This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday: February 23 – March 1

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 through July 2015 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.

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.

Humpback Whales, IMAX Documentary Film
The documentary film “Humpback Whales 3D” plays through May 31 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.

Figures and Faces Exhibit
The St. Augustine Art Association presents it annual figurative exhibit, “Figures and Faces.” This juried show, which runs through March 1, includes work in various styles from artists from across the region who will compete for cash prizes, including the prestigious Carl Steinsleck Award for Best Figure Drawing. Admission is free. Gallery hours are noon – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 2-5 p.m. Sundays. Located at 22 Marine St. St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org. 

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 23 – 28

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. For more information, call (904) 826-8530 or visit www.reridinghistory.org.

Tuesday – Saturday:  February 24 – 28

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 through April 30. 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.

Wednesday:  February 25

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.

Inlet and Beach Walk
Guides from the National Park Service and the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Estuarine Research Reserve lead a walk around the Matanzas Inlet. See seashells and seabirds and learn about coquina stone, dune vegetation, heavy minerals, mollusks, the cool habitat of crabs and much more. The tour starts at 8:45 a.m. at the parking lot on the west side of A1A, just north of the Matanzas Inlet Bridge. The tour is free, but reservations are requested. Call (904) 823-4500.

Thursday: February 26

Leo Kottke at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Inventive Twelve-String Acoustic Guitarist Leo Kottke will perform at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.  Kottke, whose influences are drawn from blues, jazz, folk music, and for syncopated, polyphonic melodies, has released over 40 albums throughout his musical career and earned two GRAMMY nominations. Admission is $42 for the front 6 row seats; all remaining seats are $32. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0399 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Friday: February 27

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 – 10:30 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. For more information, call 386-446-6780 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/Washington-Oaks.

Traveling through Time for your Favorite Sweet Treat! La Florida Revisited
A benefit for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of St. Johns County. Chocolate & Beyond, takes place from 6 – 9 p.m. at The World Golf Hall of Fame Shell Hall. Admission is $75 per person or 2 for $135. This party will include tastings, an auction, prizes and more. Located at 1 World Golf Pl., St. Augustine. Call (904) 547-3945 or visit rsvpstjohns.com.

The Doobie Brothers and Special Guest The Marshall Tucker Band
Four-time Grammy winning band The Doobie Brothers with special guest The Marshall Tucker Band open the St. Augustine Amphitheatre 2015 concert season at 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.). The Doobie Brothers’ propulsive roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven style has sold more than 30 million albums. Their number one singles “Black Water” (1974) and “What a Fool Believes (1979) lead an indelible catalog of songs. The Marshall Tucker Band has earned seven gold and three platinum albums. Their Southern Rock icons singles include “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Can’t You See”. Tickets range from $39.50 – $79.50. Located at 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com.

Friday – Sunday: February 27 – March 1

30th Annual Cathedral Festival
One of the area’s largest festivals features midway rides, games, bingo, a silent auction, mouthwatering food, beverages, a fireworks show and favorite local bands playing each day. The festival takes place at the Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Avenue from 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Fireworks go off Saturday night at 9 p.m. See website for entertainment schedules. Admission for festival grounds is adults $5; children 11-17 and adults 65+ $3; children under 10 and active duty military are admitted free. Tickets for rides are $1 each (most rides take 4 – 6 tickets).  thecathedralfestival.com

‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead’
Experience a “behind-the-scenes” look at Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with a comic and existential twist in this Tony Award-winning play by Tom Stoppard. This modern classic is presented by the Flagler College Theatre Arts Department in conjunction with the St. Johns County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School. Performances take place at Flagler’s Lewis Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 & 28 and at 2 p.m. on March 1. Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for students. Located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 826-8600.

Saturday:  February 28

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

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. For more information, call (904) 823-4500.

Children’s Nature Program “Little Nature Nuts”
Join Park Rangers at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park as we prepare for Spring. Children will have the opportunity to make kites and bird feeders, along with other arts and crafts. Explore nature, bring a picnic lunch and play on the playground in the picnic/pavilion area from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 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. For more information, call 386-446-6780 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/Washington-Oaks.

World Sword Swallower’s Day at Ripley‘s
Celebrate the 8th Annual World Sword Swallower’s Day at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in St. Augustine. Death-defying sword swallowers begin performing at 2 p.m. and at 2:28 p.m. an official worldwide “swallow” takes place. The free sword swallowing performances occur outside the museum. Regular admission is required to tour the Odditorium. Located at 19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-1606.

22nd Annual RSVP Chocolate and Beyond
Savor a parade of chocolate delicacies from many of the area’s finest restaurants and specialty shops at this annual event hosted by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of St. Johns County. The event is from 2 – 4 p.m. at the First Coast Technical College. Tickets are $10 per person (includes 8 tasting tickets; additional tickets $1 each). Located at Bldg. C, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 547-3945 or visit rsvpstjohns.com.

Uptown Saturday Night
From 5 – 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 Ave., between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios.  

Noche de Gala Procession
Led by the 16th-century dressed reenactors, this annual procession is a colorful band of soldiers, musicians, actors, singers, artists and cabuzedos (giant paper mache heads), many waving red and gold pennants or banners depicting the provinces of Spain. The procession which is part of the celebration of St. Augustine’s founder, Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ 496th birthday starts at the Visitor Information Center at 5 p.m. and winds down St. George Street and around the Plaza de la Constitución. Shouts of “Viva Menendez!” “Viva St. Augustine!” and “Viva Spain!” will ring out to the gathered crowd as to announce the birthday of Menéndez. For more information visit staugustine-450.com.

Winter Cocktail Classes
Hands-on workshops at the St. Augustine Distillery instruct and inspire participants to greater bartending skills and knowledge. Each class is 90 minutes in length and includes a welcome cocktail, light snacks, expert instruction, and ingredients to make the perfect cocktail. The 6:30 p.m. Cocktails 201 classes develop the confidence needed to create custom cocktails “off the cuff” with an emphasis on creativity. The 8 p.m. Winter Farm to Glass classes emphasize bartending basics and how to get inspired by fresh, in-season ingredients. Classes are $35 each. Call (904) 825-1963, for reservations. Located at 112 Riberia St., St. Augustine. staugustinedistillery.com.

Noche de Gala
This special evening celebrates the 496th birthday of Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés – the founder of the City of St. Augustine. The sixteenth century masked ball, Noche de Gala, features a cocktail reception and a four-course dinner. Guests will be entertained by a full troupe of 16th century revelers performing in the pool floor area. An open bar and dancing to a live band completes the festivities. Gala attire is black tie or 16th century costume. Noche de Gala takes place from 6:30 p.m. – midnight in the Lightner Museum Ballroom, 75 King Street. Tickets are $195 per person. All proceeds go toward the restoration of Lightner Museum. Reservations are required. Located at 75 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 825-1053 or visit staugustine-450.com.

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 call 1-800-653-2489.