I Heart Miami 305:
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If only work gave us Thursday and Friday as part of celebrating America's birthday this year!!!

Since July 4th falls on Hump Day this year, I'm sure we will all try our best to have a fun-filled relaxing day with the family, and not too many beers!!! 

Happy Birthday USA, we are all grateful to be 
FREE, INDEPENDENT, and AMERICAN!!! (and for the day off!)


Bayfront Park
Miami throws America's Birthday Bash every year starting at 3 p.m. with fun for the kids, music, food and beverage. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. 
301 North Biscayne Boulevard Miami; 305-358-7550.
Miami Beach 
Miami Beach celebrates Independence Day with Fire on the Fourth which includes live performances from Fred Thomas, South Florida Symphony Orchestra Quartet and DJ Maximus3000 and a great view of the fireworks display which starts at 9 p.m. 
Noon-10 p.m. 8 Street & Ocean Drive Beach, Miami Beach. 
Coral Gables
Fireworks will return to the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables thanks to an infusion of cash from a multitude of sponsors. This year’s event starts at 5 p.m. and also includes a concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band at 7 p.m., along with concessions and patriotic mascots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Coral Gables fireworks, 5 to 9 p.m. Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave.;  Free
Coconut Grove
Enjoy live music, food, kidz zone and fireworks at Peacock Park. 
4-9 p.m.,  2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305-444-7270. 
Homestead
Miami Speedway hosts an Independence Day festival and fireworks show with entertainment, food and music with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. 
5-10 p.m. at One Speedway Blvd., Homestead; 305-224-4570
Key Biscayne 
Key Biscayne's Fourth of July includes a traditional parade, music and fireworks. The parade runs along Crandon Boulevard starting at 11am fireworks shoot off at sunset.
Palmetto Bay
There will be waterfront fireworks at 9 p.m. at Black Point Park & Marina, 24775 SW 87th Ave. For more information visit www.palmettobay-fl.gov.
South Miami
There will be live bands, face painting, food and beverages and a fireworks display. 
5-10 p.m. at Palmer Park, 6120 SW 67th Ave. For more information call 305-663-6338 or email info@southmiamifl.gov. 
North Miami
There will be a fireworks display following live music and children’s entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, 300 NE 151st St. For more information visit www.northmiamifl.gov.
Aventura 
At 9 p.m. Wednesday there will be a fireworks display visible from any point of Country Club Drive. For more information call 305-466-8930 or visit www.cityofaventura.com.
North Bay Village
There will be entertainment from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dr. Paul Vogel Community Park, 7920 West Drive. For more information visit www.nbvillage.com.
Hialeah
From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be children’s activities and live entertainment. At 9 p.m. there will be fireworks and a laser display at Milander Park, 4700 Palm Ave.
Miami Springs
There will be an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration starting at 10 a.m. until the fireworks display. At noon there will be a parade starting at the Community Center. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. there will be food, entertainment, water slides and beverages at the Country Club, 650 Curtiss Parkway.
The Village at Gulfstream Park 
Enjoy activities for the entire family, including a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts and live music. Later, grab a spot anywhere in the scenic Village of shops and restaurants to catch an elaborate firework display by The City of Hallandale Beach.  4 p.m. The Village at Gulfstream Park, 501 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach
DROP ANCHOR
The good people at Florida by Water have a few suggestions for boaters who want to watch the fireworks on deck. Navigate your vessel to Fourth of July fun from the Keys north to West Palm Beach.
Marathon
The action takes place around Sombrero Beach at MM50 oceanside and starts off at 10:30 p.m. with a parade, then a day filled with food, family fun and entertainment. More info at 305-743-5417.
Miami (Bayfront Park)
Around 200 spectator boats gather to watch the action from the waters of Biscayne Bay by Bayfront Park. 
 
Miami (Bal Harbour)
Village of Bal Harbour is a great spot to watch fireworks, which are launched from the south jetty of Bakers Haulover Inlet. For more information at 305-535-8724.
Fort Lauderdale
See the display in Fort Lauderdale Beach, which launches its show by A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
 
Hollywood
The City of Hollywood 4th of July Celebration Fireworks is launched offshore of Hollywood Beach.
Pompano Beach
The City will be doing a firework show off the pier beginning at 9 p.m. The fun starts early with family fun activities.
West Palm Beach
The waterfront in West Palm Beach hosts a day of festivities leading up to the 9 p.m. fireworks display. Info at wpb.org/4th or call 561-822-2222.

