Posts tagged Anastasia State Park
This Week, January 1 – 7
0Nights of Lights – St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights
illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. www.NightsofLights.com
2013 Annual Figure & Portrait Show – Through Jan. 27, expressions of the human form and face lend personality to this exhibit. Artworks may include gesture drawings, academic figure studies, formal portraits or busts and people in groups rendered in any style or material. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day. Admission is Free. www.staaa.org
Dressing of the Palms – Complimenting Nights of Lights, the Dressing of the Palms in the Town Center at Vilano Beach features holiday decorations adorning over 200 palm trees along Vilano Road and Coastal Highway in Vilano Beach. Through January. Free. Vilano Beach Town Center 260 Vilano Road, St Augustine Phone: 904-540-0402 www.VilanoBeachFL.com
Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train – Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train transports riders through St. Augustine’s magical Nights of Lights. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while viewing a magical holiday illusion through your free Magic viewing glasses. Nightly tours are from 6 to 8 p.m. (till 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday) and begin at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, 19 San Marco Avenue On Friday and Saturday, there will be entertainment in the lines and FREE admission to Santa’s Village! 904-824-1606 http://www.ripleys.com/redtrains/category/holiday-event
Electric Bus Nights of Lights Tours – See the City lights on a 7-seat comfortable all-electric vehicle with a fully narrated 45-minute tour covering all the downtown city lights and sights, tour covers both the narrow and main streets. Nightly departures from parking lot at rear of Love Tree Café, 31 Orange Street at 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m. Adults $12 Child under 12 $10. 904-325-0547 www.staugustinegoldtours.com
“The Meanies” Art Exhibit at Space Eight
Exhibition of mixed-media creations by artist Jordie Hudson. Titled “The Meanies,” the exhibit takes place at the Space Eight Gallery, 228 W. King St., in St. Augustine. Info: www.spaceeight.com; 904-829-2838
Water Taxi Nights of Lights Tours – Board the Horizons II for a relaxing Nights of Lights tour from the water. Tickets are $39 on weeknights and $49 on weekends. Tours depart from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, 298 Vilano Road, Vilano Beach. www.jaxwatertaxi.com 904-733-7782
Sundancer Yacht Nights of Lights – Tour Sundancer Yacht is providing special sightseeing and Nights of Lights cruises through the holidays. Cruises aboard this beautiful 117 foot luxury yacht are full of holiday spirit with decorations, lights, and music. Daytime sightseeing cruises are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 – 6. The special Nights of Lights Cruises depart at 5:15, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Cruises are $16 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 – 6. All cruises depart from St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. 877-446-6465
Monday: January 1
First Day Hike Anastasia State Park – Leisurely one-mile, guided hike featuring birds, butterflies, flowering vegetation and a scavenger hunt using GPS. Participants will need a smart phone with GPS or some other type of GPS. Binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray and water are also recommended. The hike begins at 2 p.m. from the Ancient Dunes Trail trailhead and is included in admission ($8 per vehicle) to the park located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine. Info: 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
First Day Hike-Dykes State Park – Ranger-guided nature hike along the beautiful, 2.6-mile Hiram-Faver Trail. The hike through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods provides opportunities to learn about the plants, wildlife and history of the area. Bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, bug spray and water. The hike begins at 1 p.m. at the Ranger Station. Hike is included in admission ($5 per vehicle) to the park located at 1000 Faver-Dykes Road, St. Augustine. Info: 904-794-0997www.floridastateparks.org/faverdykes
Tuesday through Sunday: January 1-6
Winter Wonderland – The 6th Annual Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is hosted by the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division. Winter Wonderland features North Florida’s premiere outdoor ice skating rink, along with a brand new Ice Chute, RC Race Track and Kid’s Room and visits with Santa! St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. Event Pricing: Each activity priced separately. Phone: 904-209-0367 winterwonderlandflorida.com
Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley – Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive glittering lights throughout St. Augustine’s historic area while enjoying caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Tours depart from St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive. www.TrolleyTours.com
Thursday: January 5
Living History Day at Fort Matanzas National Monument
From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Info:www.nps.gov/foma; 904-471-0116
St. Augustine Chocolate Tour
Guided journey to the finest chocolatiers in St. Augustine. Learn the history of chocolate while sampling truffles, pastries, and gooey delights. The 2 hours tour departs at 1:30 p.m. from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center at 27 San Marco Ave. The tour cost is $60. For reservations and more information: 904-829-3800; www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/tour-chocolate.asp
Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration
Features a spectacular sunset across the bay — plus, dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more can be found on the pier! Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. Located at 115 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. Info: 904-540-0402; www.vilanobeachfl.com
Evening Nature Program at Anastasia State Park
Park rangers or volunteers present programs on various topics ranging from sea turtles to star gazing. Programs take place at open-air pavilions with one of the most beautiful scenic backdrops in Northeast Florida as inspiration. Program included in regular admission of $8 per vehicle. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Times vary throughout year. For more information, call 904-461-2035; http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
EMMA Concert Series: Inspirata
Acclaimed vocal and stage artists perform at 8 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College,14 Granada St. in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person.
Info: 904-797-2800; www.EmmaConcerts.com
Thursday through Sunday: January 3-6
Limelight Theatre Presents Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings
Through January 6, Christmas classics delight as well as audience favorites featuring the Rockettes and the Chipmunks! This holiday show is truly heaven-sent! Located at 11 Old Mission Avenue, performances will take place Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults; $22 for seniors; and $20 for students and active-duty military. www.limelight-theatre.org 904-825-1164
Friday: January 4
First Friday Art Walk
Experience one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events from 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes.
Info: 904-829-0065; www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: January 4-6
The Secret: The Spanish Inquisition in Old St. Augustine
Could Jews, fleeing for their lives from Spain, have arrived with Pedro Menendez in 1565 when he founded the City of St. Augustine? This stunning new play by Lee Weaver features this possibility, along with the drama of an ocean crossing, Indian and pirate attacks, religious intolerance and an unforgettable love story. This one-person show covers 50 years in St. Augustine as one family struggles with both survival in the New World and the betrayal, secrecy and bigotry of the Spanish Inquisition. Performances times at the Pioneer Barn at Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for students and groups of 15 or more. Info:www.OldFloridaMuseum.com or 904-824-8874
School of the 16th Century
A three-day course titled “How To Survive in the 16th Century” provides an in-depth look at the clothing, weapons, food, history, resources and more at the 1565 Menendez settlement site. The school takes place on the grounds of Ponce de Leon’s Archaeological Park, 11 Magnolia Ave. St. Augustine. Tuition is $100 which includes Friday reception and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Info: FOYexplorer@gmail.com or 904-599-2113.
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission isfree to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau
Related Posts
This weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the beaches, November 22 – 25
0Click here for a List of Florida’s Historic Coast Restaurants open Thanksgiving Day!
Thanksgiving Kayak Adventure!
Small groups, great guides, and safe equipment make this tour a hit with the whole family!
St. Augustine Eco Tours special Thanksgiving Day paddling adventure departs from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez at 10 a.m. The cost is $35 per person. (904) 377 -7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
Thursday through Saturday: November 22-24
Homes for the Holidays
A lantern-lit guided tour through St. Augustine’s Dow Museum of Historic Homes, 149 Cordova Street, decorated as they would have been in their first Christmases. Participants enter the houses and hear the stories of the folks who lived in and visited these precious old buildings. Tour starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and children under 12 are $12. 904-823-9722 904-501-1253.
Thursday through Sunday: November 21 -25
Nights of Lights Tours:
Electric Bus Nights of Lights Tour
See the City lights on a 7-seat silent comfortable all-electric vehicle for a fully narrated 45 minute tour of St. Augustine’s lights and sights. Travelling down both the narrow and main streets, this tour goes where others do not! Nightly departures are from parking lot at rear of Love Tree Café, 31 Orange Street, are on the hour from 6 to 9 p.m. Adults $12, Child under 12 $10. 904-325-0547 www.staugustinegoldtours.com
Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train
Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train transports riders through St. Augustine’s magical Nights of Lights highlighting the sights and sounds of the season while viewing a magical holiday illusion through free Magic viewing glasses. Nightly tours take place from 6 to 8 p.m. (till 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Tours start at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, 19 San Marco Avenue. 904-824-1606 www.RedTrains.com
Holly Jolly Holiday Tour
Explore St. Augustine’s famous Night of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Caroling, hot cider, and homemade cookies add to the magic of your evening. Guests will receive complimentary magical viewing glasses, exclusively handcrafted by Santa’s elves. Tours depart regularly between 6 and 8 p.m. from the Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Drive. Tickets are $9 for adults, and $4 for children ages 6 – 12. http://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine.
