Shurl Gates: Passionate Parrothead

When it comes to music, Shurl Gates is the first to tell you she can't play an instrument, isn't going to win any karaoke contests. But, she more than makes up for that lack of performing skills with a deep love - make that an unbridled PASSION - for music. "I'm not much of a tv person, but I have music playing in my house 24/7. I love listening to it, going out to hear it, being around it", says Gates. That passion has led her to become one of the most familiar faces in the Trop Rock world and most ardent supporters of the people who make the music.

Shurl Galiher Gates story begins in the small Oregon coastal town of North Bend, where she moved as a kid. She went to school, married, and raised a family there. But, as all great stories go, something happened that changed her life forever. In Shurl's case, that "sudden twist of fate" was divorce.

"It was 2001, I was single again and looking to make some major changes in my life. Two of my kids had moved to Florida so I decided to go there." "There" was just outside of Tampa, where she met and started dating a Parrothead. "I had always loved Jimmy Buffett's music, but had never been exposed to the whole lifestyle". Looking to make friends in her new home, she joined the Tampa Bay Parrot Head Club. A former Mormon, it didn't take long for the colorful, and gregarious Phlockers to get her life going in a new direction. "That was it. I found myself - the 'me' I didn't even know was missing. It was a celebration of a new beginning." Through the TBPHC, Shurl began attending events and hearing her first "Trop Rock" bands. "I LOVED it, became a huge fan. I've always been a very social person, so I would make a point of going up and introducing myself, telling them how much I enjoyed hearing them," explains Gates. "One of the great things about Trop Rock is that the people involved are so down to earth, so approachable." Before long, she counted among her friends hard working musicians like Jimi Pappas and John Frinzi, and started getting calls from artists that were looking to play in the area. "Guys would call and say, 'I'm coming down there on my way to Meeting of the Minds. Do you know anyplace to play around Tampa?' So I'd make some calls. I started getting to know the clubs and the people who ran them. It was just something I would do as a favor to friends. I also got to know the people at Radio Margaritaville, like JD Spradlin and Steve Huntington. Steve, it turned out was a big baseball fan, so we had that in common" (Gates' son in law is All Star Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Roy "Doc" Halladay - Fred). In 2007, she was introduced to Deb Grisham - wife of Coral Reefer Doyle Grisham and owner of Deb Grisham Entertainment, which represents a number of artists, including Nadirah Shakoor, The Mayer Brothers - Peter and "Uncle Jim", John Frinzi, and John Patti. "We became on line friends, trading emails and talking about music and places for artists to play in Florida." Her list of connections continued to grow until 2008, when Michelle Becker of the Margarita Mafia called Shurl to see if she might be able to help bring in some well known presenters for that year's Trop Rock Awards in Key West. "I called Doyle and asked him if he'd be interested and he said 'YES'! Then Nadirah and Tina Gullickson agreed to do it." Her efforts not only helped cement her reputation as a true mover and shaker in the Trop Rock world, but also won her the first ever "Fan Of The Year" award.

Things REALLY changed for Gates the next year. "I was having dinner with (trop rock artist) Rob Mehl. He mentioned to me that he was looking for a Manager and I replied, 'I need a job!'", although she says she wasn't being serious at the time. "The truth is I was looking for something constructive to do - alimony only goes so far!", she jokes. "But, I had never thought that what I had been doing for all those years just to help my friends might turn into a business. Later, I was talking to Steve Huntington and he encouraged me, said it would be perfect for me". Gates Music Management was born. "It really just came out of me trying to create a job for myself, doing something I loved to do."

Two years later, Gates Music Management boasts a close working relationship with a number of top Trop Rock acts, some she managers and some she helps and supports in whatever ways she can. "I feel it's important for them to find work however and wherever they can. So, in that regard I'm not exclusive with anyone. And I only work with artists I truly believe 100% in." 


"I don't expect to get rich from this. I do it because it makes me feel good and that makes it worthwhile"




I asked Shurl to give me the low down down of some of her favorite artists (note: Some of the bands mentioned can be found in previous posts in Beaches, Bands and Bars - Fred):


Homemade Wine - "They're from Knoxville, Tennesee. They started as a three piece, by brothers Ryan and Todd Sheley. Now, they're a full band and one of the most sought after acts in Trop Rock. They'll be playing on Thursday night at this year's Meeting Of The Minds."


Jimmy Parish & The Ocean Waves Band - "From Jacksonville, Florida. They stay extremely busy. He was just down here to play a pre-Buffett show party and will be back later this month to play at The Yard (more on The Yard later - Fred). Jimmy is the complete package. A great singer, songwriter and a true gentleman."

John Reno - "John is originally from New Orleans, so he has a definite jazz influence in his music. He lives in Fairhope, Alabama now but he spends alot of time here in Florida - especially in the Ft. Myers to Tampa area. He plays a wide variety of music, from soft, romatic ballads to over the top funny songs. The one everyone always wants to hear is 'Jello Shots'. He's an amazing songwriter and has a great feel for the audience when he's playing live."

Mike Aiken - "I've known Mike for many years. Back in the days of MySpace, I would look around for new music. I came across Mike's page and liked what I heard. But, I couldn't buy his cd - there was something wrong with the site. I'm not one to give up easily, so i looked around until I found a phone number, called and spoke to a woman. I asked her if Mike ever came down to Florida. The woman turned out to be Mike's wife, Amy, who put Mike on the phone. We developed a friendship and FINALLY, after six years, I was able to get him a gig down here at the Yard!"


Mike Miller - "Mike is from Illinois, a retired police man and founding member of the Boat Drunks. When he retired, he moved onto a sailboat and now spends his winters in Florida. We hosted a cd release party for him in September."


Freebo - "Bass player from California, has played with Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young, Dr, John - lots of great people. I met him at Meeting Of The Minds one year and loved his music. It's not traditional Trop Rock but it fits in with it. He played a gig here with John Frinzi."


Jim Hoehn - "From Wisconsin. I also met him at a MOTM and became a fan. He's an amazing storyteller and has been a big support to me."

Rob Mehl - "He's from Hawaii where they have a long history of 'talk stories'. He's a great storyteller."


AJ Swearingen - "Another local guy. He was hired to play my son's engagement party. There were lots of things going on but, in the middle of it all, I kept stopping to listen to him. I thought, 'I really love this guy!' He reminded me alot of John Frinzi. When it was over, I went up to talk to him and it turned out he knew John - had grown up in the same area! He's not really what you'd call Trop Rock, but close enough that Jeff Allen has started playing one of his songs on BeachFront Radio (Trop Rock internet radio station, featured previously in BB&B - Fred)."


Michael Weiss - "One night I walked into one of my favorite places in Tampa, the Hideaway Cafe, and Michael was playing. I became an instant fan. He's starting to make a big splash around here - played a Pre-Buffett party, has a song on BeachFront Radio."


Trop Rock Junkies - "They're from the Tampa area, do a Buffett tribute but also some originals. They played the B Stage before the recent Buffett show last month."


"Also, people like Paul Roush, John Friday, Bob Karwin. And another guy I have been talking to is Eric Stone, from the British Virgin Islands. Eric stays very busy there in the BVI, but I would love to work with him if the opportunity came up."


I also asked Shurl about her favorite spots - for live music, as well as food and drinks - in the Tampa area:


The Yard- It is literally a backyard of a home owned by a wonderful couple, Mark and Sharon Leveratte. About three years ago, they decided they wanted to host a House Concert. It was such a success that they decided to do more. As guys would come to me, I would suggest it as a place for them to play. Before you know it, they had built a palapa style stage with a tiki bar and were hosting shows once a month. Now they have a fire pit, bathrooms in the backyard, they're building a bunk house for travelling artists to crash in. It's amazing. They won "House Concert Venue Of The Year" at the Trop Rock Awards in 2010. And they don't make a dime. Every thing collected at the door goes directly to the artists and every dollar raised from raffles (of Sharon's handmade jewelry and Mark's carved wood signs) goes back into making the venue a better place for artists to play.  They do it all because they love the music!" (note: they are currently in need of a website and looking for a Trop Rock fan who might be willing to donate some time to make that happen - Fred)


Hideaway Cafe - "In St. Pete (St. Petersburg, FL), owned by Josh Kelly, who is an artist himself. It's a great listening room that hosts all indy artists, playing all original music."


The Palm Pavilion - "It's my favorite beach bar. Right on the beach in Clearwater, owned by a guy named Ken Hamilton. Great food, lots of room, a great place for artists."


Whiskey Joe's - "On the Causeway right as you come into Tampa. The Tampa Bay Parrothead Club meets there every week. They're building a brand new music venue right on the beach that will hold about 1500 people. I can't wait to do shows there!"


Skippers - "In Tampa. We just did the Coral Reefer Souls Show there, which was a huge success. Lots of possibilities for the future there."


Rapscallions - "In Land O Lakes, a suburb of Tampa. The bar there is named after Billy Peoples, a well known Florida Parrot Head. They host alot of Trop Rock."

"Also, two other places I love that are outside the Tampa area are Archies in Ft. Pierce - It's sort of a biker's bar, but with a Pirate theme - a great place, and The Nav-A-Gator near Arcadia, Florida- It's famous in Trop Rock circles."

http://www.facebook.com/people/Gates-MusicManagement/100001472834315

http://www.debgrishamentertainment.com/about.php

http://www.radiomargaritaville.com/

http://www.finsup.com/_/index.html

http://www.phip.com/MOTM.asp

http://www.margaritamafia.com

http://www.beachfrontradio.com/home.cfm

 

http://www.johnfrinzi.com

http://www.gigmasters.com/Acoustic-Guitar/Jimi-Pappas/

http://doylegrisham.com/

http://www.nadirahshakoor.com/fr_home.cfm

http://www.petermayer.com

http://www.unclejimrocks.com

http://www.tinag.com/

http://www.johnpatti.com/

http://www.robmehl.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Homemade-Wine-the-Band/117718255508

http://jimmyparrishonline.com/

http://johnreno.com/

http://www.mikeaikenmusic.com/index.html

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-R-Miller-Musician/113707452013105
http://freebomusic.com/
http://jimhoehn.com/http://ajswearingen.com/
http://michaeljweiss.com/fr_splash.cfm
http://www.troprockjunkies.com
http://www.phinsband.com/
http://www.johnfriday.com/ 
http://bobkarwin.com/
http://www.boatsongs.com/

http://www.facebook.com/people/TheYard-Tampa/100001031214679

http://www.hideawaycafe.biz/

http://palmpavilion.com/

http://www.whiskeyjoestampa.com/whiskeyjoes/

http://skipperssmokehouse.com/

http://www.rapscallions.net/

http://archiesseabreeze.com/

http://www.nav-a-gator.com/

Jimmy Parrish: From Choir Boy to Opening for Kenny Chesney

Back in 2000 - in the days before the internet, Craig's List, and Facebook - if you wanted to buy or sell an item, the best way to get the word out was to post fliers in appropriate spots around town. Had a car to sell? Hang a picture and description in the auto parts store. Looking to get rid of some old golf clubs? A sporting goods shop would probably be the best place. But what if you were looking to start a band?  For Trop Rocker Jimmy Parrish, the answer was found at a local music store in his home town of Jacksonville, Florida. He walked in and told the guys behind the counter he was interested in putting a band together. But, not just any band, one that played "Boat Rock", as he called it - Jimmy Buffett, and songs that spoke to the lifestyle on and around the North Florida waterways where he had grown up. Of fishing, sailing, and the beach. As luck would have it, Jimmy and the two clerks turned out to have similar musical tastes. They played him some of their favorite songs - including "Under The Boardwalk" by The Drifters. The Ocean Waves Band was born. But, getting to that point took almost twenty years.



Where was the first place you ever played?

"I taught myself how to play guitar around age 12, had been singing in church choir. I liked singing, thought I had a talent and wanted to showcase it, but really just for me. The first place I played in front of people was in 1981. I entered a talent show at South Georgia College, where I was going to school. Me and two other guys played 'Long Haired Country Boy' by Charlie Daniels. When people clapped, I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever done!"


Did that inspire you to start playing out more?

Yes. I started playing wherever I could get booked, first around the college and, later, back home around Jacksonville and Amelia Island, Florida. 


Were you playing Buffet and Trop Rock then?

No, more country covers - Willie and Waylon. But then I started hearing this guy Jimmy Buffett and really liked it. Nobody told me, 'you need to play more Buffett!' And I never thought that it would work, that I'd get more gigs because of it. In fact, there weren't really any 'Trop Rock' venues around. I just discovered him on my own."  


When did you decide you wanted to form a band to play Trop rock?

It was 2000. I had spent the last five years playing guitar in a classic rock band called Cool Deluxe. It was a good band, but they wouldn't play any Buffett or Van Morrison, which I wanted to do. Plus, I also wanted to write my own material. So, I started interviewing musicians in the Jacksonville area. But, I couldn't find anyone who knew more than 'Margaritaville' or, maybe, some Bob Marley." That is, until I walked in to put the flier up in the music store." 


You named the band the "Ocean Waves Band" - after the sunglass company. How did that come about?

"I had been taking part in fishing competitions, Kingfish tournaments, for years. One of the sponsors of those tournaments was Ocean Waves sunglasses. I knew the owner, Kevin, pretty well. So, once I found my guys, I went to him and asked if he'd like to partner up with us - and he said not just yes but 'hell yes! We've been together eleven years now."


You have three cds out..

"The first was in 2003, called 'For The Buffett Fans'. It's all Buffett covers. In 2007 we put out 'Let's Go Fishing', our first cd of original material. Then, late last year, we released 'Act Of Piracy'."


Let's Go Fishing has a great song called "Where's the Tequila?", that is full of references to that particular liquor. When I saw you guys play here in Atlanta, for an Atlanta Parrot Head Club party, there were lots of folk saying "Here's the tequila!" and buying you shots. Parrot Heads being Parrot Heads, is that ever a problem - the audience wanting to drink with you while you're trying to work?

"Hah. That was a fun night. We love it. The audience is just showing their appreciation - it's a kind gesture, you can't turn it down. But, I also want to be professional and do our job, do a great show. So, it's a fine line you have to walk. Luckily, I don't have an addictive personality so I can usually maintain. But, it's tough some times. Somebody's got to remember the lyrics!"


Let's go back to the new album...

"We recorded it at a studio in Jacksonville Beach with A1A Productions, the same team that did 'Let's Go Fishin''. Each song on the cd has a different theme, rhythm, or story. One has an Eagles type feel, another has some hot sauce on it. There's hillbilly country, Southern Rock, a ballad and, of course, Trop Rock. I wanted to take the listener on a journey. Plus, I figured having some different sounds upped the chances of something good happening - country people might hear something they like, Jimmy Buffett's people."


How did Parrish Heads in Paradise, your annual trip to Abacos, get started?

"My connection goes back to when I'd play on cruise ships and would go back and forth to the Bahamas. Then, in 2007, I had an offer to play at a club in the Abacos, at Marsh Harbor. I was living there, staying on a friend's boat. I'd fish and dive during the day, then a taxi would come pick me and my PA up and I'd play at night. It was great. I fell in love with the place. In 2009 I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if I could take some people - maybe who were familiar with places like the Conch House in St. Augustine or the Nav-A-Gator (in Arcadia, Florida - Fred), but had never been to the 'real' Bahamas - down there?' So, I put together this cruise. It's for people who love Trop Rock and the lifestyle and they get to see the Abacos like a local. I have lots of connections with restaurants, hotels - we do excursions. I'm really excited to share it with people."


The Ocean Waves band opened for Kenny Chesney one night. How did you land that gig?

"Yeah, we were rock stars for a night! Kenny ran this contest called 'Next Big Star' for his 2008 tour. At each stop a 'local' band would get to open the show. We won the Jacksonville contest and got to play in front of 15,000 people."


Any other big acts you have opened for?

"Well, we were playing at the Margaritaville Cafe the night Jimmy did the Gulf Shores concert. They asked us to stop playing at one point so they could televise the concert. So, we like to say we 'opened' for Jimmy! Seriously, though, the Kenny Chesney experience was a great one. We'd love to open for another band some time."


Big shows or little, you guys play out alot. Any events you're looking forward to?

"We're very lucky to be on the road alot, do about 200 shows a year. This weekend we're going down to Tampa, Florida to play a Pre-Buffett show party for the Tampa Bay Parrot Head Club. We're also playing 'The Yard' (a bi-weekly house concert in the Tampa area - Fred). We're going to Lake Charles. Louisiana in June for the Pelican Coast Daze show, then on July 2nd we'll be in Naples, Florida for the 'Red, White & Tunes' event, benefiting the troops. On August 12 we're flying the whole band up to Branson, Missouri for 'Phlock at the Rock'. We're definitely looking forward to that."


You were saying you wish you had started playing Meeting Of The Minds (the annual Parrot Head gathering in Key West) earlier?

