Tag Archive for: What to do in Miami

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Check out the Winterfest Boat Parade in Ft. Lauderdale

What do the holidays signify to you? Do you like to bundle in layers of clothing, spend a few hours playing in the snow, curling up in front of a cozy fire with a steaming cup of hot cocoa?

If so, South Florida is not for you.

  • You won’t wake up to snowflakes pattering against your window.
  • You won’t need to put on a hat and gloves just to get your mail.
  • You won’t shovel snow from your driveway.

You will, instead, enjoy a new kind of holiday. A tropical holiday.

Here in South Florida we enjoy all the wintry festivities without the wintry weather. We dress up our palm trees with twinkling lights. Santa doesn’t need a warm suit here, he’s just fine in shorts and a tee. We replace snow skis with water skis. Down here, the holidays are celebrated with a magical, tropical twist!

One of the greatest events to get you in the spirit is Hard Rock Casino’s Winterfest Boat Parade. It draws hundreds of thousands of spectators every year and is a true extravaganza of lights and holiday cheer. Known as the “Best Show on H2o”, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a collection of hundreds of boats, yachts and megayachts decorated to the max in lights and thrilling decorations. All of which takes place along the New River starting from 4pm on December 10.

Aside from the parade itself, there will be:

  • Live music and plenty of entertainment
  • Sweepstakes and contests, including a Festive Pet Costume Challenge
  • Black Tie Ball
  • Family Fun Day

Tickets for optimal seating with a view are available on the website.

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Where to Celebrate Halloween in Miami

It’s the spookiest time of year (according to the calendar, anyway). With Halloween around the corner and a plethora of things to do, you might be wondering where to don your werewolf ensemble. Here is a short list of things to do in Miami for Halloween.

For everyone:

Lincoln Road Halloween Parade
October 31
South Beach
What is it? A people-watching frenzy of children and adults alike in their craziest costumes. As the night goes on, Lincoln Road turns into a party with DJs and plenty of open-container beverages. Get there early to grab a restaurant seat with a view and get ready for the show.
Cost: FREE!

For families:

Hay Maze Miami
October 21 – November 6
Bayfront Park
What is it? An actual 6,000 sq.ft. maze constructed of bales of hay, plus a beer garden, plenty of food stands and a treat-or-treating opportunity on the big night. There will also be goat yoga on October 29, if that’s on your list of Halloween to-do’s.
Cost: Ranges from $35 to $80.

For runners:

Halloween Half-Marathon
October 22
South Beach
What is it? Relatively self-explanatory. If candy is your weakness, grab your sneakers and hit the pavement for Miami Beach’s Half Marathon. Costumes are welcomed. Spaces fill up fast so secure yours today! Not into that whole half-marathon thing? Opt for the Freaky 4-Miler instead.
Cost: Ranges from $40 – $90

For pets [or the people that like them]:

Howl-O-Ween
Pinecrest Gardens
October 29
What is it? We all know pets are the real stars of the show on Halloween. Head to Pinecrest Gardens to see the latest fashion trends sweeping the dog world. Bring your own, in costume. Tricks, treats, food, drinks are readily available, as is live music.
Cost: Ranges from $10 – $12

For partiers:

Haunted W Miami Rooftop Halloween Party
W Hotel, Brickell
What is it? Two DJs, insane views, party favors, gorgeous people letting out their alter-egos. If partying on a rooftop til the wee hours dressed in a sexy version of your favorite superhero sounds like your kind of Halloween celebration, the W Hotel is where it’s at. Get your ticket quick, this party is as popular as they come.
Cost: Ranges from $32 to $1,695

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Who says Oktoberfest has to take place in October?

What started as a wild wedding party between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen changed the course of beer’s history forever.

It’s the year 1810 and the location is Munich, Germany. The Royal Wedding is set to take place and the citizens are invited. Well, not to the ceremony itself, but to the FIVE DAY afterparty! Locals arrive to the city gates to enjoy nearly a week of food, music, parades and of course, beer. To culminate the party, a horse race around town took place. Even though the horse race was eventually dropped, the beer celebration was not.Today the surprisingly family-friendly party lasts up to 18 days!

Sounds fun, right? But October is so far away, and so is Germany.

If you’re like the rest of us and unable to sit still another two months to partake in this unforgettable, world-famous celebration of beer, no need to fret. We’ve got you covered in the Magic City. Did you expect any less?

The great news is that Miami has its own version of Octoberfest and it takes place in September. For 3 glorious days, Samuel Adams will host its 12th annual block party in Wynwood Marketplace. Aside from the obvious beer hall and pumpkin-themed decor, there will be activities for both humans and dogs alike. Expect games, freebies and a photo booth to prove to the Instagram world that you’ve made the commitment. Live music will abound, as will those beer competitions you thought you left behind in college.

With your Festive Party Pack ticket, should you choose to purchase, comes 1 free beer, a stein, and more Bavarian treats and goodies from Sam Adams.

Sign up here.

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​​Kush Welcoming Locals Back to Ocean Drive

Everybody knows the Clevelander. Likely, everyone living in Miami for at least 5 – 10 years has been to the Clevelander. More than likely, not one local can be found there today.

That’s all about to change. Matt Kuscher, owner of Miami-famous Lokal restaurant and Kush Hospitality Group is taking over operations and is determined to bring the locals back to Ocean Drive. How? With a recognizably-Kush menu of local ingredients, fresh produce and homemade sauces served around the iconic pool.

In addition, the rarely-used Games on Sports restaurant will be converted into Kush Clevelander with a food and cocktail menu to match a Miami Beach locals vibe. While the pool will remain the place to party, Kush Clevelander’s sports bar will give locals a place to watch the big game without distraction.

The new look is expected to be unveiled at the end of August. Just in time for the NFL Kickoff on September 8th and the Miami Dolphins’ first regular season matchup against the NE Patriots at 1:00pm on Sunday, September 11.

It’s Avocado Season! Seven Fun & Surprising Facts about Florida Avocados.

July 31 is National Avocado Day, making it the perfect time of year to investigate one of Miami’s greatest assets.

Florida avocado season is in full swing. Also known as Alligator Pears, these fruits (and yes, they are fruits!) are a bigger, lighter, smoother and nuttier alternative to the traditional Hass you commonly find in stores or as the base to guacamole.

If you haven’t tried one yet, there is no time like the present. Head to Little Havana or Homestead where locals sell these beauties on the side of the road. Check out Los Pinarenos Fruteria on SW 8th Street & 13th Avenue in downtown Little Havana for freshly picked avos.

In the meantime, here are seven facts about Florida Avocados that just might surprise you.

  1. They are lower in both fat & calories. Florida avocados contain 3-15% oil and no cholesterol. They’re a great source of potassium and vitamin A.
  2. Avocado trees have a long lifespan of 500-600 years.
  3. There are 600 varieties grown in the state of Florida.
  4. In the early 1900’s, Charles Deering had enough avocado trees on his estate that he could make a minimum profit of $6,500 per year in sales – roughly $100,000 today!
  5. Avocados are considered a berry!
  6. Some varieties, like the Choquette, can weigh up to 2.5 pounds.
  7. Ripen avocados quickly by putting them inside a brown paper bag or placing them next to bananas.

Buen Provecho!

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How to Have Fun at Miami Swim Week!

If spending a few days in Miami Beach’s fanciest hotel, watching beautiful people strut the most fabulous of swimwear sounds good to you, then you are in luck. Starting July 14, Art Heats Fashion & faena forum will host the official Swim Week 2022. Designers from all over the world showcase their coolest, trendiest swimwear for both men and women. Enjoy parties, runway shows & art exhibits. Miami Swim Week draws a fun & fashionable crowd. Tickets range from $65 – 3,300 on Eventbrite.

There are free options to Spinoffs of the “official” swim week show as well. At 2100 Collins Avenue, Paraiso Miami Beach will host Espacio VOGUE, a pop up of Latin American and Mexican design & beauty products. Expect fashion shows & cocktail parties. La Plage will showcase high-end European swimwear and resort brands in a 4 day Trade Show right next door 2000 Collins Avenue. Chotto Matte on Lincoln Road is partnering with Aguaclara, a Peruvian swimwear brand to display its latest trends.

Whether you’re in the market for a new suit or not, Miami Swim Week events are bright and vibrant alternatives to help you beat the heat!

Frost Science Museum Opens in Downtown Miami

The Frost Science Museum is conveniently located on Biscayne Boulevard, adjacent to PAMM, Miami’s newest cultural hub boasts more than your average museum exhibitions. Read more

All is well again… Football is Back!

There’s nothing better than waking up the first day of the regular football season. I’m the type of guy who can stay in and watch football with the view of the ocean from my apartment or I can go to some of my favorite places. Read more

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Celebrating Thanksgiving, Miami Style

Live in Miami and looking for a new spin on Thanksgiving this year, aka, leaving the cooking to someone else? Look no further. Celebrate Thanksgiving, Miami style! Miami and Ft. Lauderdale have plenty of options according to Miami.com, a minimum of 51 to be exact. Read more

New Nikki Beach Coffee Spot for SoFi Locals

If you like Nikki Beach’s sexy, beachy vibe but it’s too early for a mojito and house music, head next door to the new Café Nikki. A little oasis tucked away in the club’s corner, Café Nikki is a cozy, quaint little spot offering (affordable!) coffee, tea and other fresh breakfast items. It’s casual, it’s accessible, and it’s local. There are wicker swings and comfy couches to lounge upon while enjoying free wi-fi.  A delicious muffin for a DOLLAR? Sign me up.

Full story here.