By October, the hottest of the summer weather has passed and it’s a natural time to bring on the blues in Daytona. Nationally acclaimed and up-and-coming blues talent will be playing all weekend at Jackie Robinson Ballpark (105 E. Orange Ave.) in downtown Daytona Beach. From the funky sounds of Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots to the trance blues Otis Taylor, 16 blues acts will entertain blues lovers from all over.
Not only is this a great music festival with great acts, but it’s also a good cause. Proceeds benefit women’s and children’s health at Halifax Health. To purchase tickets online and see the full schedule of performers, please visit AnnualDaytonaBluesFestival.com.
Visit annualdaytonabluesfestival.com for more info.
Remember Janet Jackson’s infamous ‘wardrobe malfunction’ when she performed with Justin Timberlake during the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show? Jacksonville was put on the map when it hosted that year’s Super Bowl. Located on the St. John’s River in northeast Florida, Jacksonville is an interesting city with much to offer. If you are looking for best day trips outside of Jacksonville, here are some destinations, all less than an hour’s drive away.
St Augustine, Florida
Any history buff will be thrilled to visit St Augustine! A forty-five minutes drive from Jacksonville, St Augustine is the oldest European settlement in America. The preservation of the city’s history is impressive, with restored buildings dating back as far as the early 1600s. You can see this fascinating city on a trolley or horse-drawn carriage, or you can take a walking tour. St George Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with quaint shops, restaurants, museums and historic buildings. A few blocks away is the Castillo de San Marcos, the star-shaped Spanish fort built in the mid-1600s. The oldest masonry fortification in North America, the Castillo has withstood sieges and hurricanes over the years. Re-enactors in period costumes demonstrate the historic weapons by firing the Spanish cannons during special events and on the weekends throughout the year. Check their website for time and schedule. Other attractions include the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Flagler College (formerly Ponce de Leon Hotel) and the Casa Monica Hotel.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Located on beautiful Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is less than an hour’s drive northeast of Jacksonville. Like St Augustine, Fernandina Beach has its share of history, which dates back 4,000 years, when the ancient Timucuan Indians lived there. Eight flags have been flown in this town (including those of Spain, France, England, various insurgent groups, the United States and the Confederacy), reflecting its colorful past. A 50-block area of the quaint downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. No doubt the white sand beaches are a big draw to this charming town. Another favorite event is the three-day Shrimp Festival, which takes place the first weekend in May.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
If you like nature, camping and hiking, a visit to the Cumberland Island National Seashore in nearby Georgia is a must. The island is accessible only by boat. You can take the ferry from St Marys, Georgia or Fernandina Beach, Florida. As you explore the island, you will find Dungeness, the ruins of the Carnegie home. You can tour Plum Orchard, the 1898 mansion built by Lucy Carnegie for her son. The mansion was donated to the park service in 1971.
A short hike to the seashore will reward you with a magnificent 17-miles of hard-packed sand beaches and dunes. The wildlife you encounter along the way include wild horses, armadillos, turtles and a vast array of birds.
For those looking seeking more action, there is always Daytona Beach and Orlando, but you would be looking at more than an hour’s drive away.
Sources
http://www.nfl.com
http://www.nps.gov
http://www.ameliaisland.com/
http://www.augustine.com/
Copyright © 2012 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. | Yahoo! Travel.
Sep 25
This gallery contains 12 photos.
Over the weekend my husband and I, along with my Sistahs participating in the 2012 Heart Walk here in Downtown Jacksonville, FL. This was my very first charity walk/run event and I loved every minute of it. I am SO EXCITED that I participated and I absolutely can’t wait to support and participate in my […]
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A motorcycle police officer escorting President Barack Obama’s motorcade has died after being hit by a pickup truck.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Teri Barbera says the Jupiter police officer was on Interstate 95 Sunday afternoon preparing to shut the roadway down when he was struck by a Ford F-150.
He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His identity has not been released.
Barbera says an investigation is ongoing and no charges have yet been filed against the driver.
Obama made a campaign appearance at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
White House press secretary Jay Carney says the president was notified of the officer’s death and “our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family.”
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — If President Barack Obama was looking for a lift in Florida, he got one from Scott Van Duzer.
The 46-year-old, six-foot-three Republican gave Obama a bear hug, raising him off the ground as Obama marveled at the man’s strength — and enthusiasm.
Van Duzer owns the Big Apple Pizza and Pasta Italian Restaurant where Obama stopped on Sunday during a Florida bus swing. He also runs a foundation that helps collect blood for the ill; he has received White House commendations for his work.
As he entered, Obama admired Van Duzer’s biceps, saying “Look at these guns!”
Said Obama: “The guy’s just got a big heart, along with big pecs.”
Of his embrace, Van Duzer said: “I was overwhelmed when I saw him.”
He said Obama had his vote.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
My family are all die heart sports fans … From High School to College to Pro … We Love Them All but when it comes to football & my family … It becomes more like a match made in heaven … We are a bunch of Game Going, Loud Cheering, All Team Spirit, In Your Face, House Divided type of fans … It’s almost like we live and breathe football … I’m so proud that it’s that time of year again … So listed below are the football schedules of our favorite teams …
I also want to give a shout out to my nephew Brandon (bass drummer for Tuskegee University), my nephew Monqueivus (football player for Booker T. Washington High School) and my daughter Tydashia (flute player for Opelika High School). So proud of you guys & Keep up the good work!
P.S. Please feel free to rep your favorite football team in the comment section below.
2012 OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
GO DAWGS!
AUG. 23 ~ THURSDAY ~ JAMBOREE @ TROY UNIVERSITY vs. ENTERPRISE
AUG. 31 ~ FRIDAY ~ BENJAMIN RUSSELL (AWAY) ~ L 7 – 14
SEPT. 7 ~ FRIDAY ~ R.E. LEE (HOME) ~ W 33 – 7
SEPT. 14 ~ FRIDAY ~ CENTRAL P.C. (HOME) ~ W 37 – 7
SEPT. 22 ~ SATURDAY ~ CARVER MONTGOMERY (AWAY) ~ L 27 -47
SEPT. 28 ~ FRIDAY ~ VALLEY (HOMECOMING) ~ W 35 – 0
OCT. 4 ~ THURSDAY ~ SIDNEY LANIER (AWAY) ~ W 43 – 12
OCT. 12 ~ FRIDAY ~ SMITHS STATION (AWAY) ~ W 21 – 3
OCT. 19 ~ FRIDAY ~ JEFF DAVIS (HOME)
OCT. 26 ~ FRIDAY ~ AUBURN (AWAY)
NOV. 1 ~ THURSDAY ~ HOOVER (AWAY)
2012 Booker T. Washington High School Football Schedule
Go Golden Eagles!
Aug 24 ~ Friday ~ Jefferson Davis (Home) ~ L 12-13
Aug 31 ~ Friday ~ Tallassee (Away) ~ L 18 – 59
Sep 07 ~ Friday ~ Eufaula (Away) ~ L 19 – 46
Sep 14 ~ Frday ~ Russell (Home) ~ L 13 – 41
Sep 21 ~ Friday ~ Carroll (Home) ~ L 13 20
Sep 28 ~ Friday ~ Bullock County (Away) ~ W 33 – 12
Oct 05 ~ Friday ~ Rehobeth (Home) ~ L 21 – 26
Oct 12 ~ Friday ~ Valley (Away) ~ L 6 – 40
Oct 19 ~ Friday ~ Marbury (Home)
Oct 26 ~ Friday ~ Russell County (Away)
Nov 02 ~ Friday ~ Lee (Home)
2012 Tuskegee University Football Schedule
Go Golden Tigers!
Sept. 1 ~ ALABAMA A&M ~ Birmingham, AL – Legion Field – 6:00 ~ L 6 – 7
Sept. 8 ~ Johnson C. Smith (Inner-City Classic) ~ Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Stadium – 7:30 ET ~ W 35 – 17
Sep 15 ~ LANE + ~ Tuskegee, AL – Abbott Stadium – 1:00 ~ W 45 – 17
Sep 22 ~ OPEN
Sep 29 ~ FORT VALLEY STATE + ~ Tuskegee, AL – Abbott Stadium -1:00 ~ W 48 – 14
Oct. 6 ~ Morehouse + (77th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic) ~ Columbus, GA – McClung Memorial Stadium – 3:00 ET ~ W 21 – 14
Oct 13 ~ Stillman + ~ Tuscaloosa, AL – Stillman Stadium – 5 :00 ~ W 16 – 0
Oct. 20 ~ KENTUCKY STATE + (Homecoming) ~ Tuskegee, AL -Abbott Stadium – 1:00
Oct. 27 ~ Clark Atlanta + ~ Atlanta, GA – Panther Stadium – 4:00 ET
Nov. 3 ~ Miles + ~ Birmingham, AL – Sloan-Alumni Stadium – 1:00
Nov. 10 ~ SIAC Championship ~ Atlanta, GA – TBA
Nov. 22 ~ Alabama State (ESPNU- 89th Turkey Day Classic) ~ Montgomery, AL – 3:00
+ SIAC Conference Game
2012 University of Alabama Football Schedule
Roll Tide!
Sept. 1 ^vs. Michigan Arlington, Tex. (Cowboys Stadium) ~ W 41 – 14
Sept. 8 Western Kentucky Bryant-Denny Stadium ~ W 38 – 0
Sept. 15 *at Arkansas TBD ~ W 52 – 0
Sept. 22 Florida Atlantic Bryant-Denny Stadium ~ W 40 – 7
Sept. 29 *Mississippi Bryant-Denny Stadium ~ W 33 – 14
Oct. 6 Open Date
Oct. 13 *at Missouri Columbia, Mo. ~ W 42 – 10
Oct. 20 *at Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn.
Oct. 27 *Mississippi State Bryant-Denny Stadium
Nov. 3 *at LSU Baton Rouge, La.
Nov. 10 *Texas A&M Bryant-Denny Stadium
Nov. 17 Western Carolina Bryant-Denny Stadium
Nov. 24 *Auburn Bryant-Denny Stadium
*Southeastern Conference (SEC) opponent
^Cowboys Classic
2012 Auburn University Football Schedule
War Eagle!
09/01/12 ~ vs. Clemson ~ Atlanta, Ga. (Georgia Dome) ~ L 19 – 26
09/08/12 ~ at Mississippi State * ~ Starkville, Miss. ~ L 10 – 28
09/15/12 ~ vs. Louisiana-Monroe ~ Auburn, Ala. ~ W 31 – 28
09/22/12 ~ vs. LSU * ~ Auburn, Ala. ~ L 10 – 12
10/06/12 ~ vs. Arkansas * ~ Auburn, Ala. ~ L 7 – 24
10/13/12 ~ at Ole Miss * ~ Oxford, Miss. ~ L 20 41
10/20/12 ~ at Vanderbilt * ~ Nashville, Tenn.
10/27/12 ~ vs. Texas A&M * ~ Auburn, Ala.
11/03/12 ~ vs. New Mexico State (Homecoming) ~ Auburn, Ala.
11/10/12 ~ vs. Georgia * ~ Auburn, Ala.
11/17/12 ~ vs. Alabama A&M ~ Auburn, Ala.
11/24/12 ~ at Alabama * ~ Tuscaloosa, Ala.
*Conference Event
2012 Jacksonville Jaguars Football Schedule
Go Jags!
Preseason: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons ~ W 24 – 14
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Thursday 8/30/2012 @ 6:30PM
Minnesota Vikings vs.Jacksonville Jaguars ~ L 23 – 26
Mall of America Field At Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome – Minneapolis, MN
Sunday 9/9/2012 @ 12:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans ~ L 7 -27
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 9/16/2012 @ 1:00PM
Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars ~ W 22 – 17
Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
Sunday 9/23/2012 @ 1:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals ~ L 10 – 27
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 9/30/2012 @ 4:05PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears ~ L 3 – 41
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 10/7/2012 @ 4:05PM
Oakland Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Overstock.com Coliseum – Oakland, CA
Sunday 10/21/2012 @ 1:15PM
Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI
Sunday 10/28/2012 @ 12:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 11/4/2012 @ 1:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Thursday 11/8/2012 @ 8:20PM
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Reliant Stadium – Houston, TX
Sunday 11/18/2012 @ 12:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 11/25/2012 @ 1:00PM
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ralph Wilson Stadium – Orchard Park, NY
Sunday 12/2/2012 @ 1:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 12/9/2012 @ 1:00PM
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sun Life Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
Sunday 12/16/2012 @ 1:00PM
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots
EverBank Field – Jacksonville, FL
Sunday 12/23/2012 @ 1:00PM
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
LP Field – Nashville, TN
Sunday 12/30/2012 @ 12:00PM
Destination: Horse Stamp Inn
Address: 2418 Horsestamp Church Road; Waverly, Georgia 31565
Directions from Jacksonville: Take I-95 north; take Exit #22/Horse Stamp Church Road. Head west for 3.5 miles.
Details: Nestled on a secluded tree-covered property with expansive green fields, rustic horse barn and a fresh water pond, this Southern mansion has been restored and allows people to escape their troubles for a peaceful getaway.
Family Friendly: Yes.
Cost: Complimentary winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week from 10 am-6 pm with Sunday tours starting at 11 am.
Contact: 912-882-6280
WAVERLY, Ga. is a coastal Georgia town that is home to the Horse Stamp Inn. The bed-and-breakfast is nestled on a secluded property that houses dramatic trees, expansive green fields, a rustic horse bar and an artesian fresh water pond.
It was the dream of owners Kris and Tom Hutcheson to one day own a bed-and-breakfast inn. Once the sprawling property became available, the couple jumped at the chance to transform it into a getaway for those looking for a quiet getaway.
Said Tom: “It’s very serene, tranquil and peaceful,” he said. “It’s close enough to cities like Jacksonville, Savannah, and Atlanta to be one-day trips.”
The Horse Stamp Inn offers five bedrooms along with a full Southern-style breakfast that is made with fresh eggs straight from the chicken coop. Opening the inn has been a labor of love for the Hutchesons. Kris and Tom attended to every detail when they were getting it ready for its debut.
During a tour of the lodge, Kris pointed out the features of the B&B.
During a tour of the Sea Biscuit room, she said it is the largest room in the inn and, “is the only one with access to the top veranda,” adding that it provides a place for guests to “relax, have fun and reconnect.”
The owners said they hope their inn provides some peace of mind to guests who visit.
“Life can be busy and if we can take some of that load (so that a guest) feels like they’ve really relaxed and leave here with a good feeling and feel ready to go back out and hit it again then we’ve accomplished our job,” Tom said.
My husband and I have been settled into our new home in Jacksonville, Florida for almost 2 years now. However, we still have not seen nor experience everything there is to love about Jax. So with that thought in mind we compiled a bucket list of things that we wanted to see and do in this beautiful place we call home.
1. Go to a Jacksonville Jaguars game
2. Go to a Jacksonville Sharks game
3. Go to a Jacksonville Suns game
4. Go to a Jacksonville Giants game
5. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo
6. Visit the MOCA museum
7. Go Parasailing
8. Rent a Jet Ski
9. Fish Jax
10. Ride the skyway tram
11. Take a sunset cruise
12. Spend the night at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront
13. See the Blue Angels Air Show
14. Go to the Greater Jacksonville Fair
15. Go to JazzFest
16. Play with the dolphins & manatees
17. Go snorkeling
18. Explore Huguenot Memorial Park
19. Ride the St Johns Ferry
20. Attend some of the local festivals
21. Take a tour of the Budweiser Brewery
22. Visit the MOSH museum
23. ????
I know that there is so much more to this great city that I am over looking some things. So if anyone have any great ideas on what to do and/or see in Jacksonville, FL drop me a comment. We would love to hear from you. Thanks!
Destination: Graham Swamp Mountain Bike Trail
Directions from Jacksonville: Take I-95 South; The trail is located on Colbert Lane at Flagler Beach in the Graham Swamp Preservation Area, about half-way between SR100 and Palm Coast Parkway
Details: Just a few short miles from beautiful Flagler Beach lies one of Florida’s premier mountain biking destinations, Graham Swamp. Situated on The Graham Swamp Preservation Area, it provides nearly 7 miles of intermediate singletrack littered with advanced features including everything from sweet drops, nasty climbs, and double jumps to tight switchbacks, log rides, and gnarly rock gardens.
Family Friendly: Yes
Cost: Free
When you think of mountain biking, you probably don’t think of Florida. But we found a place that’s a hidden gem on this one tank trip.
Before hitting the trail. Who better to talk to then local bike shop about the best place to ride.
“Palm Coast has gone in the direction of make it the cycling capital of Florida,” said Tony Libretti of the Bicycle Doctor. “It’s become a place to bring your bike, ride the trails, see the scenery, stay the night. We actually have rolling hills, tough decents, and everything out here.”
Flagler county offers miles and miles of trails. The one that came highly recomended was the Graham Swamp Trail. The best thing about it is it’s free. Just bring your bike and your helmet. Volunteers carved out this challenging single track out of the landscape.
Destination: IFLY Orlando
Address: 6805 Visitors Circle • Orlando, Florida 32819
Directions from Jacksonville: Take I-95 South to I-4 west. Turn right on International Blvd. Exit at Visitors Circle.
Details: You can experience human body flight! Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Orlando is safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens and realistic for skydivers. No experience is necessary, great fun for all ages, three and up.
Family Friendly: Yes
Cost: Contact the center at (800) 759-3861 or visit iflyorlando.com
Located off of Interstate 4 near International Boulevard, IFLY Orlando is one of only 24 facilities in the world where adventurers can
skydive indoors. The facility is a vertical wind tunnel that looks like a spaceship from the outside. From the inside, the adrenaline starts racing as you hear the roar of the engines.
The attraction uses five airplane engines that suck air into the tunnel, which creates the lift for your sky diving adventure. Starting at $54.99, an experienced instructor, like our guy striker, will walk you through instructions
Thrill-seekers receive two flights for 1 minute each. And while that may not seem like a lot on paper, it actually feels a lot longer while inside the wind tunnel. No experience is necessary and the only age restriction is that participants be at least 3 years old and in decent physical shape.
Judging from the experience recently by several kids who were at the center, the experience is a blast. As for the ride itself: One word, thrilling.
My husband refuses to call them that. Changed it to "Party potatoes ".
Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you!! I have eaten these before, however I made your recipe and not only
Lovely blog you haave here
I Am Lady Fab 