St. Augustine, Florida . . .

A Must See

Whether you're planning a simple day trip, a weekend getaway. or a long adventure, St Augustine has it all - historic sites, fine restaurants, nightlife, hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, condos and more.

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation's first enduring settlement.

 

The architectural legacy of the city's past is much younger, testimony to the impermanent quality of the earliest structures and to St. Augustine's troubled history. Only the venerable Castillo de San Marcos, completed in the late seventeenth century, survived destruction of the city by invading British forces in 1702.

 

 

To Learn more, visit the offical City of St. Augustine web site

Florida Summer Events, 2016 . . .

Whatever your passion - shopping, food, fun, sun - Florida has something for you.

Here are just some of the major events scheduled this summer in the Sunshine State:

Festivals

 

Jacksonville Events

 

Gainesville Events

 

Florida Events

 

 

North Florida Summer Events . . .

NORTH FLORIDA

BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL — Scallywags beware! The dread pirate Billy Bowlegs and his nefarious crew are sailing the Gulf’s emerald waters of the Panhandle looking for the perfect spot to celebrate another successful year at sea. In addition to the pirate ship landing and family festival, other swashbuckling events include a Pirate Pub Crawl, Fireworks and Torchlight Parade.
When: June 4-8
Where: Fort Walton Beach
Web: billybowlegsfestival.com

DIGITAL GRAFFITI — Digital Graffiti is an innovative and dynamic event that explores how art and architecture can intermix. During the three-night event, 27 digital artists from around the world will showcase original works on Alys Beach’s iconic white walls,
When: June 4-6
Where: Alys Beach
Web: digitalgraffiti.com

RENDEZVOUS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL transforming the typically serene town into a visually stunning and vibrant art space. — Let your creative juices flow during this 9-day fest geared toward budding filmmakers, up-and-coming musicians and gamers. It’s a movie lovers dream: seven films will have red carpet premieres; plus there will be screening 37 animated films, nine feature films, 25 international feature and short films and 10 documentaries.
When: June 5-13
Where: various venues, Amelia Island
Web: rendezvousfestival.org

DRAKE’S RAID — In 1586, the English corsair Sir Francis Drake and his band of raiders invaded the city of St. Augustine and burned the city. The two-day 28th reenactment begins on Friday with news of the arrival of the British marauders and continues on Saturday with a battle between the British and Spanish in the historic district, ending at Plaza de la Constitucion.
When: June 5-6
Where: Fountain of Youth Park, St. Augustine
Web: hfm.club/events/annual/drakesraid

SUN, SAND AND SONGS — Kick off your shoes and get your groove on during these two beachfront music festivals. Perdido Key’s Third Annual Shindig on the Sand features at least 70 musical acts during three days. On the east coast, make your way to Jacksonville Beach for a taste of the Bold City at the Seawalk Music Festival which emphasizes all things local: music, food and culture.
When: June 5-7 (Shindig on the Sand), June 20 (Seawalk Music Festival)
Where: Flora-Bama in Perdido Key and Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, respectively
Web: florabama.com/events/shindig-on-the-sand, communityfirstseawalkmusicfest.com

22ND ANNUAL WELLBORN BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — Indulge in all things blueberry: from cobblers and pies to ice cream and jellies to syrups and fudge. This year’s theme is “Come Clown Around.” The day includes the crowning the blueberry queen and king, water walkers, ponies, the blueberry parade, the blueberry bake-off and a blueberry pancake breakfast. Blueberry bushes will be for sale.
When: June 6
Where: Andrews Square, Wellborn
Web: wellborncommunityassociation.com/BlueberryFestival

MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS AND WORLD WAR II: AN AUTHOR’S EXPERIENCE— Learn the role that The Yearling author played during World War II as recounted through her books and through the letters of her wartime correspondence with servicemen and women. Park Manager Valeri Rivers will lead the discussion that is part of a Victory Florida program for the 70-year anniversary of V-Day.
When: June 6
Where: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Hawthorn
Web: floridastateparks.org/park/Marjorie-Kinnan-Rawlings

SEED SPITTIN’ SHINDIGS — Mark Twain said, “When one has tasted a watermelon he knows what angels eat.” True or not, get ready to indulge in the juicy fruit at one of these annual fests: the Watermelon Festival in Chiefland, the Jefferson County Watermelon Festival and the 59h Annual Panhandle Watermelon Festival. All include parades, live music, running (5K or 10K) and, of course, a seed-spitting contest.
When: June 6 (Watermelon Festival); June 19-20 (Jefferson County Watermelon Festival);  June 26-27 (Panhandle Watermelon Festival)
Where: Chiefland, Monticello and Chipley, respectively
Web: chieflandchamber.com/watermelon, monticellojeffersonfl.com/event/watermelon-festival, panhandlewatermelon.com

