Things to do this weekend in the historic city

St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys informed Historic City News that St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year. The Lighthouse is now open until 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through mid-August.

Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.

Friday and Saturday: August 12 & 13

FULL MOON CRUISE
Take a romantic cruise across Matanzas Bay beneath the glow of a full moon. Tickets for this unforgettable voyage aboard the Schooner Freedom are only $35 and include refreshments and live music. The Freedom departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 8:45 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m. For reservations, call 904.810.1010.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: August 12-14

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 CREPES CAFÉ
Enjoy delicious crepes in an Old World setting while experiencing great live music all weekend. Friday from 7-11 p.m., enjoy the smooth vocals, guitar and harmonica of Wendy Kissinger; Saturday from 7-11 p.m. it’s Maja & Gitana,the dynamic duet blending violin and acoustic guitar while singing Latin, Gypsy and Jazz music and Sunday it’s the Groov Band from 6-9 p.m. Sara’s Crepes Café is located at 100 St. George Street on the corner of Hypolita and Spanish Streets in St. Augustine. 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.

Saturday: August 13

EXPLORE THE MATANZAS RIVER
Hop on a relaxing and stable 27-foot catamaran for a fascinating exploration of the waters bordering St. Augustine. This two-hour journey provides plenty of opportunities for watching dolphins or getting a chance to take the wheel. $40/adults, $30/kids. For reservations and sailing times, call St. Augustine Eco Tours at 904.377.7245.

ORIENTEERING FESTIVAL AT FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Bring the family to have a fun day learning how to navigate through the Florida wilderness. Open to all ages and levels of experience, this trail-hiking program is a light competition with different skill level trails (one, two and three mile courses). The Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florida Agricultural Museum, located at 7900 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast. Admission is $2 per person and map fees are $4 per group. Compasses are available for rent. For more information, call 386.446.7630, or visit www.myagmuseum.com.

SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR
Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – the top of the Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 904.829.0745 or visit www.StAugustineLighthouse.com.

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE
Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904.824.8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

SUNDAY: August 14

MURDER IN THE OLDE CITY
St. Augustine’s Raintree Restaurant and the Limelight Theatre are teaming up to bring patrons the acclaimed murder mystery, “Murder in the Olde City”! Set in 1880’s St. Augustine, this powerful tale of murder, scandal, love, and deceit is presented in an entertaining ‘you are there’ style of staging. Based on a true story of love, hate, and revenge in the year 1886, and told with a seamless combination of history, theatre, and storytelling, the audience becomes the jury! Featuring a sumptuous sit-down dinner and professional performers in full period attire, this promises to be the hit of the season! Tickets are $35 per person all inclusive, with adult beverages also served separately. Dinner will be served at the Raintree Restaurant (102 San Marco Avenue) at 7 p.m. with the show to follow at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Limelight Theatre (11 Old Mission Avenue). Please call 904.825.1164 for reservations, or 904.347.5103 for more information.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer