The event location is SeaWalk Pavilion right on Jacksonville Beach, which is a perfect location for this type of festival. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues all day until 10: 00 p.m at night. Let’s hope for nice warm weather this weekend!

Another great plus that I need to mention is that this is a free festival. That’s right, there is no fee for admission. Just come to as you are to Seawalk Pavilion and hang out for 10 hours of non-stop live music by national recording artists and regional touring bands.  The performances vary from performing rock, blues, Americana, and newgrass sounds.

In addition to the non-stop music, the festival food court serves up a smorgasbord of fresh Florida Seafood anyway you like it – blackened, grilled, steamed… pick your favorite.  For those who are not fond of seafood (believe it or not, there are people like that), there’s other foods as well. And there are  ice cold beverages to quench that salty thirst.

When you get tired of the music or need a break, head over to The Festival Market. Here you’ll find unique and interesting original arts, crafts and more. There’s also lot of fun, friendly, family rides, games and activities for the kids. So bring the whole family!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
12:30 p.m. Saltwater Grass
2:00 p.m. Chroma
3:30 p.m. Yankee Slickers
5:00 p.m. The Sarah Mac Band
6:15 p.m. kLob
7:30 p.m. Anders Osborne

For more information about the festival, visit City of Jacksonville Beach website.

You'll have the best view on the coast from the lighthouse!

St Augustine has one of most beautiful lighthouses on the coast. It’s black and red silhouette is a known landmark. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit, once of the best times is of course during the annual Lighthouse Festival.

This year it’s the 8th Annual Festival, the event takes place on Saturday, March 20, 2010. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum offers free admission to the tower, the museum and the grounds during the festival.

This is a great event for both children and adults. There is always special games and crafts for children, great food, pony rides, and archaeological activities. Children can even buy, build and sail their own model boat in the pond, which is always a popular activity.

The Michelob Ultra Twilight 5K Run starts at 4:30 p.m. on the road in front of the Keeper’s House.

About 8,000+ visitors show up for the festival throughout the day, so plan to come early and stay for a while. Free parking will be available at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (which is probably your best bet for parking) and there is a shuttle that will take you from there to the festival. Paid event parking will also be available at the Lighthouse & Museum.

For more information call (904) 829-0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com

Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba

Unique co-bills and original productions are staged in intimate venues throughout Savannah, Georgia, during the festival which continues through April 3rd. This is one of Savannah’s most popular festivals.

Some of the highlights in this year’s festival is violinist Daniel Hope’s Sensations chamber music series (this year featuring newcomers Mark O’Connor, Jeffrey Kahane, Gabriela Montero and Gautier Capuçon), the Savannah Jazz Party series with Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Henry Butler, Gerald Clayton, Dick Hyman and others, Bill Frisell’s Trio playing two nights alongside Malian powerhouse Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, the Del McCoury Band, Nicole Cabell, Wilco, Kristina Train, Yefim Bronfman, She & Him (featuring M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel), Ruthie Foster, Renaud Garcia-Fons, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and the debut of the all-new Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band with The Wood Brothers opening.

Below is a video of an “unplugged” performance with Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba on a roof top in Timbuktu

For a complete schedule or to order tickets visit www.savannahmusicfestival.org or call 912-525-5050.

Charleston Fashion Week is a five night multimedia event celebrating design and retail. Come catch the action under the tents in Marion Square. The event showcases more than 30 runway shows, live entertainment, celebrity designers, rock and of course the popular Runway Modeling Competition.

Project Runway’s finalist Carol Hannah Whitfield and Mychael Knight will both be debuting collections. Other CFW alum, featured designers, and celebrity judges to return to the tents in Marion Square this spring include: designer Cynthia Rowley, ELLE magazine’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, Project Runway’s Gordana Gehlhausen,and 2009 Emerging Designer Competition winner Marysia Reeves, whose Spring/Summer 2010 line has been picked up by Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

Set for March 16-20, the highly anticipated five-night multimedia event
celebrates the regions flourishing design and retail communities.

The premier fashion event also includes the first annual Rock the Runway competition in which the top models compete to win a fashion spread, modeling contract, and the opportunity to appear before the top modeling scouts in the country. With a cast of celebrity designers in attendance, live entertainment, chic after parties, on-site shopping in the Style Lounge, more than 30 retail runway shows, plus an afternoon of Bridal Couture, Charleston Fashion Week® is ready to prove why “Glam Rocks!” for 2010.

Named a Top 20 Event for March by the Southeast Tourism Society, Charleston Fashion Week will also feature the Style Lounge, the Catwalk for Kids auction and luncheon and the Bridal Couture Show. I also have to point out one special event that sounds like a lot of fun, at least for spectators is the Stiletto Stampede – a wacky 100 yard dash in high heels, this is a sight you don’t want to miss!

Call Etix at 1800-514-ETIX or visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com. for more information.

Read our previous post about Charleston Fashion Week

Come out and do your part and help collect litter and debris. The clean up will take place in several different locations across the Jacksonville area. At each location site captains will be on hand to register volunteers and hand out trash bags, gloves and tickets.

Your tickets can then be redeemed for refreshments and t-shirts from
noon – 2 p.m. at Metropolitan Park downtown Jacksonville, while supplies last.

Students can receive community service hour certificates.
Scouts may earn badges for two volunteer hours at the cleanup.
While supplies last. Pre-registration is not required.

Volunteers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

To learn more, call Keep Jacksonville Beautiful at (904) 630-3420
or visit www.coj.net

St. Johns River Celebration 2010 Cleanup Sites

Click here to view a map of the 2010 sites

 Urban
o Warren W. Schell Jr. Memorial Park, 510 W. Sixth St. (32206)
o Henry J. Klutho Park, 635 Third St. (32206)
Parking and sign in at 1200 Blk. Boulevard & 100 Blk. 2nd. Street

 Arlington/Beaches
o Blue Cypress Park, 4012 University Blvd. N. (32277)
o Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Road (32223)
(Volunteers must check in at park gate by 9:30 a.m. to participate at this site.)
o Helen Cooper Floyd Park (formerly Little Jetties), 3600 S.R. A1A
(32233)

 Riverside
o Yacht Basin Park, 2941 St. Johns Ave. (32205)

 Westside
oTillie Fowler Regional Park, 7000 Roosevelt Blvd. (32244)

 Southeast
o Hood Landing Boat Ramp, 12925 Hood Landing Road (32223)
o Burnett Park, 3740 Burnett Park Road (32257)
o Goody’s Creek Boat Ramp, 9145 San Jose Blvd. (32257)
o River Oaks Park, 1000 River Oaks Road
o All Wet Sports/Beach Boulevard Boat Ramp, 8508 Beach Blvd.
A personal kayak, canoe or boat is required for this site. Participants use water vessels at their own risk.

 Southwest
o Azalea Creek/Boone Park, 3700 Park St. (32205)
o Fishweir Creek, 4000 block of St. Johns Avenue
o Ringhaver Park, 5198 118th St. (32244)
o Wayne B. Stevens Boat Ramp, 4555 Ortega Farms Blvd. (32210)

 Northeast
o Rolliston Park, 7505 Rolliston Road (32208)
o Huguenot Memorial Park, 10980 Hecksher Drive (32226)

 Northwest
o Harborview Boat Ramp, (north side Ribault River) 4100 Harborview Drive (32208)
o T. K. Stokes Boat Ramp, 2120 Riverview St. (32208)
o Henry L. Brown Kooker Park, 1400 East 20th Street (32206)
o Hollybrook Park, 2805 McCoys Creek Blvd. (32254) (volunteers sign in at basketball court)

 North
o Oceanway Community Center and Park, 12215 Sago Ave. (32218)
exception: cleanup 9-11am
o North Shore Park, 7901 Pearl St. (32208)

Blast off with the Atlantis STS-125 crew to experience Hubble’s awe-inspiring imagery and also to witness some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed. Through the power of IMAX, Hubble will enable viewers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.

Look into the Hubble Space Telescope
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film will offer an inspiring and unique look into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and highlight its profound impact on the way we view the universe and ourselves. Hubble is an IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures production, in cooperation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The film is recommended for general audiences and has a running time of 43 minutes.

Glow-in-the-dark Golf, Dinner and the movie
The adventure begins on Friday March 19, 2010, with an “Out-of-this-World VIP Dinner and Movie Package” featuring a dinner buffet at Fairways Café from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The package includes glow-in-the-dark golf at the Hall of Fame’s 18-hole putting course from 7:15 to 8 p.m., authentic meteorite fragments for each guest and chances to win prizes including lunch with an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center and a star registry kit. The feature presentation, Hubble, will be shown at 8:15 p.m. VIP tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children ages four through 12 and may be purchased by calling (904) 940-4118. General admission tickets for the 8:15 p.m. show are also available for purchase.

NASA flight suit Photo Op and More
The following day, Saturday, March 20, families can enjoy a variety of activities around the new film from noon to 3 p.m. including photo opportunities with a NASA flight suit, NASA items on display, courtesy of Kennedy Space Center, a bounce house, Cold Stone Creamery samples and an assortment of giveaways. Guests also can enjoy the theater’s “Cosmic Combo” which offers $2 off a large popcorn and drink. Hubble will run at noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday.

For tickets and show times, call (904) 940-IMAX or visit www.WorldGolfIMAX.com.

Ormond Beach Carnivale - fun for the whole family!

The festivities begin Thursday, March 25 at 4:00 pm and continue until Sunday, March 28 at 9:00 pm. Friday evening everyone is looking forward to a return performance from Randy “Elvis” Filippi, an Elvis Tribute Artist, in the Coca Cola Pavilion. Saturday is a full day with an old fashioned hometown parade, health screenings, a Business Expo, Seniors Today Expo, and a Kid’s Entertainment Area.

Many visit the four-day event for the carnival rides, the music and carnival foods;  tasty zeppoles, perfect corn dogs, hot dogs with mustard relish, yummy caramel corn, and sugary sweet cotton candy just to mention a few.

Make sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Another plus is that this  is a free event – no admission fee! Of course, there is a charge for the  food and the carnival rides. The Chamber has discounted tickets and “wrist bands” available for presale at the Chamber and at the carnival ticket booths.

Due to popular demand, also on Saturday, the Battle of the Church Bands™ will return. The “Battle for Souls” begins at 1:00 pm and continues to entertain the crowds until 11:00 pm.

Sunday will be filled with the nostalgic melodies of Johnny Lambrusco from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and country singer Bobby Meeks from 6 pm to 8 pm. All the fun continues with the Business Expo, Seniors Today Expo, and the Kid’s Entertainment Area; and, of course, the many carnival rides.

The expected attendance at this event is 25,000 to 30,000 people.

The funds raised from the Carnevale will maintain the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and its mission to support local businesses. A full schedule of events as well as past photos can be found at www.ormondchamber.com/carnevale.

Lucky-tini

2 oz. Three-O Grape Vodka
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
Splash of Pineapple Juice

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass
Garnish with an orange slice

The Shamrocker

1 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
Splash of Orange Juice

Mix with ice, and garnish with an orange slice

The event takes place in downtown Myrtle Beach on Ocean Boulevard, between 8th Ave and 11th Ave). Click here to see the map of the event area.

The event takes place on March 13, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Admission is free.

You can enjoy authentic Irish food and beverages. Live Music on stage with Cracker, Drivin’N'Cryin’, The Blue Dogs, Mark Bryan (from Hootie & The Blowfish w. special guests), Pamalee, Jonas Sees Colors, Lee Travis & The Bounty Hunters, Root Soul Project. Street Performers: Myrtle Beach Pipe and Drum Corps

For more information visit www.mbdowntownstpats.com

Once again  Myrtle Beach welcomes its visitors from the North to the Canadian-American Days.  From March 13-21, 2010, the Myrtle Beach area will welcome visitors with a expressive lineup of events, giveaways, and concerts throughout the Grand Strand.

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of events and activities, many free, including band concerts, the kickoff celebration expo, St. Patrick’s Day parade and dance, festivals and much more.

“Can-Am Days celebrates our snowbird visitors, who escape the cold and snow for the moderate climate and wealth of attractions of the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, MBACC president and CEO. “Many of these visitors have been traveling to our destination for decades, and we strive to create new memories for each generation through our festivals.”

Canadian-American Days draws as many as 100,000 Canadian visitors and snowbirds. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce introduced Canada Days in 1961 to attract Canadian families during their spring school break. The name was changed to Canadian-American Days in 1963. It is regarded as the first international festival organized in South Carolina.

The 49th Annual Canadian-American Days will feature a variety of events. Here are some of the highlights:

March 15
The 282nd Army Band
7 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.)
– Beach Church, 557 George Bishop Pkwy., Myrtle Beach. Free but tickets are required. Tickets available 8:30 a.m. March 8 at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce visitor centers at 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, and 3401 U.S. 17 Business S., Murrells Inlet.

March 16
Canadian-American Days Kickoff Celebration Expo
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
– This expo officially kicks off Can-Am Days and features exhibitors, musical entertainment, prizes and giveaways. Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C, Myrtle Beach. Free to the public.

March 17
16th Annual South Strand Wildlife and History Day
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, exhibits and activities. The Taste of Murrells Inlet, a culinary extension of the event, will boast specialties from some of the finest restaurants in the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy., Murrells Inlet. Free for Canadians with valid ID. Adults: $5, S.C. senior citizens: $3.25, children 6-15: $3 and children 5 and under: free. SouthCarolinaParks.com/(843) 235-8755

March 18
Battle at the Beach presented by RBC Bank
11 a.m.
Second annual Canada vs. U.S.A. Friendly Competition for the RBC Cup, four-person scramble format. Greens fee, cart fee and prizes included. All tournament profits will be donated to Myrtle Beach Haven. Pine Lakes Country Club, 5603 Granddaddy Dr., Myrtle Beach. Fee $125 per person, $400 per foursome. CanAmDays.com for registration form and more information.
2010 RBC Bank Presents the 208th Army Reserve Band, 7 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.) March 19 – Christ United Methodist Church, 2901 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach. Free but tickets are required. Tickets available 10 a.m.

For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.

In Old Santee Canal Park it’s again time for the 11th Annual Shuckin’ in the Park Oyster Roast on Saturday March 13, 2010 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
There will be lots of fun for the whole family. Enjoy oysters, food tickets can be purchased inside the gate.
But great food  is not the only thing offered, you can also enjoy live music. The Custom 4+2 Band will be performing featuring beach music, oldies and popular music.

There is also fun activities for the children, including a jump castle. The fee is $5.00

The Old Santee Canal Park is located in Moncks Corner, SC.
Click here for directions.
For more information, visit Old Santee Canal Park website

Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Gates Open
at 7pm. Live music begins at 8pm. On Saturday, March 13, 2010, the band 17 South is performing. 17 South’s music range from Motown, Beach cover tunes, and R&B.

Only 800 tickets will be sold, no advance purchase. But tickets ($10 per person) will be available for purchase at the Pier shop beginning at 4pm on the day of each event.

For more information, visit www.ccprc.com

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is a vintage auto event featuring over 250 rare classics from seldom-seen private collections nationwide. The show takes place at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

The event is often referred to as the ‘Pebble Beach of the East Coast’, attracting collectors and car enthusiasts from all over the world to the Northeast coast of Florida.

The event will honor the 40th anniversary of Porsche’s inaugural victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans and showcase a number of influential 917s. This model is by many considered to be one of the most significant racecars of our time. This year’s Concours will also honor Sir Stirling Moss, OBE and the 50th Anniversary of Moss’ victory in the last Cuban Grand Prix.

In 2009, more than 18,000 runners and walkers participated in one of the three featured events. The 15K is of course the main event with over 14,000 participants. Other events include the Florida Times-Union 5K for Charity and the adidas Junior River Run. These events had over 2,000 participants in 2009.