"I didn't grasp Meeting Of The Minds for years, the importance of it. I was late getting to the party. My calendar kept filling up around the Jacksonville area, just could never get away. Then, finally, in 2008 I went down with my guitar - no gigs booked - and had a great time. It was the best thing I ever did. Now I have a regular house gig at Willie T's. I encourage any musician who plays Trop Rock to go down there during MOTM (November 3-November 6 this year - Fred). Bring your guitar, soak it in - good things will happen."


Got any favorite local spots you want to share with people?

"In Jax Beach our favorite place is Billy's Boathouse (http://billysboathousegrill.com/). This will be the fifth year we'll be doing 'Flip Flops Sundays' the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. And a new place named Nippers is getting ready to open soon that's going to be great (http://www.nippersbeachgrille.com/). It's modeled after a place in the Abacos. Also, Hurricane Patty's down the road in St. Augustine (http://hurricanepattys.net/)."

http://jimmyparrishonline.com/

http://www.oceanwaves.com/

http://conch-house.com/

http://www.nav-a-gator.com

http://williets.com/

http://pages.suddenlink.net/pelicancoastdaze/index.html

http://redwhiteandtunes.com/

http://www.omphclub.com/Phlock_at_the_Rock.html

http://www.phip.com/MOTM.asp

http://www.go-abacos.com/theabs/marsh.html

See Key West Like a Local

Key West. Cayo Hueso, the Southernmost Point. Closer to Cuba than mainland Florida and Mecca for the Parrot Head nation. This little island is home to about 30,000 residents but hosts millions of visitors a year. If you haven't been, you need to add it to your bucket list. If you have, then chances are you already have your favorite places to go and things to do. Charter a fishing boat for some Yellowtail, then take your catch to the Half Shell Oyster Bar and let them cook it up for you. Turtle races at Turtle Kraal's. A tour of Hemingway's House to see the five toed cats. Strolling down Duval or quenching your thirst at one of the many famous (and infamous) watering holes and restaurants: Sloppy Joe's, Captain Tony's, Blue Heaven, The Bull, Hogs Breath, Margaritaville. And, of course, closing the day at Mallory Square, watching the Cat Man and the other performers as the sun sinks into the ocean.

My wife, Georgia, and I never get tired of visiting Key West - would probably live there if we could, and we have our own favorite spots, too (Like the Afterdeck at Louie's Backyard http://www.louiesbackyard.com/). But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, whenever possible I want to offer an "insiders view" to the beaches and bars I cover. So, I asked a local where he goes.


Chris Rehm is a singer/songwriter who has lived in Key West for three years. His debut cd, "Shanghai'd & Marooned in Key West (Things Could Be Worse)", a collection of songs about life in and around the Conch Republic, is in final production and expected to be released just in time for the Key West Songwriters' Convention at the end of April. I called Chris one afternoon and asked him to give me the 411 on some of his favorite places to go on the island.  https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ChrisRehm09.

"Lately, I've been spending alot of time on Stock Island, which is about five miles from Key West. That's where I've been working on my cd. There's a place right on the docks there called The Hogfish Bar and Grille. A little out of the way but worth the trip." http://hogfishbar.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2y-2eenMEs&feature=player_embedded


Another place I like, just a short drive from Key West, at Mile Marker 10, is Geiger Key. They have a small campground and marina with a tiki bar. Definitely 'old school Keys.'" http://www.geigerkeymarina.com/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0IjvPuSDcM&feature=player_embedded


Back in Key West, I definitely have some favorite spots. If you're on Duvall, check out Bogart's. It's an Irish pub and alot of fun".  http://keywest.citysearch.com/profile/33373233/key_west_fl/bogarts_key_west.html


"The Porch, on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street - right across from the Bull - specializes in Craft Beers, which I love. It's an old house with, as the name implies, a huge porch that overlooks the street." http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-porch-key-west


"The Green Parrot alot of people know about, but it's also one of my hang outs. It's a bar only. They have some great bartenders there - Beaver, Chicken, Ken, and Jeff. One of the reasons I like it is that's it's only four blocks from my house. An easy walk - or crawl - home!" http://greenparrot.com/


Schooner Wharf is another place that people who have visited Key West will know about, but it's always a great stop. Michael McCloud plays most days and they have some good Microbrews. If I'm there, I'll be sitting at the bar, talking to bartenders Vicky or Debbie." http://www.schoonerwharf.com/


"At the end of the night, you want to head to Finnegan's Wake on Grinnell Street. It's also an Irish pub, with a phenomenal selection of beers. But, the main reason people end up there is because they keep the latest kitchen hours in Key West - until 1am. That's where all the service industry people go when they get off work." http://www.bestonkeywest.com/restaurants/finnegan's-wake.html


"One suggestion I have if you've never been to Key West: Ditch your car. Plan to walk or grab a bike at any of the rental spots, like The Bike Shop on Truman, near White Street." http://www.thebikeshopkeywest.com/


I also had a chance to speak to another Key West resident, Scott Kirby, recently (his interview was also posted this week) and he mentioned a couple of his favorite spots to
eat: "If I go out for lunch, I love the fish sandwich at Pepe's Cafe on Caroline Street."  http://pepescafe.net/  "La Creperie is an authentic French Bistro, run by a couple of sisters". http://lacreperiekeywest.com/  "I don't go out much after gigs, but when I do it's usually to the Afterdeck at Louie's"....


That's it for this "insider's look" at Key West. Of course, as I said, anybody who has been has their own favorite spots - to eat, drink, or just sight see - on Cayo Hueso. Feel free to add yours as a comment. And, if you've never been to Key West, waddya waitin' for??!!

Fernandina Beach, FL and St. Mary's, GA. Beaches, Bars...and Cindy Dean The Porno Queen.

This blog being called "Beaches, Bands & Bars", I plan to cover all of those subjects (and more). Up until now, most of my attention has been directed to the music you make take along for a trip to the first and last B's in the title. Starting with this post, I'm going to begin a series on coastal getaways  - with an eye toward secret spots and local favorites. Some information will come from websites and other online , but - as much as humanly possible - I will try to cover places I have personally been to or, at the very least, try to use "reliable sources"; people I know who have spent time living and/or visiting the area. The goal is to give you an "insider's look" at places you might want to visit, or maybe hip you to a new spot at a beach you have already been to. If you have any suggestions - or want to add places I missed, that's what the comments section is for! My first stop is a "two fer", covering neighboring towns in Georgia and Florida...

Take the first exit off I95 as you enter the Sunshine State (or last one on your way out, depending on which way you look at it) and head East and, eventually, you will find yourself in Fernandina Beach, Florida. http://www.fbfl.us/   Known as the "Isle of the Eight Flags" for all the various groups that have laid claim to the island at one time or another, Fernandina Beach sits on Amelia Island in the extreme North east corner of Florida, right on the Atlantic Ocean. On the southern end of the island sits the Ritz Carlton luxury hotel. With over 400 rooms, four restaurants, a golf course, tennis center, spa, and pristine private beach, the Ritz has been the backdrop for a number of movie and tv shoots and is a great escape for those with caviar tastes. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm    For the rest of us, there are plenty of more affordable accommodations in Fernandina.

Just a stone's throw up A1A/Fletcher from the Ritz is Peter's Point, a public beach with clean facilities, outdoor showers, and plenty of free parking. Spend some time soaking up the sun there, then head further North to Sliders Seaside Grille. Located just a dunes throw from the water, Sliders is a 60 year old former roadhouse with a rock and roll past. Guitarist and current Allman Brother Derek Trucks played his first paying gig there as a teenager, Leon Russel has been a musical guest, as has famous former Buffett harp player Fingers Taylor with KD Moore. Currently undergoing some second floor renovations, the main restaurant and bar is still open. But, the best place to pull up a stool is at the tiki bar out back. Sit at the bar and you can sip a cold Corona while watching the surf roll in, or park it at a table and enjoy the island breezes and live music. I, myself, have spent many hours there chowing down on fried pickles and Grouper sandwiches, but locals in the know also swear by the Crab Cakes and Bourbon Scallops. Their locally famous and highly dangerous Key Lime Pie shooter, concocted and perfected by bartender and fireman "K1A" (full disclosure, my brother Kevin) left when he did. But he tells me he has passed the recipe on to one of the new staff members, so it's worth asking for one when you visit. An added attraction is that you can park right on the beach behind Sliders. From there it's just a short walk to the bar if you get hungry or run low on tailgating supplies. Note: I don't recommend driving onto the sand unless you have a four wheel drive and know how to use it - or a $20 bill in your pocket to pay the local who pulls you out. Rumor has it good looking girls usually get a discount... http://slidersseaside.com/

Next stop in Fernandina is what is being touted as the "Northernmost Tiki Bar" on A1A, the just added back deck bar at Sandy Bottoms Beach Bar and Grill. They recently doubled their seating capacity by putting tables and chairs on the beach. So, although there is a full service restaurant and several places to enjoy adult beverage inside, the best place to be is sitting right in the sand. Sandy Bottoms has nightly drink specials, a good selection of Rum and excellent wings. They also have a webcam so you can see and be seen.  http://sandybottomsamelia.com/ 

If beachside bars and boat drinks are NOT what you're looking for, you can always head to Fort Clinch State Park, home of one of the most well preserved 19th century forts in the country. With historical reenactments, a fishing pier, camping, and a largely unspoiled beach, Fort clinch offers family friendly activities. And, for those that might want to work off last night's plate of fried shrimp, there are also mountain biking and hiking trails. As a State Park, there is a small fee for cars and camping.  http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/


If you like to balance your beach time with shopping, Fernandinda Beach also has a historic district, with lots of quaint gift shops and clothing stores, including "Last Flight Out", famous for having been visited by Jimmy Buffett a few years back. At the marina, you can catch a ferry to Cumberland Island, charter a fishing trip, enjoy a river cruise or sunset sail, or just hang out and watch the shrimp boats bring in their catch. And, when you work up a thirst, you're just a short walk from one of the oldest bars in Florida, the storied Palace Saloon. Over 100 years old, The Palace was opened as a true "gentleman's establishment," with complimentary towels hanging from the bar to wipe the foam from patron's mustaches. Only slightly changed and occasionally upgraded since then, the Palace now has three bars, including a pool and game room and a nightclub, but you can still feel the ghosts of old ship captains that once walked the floors.   http://thepalacesaloon.com/

At the marina, you can also catch a ferry ($20 round trip) to our next stop: St. Mary's, Georgia.

St. Mary's, Georgia is a riverfront town with a boatload of Southern charm. http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/ It is also home to the Kings Bay Submarine Navy base. Step off the ferry and head directly across the street to The Riverview Hotel - a 95 year old hotel and restaurant. With only 18 reasonably priced rooms, each uniquely decorated, it's a great place to spend the night. Check in, then head downstairs to for dinner at Captain Seagles Restaurant, where locals swear by the Calamari (I've had them - perfectly cooked and delicious) and my mom's favorite, Shrimp and Grits. With Lang's Seafood Market just across the street, there is plenty of fresh fish for the kitchen. Want a pre-dinner cocktail? There are two bars to choose from. Seagle's Saloon is overseen by "Cindy Dean the Porno Queen". Behind the bar for more than a decade, Cindy is a local legend with a heart of gold but a sailor's tongue, known for holding court over a diverse group from lawyers to construction workers. Don't go in if you're easily embarrassed or have thin skin! On the other side of the restaurant is Gala's, recently dubbed the "Mar-Tiki Bar", a combination of their signature drink, the Martini, and the Aloha vibe bartender "K1A" brought to it when he started a few months ago. Try a specialty cocktail like the Eye of The Hurricane, or a Martini made with one of their many flavored vodkas like Double Espresso, Kiwi, Mango, and Acai Berry. The last time I stopped by Seagles, the owners' son, Kevin, was working hard to refurbish one of the two large outdoor patios and talking about starting to book more live music, including - possibly - some Trop rock. Heads up: the Saloon allows smoking, the "Mar-Tiki" Bar does not.  http://www.riverviewhotelstmarys.com/

Like Fernandina, St. Mary's also has a shopping area, with antiques, book and gift stores, an ice cream shop and more. There are also museums and trolley tours for history buffs and a waterfront park for the children (be sure to bring plenty of  bug spray during the Summer months, when the sand gnats can be especially annoying).

And, finally, if you REALLY want to seek out a local gem, you'll need a car to drive to Lucky Dawgs. Located at the corner of a small strip mall and gas station well away from the water, this former hot dog joint has recently gone Parrot Head. They opened an outdoor patio and tiki bar, built a stage, and decorated it all like the Jimmy Buffett songs they play over the sound system on Radio Margaritaville. Live music from regional bands, Low Country Boils, and nightly drink and all you can eat seafood specials keep the locals happy. http://luckydawgscamdenga.com/

  

That's it for this "insiders look" at the beaches and bars of Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Mary's, Georgia. Two towns separated by a river and well worth a visit.

Thanks to my brother, one time Fernandina and current St. Mary's resident and world class bartender, Kevin (aka "K1A"), for the help with this post....