Florida's Historic Coast Travel Planner 2016 | Page 19

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Discover Culture Around Every Corner on Florida’s Historic Coast Living History Explore the art, culture and heritage of the diverse groups of people who have lived here over its 450year history. Create your cultural journey at www.historiccoastculture.com Two National Park Monuments – Fort Matanzas and Castillo de San Marcos – present re-enactors in period dress, historical weapons demonstrations and presentations on the life and experiences of the colonists. Other living history treasures include Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where visitors stroll through a replica Timucuan Village, Flagler College Legacy Tour and Fort Mose, the site of the first free-black community in the United States. Performing Arts The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is a special venue along the coast, hosting international musicians and local entertainment groups like the Florida Chamber Music Project. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is the largest outdoor concert hall between Atlanta and Miami, and has hosted the likes of Jack Johnson, Lady Antebellum and Carlos Santana. Visitors can enjoy more performing arts with the EMMA Concert Association, with new seasons each fall, as well as the First Coast Opera and free summer concerts at the beach and historic downtown area. Visual Arts The gallery scene Historic Coast visual arts offer an endless feast for the eyes and the imagination including modern galleries, exclusive exhibits and design of historic cathedrals. The area’s art scene dates back to America’s Gilded Age and the spirit of expressive freedom and arts appreciation continues today. The First Friday Artwalk presented by the Art Galleries of St. Augustine celebrates local and regional artists displayed at the galleries around St. Augustine’s historic district. Literary Arts Florida is a historical haven for authors, poets and writers, and Florida’s Historic Coast is no exception. Literary events, book festivals, readings and workshops honor and celebrate the history of the written word. The annual signature literary event held each September is the Florida Heritage Book Festival and Writer’s Conference. The Menéndez procession, honoring the city’s founder Festivals For every season there is a festival beckoning visitors to bask in the mild Florida weather and celebrate arts, culture and heritage on Florida’s Historic Coast. From arts and crafts shows and family celebrations to wine festivals and musical revelries, there is a perfect festival for your getaway. Signature events include St. Augustine Film Festival, Celtic Music and Heritage Festival, St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival and the Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival. Many Cultures Re-living St. Augustine history SJVCB_151200_ARTS_CULTURE.indd 17 Timucuan. Spanish. French. British. African. Minorcan. Seminole. Greek. In its 450-year history, Florida’s Historic Coast has been home to an especially diverse array of peoples who have all left their mark here. FloridasHistoricCoast.com 17 11/3/15 4:31:24 PM