Summer Savings Pass in South Florida

If you'd like to visit four great parks, for four months in South Florida, the Summer Savings Pass offers a great value.  The pass provides admission to 4 attractions:   Zoo Miami,  Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium and the Museum of Discovery and Science.  


The Summer Savings Pass is available for purchase at each of the participating parks beginning on May 15, 2011 and will be valid for unlimited admission to each of the attractions until September 30, 2011.


Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, and Zoo Miami will also have the passes for sale online on their respective websites:


 www.LionCountrySafari.com
 www.miamiseaquarium.com 
 www.zoomiami.org  


Museum of Discovery and Science will have the passes available by phone at (954) 713-0930.  


The passes cost $54.95 plus tax, per adult and $44.95 plus tax, per child (ages 3-12), this pass grants unlimited admission through September 30th at Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery and Science and Zoo Miami. 


Annual pass holders of these attractions will be eligible to purchase this pass for only $29.95 plus tax, per adult, and $19.95 plus tax, per child. For more information on the Summer Savings Pass visit: www.summersavingspass.com (currently under construction).  The attraction websites offer information regarding the pass also.


Come back and post your comments regarding the passes or your visits.


*Image and information from Zoo Miami website:  www.zoomiami.org

The Filling Station

Photo from the Filling Station website

From the looks of this "joint" you'd never imagine you were in for such a delicious meal, but you are...

Located in the heart of downtown Miami, 95 Southeast 2nd Street-across from the Bank of America Tower, this is a great little place.  My family and I went with another family and we all loved it. 

Photo from the Filling Station website

I ordered Beth's Ferrari and everyone else ordered burgers.  No two burgers were the same, everyone ordered them differently, but it was unanimous that everyone loved their choice.  The choices ranged from plain to everything including pulled pork.  All dishes were served with a side order of tater tots.  Beth's Ferrari is a chicken sandwich with fresh mozzarella cheese,  roasted peppers, basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze.  I loved my selection.  In addition to incredible burgers, unique sandwiches and fresh salads, the Filling Station also offers catering.

This is a great place to go and hang out with friends or colleagues.  The service was spectacular, the meal delicious and the experience very enjoyable.  We really hope to go again soon.  Try it and post your comments...let me know what you think.

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant with several locations all over the United States.  We have several locations in South Florida. 

The restaurant offers a unique dining experience.  Essentially you cook your own meal at your table.

You can order from several choices of cheese fondues for the appetizer.  The server prepares the cheese at your table.  Once the cheese is ready, you can dip the veggies, bread, fruit into the cheese and enjoy your appetizer.

   

Children's meals are available, which consist of smaller portions of the adult meals.  The entrees are served with a variety of vegetables.



Adult portion

Child portion

Veggies

I don't have pictures of the best part of the meal, the chocolate fondue dessert, because it looked so good we devoured it and I forget to take a picture first.

The restaurant is okay, the experience is fun.  My children enjoyed it tremendously.  I wasn't thrilled with the entree.  However, the cheese appetizer and chocolate dessert were very good.  MY recommendation would be to go for wine and cheese or for dessert.  Another alternative is to purchase a fondue pot and do it at home.  It will definitely be a conversation piece and lots of fun for the whole family.

Please post your comments and let me know what you think.

Le Cafe Pop

Le Café Pop is a French bistro tucked into a corner of Coconut Grove’s Main Highway. Brightly decorated in orange and brown hues the outdoor dining area is adorned with flowing curtains. Inside the décor is simple with travertine floors, big windows, a long bar and wood and iron furniture. Several tables have wooden banquettes with upholstered cushions and many comfy pillows.

We stopped in for brunch on Sunday and enjoyed each other’s company and family banter (as my husband likes to call it). They have various specials such as Happy Hours and all you can eat crepes or mussels.

I ordered the salmon eggs benedict and my husband ordered the croissant benedict. My daughter who is not adventurous ordered an egg and cheese croissant. My son had nutella and banana pancakes.
Of course my husband was not satisfied with one mere entrée…he also ordered blueberry pancakes. (He weighs 185lbs and is 5’11” he has a great metabolism).

