RIo under the stars

Last night we attended the last Midtown Moonlit Movie for June.  They showed the movie Rio.  It was a very nice experience, especially because we had great weather.  The park where the movie is shown is small and cozy. There are hedges and large planters separating the park from the walkways and busier areas.  We had a nice breeze blowing through...it was just perfect!

Popcorn, drinks and candy are available to purchase.  They were inexpensive at just $1.00 per bag of popcorn (small) or $1.00 per drink. There are some places to sit, but its better to bring a blanket or some chairs to ensure seating.  We took a blanket but my husband ended up running to Target to buy chairs because we got there late and were sitting on the hard sidewalk.



  The movie was cute, my kids want to buy it for their library.

We all enjoyed the experience tremendously.

Midtown looked beautiful.

I am not sure if they will continue to have the Moonlit Movies at Midtown but I hope so.  It;s a great idea, it brings the community together and its nice to do something different once in a while.

I'm so happy we have a new, up and coming area in Miami.  Midtown is a beautiful area to shop, dine or just hang out.





Although we don't own a Blue-ray disc player, I normally buy the Blu-ray combo that comes with the DVD and digital copy of the movie.  They usually run around $30.00 and you have 3 versions of the movie.  We add the digital copy to the ipad, itouch, etc. and the DVD is used in the players or in the car on long trips.

Condo Time

This year we had an opportunity to spend time at our condo again.  Every year between vacations and social, academic and career obligations we try to spend time here, even if just for a little bit.  This year we have been here off and on over 1 month. 

My husband and I go to work from here if necessary and my children attend their functions from here.  It's a longer drive for all of us but well worth it if we get to spend quality time together. 

When we come, I take the opportunity to upgrade and/or repair anything that needs to be fixed.  No matter how often I come during the year, unless I am staying here I don't really see what is needed.  You have to live here for an extended period (at least a few days) to notice things.  This year we replaced towels, the TV in the master bedroom, some linens and some items in the kitchen.  While here I also noticed the refrigerator we purchased last year (hopefully still under warranty) freezes over a little, and creates a film of ice over the inside of the freezer. This was happening last year when we received the refrigerator but I thought I was being exaggerated.

 The dishwasher is also acting a little strange, so I realized you can't "over fill it".  I am a little abusive with dishwashers...I want to put a lot of things in to avoid doing two loads, but if it gets too full, you end up doing two loads anyway to wash the items that didn't get washed in the cycle that was too full.

So there you have it.  Some of the issues I've had to deal with this year.  Very minor, thank goodness!

Being here, also helps me be a better guide, a better landlord and better travel advisor.  I get to experience things first hand and pass on the vital information to prospective clients, tenants and guests.

I hope you benefit from my posts and I hope I help you get the most from your vacation.

The beach at sunset

I took these photographs a few days ago as we were walking in from spending a few hours on the beach.  This is my favorite time to be at the beach.  Anytime after 3:00pm is great in my book.  Don't get me wrong...I love the beach at any time...but I especially love the late afternoon hours...

This time of the day is usually breezy

and calm.

At this time and for several hours before this the beach is

not crowded with sun-bathers. 

You might see joggers or yoga

classes.

If my family is around, you will definitely see a sports activity.  Either my kids are engaged alone or my husband and I join them.  Regardless there is always something happening soccer, kickball, whiffleball, badminton, kadima...you name it.  There is plenty of space, so there is no danger of hitting someone with a stray ball, and the heat is almost non-existent.  It's a perfect time for this.

This is a great time to relax, take it all in and

forget about anything stressful.

I am so thankful for all of our blessings, and this is one of them.

Midtown Miami Moonlit Movies

This sounds like lots of fun...watching a movie in the park on a warm summer night. 
I did not know they were doing this, but I plan to go for the last movie in June, which is Rio.  I'll let you know how it goes...my kids are looking forward to it already,
If you are in town try to go, it seems like a nice family activity.



 

"The Shops at Midtown Miami Go To The Movies!


The Shops at Midtown Miami will show a different movie for FREE on
Tuesdays during the month of June, at 8:15pm in the Fountain Plaza.
Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy Midtown Moonlit Movies!"



"ShopStar members visit GoShopStar.com for your free bag of popcorn.

