This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday : November 18 – 24

New World in the Eyes of Explorers Exhibit
This intriguing exhibit of images of the New World and its indigenous peoples and animals provide a fascinating look at the first encounter between the peoples of the Old World and the New World – an epic event that changed the world forever. The exhibit is located in the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center and is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 10 West Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. staugustine-450.com

‘Art Dorks Rise’ Art Exhibit at space:eight Gallery
‘Art Dorks Rise’ is a group show of 30 internationally-acclaimed artists exhibiting 30 pieces of original work. The show runs through November 30. Located at 228 West King St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-2838 or visit www.spaceeight.com.

Viva Florida Exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association
Florida’s 500th Anniversary year concludes with this popular exhibition at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery. The exhibited works celebrate the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna, history and happenings that are uniquely Florida. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 22 Marine St. Call (904) 824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

Monday- Friday: November 18 – 22

Form and Feelings Art Exhibit
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach hosts the works of Joyce Gabiou & Richard McRae in an exhibition called “Form and Feelings.” Admission to the gallery is free and open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

The Chess Project Exhibition
The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College will host artist Lee Walton’s “The Chess Project,” an exhibition that is the tangible manifestation of the artist’s pursuit to master his hobby. Admission is free. The Museum is open to the public Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 826-8530 or visit www.flagler.edu/crispellert.

Tuesday – Friday: November 19 – 22

UNF Senior Show at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will host the works of Russell Bailey and Preston Motil in the UNF Senior Show. Admission to the gallery is free and it is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The opening reception will be from 6-8 p.m. on November 19. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach . Call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Tuesday: November 19

Salt Air Farmer’s Market
Marineland Marina hosts the Salt Air Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Find an array of fresh, organically-grown produce and other yummy things. Located at 101 Tolstoy Lane, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 814-9886 or visit www.marinelandmarina.com.

National Cemetery’s Story Presented
At 7 p.m., Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Greg Moore presents the story of St. Augustine’s National Military Cemetery including interesting details on the notables and lesser-knowns buried there. The presentation takes place in the Virginia Room (upstairs) at Flagler’s Ringhaver Student Center. Lt. Col. Moore has authored a book on the subject and copies will be available for sale with the proceeds going to a military charity. Located at 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine.

Music Masters Lecture and Performance
EMMA and Flagler College host a Music Masters lecture and recital series from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Flagler Room at Flagler College. Janet Rabe-Meyer, is known for her “radiant voice and intense acting.” She will present “Witches, Bitches and Boys: A Mezzo Soprano Gets Into Character.” Admission is $6 at the door. Located at 74 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 797-2800 or visit www.emmaconcerts.com.

Wednesday:  November 20

Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market
Farmer’s Market located at the ocean-side St. Johns County Pier Park on St. Augustine Beach, featuring selections of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, fine art, jewelry and more! Open 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. Located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For more information, call (904) 347-8007 or visit www.thecivicassociation.com.

Pet Friendly St. Augustine Food Tour
Bring your best friend along from 1:30 – 4 p.m. to learn some of the history of St. Augustine and taste some of the delectable offerings in the “first city.” The tour stops at 5 pet friendly restaurants. All pets must be leashed. The tour is limited to 10 humans with their fur babies. Tickets are $49 (receive a discount with online booking). Call (904) 392-7137 or visit www.StAugustineHistoricTours.com.

Kayaking Old Florida from Faver-Dykes State Park
Guided by Master Naturalists, this kayak tour explores the coastline of Princess Place Preserve and Pellicer Creek — one of the cleanest and most pristine waterways in all of Florida. The tour departs at 10 a.m. from Faver-Dykes State Park and returns at 1 p.m. Tickets (which include park admission, guide service, kayak and gear) are $55 for adults and $45 for 15 years or or younger. Located at 1000 Fayer-Dykes Rd., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 347-1565 or visit www.rippleeffectecotours.com.

Fall Eco-Explorer Tour
Join St. Augustine Eco Tours on a 90-minute boat trip through the waters of St. Augustine to look for wild dolphins and amazing wading birds. Nature lovers of all kinds will enjoy this expedition guided by trained interpretive naturalists. Great photo opportunities! Departs from the Municipal Marina at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Special rate: $35/adults and $30/kids ages 3-12, $175 for private tour up to 6 guests. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. Call (904) 377-7245 or visit www.staugustineecotours.com

Wednesday Night River Cruise.
Cap’s Restaurant and Jax Water Tours present a 45 minute cruise leaving the Cap’s dock at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for $10 per person (children up to 6 years $5). Tickets are first-come, first-served. Plan a Cap’s dinner after the cruise, plus take some hot coffee drinks or home made deserts from Cap’s along on the cruise. Located at 435 Myrtle St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-8794 or visit capsonthewater.com.