The course starts at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, runs through downtown Jacksonville. The runners will cross the St. Johns River over the Main Street Bridge, then run through historic San Marco, down Atlantic Blvd to the St. Nicolas area. The runners will then cross the river again, for the second time. This time across the Hart Bridge, and then continue on Duval Street back at the stadium.
Click here for the course map

To make this into a great spectator event, there are live bands along the route performing at ten different locations. Thousands of spectators line the course every year. The Gate River Run is more than a race – it’s an annual celebration in Jacksonville.

More information www.gate-riverrun.com

Here is the top 10 favorite destinations for international travleers:

1. New York
2. Orlando
3. Los Angeles
4. Las Vegas
5. Miami
6. San Francisco
7. Chicago
8. Boston
9. Washington DC
10. Atlanta

However, cities that are not usually regarded as destinations for foreign tourists have also shown growth – places like Phoenix and Portland are attracting more international travelers this year, a trend that is expected to increase in the coming months. This is good news for us on the coast. It makes us believe that our unique and beautiful cities such as  Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, St Augustine and Myrtle Beach soon will show up in the statistics too.

While Skyscanner’s data shows New York to be the favorite destination for foreign tourists, it is particularly preferred by the British – fully 25% of queries from the UK focused on the Big Apple. However, it only accounted for 5% amongst the Chinese. And Honolulu, which doesn’t make the list of Top10, is the second most popular city for Japanese tourists. Hawaii also attracts many Russian visitors, who interestingly also do many searches for destinations in Alaska.

Which nationality prefers visiting the coast of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida one wonders? According to www.Skyscanner.com,  2010 appears to be a bright year for international tourism, and for the US tourist industry as a whole.

There will also be more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors at the event.  This is a fun event for the whole family.  You can even win groceries, gifts and prizes. The festival is held at Francis Field at 25 W. Castillo Drive next to the Visitors Center. Festival hours are 3-9 p.m. on Friday, March 12th, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is only $2 for adults. Net proceeds go to Lions Club charities.

Visit www.lionsfestival.com for more information.

Tara Feis, an Irish Festival
Then on Saturday, we’ll go all out with a genuine Irish Festival, Tara Feis taking place on  Saturday March 13. This is a festival celebrating Irish culture with lots of fun for the whole family from food, to music and dance and much more. The festival is held in Emmet Park. The event is free and open to the public, this year’s event features the Cathie Ryan Band. Tara Feis festival takes place in Emmet Park from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more information call 912.651.6417 or http://www.savannahga.gov/arts.

Then there is of course the River Street celebration in the historic downtown district on March 16-17, 2010. This is the main waterfront location for all Paddy Day partygoers coming to town.

The 2010 St. Patrick’s Festival on Historic River Street takes place along the waterfront, includes the following area: River Street from East Broad Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Festivities in this area include games, food, beverages, and live entertainment. The event itself is free, but partygoers must purchase a wristband ($5) to consume alcoholic beverages on the plaza and inside River Street businesses on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wristbands will be sold at kiosks on the plaza, and at businesses on River Street. Already on Tuesday, the party starts with the I-95 Battle of the Bands.

For more details about St Patrick’s Day on Riverstreet, visit www.riverstreetsavannah.com

The City Market also hosts an Irish celebration on March 16-17.

St Patrick’s Day Parade
Don’t miss the parade itself. This year it’s the 186th time for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, so this is one of the oldest in the United States. The parade features bands and marching groups from across the country. Savannah St Patrick’s Day parade starts at 10:15 a.m. (Here is the map of the parade route)

For more information visit www.SavannahStPatricksDay.com

The city will double in size for St Patrick’s Day – so plan to come early and stay late. For more information about St Patrick’s Day and places to stay, contact Savannah CVB at 1-877-SAVANNAH

The state bird in Georgia is the brown thrasher. But now, there is a movement trying to change the state bird from the Brown Thrasher to the chicken.

Their argument – the chicken makes more of an economic impact.
Here are a few of the interesting facts from the website:

Take a look at the video below – and make sure to post your comments below – I’m interested to hear what you think!

It makes you wonder about the other state birds. Do they contribute to the economy? And what about the plants? What do they do?

For more information, visit www.flipthebirds.com

Start your artwalk at any of the participating AGOSA galleries and pick up a free map – or click here to download the map!

As usual there is a FREE Artwalk Train and a FREE Artwalk Trolley. Just hop on board starting at 6pm on King Street. The train and the trolley each make a loop around town to the galleries about every 15 minutes.

Enjoy exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries around town.

For more information about the event, please call 904.829.0065 or visit www.staugustinegalleries.com.

At the encampment at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park on Magnolia Drive, visitors can relive history. Take an up-close look at authentic 17th century arms, equipment and food at the encampment.
(The camp is set up Friday thru Sunday)

Then, on Saturday March 6, the buccaneers will gather and proceed to the Plaza de la Constitucion in downtown historic district of St Augustine. At 5 p.m. they will attack Spanish soldiers and St. Augustine citizens. Townspeople and soldiers will flee up St. George Street to the Redoubt at Orange and Cordova Streets in the Historic St Augustine.

For more information, please call 904.534.6168 or visit the website

To celebrate the re-opening, there will be a big parade. (Click here to download the pdf document)

Here is a video we did when we visited the Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville last year

The theme for March 3, 2010: Rock ‘n’ Roll, so you don’t want to miss this one.

A few notes for this month’s event:

There’s a new venue for this art walk, the RiverFit Gym at The Landing, where you can meet t artist, Rejel of REJCEL.co.

Rock ‘n’ Roll to help Haiti with the best bands in Jacksonville and a silent auction benefit by local artists will take place at Suite 106 Gallery.

There’s an Elvis tributes by five-year-old (?!)  Gabriel Jarrett, and Elvis tribute artist, Randy Elvis Walker at Visit Jacksonville. If you enjoy fashion, you’ll have the opportunity to watch a live runway show by “Princess of the Prom” at Cafe 331 & The Sinclair

At the Florida Theater you can view  the 2010 ADDY award-winning work from local advertising agencies and participate in the 2010 AAF JAX Media Auction at 6 p.m.

To watch our video, and to download an map for The First Wednesday Art Walk in Jacksonville, Florida –  click here

This year’s show will begin with a preview gala the evening of Thursday, March 4, and runs daily from Friday, March 5, through Sunday, March 7.

Preview Gala and Champagne Receiption

Already on the evening on March 4, 2010, it’s time for kick off. The event begins with the preview gala, An Evening in the Garden, at 7 p.m. Here  collectors have an  opportunity to secure the antiques of their choice in the dealer gallery.  Meanwhile the elegant black-tie (optional) soiree will be going on in the adjoining tent. One of the highlights of the evening is the performance of the Mary Davis & Company band. Also hors d’oeuvres will be provided by noted caterer Anna Hood and the women of St. Peter’s Church.  Dinner stations will feature a variety of cuisines from noted Savannah-based chefs.  Call 912-598-9521 for invitation information.

The daily show dates are Friday and Saturday, March 5 & 6, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, located on Skidaway Island, 20 minutes southeast of the city.

Tickets to the show are $8 and are valid for all three days. Tickets may be purchased on site during the event.

Gourmet lunches and desserts, prepared from recipes in St. Peter’s cookbook, Manna from Savannah, are offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a flower-filled tent adjacent to the dealer showcases.

For more information, visit St Peter’s Episcopal Church website by clicking here.

At the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival you get an opportunity to sample and learn about Southern cuisine as well as Lowcountry cuisine. The Lowcountry refers to the low-lying coastal region stretching from Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia. This area is known for its regional cooking style that evolved from a multitude of influences from early settlers. The English, French, Spanish, Irish, Italians, Africans, and Caribbean Islanders settled across the South beginning over three centuries ago and they brought influences from their native lands. This created what we know refer to as Lowcountry cuisine.

“The goal for our fifth year anniversary was to expand our events beyond the downtown area,” said Executive Director, Angel Postell. “Guests will have the opportunity to see one of America’s oldest landscaped gardens at Middleton Plantation, enjoy the city skyline from the new waterfront park in neighboring Mt. Pleasant, and take a culinary journey through Wadmalaw Island.”

Thursday March 4, 2010
Wine Pairing Luncheon and Opening Night
Start the weekend off early with a new event on this years’ schedule, The Perfect Pairing Winemaker Luncheons. Already on Thursday afternoon, two of Charleston’s premier downtown restaurants, MUSE and 82 Queen, will host a three-course lunch paired with carefully selected wines. Here wine professionals share the art of pairing wines with food in a casual setting.

The Food and Wine Festival goes into full swing at the Opening Night Party with Salute to Charleston Chefs, on Thursday, March 4, from 7-10 pm. This soiree features 19+ local culinary icons serving small plates from their restaurant specialties, as well as a sampling of wines from across the country. The Opening Night Party will be a foodie’s delight, with interactive food stations, followed by the sounds of The Quentin Baxter Jazz Septets. This celebration will feature hand-rolled cigars, a cabana lounge with a silent auction, and black-and-white contemporary décor.

Friday March 5, 2010
Tea, Wine, Vegetables and Gullah Traditions
On Friday March 5, the Wadmalaw Farm-to-Table Excursion will begin at the Charleston Tea Plantation where travelers will enjoy a tour and farm-to-table luncheon made from vegetables from Wadmalaw Island. Guests will then travel on to Irvin-House Vineyards, the only domestic winery in Charleston, South Carolina, where they will stroll through the vineyards and have a private tasting with the owner. The final stop is Thackery Farms, where local farmers will give guests a tour of their fields, share insight about organic farming and their relationship with local restaurants.

On Friday afternoon the Gullah community is honored with a Gullah Tribute Luncheon in Marion Square Park. This special fifth year anniversary gathering, from 12-2 pm, will recognize the Gullah culture that began with the migration of African slaves to the Sea Islands of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Coming from different regions of Africa, they brought with them their languages, cultures, traditions and cuisines, and these creolized into one form known as Gullah, which has been integral to the Lowcountry ever since. During the luncheon, the best local and regional Gullah cooks will partner with national chefs to create a menu that pays homage to traditional Gullah fare. Guests will have the opportunity to taste and learn about this indigenous cuisine from the cooks themselves, while they enjoy Southern-style cocktails and beverages, live entertainers, and more.

The Culinary Village
On Friday afternoon, the Culinary Village + Grand Tasting Tents, will officially open its doors. The culinary village is the heart and soul of the festival, and a visit is an absolute must. The village will feature two exclusive Grand Tasting Tents, each highlighting delectable cuisine, wine, and spirits from across the country, an SCE&G Celebrity Kitchen Demonstration Tent, Charleston Cooks! Book Signing Tent, Certified Angus Beef & Piggly Wiggly Outdoor Living + Grilling Area, a BB&T Hospitality Tent and live musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday. This year’s FedEx Grand Tasting Tents are set to be the best yet, with guests benefiting from fewer tickets sold per session, the “Taste of the Festival” Signature Charity Tent and one-on-one interaction with esteemed chefs and beverage professionals.

Wine Around The Garden
There’s also an opportunity to explore beyond the downtown area and venture beyond Marion Square during the “Wine” Around the Garden” event at Middleton Place. Here you can stroll through the historic, charming gardens of Middleton Place, America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Old world meets new as winemakers of the modern era pour varietals reflective of European wine-making traditions. Wine professionals will be stationed at designated locations throughout the gardens. Guests will finish their stimulating tour with a spread of farm-to-table dishes from local chefs.

Restaurant Dine-Around
The evening comes to an end at one of most relished events throughout the Festival weekend, the Restaurant Dine-Arounds. Treat your taste buds to a luscious once-in-a-lifetime culinary indulgence at one Charleston’s eighteen finest restaurants- Ben Berryhill’s Red Drum, Carolina’s, Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Cypress Lowcountry Grill, FIG, Fish, Hominy Grill, High Cotton, Introdaqua, Lana, Magnolias, McCrady’s, Monza, Oak Steakhouse, Peninsula Grill, Slightly North of Broad and Tristan- many known for their 4-star reviews and James Beard Award winning talent. In the ambience of these restaurants each local chef will unite with a national chef to create a unique five-course meal that partners the culinary styles of each chef for a menu unlike any other, highlighted by wines carefully selected by a winemaker to enhance your dining experience.

Saturday March 6, 2010
Iron Chef Competition at the Village
On Saturday, March 6, it’s time for the ever popular Iron-Chef style Cooking Competitions, starting at 12 pm at the culinary village. It’s a competition where local culinary chefs face off against national chefs in a fierce Iron Chef cooking contest. Members of the audience decide the winner. The Season Five Next Food Network Star Runner-up, Jeffrey Saad, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and a special fifth anniversary grand finale surprise will leave audience members on a high note.

Winemaker and Celebrity Authors Receptions
For the first time in the history of the festival, the Winemaker Receptions in Private Homes also goes to sea.
Guest can enjoy the Charleston’s unique architecture by visiting one of the historical downtown homes or view the city skyline as they dock-hop aboard private yachts. Each location will be hosted by a wine professional pouring samples of wines and a local chef or caterer serving creative small plates.

New for this year is the Celebrity Authors Reception, taking place from 4-6 pm on Saturday. Join the Festival’s featured guest authors in a private residence and garden in historical downtown Charleston for wine, and hors d’ oeuvres from MUSE restaurant.

Food and Wine with Daniel Boulud
The most exclusive event of the Festival weekend is: Food + Wine with a View: A Night with Daniel Boulud. This event brings sixty privileged guests together for the ULTIMATE dinner, set in a private penthouse downtown. The city skyline is breathtaking as the stellar talent of the one of the nation’s top chefs/restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud, of famed Daniel, are presented to create an intimate five-course dinner matched with the finest wines in the world.

Bubbles and Sweets!
Saturday night will come to a sweet finish as Marion Square is transformed into Bubbles & Sweets…with a Twist, sponsored by The Art Institute of Charleston and Charleston Magazine. This soiree is sure to be the hottest of the weekend with oases of delightful confections created by top local and celebrated pastry chefs, sparkling and dessert wines, and–new to the event–guest bartenders pouring their signature cocktail creations! Four mixology bars, a bubble bar, a ”candylicious” theme, and music are sure to make this event the talk of the town.

From Gullah Gospel to BBQ, Blues and Brew
Sunday morning, March 7, brings the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch, at 11am to the Holy City. The sounds of Gullah Gospel Ensemble fill the air as some of Charleston’s top restaurants and caterers serve the best brunch in town. A special blessing will welcome guests as traditional cocktails are served along with a three-course menu of miraculous adaptations of a true Lowcountry brunch.

The grand finale of the weekend, BBQ, Blues & Brew, from 5-8 pm, is a local’s favorite way to end the weekend. Top southern pit masters and “que” professionals serve a variety of barbeque favorites–whole hog, brisket, ribs, shoulder and chicken alongside all the fixin’s. The Blue Dogs are back to rock the main tent as guests enjoy cold libations and a true Southern celebration while seated at community tables. Our special Fifth Year Anniversary celebration will include the return of the pitmaster’s rigs!

For the entire event schedule, more information or tickets to the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival, please visit the web site, www.charlestonwineandfood.com or call (843) 727-9998 ext. 4.

The Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival include Kilted Golf Tournaments, Pub Crawls, Kirkin‘ o‘ the Tartans, Whiskey Tasting, Parades of Tartans & Ceilidh (Scottish Musical Evenings).

There’s also live entertainment with a variety of groups such as Need Fire, Mother Grove,  Highland Reign and Ron Davis. The Navy Band Southeast is also scheduled to perform. Check the website for more information.

The Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival 2008 will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. The location for these Games is Clay County Fair Grounds on State Road 16, 2497 SR16 W Green Cove Springs. Tickets prices are $10 per person in advance or $12 at the gate.

Call 904.725.5744 for more information or visit the Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival website.