Not a ShopStar member? Visit GoShopStar.com and join! It's fun, fast and free! Start earning your ShopStar perks!



Showing Tuesday, June 7th - Just Go With It
Showing Tuesday, June 14th - Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2
Showing Tuesday, June 21st - Rocky Horror Picture Show
Showing Tuesday, June 28th - Rio "




**Images and information from Midtown Miami website: http://www.shopmidtownmiami.com/go/dirListing.cfm?FL=All

Lincoln Road

On Sunday June 19th, Father's Day we spent the evening on and around Lincoln Road.  It's one of the best family-friendly nights of the week.

We had dinner at our family favorite, Shake Shack, and then walked around and took in all the sights.  Shake Shack serves some of the best burgers we've had.  My family loves burgers and we've eaten a lot of them...these are really fresh and great tasting.  The fries are good also.  The best part is you can have a completely unhealthy meal by adding a shake to the mix.  I always avoid them,  but this time I gave in and had a few sips of my daughter's chocolate shake...heavenly!!!


After walking through Lincoln Road for a while, we went over to the New World Center and the Soundscape Park.  There was nothing going on this evening just a few passersby.  we walked around a bit and then had an uneventful football game for four.  My son and I against my husband and daughter.  we were all winners and had a great, relaxing night in the meantime.

I was never into sports growing up and now as a mom I am "forced" to play sports I never even wanted to  watch...soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, and countless others...  Don't get me wrong...I love to be included and to participate in these family sporting events.  I just find it funny that I didn't do it when I was young and now I do.  I love our family time and look forward to any activity we do together...

July 4th In Miami and the Beaches

There are many places to celebrate the 4th of July in Miami and the beaches.  You can start the day by attending the 52nd Annual Key Biscayne Fourth of July parade, www.kb4.org.  The festivities start at 11:00 a.m.  with a flyover of jets.  Following that on Crandon Blvd heading south there will be patriotically decorated floats, marching bands, marching groups, special entertainment, antique vehicles and unique performers.







One of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida is at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.  The park is open all day and admission is free.  This display can be seen anywhere in the park.  Food and beverages will be available to purchase. 


There's a Free Kid's Zone (from 3:00pm to 7:00 pm) with inflatable slides, a "kiddie" carousel, hoops, face painting and more.


Fireworks will begin at 9:00pm.  For more information visit: www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

Celebration from 11am – 4pm

Admission/Park Entrance:  $5.00 per person
$3.00 – ages 6-12; children under 6 – free! 

Begin your Coconut Grove Independence Day celebration with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historic State Park. Lawn games, board games, kite making, crafts, and a treasure hunt will keep the whole family entertained and in a sporting mood. Live music from Joel Zoss adds atmosphere to a park already decked out in traditional Fourth of July bunting. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase. Grab your family and friends and join us at The Barnacle for traditional July Fourth fun!

Once the day’s celebration at The Barnacle ends venture out into the Grove as the fun continues with hot dog eating contest, scavenger hunt, with music and fireworks rounding out the day in neighboring Peacock Park.

The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway in downtown Coconut Grove, across the street from the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Admission to the park on the day of this event is $5.00; $3.00 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9:00 a.m. with activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park closes at 5:00 p.m. Blankets or lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted. For additional information call 305-442-6866 or visit www.TheBarnacle.org

July 4th Scavenger Hunt is back!

2pm-3pm

details at www.coconutgrovechamber.com

Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce

presents

The 5^th Annual

Independence Day Fireworks & Food Trucks Extravaganza

Part of Grove-wide All Day Celebration on July the 4th

 see details of food & music below image

 
The Board of Directors of Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is excited to be at the helm of the fireworks extravaganza at Peacock Park, and especially looking forward to teaming up with returning sponsor, the Boston Beer Company. Sam Adams is once again the "official beer" for July 4th at Peacock Park, and nothing goes better with beer than an assortment of some of the city’s top gourmet food trucks, many of which are award winners.