Friday: November 23
Fun Boat Trip!
St. Augustine Eco Tour’s 1.5 hour adventurous tour departs from St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez – providing passengers with a front row seat and the opportunity to learn about marine wildlife, see beautiful birds, and take in the fresh, salty breeze. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
Tree Lighting at TPC Sawgrass
A ceremonial lighting of the tree on the lawn of the impressive Mediterranean-style TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse! Enjoy holiday music and hot cocoa at this FREE fun family event that takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. TPC Sawgrass is located at 110 Champions Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. http://www.tpc.com
Friday and Saturday: November 24 & 25
Candle Light Tours of Villa Zorayda
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda, decorated for the Holiday season, featuring a Christmas tree in the “Court of Lions”, decorated in the Villa’s traditional red and gold and a beautiful crèche nativity scene that that has been a Villa tradition since the 1930′s. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. The docent led candlelight tour begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free. Villa Zorayda is located at 83 King Street in St. Augustine. Reservations are suggested. www.VillaZoryada.com 904.829.9887
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: November 23 – 25
Tour of Trees at TPC
A complimentary Tour the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse spectacular holiday decorations! The tours of the clubhouse are led by PGA storytellers and take place daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and beverage are available in the clubhouse. www.tpc.com
Winter Wonderland Opens
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre transforms into a family-fun winter wonderland with ice skating, an ice slide, sleigh rides, an elf village and more. Open 5 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday and 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until December 21, then 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily through January 6. Admission is free and activities costs vary. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340C A1A in St. Augustine winterwonderlandflorida.com
Marineland Twilight Kayaking Tours
You won’t believe what you are seeing as you paddle into the sunset on Ripple Effect Eco Tours. These 2-hour tours depart at 4 p.m. from 10 Tolstoy Lane, St. Augustine (Marineland) The cost is $55 for adults that include guide service, and the finest kayaking equipment.
904-347-1565 www.RippleEffectEcotours.com
Saturday: November 24
St. Augustine Eco Tour Sailing Tour
Traverse the picturesque waterways of St. Augustine aboard an ultra-stable 27′ catamaran sailboat. Built for small groups, this boat provides the ultimate experience in authentic sailing. Departing from St. Augustine Municipal Marina, tickets are $45 per person or $250 for the entire boat up to 6 passengers. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
Walk on the Wild Side at Anastasia State Park
A 2.5 mile Ranger-led walk that starts at 9 a.m. is a leisurely stroll through the Maritime Hammock, marsh, dunes and shore line at Anastasia State Park, 1340A A1A, St. Augustine. Participation is free with paid park admission. For more information, call 904-461-2033.
Living History Days at Fort Mose
Experience living history demonstrations as volunteers in period dress offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past. Program is weather permitting. The demonstrations take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose
Emma Concert Series: The Merling Trio
A truly international ensemble, The Merling Trio brings together musicians from Polish, Japanese, and Dutch backgrounds. Their performance will take place at 8 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-797-2800 or visit EmmaConcerts.com.
Uptown Saturday Night
From 5 to 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. For more information, call 904.823.9263.
Saturday and Sunday: November 24 & 25
Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
See art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal. More than 150 artists from around the USA are juried into this Thanksgiving Weekend art festival. It all takes place at Francis Field behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility located on West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. The festival is sponsored by the St. Augustine Art Association and is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is a $1 donation. staugustineartfestival.com 904.824.2310
Vittles and Vino VIP Carriage Tour
This three-hour food and wine tour makes stops at 4 to 5 food tasting and 3 to 4 wine venues, including a bottle of wine for the tour. Tours depart at 2 p.m. from Isabella’s Cuba Bar at 19 Cuna Street in Historic St. Augustine Tickets are $99 per person. www.thetastingtours.com.
CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS.
NOTE: Do you have a 2013 event that will bring visitors to Florida’s Historic Coast?
email details to: fhceventlist@gmail.com
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau
Related Posts
City of St. Augustine news
0Offices for the City of St. Augustine will be closed on Monday, November 12 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday, but the solid waste pick-up schedule will remain unchanged.
For more information, call the Public Affairs Office at 904.825.1004.
Community readies for start of Nights of Lights – 19th season begins on November 17
With the start of the Night of Lights
just days away, there is a noticeable increase in activity as city crews are joined by residents and business owners starting to inspect their lighting displays and their inventory of bulbs. Reason is simple: No one wants to be in the dark when the Nights of Lights begins its 19th season on Saturday, November 17.
It all begins with one of the city’s biggest events, Light-Up! Night, when thousands crowd into the heart of the historic downtown to countdown together for the lighting of the city. “3…2…1!” and in the blink of an eye, the Ancient City instantly dazzles in the brilliance of holiday light.
What started as a suggestion by a city commissioner as a way to distinguish St. Augustine for an extended holiday season by decorating it with white lights, has become one of the Southeast’s most recognized holiday events. Running annually from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through the end of January, Night of Lights was named by AAA as one of its 12 Favorite Places to Catch the Holiday Spirit in the USA and Canada, recognized by the American Bus Association as one of the nation’s top 100 events several times, and was identified by National Geographic magazine as one of the top 10 places to see holiday lights.
Light-Up! Night takes place in the Plaza de la Constitución on Saturday, November 17 at 6:30pm. Pre-light-up entertainment includes Showtime USA at 4:00pm in front of City Hall/Lightner Museum, followed by holiday and big band sounds of The All Star Orchestra performing from The Gazebo in the Plaza. The lighting ceremony starts at 6:30pm with light-up set for 6:45pm.
“It makes a special place more special”
Recognized as one of the Southeast’s major seasonal events, the Nights of Lights has brought holiday excitement to the Nation’s Oldest City annually since 1994. The 10-week long event begins with a simple flip of switch that magically fills every corner of the city with brilliant white lights, transforming the Nation’s Oldest City into an enchanted city of light.
Certainly there is pleasure enough walking St. Augustine’s old world streets anytime of the year, but during the Nights of Lights when historic buildings, downtown parks and the city’s historic Bayfront and Bridge of Lions sparkle with over two million individual lights, the delight is greater than ever. As is often overheard by visitors during the Nights of Lights, “It makes a special place more special.”
St. Augustine’s success with the Nights of Lights lies partially in the fact that the city has such a large volume of unique historic structures in a very compact area. When outlined in light, the sweeping Bridge of Lions, the many arched doorways of Spanish Colonial homes, the sturdy towers of the 19th Century hotels together with the huge oaks in the parks and the tall straight palms that line the streets all contribute to what is a seamless display of light.
More than something to see…it’s something to do
But Nights of Lights is more than something to see; it is something to do. Boasting a full calendar with a wide array of special events and activities visitors will find things to do day and night. Truly it is one of the most festive times of year for a city that thrives on festivals.
Night-time tours of ancient buildings and inns led by storytellers in period clothing, rollicking train and trolley tours through the narrow brick streets, art walks featuring more than 30 galleries serving free holiday refreshments on the First Friday in December and January, special Saturday night antique shopping events, a dazzling regatta, Florida ice skating, holiday concerts, even a Christmas parade, are among the special events to be added to the memory books of visitors and residents alike.
For complete visitor information including a calendar of upcoming events during the Nights of Lights visit. St. Augustine-Ponte Vedra on Florida’s Historic Coast.
It begins with Light-Up! Night
As it has since its initial season, the Nights of Lights begins with a spectacular lighting ceremony appropriately called Light-Up! Night staged in the city’s historic Plaza de la Constitución located in the heart of the historic district.
The program begins at 4:00pm with a spirited holiday performance by Showtime USA, a high energy fun filled singing and dancing troupe of children and teens that has delighted audiences at Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Six Flags Over Georgia. For the Light-Up! Night, Showtime USA will deliver a wide variety of holiday musical favorites. Showtime will perform in front of City Hall/Lightner Museum.
