the clock. On the coast every little town has its own lighting of the Christmas tree, holiday festival and/or boat parade. Santa usually arrives to the town square to listen to the children’s wishes to really get you into the holiday spirit. But then there is also the “reason-for-the-season”.

Many cities have huge mega-productions of the Christmas story reminicent of Broadway or even Las Vegas, but in the small town of St Marys, Georgia the Live Nativity is different. This is your traditional old-fashioned, home town live nativity. It takes place in the front yard of Orange Hall. Orange Hall is always beautifully decorated for the holidays and usually the whole town shows up to watch and to socialize with family, friends and neighbors. The quaint historic district in St Marys is dressed up for the holidays with thousands of glittering lights. If it’s chilly outside, we suggest that you walk down towards the Christmas tree on the waterfront and stop by the Market on the Square for a hot cocoa to go.

The live Nativity includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and live animals. Also, church and elementary school choirs will be present. So, if you want to experience picture perfect Christmas in a small town on the coast and want to relax from the holiday stress – come to St. Marys on Tuesday December 18th. Bring the whole family – and don’t forget your camera!

For more information, please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 912-882-8111.

Quilt Festival – Hilton Head, South Carolina

by

 This biennial quilt festival features 150 beautiful quilts, a silent auction, consignments, vendors and an opportunity to win a quilt. It takes place March 14-15, 2008, so mark your calendars. This is a judged exhibition of quilts created by our local quilt artists.  See why quilt art has skyrocketed in popularity, and enjoy traditional quilt art.  The workmanship and creativity incorporated into these quilts is well worth the trip. For more information, visit the Palmetto Quilt Guild Festival Website.

St Andrews by the Sea Methodist Church, 20 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC

A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Charleston, SC

by

The Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina presents “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” This is a Dylan Thomas classic memoir starring film, TV and theatre veteran Clarence Felder, and members of the Chamber Music Charleston. It is a special collaboration of Actor’s Theatre of South Carolina, Chamber Music of Charleston and Footlight Players Theatre. The Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. Dec. 22, 23 at 3p.m. and 7p.m. and Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. For more information, please call 843-722-4487.