This Week in St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra

April 8, 2014

Monday – Sunday : April 8 – 13

Jerusalem at the IMAX Theater - The documentary film “Jerusalem” plays each day through May 30 at The IMAX Theater at World Golf Hall of Fame. This film explores how this small city became such a pivotal part of human history. Jerusalem is home to some of the most sacred sites in the world for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. 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 show times. One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfimax.com

Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience - Journey: 450 Years of the African American Experience covers the long and storied history of African-Americans in St. Augustine. The story of African-Americans begins in St. Augustine with the first Africans both free and slave among founding colonists in 1565. The exhibition is designed for cultural and heritage visitors interested in the full history of America and its beginnings and comprises four themes: Genesis of the African-American Experience; Fortress of Freedom; Breaking the Chains; and Crossroads of Change. Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for youth 7-12; under 7 free. Free admission for military in uniform. Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.Journey2014.com

El Galeón Tour - Tour a full-sized replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon. Docked at the St. Augustine City Marina, El Galeón Andalucia is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. Built in Spain, 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 beginning at 10 a.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adult; $8 for youth. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-1606

“The Colors of Spring” Exhibit - Lost Art Gallery features the colorful works of Darwin Chaves. Rainbows are the pallet of this Peruvian-born artist. Rich in color and texture, Chavez paints his favorite beach scenes, streetscapes and gardens in acrylic on canvas. Through April 30. 210 St. George St., St. Augustine. 904-827-9800 www.lostartgallery.com

Spring Members Show – The St. Augustine Art Association’s Annual Spring Members Show features a broad array of artistic styles, media and subjects. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org

For a complete list of eco/kayak, food, and history tours, and other special tours taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast this week, visit Florida’sHistoricCoast.com/events

Tuesday: April 8

Navigating by Sail – Join St. Augustine Lighthouse historians aboard the Schooner Freedom for a two-hour cruise and discussion of how waterways influenced the history and settlement of St. Augustine. Sit back and relax, enjoy the sun or help the crew set sail. The cruise departs the St. Augustine City Marina at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum plus complimentary soda, water, beer and wine. Tickets must be purchased through www.staugustinelighthouse.com 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com

ROMANZA Gathering – Dennis Fermin of Fermin Spanish Guitar will be the entertainment and speaker at the ROMANZA Gathering from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Columbia Restaurant. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by the Columbia and a cash bar. 98 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.romanzafestivale.com www.ferminspanishguitar.com

Tale Tellers of St. Augustine: Hawaii Calls – Legends, folklore and songs of the Hawaiian Islands presented by the Tale Tellers of St. Augustine at the Limelight Studio Theatre. General admission is $10 (group rates available). The program begins at 7:30 p.m. 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine. 904-471-0179. taletellers.org

Wednesday: April 9

Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market - Farmers’ Market located at the ocean-side 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. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.com

A Coquina Rock Beach Walk – From 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., explore the second largest outcropping of coquina rock on the Atlantic Coast with a park volunteer at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. 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. 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. 386-446-6780 www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks

Thursday: April 10

Celeste Roberge Artist Talk at Flagler College – Sculptor Celeste Roberge will discuss her exhibition “Ocean Floors” at 7 p.m. in the Gamache-Koger Theater in the Ringhaver Student Center. Her “Ocean Floors” exhibit is on display in the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum through April 19. Admission is free. 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. 904-826-8530 http://readme.readmedia.com/Crisp-Ellert-Art-Museum-presents-Celeste-Roberge-Ocean-Floors/8220732

“Evenings at Whitney” 2nd Thursday Monthly Lecture – At 7 p.m. at The Whitney Lab Lohman Auditorium at Marineland, Christine D. Schmidt, Ph.D., Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, presents her lecture entitled “Regrowing Your Body Parts.” The program is free. 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine. 904-461-4000 www.whitney.ufl.edu

Thursday through Sunday: April 10 – 13

Masters Weekend at the World Golf Hall of Fame – Celebrate the Masters Tournament with a visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Enjoy photo opportunities with the Hall’s Masters Trophy, go on a special scavenger hunt and watch the broadcast during regular museum hours. The World Golf Hall of Fame is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the Hall of Fame is $19.50 adults; $18.50 seniors; $10 for students age 13 and over; and $5 for children ages 5-12. One World Golf Place, off I-95 exit 323, St. Augustine. 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Friday: April 11

Farmers Market at World Golf Village – The World Golf Village Associates hosts a series of farmers markets along the Walk of Champions. Local vendors from North Florida offer fresh produce and other items. The market will be open from 3 – 7 p.m. 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Fins & Freedom Sail – The tall ship Schooner Freedom and dolphin experts from Marineland are partnering up for a one-of-a-kind sailing experience. Come on board, help raise sails, and then kick back and relax while educators and trainers from the world’s first oceanarium talk about dolphins. Tickets for the sail, including admission to Marineland, are $50 per person (complimentary soda, water, beer and wine are included). Reservations suggested for this 2:15 p.m. departure time. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com

Blind Boys of Alabama – The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosts Blind Boys of Alabama, a contemporary musical inspiration from America’s gospel past, at 8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) During the last 10 years, they have won five Grammys; were honored in 2009 with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; won four Gospel Music Awards; and received multiple invitations to sing at the White House. Tickets are $40 & $45. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

Saturday: April 12

Old City Farmer’s 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. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. 904-471-3733

GTM Reserve Guided Trail Hike – Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for a 1.5 mile guided walk along the Guana Trail. After the walk, visit the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center. There is a $3 parking fee. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr2ndtrailhike.eventbrite.com/

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. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-825-0087 www.staugustinecitywalks.com

Changing of the Guard Ceremony - At 6:30 p.m., St. Augustine’s Spanish Garrison conducts a 1740 Changing of the Guard Ceremony in the city’s Plaza de la Constitucion. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., with two groups of soldiers marching from the Spanish Bakery — one heads north on St. George Street to the City Gate and the other group comes south on the street to the Government House where they will demonstrate Spanish military arts and explain the purpose of the Changing of the Guard. At 6:15 p.m., after greeting the public at the City Gate, the second group of soldiers march down St. George Street to join their comrades at the Government House where the Changing of the Guard, complete with a volley of musketry, will be performed. The Garrison will then march back to the Spanish Bakery. St. George St. and Government House on the Plaza, St. Augustine.

http://historic-florida-militia.org/upcoming-events

Dierks Bentley Concert – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosts country music star Dierks Bentley. With 10 No. 1 songs and 11 Grammy nominations, Dierks Bentley has become one of country music’s most popular performers. Frankie Ballard (Helluva Life) and the Brothers Osborne are the opening acts. Tickets range from $46.50 – $62.50. The concert starts at 7 p.m. (gates open 5:30 p.m.) 1340 A1A South St. Augustine. 904-209-0367 www.staugamphitheatre.com

Saturday & Sunday: April 12 & 13

19th Annual Flower & Garden Expo - Growers, educational seminars, nurseries and artisans from around the state offer gardeners everything they need to make spring bloom. Admission is $5 (which is good for both days) and children under 11 are admitted free. The Expo takes place Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center. Expo patrons can use their Expo pass for discounts to local attractions and for free admission to A Taste of St. Augustine on April 26. 3125 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine (off State Road 16) 904-829-3295 www.epiccommunityservices.org

Old Town Art Show – Celebrate spring at this juried art and fine craft show featuring outstanding artists and craftsmen from St. Augustine and around the country. Features the very best from exquisite jewelry to funky and functional pottery, abstract sculpture to glistening glass, hand-woven fashions to stunning photography, extraordinary paintings to wonderful wood carvings – and much more! Show hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days at Francis Field. Free admission. 25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. 904-794-0084 email lynn@holidayartshows.comwww.OldTownArtShow.com

Sunday: April 13

Lincolnville Farmers Market – Eddie Vickers Park hosts this farmer’s market with farm-fresh vegetables, meats/fish, cheese, bread, treats, arts & crafts, prepared food, jewelry, picnic areas, playground and more! Live music by The House Cats. Every Sunday from noon – 4 p.m. 399 Riberia St., St. Augustine. www.facebook.com/lincolnvillefarmersmarket

Blessing of the Fleet – In an annual event dating back to St. Augustine’s earliest history, watercraft from trawlers and yachts to sailboats and motor craft – all decorated with flags and bunting –receive this special blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. The ceremony begins at noon with a procession from the Cathedral Basilica along the Plaza de La Constitucion to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. 904-824-9725 www.sayc2000.com

Third Annual Tour de Farm – From noon to 5 p.m., tour local farms and meet the chefs and artisans who are committed to using locally-grown ingredients. Hosted by the non-profit Slow Food First Coast, participants can select from a planned tour or design their own route — more than 20 farms are available for tours. A $5 donation gets access to all of the farms. Admission is free to children age 17 and under. For complete details, go to www.slowfoodfirstcoast.org

Plaza Stroll Historic Walking Tour – Experience St. Augustine City Walks’ one-hour, guided walking tour of the beautiful monuments in the city’s historic Plaza de la Constitucion. It’s the perfect way to learn about all of the cultural influences that have left their mark here, including explorers, entrepreneurs and famous personalities. The free tour departs at 4 p.m. from the Tour St. Augustine office, 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. Reservations required 904-825-0087 www.StAugustineCityWalks.com

The Zombies Concert – One of the few English bands that enjoyed worldwide popularity during the 1960′s, The Zombies (Time of the Season; She’s Not There; Tell Her No) perform at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Ponte Vedra Beach. The concert begins at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Tickets are $49.50 and $59.50. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

Local Resident Specials

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, Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience Exhibit, and the Hotel Ponce de Leon Legacy Tours at Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery 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 a current list of Florida resident specials, Mid-week vacation packages and other Hot Deals on Florida’s Historic Coast, visit www.floridashistoriccoast.com/listings/deals.

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489.

To submit events to be included on the VCB Events calendar and website, please submit details to