Parrot Jungle Island in Miami was the brain child of Franz Scherr. Scherr moved to America from Austria in 1911 and worked as a carpenter throughout the country. He always loved nature and when the opportunity to move to Homestead, Florida during the land boom of the 1920’s came along he and his family moved and began living off the land. Eventually Franz bought a feed and supply store and he began to collect a few birds in the store. He grew to love the friendly nature of the birds and an idea was born.

Franz Scherr met with his friend, Joe DuMond, owner of Monkey Jungle, and was inspired to start his own jungle, Parrot Jungle Island. Initially he rented 20 acres of hammock and moved to the area to begin his passion. Franz was one of those dreamers who believed he could accomplish his goal and was only faced with opposition and doubt from most of his friends and family, but he persevered and began collecting birds. He built a nature trail through the coral rock and hammock, leaving the rest of the area in its natural habitat alone. The first birds to inhabit the island were 25 Macaws who adapted well. Word got out and the visitors starting coming to see the birds, experience the natural habitat and listen to Franz Scherr give narratives about the habitat. Today the island is home to more than 1,100 tropical birds, 2,000 types of plants and flowers and one of the best trained bird shows around.

The birds are obviously the biggest draw to Parrot Jungle Island but it’s not just parrots anymore. One of the most unexpected creatures that you’ll see at Parrot Jungle Island are the African Penguins. These cute little guys are not cold weather birds and are incredible swimmers and divers. In addition to the African Penguins you’ll also see Blue and Gold Macaws, Black Palm Cockatoos, Double-Wattled Cassowaries, Chinese Silky Chickens, Eclectus Parrots, Emus, Caribbean Flamingos, Hyacinth Macaws, Lories, Sarus Cranes, Scarlet Macaws, Yellow-Naped Amazons, King Vultures, Great Horned Owls, Andean Condors and more. There are food dispensers throughout the park and most of the birds enjoy being fed by visitors. Make sure to stop and take advantage of this opportunity.

In keeping with Franz Scherr’s love of all nature the park doesn’t only feature birds, the native and imported plants are an important part of the experience in the park. One of the more interesting plants on the island is the Sausage Tree, its fruit looks a lot like really big sausages hanging down by strings. The fruit is woody and not good to eat but it can be used to ferment beer, cure snake bites and some skin problems. In addition to seeing the Sausage Tree you’ll get to see Bo Trees, Cycads, Coconut Palms, Red Bougainvillea, Calabash Trees, Bromeliads, Bananas, Crotons, Banyan Trees, Platycerium, and Crodia Lutea among many, many more.

But Parrot Jungle Island is more than a walk in the wild, the park has grown and now serves a variety of different age groups, interests and activity levels. La Playa is a private beach at Jungle Island that is open to guests to the park. Relax on the beach or play in Biscayne Bay. Let your kids go wild on the water slides, bouncy house and swim area. Or enjoy a tropical drink and snack from the snack bar. One thing to remember is that La Playa requires footwear at all times, so if you don’t have aquatic shoes you’ll need to pick up a pair at the Island treasures and Gifts Shop.

Believe it or not, that is not all the Parrot Jungle Island has to offer. In addition to the incredible birds, the beautiful flora and the private beach at La Playa there are a number of exhibits and events that are open to visitors and happen throughout the day.

Tiger tales is a brief 10 minute instruction and discussion on the proper care and handling of the exotic tigers on the island, led by a trained professional who works with these magnificent creatures daily.

The Primate Exhibit & Presentation is a humorous display put on by Jake and Hanna, local orangutans. There are also capuchin monkeys, saimang and gibbons who participate in the production. There is also a 10 minute presentation to give you more insight into these animal residents and their life on the island and a question and answer session for those who want to know more.

The Manu Encounter features adorable little squirrel monkeys in an interactive experience within a habitat that is designed to resemble the clay cliffs in Manu Peru. In addition to these little monkeys there are free flying macaws and parrots and other exotic animals. Make sure to catch the 10 minute presentation on the animals in this exhibit and ask any questions you may have

The liger habitat is a must for any Napoleon Dynamite fans as these rare mixed breed lion and tigers wander the enclosure, all 900 pounds and 12 feet of him.

One animal that hasn’t been mentioned but is definitely a resident of the Parrot Jungle Island is the famous Florida native, the alligator. A walk through the Everglades Habitat & Walk may give you a glimpse of this prehistoric critter but a visit at the Crocodile Care exhibit will definitely give you a closer view of these magnificent monsters in addition to some crocodiles and a rare albino alligator. An expert on the island will give you information about these animals and is there to answer your questions.

And always keep your eyes open as you wander around the park as the trainers are positioned throughout the area with animals that are used to human contact so you can interact with them, ask questions and take pictures to remember your visit.

You’ll really be surprised at how much there is to see and do at Jungle Parrot Island, its Franz Scherr’s dream and so much more.

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Visiting Parrot Jungle Island is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

The natural health benefits of Vitamin D

We constantly hear the warnings against too much sun exposure. And we’re aware that long term exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. But did you know that there are a great many benefits associated with soaking up a little direct UV, sans sunscreen (gasp), as well? The sunshine vitamin, or Vitamin D, is truly unique. It’s the only vitamin that the body naturally produces after our skin is exposed to a little direct sunlight—which means Vitamin D is one of the few vitamins that we don’t need to consume via a food, drug or supplement. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t supplement in the colder, grayer months with some over-the-counter supplements safely purchased via Canadian pharmacies online. Safe sun exposure will do the trick in the warmer months—which is fantastic news for beach bunnies! However, sun, or vitamin D, exposure is not all created equal, for instance:

• Vitamin D is not abundant in food—our best source is safe, direct sun exposure
• Vitamin D2, which is found in most multivitamins, doesn’t deliver the same beneficial dose as the sun’s vitamin D3 form
• Vitamin D is absorbed via direct sunlight only—not through a window or a layer of sunscreen
• Things like cloud cover and air pollution can drastically obstruct the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Season, time of day, geographic location, latitude, color of your skin and age all affect your  ability to produce vitamin D
• The sun is not a reliable source of vitamin D for everyone, for example:
• If you live in the Southern U.S. you can get your vitamin D from 10-15 minutes of sun exposure per week
• However, those living in colder climates synthesize 95% less vitamin D
• And, darker pigmented skin needs 5-10 times more sun exposure to synthesize the same amount of vitamin D as lighter skin
• Vitamin D protects against chronic diseases – The D vitamin has been long-used to cure rickets in children, but more recently, scientists have credited vitamin D as a guard against cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and various autoimmune diseases (such as Crohn’s disease).
• Vitamin D keeps our bones strong – Calcium absorption (aided by vitamin D) builds strong skeletons, maintains bone density and thwarts low bone mass diseases like osteoporosis. (inflicting  an estimated 10 million Americans, aged 50+ each year)
• It protects our oral health too – By protecting and keeping our teeth and bones strong.

So what are the benefits of the sunshine vitamin?

 How much sunshine vitamin do we need—and how do we soak it up?

The good news is that sunlight will only ever produce as much vitamin D as you need. So if you like fun and sun on the beach, vitamin D is not only free and easy to get; the sunshine source lasts twice as long as food and supplement sources and you can’t overdose on it. However, don’t overexpose your skin to the sun and risk dangerous sunburn. There are other ways—in addition to direct sun exposure—to boost your intake of vitamin D, such as:

1. Vitamin D supplements – These are the second best source of vitamin D. Just be sure to choose a supplement that contains 1,000 IU vitamin D3 not D2 each day. You can conveniently order Canada drugs online—far cheaper than the same vitamin D supplements available in the U.S.
2. Eat food sources rich in Vitamin D – Although diet is not your best source of vitamin D, you can get a decent boost if you enjoy dairy and fish as part of your regular diet. Your top bets are fortified foods like milk, yogurt, sardines, salmon and tuna.

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Soak Up the Sunshine Vitamin is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

There’s no place like Miami Beach. The sun shines almost everyday of the year and with the ocean breezes blowing gently, it can make you feel like your on an exotic tropical island. South Beach in Miami is one of the hottest, trendiest places to visit. And for people who enjoy sunbathing in the nude, just north of South Beach lies a stretch of beautiful beach called Haulover Beach. Here you can choose to take it all off and avoid those tan lines completely. This beach has two sections, one for regular bathers and one for nude bathers. And it is perfectly legal in the specified area of Haulover Beach. If wanting to stay close to Haulover Beach during your visit the Newport Beach Hotel is within walking distance, about 1/2 mile from the nude beach. This hotel is family owned and operated with no topless bathing allowed.

For those who prefer topless sunbathing bathing there are a number of Hotels that allow this poolside. Though topless sun bathing is not considered legal, in South Beach it is considered a common social activity along these beaches. There are many beautiful hotels in South Beach that are on the ocean or directly across from it that allow topless sunbathing. Hotel Victor is one of these. With a coed steam room and a Turkish hammam which is clothing-optional, anyone can enjoy the luxury of these spa features.

The Standard Miami is another good hotel that allows topless sunbathing and other adult activities like mud painting. This hotel is home of the famous Lido Spa known for their Turkish hamman, fun treatments and coed sauna. And of course no children under 14 are allowed.

The Gansevoort South allows topless sunbathing at their rooftop pool. This pool has more poolside prancing than swimming. One of the more expensive Hotels that allow topless sunbathing is the Delano Hotel. Shedding bikini tops is allowed during daylight hours only at this trendy hotel where the party goes on late into the night, every night.

Whether your looking for a fun vacation where taking your top off is considered socially acceptable or a beach where nude sunbathing is legally allowed, you’ll find it in Miami’s South Beaches and nearby Haulover Beach.

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Nude And Topless Sunbathing In Miami Beach is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

The University of Miami is an excellent place for sun-lovers to attend college. Expect Miami Beach to be packed from early spring through the end of autumn with lounging students seeking respite from their studies. The University of Miami is a state school, but it has become increasingly selective as more and more qualified students rank the beauty of the location high on their list of desirable qualities for college. As a result, the programs have gotten more intensive and academic. The Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, in particular, has gotten a lot of good press.

The University of Miami is close to both the ultra-glitzy Coral Gables neighborhood, with its high-end boutiques and fancy restaurants, and Little Havana, known for its vibrant Cuban culture. Because it’s a college town, you’ll also be able to find plenty of affordable burger or sandwich joints, art house theaters (like the Bill Cosford Cinema on campus), and great nightlife in Coconut Grove. Coconut Grove, about half a mile east of campus, is home to numerous parks, great downtown shopping, and luxurious architecture that blends with the trees, making you feel like you’re on a Caribbean island.

Of course, no article about the University of Miami would be complete without a mention of the Miami Hurricanes. Five-time national champions, most recently in 2001, the ‘canes have suffered a string of setbacks in recent years, including a rap song controversy in 2005, the shooting death of defensive tackle Bryan Pata in 2006, and a 2007 losing record, the first in a decade. Still, the hometown excitement for their team is nothing short of exhilarating, and the Sun Life Stadium, the former home of the world-famous Miami Dolphins, resounds with excitement and cheers whenever the Canes are playing. The 2008 batch of freshmen was said to be one of the most promising in the ACC, and the Hurricanes have been steadily improving their game since the 2007 debacle.

Miami University’s presence near sunny Miami Beach gives tourists and travelers an extra dimension to their vacationing experience. The culture, youth, and excitement of a college town, combined with the laid-back atmosphere of beach resorts, makes Miami one of the pre-eminent vacationing spots in the United States. If the weather is just a nudge off from perfect, you can take a walk around town, go to a museum or cinema, or go shopping for hip, fashionable items. And if it is perfect, well, there’s always the beach!

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University of Miami is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

A powerfully impressive art collection in Miami, is the Rubell Family Art Collection. It impacts visitors in many ways with it’s works of contemporary art.

Owner Don Rubell has been known to talk about how he believes all artists are contemporary in their own time, for none are born already masters of their craft. Using Rembrandt as an example, Rubell notes that many old masters had early works that were better received and eventually more lasting than some of their later works. While the old masters are often popular and enduring favorites, those observations by Rubell can certainly pique some interesting thought about what is perceived as contemporary art.

Located in Miami’s Design District in a fortress-looking warehouse once owned by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Rubell Family Art Collection boasts more than 1,000 modern works of art at any given time. From cutting-edge artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Cindy Sherman to some classic pieces by Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, this collection is unique and varied. Owners Don and Mera Rubell have said that every show at the Rubell Family Art Collection is part of their personally owned art collection that the family has been amassing for over 46 years. These days, daughter Jennifer and son Jason do most of the running of the family’s collection.

The gallery of exhibits at The Rubell Family Art Collection changes the featured art twice a year, adding many new works of art as well as exhibiting many contemporary favorites. In addition to the impressive displays of art, the gallery offers a seasonal program of lectures and performances by well-known artists in the field of modern art. This gallery is a visitor’s attraction as well as an artist’s resource.

The Rubell Family Art Collection exhibit has special summer time hours for their one hour guided tours on Tuesday and Friday afternoons at 3pm.

Rubell Family Art Collection
95 Northwest 29th Street
Miami, FL‎
(305) 573-6090‎
photo credit: William Bennington

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Rubell Family Art Collection is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

To ensure a top-class visit to Miami’s South Beach, stay at the Bentley Hotel and Beach Club. This boutique hotel is consistently named among Miami’s best hotels. In fact, in 2010 it won an “Official Best of Florida” award for its views, amenities, and customer service. The Bentley caters to celebrities, high-powered executives, and other jet-setters on holiday. Situated along a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach, this eclectic landmark blends the best of luxury, art deco architecture, and contemporary conveniences such as high-speed internet and modern kitchen appliances. The Bentley Hotel is conveniently located at the junction of Ocean Drive and Fifth Street, an upscale beachside neighborhood featuring trendy shops, exclusive restaurants, and an active nightlife.

Rooms at the Bentley Hotel

Guest room and Bed at Hotel Bentley

At the Bentley Hotel, rooms are referred to as studios (junior suites), one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. Ample room is provided for comfortable computer use and entertaining. Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette, a fully-stocked refrigerator, and a mini-bar. These are restocked daily if needed. Additional perks include plush cotton robes, Italian marble bathrooms, and three voicemail lines. Rooms with private balconies are available.

For the ultimate Bentley Hotel experience, reserve the penthouse suite. The spacious bedroom, tastefully decorated living room, and expansive kitchen create a luxurious beachhouse-like atmosphere. Step onto the terrace for sweeping ocean views and private sunbathing.

Hotel Services

Guests at the Bentley in South Beach are granted access to the exclusive Bentley Beach Club. Located a short walk from the Bentley Hotel on Ocean Drive, the premier club provides plush chaise lounges, beach beds, cabanas, and beach umbrellas on a private stretch of beach. Butlers serve cocktails and entrees, and water sports equipment is available.

Guests also visit the Bentley for its famous spa treatments. The Bentley Hotel Spa, located a few blocks away at 101 Ocean View Drive, provides Asian-inspired massages, body scrubs, manicures, and facials. Services can be provided indoors or outside in a cabana.

On site at the hotel, rooftop access lets guests enjoy a breathtaking ocean view, bar refreshments, a sparkling swimming pool, and a relaxing Jacuzzi. The deck can also be rented for private receptions.

The Bentley’s Bellini Bistro is located in the hotel lobby. The restaurant features fresh seafood and pasta, a gorgeous patio, and an excellent wine and cocktail list. It’s perfect for people-watching and romantic candlelit dinners.

Area Attractions

The Bentley is ideally situated for the active traveler: shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs are within an easy walking distance of the hotel.

To start, the art deco district is a unique architectural attraction. Running from Fifth Street to Fifteenth Street, this district is renowned worldwide for its hundreds of examples of art deco apartments and hotels erected between 1923 and 1943. The well-preserved district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For pedestrian-friendly shopping, Bentley Hotel guests can stroll six blocks to Lincoln Road. The Lincoln Road shopping area, known as the Rodeo Drive of Miami, has one-of-a-kind cafes, high-end boutiques, and fine restaurants. The area is also home to Mynt Lounge. This exclusive nightclub on Collins Road has a strict door policy and routinely draws A-list celebrities. Other popular nightclubs in the vicinity include Bed, Mansion, Rok Bar, Sky Bar, and Tantra.

As for family entertainment, a number of options are just a few minutes away. The 38-acre Miami Seaquarium is a must-see. It features Lolita the Killer Whale as well as sharks, manatees, sea turtles, fish, and – surprisingly – birds. Eight educational shows are performed daily. For an extra-special treat, sign up for Dolphin Odyssey, the Seaquarium’s interactive dolphin program. Visitors who are 52” and taller are invited to don wetsuits and swim with the dolphins in Dolphin Harbor. Miami Seaquarium is just three miles from the Bentley Hotel.

For more wildlife fun, check out Jungle Island. This interactive zoological park is located just two miles from the Bentley Hotel between South Beach and downtown Miami. Visitors can watch wildlife as diverse as a 900-pound liger (a lion-tiger hybrid), penguins, lemurs, and boa constrictors. Jungle Island also recreates a Florida Everglades habitat, letting visitors experience the area’s flora and fauna.

Nearby museums include the Jewish Museum of Florida, which focuses on Jewish culture from around Florida, and the Miami Children’s Museum, a hands-on museum that fosters learning through play.

Bentley Hotel
510 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-538-1700

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March 20 and 21 the Miami Sun Life Stadium will come alive when the Jazz in the Gardens Festival will be held in Miami. The event is noted as one of the highest regarded jazz festivals in the country. This years event will be hosted by Tom Joyner and presented by the City of Miami Gardens. Top performers will entertain the crowds. Saturday the headliner will be Mary J. Blige along with Robin Thicke, Teena Marie, Joe Sample, and K’Jon. Sunday will see John Legend headline the event. He will be joined by Boyz 2 Men, Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn, and Melanie Fiona. Tickets for the event are presently available at TicketNetwork.com.

Last year the event hosted nearly 40,000 people. The sponsors boast that not only is it a great jazz festival but it is also considered to be a “Gardens experience.” There is an offering of jazz, fun, great people, and a delicious variety of food. Different vendors offer a variety of delicacies including Jamaican, Haitian, Bahamian, and Latin food along with all the soul food one can imagine.

Guests will be entertained with some wonderful jazz at the Miami Sun Life Stadium as well as pre-festival events in addition to parties, and the inviting beach in Miami. Jazz in the Gardens is the largest jazz festival in Florida. It is also one of the most highly recognized jazz festivals in the United States.

The festival has options for seating arrangements. The general admission seats are the cheapest while there are also prime and reserved seatings offering the best views. Tickets are presently available for the March 20-21 jazz festival.

photo credit: kindofadraag

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Jazz In the Gardens at Miami Sun Life Stadium is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

Miami FC is the professional soccer team located in Miami. The official colors of the team are white and tropical blue. The home games are played at two different stadiums: Lockhart Stadium and FIU Stadium. Lockhart Stadium is located in Fort Lauderdale, while FIU Stadium is where Florida International University plays their football games.

While Miami FC was officially founded in 2006 in the United Soccer Leagues, many of their fans date back to the Miami Fusion. A Major League Soccer team, the Miami Fusion were the local professional soccer team from 1998 until 2001. The Miami Fusion ceased to exist after they were contracted from the MLS along with the Tampa Bay Mutiny following the 2001 season.

In their first season in 2006, they played at Tropical Park Stadium — a stadium usually used for high school football games. The first goal in club history was scored by Mario Rodriguez. Later in 2006, Miami FC made headlines when they signed Romario, a famous 40-year-old Brazilian player.

In 2007, they reached out to local school for ideas for a nickname and mascot. The winning nickname was “Blues” and the mascot was a Hedgehog-like creation named “Hotshot”. The mascot is still prominent and the team is now sometimes known as the Miami Blues.

After finishing fifth in the regular season in their first season, Miami FC struggled the next three seasons — finishing ninth in each campaign.

Heading into the 2010 season, the team decided it wanted to change leagues. After a battle in courts, it was decided that they would play in USSF Division 2. This league came to life after a compromise between the North American Soccer League and the United Soccer Leagues. The USSF Division 2 league has 12 teams including Miami FC.

Traffic Sports USA is the organization that owns the team. Their parent company, Traffic Group, is responsible for many soccer tournaments in South American including Copa Supamericana and Copa America. The head coach of the club is Zinho, a Brazilian born former player who scored seven goals for his national team between 1989 and 1998. Zinho actually played for them before becoming the full-time head coach after the 2008 season.

The Miami Ultras are the official supporters group of the Miami FC. This group of fans gets together to support their team — often in rowdy fashion!
Photo credit: wikipedia

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Miami FC Soccer is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

While there are certainly no shortage of nightclubs in South Beach Miami, many believe that Mansion Nightclub is the crown jewel in the Opium Group’s highly successful series of Miami clubs. When the hottest celebrities and cultural elite are passing through Miami, Mansion is generally considered to be one of the most important places to make an appearance. Reflecting how Miami is quickly becoming one of the most important fashion meccas of the world attracting the likes of some of the planets most exclusive designers and models, Mansion has been designed to appeal to the fashion stars of the contemporary night scene in Miami.

Saturday Night at Mansion nightclub

If you can manage to get your foot in the door, you will immediately see what makes the Mansion nightclub so popular. Guests are greeted as they enter Mansion with the sight of the nightclub’s grand lobby, featuring an authentic crystal chandelier from 1936 that has been in place since the building functioned as a movie theater during the middle of the 20th century. Yellow and red LED lights transform the wooden floors and classic molding into something that almost seems as if it is out of a dream. Fans of steampunk and mod fashion trends will definitely enjoy both the cozy Ivy League influenced Back Ivy Room as well as the contemporary design influences of the Middle Ivy Room.

However, it is out on the dance floor where the action really is, and Mansion’s decadent dance floor with its suede seating, huge ceilings and projection screens is guaranteed not to disappoint. Unlike the majority of the nightclubs in South Beach, Mansion offers a full performance stage, making it one of the most popular places in town for top acts who are looking to perform in a nightclub atmosphere. If you want to take a break from the dance floor, the second floor Mezzanine offers ample opportunities for lounging in serious style.

Mansion Nightclub
1235 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach Florida
305.695.8411

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The Standard Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida is the one of the finest hotels in the area. Located on Belle Isle on Biscayne Bay, the Standard Hotel and Spa is in a prime location to stay when vacationing or staying in Miami Beach. This luxurious hotel is surrounded by a beautiful beach and ocean front with deep blue waters and calming breezes. The entire hotel and grounds resemble a tropical paradise with lush greenery and lovely fountains all around. Guests that stay at the Standard are pampered and spoiled in a rich atmosphere beyond belief with on site services that can be accessed throughout the hotel or right in your private room. Not only do they have luxury but they also have all of the accommodations that you would expect to find in any fine hotel. Please note that guests must be at least 14 years old.

Standard Hotel Guest Room

The Miami Beach Standard Hotel and Spa houses 105 rooms on two floors to choose from starting with smaller rooms to larger suites. The basic size they offer is called the missionary room. These rooms are located on the ground floor and have queen size beds and a view of the garden. They have two different sizes of dry rooms that are located on the second floor having large beds and overlooking the pool and the gardens. The lush rooms are located on the first floor and are surrounded by the lush greenery of the gardens and have private outdoor terraces. Also located on the first floor are the wet rooms. These rooms are similar to the dry rooms but they have private outdoor living rooms that contain a soaking tub and comfortable furniture. They also offer suites that have separate living areas and huge windows overlooking the ocean with a private terrace. The rooms at the Standard are furnished with lavish decor and tall blonde wood beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters. They have day beds on the terraces for guests to relax and enjoy the outside in privacy and each room has a mini bar for refreshments. Each room also has a flat screen TV with a DVD player/CD player, free wireless internet connection, and room service is available 24 hours a day.

The hotel offers a wide variety of amenities for their guests to take full advantage of. The Standard Spa has seven different spas rooms to choose from like a Turkish Hamam, aroma steam room, sound pool, and mud lounge where guests can enjoy the healing therapy of community bathing. Aroma steam is a great way to relax the entire body and soul by surrounding you in calming scents. Aroma therapy and mud baths along with the social atmosphere of community bathing have long been thought to have vast healing properties. Guests who want a more private spa experience can have treatments in the privacy of their own room. In room spa treatments include therapeutic massage, Chinese herbal baths, and acupuncture. The spa at the Standard Hotel also has yoga and meditation classes along with retreats and lectures that offer spiritual enlightenment. There is a large outdoor pool lined with palm trees and beautiful gardens with roman style fountains. This hotel has a no guests under 14 policy so topless sunbathing is allowed (it’s optional not required) The Lido restaurant and bar overlooks the Biscayne Bay and is located adjacent to the hotel. The restaurant serves continental and Mediterranean style dishes while the bar serves appetizers and cold drinks. There is always someone at the front desk 24 hours a day to serve guests with any needs they may have. The front desk also has a DVD library for guests to use for free.

The Standard Hotel has valet parking for all of their guests and a shuttle service for those guests who wish to travel off the island and venture into the city. Down town Miami is just across the bay from the hotel and is booming with attractions, historic sites, and with many different styles of restaurants for all tastes. There are several restaurants near the hotel like the Burger and Beer Joint that makes a delicious burger and fries, Spris which is an Italian pizza parlor, and the Wish restaurant that is perfect for a nice romantic dinner for two. There is also an entertaining night life just blocks from the hotel with social bars like the Purdy Lounge and fabulous night clubs. There are various companies that offer tours not only of the city, but also boat tours of the water with scuba diving and snorkeling classes.

The Standard Hotel
40 Island Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Photo credit: The Standard Hotel

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The Standard Hotel Reviews Belle Island is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

Miami Florida has a number of wonderful shopping opportunities but one of the best ways to enjoy the wonderfully sunny Florida climate and do a little shopping too is by hitting one of the open air shopping venues. Lincoln Road Outdoor Mall is probably the best place to do this in all of Florida, if not one of the best places in the country. The main reason for Lincoln Road’s popularity is it is the best place to people watch in South Beach, (other than the beach itself). This means that you’re likely to see a celebrity strut by, although you may not recognize them as this area is so full of rich and beautiful people they all seem to look alike after a while.

Back in the 1930′s when Miami was experiencing its first real boom, local developer Carl Fisher envisioned Lincoln Road as sort of a Fifth Avenue or a Rodeo Drive and pictured it bringing together the east and west sides of the city. Today the most popular part of the road is between Lenox Avenue and Washington Avenue where it serves as a pedestrian mall and is full of restaurants, stores, specialty shops and other expected and unexpected distractions for shoppers in Miami.

Shopping

The stores on Lincoln Road are just as numerous as most malls but there is more variety and some stores that you definitely will never see anywhere else. If you’re looking for something comfortable and familiar then there are the old standbys like Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Apple, Banana Republic, Chico’s, The Gap, Guess, Payless Shoe Source, Victoria’s Secret, Walgreens, and Williams-Sonoma. But for those who are willing to live on the edge a little bit and try something unique and different there is The 9^th Chakra, Alvin’s Island, Body Up, Brownes and Co., Cascella, Fly Boutique, Follies, Kiehl’s, Miss Sixty, Morgan Miller, Next, Owww Clothing, Post Blue Jean Co., Rainbow, Red Zebra and The Shop on Lincoln. The majority of the stores on Lincoln Road focus on hip and trendy clothing by some of the top designers in the world and unique home accessories and furnishings. Don’t despair if you must have something but don’t have a way to bring it home, the stores are quite often willing to arrange shipping for their out of town visitors.

Restaurants

There are a great number of restaurants in the Lincoln Road area featuring just about everything you could ever want to eat. But if you’re in Miami you’ll probably want to try something that has a distinct Miami flavor or you’ll want to explore some fresh caught fish. Yuca Restaurant features new Cuban cuisine and a Latin club and will deliver on that local flavor you’re looking for. For the freshest fish around, Sushi Siam will satiate that need. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers a little more of a South Beach experience then the Van Dyke Cafe is a great stop, this indoor/outdoor restaurant is one of the most popular ones on Lincoln Road and often features a live jazz band upstairs. Segafredo Zanetti is another popular location among visitors (famous and not-so-famous) because its prime outdoor seating provides great views of the promenade and the people, and the foods pretty good too. Aura is another popular dining stop but its main draw is its architecture, designed by Morris Lapidus the creator of the Fontainebleau hotel and Eden Roc Hotel.

Theater

If it’s a traditional movie you’re interested in seeing then the South Beach 18 is the place to go. This three story movie theater has 18 different screens and all the current hits. For an actual theater experience you’ll want to check out the Colony Theater which hosts a variety of programs including traditional theater, dance, music, and film. The Lincoln Theater is home to the New World Symphony and offers visitors an incredible night of music and entertainment.

Art

Art is an important part of life in Miami and the number of art galleries along Lincoln Road is a testament to its significance. There are two ArtCenter/South Florida locations on Lincoln Road and both are excellent galleries to visit, especially if you want to explore what is happening in the local art scene. In addition to the ArtCenter/South Florida locations you can try Britto Central, Carel Gallery, Collection Privee, Peter Lik or the Royal Art Galleries.

Books

For book lovers there is really only one place to stop on Lincoln Road, Books & Books. Books & Books is a combination bookstore and coffee shop/restaurant that is extremely popular with the locals, but one reason for its immense popularity is its focus on local authors. Look for regional tomes with a specifically Miami feel, and if you’re real lucky you will hit a reading or a signing with one of these local celebrities of the literary world.

Bars

At night Lincoln Road is one of the most popular places to hang out and enjoy the South Beach atmosphere. This happening promenade has everything you could want from upscale eateries, trendy celebrities stumbling around before their next detox and some incredible bars and nightclubs. The best way to take in the whole Lincoln Road after dark vibe is by just strolling from bar to bar and examining what’s happening in each. But that’s not always the most practical or plausible approach. If you’re looking for a few noted hotspots to visit consider Segafredo Zanetti which is known to attract the beautiful people day and night, Van Dyke Cafe when they’re having a live jazz band upstairs, and Zeke’s Roadhouse, a little less upscale but one of the most welcoming joints on the promenade.

Visiting Miami’s Lincoln Road is a must for shoppers but this open air shopper’s paradise has so much more to offer it won’t be hard to keep the non-shoppers in the group occupied as well. In fact you may find yourself spending a whole day, or several days, exploring all of the stores along this famous strip in South Beach.
Photo credit: miamism

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Lincoln Road Shopping is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

Miami is known as a happening hot spot for the trendy, chic and celebrity set but the city has a lot more to offer if you just know where to look. Miami was once a lush tropical paradise, inhabited mainly by beautiful flora and incredible fauna. If you’d like a glimpse at what the region that is now known as Miami used to look like all one has to do is visit Biscayne National Park.

Biscayne National Park is a fabulous combination of the sparkling blue waters, lush green islands, and coral reefs that are dotted with brightly colored tropical fish. But this region wasn’t untouched by human hands, in fact humans have a history stretching back more than 10,000 years in the Miami area. Biscayne National Park features evidence of this human interaction from pirates and their shipwrecks to the more recent pineapple farmers.

This magnificent area has only been a national park for a little more than 40 years. Plans were established to destroy this natural wonder, and the northern tip of the keys, but opposition was creating its own plans and wanted to preserve the area for the future. Luckily the preservationists won out and the area is available for all to share and enjoy and there’s a bit of history at every turn. One of the most exciting historical features is the trail of shipwrecks and very soon Biscayne National Park will be offering visitors the ability to explore some of the six wrecks off its shores.  But even today snorkelers can ride out to wrecks and explore.

Biscayne National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to the park, not one of those parks where you have to stick to the trail and can only look, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the park with snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, and exploring.

In addition to the activities that are regularly available to visitors, Biscayne National Park hosts a number of special events throughout the year that you can participate in and learn more about the region.

Family Fun Fest – Family Fun Fest at Biscayne National Park is a free program open to the public and it’s held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April. Every Family Fun Fest event is different and focuses on a different aspect of the park. The five hands-on activity stations are the favorite aspect for many guests and a passport is clicked as each station is completed, the full passport can then be traded in for a commemorative pin. Check the Family Fun Fest website to see what events are happening during your visit. In addition to the exploration stations you can take a glass bottom boat trip, an island excursion, try your hand at snorkeling, explore a canoe trip, listen to ranger talks and see a number of exhibits.

Guided Canoe Tours – One of the best ways to explore and really see what natural Florida is all about is by canoeing or kayaking through the shallow bay waters. Take that experience a little further by going on a Guided Canoe Tour. The guided tours are typically offered from January through April but there are a few tours open during the rest of the year, but sporadically. If you are interested in trying your hand at kayaking or canoeing but don’t necessarily want the guided tour you can explore the waterways on your own. Experienced boaters can take the seven mile trek and set up camp at Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key, then spend your time paddling through the lagoons, creeks, and channels. If you’re interested in seeing an exciting array of wildlife then Shallow Jones Lagoon is the place to go with its sharks, rays, upside down jellyfish, schools of tropical fish and the wading birds. Hurricane Creek is good for snorkeling and discovering the secrets held beneath the mangrove roots.

BioBlitz 2010 – BioBlitz 2010 will occur on April 30 and May 1, 2010 and is one of the biggest events planned for Biscayne National Park. National Geographic and the National Park Services have joined forces and will take up this 24 hour inventory of the park’s species. You can join this event to try to find and identify as many species as possible. This is a rare experience for people interested in ecology, national parks, and learning and helping conservation efforts. Following the BioBlitz will be a Celebrate Biodiversity Festival with demonstrations, discussions, hands on activities, exhibits and a finale of Xavier Cortada’s Endangered World art installation.

For visitors not going during one of the events there is still so much to see and do at Biscayne National Park. There are four distinct ecosystems that all sort of merge together or at least coexist harmoniously; the mangrove forest, the southern expanse of Biscayne Bay, the northernmost Florida Keys, and the very beginning of the third largest coral reef in the world. Each ecosystem has a smaller community within it that is constantly changing and the flow of wildlife is always in a state of flux, meaning each visit will offer you something new and exciting.

Before loading up your family and heading to Biscayne National Park there are a few things you should know about the park before you go. Most of the park is actually covered by water, so there will be transportation issues. If you have your own boat it is a lot easier to get around but you’ll need to know what areas are safe, what are protected and other rules of the water as they pertain to the park. If you own a canoe or kayak you’ve got a bit more flexibility to explore the park as you wish, and if you don’t own one of these crafts you can always rent them. Visiting the official Biscayne National Park website is the best way to learn about the park, what activities are best when you’ll be visiting and uncovering a bit of history and important facts before your trip. The more prepared you are the better your overall experience at Biscayne National Park will be.

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Visiting Biscayne National Park is a post from: Miami Beach Travel Advisor

When you walk into Mangos Tropical Cafe, you will be amazed by the disorderly collages that surround this place. As seen through the artists themselves, now you too can see the beauty of there work. Primal jungles and meditative sky’s along with abundant framed paintings make the place come alive. The wrath like paintings come alive from the Cuban artists.

Now that you’ve gotten past the entrance, it’s time to check out the menu. Before drinking the night away, you should grab a bite to eat at the cafe with food prepared by the talented chefs. Choose from a wide variety of food from appetizers and salads to seafood and pasta. There is something for everyone.

Mango’s Tropical Cafe is a club within a club. Party at the Vodou Room inside Mango’s. Featuring hip-hop, R&B, Raggae, House and Soca. This room is a sexy room full of live entertainment with state of the art sound and lights. Every Friday and Saturday night you can enjoy hip-hop music with the D.J.

If you want your night to be full of salsa, then The Mojito Room is where you want to be. This room concentrates on a “Night in Havana”. Charm and music from abroad will give you and your guests a night to remember. Inside this room you will find they concentrate on Salsa and Merengue which includes live entertainment like “Timbalero”. The full bar in this room is a masterpiece of copper sculpture of the Everglades.

Another beautiful VIP room here is The Jungle Room. The newest “Club in a Club”, the Mermaid Bar is located south of the waterfall in the Jungle Room. A mysterious hideaway with entertainment to current sporting events. Velvet booths that are luxuriant and lavish. With all this state of the art sound and light, this Jungle Room will transform into a unique jungle of emotion and excitement.

Drink specials are available every night of the week along with one of the longest “Cabaret” shows in the country. Featuring gorgeous men and women from all over the world. Weather your party is for two or 800, Mango’s Tropical Cafe can accommodate your party. Meet the stars, watch there shows live every week, enjoy fine artwork, upload and share your photos of your night at Mango’s and your photos can be seen by the world. Come, enjoy and leave happy knowing you had a great time.
photo credit: �I��O

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The Wolfsonian Museum resides in a renovated 7 story warehouse in Miami. The conception of the museum was the inspiration of Mitchell Wolfson in 1986.

An avid collector, Mr. Wolfson generously donated significant historical and creative artifacts so all could have an opportunity to appreciate the artists and innovators that created these classic to the turn of the century gems. The Wolfsonian Museum gallery spans two continents, Europe and North America, through the years of 1885-1945. It is very impressive taking you back to a time gone by. In 1997, The Wolfsonian Museum opened its doors to the public in association with Florida International University. This multimedia collection reflects the social, political and technological developments during an impressive era in the world of art, interior design and unique architectural construction. The Wolfsonian Museum occupies three floors of this 56,000 square foot building where you can tour the grace and charm of furniture, industrial design objects, glass, metal work, paintings, sculpture, fine art prints, posters, rare books, periodicals and facades from period buildings from a time when craftsmanship was honored and revered. The public is able to view the architectural archives of John and Drew Eberson, two major architects designing many movie theaters from 1909-1988. There are coffee shops, store fronts and offices also in this spacious location making it a very enjoyable and relaxing day. Something to entice everyone of all ages to discover. The Wolfsonian Museum also has a branch in Nervi, Italy.

The Wolfsonian Museum is opened weekdays: Thursday & Friday from 12p.m. -9 p.m. Weekends: Saturday and Sunday from 12p.m. – 6 p.m. The museum is closed Monday through Wednesday and also on the following holidays. 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Admission costs vary. $7 for Adults, $5 for Seniors, Students & Children over 6 years old. Free admission for children under 6, Students & Faculty of State University System of Florida.

Wolfsonian Museum
1001 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139-5017
(305) 531-1001

photo credit: abacusengine

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Tiramesu Restaurant in Miami Beach is a charming inviting cozy authentic Italian restaurant, that feels like you are dining in a town in Italy. It graces Lincoln Road as the oldest Italian restaurant in the area, since 1988. “Tiramesu” means Pick Me Up, very appropriate.  With the subdued elegance of the dining area with fine linen and flowers on each table with a beautiful large bar, this is casual fine dining at it’s best. However the real draw is a menu full of Italian specialties. Graziano Sbroggio (owner) grew up in Italy in the restaurant industry. It is in his blood and soul along with his 8 year old son who you see learning the business as he did at such a young age.  Enrico Veggiato, the General Manager for over 8 years along with Luca Taretto the Executive Chef, both from Italy as well.

The pasta is made fresh, along with soups, bread, desserts, and fresh seafood purchased daily. They offer healthy dishes such as no gluten, whole wheat pasta. The menu is simple yet original.  So many items are imported from Italy, as Graziano wants the highest quality of products for his guest. He believes in never compromising food quality. They serve lunch and dinner.

Lunch highlights include: Calamari Salad $13,  Tonno E Avocado Salad $15, Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola $12, Minestrone $5 Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese $12, Tiramesu Burger $10.50, Ravioli Ricotta E Spinach $12, Salmon Al Limone E Capperi $18, along with many other items. Mangia!

They offer such a fantastic program daily from 5:30-7;00 pm called ” Beat the Clock” & Happy Hour, The price you pay depends on the time you place your order for any of the specials: Rigatoni Pomodoro E Basilico, Linguine Alla Carbonara, or Rigatoni A”Matriciana, if you order at 5:40 pm that is the price you pay for your entree.  They also offer specialty drinks under this same Happy Hour special.  Great early specials to take advantage of.

Dinner Menu: Antipasti- Le Bruschette Del Tiramesu $7.50, trio of garlic toasted breads with marinated tomatoes, caponata, and toasted almond goat cheese. Prosciutto E Mozzarella $12,  20 month aged Prosciutto D.O.P from Parma and “Grande” fresh fiordilatte mozzarella. Melanzane Al Caprino $9.50, Fried eggplant layered with goat cheese served with an apple cider vinaigrette.

Main Dishes: Risotti Di Agnello ED Asiago $20, Lamb, asiago cheese and sage in brandy sauce. Strozzapreti Integrali Con Pollo $15.50, house-made whole wheat pasta, chicken, arugula, corn and cherry tomatoes. Garganelli Allo Scoglio $18.50 (my favorite dish) garganelli pasta with fresh clams, mussels, crab meat, and jumbo shrimp in a white wine sauce.  Graziano’s favorite dish is the Linguine Alla Bucaniera $18.50, House made linguine with shrimp, mussels, squid and the catch of the day in a spicy tomato sauce.  Entree selections include Fish, Chicken, Veal, Beef Tenderloin and lamb specialty dishes.

Desserts: Tiramesu, Creme Brulee, Almond Cake, Gelato, etc..$7 each baked fresh.

They have a full bar with beer, spirits and wine.  The wine list is enticing, Bertani Amarone, Gaja, Caymus, Zenato, Joseph Drouhin Puligny Montrachet, Krug Grand Cuvee,  a wine oenophiles dream list. On Tuesday all wine bottles are half price, now that is something to cheer about!  Promotion runs til October 2011. They have wine by the glass and quartini’s. “Cin-Cin

Their Private label Prosecco, is delish!

Excellent Italian cusine, honest pricing,  superior service in a beautiful setting.  This is the “Meglio del Meglio.

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BED Nightclub is one of the most elegant, and interesting spots in Miami.BED stands for Beverage, Entertainment and Dining. and is considered one of South Beach’s premier spots. When you visit BED Nightclub, you will find yourself transported into the world of celebrity, fun and glamour. You can live the life that you’ve only dreamed of watching television, if only for one magical night. If your stay in South Beach is a permanent one, you will probably want to make BED, one of your regular places to visit.

Upon entering BED, you will be let into the elegant velvet ropes. You will meet the concierge first. Her job is to make sure that your stay, meets all of your expectations. You will be transported to another dimension, upon entering the club, a dimension of glamor, and star power.

Bed Club

BED Nightclub focuses on the things that make Miami, South Beach great – music, style, and high end professional service. They always ensures that the entertainment is innovative, and on the cutting edge. The scene is designed for socialites, and important people from all over the world. They exist only for the people that truly appreciate what the ultimate South Beach Miami experience can offer.

images courtesy BED

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If there is one thing that the Mynt Lounge can do is discriminate. Normally that would be a harsh word in the current day and age but in this instance it is a good thing. The discrimination of the Mynt Lounge, on the 2100 block on Collins in Miami Beach Florida, is actually a good thing. This establishment demands that only trendily dressed, chic, individuals with an elegant demeanor and a winning smile be admitted through the door.

The Mynt is ultra-exclusive and has been around for over seven years and has been Miami Beach’s playground for the rich and famous for most of that time. If anyone that is not currently in music, the movies, an athlete, or some other easily recognizable pop-culture status profession they will have trouble getting in but it can be done if they have a unique look or can stand out in a crowd. The ones that do manage to gain entrance will find themselves rubbing elbows with the popular elite and will have as many celebrity sightings as any episode of  TMZ.

Mynt Lounge Dancers

The club itself caters exclusively to its A-list clientele and they have a zero tolerance policy in regards to paparazzi. Another interesting note about the Mynt Ultra lounge is that it is never the same two years in a row. Every summer the entire lounge is refitted from the bottom up with new furniture, new carpeting, new lighting, etc.

The Mynt has long been the nightlife spot to get into in Miami Beach and as such only the cream of the crop and the top local talent is typically found there. Some people spend years simply trying to work their ‘street cred’ to the point that they can finally win that uphill battle and enter that celebrated paradise. There are other people that simply show up night after night looking their best and end up getting in due to being either being a familiar face or simply looking particularly spectacular that night. The key to either approach is to keep trying because this club is definitely worth the occasional heartache. Anyone who can dress for success and knows how to party that wants to make a name for themselves by putting their name ‘out there’ will find this the spot to further their career simply by showing up and having a good time with the other club goers.

Though the layout changes some from year to year the quality of people stays the same. Night after night the Mynt opens up to the let the rich and famous, even the up and comers, enter into its wild embrace while keeping out all those individuals that would ruin the fun and good times to be had. For those that get in it is a place of wonders filled with people that are simply too well known to have a chance to party anywhere else in Miami Beach without a horde of photographers following them around like rabid dogs.

Images courtesy of  Mynt Lounge

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The Forge Restaurant Miami has just reopened this past March. Not only did the restaurant get a make over but the menu did as well. The main dining area is larger in size plus you can have 130 in club chairs and loveseats at every table. At the back of the restaurant there is a communal table for 20 next to the sommelier station and the Enomatic wine system which is a automatic pouring machine that allows the guest to try different types of wines by the glass. Adjoining the dining area is the bar which seats 36 customers and had full dinner services. Multiple areas for private events are also available. The Forge Restaurant Miami also offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant’s service off from the main dining area with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that look out to the butler’s station. Larger events are also available with seating from 200 to 300 with a separate entrance from the East Room.

The menu itself has also been renovated. The Forge Restaurant Miami has gone from a steak house to a restaurant with various selections of seafood, meats, salads, and pasta dishes. The new Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso cooks up some great savory snacks and appetizers before creating your main course. Choose from a wide variety of seafood. Shrimp, lobster, tuna, oysters on the half shell and much more. If seafood is not what you have a appetite for then perhaps you’d like to enjoy the kale and spaghetti or the faux risotto. The Forge Restaurant Miami still offers steak on the menu as well as Lamb chops, Barolo braised short ribs and even duck are among the fine choices for you when you come here. If you had rather keep it on the light side, there are magnificent salads to choose from as well as a wonderful choice of pasta, grains and risotto. The Forge Restaurant Miami also has a very nice wine selection as well as other popular drinks from the bar. Overall, the place is really beautiful since the renovation and the food and service is excellent.

The Forge
432 41st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33140-3504

(305) 534-4536

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Miami beach is the perfect place for parties, weddings, family vacations, you name it, and this would be the place to have it. The perfect tourist destination also with the best possible Miami Beach Boat Rental options in town. These boats are specially equipped and intended to host you and your guests. From two to hundreds of people. The boats come with kitchens, bars and even a dance area for everyone. Surrounded by the ocean and the intracoastal waterway, you will have plenty of space for you private party on the sea.

If a party boat is too small for your group, then you would want to check out renting a yacht. At Miami Boat, they can help you will all your boat rental needs. See the beauty of Miami Beach as you cruise on a yacht. From 50 feet to a 200 foot super yacht, these luxury yachts can be rented from one day to several weeks. These luxury yachts are rented with a crew to provide you and your guest with the service deserve. If you’re just looking to rent a boat for the day, Miami Boat can arrange that for you. Select the yacht of your choice and the size you desire. Have lunch on the yacht or have them bring you right to the door of the restaurant of your choice.

Tropical Yachts has what you need as well. Choose from a monohull or a catamaran, a crewed charter, luxury cruise or bareboat charter. Tropical Yachts also provides scuba diving charters for those of you wanting to explore the beautiful scenery beneath the blue waters. Day charters yachts and party boats are no problem either. Gather your friends or family and head out for a day of fun. Or maybe you would rather take that special someone out for a romantic day they will never forget. The perfect sunset awaits you and your guest out on the ocean.

Miami Luxury Yacht Charters features luxury sport yachts, motor yachts,speed boats, luxury cruisers and party yachts. You decide which yacht will best fit your needs and Miami Luxury Yacht Charters will take care of the rest. Have your own personal chef on board, choose from an array of gourmet food as well as how long you want your charter to last. Then, relax and take pleasure in what awaits you out on the deep blue sea. If fishing is what you had in mind, no problem. There experienced Captains and staff will tailor the ideal charter for your offshore deep sea fishing adventure. If your on the lookout for the big fish to hook, perhaps a Marlin or a Sailfish, there experienced Captain and crew can help take care of everything while you fish the blue waters.

Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters is one of Florida’s leading yacht charter companies. Climb aboard one of these fine luxury yachts for the experience of a life time. Biscayne Lady offers unlimited entertainment for every event. If you need fireworks, they can help plan and organize many fireworks. Light up your vacation with a logo of fireworks and your guests will ooh and aah with delight. Add some salsa to your party. Salsa dancers will compliment your party with their performance or they will teach you and your guests a few moves.

From corporate events to weddings, or private cruises to birthdays, any reason is a good one to go out on to the ocean and take pleasure in the hot sun and the ocean air. All your guests will be pleased with what you have planed for the day or night.

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Serving the Miami area for over 96 years, the Tobacco Road Restaurant and Bar, has continued to provide a home for blues lovers. Inspired by the Route-66 culture, it has become a favorite stop for local professionals, bar-hoppers, and visitors to the Florida shore.

The restaurant serves wonderful bar-fare, including chicken wings, nachos, etc. at reasonable prices in a hometown, charming setting. The patrons can order a great burger–particularly the Dutch Burger–a marvelously unhealthy combination of a choice sirloin patty, topped with pepper jack cheese, onions, and jalapeños.

The Road, as the locals refer to it, is always popular, but especially for Tuesday’s Lobster Night when lobsters go for $13 apiece (as long as 100 last.) Friday’s happy hour is a routine stop for locals before heading home for the weekend. Their perpetual menu includes traditional favorites rather than haute cuisine. They smoke their own ribs, turkey, and pulled pork, which they serve along with wonderful salads from locally grown produce. The Road’s vegetarian sandwich made with sprouts, avocados, and tomatoes on black bread, is a popular choice.

This business and structure have survived Prohibition, Al Capone, the Great Depression, the U.S. during two World Wars, and several deadly hurricanes. If the building could talk it would also recount the Mariel Boatlift, cocaine cowboys, race riots, and the rise of South Beach. Several individuals and groups have owned the facility keeping the establishment’s primary purpose as a neighborhood gathering place for a meal and a drink. The bar offers the best collection of ice cold brews, premium liquors, and single-malt scotches found anywhere in America.

Tobacco Road becomes a nightly venue for live music. Patrons have had the privilege of listening to the likes of B.B. King, George Clinton, Joss Stone and Koko Taylor. The location itself is a historic attraction and well worth a visit even if you don’t want a drink. Their kitchen stays open until 4 am offering New York strip steaks and the best burgers in the city; the full liquor bar continues until 5 am.

Tobacco Road Restaurant and Bar
626 South Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33130
Ph: 305.374.1198

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