As Historic City News readers start to decide what to do for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys has some great local suggestions.
Friday: July 1
WORLD GOLF VILLAGE FIREWORKS
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks displays in Northeast Florida as World Golf Village celebrates Independence Day. Bring blankets or lawn chairs (no coolers please) and find a spot around the Walk of Champions to enjoy the show. Admission is free. The Fireworks take place between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Restaurants and shops will be open to the public, including an All American Tasting Room at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. A minimal parking fee will be required for entry to the fireworks event. World Golf Village is located at Exit 323 off I-95 in St. Augustine. Visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.com or call 904.940.4123.
PLAZA STROLL TOUR DEBUTS
Be one of the first to participate in St. Augustine’s newest history tour. The guides from City Walks Tours will lead this fascinating 75-minute walking tour that will reveal the secrets of the Plaza de la Constitucion, the meanings behind its monuments, and the history of the center of life in St. Augustine throughout the centuries. The tour is $12 per person and discounts for online booking are available. The tour is presented at 10 a.m. in English and 10:30 a.m. in Spanish and will depart from the Public Market in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion. This new tour is offered DAILY. For more information, call 904.540.3476 or visit www.StAugustineCityWalks.com.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Park for free at the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, where sightseeing trains and trolleys offer free round-trips to the heart of the art district – or go on your own self-guided art walk. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.
SWAMP ROMP FOR ART
Witness the unveiling of the 2nd Annual Judith and Ryan Williams Nature & Wildlife Exhibition at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery “Romp for Art” party. This bayou-themed reception takes place 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and features live music, dancing and Cajun buffet. The event concludes with the presentation of awards to exhibit entrants. Tickets are $50 per person. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery is located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.
ILLUSIONS AND COMEDY AT THE PIONEER BARN
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled night when comedian/illusionists Bob & Sarah Trunell wow the crowd with feats, stunts and laughter. The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Barn at Old Florida Museum located at 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Admission is $15 adults and $10 for children accompanied by adult. For more information, call 904.824.8874, or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com.
ANASTASIA STATE PARK CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS
Sit around the campfire and enjoy a program about the park’s environment. The program begins at 7 p.m. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle up to 8 people, and $2 per additional passengers. Pedestrians and bicyclist admission is $2. For more information, call 904.461.2033 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: July 1-3
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON IN 3D
The Transformers are back for a third time in this Paramount Pictures film. Showings are at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, home of the largest 3D IMAX screen in the Southeast. The IMAX is located at 1 World Golf Boulevard in World Golf Village, I-95 Exit 323 in St. Augustine. Call 904.940.4900 or visit www.WorldGolfImax.com.
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. The boat runs Wednesday through Sunday. 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.
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 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 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 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: July 1 & 2
SCHOONER FREEDOM SAILING CRUISES
Bring the entire family aboard the beautiful Schooner Freedom for a special Family Day Sail from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Complimentary soda and water provided. On Saturday, July 2, the schooner will feature a twilight sail from 8:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. This sailing adventure includes a live musical performance. Tickets are $35 per person – complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water included. For reservations, call 904.810.1010.
TASTING TOURS IN DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE
Treat yourself to a flavorful tour of St. Augustine on one of the inaugural Tasting Tours. Two tours will be offered, Vittles and Vino (Food and Wine Tasting Tour) and Happy Hops (Specialty Brews Tour). Each 2-3 hour tour allows visitors to experience unique venues flavors and the exceptional beers and wines found in the oldest city. Tours are limited to 14 people each. For tour times and reservations visit www.thetastingtours.com.
Saturday: July 2
FREEDOM TRAIL LUNCHEON
Commemorate the 47th Anniversary of the Signing of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 during the 5th Annual Freedom Trail Luncheon. The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Dr. Dorothy Cotton, Educational Director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Special Guest Speaker, Mrs. Sonya Y. Plummer, granddaughter of Civil Rights activist, the late Rev. Goldie Eubanks, Sr. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at Casa Monica Hotel, located at 95 Cordova Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $45 per person. VIP seating is $60 per person. For more information, call 904.347.1382, or visit www.accordfreedomtrail.org.
NATURE AND WILDLIFE ART EXHIBIT
View some of the most outstanding original nature and wildlife artwork at the 2nd Annual Judith Ryan Williams Nature 7 Wildlife Exhibit featuring paintings, sculpture, fiber, printmaking, pastels and more. The Exhibit will be at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine, through August 28. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.
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 www.oldfloridamuseum.com or call 904-824-8874
Saturday and Sunday: July 2 & 3
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 www.touracademy.com.
Sunday: July 3
GUANA FAMILY KAYAK TOURS
Experience a thrilling family outing in kayaks at Guana Preserve. Get up close and personal to crabs, jellyfish, pelicans and Dolphins on our Family Kayak Tours, geared to the more inquisitive younger minds. And feel good about being green. A percentage of tours proceeds goes directly to the “Friends of the GTM NERR” to assist with their conservation efforts. $55 for adults and $45 for children ages 6 to 15. Tours are by reservation and take place from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 904.3471565 or visit www.KayakGuana.com.
Monday: July 4
ST. AUGUSTINE’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Have a blast at one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks shows! The spectacular fireworks burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflect in the waters of Matanzas Bay. The 20-minute show includes a stirring soundtrack of great patriotic music. Admission is free with the best vantage points located along the bayfront between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions. The fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m. For more details, call 904.825.1004 or go to www.staugustinegovernment.com .
4TH OF JULY TOP OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Celebrate the 4th of July at the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse with a magnificent view of the skyline and fireworks. The spectacular event begins with the viewing of the sunset over the Atlantic. Then fireworks when darkness sets…… St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited. For reservations call 904.829.0745 ext. 207. For more information, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com.
4TH OF JULY ROOFTOP CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE ROOM
Come celebrate our nation’s independence at the The White Room’s Loft and Rooftop and enjoy the fireworks with the best view in town. Dinner includes a fresh market station with fresh fruit, imported cheeses, salad, Rosemary and Herb crusted Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Florentine, garlic herb whipped potatoes and fire roasted vegetables, dessert, and complimentary cocktail. $45.95 plus tax and gratuity. Outside seating is limited the first 100 reservations. Special Children’s menu. The White Room is located on the third floor of 1 King Street in Downtown St. Augustine on the water across from the Bridge of Lions. For more information call 904.824.9056 or email info@ocwhiteroom.com for reservations.
SUNSET ECO TOUR
Explore the estuary in search of dolphins and fascinating birds, see a great sunset and still have time to watch the fireworks. St. Augustine Eco Tours have afternoon and evening boat tours departing from the City Marina – the last tour returns at 8:30 p.m. The tours are $40 for adults, $35 for children and $15 for infants. For details, call 904.377.7245.
FIREWORKS BOAT TRIP
Join St. Augustine Eco Tours for a a front row seat of the fireworks! Private trips are available for parties of six — $250 per boat. For details, call 904.377.7245.
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. 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.
For more information on events and activities, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489.
Jay Humphreys, Communications Director
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
29 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Mark A. Cubbedge
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