Florida is a treasure of history, space technology, sparkling coastlines, earth and nature gems and so much more! A seeping secret are the sea turtles that habitate along our coastline. This is where I grew up in Titusville, Florida and the pristine Playalinda Beach, virgin coastline to any development, thanks to having NASA across the way. Now my hometown and beach is a popular destination for eco-adventurers!
The 2011 Sea Turtle Festival is a three-day family-friendly event that will center around one of the Space Coast 's most valued creatures - sea turtles. The event kicks off with an artist welcome and culminates June 25 with a festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests of all ages can enjoy an old-fashioned family fish fry and beachside activities. Children turn into eco-experts while a Ranger from the Canaveral National Seashore leads them into hands on activities about the sea turtles and the environment. This is called Turtle Hunt with a Ranger.
The event will be held at various venues including hotels throughout Historic Downtown Titusville, the lagoon, and the Playa Linda Beach. To learn more visit http://www.titusvilleseaturtlefestival.com/.
You can't miss the famous Turtle Watch while you're in town. This is a popular year-round event where a group, limited to maximum 40 people, is lead by Park Ranger to watch and observe the famous sea turtles. Playa Linda beach is home to many especially after the Gulf spill. Scores of sea turtles nests were rescued and relocated to this east coast hideaway. Reservations are required. Please call Laura Henning at 321-229-3766.
Historic Downtown Titusville
2000 South Washington Ave , Titusville Fla. 32780. (321) 267-3036; For more information contact Gina Stanford at downtown@titusville.org.
The 2011 Sea Turtle Festival is a three-day family-friendly event that will center around one of the Space Coast 's most valued creatures - sea turtles. The event kicks off with an artist welcome and culminates June 25 with a festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests of all ages can enjoy an old-fashioned family fish fry and beachside activities. Children turn into eco-experts while a Ranger from the Canaveral National Seashore leads them into hands on activities about the sea turtles and the environment. This is called Turtle Hunt with a Ranger.
The event will be held at various venues including hotels throughout Historic Downtown Titusville, the lagoon, and the Playa Linda Beach. To learn more visit http://www.titusvilleseaturtlefestival.com/.
You can't miss the famous Turtle Watch while you're in town. This is a popular year-round event where a group, limited to maximum 40 people, is lead by Park Ranger to watch and observe the famous sea turtles. Playa Linda beach is home to many especially after the Gulf spill. Scores of sea turtles nests were rescued and relocated to this east coast hideaway. Reservations are required. Please call Laura Henning at 321-229-3766.
Historic Downtown Titusville
2000 South Washington Ave , Titusville Fla. 32780. (321) 267-3036; For more information contact Gina Stanford at downtown@titusville.org.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: June 24-26
ASSASSINS AT LIMELIGHT THEATRE
Spend an evening with the infamous during a performance of Assassins at Limelight Theatre. This twisted musical by Sondheim plays out as a murderous carnival game featuring various characters who have all attempted to assassinate a U.S. President. Show times are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and active military. The Limelight Theater is located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit http://www.limelight-theatre.org/.
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER
Experience the first theater on St. Augustine's St. George Street since a terrible fire destroyed the Genovar Opera House in 1914. The St. Augustine Murder Mystery Theatre features a great meal and great live entertainment daily with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. and an evening show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $43.15 each. For more information, call 904.671.2508 or go to http://www.staugustinemurdermysterydinnertheater.com/.
MARINELAND KAYAKING TOURS
Have fun and learn about the coastal environment while paddling through the most unique setting for kayaking in Northeast Florida -- Marineland Dolphin Adventure. This kayak trip is perfectly timed with the tides to ensure hours of relaxing exploration making kayaking accessible for ages 6 and up! (Call for times.) This eco-educational experience is made possible through partnerships between Ripple Effect Ecotours, Marineland, and UF's Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. $55 per person includes free admission to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Call 904.347.1565 or go to http://www.rippleeffectecotours.com/
BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING
Experience the fun and excitement of horseback riding at the edge of the sea. Country Carriages offer daily one-hour rides (weather and tides permitting) from Surfside Park on Vilano Beach. The cost is $75 per person. For reservations (a must) and more information, call 904.826.1982.
Friday and Saturday: June 24 & 25
28th Annual GREEK LANDING DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish the New Smyrna Colony. St. Photios Shrine serves as a memorial to those Greek colonists by witnessing the Orthodox Faith and promoting the Hellenic culture. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, visit the "Glendi" for a celebration of music, food and dancing. Admission is free. The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.8205 or visit http://www.stphotios.com/.
ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Don't miss the 2011 edition of the St. Augustine Music Festival! Musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, along with many guest artists, offer FREE classical concerts at the Cathedral Basilica. All of the festival's performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. For information about each night's performance, visit http://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org/.
Friday: June 24
EVENING OF VAUDEVILLE AT FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH PARK
Join Artbreakers, a local charity that provides assistance for cancer patients, for a unique evening of entertainment. This exciting show features local performers saluting the era and genre of Vaudeville and a special classic rock concert featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Terry Sylvester of the Hollies. Tickets are $20 per person. It all takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Fountain of Youth Park, located at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.599.0043 or visit http://www.artbreakers.org/.
BROADWAY REVIEW
Come to The Pioneer Barn at Old Florida Museum for a special Broadway Review performed by the students at the St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts. The show starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are only $6. The Old Florida Museum is located at 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. For tickets and reservations, call 904.824.8874.
Saturday: June 25
GUIDED BEACH WALK AT GUANA PRESERVE
Join GTM Research Reserve Volunteers Rick and Roz Edwards for this "Beaches 101" experience; an informative and fun walk and learn about the sand, the importance of the dunes, and the animals that call the beach their home. The walk departs from the Guana South Beach Parking Lot, approximately 2 miles north of the Guana Preserve main entrance on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. The walk is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and reservations are required. Admission is $3 parking fee. Be sure to dress for the weather conditions and bring water. For more information, call 904.823.4500 or visit www.floridadep.org/gtm/calendar/beach_walk.htm.
LOW TIDE BIKE RIDE AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK
Get a great cardio workout on one of the most awesome beaches in Florida. The ride begins at 10 a.m. and consists of a 3 ½ mile loop that includes an ecology talk at the point of Conch Island. Bring at least one pint of water, bicycle, snack, binoculars, and sunscreen. Bike rentals will be available. Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle, up to 8 people, $4 for single occupant admission, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.461.2035, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.
BATTLE OF BLOODY MOSE 271st ANNIVERSARY
This exciting re-enactment commemorates the 271st anniversary of the 1740 Battle of "Bloody Moosa" which forced the British to retreat from Spanish Florida. The settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, the First Free Black Settlement in North America, was home for hundreds of free blacks who escaped slavery from the English Colonies to the north. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. living history demonstrations, guided tours, food vendors, and music will be provided. Then, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Spanish and British forces will reenact the "Bloody Moosa" battle. The event is weather permitting. It all takes place at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $2 per person. For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.
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.
PLATTERS, COASTERS, DRIFTERS AND TEMPTATIONS SALUTE
Lead singer for the Platters, Myles Savage will perform at Fort Manendez at Old Florida Museum, 259 San Marco Avenue. Performances will include classic songs of these immortal groups as Myles sings for all in attendance and audience participation is encouraged. Performances are Saturdays at 7:00pm and tickets are $40. A buy one, get one FREE ticket deal is being offered for a limited time. For more information, tickets and required reservations visit http://www.oldfloridamuseum.com/ or call 904-824-8874
Saturday and Sunday: June 25 & 26
El CONQUISTADOR THRILL RIDE
Go for a thrilling, high-speed, one-hour ride across Matanzas Bay aboard El Conquistador, St. Augustine's newest thrill ride. Narrated tour features history, speed and fun aboard this powerful speedboat. El Conquistador departs from the City Marina's Slip 73. Tickets are $39.50 for adults and $29.50 for children (ages 4-12). Free for active duty military. Special rates for groups of eight or more. For safety reasons, children under four and pregnant women are not allowed onboard. For information and reservations, go to www.elconspeedboat.com or call 904.738.4695.
KAYAK ECO TOUR
Join St. Augustine Eco Tours for a two-hour kayak journey into the coastal waters of the Old City and search for dolphins, egrets, ospreys and much more! The tours depart each day at 10 a.m. - tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for kids. For reservations, call 904.377.7245. http://www.staugustineecotours.com/ .
PGA TOUR GOLF ACADEMY CLINICS
The PGA TOUR Golf Academy at World Golf Village is offering one-hour clinics for $20 to focus on the building blocks of a consistent swing. Cost is $20 per person. For more information, call 904.940.3600 or visit http://www.touracademy.com/.
Sunday: June 26
THE LIVES AND WIVES OF HENRY FLAGLER
End your weekend with this delightful Limelight Theatre dinner theater presentation of The Lives and Wives of Henry Flagler. The dinner and show are presented at St. Augustine's Raintree Restaurant at 102 San Marco Avenue. Tickets are $39.95 and include the meal and the show, adult beverages are served separately. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and Henry and his wives come alive at 7 p.m. For reservations, call 904.825.1164.
ASSASSINS AT LIMELIGHT THEATRE
Spend an evening with the infamous during a performance of Assassins at Limelight Theatre. This twisted musical by Sondheim plays out as a murderous carnival game featuring various characters who have all attempted to assassinate a U.S. President. Show times are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and active military. The Limelight Theater is located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit http://www.limelight-theatre.org/.
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER
Experience the first theater on St. Augustine's St. George Street since a terrible fire destroyed the Genovar Opera House in 1914. The St. Augustine Murder Mystery Theatre features a great meal and great live entertainment daily with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. and an evening show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $43.15 each. For more information, call 904.671.2508 or go to http://www.staugustinemurdermysterydinnertheater.com/.
MARINELAND KAYAKING TOURS
Have fun and learn about the coastal environment while paddling through the most unique setting for kayaking in Northeast Florida -- Marineland Dolphin Adventure. This kayak trip is perfectly timed with the tides to ensure hours of relaxing exploration making kayaking accessible for ages 6 and up! (Call for times.) This eco-educational experience is made possible through partnerships between Ripple Effect Ecotours, Marineland, and UF's Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. $55 per person includes free admission to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Call 904.347.1565 or go to http://www.rippleeffectecotours.com/
BEACH HORSEBACK RIDING
Experience the fun and excitement of horseback riding at the edge of the sea. Country Carriages offer daily one-hour rides (weather and tides permitting) from Surfside Park on Vilano Beach. The cost is $75 per person. For reservations (a must) and more information, call 904.826.1982.
Friday and Saturday: June 24 & 25
28th Annual GREEK LANDING DAY CELEBRATION
Celebrate the 243rd anniversary of the arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Greeks, Menorcans and Corsicans arrived in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768 and went on to establish the New Smyrna Colony. St. Photios Shrine serves as a memorial to those Greek colonists by witnessing the Orthodox Faith and promoting the Hellenic culture. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, visit the "Glendi" for a celebration of music, food and dancing. Admission is free. The St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine is located at 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.8205 or visit http://www.stphotios.com/.
ST. AUGUSTINE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Don't miss the 2011 edition of the St. Augustine Music Festival! Musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, along with many guest artists, offer FREE classical concerts at the Cathedral Basilica. All of the festival's performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. For information about each night's performance, visit http://www.staugustinemusicfestival.org/.
Friday: June 24
EVENING OF VAUDEVILLE AT FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH PARK
Join Artbreakers, a local charity that provides assistance for cancer patients, for a unique evening of entertainment. This exciting show features local performers saluting the era and genre of Vaudeville and a special classic rock concert featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Terry Sylvester of the Hollies. Tickets are $20 per person. It all takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Fountain of Youth Park, located at 11 Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.599.0043 or visit http://www.artbreakers.org/.