18TH ANNUAL FLORIDA AFRICAN DANCE FESTIVAL — Kick off your shoes and let the frenetic beat consume you during one of the dance or drum workshops at this annual event sponsored by the African Caribbean Dance Theatre. Workshops include traditional dance styles from the Congo, Senegal and Guinea taught by renowned instructors. Also includes children’s workshops and story hours, a wheelchair dance class and evening performance concerts.
When: June 11-13
Where: Tallahassee Community College
Web: fadf.org

PLEIN AIR, PAPER & POTTERY — Experience St. Augustine’s breathtaking beachfront and salt marshes through the eyes of artist Matthew J. Cutter. Cutter’s new exhibit features a body of work created “en plein air,” or painted on location outdoors and onsite. Talk with him about artistic inspiration and painting techniques at the two-day opening of the exhibit.
When: June 12-13
Where: Cutter & Cutter Fine Art Galleries
Web: cutterandcutter.com

LATIN SALSA FESTIVAL — Play a friendly game of dominoes or work on your hot salsa moves at this annual fete geared to the Puerto Rican and Caribbean lifestyle. DJs will spin merengue and reggae tunes, the Tallahassee Salsa Dancers will perform as will other well-known Latin-American acts. Also includes Caribbean food and a kids’ zone.
When: June 13
Where: Fort Walton Landing Park
Web: boricuasausentes.org

WILD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL — Spend the weekend in the heart of the Suwannee River Valley in beautiful Jasper, just south of the Florida/Georgia state line in Hamilton County. Explore three of the state’s meandering rivers — the Suwannee, Withlacoochee and Alapaha — either on foot or by boat, then head to downtown Jasper for the town’s sixth annual festival featuring blackberry pancakes, cobblers, jams and jellies, as well as live music, family activities and craft vendors.
When: June 13
Where: downtown Jasper
Web: facebook.com/pages/Wild-Blackberry-Festival

FLORIDA COUNTRY SUPERFEST — The men of country rule at this year’s two-day extravaganza. The king of all things honkytonk, Kenny Chesney, headlines that second annual event that brought thousands of cowboy-hat wearing fans to jam along the St. Johns River. The killer lineup also includes the Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, David Nail, Colt Ford, Danielle Bradberry and the Swon Brothers.
When: June 13-14
Where: Everbank Field, Jacksonville
Web: floridacountrysuperfest.com

VETTES AT THE VILLAGE — Treat your dad to a pre-Father’s Day trip to admire the sleek lines and natty details of more than 100 late-model and custom Corvettes. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner and then enjoy lunch at Murray Bros. Caddy Shack.
When: June 20
Where: World Golf Village, St. Augustine
Web: nfca.net

DODGE BRAWL — Remember of the 5 Ds of dodgeball, at least according to movie Dodgeball’sPatches O’Houlihan — “Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge” — while competing in this 64-team, double-elimination tournament. Assemble the perfect six to 10-person team, coordinate your uniform (think matching old-school sweatbands and striped tube socks) and get ready to rock the court. The top three teams receive medals and a monetary award for the charity of their choice.
When: June 27
Where: Pensacola Bay Center
Web: pensacolabaycenter.com/events/detail/dodgebrawl

AMERICA ON TAP: Sips and samples will be plentiful at America On Tap’s ode to craft beer. The three-hour event will feature more than 100 releases from some of the country’s best craft breweries paired with live music and food. Breweries set to tap new releases include favorites like Abita, Bell’s and Brooklyn Brewery. More obscure labels include Guns & Oil Brewing Co. (Texas), Lucky Bucket Brewing Company (New England) and Radiant Pig (New York).
When: June 27
Where: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville
Web: americaontap.com

Original Sourse

The St Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival . . .

The sounds of the ancient Celtic peoples of Scotland and Ireland are as alive today as ever at the St. Augustine Celtic Music Festival, March 13 - 15, 2015 at Francis Field on Castillo Drive. Find the Celt in you as you take in the sights, sounds and tastes of centuries of European history. Celtic clans from around the world show their ancestral pride, Highland games athletes demonstrate their mind-boggling strength, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches through the streets of the Oldest City’s Historic District, and vendors offer up Celtic cuisine and hand-made crafts.

But the hands-down favorite of the St. Augustine Celtic festival is the music. Scottish and Irish bands playing both traditional tunes and modernized renditions of the ancient Celtic music appear live on stage throughout the two-day festival - arguably the best collaboration of Celtic artists assembled in the United States. We’re talking Scots-born Albannach and Searson just to name a few, attracting fans from throughout Florida and Georgia, Savannah to St. Augustine, Orlando and The Villages. Did you know that Celtic music had a profound impact on American bluegrass and country? Aye, so if you’re thinking about missing this one, yer an iggit.

More Information

 

Summer Fun in Florida

Whatever your passion or desire, North Florida has an event for you. Here are just a few of the major events scheduled this month in the Sunshine State:

NORTH FLORIDA

SCALLOP SEASON — Don’t have the patience to sit in a boat staring at a drifting fishing line for hours on end? Try scalloping. All you need is a saltwater fishing license, snorkel, mask and dive flag — all easy to obtain from local outfitters. The rest is simple. Just start skimming the surface of St. Joseph Bay over the gorgeous grass beds of the Florida Aquatic Preserve looking for the telltale glowing blue eyes along the edge of the shells. The 2014 scalloping season begins July 1.

When: July 1-31
Where: St. Joseph’s Bay
Web: http://www.visitgulf.com/scalloping

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHS — The photographers making images for the New York Times Magazine capture beauty and tragedy, glory and grit, movement and transformation in its glossy white pages. Kathy Ryan, the magazine’s director of photography, reviewed more than 1,500 issues of the magazine to pick images depicting war-torn countries, Hollywood’s fabulous old guard, New York after 9/11 and more for this exhibit.

When: July 1-31
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville
Web: http://www.mocajacksonville.org

 

 



EL GALEON TOUR — Experience 16^th-century life aboard El Galeón, a full-scale reconstruction of a Spanish galleon used by the country to roam the little known waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Spain to the “New World.” Embark on a self-guided walking tour above and below deck while making time to talk to the ship’s current crew about ship life. El Galeón was just featured in NBC’s new TV show Crossbones.

When: July 1-15
Where: St. Augustine Municipal Marina
Web: www.elgaleon.org

LA FLORIDA: 500 YEARS IN THE PLACE OF FLOWERS — Tourists flock to Florida for our sugar-sand beaches and myriad amusement parks — only to be also wowed by the state’s natural beauty. John Moran, a Gainesville nature photographer whose work has appeared in National Geographic and Smithsonian, captured the rainbow-hued, flower-filled visions of paradise in large-format photography.

When: July 1-31
Where: Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville
Web: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

NIGHTTIME EDUCATIONAL BEACH WALKS — Explore the Gulf Coast beaches under the stars with George Grey, the Okaloosa County’s Sea Turtle Coordinator for almost two decades. Learn about sea turtles’ nesting habits and other beach wildlife on this free guided walk. Reservations are required.

When: July 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
Where: Okaloosa Island and Destin
Web: http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/things-to-do/upcoming-events.aspx

APALACHICOLA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION — Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth in historic coastal Apalachicola with a red, white and blue-themed golf cart and bike parade, ice cream social and fireworks. And because it IS Florida, stuff yourself with fried shrimp and Low Country boil instead of the more traditional hot dogs and hamburgers.

When: July 3
Where: Lafayette Park, Apalachicola
Web: http://www.saltyflorida.com/events/apalachicola-independence-day-celebration/920/

STARS & STRIPES AT SEASIDE: A JULY 4TH CELEBRATION — Embrace your flag-waving, patriotic fervor and dress in red, white and blue for a day of “God Bless the USA” festivities beginning in the morning with the Annual July 4th parade along State Road 30A and concluding with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s concert and fireworks finale under the stars. The lawn fills up quickly so arrive early to get a prime location.

When: July 4
Where: State Road 30A and the Seaside Amphitheater, Seaside
Web: www.seasidefl.com



UNION GARRISON — Welcome to 1864. Think women in corsets and high boots, men doing their daily marching drills and young drummer boys bringing the Civil War-era fort to life. Visitors can interact with these living historians during firearms and cooking demos. Or beat the deep summer heat and enjoy the Fort during the Saturday night candlelight viewing.

When: July 5-6
Where: Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
Web: http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/

SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS AT THE FLORIDA THEATRE — Introduce the next generation to these retro ‘80s fanboy classics: The Never Ending Story, Goonies, Batman (the Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson version) and Gremlins. Arrive early to escape July’s warmth while exploring the lavish and fantasy-inspired Mediterranean Revival interior of the 1920s theatre, one of four historic movie palaces left in the state. Don’t miss the indoor courtyard with its grand balcony and star-filled ceiling.

When: July 5, 12, 18, 26
Where: Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
Web: http://floridatheatre.com

PENSACOLA BEACH AIR SHOW — Grounded for most of 2013 because of budget cutbacks, the Blues are back! The Blue Angels, who call Pensacola Beach home, are airborne again with a 2014 calendar that features 38 appearances nationwide. Catch them on their home turf at the annual air show. Also features Fat Albert, Julian McQueen, Roy Kinsey, Gary Ward, Team Aerodynamix and Skip Stewart.