Food Trucks and Stands include:   

CheeseMe Mobile: (cheeseme.com) 

Dim Ssam-a-gogo:  the “driving” force of Sakaya Kitchen Restaurant, (sakayakitchen.com)

Gastropod (gastropodmiami.com)

Latin Burger & Taco, (latinburger.com) 

The Fish Box- (lacamaronera.com)

ChurroMania (http://roaminghunger.com/churro-mania) 

Fireman Derek’s World Famous Pies(firemanderekspies.com)

Free Entertainment includes:
 JOEL ZOSS with PIANO BOB-   Master songwriter whose compositions have sold millions of copies, earning him two gold records. He provided recording artist Bonnie Raitt, with whom he has also performed, with two hits,  “Too Long at the Fair” and “I Gave My Love a Candle,” and has also performed and recorded with James Taylor, David Bromberg, John Hartford, Paul Butterfield, David Sanborn, Vassar Clements, Lowell George, Little Feat, John Hall and Orleans, Taj Mahal, Norman Blake, Juan-Carlos Formell, Todd Rundgren, Kate Taylor, The Master Musicians of Jajouka, and Howling Wolf. Since 2007 Joel has appeared frequently with B.B. King in theaters across the country.

RONNI BROOKS & THE RAMBLERS - Drummer Ronni Brooks has been a favorite of Coconut Grove dating back to the 1970s. He has performed with dozens of nationally recognized  musicians, both locally and across the country.

JOSH “PITBULL OF BLUES” ROWAND  - The lead guitarist of the eponymous band, Josh has been playing since he was old enough to hold a guitar.  At the age of 15 Josh placed third in the Guitar Center (Hallandale, Florida) Battle of the Blues Guitarists, beating out many older, established players. Josh is also an accomplished slide guitarist, harmonica player, singer and songwriter.

Children’s Fun Zone: featuring Rock Wall and Bounce House (admission priced separately)
Festivities in the Park get going around 5 pm, and are expected to last until 10 pm.
Come early and stake out a good spot beneath oneof the Sam Adams Umbrellas!

As per tradition, the Coconut Grove Independence Day celebrations begin at 11 am with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historic State Park. For additional information call 305-442-6866 or visit www.TheBarnacle.org.

The fun continues in downtown Grove, with the Merchants Group Scavenger Hunt which starts around 3 pm, followed by the Hot dog Eating Contest at Coco Walk.

Once the winner is announced, it is time to head to the park and stake out a spot to relax and sup al fresco on a variety of food with ice cold Sam Adams Beer, and let the fireworks begin!

The entire weekend is filled with festivities. Many of the Grove hotels will be having weekend specials, and the Grove BID will once again feature all manner of street theater - from flame throwers, to tightrope dancers and acrobats, performing daring feats along Grand Avenue, so plan a weekend in the Grove! 

n with one of the largest fireworks 

Miami Beach also celebrates the birthday of our nation with a Fourth of July Celebration on Ocean Drive and 8th Street in Miami Beach, FL.

Fire on the Fourth consists of FREE CONCERTS and FIREWORKS.  


The festivities include:
Blues and Jazz, the uniquely American forms of music, 

Monday, July 4, 2011 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

6:30: Big Poppa E and the E Band 
7:45: South Florida Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Chuck Bergeron, featuring special guest vocalist Nicole Henry 
9:00: Fireworks

Classical South Florida (89.7 FM Miami) will simulcast the event. 


For information visit their website: www.miamibeachfl.gov

***Images and information copied from:  www.miamibeach.gov, www.bayfrontparkmiami.com, www.coconutgrovechamber.com, www.kb4.org, http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=miami+beach+fourth+of+july+images&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8


If I skipped any must-do Fourth of July activities in Miami or the beaches, please let me know by posting a comment here...
Happy Fourth of July, 2011!!!!

Arts in the Parks, Miami Beach

"Miami Beach is a great city for hanging out and doing "outdoor things".  We have great weather, great people to watch and fun things to do.  Here are some great activities to participate in while you're in town:

**Images and information were copied from www.miamibeachfl.gov

Miami Beach in its Fifth Season of “Arts in the Parks”

"Free Cultural Program is Hosted throughout the City
Miami Beach “Arts in the Parks” events feature a variety of cultural offerings such as concerts, plays, musical performances and other acts, and are free and open to the public. The Arts in the Parks program further elevates Miami Beach’s role as a leader in the cultural arts.
Remaining 2011 Schedule (FREE EVENTS)
Miami Beach SoundScape Cinema Series, southwest corner of 17 Street and Washington Avenue.
SOUNDSCAPE CINEMA SERIES @ExoStage* 

Wednesday Nights
 

Movies begin at 8:00 p.m.
June 15         Dirty Dancing

Movies begin at 8:30 p.m.
August 3       Ghostbusters
August 10      Spiderman
August 17      Back to the Future
August 24      Iron Jawed Angels, presented in cooperation with HBO

*Movie titles are subject to change without notice and weather permitting.

Arts in the Parks launched in 2006 in response to the results of community surveys and focus groups that indicated residents would like to see more free cultural events. The Miami Beach “Arts in the Parks” program hopes to increase the community rating of cultural activities, which is part of the City’s overall strategic plan.

For more information on “Arts in the Parks,” contact Gary Farmer, cultural affairs manager, at 305.673.7577 or visit www.mbculture.com."

Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau

I recently had the opportunity to roam around the website for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  They have a lot of useful and informative information about Miami and vacation planning in the area.  

They offer planning guides, lists of attractions, travel advisors, restaurants, spas and golf course, etc.  They even have apps with local information.

This may be a good resource in addition to this blog, of course, for information about Miami and the beaches.

I hope you find everything you are looking for and hope you have a terrific vacation!

Come back and post your comments.  Let us know what you like to do while 

in South Florida on vacation.

Diamond Cafe and Market

Last night we wandered over to the Blue and Green Diamond Condominium.  Our friends were there and it is a short walk from our condo on 51st Street and Collins Avenue.  The building is located on 47th Street and Collins Avenue.  We dined at the cafe by the pool.

The service was okay but the meal was spectacular.  We had fried yuca for the appetizer.   Most of us ordered churrasco steak while a couple had grouper and one of the children ordered chicken wings and arroz con pollo.  I tried a little from everyone's dish and I must say everything was exceptional...very fresh and prepared perfectly.

I'm not sure how easy it is to get into the complex to dine there but its definitely worth a try.  The prices are very reasonable and the meals delicious.

Go by and let me know what you think...

Posh Pets Salon

Our baby, Coco, was in need of grooming.  We took her to Posh Pets Salon, conveniently located in the Seacoast Condominium at 5151 Collins Ave.  Miami Beach, FL 33140.

They patiently removed all her knots and didn't shave her hair to make it easier (like other groomers we've gone to).  We were pleased with the service and recommend them.

They offer other spa services such as:

• dental cleaning without anesthesia
• blueberry facial
• aromatherapy (relieves stress and arthritis)
• massage
• coat whitening
• coat conditioning
• de matting
• coloring and stencils
• pawdeicure

Grooming start at $35.00

Baths start at $25.00 and include: ears, gland and nails

They also offer complimentary transport service.

Monday - Friday 9:00 to 7:00

Saturday  9:00 to 5:00

Call or email them for an appointment:

poshpetsalon@gmail.com

786-752-9329

305-244-0209




Hope you get a chance to use their services and are happy with them!  Let me know...

Miami Circle

I remember the day the miami circle was discovered...it was all over the news.  I have never had the opportunity to tour the site.  To be honest, i was not aware tours were available.  In doing research for my blog, i came across information regarding the tours on the History miami Museum website.  It seems like an interesting place to see.

MIAMI CIRCLE®

Discovered in 1998, Miami Circle at Brickell Point is a nationally significant archaeological site located at the mouth of the Miami River in downtown Miami. Archaeological excavations at the site uncovered components of the primary village of the Tequesta, one of the first Native North American groups encountered by Juan Ponce de León in 1513. The site preserves evidence of the complex and planned architecture unique to the Tequesta, including the Miami Circle feature, which is a 38-ft 11-m) circular footprint of a prehistoric structure.

 The site's significance lies in the well-preserved evidence of American Indian architecture and the wealth of materials found on the site that relate to trade patterns, as well as the abundance of remains that shed light on ceremonial Tequesta practices.

In January 2009, Miami Circle was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This designation supports our mission of continuing to preserve the history of over 2,000 years of human settlement. The Miami Circle joins an elite group of sites in Florida becoming the 41st historic place to bear this national distinction.

Under management by HistoryMiami, the Miami Circle opened as a park on February 23, 2011 with a dedication ceremony attended by state and local officials.

**Images and information from:  www.historymiami.org/visit/miami-circle

Miami Circle® is a registered trademark of HistoryMiami.