Then at 5:30pm, the All Star Orchestra, under the direction of Gary Strohminger, returns yet another year, now being as much of a tradition as the lighting ceremony itself. The popular 16-piece band, performing from the Gazebo, will fill the Plaza with great swing and big band sounds all in grand holiday style.
The most exciting moment on Light-Up! Night is the light-up itself and has been since Nights of Lights began. In the early years of the event, governmental officials were called upon to flip-the-switch, then later the honor was given to members of the community identified as unsung heroes, those who contributed to the betterment of the community often without recognition.
Current Mayor Joe Boles took the best of both traditions and created a new one by recognizing those who have given of themselves as public servants to the city but who may have been forgotten. Mayor Boles has invited all former St. Augustine Mayors to join him in Light-Up! Night ceremonies and then each year one of those present has the honor of flipping the switch to light the city.
Mayor Boles is St. Augustine’s 118th Mayor since the city became part of the United States in 1821. Currently there are 11 living former mayors. They and their years of service are: John Bailey (1965-1967), Arthur Runk (1973-1975), Edward Mussallem (1975-1979), Fred Brinkhoff (1979-1981), V. Noel Helmly (1981), Ramelle Petroglou (1981-1982, 1983-1985), Tracy Upchurch (1990-1992), Greg Baker (1992-1995), Len Weeks (1995-2000), Mark Alexander (2000-2002), and George Gardner (2002-2006).
For more information
Nights of Lights is funded by the City of St. Augustine and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. The City of St. Augustine manages the installation and maintenance of displays at over 100 locations, including buildings, parks, and gardens throughout the city, but credit for the success of the Nights of Lights is shared with area businesses and residents who voluntarily participate at their own expense truly making the city a city of light.
For visitor information including dining, shopping, lodging, attractions, and tours, visit St. Augustine-Ponte Vedra on Florida’s Historic Coast at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 800.653.2489.
Additional information regarding the St. Augustine & St. Johns County Visitor Information Center and adjacent Historic Downtown Parking Facility visit www.vicparking.com.
For general questions regarding Light-Up! Night and the Nights of Lights, call the city’s Public Affairs Department at 904.825.1004 or email info@citystaug.com
Light-Up! Night and running events necessitate traffic disruptions
Events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18
Activities related to Light-Up! Night, the start of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, and running events associated with the St. Augustine Half Marathon will necessitate several disruptions of traffic in St. Augustine on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18.
On Saturday, November 17, the Plaza de Constitución will be the site of Light-Up! Night, the kick-off ceremony for the 19th annual Nights of Lights. The annual event draws thousands into the downtown, necessitating street closures and detours in the area surrounding the plaza. The lighting ceremony starts at 6:30pm. All streets are expected to reopen by 9:00pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, running events associated with the St. Augustine Half Marathon will necessitate traffic restrictions and detours along the route. Those areas include: the Bayfront north of the Bridge of Lions, the bridge itself, Anastasia Blvd./State Rd. A1A, State Rd. 312 east of Sgt. Tutten Dr. A1A Beach Blvd., and the Lighthouse Park area. Traffic restrictions will be in effect on Saturday from 6:00am until 1:00pm and on Sunday from 5:00am until 1:00pm.
Law enforcement agencies from the City of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County and Anastasia State Park have worked diligently with Miami Tri-Events, sponsor of the event, to provide a safe environment for participants while minimizing disruptions to residents and businesses in the area.
Details regarding street closures and detours are below. The City of St. Augustine encourages residents, businesses and visitors to plan accordingly so as to enjoy these events as much as possible while being inconvenienced as little as possible.
For information on Light-Up! Night, visit www.lightupnight.info.
For information regarding the running events visit www.staugustinemarathon.com.
Nights of Lights Light-Up! Night – Saturday, Nov 17 / 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Closed to traffic
• Cathedral Pl., St. George St. from Cathedral Pl. to King St., Charlotte St. and Ponce Cir. from Cathedral Pl. to King St.
Detours
• Bridge of Lions westbound traffic will turn north on Avenida Menendez.
• King St. eastbound by the Plaza will be restricted to one lane.