BROADWAY REVIEW
Come to The Pioneer Barn at Old Florida Museum for a special Broadway Review performed by the students at the St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts. The show starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are only $6. The Old Florida Museum is located at 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. For tickets and reservations, call 904.824.8874.
Saturday: June 25
GUIDED BEACH WALK AT GUANA PRESERVE
Join GTM Research Reserve Volunteers Rick and Roz Edwards for this "Beaches 101" experience; an informative and fun walk and learn about the sand, the importance of the dunes, and the animals that call the beach their home. The walk departs from the Guana South Beach Parking Lot, approximately 2 miles north of the Guana Preserve main entrance on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. The walk is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and reservations are required. Admission is $3 parking fee. Be sure to dress for the weather conditions and bring water. For more information, call 904.823.4500 or visit www.floridadep.org/gtm/calendar/beach_walk.htm.
LOW TIDE BIKE RIDE AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK
Get a great cardio workout on one of the most awesome beaches in Florida. The ride begins at 10 a.m. and consists of a 3 ½ mile loop that includes an ecology talk at the point of Conch Island. Bring at least one pint of water, bicycle, snack, binoculars, and sunscreen. Bike rentals will be available. Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle, up to 8 people, $4 for single occupant admission, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.461.2035, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.
BATTLE OF BLOODY MOSE 271st ANNIVERSARY
This exciting re-enactment commemorates the 271st anniversary of the 1740 Battle of "Bloody Moosa" which forced the British to retreat from Spanish Florida. The settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, the First Free Black Settlement in North America, was home for hundreds of free blacks who escaped slavery from the English Colonies to the north. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. living history demonstrations, guided tours, food vendors, and music will be provided. Then, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Spanish and British forces will reenact the "Bloody Moosa" battle. The event is weather permitting. It all takes place at Fort Mose State Park located at 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $2 per person. For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.
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.
PLATTERS, COASTERS, DRIFTERS AND TEMPTATIONS SALUTE
Lead singer for the Platters, Myles Savage will perform at Fort Manendez at Old Florida Museum, 259 San Marco Avenue. Performances will include classic songs of these immortal groups as Myles sings for all in attendance and audience participation is encouraged. Performances are Saturdays at 7:00pm and tickets are $40. A buy one, get one FREE ticket deal is being offered for a limited time. For more information, tickets and required reservations visit http://www.oldfloridamuseum.com/ or call 904-824-8874
Saturday and Sunday: June 25 & 26
El CONQUISTADOR THRILL RIDE
Go for a thrilling, high-speed, one-hour ride across Matanzas Bay aboard El Conquistador, St. Augustine's newest thrill ride. Narrated tour features history, speed and fun aboard this powerful speedboat. El Conquistador departs from the City Marina's Slip 73. Tickets are $39.50 for adults and $29.50 for children (ages 4-12). Free for active duty military. Special rates for groups of eight or more. For safety reasons, children under four and pregnant women are not allowed onboard. For information and reservations, go to www.elconspeedboat.com or call 904.738.4695.
KAYAK ECO TOUR
Join St. Augustine Eco Tours for a two-hour kayak journey into the coastal waters of the Old City and search for dolphins, egrets, ospreys and much more! The tours depart each day at 10 a.m. - tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for kids. For reservations, call 904.377.7245. http://www.staugustineecotours.com/ .
PGA TOUR GOLF ACADEMY CLINICS
The PGA TOUR Golf Academy at World Golf Village is offering one-hour clinics for $20 to focus on the building blocks of a consistent swing. Cost is $20 per person. For more information, call 904.940.3600 or visit http://www.touracademy.com/.
Sunday: June 26
THE LIVES AND WIVES OF HENRY FLAGLER
End your weekend with this delightful Limelight Theatre dinner theater presentation of The Lives and Wives of Henry Flagler. The dinner and show are presented at St. Augustine's Raintree Restaurant at 102 San Marco Avenue. Tickets are $39.95 and include the meal and the show, adult beverages are served separately. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and Henry and his wives come alive at 7 p.m. For reservations, call 904.825.1164.