Wednesday – Saturday:  November  20 – 23

Senior Conservatory One-Acts (presented over two nights each)
Senior student-directed one-act plays, serving as capstone projects for Theatre Arts majors at Flagler College, presented over the course of two nights. $5 admission is good for two nights of these one-act presentations. Show times are 7 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 826-8600 or visit www.flagler.edu/our-community/events/theatre.html.

Thursday – Sunday: November 21 – 24

Limelight Theatre Presents “Bad Seed”
Written by Maxwell Anderson, “Bad Seed” is set in a small southern town where a penmanship contest and a child’s drowning combine to create a memorable mystery thriller. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. Located at 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 825-1164 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

Thursday: November 21

Shrimp Boat City’ Book Signing & Shrimp Boil
From 5:30 – 7 p.m. Johnny & Bennie’s Kitchen in Hastings will host a book signing for Shrimp Boat City, a new publication covering 100 years of St. Augustine’s commercial shrimping and boat building history. Meet Brendan Burke, archaeologist and author of the book. Indulge in a delicious shrimp boil provided by Johnny & Beanie’s Kitchen. Tickets are $10 and a portion of the proceeds will support the nonprofit mission of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum to preserve maritime history and present educational programs. Located at 224 N. Main St., Hasting, FL. For more information, call (904) 829-0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.

Friday – Sunday: November 22 – 24

Shadows of the Past Tour
Take a night-time guided tour of the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park to experience the eerie beauty of the Timucua burials, an Indian Village, and the Menendez Settlement field by moonlight. Tours start at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 per person. Located at 11 Magnolia Avenue. www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/nighttours.html

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire at the IMAX Theater
The IMAX 3D Theatre at World Golf Hall of Fame features The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the continuing adventures of Katniss Everdeen in a futuristic dystopian world. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com, or call (904) 940-4133. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

Friday: November 22

Magic at Colonial Quarter
Mayhem de Magnifico and crew perform a kid-friendly Magic Show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5 to 15. Under age 5 free. Located at 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 599-2113 or visit www.colonialquarter.com.

Saturday: November 23

Old City Farmers Market
Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A, St. Augustine, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call (904) 471-3733 for more information.

Nocatee Farmer’s Market
Featuring more than 70 vendors, Nocatee Farmer’s Market takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 245 Little River Rd., Ponte Vedra. www.nocatee.com

Fourth Saturday: Family Seining at the GTM Research Reserve
Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. to learn how to pull a seine net, collecting species of fish, crabs and more. Learn about the animals and their roles in the habitat. Waders and boots will be provided. The program is included with regular admission to the Reserve and takes place in the Environmental Education Center. Located at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500 or visit gtmnerrfamilyseine-eorg.eventbrite.com.

Colonial Autumn in Spanish Florida
Fort Mose will host from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. a Local Farm Fare market of vegetables, herbs and fruits from colonial times that are still grown locally today. At 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., Annie Francis, independent scholar, presents research findings on foods commonly consumed in Colonial Spanish Florida along with original recipes. Take a walking tour through the market to sample and learn more about these traditional products and their preparations. Vegetables and fruits may be purchased. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 823-2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose.

Flagler Creates!
Flagler College hosts the fourth annual Flagler Creates! handmade festival from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the College’s West Lawn at the Ringhaver Student Center. This festival offers Flagler students, faculty, staff, alumni and Flagler families the opportunity to display and sell items they have created. Participant entry fees go to benefit the Flagler College Annual Fund. Located at 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-6481 or visit www.flagler.edu/FlaglerCreates.

Family and Friends Kayak Day at Guana
Explore the GTM NERR with an expert guide and master naturalist from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Learn about the ecology and importance of this watershed. This exploration is great for families looking for a local outdoor adventure. All levels of kayaking experience are welcomed. The cost is $50 for adults and $40 for 15 years or younger that includes passes to the Educational Center, all the equipment and guide service. Located at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 347-1565 or visit www.rippleeffectecotours.com.

Nights of Lights Light up!
Millions of tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation’s oldest city when the 20th Annual Nights of Lights celebration sparkles to life at 6:30 p.m. in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion. Holiday music, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and an exciting countdown add to the splendor of the lighting of one of the world’s greatest holiday light displays. Located at 10 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine. www.NightsofLights.com

Castillo de San Marcos by Candlelight
Candlelight tours of the ancient Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, take place on the third Saturday of the month. Weather permitting. Advance tickets are $8 ages 15 and older; $4 per child 5 – 15; and free for children 4 and younger. Located at 1 South Castillo Dr. St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-6506 or visit www.nps.gov/casa.

Saturday & Sunday: November 23 & 24

9th Annual St. Johns County Festival of Trees at World Golf Village
The St. Johns County Convention Center and Renaissance World Golf Village Resort showcase trees and wreaths decorated and donated by local businesses, organizations, families and friends from the community. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day. Admission is free. The trees and wreathes will be part of a silent auction and visitors will also be encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorites. Proceeds will benefit the St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County. Located at 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 940-4000 or visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

Nights of Lights Boat Tour
Take a boat from Camachee Cove Marina at 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. for a 1-hour tour through the Bridge of Lions, and along the Bayfront and Fort. Tickets are $39 weekdays and $49 weekends. You may BYOB if you like and dress warmly. Located at 282 Yacht Club Dr., Dock A-19, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 332-7194 or visit www.JaxWaterTours.com.

Lights, Carriage and Holiday ‘Cheer’
Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets of St. Augustine while enjoying the spectacular Nights of Lights and indulging in a bottle of delicious boutique wine (red or white) served in a Tasting Tours souvenir wine glass. The public tours are for 6-8 people max per carriage. Admission is $49 per person. The schedule is Sunday – Wednesday at 6 p.m.; Thursday 6 and 7 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Private tours may also be arranged. Located at 100 St. George St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 325-3911 or visit www.thetastingtours.com.

Nights of Lights Sunset Sail
See the Nights of Lights from aboard the Schooner Freedom’s daily sunset cruise on Matanzas Bay. The two-hour cruise departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 4:15 p.m. and are priced at $45 per adult; $35 per child (ages 2-12); under 2, free. All cruises include complimentary soda, water, beer and wine. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. Call (904) 810-1010 or visit www.schoonerfreedom.com.

St. Augustine Vintage Car Nights of Lights Tours
Celebrate the holidays and see St. Augustine’s fabulous Nights of Lights on a relaxing and romantic ride in a comfortable electric vintage car replica. Tours begin and end at the Villa Zorayda Museum. Tickets are $15 per person (maximum of six passengers per tour). Call for reservations and times. Located at 83 King St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 430-3542 or visit www.staugustinevintagecartours.com.

Gold Tour’s Private Nights of Lights Tours
See the world-renowned St Augustine lights on a tour aboard a quiet electric tour bus. Travel the narrowest and quaintest streets of the ancient city to see all the lights and historic buildings up close. These narrated tours last 45 minutes and accommodate a maximum of 7 passengers. Reservations are required. Tour times vary. $15 per person or $80 for the whole bus. Located at 31 Orange St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 325-0547 or visit www.staugustinegoldtours.com.

Sunday: November 24

Santa’s Big Red Christmas Train
See St. Augustine’s spectacular Nights of Lights aboard Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Trains. The tours start from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and include magic lightseeing glasses, snow, family friendly-movies and marshmallow roasting. The tours are Sunday – Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights include holiday classic movies on the Big Screen like Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, etc. Tickets are $8 adults and $4.50 for kids. Located at 19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-1606 or visit www.ripleys.com/RedTrains.

The Holly Jolly Nights of Lights Trolley
Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolley. Tours depart nightly 6 – 8 p.m. (and later on weekends). Complimentary hot apple cider and homemade cookies, visits with Santa, and magical viewing glasses. Stops at the Old Drugstore and the Colonial Quarter. Weekend tickets (Friday & Saturday) $12 adults and $4 children; weekday tickets (Sunday – Thursday) $9 adults and $4 children. Tours depart from the Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. FREE parking and shuttle to the tour is available from the Old Jail, 167 San Marco Ave.; the Welcome Center, 27 San Marco Ave.; and the Welcome Center 1700 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. For more information, call (904) 829-3800 or visit www.trolleytours.com.

“Check, Please” at the Raintree Restaurant
A theatrical performance of “Check,  Please,” combined with great dining, creates a memorable and enjoyable evening of entertainment. Tickets to this dinner theatre experience in the upstairs dining room of the Raintree Restaurant are $39.95 (adult beverages served separately). Dinner is served at 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. arrival suggested) and the show begins at 7 p.m. Located at 102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-7211 or visit www.raintreerestaurant.com.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted FREE of charge to the Oldest House, Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, City Walks History Mystery Murder Evening Tour and the Hotel Ponce de Leon Legacy Tours at 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 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). Many other local attractions offer discounted admissions to St. Johns County residents with valid ID.

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489.