St. Augustine Half Marathon / 5K and 10K races – Saturday, Nov 17 / 6:00am – 11:00am
Race course for 5K and 10K
• Start at Francis Field on W. Castillo Dr., continue south on S. Castillo Dr./Avenida Menendez, over the Bridge of Lions, continue on Anastasia Blvd. to White St. for the 5K and on into Anastasia State Park for the 10K, then north on Anastasia Blvd. over the Bridge of Lions, west on Orange St., north on Cordova St. to the starting point at Francis Field.
Closed to all traffic
• W. Castillo Dr.
• Northbound lanes of S. Castillo Dr./Avenida Menendez from the Bridge of Lions to the City Gate.
• Westbound lane of the Bridge of Lions.
• Inside lanes, northbound and southbound of Anastasia Blvd. from the Bridge of Lions to Anastasia Park Road.
Detours
• The Bridge of Lions – two-way traffic alternated using eastbound lane only.
• Anastasia Blvd. from the Bridge of Lions to Anastasia Park Road – all traffic restricted to outside lanes.
St. Augustine Half Marathon – Sunday, Nov 18 / 5:00am-1:00pm
Race course for half and full marathon
• Start at Francis Field on W. Castillo Dr., continue south on S. Castillo Dr./Avenida Menendez, over the Bridge of Lions, south on Anastasia Blvd., west on State Road 312, make a u-turn at Sgt Tutten Rd., continue east on State Rd. 312, south on State Rd. A1A, east on Pope Rd., north on A1A Beach Blvd., north on Santander St., east on San Juan Ext. into Anastasia State Park, then north on Lew Blvd., north on Red Cox Dr., east on Carver St. E., north on Lighthouse Ave., west on White St., north on Anastasia Blvd. over the Bridge of Lions, and north on Avenida Menendez ending near the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Closed to all traffic
• W. Castillo Dr.,
• Northbound lanes of S. Castillo Dr./Avenida Menendez north of the Bridge of Lions.
• Westbound lane of the Bridge of Lions.
• Inside lanes, northbound and southbound of Anastasia Blvd./State Road A1A from the Bridge of Lions to State Rd. 206 and along State Rd. 312 from State Rd. A1A to Sgt. Tutten Rd.
Detours
• Bridge of Lions – two-way traffic alternated using eastbound lane only.
• Anastasia Blvd./State Road A1A from the Bridge of Lions to State Rd. 206, and State Rd. 312 from State Rd. A1A to Sgt. Tutten Rd. – all traffic restricted to outside lanes.
Thanksgiving holiday closings for the City of St. Augustine
Offices for the City of St. Augustine will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, but the solid waste pick-up schedule will remain unchanged.
For more information, call the Public Affairs Office at 904.825.1004.
City and County offer post-Thanksgiving
cooking oil collection for second year
Two locations for cooking oil drop off on Monday, November 26
The City of St. Augustine and St. Johns County Utilities have joined together for the second year to collect used cooking oil and grease following the Thanksgiving holiday.
The recycling collection is set for Monday, November 26, 7:30am–3:30pm at two recycling drop points: 25 W. Castillo Drive (Francis Field downtown); and 840 West 16th Street on Anastasia Island.
This opportunity allows residents to properly dispose of large amounts of used cooking oil to be recycled into usable products such as biodiesel fuel. Participants are asked to allow used cooking grease to cool prior to delivering it in a safe container that will not melt or shatter. Also, to help in collecting oil in the future, each participant will receive a free funnel for future recycling efforts.
When cooking oil is improperly disposed of down the drain, it can clog sewer pipes and create environmental and public health hazards. Problems with sewer lines typically increase around the holidays when people are washing a lot of greasy and fatty foods down the drain. The fats, oils and greases build up inside sewer pipes and can cause raw sewage to back up and overflow into homes, businesses and the environment.
Used cooking oil may be dropped off throughout the year at six other locations: St. Johns County Fleet Maintenance Biodiesel Dept., 2730 Industry Center Rd.; St. Johns County Solid Waste transfer stations, 250 North Stratton Rd. and 3005 Allen Nease Rd.; St. Johns County Utilities, 860 West 16th St.; the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 13 South Dixie Hwy.; and the City of St. Augustine Wastewater Treatment Plant, 501 Riberia St.
For more information on the collection and other cooking oil recycling efforts, contact Glabra Skipp, City of St. Augustine at 904.209.4284 or Stacy Kowlsen, St. Johns County at 904.209.2662.
