This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Monday: May 18 – 25

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.

Tapestry:  The Cultural Threads of First America
This signature St. Augustine 450th Commemoration exhibition shares the story of how three intertwining cultures – Hispanics, Africans and Native Americans – came together to form the foundation of American culture and create the blended society of today’s St. Augustine. This state-of-the-art exhibition features authentic objects, original documents and interactive elements. The exhibition anchors a citywide passport program that connects visitors, residents and students with important historical sites and programs throughout St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Free admission. Located at the Visitor Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, call (904) 825-1000 or visit staugustine-450.com.

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:  May 18

Privateers and Pirates Set Sail
Set sail on the tall ship Schooner Freedom and learn about the privateers and pirates that would have sailed the waters of St. Augustine and the coast of Florida. The captain and crew will be joined by an educator from the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum for a fun, hands-on sailing experience. Help hoist the sails, hear some amazing tales, see artifacts, all while sailing on a real tall ship! Once you disembark the ship, your ticket includes admission into the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. Tickets are $50 per person, $30 ages16 and under (complimentary soda, water, beer and wine are included). Reservations are suggested for this 2:15 p.m. departure time and returns at 4:15 p.m. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. For more information, call (904) 810-1010 or visit www.schoonerfreedom.com.

Monday – Friday:  May 18 – 22

Laird: The Series of Cphace Exhibition
The images in the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach newest exhibition, Laird: The Cphace Images depict natural phenomena such as glaciers, rainforests, plantations, botanical gardens, swamps, reefs, mud flats and coral landscapes. The images are captured with a converted camera that records infrared waves of the electromagnetic light spectrum that are invisible to the naked area. This exhibit will be on display through May and is open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 280-0614 x205 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Tuesday:  May 19

GTM Research Reserve Marineland Lecture
This lecture series is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Marineland Field Office. The series is designed to inform the public about their coastal natural world. The lectures are free so space is limited and reservations are requested. Located at 9741 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland. For more information, call (904) 823-4500 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tuesday – Sunday:  May 19 – 24

St. Augustine Art Association’s Iconic St. Augustine
On exhibit through June 1, this show honors the work of the most revered artists spanning decades in this historic gallery-wide exhibition that underscores the artistic traditions of America’s oldest city. This exhibit includes selected pieces from the Association’s permanent collection and noted area collectors. 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:  May 20

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. 

Music by the Sea
Every Wednesday evening through October 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. Music by the Sea live concerts takes place in the beautiful oceanfront setting at the St. Johns County Pier Park. This week’s performer is Sam Rodriquez Project playing Jazz and Motown. Dinners priced $10 or less from The Raintree Restaurant are available on site. Located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St Augustine Beach. www.thecivicassociation.org

Wednesday – Monday:  May 20 – 25

Tomorrowland at the IMAX Theater
The World Golf IMAX Theater presents a two-time Oscar winner from Disney — Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland” starring George Clooney. A  former boy-genius and a bright, optimistic teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tommorrowland.” Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for show times. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfimax.com.

Thursday: May 21

Steve Earle & The Dukes with Special Guest The Mastersons
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall welcomes venerable roots rocker Steve Earle and his band The Dukes with special guest The Mastersons at 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.). Steve Earle minded the rich veins of American roots music from country to rock ‘n roll, folk and rockability with 16 studio albums. The Mastersons are Austin-based husband-and-wife duo Chris Masterson (vocals, guitar) and Eleanor Whitmore (vocals, violin and guitar). Tickets are $59.50 for the first 10 rows and $49.50 for all remaining rows. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-3758 or visit www.pvconcerthall.com.

Friday & Saturday: May 22 & 23

16th Annual Riding Into History
For the 16th straight year, Riding Into History, a world class Vintage Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance, returns to World Golf Village in St. Augustine. The event features hundreds of classic American motorcycles along the Village’s Walk of Champions. Vendors, exhibitors and entertainment will be included. The gates to the event open each day at 10 a.m. Admission is $10. All proceeds will benefit Wounded Warrior Project. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. www.ridingintohistory.org.

Foxy Lady Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a delicious catered dinner from O.C. White’s restaurant while cruising the beautiful waters of Matanzas Bay aboard the Foxy Lady. The boat features two climate-controlled salons, two cash bars and a mouth-watering desserts section. This special cruise is 6 – 8:30 p.m. and is priced at $59.95 per person. The cruise departs from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Reservations are required prior to 3 p.m. each day. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. For more information, call (904) 398-9553 or visit www.foxyladycruises.com.

Friday – Monday: May 22 & 25

43rd Annual National Beach Paddle Tennis Tournament
More than 100 men and women from California, New York, the Carolinas, Virginia and Florida compete for top honors in seven divisions — $1000 in prize money awarded to winning teams in the top pro divisions. Entry fee for amateurs is $45 per player and includes tournament shirt and admission to parties. The main beach venue is Butler Beach, eight miles south of St. Augustine on A1A. For more information, call 800-727-4656 or email paddletennissa@gmail.com.

Schooner Freedom Memorial Day Sails
Make Memorial Day even more memorable with a cruise aboard St. Augustine’s premier tall ship, the Schooner Freedom. The sails on the Matanzas River casts off at 12:15 p.m. (1.5 hour sail) $25 adults, $10 kids;  2:15 p.m. (2-hour sail) $35 for adults, $25 for kids; the Sunset Sail departs at 6:15 p.m. (2-hour sail) $45 per person;  8:45 p.m. (2.5 hour sail) $35 per person. All depart from the City Marina. Pack a picnic or bring dessert. Complimentary beer, wine, soda and water included. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. For more information, call (904) 810-1010 or visit www.schoonerfreedom.com.

Galapagos 3D at The IMAX Theater
The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater will show Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland” a story of discovery, of survival against the odds, and of the nature’s ingenuity, all brought to life in stunning 3D. Adult tickets are $8.50; Student/seniors/military $7.50 and Children 3 -12 are $6.00. Visit the website for show times. For more information, call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfimax.com.

Saturday:  May 23

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.

Musket Firing Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
Reenactors fire flintlock muskets at Fort Matanzas National Monument 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from the island. Fort Matanzas is located at 8635 A1A, 15 miles south of St. Augustine. Visit www.nps.gov or call (904) 471-0116.

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.

Sunday:  May 24

BOSTON Concert
The legendary rock group BOSTON returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for a special 7:30 p.m. performance (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).  The iconic classic rock fixture, BOSTON has sold more than 31 million albums and their hits such as More Than a Feeling, Peace of Mind and Smokin’ continue in heavy rotation today. Fans will hear all the classic songs they have grown to love and be treated to some new additions while experiencing the band’s unique visual presentation and plenty of extra-terrestrial sounds heard nowhere else on Earth. Tickets are $125 each for the Gold Circle (first 3 rows); $99.50 remaining Seated Pit; $69.50 Level 100; $59.50 Level 200; $39.50 Level 300 and Obstructed View. Located at 1340 A1A South St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com.

Joe Bachman and the Tailgaters perform at Colonial Quarter
Nashville recording artist Joe Bachman and the Tailgaters will grace the stage under the Colonial Oak at 8 p.m. (gates open at 7 p.m.). Bachman performs a laid-back, easy-on-the-ears, atypical country style music. Tickets are $5 and will be sold the day of show at the Colonial Quarter entrance. Located at 334 St. George Street. www.colonialquarter.com

Monday:  May 25

Memorial Day Observance
The Ancient City Chapter of the Military Officers Association of American and the Florida National Guard will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery on Marine St., south of the St. Francis Barracks, beginning at 10 a.m.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees are invited to proceed to the Central Plaza for a brief ceremony to dedicate the addition of two bronze plaques to the Pilots Club War Memorial. These plaques contain the names of those from St. Johns County who gave their lives serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Located at 104 Marine St., St. Augustine.  

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. Every Thursday admission to the First Colony Exhibit at the Government House is also free to SJC residents. 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.