Music, theatre and too many choices to count

St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys informed Historic City News reporters that from Uptown to Downtown; St. Augustine and St. Johns County have more weekend entertainment choices than you could visit in a month!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: September 23-25

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

Enjoy this classic production at the Limelight Theatre. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this family-friendly musical comedy tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. Show times through October 23 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

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING

Experience this powerful memoir of love and life as A Classic Theatre presents The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion. The opening production of A Classic Theatre’s 2011-12 season, The Year of Magical Thinking will star St. Augustine’s multi-award winning actress Anne Kraft under the direction of Christine Fogarty who received her BA in Theatre from Flagler College and her MFA from the University of Florida. The play will be presented in Flagler College’s Gamache-Koger Theatre in the Ringhaver Student Center, 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on September 23, 24, 30 and October 1. Matinees will be presented at 2 p.m. on September 25 and October 2. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students. For information, call 904.829.5807.

GOLD CITY HISTORY TOURS

Ride in comfort and style with just seven other passengers on an all- electric shuttle bus while enjoying a narrated tour of the sites of St. Augustine. This tour goes where others can’t and is personalized to allow stops whenever requested. St. Augustine Gold Tours operate from the Old Drug Store car park on Orange Street. Tours are $15, children six and over $10. Special party bookings are also available by reservation. For more information, call 904.325.0547 or go to www.staugustinegoldtours.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. 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.

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 exciting live entertainment at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $43.15 each. For more information, call 904.671.2508 or go to www.StAugustineMurderMysteryDinnerTheater.com.

YACHT OF FUN

Have a captain and a fun-equipped 22-foot boat at your service from dawn to dusk! Yacht of Fun takes up to six people on a full day of whatever passengers prefer – fishing, swimming, stopping at waterfront restaurants, sunning – you name it. The boat leaves from St. Augustine and offers the perfect way to spend a day. The rate is $60 per person for a party of six. For more information, go to www.yachtoffun.net or call Cap’n Mike at 352.246.3836

MUSIC AT SARA’S CREPE CAFÉ
Combine delicious fresh crepes, authentic Old World charm and outstanding music at Sara’s Crepe Café, 100 St. George Street in St. Augustine. From 8-11 p.m. on Friday, the dynamic duo of Maja & Gitana blend violin and acoustic guitar while singing Latin, Gypsy and Jazz.On Saturday from 7-11 p.m. and again on Sunday from 7-11 p.m., The always-popular Groov Band will provide an entertaining backdrop for delicious crepes, For more information, call 904.810.5800.

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: September 23 & 24

FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL

Get literary at this celebration of the authors and books that chronicle the ethnic, social, and historical heritage of the Sunshine State. The festival will feature a wide array of events and activities including workshops, readings, and book signings by popular authors. On Friday, writer’s workshops take place at the Casa Monica Hotel in historic St. Augustine, then the Literary Legends Awards Banquet takes place at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village from 6:30 to 10 p.m.,. On Saturday, panel discussions take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and children and young adult programs will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College in downtown St. Augustine. For ticket prices and more information, call 904.940.0194 or visit www.fhbookfest.com.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT WEEKEND

Enjoy 2 days of making stained glass figurines and other glass art just in time for Christmas. This weekend stained glass art class takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at the SSJ Stained Glass Studio, located at 2745 Industry Road, #6 in St. Augustine. The cost is $200 and includes all supplies. For more information, call 904-669-5388 or visit http://www.ssjstainedglass.com

Friday: September 23

“CARIBBEAN CRUISE”

Enjoy summer the right way with Jacks or Better Casino’s Caribbean Cruise. Eat, drink, and party like you’re in Jamaica for one all inclusive $25 price. Fabulous buffet, plus dance to the Reggae vibrations brought to you by “De Lions of Jah.” Boarding begins at 6:15 p.m. and departure is at 7 p.m. from Mayport. For details, go to www.jacksorbettercasino.com or call 904.372.4220.

Saturday and Sunday: September 24 & 25

FAMILY KAYAK TRIP

Join St. Augustine Eco Tours for a fantastic 10 a.m. until noon kayak trip that begins with a professionally-led paddle clinic. Paddle into the salt marshes where wading birds or sea turtles may be waiting to greet you! Discount rate: $40/adult, $30/kids 6-12. Call 904-377-7245 to learn more and make reservations.

Saturday: September 24

27th ANNUAL ANCIENT CITY CAR SHOW

See nearly 200 cars judge in 31 classes at this exciting event hosted by the Ancient City Auto Club. The show will be on the beautiful campus of the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, 207 North San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Registration for entries begins at 8 a.m. and awards will be presented at 3 p.m. In addition to great cars, the event will include an arts and crafts events, food and beverages. Admission is free. A car show entry form for pre-show registration is available from the club’s website http://local.aaca.org/ancientcity . For more information, call 904.794.9172 or 904.797.7732.

LOW TIDE BIKE RIDE AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK

Get a great cardio workout on one of the most awesome beaches in Florida. The 9 a.m. ride is a 3 ½ mile loop and 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.

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.

ANTIQUE APPRAISAL FAIR

Head over the front lawn of the picturesque St. Augustine Lighthouse and have certified appraisers estimate the value of your family heirlooms. Categories range from books to jewelry and everything in between, including cars and motorcycles. Appraisals are $10 per item or $25 for three. All proceeds benefit The First Light Maritime Society. The event is from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, call the Lighthouse at 904.829.0745, ext. 217 or 224.

NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY AT GUANA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Be part of a nationwide event featuring a multitude of activities for the entire family at the Guana Preserve. The day’s activities will focus on the importance of our estuaries and the need to protect them. Bring the family and join us for a fun and educational day. Admission is $5 per vehicle. All event proceeds will be used to support the education, research and stewardship programs of the Reserve. The Guana environmental education center is located at 505 Guana River Road, off A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information call 904.823.4500 or visit www.gtmnerr.org.

JJ GREY PREMIER OF BRIGHTER DAYS DVD

Head to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall for the premier of Brighter Days DVD release party. Brighter Days is the first-ever live DVD and CD from the master of “front porch soul,” JJ Grey and his band Mofro. The doors to the venue will open at 6 p.m., with a screening of the film to begin at 7 p.m. Following the screening, JJ Grey will give a solo acoustic performance, and then, along with film director Spookie Daly, HE will conduct a Q&A session with fans. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, call www.pvconcerthall.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.

Sunday: September 25

KAYAK FAVER-DYKES STATE PARK

Join in on this UF Master Naturalist Instructor-led paddling tour of Pellicer Creek with its miles of undisturbed marshes. The tour starts at Faver-Dykes State Park and includes a stop at the pristine Princess Place Preserve. See Osprey and Bald Eagle dive for fish and watch as migratory Least Terns engage in courtship behavior just above your boat before flying back to South America for the winter. The cost is $55 per person, which includes free admission into the park, guide service, and the finest kayaking equipment. Space is limited so to ensure a high quality experience. Faver Dykes State Park is located off US 1 South at Exit 298 at 1000 Faver Dykes Rd. in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.347.1565 or visit www.RippleEffectEcoTours.com

SAIRA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Enjoy tasting more than 100 wines and the signature dishes presented by 17 of St. Augustine’s top chefs at this event created by St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association to celebrate the city’s unique culinary and cultural diversity. The Festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the COA River House, located at 179 Marine Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $50 per person and proceeds from the Festival benefit the Boys and Girls Club. For more information, visit www.staugustinerestaurants.com.

INSIDE THE MUSIC

Enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment when BRASS (Beaches Residents Actively Supporting the Symphony) kickoffs the symphony season with their annual “fun” raiser. Selected Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra musicians will present excerpts from the upcoming season. The evening includes a performance by concert pianists Aida Riberio and Maestro Fabio Mechetti playing four-handed excerpts. Held at the Sawgrass Beach Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, there will be a cash bar from 5-6 p.m. and a seated three-course dinner with dessert buffet for $45 per person. Attire is jackets for gentlemen. For reservations, call 904.285.0915 or email info@brassonline.org.

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