Posts tagged Vilano Beach
Bicyclist ends 3100 miles trek in St. Augustine Beach
Jul 6th
Greg Tedford left San Diego on his bicycle on May 27. Today, July 6, forty days later, the 21-year-old ended his ride in Augustine Beach.
Greg did not ride along the interstate highways but took other roads along the way. What was unusual about his journey? He is a double amputee, having two artificial legs to pedal his bike.
The Mississippi youth traveled through dust storms and rain storms. Having only a backpack, he camped along the way and sometimes slept beside the homeless. The purpose of his trip? To raise awareness about amputees among youth.
When asked “What are you taking away from this?” he replied “Gratefulness.” He was thankful to the many kind people he met and who helped him along the way.
Greg left Jacksonville Beach this Saturday morning, stopped briefly for a meeting with friends and family at 1 p.m. in Vilano Beach, then rode south on A1-A to end his trek at St. Augustine Beach. He has traveled about 60-100 miles every day.
Greg has a Facebook profile at https://www.facebook.com/MilesForAmputees
He may also be contacted at (662) 414-6558.
Greg did not ride along the interstate highways but took other roads along the way. What was unusual about his journey? He is a double amputee, having two artificial legs to pedal his bike.
The Mississippi youth traveled through dust storms and rain storms. Having only a backpack, he camped along the way and sometimes slept beside the homeless. The purpose of his trip? To raise awareness about amputees among youth.
When asked “What are you taking away from this?” he replied “Gratefulness.” He was thankful to the many kind people he met and who helped him along the way.
Greg left Jacksonville Beach this Saturday morning, stopped briefly for a meeting with friends and family at 1 p.m. in Vilano Beach, then rode south on A1-A to end his trek at St. Augustine Beach. He has traveled about 60-100 miles every day.
Greg has a Facebook profile at https://www.facebook.com/MilesForAmputees
He may also be contacted at (662) 414-6558.
Story by Jonathan Graham
This week Tuesday through Sunday: January 22 – 27
Jan 27th
Tuesday through Sunday: January 22 – 27Nights 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 – 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. Admission is Free. www.staaa.org
Celebrate Art: 6th Annual Juried Artist Member Exhibition – Thirty-five of the area’s finest artists will present their juried works in this popular members’ exhibition on display through February 15. The galleries are free and open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org
Dressing of the Palms – Complementing 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
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
904-322-7194
Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tour – Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets on this 45 minute tour. While enjoying the spectacular light display, indulge in a bottle of delicious boutique wine (red or white). Tours depart from Isabella’s Cuban Bar at 19 Cuna Street, at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $46 per person – Adults only! 904-386-5482 www.thetastingtours.com
Hotel Ponce De Leon Carrere & Hastings Blueprint Exhibit – In commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Ponce de Leon Hotel, historically and culturally significant ephemera relating to the construction and early years of the Hotel Ponce de Leon will be on display through February 22. This exhibit includes original Carrere and Hastings and McGuire drawings and blueprints, photographs, a copy of an 1885 map, and construction documents. Additionally, the exhibit highlights a group of artists who made the Hotel Ponce de Leon their seasonal home during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Original artwork and other artifacts related to their time in Saint Augustine will also be displayed at Flagler College’s Crisp – Ellert Art Museum, located at 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. The museum is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. www.ponce125.com 904-829-6481
Tuesday: January 22
Hotel Ponce de Leon 125th Anniversary Community Lecture – A presentation by Dr. Tom Graham titled “Life and Leisure in Flagler’s St. Augustine.” This presentation is part of the commemorative events celebrating The 125th Anniversary of the opening of the Hotel Ponce de Leon. Takes place at 10 a.m. in the Flagler Room at the former Hotel Ponce De Leon, 74 King St., St. Augustine. Admission to the program is free. www.ponce125.com
Tristan MacDonald Book Signing – Meet author Tristan MacDonald and have him personalize a copy of his latest book “Into My Fourth Quarter – Going for Overtime.” Books will be available for purchase for $10 for black and white and $25 for color. If you have already purchased a copy, bring it by for signing anytime between 6 -9 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. The signing takes place at the Raintree Restaurant, 102 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine. 904-824-7211
Richard Thompson Concert – Named as one of the world’s 20 best guitarists by Rolling Stone magazine, Richard Thompson performs at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $40 and $35. www.pvconcerthall.com 904-209-0399
Wednesday: January 23
Discover First America Series – Juan Ponce de Leon Finds La Florida – Theories and fascinating evidence of the landing of Ponce de León will be explored while re-enactors bring to life the moment when Old World and New World cultures collided. The program will take place at 7 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. Admission is free. www.StAugustine-450.com
St. Augustine Eco Tours Wildlife Boat Ride – See the natural side of St. Augustine aboard an ultra-stable rigid hull inflatable boat with a front row seat to see historic sites and the amazing animals that call this area home. Departure times vary. Tickets are $35. St. Augustine Eco Tour is located at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-377-7245