CELEBRATE IN COMFORT
If you don't want to fight for a plot of land to throw down your picnic blanket or a space to anchor your boat, head to these events at local venues that all have a great view of the action.
Bianca at Delano
Enjoy an all-American Backyard barbecue at Bianca at the tony Delano hotel. Gobble ribs, seafood, White Truffle ice cream and other treats while the kids enjoy activities and the Joshua Stedman band performs. $75 per person. 
4-10 p.m. 1685 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; www.delano-hotel.com
Rusty Pelican
One of the most enviable views of Biscayne Bay, this will be a great perch to check out the fireworks as you get a mouthful of American favorites at their all-you-can-eat Barbecue Buffet.  Priced at $65 per adult, $25 per child (12 years and under), 
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. and dinner from 5 –11 p.m. 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; 305-361-3818.  
Juvia
Lincoln Road hotspot Juvia is offering two seatings on the Fourth of July. Get there at or before 7:30 p.m. and you can enjoy their menu which features an array of crudo, delectable entrees and craft cocktails along with a nice view of Miami Beach's fireworks display. Or reserve for 10 p.m. for post-fireworks dining. 
1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-763-8272.

The Mondrian
Hang out by Mondrian’s picturesque pool while enjoying barbecue snacks and festive drinks. Asia de Cuba offers a special, Independence Day menu of American favorites with a Latin twist.Open to the public, $50 minimum food and beverage consumption per person. 
Starting noon at Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-514-1500.

Shore Club 
Get suited up for the One Natin Pool Party at the Shore Club complete with a selection of barbecue items, frozen drinks  and beer along with beats by DJ Triarchy  and RS^2. Open to the public, $20 cover charge.
Noon at Shore Club, 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-695-3226
Miami Spa Month starts today, July 1st and runs to August 31st.
Take advantage of these fabulous spas offering amazing specials for $99! 


So many personal favorites, and so many places we want to try!! Ahhhh!!! We wish every day could be spa day!! 

Happy SPAHHHHing!


South Beach/Miami Beach

Mainland—North 
(Aventura, Design District, Doral, Miami Lakes)

Mainland—South 
(Brickell/Downtown, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne)

Northern Beaches 
(Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach)


South Florida Beer Blog shares info on the closing of Zeke's...
http://www.southfloridabeerblog.com/2012/06/rio-station-to-replace-zekes-roadhouse.html



Rio Station To Replace Zeke's Roadhouse


As I'm sure most of you heard Zeke's Roadhouse has closed its doors.  When I first heard the news I was heartbroken.  Where was I going to go and sit on Lincoln Rd and watch the parade of people while having a good inexpensive beer?  Luckily today my worries were lifted when I met with the new owner of the space where Zeke's once occupied.  Rio Station is the new kid on the block and will be doing some things the same and some different.  First $4 beers will be staying.  The beer selection will still have a good choice of craft beers with the amount pulled back slightly.  The new thing is that you will now be able to get food while you drink.  They will have wraps and salads along with smoothies.  They will also be open every day of the week.  And speaking of opening, Rio Station will be open for business starting July 2nd.  I don't think Zeke's Roadhouse will ever be replaced but there is still a good option for good cheap beer on Lincoln Rd.
Bicycle Flash Mob! Tomorrow Tuesday, June 26th around 7pm.
Meetup will be 2 hours before. 

If interested, please email: marjanne@grolschusa.com
Please mention Bicycle Flash Mob in subject!
 
  

Bird Road Art Walk - Saturday, June 16 (& every 3rd Saturday of each month from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

If you haven't been to the Bird Road Art Walk, you're missing out on the walk that does away with formal galleries and takes you behind-the-scenes into the working studios of 30+ Miami-based professional artists, who have turned an industrial strip near the rail road tracks into a thriving artistic community. Join the most curious of collectors and art enthusiasts in Miami for an evening of visual arts and engaging live demonstrations. Meet the artists, see the paint-stained warehouse floors where their work is created, their tools and in some cases the muses that inspire them. Enjoy plenty of free parking and a shuttle bus that loops through the district, most of the spaces offer complimentary wine and nibbles. Check it out every third Saturday of the month.

The Bird Road Art District is conveniently located just off of the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and Bird Road (SW 40th Street), extending south to SW 48 St. The majority of the studios are located off of SW 75 Ave & SW 74 Ave. Check out the website for map and a complete listing of participating artists/spaces.

For more information contact 305.467.6819, or visit us at http://www.thebirdroadartdistrict.com/Bird-Road-Art-Walk.html
Jazz-2012-web-header

The Bass Museum of Art resumes its Hot Nights Cool Jazz series, a celebrated locals destination for culture, conversation and music.  Beginning in June, the concert series will feature some of the best contemporary Jazz artists in South Florida.
Performers: Jason Hainsworth Quartet
Saxophonist Jason Hainsworth will perform with piano, upright bass and drums. Concert will feature both original compositions and jazz standards in a swinging, modernjazz style
members and basspass members: free
non-members: $10

complimentary beverages

From: http://www.knightarts.org/community/miami/a-sneak-peek-at-junes-big-night-in-little-haiti

Big Night in Little Haiti opens this month’s edition (Friday June 15) with an Open Stage.  The free monthly night of music and art at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, celebrates Fete de la Musique, a Francophone holiday that welcomes summer with free music.  Central to Fete de la Musique, which fills venues, streets and public spaces across the Francophone world with music each year, is that idea that anyone can make music.  Egalité at its musical finest, and best realized in a community like ours, filled with talent.
The open stage so far has attracted a very cool line up including a Haitian rara rock group, a didgeridoo ensemble, a violinist, a small jazz ensemble, and some singers.  The application form can be found athttp://BigNightLittleHaiti.com
Following the Open Stage, Big Night features one of Haiti’s great voices.  James Germain’s music is a lovely mix of his baroque operatic voice and Haitian roots music.  As a young man from Port-au-Prince, born an albino into a family full of music and poetry, he discovered his voice singing in church choirs.  Even while classically training in Paris, he found the great value in the voudou roots of his home country.  Germain has been living in Mali, West Africa for the past several years, creating true world music that unites his beautiful voice, and a fusion of African and Haitian rhythms.  It is a rare treat to have him perform in Miami.
It makes us happy to share all the new park dedications coming up in the Urban Miami area! Over the Memorial Day weekend, we had the dedication of Veteran's Grove at Alice Wainwright Park, and tomorrow, there will be the 1814 Brickell Park Dedication.


The park will memorialize the 9/11 tragedy created from one of the last remaining steel beams unearthed from the ruins of the World Trade Center, donated to the City of Miami by the Port Authority of NY and NJ.


The dedication ceremony, which will run from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, will feature an honor guard comprised of City of Miami Police and Fire department officers. Commissioner Sarnoff plans to acknowledge several community leaders who helped make the 1814 Brickell Park a reality, key among them Miami real estate developer Tibor Hollo and his wife Sheila, whose charitable foundation donated $250,000 to acquire the park land.

The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. We encourage those who plan to attend to come via the new City of Miami Brickell Trolley, which has a regular route that stops in front of the park (more info here!). The family park includes lush landscaped areas, an elevated central grass court and a fenced-in children’s play area.
 
This started yesterday, Monday June 11th, and we were unable to go, but this looks amazingly fun, and the food at The Filling Station (pulled pork, sweet potato waffle fries, amazing burgers..) is amazing..and filling :)


GARAGE BAR'S BARLEY'S ANGELS 
"Cool Chicks Drinkin' Craft Beer at Garage Bar" 

This Is The First Event For The Best All Girls Beer Drinking Club Around!

Monday, June 11th, at 6 p.m. An Oskar Blues Beer Tasting FREE To All Members (a $25 value)! Brewery Representative Jay Robinson will be here to entertain the group 

MEMBERS IT DOESN'T END THERE... 
Half Price On All Appetizers! 
Any Pulled Pork Sandwich For Just 5 Bucks! (Kitchen closes at 9 pm) 

Please email me by Monday to let me know how many cool female beer drinkers are coming! 

The tastiest 25 bucks you'll ever spend (it's only $25 for a yearly membership for every Monday excluding holidays)

Email me at Adam@TheFillingStation... for all of the awesome benefits of the club including but not limited to beer tastings, fundraising events for your specific charity and much more!
Eric Hutchinson concert on June 8th, 2012
2-eric-hutchinson-jjeffires-band












Come out on Friday, June 8th as the DWNTWN Miami Concert Series keeps those happy summer vibes going with a FREE concert by Eric Hutchinson and local favorite Jacob Jeffries Band at the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts!


Jacob Jeffries, hailed as a super singer-songwriter-keyboardist, and his band kick off the festivities showcasing their piano driven rock and roll that is bursting with catchy melodies and dramatic, instantly likable vocals.
Eric Hutchinson takes it to another level with his energetic live show – performing a batch of genre-blending tunes off his new album “Moving Up Living Down”. Since his album “Sounds Like This” broke the top 10 on the iTunes charts in 2007, he has toured with Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz and One Republic and has been named an AOL "About To Pop" artist, Yahoo! Who's Next Artist, MSN "One To Watch" Artist and a "VH1 You Oughta Know" Artist. His unique sound is like audible sunshine that will keep you bright and happy long after sunset.
For information on thi show go to www.dwntwnconcerts.com or become a fan of the DWNTWN Miami Concert Series on Facebook.
Presented by:
Miami Downtown Development Authority 
John S. & James L. Knight Foundation





DWNTWN Specials for Concert Day - Friday, June 8th!

Spend the afternoon in Downtown Miami & visit the following businesses before the concert from 5-7:30pm for these special offers: 

Clos Bistro @ 100 S Biscayne Blvd - 2 for 1 Beer & Wine and $1.00 empanadas
Elwoods Gastro Pub @ 188 NE 3 Ave - 1/2 price appetizers with any beer/wine purchase
Kork Wine & Cheese @ 2 South Miami Ave - 20% of entire bill
La Loggia Ristorante @ 68 W Flagler Street - 20% off your dinner bill  (cannot be combined w/other offers)
La Provence French Bakery @ 249 E Flagler St - 20% off from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Ramon Puig Guayaberas @ 24 W Flagler Street - 20% off all guayaberas
Roho Cuban Coffee @ 2 W Flagler Street - Free Cuban coffee w/any purchase and 10% off food purchases
The Bank Miami @ 137 NE 1 Street - Happy hour - 2 for 1 Drinks from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tre Italian Bistro @ 270 E Flagler Street - Happy Hour Beer & Wine specials 
Slide


If you live/work in the Brickell/Downtown area, I'm sure you've seen the new orange and green trolleys rolling about town. The orange and green trolleys are not hustling UM students around town....the trolleys are the new FREE addition to the area! Slowly but surely, we're building a better public transportation infrastructure!


The trolleys have three areas in which they travel around.

  • Health District and Health District – Stadium Routes –
    Monday thru Saturday 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. 

    Sunday schedule for event days only: 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Biscayne/Brickell Route – Monday thru Saturday  6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Sunday schedule during Miami HEAT playoff games.
  • Starting June 2012: Overtown – Health District Route - 
    Monday thru Friday 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

-Brickell/Biscayne Route
-Health District/Miami Marlins Stadium
-Overtown/Health District

Biscayne - Brickell Route
Health District
Overtown
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS

Elegant wine glass

Mix. Mingle. Sip. Unwind.

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH!

5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler Street, downtown Miami
Join us at downtown Miami’s cultural hotspot!  Don’t sit in rush hour traffic when you can be mingling with other professionals and enjoying a glass of wine!  Enjoy free access to our exhibition galleries, relax with live local music, and experience cultural performances and monthly lectures! To RSVP call 305-375-1614 or email: RSVP@historymiami.org.

ADMISSION

Members: FREE  Non-Members: $10
Free General Admission and parking provided at the Miami-Dade County Cultural Plaza Garage, 50 NW 2 Avenue.

BE PART OF THIS GREAT EVENT!

Sponsorship and promotional opportunities available now. Inquire with Amanda Israel at 305-375-1614 or 
email us
.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Miami-Dade County, Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Miami Partnership, CLOS Bistro & Cafe, Soul of Miami, & Around Town Magazine.  




Now in its third installment at the Design District's Second Saturdays Art Walk, the District Factory's pop-up shop is opening its doors once again to showcase local, emerging designers and artists for a unique shopping event. Riffing on Andy Warhol's famed studio The Factory, The District Factory invites the public for "a glimpse behind the assembly line" of designers and artists who are single-handedly manufacturing the hottest trends. Billed as a shopping event and mash-up, the soiree will feature art by Carol Adrianza and an installation by Taylor Kienholz of Pencils and Sawblades, sounds by Scratch DJ Academy, and a feature film courtesy of O Cinema.
Hosted by Fashion Poet Annie Vazquez, more than 30 cutting edge designers and artists will be selling everything from hand-made jewelry, apparel, accessories, vintage and art. There will also be an onsite beauty bar courtesy of Midtown Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge for a little mid-evening pampering. The popular (now-closed) pop-up restaurant Phuc Yea! will make a cameo with light bights, and its permanent sister restaurant The Federal will host a biergarten for the evening. Founded on the belief that you can make a living doing what you love, The District Factory is a perfect opportunity to snag a one-of-a-kind find and support Miami's emerging creative talent.
Does summer ever end in Miami?! Probably not! 
Thankfully, many of the Farmer's Markets in Miami are beginning to stay open year round, giving us the chance to always have fresh fruits, veggies, and homemade goods!





My favorite happens to be Pinecrest Garden's Farmers Market which is now opened year round on Sundays from 9am-3pm. If you haven't checked out Pinecrest Gardens, our suggestion is to go by early on Sunday, you will have the best choices of everything! From the french man at the beginning selling the most amazing french bread, cheese bread, apple bread, rugallah, and pumpkin breads...to the OJ/Tangerine man next to him with seemingly the freshest juice I have ever drank! The fruits/veggies inside are always fresh and organic, and there are other booths who sell homemade apple butter, fresh pasta, plants and more. If you have some time afterwards, be sure to check out Pinecrest Gardens! Peaceful walk through the many fauna/flora of Florida! 


Other year-round Farmer's Markets in Miami include:

  • Shops of Sunset Place Market: Saturdays 10-7pm
  • Normandy Village Market: Saturdays 9-5pm (at the Normandy Isle Fountain)
  • Coconut Grove Organic Market: Saturdays 10-7pm (33 & Grand Ave.)
  • South Miami Market: Saturdays 9-2pm (South Miami City Hall)
  • Upper Eastside Market: Saturdays 9-2pm (Legions Park)
  • Mary Brickell Village Market: Sundays 10-5pm
  • Lincoln Road Market: Sundays 9-6:30pm (between Meridian and Washington Ave.)
  • Homestead Harvest Market: Fridays 2-8pm; Saturdays 8-1pm (Farm at Verde Gardens 12690 SW 280 St.)
  • Government Center Metrorail Market: Tuesdays 8-5pm
  • Civic Center Metrorail Market: Thursdays and Fridays 8-6pm





June 4th kicks off the fifth annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week offering up to 20% off on three course lunch or dinner menus at over 30 restaurants, including Ortanique on the MileMesa and Local Craft Food & Drink

This year's Coral Gables restaurant week will run for two weeks ending on June 17.

The preview party, Taste of the Gables at the Westin Colonnade, has just released tickets - priced at $25 for advanced purchase and $35 at the door.
Coral Gables Restaurant Week 2012 participants include:
· Anacapri on Ponce
· Angelique Euro Cafe
· Angie's World Cuisine
· Bangkok Bangkok
· Benihana
· Caffe Abbracci
· Caffe Vialetto
· Cibo Wine Bar
· Fleming's Steakhouse
· Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
· Gables Aragon Cuisine
· John Martin's
· La Cofradia
· La Dorada
· La Taberna Giralda
· Le Provencal
· Mesa
· Morton's The Steakhouse
· Ortanique on the Mile
· Pardo's Peruvian Cuisine
· Randazzo's Little Italy
· Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge
· Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
· Seasons 52
· Spizzigo
· Spris
· Sushi Maki
· Talavera Cocina Mexicana
· Tarpon Bend
· The Dome Restaurant and Bar
· The Globe
· The Local Craft Food & Drink.
· Coral Gables Restaurant Week [Official Site]