Source: City of St. Augustine
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This weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the beaches, November 9 – 11
0Rickie Lee Jones Performs at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Rickie Lee Jones
will entertain with her musical style, a unique blend fusion of folk, jazz, and R&B,at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $46 and $56. PVConcertHall.com
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: November 9, 10 & 11
5th Annual Pirate Gathering
Three days of jollification and history in the nation’s oldest city. Celebrate the “Golden Age of Piracy” through exhibits, living history demonstrations, a privateer parade, theives market, pirate battles and a Buccaneer Bash Ball. Admission for the encampment is “a buck-an-ear”. The Pirate Gathering encampment and main activites take place at Francis Filed, located on West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. pirategathering.com
Veterans Day at the World Golf Hall of Fame
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum will celebrate Veterans Day when veterans and their dependents will receive free admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame. All guests will be able to enjoy a special scavenger hunt. The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at 1 World Golf Place, located at I 95 Exit 323. WorldGolfHallofFame.org
Saturday: November 10
Sixth Annual Compassion 5K Run /Walk
The “Compassion 5K”
is an “out-and-back” style course with rolling changes in topography. This event will raise money to help ease the financial burden of families living with crisis. This 5K starts at 8 a.m. from 49 Shores Boulevard in St. Augustine. Registration is $25. compassion5k.org
The Dressing of the Palms
Be there when dozens of Vilano Beach palms will be judged on the basis of the holiday decorations they display. Palms have been “adopted” by local businesses and residents who then use their imagination to come up with entertaining holiday decorations for each. The judging takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Vilano Beach Town Center. For details, call 904.910.8386.
Washington Oaks State Gardens Plant Sale
The Friends of Washington Oaks will hold their Second Saturday plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Washington Oaks State Gardens, 6400 Oceanshore Blvd. (A1A) in Palm Coast. Visitors can also enjoy a garden tour of the park at 1 p.m. Regular park entrance fees apply during the event. 386-446-6780
Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang Concert
Blues legends Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang will perform at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.00 to $69.50. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 904-209-0367 or 800-745-3000. staugamphitheatre.com
Steve Forbert and Carrie Rodriguez
As part of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall “Saucer Series”,, Steve Forbert and Carrie Rodriguez
will perform at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall located at 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $30 and $35. pvconcerthall.com 904-209-0399
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday: November 10, 11 & 12
Veterans Day Weekend at Castillo de San Marcos
In honor of those that have served the US military, the National Parks Service is offering free admission to the Castillo de San Marcos.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 Sunday 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. NPS.gov/casa
Sunday: November 11
Old City Music Fest
The St. Augustine Market Place, located at 2495 SR 207 at I-95 in St. Augustine, will host a fun-filled day of relaxation and musical performances featuring Country and Southern Rock legends, Charlie Daniels Band, .38 Special, Gloriana, Craig Morgan and many more. This exciting day of great southern music, food and people will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project in their mission to honor and empower wounded service members. The Festival will take place from 1 to 10 p.m. (Market opens at 10 a.m.) Advance tickets are $29 – $89 per person. http://www.oldcitymusicfest.com
Meet & Greet at Anastasia State Park to Honor Veterans
To honor our nation’s Veterans, the Florida Park Service is granting free entry to all visitors for the day. Activities for the day include complimentary grilled hot dogs, roving displays about the Friends of Anastasia State Park and the park from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and a guided bird walk from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Anastasia State Park is located at 1340A A1A in St. Augustine 904-461-2033
FriendsofAnastasia.org
Free Admission to St. Augustine Lighthouse for Veterans and Active Duty Military
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum,
81 Lighthouse Avenue, will offer FREE admission to all Veterans & Active Duty Military from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be a Ceremony to Honor Veterans from 3 to 4 p.m. http://www.StAugustineLighthouse.org
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
NEW: St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admisssion to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year! The Lighthouse is now open until 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.
NEW: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID now receive FREE admission to the Oldest House in St. Augustine.
Do you have a 2013 event that will bring visitors to Florida’s Historic Coast?
email details to: fhceventlist@gmail.com
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LISTING OF EVENTS
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau



