It’s Time For Miami Spa Months 2023! Here Are Our Favorite Spa Deals Posted on July 5, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs It is officially the dog days of summer. So many people are traveling, exploring foreign beaches while their kids are out of school, those who aren’t traveling are watching the tropics and it’s hot outside. Every city under the sun has a high season and a low season, it just so happens that Miami’s low season is during the summer. Our local businesses feel this as well. In order to keep businesses busy, there are a couple of fun things that the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors’ Bureau has introduced over the years. Every summer, during July and August the spas, salons, and med spas of Miami-Dade County all offer select services at a discounted rate. No matter how luxe the location may be, during Miami Spa Months, treatments and therapies start at just $109. This is an amazing time to rejuvenate and try out some of the locations that may not be as within reach during high season when the city is full. We like to consider it a mini-staycation. There are really so many spas that participate each summer, you can find the complete list here. Below you will find a handful of our personal favorites, separated by neighborhood. Brickell & Coconut Grove Ritz-Carlton Residences Coconut Grove The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove – Being Groveites ourselves, of course we are going to feature The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove. They are offering five special treatments at a reduced rate. The “Sunshine Locks and Honey Feet Package” will give you 70 minutes of relaxation with a silky blowout using Moroccan oil products and a luxurious pedicure with a honey heel glaze and warm towels while you sip champagne. They also have a Very Berry Antioxidant Facial, the Herbal Oasis Pinda Massage with agave nectar oil, or a Summer Treat Mini Package. Brickell Key Development Site The Spa at Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key – The spa at the Mandarin Oriental is taking a special space on our list because of the planned upgrades/replacement to their facility. The Mandarin is very nice as it is, very peaceful and Zen-like. The new facility is going to be next-level. For Miami Spa Months, you can choose between the 80-minute MO Spa Mani/Pedi, a Brightening Facial, or a Lemongrass Tranquil Delight aromatherapy massage and body scrub. Ciel at SLS Brickell – Taking a celestial approach to Miami Spa Months, SLS Brickell brings us a full astrological calendar full of spa treatments that lead to serenity and balance. They offer to help you surrender to the healing touch and transformative energy as you navigate the depths of self-discovery, finding inner peace in harmonizing rituals. One of our favorite offerings is the “Aries the Healing Warrior Massage,” an 80-minute aromatherapy massage with palo santo-infused oil to clear any bad vibes and a crystal treatment to align your chakras. Click here to see all 12 of the options and choose according to your sign! Lux Spa at SLS Lux – Also offering a long menu of options, SLS Lux is including a free laser hair removal to the first 20 people who book a Miami Spa Month treatment with them. Many of their options are Miami-themed too. Our favorite is The Scarface Revival, an immersive hydrafacial that relaxes, rebalances and rejuvenates your face with a cleansing, sking analysis, exfoliation, steam treatments, extractions, a massage and customized mask, followup nourishment and more. South Beach & Miami Beach Valmont for The Spa at The Setai – Located at 2001 Collins Avenue, the infamous Setai offers not only elevated spa services, but they are including beach access as well. Monday through Thursday, you can have a beach chair and some zen time with the ocean. Friday through Sunday they add complimentary beach yoga at 8:30am. For their spa service offerings, our favorite is the Balinese Balancing Massage with Foot Scrub. For a full hour, you receive a luxurious massage to free your body of tension with agile, graceful strokes and comforting movements. It finishes with a relaxing foot scrub that leaves you with a rested mind and relaxed body. Away Spa at W South Beach – Next door to the Setai at 2201 Collins, the W South Beach also has spa offerings. Arrive extra early for your appointment here, as you will receive time in the herbal steam room and sauna leading up to your treatment. Afterward, relax on the beach and collect your thoughts before you resume your day. Our pick from their Miami Spa Months menu is the Chilled Rose Hydrating Facial. This is an hour-long facial that is personalized depending upon your skin’s needs. It is meant to reduce inflammation and promote circulation with an ice globe facial massage and a chilled rose mask. Your lips are later plumped and rehydrated with a luxury lip application that contains hyaluronic acid. The Residences at the Miami Beach EDITION The Spa at the Miami Beach EDITION – EDITION’s spa is designed to realign your chakras through color therapy. Our favorite of their five choices for Miami Spa Month is the EDITION House Massage. It alieviates built up anxiety on a cellular level with CBD, menthol and arnica tension diffusing ointment. You can choose light or medium pressure to enjoy a soothing experience and leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. The Carillon Miami Beach The Spa at The Carillon Miami Beach – The Carillon is a unique project in and of itself as it was designed around the spa and wellness experience. It features unique Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuits, mirroring European traditions with nine hot and cold suites that you are free to enjoy before or after your spa treatments. We love the flexibility of their Wellness Your Way option. With this, you receive a 50-minute massage as well as two Touchless Wellness treatments of your choice. At a total value of over $400, this is really a deal. 1 Hotel & Homes Beach View Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach – Upon registering for your spa treatment at the 1 Hotel South Beach, don’t forget to also register for your beach day pass. Another project that is designed with wellness as the main focal point, the Bamford Wellness Spa has a host of creative offerings to indulge you. My favorite today is the Rose Quartz Collagen Facial. None of us is getting younger, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look like we are and also practice self love and compassion. This 80-minute antioxidant facial also activates your heart chakra, brightening your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and correcting uneven skin tones and dark circles. We hope everyone takes advantage of at least one of these special promotions. Our locally-owned business help make the world go round in our little Miami bubble. It also helps to make good use of the time as we wait for cooler temperatures and high season to return. Have fun with it… and soon I will be back with a list of restaurants to try for Miami Spice! Image Credit: Engin Akyurt from Unsplash
Coconut Grove Will Celebrate 4th Of July With Sustainable Festivities Posted on July 3, 2023November 27, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Happy Independence Day! Every year, the entire City of Miami and Miami Beach celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style. It seems that every neighborhood has a spectacular fireworks display that is free to the public so that we can all celebrate America’s birthday. This year, Coconut Grove is planning something a little bit different. In an effort to reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly, paired with our love of innovation, the Coconut Grove Family Fun and Field Day is going to take a sustainable turn. Join us in Peacock Park for an eco-friendly picnic contest, where you can enter your sustainable picnic setup and win prizes, enjoy refreshments and snacks from local restaurants, all served in plastic-free biodegradable dishes called Bekko Boxes, and as dark falls, there will be an innovative drone show to replace the traditional fireworks display! Coconut Grove 4th of July Field Day Map 2023 The drone show will eliminate not only the pollution to the Biscayne Bay and our beloved mangroves, but also will save our furry friends from their anxiety of the noise pollution. Additionally, we may not think of it first-hand, but the loud bangs of traditional fireworks incite the anxiety of many of our front-line veterans who fought in order to allow us to continue our freedom and traditions. There is no reason why we all can’t win, and the drone show is the perfect way to stay on the cutting edge, while being respectful to our environment and those around us. This year’s drone show is set to a spectacular concert led by The Miami Symphony Orchestra. We are so eager to see what they have in store, and seeing the tradition, music and nature converge in perfect harmony. When: Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 Time: 7:00 PM Where: 2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133 Coconut Grove 4th of July Field Day Bekko Boxes 2023 The participating restaurants with biodegradable Bekko Boxes include Narbona Coconut Grove, Juicense, Sushi Sake in the Grove, Meraki Greek Bistro, Aida Mexican Seafood, Like Mike Italian Restaurant, and The Oasis Lounge and Hookah Bar. We hope to see you there! Drone Show Image Credit: Verge Aero
Miami For Kids: Brightline Train Excursions Posted on June 26, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs This week’s Miami For Kids activity should be sort of a given. What kid doesn’t love a train ride? I’ve certainly never met one. But South Florida, being South Florida, adds a little panache to a train ride with The Brightline. Now that you can officially take The Brightline from Miami to Orlando in record time and comfort, let’s look at some things that you can do along the way with your kids. You could even make a few day trips out of the train ride with the whole family. It never gets old. Brightline Entry Downtown Miami Station 1: MiamiCentral in Downtown Miami This is the home station to most of our readers, but since we like to introduce the area to newcomers as well, let’s have a look at what is going on around MiamiCentral. Being located in Downtown Miami, there are a host of family-friendly activities nearby. Of course, the Phillip & Patricia Museum of Science has been named on several of our Kid-friendly-fun lists over recent weeks along with Maurice A Ferre Park and the Perez Art Museum. The Miami Children’s Museum and Jungle Island are a short Uber ride away and have also been featured on our lists. Very close to the Brightline Station, there is the Miami Library at 101 West Flagler. It is located in a lovely building and hosts many children’s activities from toddlers up to teens. The HistoryMiami Museum is also next door. In 2024, things will get even more fun. The Museum of Ice Cream is set to open a new, permanent location in Miami Worldcenter. The new spot will encompass 14,000 square feet and is set to open in 2024. To be on the VIP waiting list, you can register here. Brightline Aventura Station Station 2: Aventura Station Granted, the train ride from Miami to Aventura Station is a short one, parents will be pleased at how much more convenient it is than driving and fighting the traffic. Plus, there is a current promotion with fares from just $10. Once you arrive, there is a convenient shuttle to take you from the station to a Brightline Hub in the lower level of Nordstrom at Aventura Mall. At the mall, the kids will go wild. There is a rooftop pavilion for life-size chess, cornhole-dare, and more… all surrounded by a selfie-inducing mural wall. Inside, you’ll find a Hello Kitty popup truck, Mercedes Benz test drives (for the teens, of course), the AMC24 movie theater, tons of gourmet restaurants and Live Music Fridays. For the smaller kids, the lower level offers the Rainbow Valley Playground and for the bigger kids, they can be thrilled by the 93-foot Aventura Slide Tower. Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station Station 3: Fort Lauderdale Station in Downtown Fort Lauderdale We discussed going up to Fort Lauderdale to experience the Museum of Discovery and Science when we were going over ideas for rainy day kid activities in Miami, Naturally, the museum is relevant here as well. It is walking distance to the Brightline Station and will offer your kids an entire day of fun. With a short Uber ride to the East, you will find Las Olas Boulevard with many restaurants and access to the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. Continue further and you will be able to visit the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which includes the Aquatic Museum. Along the canals, there are many opportunities to rent paddleboards and you really have to take a trip on the historic Jungle Queen. This is an open-air riverboat that is Fort Lauderdale’s longest-running tourist attraction. The boat will take you up the river, pointing out notable sites and ending at a jungle park where you can interact with animals. There are also options for dinner cruises, private events and more. Brightline Boca Raton Station Station 4: Boca Raton Station Stopping at Brightline’s Boca Station is going to give your kids an awful lot of diverse fun. For starters, there is the Coconut Cove Waterpark, where you can find two 4-story waterslides, a 1,000-foot lazy river along with interactive water park features all around. The Coconut Cove Waterpark has been a Boca Raton institution for nearly 25 years. While it is currently under renovation, Sugar Sand Park offers a wide variety of kid-friendly activities. They offer a science garden and nature trails for guided learning about the great outdoors, indoor guided learning for budding scientists, early afternoon explorers, and the Willow Theatre puts on special children’s plays and events such as Rumpelstilskin, Old Macdonald’s Singalong Farm and Sherlock Holmes Opera Mystery. If you have bigger kids, they will go wild at Boomers Park. They’ll ride go-karts, play in the arcade, run wild with bumper boats, laser tag and more. It’s the type of thing that 10-year-old me would dream about. Brightline West Palm Beach Station | Photo Credit: SOM | Lucas Blair Simpson Station 5: West Palm Beach Station Palm Beach has a reputation of being a playground for the ultra-high net worth crowd, which is great but doesn’t always allude to things for children. But the city is actually quite kid-friendly. If you take the Brightline from Miami to West Palm Beach, you can find a ton of activities for the family. If your kids are interested in wildlife, there are two main options. The McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary offers over 200 different breeds and species for them to interact with. You could also visit the Palm Beach Zoo, where kids get in free during June and July. For the kids with a specific interest in manatees (who wouldn’t?!), you can learn all about the gentle giants at the Manatee Lagoon. Although nearly every community has its own science museum for kids, they enjoy a change of scenery. The Cox Science Center offers its own science museum/learning center with an aquarium and planetarium. This summer, their special series is “Science Fiction, Science Future” and allows kids to learn about scientific discoveries of the past then designing their vision of the future. We cannot go to West Palm Beach without visiting The Square. On top of the shopping and restaurants, weekly events are offered that are family-friendly. They have Daytime Playtime, Bubble Time Rhythm & Hues, and Bubble Blast in the splash pad. There are also golf lessons for the little ones and live music. It is fun for everyone! Rendering of Brightline Orlando Train Station Station 6: Orlando Station This brings us to the grand finale, the brand new, just opened Brightline Orlando Station. We covered the details of this luxurious and convenient station awhile back, and now it is accessible. You can travel with your family from Miami to Orlando in 3 hours conveniently and in style. No loading the kids into the car and fighting traffic, arriving exhausted, fighting for parking etc. With Brightline you arrive relaxed and refreshed, are able to call a rideshare or take a shuttle to the hotel. Instead of fighting for parking and arriving at the parks exhausted and annoyed, you can be dropped at the gate to enjoy your day with your family, whichever park you choose. For a handy guide of how to most conveniently use rideshare at Disney, check out this guide at Mousehacking Blog. After you have had all of the fun you can have with the mouse, you can relax on a soft quilted-leather seat and enjoy the calm and smooth 3-hour ride back to MiamiCentral Station. We hope you enjoy as many fun days as possible on The Brightline outings. It really opens up a world of new possibilities and experiences for families that we are only able to scratch the surface of here. Until next week!
