What to do in St. Augustine January 12-15, 2012

As usual, there is much to do in St. Augustine this weekend. But before the weekend starts, there is a pre-opening reception for the new Vilano Beach Town Center Publix today, Thursday, January 12th.  The Vilano Beach Town Center Publix will formally open on Saturday, January 14th.

Here's the rest of What's Happening in St. Augustine this weekend:

Friday: January 13
Shelter - A Photographic Exhibition "Shelter," an exhibition of the exceptional photographs of Mark Ruwedel, opens with a reception from 5-9 p.m. at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College in St. Augustine. A professor of photography at California State University in Long Beach, Ruwedel has spent more than 25 years photographing the open landscapes of western North America and documenting evidence of the West's ancient inhabitants. The exhibition will be on view through February 24. Admission is free. For more information, call 904-826-8530 or go to www.flagler.edu/our-community

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Friday and Saturday: January 13 & 14
Chocolate and Wine Pairing

Join Whetstone Chocolates, St. Augustine's original chocolate family, every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. for a 1-1/2 hour chocolate and wine pairing event. Learn the similarities of growing and harvesting grapes and chocolate. Taste four different wines as each is paired with a unique chocolate piece. Experience the difference in flavor profiles with each wind and bite of chocolate. Must be 21 years or older to participate. Adults are $25 per person and includes a sample box of chocolate to take home. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 904-217-0275. Pairing event takes place at Whetstone Chocolates, 13 Anastasia Blvd.


Friday, Saturday and Sunday: January 13-15

Chocolate Tours
Go on a chocolate tasting tour presented by Whetstone Chocolates, St. Augustine's original chocolate family. Find out about the history and making of chocolate, the Whetstone story and then walk through the factory. The 4-tiered tasting matches varying flavors of dark, milk and white chocolate. Tours are guided and last 55 minutes. All ages are welcome. Adults are $8.00, children age 5-17 are $5.50, and children 4 and under are free. Tour times Sunday through Friday, 11a.m., 1p.m., 2:15 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.; Saturday tours start at 10 a.m. and run approximately every half hour with the last tour at 4 p.m. Tour starts at Whetstone Chocolate 139 King Street. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 904-217-0275.



Saturday and Sunday: January 14 & 15

Fee Free Days at Castillo de San Marcos

In Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr Weekend, admission to the Castillo de San Marcos is free on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.. Built by the Spanish military between 1672 and 1692, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S. Friday through Saturday visitors can experience living history during Spanish Military cannon firings. The Castillo de San Marcos is located on Avenida Menendez, overlooking Matanzas Bay in historic St. Augustine. www.NPS.gov/casa



Eco-Explorer Excursion

Join St. Augustine Eco-Tours for a one-of-a-kind adventure aboard a stable 6-passenger vessel. Start 2012 with wildlife sightings and great natural history information provided by professional guides. These afternoon trips are perfect catching a little mid-day sun. $35 per passenger. Call 904-377-7245 for reservations. www.staugustineecotours.com



Nature Movies at GTM Reserve

Every Saturday and Sunday in January the GTM Reserve features the nature movie "Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures". Peabody and Emmy Award-winning Jean-Michel Cousteau and his acclaimed diving teams as they explore a thrilling array of natural phenomena, investigate little known territories and ecosystems hundreds of feet beneath the ocean's surface, and come face to face with the friendly and ferocious inhabitants of the deep in this film. The GTM Environmental Education Center (EEC)is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. There is no cost to see the movie. Tours of the GTM Environmental Educations Center are available before or after the film and the cost is $2 for adults, $1for children age 10 to 17 and children under 10 are free. For more information, call 904-823-4500.




Saturday: January 14

The Maritime World of Ponce de Leon

Get a close-up look a the daily life of Spanish mariners sailing the Caribbean in the 16th century when Florida Living History presents The Maritime World of Juan Ponce de Leon. Developed in partnership with the First Light Maritime Society, the presentation will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest, continually occupied European settlement and port in the continental United States. Throughout the day, re-enactors will show how Spanish mariners lived and worked - with special emphasis on Ponce de Leon's fleet that discovered Florida in 1513. The navigation tools used to find their way will be demonstrated. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.floridalivinghistory.org or call the Lighthouse at 904.829-0745.



A Day in the Colonial Market

Step back in time and browse the wares of artisans who will be demonstrating and selling colonial crafts at the Colonial Spanish Quarter, 29 St. George Street in St. Augustine. There will also be a petting zoo, lots of food and music and theatre troupes recreating life in an18th century colonial Spanish market. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free with a suggested donation of $1 per person. 904-825-6830



Changing of the Guard

Witness twilight time in colonial St. Augustine as soldiers guarding the town are dismissed for the night, and their replacements arrive to take over guarding Government House. The commander of the new watch puts the replacement soldiers through a rigorous drill before they take over their posts. The retiring soldiers are ordered to clear their weapons with the command of "Disparen!" The resounding blast of musket fire assures 18th century St. Augustine that the changing of the guard has taken place and the town is safe for the night. This traditional Spanish military parade travels along St. George Street from City Gates at 5:30 p.m. The changing of the guard takes place at 6 p.m. in front of St. Augustine's Government House in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The event is free. For more information, call 904.808-1999.



Limelight Theatre 20th Anniversary Celebration

Enjoy twenty songs from twenty seasons celebrating 20 years of great theatrical performances at Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine. This dazzling performance features cast members and musicians form previous Limelight productions and guest artist appearances form First Coast Opera, St. Augustine Community Chorus and the St. Johns County Center for the Arts. The celebration takes place at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $40 each. www.limelight-theatre.org.




Sunday: January 15

EMMA Concert Series: America's Dream Chamber

Experience America's Dream Chamber Artists musical performance that is changing the face of chamber music, bringing about a resurgence of the great chamber music masterworks with renewed and energized freedom and expression, making it approachable and enjoyable to all audiences. The concert takes place at 2 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, visit www.EmmaConcerts.com or call 904.797.2800.



HOLIDAY TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
ST. AUGUSTINE GOLD TOURS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Tour the dazzling display of lights in comfort and style with just 7 passengers on all electric silent shuttle bus with individual seat restraints. All tours are $7 (inclusive of 3D glasses) starting and finishing at the Old Drug Store car park on Orange Street where the kids can meet Santa.

Tours take place each night, except Tuesday from 5 till 10 p.m. For more information, call 904.325.0547, or visit www.staugustinegoldtours.com.



NIGHTS OF LIGHTS SUNSET SAIL

See the glittering Nights of Lights from the deck of a authentic 19th century schooner! Every night now through January will feature a memorable and beautiful sunset Nights of Lights cruise aboard the Schooner Freedom. The two-hour cruise departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 per adults, kids 2-12 are $35, under 2 sail free, complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water provided. For reservations, call 904.810.1010.



PRIVATE NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR CHARTERS

Plan a private tour of the Nights of Lights for your large group. Old Town Trolley Tours offers a special 40 minute tour for groups of 20 or more. Tours are available in advance every night. Private tour rates are $9 for adults and $4 for children. Tours depart from the Visitor Information Center, located at 11 W Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.3800



TOUR DE CHOCOLATE

Join City Walks on the Tour de Chocolate every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon for a 2-hour journey into the world of chocolate. From the Aztecs and Mayans to Europe via the Spanish Conquistadors, explore the history and indulge yourself in the wonderful world of CHOCOLATE. The tour includes all tastes and samplings, and a VERY special take home gift of chocolates. All ages welcome, Adults are $36 and Children under 10 are $25, per person. Reservations are required and are available for online reservations/purchase, where guests will save $2 per person. Plus, through January 31, all of City Walks' historical tours will take a look at the origins of our holiday traditions.

Make your reservation now at www.staugustinecitywalks.com .



