Posts tagged Anastasia State Park
City of St. Augustine news
Nov 11th
Offices 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
This weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the beaches, November 9 – 11
Nov 8th
Rickie 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
This weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the beaches, October 26-28
Oct 25th
Arturo Sandoval Concert
Grammy award-winning Cuban jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer Arturo Sandoval will perform at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall located at 1050 A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $46 and $56 www.PVConcertHall.com.
Brett Waller Exhibition
Featuring art by Brett Waller at the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center, 50 Executive Way. Free to the public. Exhibition hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through December 1. 904-280-0614. http://www.ccpvb.org
Friday and Saturday: October 26 & 27
Kiteboards and Paddleboards
Ocean Extreme Sports will conduct kiteboarding and standup paddleboard demos from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Depending on conditions, demos will be either at the A Street or Ocean Trace beach access ramps. Call for details and location. 904.461.9415
A Children’s Halloween
Halloween fun for the little ones in costume! A milder version of Ghost Tours of St. Augustine’s award-winning walking ghost tour! Goodies will be provided for each participant! This tour rated G for “Goosebumps”! For ages 2 – 7, must be accompanied by an adult. Tours depart from 2 St. George Street at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. 904-829-1122. www.ghosttoursofstaugustine.com
Florida’s Haunted Trails
Activities include a family-friendly haunted house, storytelling, magic shows, a haunted farm, wagon rides, carnival games and a headless horseman. It all takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $8, children under 5 are free. Florida Agricultural Museum is located at the corner of Old Kings Road and US 1 in Palm Coast. 386.446.7630. www.MyAgMuseum.com
Old Town Trolleys: Nightmare In The Museum
Take a riding ghost tour through the darkened streets of Old St. Augustine, including a stop at Potter’s House of Wax which has been darkly rumored as a portal between the living and the dead. Tours start 8 p.m. from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center, 27 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Tickets are $20. 904-829-3800 www.trustedtours.com.
A Ghostly Experience Halloween 2012
A Ghostly Experience tour guides lead a walking tour through the haunted streets of the Nation’s Oldest City, for encounters with crazed, feisty, and swash-buckling spirits that linger around to tell their tales of their mysterious, warranted, and fitting deaths. Tickets are $15 per person. The tours depart every 30 minutes starting at 8 p.m. from 2 St. George Street, St. Augustine. Reservations are required, and space is limited. 904- 829-1122 www.GhostToursofStAugustine.com
Zombieville
This is an interactive paintball experience of horrific proprotions! Load up and take aim at the undead, enjoy tales told in the hut of the ancient Zombie, King Motumbo and take a ride on the Zombie Express. Tickets are on sale at Ripley’s or at the door. Zombieville can be found at 254 San Marco Ave, at the old Sugar Mill. Doors open at 7:30 every Friday and Saturday night through October. Prices are $10 at the door, or $15 for the Zombie Express leaving from the original Ripley’s.Believe It or Not Museum at 19 San Marco Avenue. You can also purchase Zombieville tickets for only $5 with the purchase of a Ghost Train Adventure ticket. For more information, call 904.377.2607.
Ghost Hunt
Get trained to be a ghost hunter by professional investigators! Spend three hours using paranormal-detecting equipment inside the Old Jail and learn about the amazing amount of paranormal activity that has been observed in the building. The tour is from 10:45 p.m. until 2 a.m. Admission is $80 per person; $35 for children under 12 (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). For reservations (required), call 904.829.3800.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: October 26, 27 & 28
Boeing-Boeing at the Limelight Theatre
High-flying fun comes to St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre with this production of the classic 1960’s farce Boeing Boeing. Located at 11 Old Mission Avenue, performances will take place through November 18 on Thursdays, through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 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
Fall Eco Tours
Enjoy the fall weather on one of St. Augustine Eco-Tours’ guided nature outings. On Friday, there’s a student holiday special from 10 a.m. until noon – a 2-hour kayak adventure with safe equipment and guide. Saturday and Sunday feature 12-mile boat trips aboard a stable, ridged-hulled inflatable boat – dolphins, ospreys and beautiful scenery are featured. Tours depart at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. each day. Tours, including guide, are priced at $35 per person. Call (904) 377 -7245 for reservations or visit www.staugustineecotours.com to learn more.
Premium Outlets Pink Event
Throughout October, St. Augustine Premium Outlet shoppers who stop by the Information Center and donate $10 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure will receive a special savings card filled with “25% off one single item” redeemable at Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, J.Crew, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. www.premiumoutlets.com
Sea Monsters!
Venom! Ultra Vision! Glow in the Dark! These are some of the fascinating “monster” characteristics of some sea animals. Daily in October, the Sea Monsters Traveling Exhibit engages visitors in these mysterious and intriguing attributes, and explains how they are adaptations to extreme underwater environments. Learn about animals that use these special survival strategies. Included in General Admission Price, $9.75 Adult General Admission, $7.75 Child General Admission
www.staugustinelighthouse.org
St. Augustine Lighthouse Dark of the Moon Tours
Go on the only tour that takes participants to the top of the tower of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and into the eerie Keeper’s House. Find out why the Syfy Network’s Ghost Hunters program called the Lighthouse the “Mona Lisa of paranormal sites.” Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 for adults ($35 on Halloween) and $20 for children ages 7-11($30 on Halloween). Reservations are required. (Private 90-minute, 3-hour and 5-hour tours are also available.) Call 904.829.0745
Halloween Corn Maze
Get hopelessly lost in a nine-acre maze! Fun for the entire family! This third annual maze is at the Sykes and Cooper Farms off SR 207 in Elkton, Florida (about five miles east of I-95 Exit 311). Plus, don’t miss Jack the braying donkey, the awesome pumpkin slingshot and the cow train! Tickets (cash only) are $8 per person (children under 2 are free). The maze is open on Fridays 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. For more information, go to www.sycofarms.com or call 904.692.1084.
Friday and Sunday: October 26 & 28
St. Augustine Community Orchestra Concert
Experience the first concert of the new season when the orchestra performs on Friday at 8 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Lightner Museum, 75 King Street and on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, in Ponte Vedra Beach. www.staugustineorchestra.org 904-669-0194
Saturday: October 27
Children’s Chocolate Spook-tacular
Let your Ghosts and Goblins transform into chocolatiers and make their own spooky chocolate treats at Peterbooke Chocolate, 1011 A1A Beach Blvd, #3 in St. Augustine Beach. All children in costume receive a free treat — $20 per child for this memorable chocolate-making experience. Call to reserve a time and date. (904) 471-2830
Black Raven Halloween Cruise
Join the crew of the Black Raven as she battles the Black Queen on special Halloween cruise! This special Halloween Eve production will feature a battle between two ships, trivia contests, music, songs and a big party! Departure time from the St. Augustine Marina is 8:15 p.m. Return time: depends. There’s a cash bar onboard and finger foods will be served. Adults Only! $44.95 per person, plus tax. For reservations, call 877-578-5050.
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
Uptown Saturday Night
Live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more from 5 to 9 p.m. 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. Free parking at the Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Avenue. 904.823.9263.
Sunday: October 28
Blues Traveler at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Blues Traveler, best known for their single Run-Around, will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $36.50 in advance; $40 day of show. For more information, visit www.PVConcertHall.com
Jill Scott Performs at St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best selling poet, and critically acclaimed actress Jill Scott will perform cuts from her #1 album “The Light Of The Sun”. The gates open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 to $85. St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 C A1A South in St. Augustine.www.StAugAmphitheatre.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).
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.
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau