Barbara's Blog

It's a Good Friday in St. Augustine - St. Augustine Events April 6-8, 2012

It's another beautiful day in our nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, FL with many fun events planned. We hope you enjoy all our fine city has to offer. Recently named one of the top 10 Prettiest Towns in the country by Forbes Magazine, come discover why! And then move here! Click here for more information on moving to St. Augustine.

Whale and Dolphin Lecture

Join Naturalists Zach McKenna and Angie Golubovich, along with environmental Filmmaker & Author Hardy Jones for an exciting talk about whales and dolphins, efforts to learn more about local cetaceans, and ways that the fate of marine mammals and humans are intertwined. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch. A limited amount of refreshments will be available. The talk begins at noon and is sponsored by the GTM Research Reserve, St. Augustine Eco Tours, and BlueVoice.org. For more information please call (904) 377-7245.



First Friday Art Walk

Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Park for free at the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, where sightseeing trains and trolleys offer free round-trips to the heart of the art district - or go on your own self-guided art walk. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.



233 West King Grand Opening

Be among the first to visit the exciting new art gallery, 233 West King, located at (of course) 233 West King Street in St. Augustine. The gallery will open its doors for the first time for First Friday Art Walk and visitors will be thrilled by "Bug Shots" featuring nature and wildlife photographs by Frank Berna. The photos capture visually beautiful flora and eye-popping insects and reptiles. Frank Berna will be on hand and on Saturday, April 7, will present a workshop. The exhibit will run through the month of April and a portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. For more information, call 904.910.8925.



Spring Flowers Show

Enjoy a springtime rendition of flowers in art at the new exhibit at Worley Faver Gallery, 11A Aviles Street in St. Augustine. The special First Friday event and exhibit opening includes an opportunity to meet artists Worley Faver, Kristin Hosbein, Russ Wilson, Wendy Norton, C Ford Riley, Richard Warholic and Claire Kendrick. This exhibit will be open through April 27. For more information, call 904.829.2450 or visit www.favergallery.com



First Friday Carnival Show

Walk the nation's oldest street and arrive in Brazil when Restaurant and Café Sol at 8 Aviles Street in St. Augustine presents a BIG First Friday Art Walk Carnival! From 6:30-8:30 p.m., join Chef Sol and his staff as the present live Rio dancers, Samba drummers, Joel & Band with two dancers performing both Flamenco and Classical routines. It's a street party - and free of charge! Plus, it's the grand opening of Restaurant and Café Sol serving the finest in Brazilian cuisine.



Sunset/Moonrise at St. Augustine Lighthouse

Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine - the top of the Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d'oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour is from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. Check for times. Admission is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.StAugustineLighthouse.org, or to reserve a spot, call 904.829.0745.




Friday, Saturday and Sunday: April 6-8

Masters Weekend at the World Golf Hall of Fame

Celebrate the Masters Tournament with a visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame to enjoy photo opportunities with the Hall's Masters trophy go on a special scavenger hunt and watch the broadcast throughout the museum. The Hall of Fame hours are Sunday noon to 6 p.m., and Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The World Golf Hall of Fame is located 1 World Golf Place, just off I-95 Exit 323 in St. Augustine. All residents of Augusta, Georgia get free admission during the week. Regular admission applies for all others. For more information, visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org




Saturday: April 7

Easter Egg Hunt at Adventure Landing Take the kids to Adventure Landing for games, rides, and a fun filled Easter Egg Hunt. Three age category hunts will take place between 9 and 11 a.m. Registration is at 8 a.m. Admission is $3 per child. Bring your own basket. In addition, Adventure Landing will offer special pricing on go-karts and miniature golf. Adventure Landing is located at 2780 S.R. 16 in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.827.6400, or visit www.adventurelanding.com/staugustine


Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve Kayak Tour

Explore the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve while kayaking for a cause. Extensive marshes border this tidal creek with ample opportunity to see both the inhabitants of the estuary and the sky. This trip is guided by a Florida Master Naturalist Instructor. Proceeds from this kayak trip go to the Friends of Washington Oaks State Park to help with this vast conservation effort while exploring the true heart of Florida. Reservations required. The tours depart from Faver Dykes State Park, located at 1000 Faver-Dykes Rd, off US 1 at I-95 Exit 298. The cost is $55 per person and includes admission into the park and all kayaking equipment. For more information, call 904-347-1565 or visit www.RippleEffectEcotours.com

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Masters Watch Party at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater

Get inspired at a special viewing of the Masters tournament at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theatre. Admission for viewing one of the biggest events in golf on the giant screen is free. Concessions including Masters inspired sandwiches and snacks will be available. The Masters Watch party takes place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. The World Golf Hall of Fame is located 1 World Golf Place, located off I-95 Exit 323 in St. Augustine. For more information, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org .



Jacaré Brazil Chamber Concert at Whitney Lab Auditorium

Enjoy an evening of Brazilian Chamber music at Whitney Lab Auditorium. The performance by Jacaré Brazil represents a diverse ensemble, specializing in the musical traditions of Brazil. Under the direction of acclaimed guitarist and singer Welson Tremura, the Jacaré Brazil collective comprises four complementary ensemble sections percussion, voice, guitar, and choro (Brazilian instrumental ensemble). The performance will take place at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10. Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience is located at 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd. in Marineland, about 15 miles south of St. Augustine on A1A. For more information, call 904-461-4000, or visit www.whitney.ufl.edu





Sunday: April 8

Vilano Beach Easter Sunrise Service

Celebrate Easter morning seaside starting with a with musical sunrise meditation at 6:30 a.m. Then at 7a.m. a service of song and dance and a brief message on living life with the joy and hope. It all takes place at Vilano Beach ramp, at the east end of Vilano Road in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.808.8304.



Sunrise Service at Mickler's Beach at Ponte Vedra Beach

During this 6:30 a.m. service, enjoy a special dramatic presentation of "The Cross Builder." Mickler's Beach is located at the south end of Ponte Vedra Beach off Highway A1A. For more information, visit www.pvpc.com


Sunrise Services at Castillo de San Marcos

Celebrate the dawn of Easter Sunday at a sunrise service on the grounds Castillo de San Marcos, overlooking the Matanzas Bay, in St. Augustine. The Services will take place at 7 a.m. Music will be presented by the NcNaught family.



Crescent Beach Easter Sunrise Service

Greet the Easter sunrise with thousands of worshippers seaside at Crescent Beach. The program, presented by Crescent Beach Baptist Church, begins at 7:15 a.m. on the beach with special music and an inspiring message. For more information, call 904.794.7777.



Annual St. Augustine Easter Parade

Enjoy the spectacle of marching bands, floats, drill teams, clowns, the Royal Family and the city's carriage horses wearing hats donated by nationally- recognized women and the Easter Bunny. The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the Mission of Nombre de Dios and winds through downtown St. Augustine. Trophies will be presented in four categories. For more information, call 904-829-2333.

UPDATE: BEACHES ON VILANO REOPENS AT 4 PM ON 2/3/12----HOORAY!

Beaches on Vilano, a fun restaurant in Vilano Beach, sent out the press release below announcing their closing on February 1, 2012.

Jan 31, 2012 -
St. Augustine, Fla.  – Beaches on Vilano opened its doors on Vilano Beach in May 2011, confident it would be a prosperous venture. Despite a relatively good winter so far, we have not been given the full year to continue the momentum we have created; therefore, we are closing our doors Feb. 1, 2012.

“Rick and I have thoroughly enjoyed providing our customers’ with the quality experience, closing the doors was not an easy decision, but under the current circumstances, it’s the only option. We have had such wonderful customers at Beaches on Vilano that I want to continue to offer some of their favorite menu items at my other restaurant, Donovan’s Irish Pub,” stated Bellantoni.

Donovan’s Irish Pub will be offering "Beaches Favorites," a menu section which will be offered for a limited time. Some great favorites that will be included are the Blackened Fish Sandwich, Surf & Turf with shrimp or scallops and Fish Tacos.

About Beaches on Vilano:

Beaches on Vilano is locally owned and operated by Maureen Blanchfield Bellantoni and Rick Gibson, residents of St. Augustine, Fla. The restaurant provides mouth-watering beach style cuisine while offering casual indoor and outdoor dining for your beach pleasures.
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I will truly miss this great place to hang with friends, enjoy the sunset and their great food in wonderful Vilano Beach Town Center. I will visit their Donovan's Irish Pub, but it just isn't as close (physically and emotionally) to me. Best of luck Rick and Maureen! You will forever hold a place in the hearts of those of us in the Vilano Beach and Porpoise Point areas of St. Augustine. Vilano Beach was becoming the happening place we knew it would with the opening of Publix. And before I get another phone call with people thinking I am Vilano Beach Publix, Vilano Beach Town Center Publix's phone number is 904-827-1448.

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)

Update: Vilano Beach Publix's phone number is 904-827-1448
So many people read this blog, that they called me thinking I was Publix!