NIGHT OF LIGHTS CARRIAGE AND WINE TOUR

Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets in true southern comfort on this hour long tour. While you enjoy St. Augustine's spectacular light display, snuggle up and indulge in delicious Spanish boutique wines. $49 per person. Tours are held Tuesday through Sunday at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Last tour date is January 29. Reservations are required. 904.325.3911 www.thetastingtours.com



WINE AND INN HOLIDAY CARRIAGE TOUR

Visit the 'Best of the Best' Inns in St. Augustine on this holiday Bed and Breakfast Tour with exclusive boutique wine tasting via horse drawn carriage! Take a narrated carriage ride along the historic streets of St. Augustine and indulge in delicious boutique wines on this 2.5 hour tour. Experience the gracious southern hospitality of 5 beautiful Inns! Tour the romantic rooms, lush gardens and much more! History, Romance, Carriage and 'Holiday Spirits'! Priceless! Limited time only. The tour takes place on Tuesdays at 1 pm. $59 per person. 904.325-3911 www.thetastingtours.com

TODAY is the Pre-Opening Reception - Vilano Beach Publix - January 12, 2012 at 4 p.m.

Please stop by the Vilano Beach Publix today, Thursday, January 12th at 4 p.m. The first 500 people will receive insulated Publix bags that also say Vilano Beach Town Center---how cool is that? (um---no pun intended)

Pre-ceremony entertainment from 3:30 to 4:00 will be provided by the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind "Outta Sight" choral group.  The last song they will do before the ceremony is "America the Beautiful".  I am told they have a guy who sounds just like Ray Charles.  The President of the School, Danny Hutto, will be there, and he said this group is amazingly fabulous. Bill Sabo, the music director, lives in North Beach.

About seven local restaurants will be providing food along with the big cake (3'x 5') provided by Publix. The public will be allowed to form a line to go into the lobby to peek inside the store.

The Vilano Beach Town Center Publix grand opening will be Saturday, January 14th. Doors open at 8 a.m. Then the normal store hours will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Local residents just received a welcome brochure in the mail with a $5 coupon. Come one, come all!

Welcome Publix to Vilano!

Exactly one year after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vilano Beach Town Center's Publix we will be having the Pre-Opening Celebration for the new Publix! Insulated shopping Publix bags that also say Vilano Beach Town Center will be provided to the first 500 people. As part of the Vilano Beach Main Street Board and Vilano Beach Waterfronts Board of Directors and Vice-President of the North Shores Improvement Association (NSIA), the parent organization to Vilano Beach Main Street, this is the result of over 13 years of work. Thank you Atlantic Land Realty, Inc.!

Publix in Vilano Beach will open Saturday, January 14th. If I don't see you at the pre-opening ceremony I know I will see you shopping in Publix!

What: Pre-Opening Celebration & Reception - Publix at Vilano Beach Town Center
When: Thursday, January 12th
Time: 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Where: West side entrance to Publix - Ava and Vilano Road (note Ava is the new road into Publix)

It's going to be another great weekend in the St. Augustine area this weekend. This is the weekend that begins the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine! The whole city has lots of tiny white lights from November 19th - January 31, 2012.

Don't forget the Super Scenic 72-Mile Garage Sale on Saturday, November 19th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Johns and Flagler counties.

A quick summary of this weekend's festivities include:

Friday, November 18th

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Holiday Shoppes at Ponte Vedra Cultural Center - 50 Executive Way. $5 Admission

6 p.m. - Unveiling of a cannon at the St. Augustine Lighthouse - 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The unveiling is at 7 p.m. $20 donation

Saturday, November 19th

St. Augustine Marathon Weekend - Call 305-716-1111
7 a.m. 10K Run
7:15 a.m. 5K Family Run
9:30 a.m. Kid's Race

 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Super Scenic 72-Mile Garage Sale

9 a.m. - noon Cruise to Ft. Matanzas from Vilano Boat Ramp. $30/person

10 a.m - noon Kayak Tour - Call 904-377-7256 for reservations. $40/adult, $35 ages 6-12.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 16th-century Spanish Florida Heritage event - Mission Nombre de Dios Museum on San Marco Ave.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tolomato Cemetery Tours

12:30 p.m - 8:30 p.m. Kids Rock the Nation - St. Augustine Amphitheatre

1 p.m. Salt Marshes of Ft. Mose; $2/person. Children under 6 free

6:30 Nights of Lights Celebration - downtown St. Augustine

Sunday, November 20th

6:05 a.m. St. Augustine Full and Half Marathon

For more details on all of the above events plus EVEN MORE EVENTS, visit What's Happening in St. Augustine.

