This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Monday: February 9 – 16

Spanish El Galeón “Andalucia” in St. Augustine
The full-sized replica of a 16th century Spanish ship, El Galeón 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 through February 16 for tours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. The ship will be out of port in late February, returning March 2015. Admission to El Galeón 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.

Lightner Museum’s Exhibition of Felix F. de Crano Paintings
Through March 30th, this major exhibition features more than 30 local scenes, landscapes and portraits by Felix F. de Crano, arguably the most sophisticated and versatile artist in Henry Flagler’s colony of St. Augustine painters. This never before seen by the public compilation of 19th century oil and watercolor paintings is a colorful reminder of the splendor of St. Augustine’s Gilded Age. The museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Admission is: $10 adults; $6 active duty military with ID; $5 college student with ID; $5 ages 12-18; free for children under 12 (with adult). Located at 75 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-2874 or visit www.lightnermuseum.org.

Jupiter Ascending at The IMAX Theater
The IMAX Theater at the World Golf Hall of Fame features Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis starring in “Jupiter Ascending” an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com or call (904) 940-4123. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

Special Valentine’s Day Weekend Tours – List of Tours and Tastings

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

Monday – Saturday:  February 9 – 14

Re-Riding History: From the Southern Plains to the Matanzas Bay
Curated by artists Emily Arthur, Marwin Begaye and John Hitchcock, and showing through February 28, 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 at Castillo de San Marcos (then known as Fort Marion) from 1875 to 1878. 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. Hours are Monday thru Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday noon-4 p.m. Located at 48 Sevilla St. For more information, call (904) 826-8530, visit www.flagler.edu or www.reridinghistory.org.

Tuesday:  February 10

Romanza’s February Gathering with David Lee Redding
Meet fascinating people from St. Augustine’s arts, culture, heritage, attractions and business community at the 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 David Lee Redding a multi-faceted performer performing an eclectic mix of flamenco, jazz, Latin, R&B fusion styles. The 5 – 7 p.m. meeting at Centro Piano Bar and Restaurant features complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Admission is free, however, non-perishable food items are being collected for the St. Francis House. Located at 17 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 315-8913 or visit www.romanzafestivale.com.

Flagler College Forum: Evan Thomas
Thomas was made editor-at-large of Newsweek in 2006 after serving as assistant managing editor and Washington bureau chief. He has won numerous journalism awards, including a National Magazine Award in 1998 for Newsweek’s coverage of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Part of the Flagler College Forum on Government and Public Policy series, the lecture begins at 7 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Admission is free. Located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 819-6400 or visit www.flagler.edu.

Ingrid Michaelson Concert
Indie-Pop Artist Ingrid Michaelson brings her “Lights Out” tour to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall for an 8 p.m. performance (doors open at 7 p.m.). Michaelson is known for her piano-fueled songwriting, witty wordplay and slight vocal vibrato. Her fourth album, “Human Again” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard album chart and No.1 on iTunes. Tickets for this standing room only show are $32 ($35 day of show). Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Holding Down the Home Front: St. Augustine in World War II
Tale Tellers of St. Augustine reveal little known aspects of the town’s direct involvement in World War II in this special presentation at the Limelight Studio Theatre. This patriotic and nostalgic program is presented by Wayne and Jane Sims who are taking their World War II stories on tour across Florida and the Southeast. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 each. Located at 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 471-0179 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

Tuesday – Saturday:  February 10 – 14

Archaeological Dig at Ximenez-Fatio House
Under the leadership of Carl Halbirt, chief archaeologist for the City of St. Augustine, a major archaeological dig takes place at the historic Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. The project is expected to produce artifacts dating back to the original town plan of 1572, as well as from the early territorial and statehood years of 1821-1861. The project is open to public viewing from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. There is no charge to view the dig. The museum is open at the same times. Admission pricing for adults is $7; families $15, and for students, seniors and military $5. Group tours are welcome at $4.50 per 10 or more. Free for St. Johns County residents. Located at 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 829-3575 or visit ximenezfatiohouse.org.

Tuesday – Sunday:  February 10 – 15

St. Augustine Art Association’s Figures and Faces
St. Augustine Art Association’s Figures and Faces Exhibit runs through March 1 and features expressions of the human face and form in a variety of styles and media that lend personality to this popular juried exhibition. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 22 Marine St. St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

Wednesday:  February 11

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.

The Wailers Concert
Legendary reggae group The Wailers perform at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Their album “Exodus,” recorded with Bob Marley, was selected by Time magazine as the “Best Album of the 20th Century” and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Now in their 45th year of touring, the band has performed live before an estimated 24 million people and, along with Marley, have sold 250 million albums. Tickets for the 8 p.m. standing room only show (doors open at 7 p.m.) are $28. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Thursday: February 12

Re-riding History Art Symposium: From the Southern Plains to Matanzas Bay
Seven artists and scholars discuss the current Crisp-Ellert Art Museum exhibition “Re-riding History: From the Southern Plains to Matanzas Bay.” Exhibition curators Emily Arthur, Marwin Begaye and John Hitchcock will also be present. The symposium takes place in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College. Sessions are scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon; 2-4 p.m.; and 7-8:30 p.m. Located at 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 826-8530 or visit www.reridinghistory.org.

Ana Popovic Concert
Critically-acclaimed international blues guitarist and singer Ana Popovic performs at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall at 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.). This award-winning, hard-touring, guitar-singer blends smoking electric funk and slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals and a tight blues groove with soulful, feminine vocals. Incredible talent, plus an exciting stage presence, make her an irresistible force in the world of contemporary blues music. Reserved seating $29; day of show $30. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Evenings at Whitney
Dr. Marc Branham, “Bioluminescence and Courtship in Fireflies” – Dr. Brahham, associate professor, department of entomology and nematology at the University of Florida will be the guest lecturer at The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. In his lecture, Dr. Branham will highlight how fireflies communicate, how bioluminescence is used outside of a courtship context, as well as a possible evolutionary scenario for how these amazing behaviors arose in this group of beetles. 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.

Thursday – Sunday: February 12 – 15

Sweet Bird of Youth at Limelight Theatre
Sweet Bird of Youth is a classic play by Tennessee Williams which tells the story of a gigolo and drifter, Chance Wayne, who returns to his home town as the companion of a faded movie star, Alexandra Del Lago, whom he hopes to use to help him break into the movies. His homecoming is not well-received by the locals as longtime secrets are revealed. Showing through February 15, performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. Located at 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 825-1164 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

Thursday – Monday: February 12 – 16

Presidents’ Day Weekend at the World Golf Hall of Fame
Learn about Hall of Fame Presidents George H.W. Bush and Dwight D. Eisenhower and participate in a special scavenger hunt with a chance to win a Hall of Fame prize package. This weekend, kids are admitted free and admission for military personnel is only $10. Hall of Fame hours are Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon – 6 p.m. Admission is $19.50 for adults; $18.50 for seniors, and Florida residents; $10 for military this weekend only; $10 for students ages 13 and up; and free this weekend only for children ages 5-12. Located at 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 940-4015 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.

Friday: February 13

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies Concert
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosts The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies’ Salute to the Music of the Rat Pack. This eight-piece band does justice to the huge, orchestrated arrangements that energized America at the dawn of the ’60s. So, bring your dancing shoes to this evening of musical nostalgia! The concert begins at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). General Admission Standing Room Only tickets are $27 in advance; $30 day of show. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Friday the 13th Special Edition Creepy Crawl Haunted Pub Tour
A special Friday the 13th edition of the Creepy Crawl Haunted Pub Tour is an after dark tour on one of the most “active” days of the year for spirited encounters. Your guide will be discussing the legends associated with Friday the 13th while exploring the hauntings in the ancient city. Many of the bars and taverns of St. Augustine have actually had numerous paranormal occurrences. Tickets are $17 per person  (21+ up only). Reservations required. Located at 4 Granada Street. Contact City Walks at (904) 825-0087 or visit www.staugcitywalks.com.

Friday – Saturday: February 13 & 14

Artist Peter Max at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach
Meet artist legend Peter Max and view a newly-curated collection of his work at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. Peter Max meets the public from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday and from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday. This weekend presentation also showcases the “Love” suites, a tribute to Max’s image of love and romance for Valentine’s Day. Admission is free, but RSVP are required. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Friday – Sunday: February 13 – 15

26.2 With Donna:  The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer
Donna Deegan’s famous National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer begins at 7:30 a.m. from 200 ATP Tour Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach. The Full Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay all begin from the same location. The route winds through four beautiful beach communities on historic coastal A1A, over the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (just once!) on Butler Blvd., and finishes at Mayo Clinic. www.floridashistoriccoast.com

Humpback Whales, IMAX Documentary Film
The documentary film “Humpback Whales 3D” opens at The IMAX Theater at World Golf Hall of Fame. An extraordinary journey into the mysterious world on one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals, Humpback Whales takes audiences to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Kingdom of Tonga for an immersive look at how whales communicate, sing, feed, play and take care of their young. This IMAX theater features the largest 3D screen in the Southeast. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com or call (904) 940-4123. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

Saturday:  February 14

GTM Reserve Guided Trail Hike
Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. for a 1.5 mile guided walk through the Guana Trail. After the walk, visit the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center (EEC). There is a $3 parking fee. Located at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500 or visit www.gtmnerr.org.

Flight to Freedom
Every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors will be taken on a guided walk along the freedom trail to experience what it was like for the hundreds of slaves who traveled to Fort Mose in search of freedom from the British. The event is free and will feature food, cooking demonstrations and historical weapons demonstrations. There is a $2 charge to view the museum. Located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 823-2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.

City Walks Pet Friendly Tours
Bring Fido to join City Walks for a free Pet Friendly Tour of St. Augustine’s Historic District. The tour departs at 10 a.m. from Tour Saint Augustine’s office. Pets must be leashed, and reservations are required. Located at 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 825-0087 or visit www.staugcitywalks.com.

6th Annual All American Air Table Tennis Classic
Enjoy competitive table tennis, cocktails, dinner and dancing at this charitable event benefitting Habitat for Humanity and Home Again St. Johns. The competition is 4-9:30 p.m. and cocktails, dinner and dancing to Billy Buchanan and the Free Avenue Band is 6:30 p.m. – midnight. It all takes place at the beautiful River House. Attire is classic cocktail. Tickets are $125 each. Located at 179 Marine St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 881-1167 or visit www.aaacharitablefoundation.org.

Saturday & Sunday: February 14 & 15

Arts and Crafts Festival at St. Augustine Beach Pier
This seaside display of fine art and crafts along with live music and lots of great food takes place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. Admission is free. Located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For more information, call 352-344-0657 or visit www.tnteventsinc.com.

Monday: February 16 

Free Day at Castillo de San Marcos with Unsung Heroes and Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”
Join Ms. Bernadette Reeves and members of the local African American community as they present an artistically creative tribute to several of the area’s most prominent African American men and women who have contributed greatly to the ongoing struggle for dignity, respect and racial equality. The prideful presentation will incorporate music, dance and spoken word to pay homage to these great unsung heroes. The events happens at 10a.m., noon, 2 & 4 p.m. at the Castillo de San Marcos. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. there will be a special recitation of President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” by Janiya Jackson of West Augustine’s Kids Safe Zone. Admission for this day is free. Located at 1 South Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.nps.gov

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.