All in all we had a superb experience and the meal was spectacular.

Blogathon 2011 Update

As you may have noticed, I stopped posting for several days. First there was an issue with the blogger site. The blogs could be viewed but it was not possible to post for several days last week. I continued writing in a notebook, in order to post when the site came up. Unfortunately there were a series of "life events" (nothing serious) just time-consuming things, and in order to get at least 5 to 6 hours of sleep every night I had to give up writing posts for a few days.


I'm back and although I am not in the running to be a winner for the 2011 Blogathon, I will add the blogs I wrote and will continue to write as much as possible the rest of the month.

In addition to maintaining a happy marriage, raising my elementary age children full-time, enjoying quality family time together, I also help my friend with her Educational Materials website (www.thelearningcollection.com), write posts for my three blogs, work as a realtor, and own and rent vacation homes. I also try to read books, other blogs and try to keep abreast of global issues.


To add to all the excitement, we are now in the process of buying a new home which happens to be a short sale. The house has been abandoned for close to two years, so when its finally ours, we are going to have to do a great deal of work to be able to move into it. Something has to give...I only have 24 hours per day and like 50 hours worth of work...

I still have so much I want to do...I have several children's books I've started and haven't finalized. My husband and I have an idea for a children's television show, we've written the treatment but need to pitch it to networks...

I will eventually do everything I want, I just need better time-management skills and a few assistants.

EcoAdventures Deering Estate

The information below was copied from the Deering estate website.  This is another South Florida activity that I'd like to engage in, but haven't done yet.  Look for an updated post written by me soon, when I am finally able to attend.  Meanwhile comment below about your experiences there. 

EcoAdventures at Deering Estate

• Bay Cruise from Deering Estate

Sunday, 5/15/2011

2:00 - 4:00 pm (please arrive at 1:30 pm)

$35 per person; All ages are welcome

Bay Cruises are offered on the “Pelican Island Skipper,” a 45-foot Corinthian Catamaran. The boat will depart from the Deering Estate and will explore the waters of Biscayne Bay. A Deering Education and Interpretive Staff Member will educate passengers on birds, sea mammals, Native Americans, and early pioneers.

The vessel complies with Coast Guard regulations and is ADA accessible. Weather and water conditions are closely monitored prior to departure. Trips may be cancelled and rescheduled due to weather conditions.

Space is limited. To reserve your space please call 305-235-1668 ext. 233.

• Moonlight Canoe Tours

Take a canoe tour across Biscayne Bay to Chicken Key under the light of the full moon! A Deering Education and Interpretive Staff Member will accompany you to Chicken Key while sharing some of the ecological facts of the bay. This nighttime adventure includes a campfire and s'mores on the island. Ages 18 and over. For your safety, please wear enclosed-toe shoes. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

$40 adults (ages 18 and over)

Space is limited. Reservations required.

To reserve your space please call the Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233.

Available Dates:

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Sunrise Canoe Tour

2nd & 4th Sunday of the month

8:00 am – 11:00 am

$30 adults; $20 children (ages 9-14)

The Deering Estate offers guided canoe tours of Biscayne Bay that depart from Charles Deering’s boat turning basin. You will canoe to Chicken Key, a seven-acre mangrove island and restored bird rookery, which lies one mile off shore. The island contains sand dunes and mangrove forests and is surrounded by sand bars, tidal flats, seagrass beds, and rocky debris. While canoeing, you can observe marine wildlife such as manatees and sea turtles, as well as numerous species of birds. The program is designed for beginners and experts alike. Please bring closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes, water, a hat, and sunscreen.

To reserve your space call the Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233.

Eco-Bike Tour

4th Saturday of the month (Seasonal)

10:00 am – 12:00 pm (please arrive at 9:45 am)




$25 for tour and bicycle rental
$20 to ride your own bike
$3 helmet rental

Join our Interpretive and Education Staff as they bike along historic limestone trails through the native ecosystems preserved at the Deering Estate at Cutler. From a mangrove forest at the edge of Biscayne Bay, to tropical hardwood hammock, and through globally endangered rock pinelands, see Miami as it was long ago.

Ages 9 and up. All participants must wear a helmet. A limited number of adult-sized bicycles and helmets are available to rent on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that all bicycles are one size and can accommodate a rider no shorter than 60” (5 feet) tall.

Kayak Rentals

Saturdays & Sundays

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Adults $10 per hour plus regular park admission; Children (ages 9-15) $8 per hour plus regular park admission.

Kayak at your own leisure and take in the beauty of Biscayne Bay. Price includes kayak, life vest, paddles and a small dry bag.

To rent a kayak, you must be 21 years old. Ages 9-20 must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian in the same kayak. Two people per a kayak required.



The Barnacle Under Moonlight

Answer to Haiku poem from May 10^th is Miami Beach.

I’ve been dying to do this (they have one every month):


THE BARNACLE UNDER MOONLIGHT - ALMOST BLUE

at The Barnacle Historic State Park

***The information below was copied from the Barnacle's website.  As soon as I get a chance to visit the BArnacle and attend this event I will write a post about the experience.  I just wanted to let you know that this is available becasue it seems like a nice thing to do in Miami.

Date: May 13, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Description:

Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends and family and join us on the lawn of The Barnacle for an evening concert under the skies of South Florida. Enjoy an evening of funky soul and rocking roadhouse blues from Almost Blue. Gates open at 6pm, music from 7-9pm. No pets please.

Fees: $7 admission, $3 ages 6-12, free 5 and under

Contact: (305) 442-6866

Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.

www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/events



Participation Requirements

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Essential Eligibility Criteria





Barnacle Under Moonlight Concerts

In order to participate in this program, one:

• Must have the ability to traverse a paved multi-use trail for a distance of approximately 1200 feet (600 feet each direction) independently or with the assistance of a companion or with the assistance of a device.

• Must have the ability to traverse whatever portion of the grassy lawn to their desired concert-viewing location independently or with the assistance of companion or device. (Distances and terrain will vary).

• Must have the ability to understand and follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with assistance of companion.

• Must have the ability to sit in chair, stand, or lie on a blanket independently or with the assistance of companion or device.

• Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the nighttime outdoors for a period of two to three hours (or any portion thereof).

• Must have the ability to remain relatively quiet during the concert portion of the evening.

• Must have the ability to remove trash, litter, and picnic remains as The Barnacle is a “pack it in, pack it out” park.

In the event of rain:

• One Must have the ability traverse an additional 1180 feet (590 in each direction) may be required.

2011 Blogathon Haiku Day

I am participating in the 2011 WordCount Blogathon.  As a participant, I must post on my blog every day in May.  I can tell you there are days when I just don't have time to write, but I have been working hard and keeping up so far, even if it means staying up and posting seconds before midnight.

During the Blogathon there are designated theme days.  Participants are encouraged to follow the theme for the day.  Today's theme is Haiku.  This is the 17 syllable, three-line poem most of us learned in elementary school.

This was fun to do.  My family and I wrote it together.  In order to figure it out, you must  be familiar with my blog/ previous posts.   I will post the answer tomorrow...

Winter, spring, summer, fall

all the same here

sandy, sunny and great fun.

***Okay, okay...I know its not a true Haiku...it should have been 5/7/5 syllables in that order...I forgot that detail...All I remembered was that it had to be 17 syllables total. I'll try to rewrite it at some point...

Miami House for Rent

As some of you may know, we are moving out of our current home and are planning to rent the house where we live now either long-term or short-term for vacation or business travelers.

The house can be rented furnished or unfurnished, and short-term rental rates will include all utilities (electricity, water, telephone and WIFI DSL).    The house is centrally located in east Kendall and was completely remodeled in 2004.  Almost 50% of the square footage of the house was built new in 2004.   In the original house we replaced the electrical, plumbing, flooring, windows, window sills, doors and more. 

The entire house has neutral porcelain tile flooring, crown moulding, window treatments, and many, many extras.

The house has five bedrooms and four  bathrooms.  Three bedrooms (including the master bedroom) are together on one side of the house (the east wing), along with two bathrooms.  The living room and dining room are in the center of the house.  On the opposite side (or west wing), we have the kitchen and breakfast area, family room (with surround sound), playroom, office and garage.

The kitchen has wood cabinetry and granite countertops.  The bathrooms have slate or marble.  The house has a network for easy DSL access, speakers in 8 rooms connected to stereo system and  security system.  The house is located across from a small neighborhood park and has a pool and large patio for outdoor fun.

Check out the website with more photos of the house:  http://www.miamicasa.8m.com/



Backyard & Pool

 Send me your comments.questions.  I'd like to know if anyone is interested in renting in East Kendall (10 blocks away from Baptist Hospital and close to Miami-Dade Community College).

Terrace

Living Room

Family Room

Family Room

Dining Room and Foyer

Kitchen

Kitchen as seen from Family Room

Cabana Bathroom

Cabana Bath

 Terrace from Pool

View of  neighborhood park across the street

 Neighborhood park play set

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms.  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Cool-de-sac

One of the great places to stop and play or dine with the family at Dolphin Mall is Cool-de-Sac.

It is an indoor, safe and controlled playground for children, where parents can relax and have a good time also.  It's not necessary to chase your kids around the place.  You can sit at the restaurant and see your children playing at most stations in the play area.  Cool-de-sac was imagined with children and parents in mind.  

The meals are delicious and there's a lot of fun to be had.  Take the whole family and enjoy countless hours of fun family time together.

There are 7 "Edutainment" areas.  Some of the fun things the children can do are:

Art- Here the children can let their Picasso potential free. 
They can paint, color, draw and even make a ceramic piece of their own.  Smocks are provided and sinks are available for clean-up.
Blocks- Little engineers can be set free to explore and create all their little minds can imagine...there are custom tables with lock blocks where they can build all types of fascinating creations.
Computer- Children can play fun educational games by themselves or with friends on Apple computers.  Wii stations are also available at this location.

Salon-  The perfect area for playing dress-up or getting a makeover or getting a mani-pedi.  All lots of fun for the little girls in the family.

Play Unit- A compact multi-level play unit is available with space to climb and make your way around the fun.

Tots – There's a special area for toddlers with many fun activities designed for their learning and enjoyment.

Lightspace® Play – A unique interactive attraction.   This is electronic entertainment at its best promoting social interaction and movement.

Discovery - A science and imagination area.  Children can experiment with many scientific concepts while having lots of fun.

The menu is extensive and most things I have tried have been very good. 

Take the family to Cool-de-sac and enjoy a nice family-day!

**Images were copied from Cool-de-sac brochure

Cool-de-sac has another location at the Sunset Place Mall.  Visit their website for more information.

Dolphin Mall

Dolphin Mall is Miami's own outlet mall.  It's more than just for shopping.  It is a tourist and resident destination.  There are so many exciting things to do at the mall...you can watch a movie or 19 of them, you can dine at one of the many, many fabulous restaurants ( so many good ones its hard to decide which to go to), you can go bowling or dancing or playing, or shopping (hundreds of shops to choose from)...take your pick, you can't go wrong.  You will have a great time at this lively mall.

What's Happening in South Florida the next few weeks?

Films:Romance in a Can Film Festival (May 5th though May 10th) @ various locations

Soundscape Cinema Series: Wall-E May 11 8:00pm Miami Beach Soundscape

Soundscape Cinema Series: 2001 A Space Odyssey May 18 8:00pm Miami Beach Soundscape


Soundscape Cinema Series: The Sound of Music May 25 8:00pm Miami Beach Soundscape


Soundscape Cinema Series: Casablanca Jun 01 8:00pm Miami Beach Soundscape

Soundscape Cinema Series: The Wizard of Oz Jun 08 8:00pm Miami Beach Soundscape

Soundscape Cinema Series: Dirty Dancing Jun 15 8:00pm Miami Beach Soundscape

Film: Prohibition Screening with Filmmaker Ken Burns Jun 09 6:30pm Broward Center

Miami Art Museum
Exhibit: Anchor Gallery: Mark Dion (Today through August 28th)

