This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday: January 12 – 18

World Golf IMAX Theatre – The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Tickets are Adults/$13; Military, Senior & Student/$12; Children E-tix/$10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com or call (904) 940-4123. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

Spanish El Galeon “Andalucia” in St. Augustine
The full-sized replica of a 16th century Spanish ship, El Galeon is open for tours at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Named Andalucia, it is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played such an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. It is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The ship is available for tours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Admission to El Galeon is $15 for adults; $10 for children 5-12 and free for those younger than 5. Veterans and St. Johns County residents receive a $2 discount per ticket. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. Call (904) 824-1606 or visit www.elgaleon.org.

Nights of Lights
During Nights of Lights, nearly three million tiny white lights bring the glow of holiday magic to St. Augustine – from the ground to the rooftops. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 and 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world. Holiday music, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and an exciting countdown add to the splendor of the lighting of this dazzling holiday light display. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 449-year history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories. The lights are displayed through February 1. www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights 

Nights of Lights Tours
There are numerous special Nights of Lights Tours offered through the Holiday Season. Special Trolley and Train tours, food tours, carriage rides, history tours, helicopter tours, electric car tours and more – all providing brilliant adventures to enhance the St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights experience. Nights of Lights Tours

Ongoing Special Tours
For a complete list of Nights of Lights, eco/kayak, food, history, and other tours taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast this week, visit things-to-do/sightseeing tours.

Monday – Friday:  January 12 – 16

Celebrate Art 2015: 9th Annual Juried Artist Member Exhibition
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach hosts the 9th Annual Juried Artist Member Exhibition. All media are featured in this showcase of member creations. 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. For more information, call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Tuesday:  January 13

Romanza’s January Gathering with Violinist Sue Cryan
Meet fascinating people from St. Augustine’s arts, culture, heritage, attractions and business community at 2015’s first monthly meeting of Romanza — the non-profit organization dedicated to producing and promoting cultural events that showcase St. Augustine’s romantic splendor. Plus, be entertained by violinist Sue Cryan who has performed on stage with entertainers such as Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Paul Anka and many others. The 5 – 7 p.m. meeting at Centro Piano Bar and Restaurant features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Admission is free. Located at 17 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 315-8913 or visit www.romanzafestivale.com.

Lucinda Williams Concert
Three-time Grammy Award winner Lucinda Williams performs at The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Her trademark delta-infused country soul has been featured on 11 acclaimed studio albums including her latest Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone. Tickets to her standing room only 8 p.m. performance (doors open at 7 p.m.) are $40 each.  Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Tuesday – Sunday:  January 13 – 18

St. Augustine Art Association’s Fantastic Florida!
Fantastic Florida runs through February 1 and celebrates 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 22 Marine St. St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

Wednesday:  January 14

Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market
Farmer’s Market located at the oceanside St. Johns County Pier Park 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. Call (904) 347-8007, for more information.

Marineland Beach Walk
The GTM Research Reserve presents a free, guided walk along the beach at Marineland. The hike focuses on birdlife, habitats and the unusual geology of the shore. The 90-minute hike begins at 9 a.m. Watch for the temporary event sign posted on the west side of A1A at the south end of Marineland. Reservations Requested. Located at 9741 Ocean Shore Blvd., Marineland. For more information, call (904) 823-4500 or visit www.gtmnerr.org.

Miranda Sings Concert
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall proudly hosts Miranda Sings at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Miranda Sings (aka Colleen Ballinger) performs her hilarious one-woman show filled with comedy, hit songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings of hate mail and never-before-seen videos. Tickets for the first eight rows (including Meet & Greet) are $55. All remaining rows are $29.50. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Thursday: January 15

A Coquina Rock Beach Walk
Explore the second largest outcropping of coquina rock on the Atlantic Coast with a park volunteer at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park at 9:30 a.m.  Learn about coquina and discover the inhabitants of the rock, its geological makeup and gain a better understanding of the beach ecosystem. Regular park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle, up to eight people; $4 per vehicle for single occupancy or $2 per person on bicycle applies. Located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. Call 386-446-6780 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks.