When: July 11-12
Where: Pensacola Beach
Web: http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/events/pensacola-beach-air-show.php

36TH ANNUAL SWAMP STOMP MUSIC FESTIVAL — Spread your blanket under the live oaks and enjoy an acoustic music serenade by singer-songwriters during this Big Bend mid-summer staple. From folk music’s twang to deep Southern blues, the 52-acre park will also delight youth with outdoor games, living history demos and the Tree to Tree zipline adventures.

When: July 12
Where: Tallahassee Museum
Web: http://tallahasseemuseum.org

FIESTA DE SAN FERMIN EN PENSACOLA — In Pamplona, thousands run through the city streets, defying death as they are chased by snorting, slobbering half-ton bulls made famous by Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises. Pensacola’s cheeky (and safety conscious) salute to the “encierro” is to task members of the female roller-derby league wielding wiffle ball bats as bulls chasing down red kerchief-wearing participants in this 2-mile adventure. Other events include a Spanish wine dinner and a procession honoring San Fermin, the Patron Saint of Pamplona.

When: July 17-19
Where: Seville Quarters
Web: http://www.sevillequarter.com/events/2014-running-bulls

CHRISTMAS IN JULY CRAFT FAIR — Start your holiday shopping early -- really early -- at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement’s annual craft fair. Pick up goodies such as handmade soaps, baked treats, works by local artisans, quilts and more. Once you’re shopped out take a free guided tour of the settlement.

When: July 19
Where: Blountstown
Web: http://www.panhandlepioneer.org

CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE LUNCH AND LEARN: WORLD WAR II VETERANS AND THE CIVIL RIGHT MOVEMENT — For this special lecture, veteran and University of North Florida graduate student Bryan Higham will speak on the subject of the African American veterans who used military training to pursue political office and take on leadership roles within the Civil Rights movement from 1945-1960.

When: July 25
Where: The Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Tallahassee
Web: http://www.flhistoriccapitol.gov

BEER TRUCK WARS — Sample some of the state’s best craft brews at this event drawing on America’s addiction to gourmet eats served from a kitchen on four wheels. The details are still in the works ... but there will be beer, there will be food and it will be filling.
When: July 26
Where: Francis Field, St. Augustine
Web: www.beertruckwars.com

Scenic North Florida Drives . . .

Driving through northeastern Florida and the Panhandle provides a perfect balance between wild nature and human influence. When you think Florida you usually think of all the built-up areas in southern and central Florida. However, if you skip the northern parts of the state you'll miss these excellent scenic drives:

Scenic Drives from Jacksonville

If you're planning a trip down to central and southern Florida's attractions but you want to see some beautiful nature and old-time towns and attractions on your way south, you can take a detour between Jacksonville and Flagler Beach (north of Daytona Beach) on the coast. From I-95 on the eastern side of Jacksonville take Route 202 to Jacksonville Beach. You'll find yourself on historic Route 1, the first highway to travel from all-the-way north - Fort Kent, Maine to all-the-way south - Key West -. On this stretch of the highway, you'll pass through St. Augustine, lots of excellent beaches on the barrier island, and will end up in Flagler Beach, which boasts old Victorian-style buildings right off the highway.

Northeast Florida Scenic Drives

In the Gainesville area, toward the center of the region, you can take the Old Florida Heritage Highway. This 48-mile drive, which starts in Gainesville, takes Route 441, and goes through the historic towns of Micanopy, Rochelle, Evinston, and Cross Creek. Micanopy claims to be the oldest mainland settlement in Florida, with the first post office opening up in 1826. Old and respectful Victorian houses and buildings line the streets of these cities, with Southern charm dripping from the deciduous trees. It was the setting for the Michael J. Fox movie “Doc Hollywood,” where on his way to some great position in California he crashes his Porsche in … well, Grady, South Carolina. But it was filmed in Micanopy!

Florida Panhandle Scenic Drives

Around the city of Tallahassee are the “Canopy Roads,” so-called for the lush Spanish Moss overhanging. Many of these roads feature fancy and tasteful residences that add to the overall beauty of the scenery. For emphasis on archaeology and 19th-century houses, and the Spanish missions that rose up in the 17th centuries, drive the Native Trail. If you want to see the area's old cotton plantations, drive the Cotton Trail Loop. For a calm, enjoyable drive through a dense pine forest, take the Quail Trail. Give yourself time to take in the scenery on these loop drives, as, at a leisurely pace, each one can take up to two hours to complete. A Canopy Roads map will likely help you navigate the area better.

Pensacola Scenic Drives

In Pensacola, one great drive is to travel the length of Escambia Bay, where the river bluffs overlooking the bay provide an excellent view of the surroundings. You can reach Route 10A, which stretches from one end of the bay to the other, from I-10, the highway that leads from Jacksonville all the way to Pensacola. Lining the bay's beach are large bluffs of red clay, which play off the color of water to provide excellent views for miles. From where 10A meets the water to where it leaves off is approximately six miles.

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