3rd Annual Super Scenic 
72 Mile Garage Sale

The 3rd Annual Super Scenic 72-Mile Garage Sale is happening Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. in St. Johns and Flagler Counties in Florida. It is called the Super Scenic 72-Mile Garage Sale as it occurs on one of our nation's National Scenic Byways: A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway. Enjoy a great, scenic ride while picking up great deals! The event goes from Ponte Vedra Beach to Flagler Beach.

Here is a list of some of the locations:

Ponte Vedra  - Near Micklers Landing
              1110 A1A North - Bike Fitters
             125 Old Ponte Vedra Blvd
             109 Lost Beach Lane
             129 Lost Beach Lane
             133 Lost Beach Lane  (3 HOMES + extra tables)

South Ponte Vedra
             2724 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd - 
                        SPV Community Center (7 familes)
              2931 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
              2433  S. Ponte Vedra Blvd.   
              2437 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
              2957 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
              2749 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
              2803 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
              2907 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
             101 Gull Circle
             224 Gull Circle - Tides Edge  HOA  (5 HOMES)

Vilano Beach / North Beach 
              311  13th Street - North Beach
              2885 A1A at Beachcomber Way - vacant property (8 Families)
             10 Vilano Road - Saint Augustine Beach House - Town Center
             115 Vilano Road - Community Post Office - Town Center
             121 Meadow Ave - across from the Community Center
             145 Vilano Road - corner of Loja and Vilano Rd - Town Center
             4041 Coastal Highway - North Beach Estates
             4251 Coastal Highway - A1A at 5th St
             
Camachee Cove Island   
             3070 Harbor Drive - Camachee Cove (businesses & families)
        
St Augustine Beach
             1020 Anastasia Blvd - Surf Station on Anastasia Island 
                      (4 families)
             3715 A1A South - Watson Realty (2 families)

Crescent Beach
             5788 A1A S. - Success Images 
             6896 A1A South - Paula's Beachside Grill  (4 families)
           32080Town of Marineland
             9601 S. Oceanshore Dr. - Coastal Policy Center (2 families)
             101 Tolstoy Lane at Marineland Marina32080Hammock 
             5182 N. Oceanshore Blvd - B&BT Bank
             5328 N Oceanshore Blvd- Hammock 
                                1st Baptist Church         (multiple families)    
             5368 N Oceanshore Blvd - Hammock Wine & Cheese
             5652 N Oceanshore Blvd - Hammock Hardware  
             5861 N Oceanshore Blvd - Seabreeze Sweet Shop            
             39 Ocean St - Palm Coast
            


Beverly Beach 
             2757 N Oceanshore Blvd        (3 businesses + families)

Flagler Beach      
             105 S  Central - Veterans Park -
                      Flagler Beach businesses & nonprofits
                         Flagler Womens Club
                         Freinds of A1A
                         Cake Pop Mama
                         Christmas Come True 
                         
               601 S Central  -  Seaside Shoppe
               200 S Oceanshore Blvd -  Travolacci Realty
               400 S Oceanshore Blvd -  Zwave
               819 S Oceanshore Blvd - Grandpa's Yukes   
               109 South 6th St - Flagler Beach Wine & Cheese
               1701 N Oceanshore Blvd - Sassy Myrtle
               211 S 4th St - Beyond Bliss  
                  
             1616 S Oceanshore Bvd - South of Flagler Pier (6 families)
                      
There will be refreshments at some of the businesses along the 72- miles of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway shown in the schedule above. Additionally, there is a raffle with your choice of one of 4 vacation destinations (see below) along A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway. Cost of the raffle is 1 ticket for $5 or 5 tickets for $20.

PONTE VEDRA PARADISE PACKAGE

· Two night stay at Hilton Garden Inn Ponte Vedra

· Dinner for two at Pussers Bar & Grill

· World Gym membership goodies

· Lauden Golf golf club

· Youthful Medical Spa favorites and more

SAINT AUGUSTINE ALWAYS AWESOME PACKAGE

· One night stay at luxurious Casa Monica Hotel

· Dinner for two at the Kingfish Grill

· Tours by Old Towne Trollies

· Tickets to Alligator Farm and Lighthouse

· Pedal St. Augustine Bike Rentals

· Segway Tours by the Sea and more

THE HAMMOCK PEACEFUL PLACES PACKAGE

· One night stay at Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast

· Golf for four at Hammock Dunes Golf Course

· Guided naturalist tours

· Ripple Effect Ecotour Kayak Rentals

· And more

FLAGLER BEACH FUN FANCIES PACKAGE

· One night stay at the historic Topaz Hotel

· Dinner for two at the Fish Company

· Lunch at the Big Easy

· Spa favorites and more

See you along the Byway!

Share A Little Sunshine is a Visit Florida compaign that work with Florida's colleges and universities to promote the great football we have in Florida and and to experience what a great place Florida is to visit. Florida is also a great place to live! Visit Florida's website encourages you to:
Invite someone to visit Florida,
and help our state's economy.
Tourism is Florida's No. 1 job producer.
The more people we share our state with,
the more our local economies benefit.

So, a friendly competition has been set up between 6 of Florida's schools to see which college or university can send out the most invitations. To send a invitation visit: http://www.visitflorida.com/share/. The people you invite will receive $25 off their Southwest Airlines flight to get to Florida. If you have family and friends that you have been wanting to visit Florida, now is your chance to save them money, promote your Florida school, and promote the State of Florida.

School - City - Name
University of South Florida (USF) - Tampa - Bulls
University of Miami (Miami) - Miami - Hurricanes (Canes)
University of Florida (Florida) - Gainesville - Gators
University of Central Florida (UCF) - Orlando+other locations in central Florida - Knights
Florida State University (FSU) - Tallahassee - Seminoles (Noles)
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) - Tallahassee - Rattlers

Here's the scoreboard as of right now, 9/18/11 11:02 a.m. Currently the Gators are in the lead. This is where I want to say "Come on 'Noles", but we all know that Florida is the winner regardless of the winner.

The St. Augustine Regional (StAR) Council is pleased that our speaker for our September meeting will be Brenna Dacks with Visit Florida where we will learn more about this campaign and how to promote Florida. Details are:

What: St. Augustine Regional (StAR) Council General Membership Meeting
When: Monday, September 19, 2011
Time: 5:30 p.m. Networking, Program at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zhanras Restaurant (Sidney's) - 108 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, The St. Augustine Regional (StAR) Council is hosting Bratini this year to benefit the StAR Council in promoting the St. Augustine area and Artbreakers that benefits local cancer patients on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Serenata Beach Club in South Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida from 6 - 9 p.m.

Male community & business leaders will be modeling decorated bras for charity via a live auction. Council on Aging Executive Director, Cathy Brown, will be the auctioneer. There will be a Chinese and a Silent Auction.

Serenata Beach Club is the Angel Sponsor providing a complementary membership (value of $10,800) to the winning bidder (minimum bid is $1,000). Additionally, Serenata has waived the dues until next year (dues paid through Feb 29, 2012). Membership must be activated by December 31, 2011.

Admission fee is $30 and includes heavy hors d'oeurves. Bratini is an annual event that features $5 Martinis. A cash bar is also available in case you don't want any of the 9 featured Martinis: Appletini, Cosmopolitan, Tequini, Lemon Drop, Dirty Martini, Vodka Martini, Gin Martini, and Watermelon Rumtini.

Sponsorships are available starting at $50. $100 to sponsor a bra and $100 to sponsor a Martini. For more info and to attend and/or be a sponsor please complete this form.

Come enjoy a wonderful evening at the ocean at Serenata Beach Club and help raise money to help local cancer patients and to promote our the St. Augustine area. Please call Barbara Jenness at 904-823-0027 with any questions.