Thursday: January 24
Evenings at Whitney: Marine “Jelly Balls” – An evening lecture series about current science topics or on-going research at the Whitney Lab. This lecture about jelly balls, a part of our complex ecosystem, will be presented by Dr. Mark Martindale, Professor of Biology, University of Florida. The lecture takes place at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. The Center for Marine Studies at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience is located at 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine (Marineland). 904-461-4000
Friday: January 25
Nation’s Oldest City Kayak Tour – St. Augustine Eco Tours 2-hour program with a unique perspective of the historic Castillo de San Marcos and gorgeous views of Matanzas Bay. Guide will identify wildlife along the way and explain local salt marsh ecology. Stable tandem kayaks make the paddle enjoyable for all. $40 pe person. St. Augustine Eco Torus is located at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-377-7245 ww.staugustineecotours.com
Marshall Crenshaw & the Bottle Rockets Concert – Pop singer and songwriter Marshall Crenshaw & the Bottle Rockets perform at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $35 & $30. www.pvconcerthall.com
904-209-0399
We Got It Covered – Meet many of St. Augustine’s influential, and at times notorious, celebrities who have appeared on the cover of Old City Life Magazine during the magazine’s first seven years. The free event takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the 233 West King Art Gallery in St. Augustine. Live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres from Culinary Outfitters and a wine tasting included! The gallery is located at 233 West King Street. 904-217-7470
Friday and Saturday: January 25 & 26
New Year’s Rockin Trolley Tour – Take a musical journey back in time aboard the New Year’s Rockin’ Trolley. Featuring the most popular songs of each decade since the 1920’s, the trolley tours through the historic St. Augustine amid the dazzling Nights of Lights holiday display. The Pink Lady hostess and leather-jacketed conductor, characters straight out of Grease, lead guests in singing and dancing their way through musical history. The 35-minute tours depart at 6 and 7 p.m. from St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive. Tickets are $9 adults and $4 children ages 6-12. 904-829-3800
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: January 25 – 27
Limelight Theater Presents Lost in Yonkers – Neil Simon’s coming of age tale about a young man who must come to terms with his bleak life in Yonkers. The production takes place Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 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
Saturday: January 26
Matanzas 5000 33rd Annual 5K & Fun Run – The 33rd Annual Matanzas 5K begins at 9 a.m. and the Fun Run begins at 10:15 a.m. from Swing Park at Francis Field, located on Castillo Dr. in St. Augustine, and continues downtown along the historic bayfront. The awards ceremony follows the race. Registration is $20 in advance through January 12th, $25 January 13th – January 25; $30 the day of the race. 904-461-1615 www.ancientcityrr.org www.matanzas5k.com
Living History Days at Fort Mose – From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., volunteers in period clothing offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past at the site of the first, legally-sanctioned, free black community in the United States. Program is weather permitting. Fort Mose State Park is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Info: 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose
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. 904-829-3800
www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/tour-chocolate.asp
Uptown Saturday Night – From 5 – 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. 904-823-9263.
Sunset/Moonrise at The 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, 81 Lighthouse Ave. Admission is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Advance ticket purchase required. 904-829-0745
www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Torchlight Tours at Fort Matanzas National Monument – Spanish reenactors conduct spectacular nighttime firings of two six-pounder reproduction cannons. Tours will depart the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center dock at 6:00, 6:45, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available beginning January 13th only at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center. The cost is $7 per person and children 3 and under are free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904-471-0116 www.nps.gov/foma
EMMA Concert Series: The China National Symphony Orchestra – One of the most outstanding professional symphony orchestras in Asia, performs at 8 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. in St. Augustine. Tickets are $35 per person. www.EmmaConcerts.com 904-797-2800
Sunday: January 27
Royal Family Transfer of Office
Colorful transfer of royal duties from the 2012 Royal Family to the 2013 Royal Family composed of heritage residents representing Queen Marianna, King Juan Carlos and Princess Margarita Maria — the Spanish Royal Family of 1672, the year in which work began on the Castillo de San Marcos. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Isabella Gardens located at the corner of Hypolita and St. George Streets in St. Augustine. 904-829-2333
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).
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum and Red Train Tours will be offering discoutned rates to St. John’s County residents through February 8, 2013. Admission to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-11. The Red Train tours will also extend this discount to residents for a one day pass on the Red Trains!
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau
This Week, January 1 – 7
Jan 4th
Tuesday through Monday: January 1 – 7
Nights 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
