We left St. Mary’s and headed back to Fernandina Beach a little before 11:00. We anchored in the same spot we were at a few days ago (anyway Gerry tried to get us in the exact same spot, but we might have been off a few feet). In the late afternoon we hopped in the dinghy and headed into the Shrimp Festival. The festival started in 1964 with the blessing of the “shrimp” fleet. Since then it has grown into a huge event that includes, among other things, an art show of over 300 juried artists, over 24 food tents (most selling some locally-caught shrimp dish), a pirate parade and pirate attacks, fireworks, musical entertainment and the blessing of the fleet. When we first arrived, not a whole lot was going on. The food tents officially opened at 6:00 Friday night, with the artist tents opening Saturday morning. We walked through the festival area, finally deciding to eat at the Espana, a Spanish/Portuguese restaurant. We had checked it out earlier and Gerry was excited about the fact they had one paella dish that was meat only (no shellfish) so he could eat it. The dinner we had there was outstanding – one of the best we’ve had in the past 2 years of cruising. We met 2 couples that have been vendors at the art show the past several years and they eat there every time they are at the festival (all 3 nights).
The next day Michael and Jana drove up from Palm Coast and we spent the day together checking out all the booths (both art and food). It was great seeing them again. By late afternoon we split company, them to drive back to Palm Coast, and us to meander back through the festival and then to the boat. Gerry ended up buying a pirate hat before boarding the dinghy as you just never know when you might need one!
Early Sunday morning we went back to a couple of booths that had some stained glass and shell work we really liked. We ended up buying a couple of pieces for the house. Linda carefully stored them in places on the boat where she hopes they won't get broken. After that we raised anchor and headed north out of Florida.
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This was a shot of the festival
just as it opened |
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...and this was a shot later in the night --
much more crowded |
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| The pirate theme was definitely prevalent at the festival |
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| Lots of pirates out and about |
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| She posed for me -- now that's one "red hot mama" |
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This is us at the restaurant Espana - very very good food
and excellent service |
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| Monk's Vineyard at sunset |
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| There was a fireworks display later in the evening |
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Great people watching at the festival -- including this little
guy with a very big drink |
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Michael enjoying some of the food. They had a great idea
for stand up tables. Boards on top of garbage cans with a
slot to deposit the garbage after you finished. |
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| We had some very good "pirates punch" |
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Michael and Jana in deep discussion -- probably
ranking the "world famous" punch with some of
those we'd had in the Bahamas. |
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| Gerry, the pirate |
4 comments:
AARRGGHH!! Ahoy Mates!! Ok so did the punch make it in the ranks? What about the shrimp?
The punch was good, but not as good as some in the Bahamas -- think it might have had something to do with the "island thing". I liked the shrimp (but Gerry is allergic to shellfish so he can't eat it). I think the best part was the arts and crafts booths -- never seen so many good ones in one place.
See you are in Alligator Marina right now -- waiting to cross the sound??
You may want to check out Daufuski Island if you have never been. You can rent golf carts at the Freeport Marina.
Check out the defunct resort, eat lunch at Marshside Mamas and dinner at the Daufuski Crab company. They are both dives but fun places.
Bill,
We skipped Daufuskie this time, but have spent some quality time there in the past. Love it there, too bad real estate prices are so high. Dirt Road Diner gets high marks!!
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