Evenings at Whitney Lecture: “Modern Stromatolites: A Window to the Ancient Earth”
Dr. Jamie Foster, University of Florida Professor, discusses stromatolites layering bio-chemical accretionary structures formed in shallow water by trapping, binding and cementation of sedimentary grains by microorganisms. Admission is free to this 7 p.m. lecture. Located at 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 461-4000 or visit www.whitney.ufl.edu.

Friday: January 16

The Both (Aimee Mann and Ted Leo) with Laura Jane Grace in Concert
Critically acclaimed Indie duo The Both (Aimee Mann and Ted Leo) will perform at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall at 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.). The Both’s all original songs were written as back-and-forth collaborations between Mann and Leo. Joining The Both is Laura Jane Grace, lead singer for the band Against Me!, and a major figure in today’s rock and roll scene. Formerly known as Tom Gabel, she went public with her gender transition in 2012 and her latest album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, has been critically-acclaimed. Tickets are standing room only $30. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Friday & Saturday: January 16 & 17

Re-Riding History: From the Southern Plains to the Matanzas Bay
Curated by artists Emily Arthur, Marwin Begaye and John Hitchcock, this exhibition at Flagler College’s Crisp-Ellert Art Museum metaphorically retraces the history of 72 American Indians who were forcibly taken from their homes in Oklahoma and imprisoned in St. Augustine. Held at the Castillo (then known as Fort Marion) from 1875 to 1878, Indian oral history and art have preserved the cultural memory of this incident. In addition to these prisoners, an additional 530 Chiricahua Apache men, women and children were imprisoned in Fort Marion. The artwork in this exhibition was created by 72 invited artists who are Native American, non-Native and descendants of the prisoners. Each individual work is on paper in the same dimensions as the historic ledger drawings created by the prisoners during their time in St. Augustine. Admission is free. Museum hours are Monday thru Friday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Saturday noon – 4 p.m. Located at 48 Sevilla St. Call (904) 826-8530 or visit www.flagler.edu/news-events/crisp-ellert-art-museum/ or www.reridinghistory.org.

Saturday:  January 17

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

Guided Beach Exploration Guana South Beach
Join GTM Research Reserve Docents from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. for a beach walk at the Guana South beach location on A1A, South Ponte Vedra Beach. Learn about the animals that call the beach home as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy.  There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. Located at 1768 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500 or visit www.gtmnerr.org.

Nocatee Farmer’s Market
Nocatee Farmer’s Market takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every third Saturday. This free family-friendly event has over 80 local vendors selling everything from produce, crafts, jewelry, herbs, unique foods and more. Free face painting will be available for the little ones, along with bounce house. Located at 245 Little River Rd., Ponte Vedra. nocatee.com

Photography Challenge Event
Photographers, from beginners to professionals, compete to take the best photo at three designated locations within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Maps to the featured locations can be obtained from the Ranger Station or from volunteers in the main parking lot. Each month, park volunteers will select the winning photo which will then be displayed at the Visitors Information Center kiosk and the park’s gift shop. There is no cost to compete. Park admission is $5 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist. Located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. For more information, call 609-247-8146; e-mail washingtonoaksphotoentry@gmail.com; or visit www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks.

Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour
Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida with burials starting during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 16 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.tolomatocemetery.com

Fountain of Youth: Cherokee History Presentations
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., native Cherokee historians describe how their people interacted with the local Timucua for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The presentations take place in the living history village of Seloy at the Fountain of Youth Park. Park admission is $15 Adults, $14 seniors, $9 Children 6 – 12 applies (local discount available). Located at 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-3168 or visit www.fountainofyouthflorida.com.

Sunday: January 18

Discover the Birds at Anastasia State Park
Led by an Anastasia State Park volunteer, this fun and informative walk is open to participants of all birding levels. From 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., observe a diverse variety of shore birds, marsh birds, and hammock birds by walking the beach, boardwalks, nature trails, and other areas. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, water, comfortable walking shoes, and a field guide if you have one. Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill Pavilion. The program is weather permitting and included in the regular admission of $8/vehicle with 2-8 occupants, $4/single-occupant vehicle, and $2/bicyclist or walker. Located at 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 461-2033 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, 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 and St. Augustine Distillery 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, visit the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.floridashistoriccoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489.