Exhibit: The Wilderness (Today through June 26th)

Museums:
Miami Museum Month (May 1st-May 31st) various locations


“Fresh” Art Opening Reception May 6th 7:00pm Sol Gallery


Exhibit: “Fresh” Art (May 6th through June 5th)  Sol Gallery/CANDO Arts Co-op


Life Is Art Creative Connections #13: Legal Issues in the Arts May 17 6:30pm Sol Gallery/CANDO Arts Co-op



Networking Events:
River of Art: Fashion, Music, Networking Event May 6th @ 6:30pm Surfcomber Collins Bar




Sun Life Stadium

Florida MARLINS 2011 check Marlins website for the schedule of Home games:
http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=fla



Miscellaneous Events:

Miami Dance Festival ( May 5th through May 15th) various locations

An Evening with Levine May 06 8:00pm Gusman Center

Feast on the Farm Fundraiser May 07 6:00pm Paradise Farms

Bike Miami Day May 08 10:00am Mary Brickell Village

Art-Talk with Miami Artist Maria Martinez-Cañas May 10 6:00pm The Sagamore

The Propeller Club, Port of Miami’s 10th Annual Scramble Tournament May 12 1:00pm Miami Shores Country Club

80s Prom Burlesque and Drag Show May 12 8:00pm Cinema Paradiso

Laffing Matterz: Serious Dining. Hilarious Satire. Voted best Dinner Theater, 2010. Broward Center of the Performing Arts. (Now through May 14, 2011)



On-Going Weekly Events

Green Market. Village of Gulfstream Park (every Wednesday)

Urban Market on the Riverwalk at Esplanade Park (every Saturday)

Farmers Market. Pinecrest Gardens. (every Sunday)

 Food Truck Fridays

Cinco de Mayo in Miami Beach

There are many fun places to go in Miami and Miami Beach for Cinco de Mayo festivities.  No doubt, Mexican establishment or not, most places will be celebrating...
Some ideas are:

• Senor Frog's,  3480 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 
• Paquito's Mexican Restaurant, 16265 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33160
• Touch ,  910 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• El Rancho Grande Restaurant, 1626 Pennsylvania Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
• T-Mex Restaurant, 235 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 
•  Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, 1439 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 
• Taqueria El Mexicano, 521 SW Eighth St, Miami, FL 33130

Enjoy your day and Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!!!

Soundscape

Miami Beach has unveiled a new public event area in the City Center district ( on the corner of Washington Avenue and 17th Street, designed by Dutch architectural firm, West 8.

This is a city-owned space on 2.5 acres.  It was not designed to feel exactly like a park, but rather an open area with tropical plants and steel pergolas, adorned with colorful bougainvillea flowers.  Pathways lead you to explore all the areas of the space. 

With many seat walls, visitors are encourages to sit and relax, read, rest and even eat lunch as a sidewalk cafe.

SoundScape features a 7,500 sq. ft. projection wall with a world class sound system.  This will provide a perfect setting for concerts, video art and films.

In addition to cultural, musical sound and art events, the park will also be available for sit-down or cocktail celebrations.

Be one of the first to experience the newest destination of Miami Beach.

Miami Beach SoundScape 1670 Washington Avenue.  305-673-7730

**Photos copied from http://www.dezeen.com/

A New Landmark: The New World Center

Architect Frank Gehry, in his only Florida project, has designed a world-class facility for music education and performances.

The main entrance features 80 ft high glass windows and views of the dramatic structure and atrium. 

The center holds a performance hall with seating for upto 756 people.  With theatrical lighting, natural lighting, recording, projection and webcasting infrastructure and robotic HD cameras, the center is a true state-of-the-art marvel. 

There are several practice, rehearsal, and teaching rooms in the building.  In addition, the Suntrust Pavillion is a large multi-purpose room for teaching, film screenings, lectures, meetings, etc.

A reception space is available on the roof terrace on the sixth floor, along with a music library, private suite and an outside plaza surrounded by a beautiful garden with stunning views of Miami Beach.

***Photos copied from website:  www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2552/1/