Regatta Grove Opening Happens Today In Regatta Harbour! Posted on June 22, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Today is an exciting day for Coconut Grove. The very much-anticipated Regatta Grove is opening along the waterfront at Regatta Harbour. Regatta Grove is so interesting because it is a conglomerate of 5 of Florida’s best chefs each bringing their talents under one roof. This will activate a full acre of the waterfront property, near where the popular Bayshore Club opened last summer. In addition to the gourmet food (which I’ll get to), the 400-seat eatery also offers 3 bars offering cocktails, beer, wine, and signature shareable cocktails made with fresh fruit. Rendering of Regatta Grove Breakwater Hospitality Group is behind Regatta Grove, they are also behind the uber-popular Wharf Miami, Carousel Club and JohnMartin’s Irish Pub. Emi Guerra from Breakwater recently told the Miami New Times, “Our vision for Regatta Grove is to create a vibrant community space that stays true to the essence of Coconut Grove. From the stunning location at Regatta Harbor to the coastal decor and tropical cocktail program, we want guests to feel like they can step away from the hustle and bustle, wind down, and make great memories here.” In order to bring this vision to fruition, Breakwater collaborated with Grove Bay Hospitality Group curating a collection of the best chefs in Florida to each showcase their talents and concepts in the al fresco eatery. Regatta Grove Chefs | Photo courtesy of Breakwater Hospitality Group Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis are James Beard semifinalist nominees. They founded Root & Bone and Stiltsville Fish Bar. Janine plans offerings from down under with Sunny Side Aussie Bites + Ice by Chef Janine Booth. Her menu will feature savory Aussie pies, sausage rolls, empanadas, avocado toast and cooling desserts like ice cream and sorbet. Jeff is going coastal with Tackle Box by Chef Jeff McInnis. This is a local seafood shack with casual items like fish tail sliders or more elegant choices like chilled stone crab and caviar. Jose Mendin is behind Pubbelly and also was nominated as a James Beard semifinalist. He’s going gangster with The Piefather. This is where you can get pizza with imported Italian toppings and the chef’s signature “Don” sauce. Up in Jacksonville, Kenny Gilbert started Silkies and was a finalist on Top Chef’s 7th Season. In Coconut Grove, he is doing fried chicken and artisanal drop biscuit sandwiches with his “Flavor Bomb” sauce. His post is called House of Birds & Drop Biscuits by Chef Kenny Gilbert. Jeremy Ford was featured here just a few weeks ago for his Michelin Star at Stubborn Seed on South Beach. He also won Top Chef Season 13. His Regatta Grove concept will be JJ’s Guilty Pleasures by Chef Jeremy Ford. It will offer different gourmet burgers including a soft-shell crab burger, tacos, truffle fries and onion rings. Rendering of Regatta Grove What a fun and talented lineup in an amazing location! If you go, you will want to RSVP, especially this weekend. But with an RSVP you get a free cocktail all weekend and some of us like to be the first to try. See you there!
Miami For Kids: Outdoor Activities & Parks Posted on June 19, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs There are so many family-friendly activities in Miami, this series could go on throughout the summer. Last week, we talked about things to do with the kids if the weather isn’t being cooperative. So this week, let’s talk about things to do on a more beautiful day. Miami Beach Botanical Garden Free Art Class Miami Kids 1 – Miami Beach Botanical Garden “The tropical oasis in the heart of Miami Beach” is an amazing outing for the kids. Among other things, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden has partnered with the Sunflower Society to bring free weekly art classes for the kids. Winsome Bolt and Denise Marlow assist young artists using mixed media. This year’s theme is insects & flowers. The classes take place every Wednesday from 10am-noon and run from June 21-August 16 with an art exhibition on August 16. Fairchild Botanic Gardens Mango Festival Miami 2 – Fairchild Tropical Gardens The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens was ranked #1 Best Botanic Garden in the United States by USA Today. The Miami New Times also ranked it as the Best Outdoor Attraction in the area. Coming up is the annual Mango Festival, July 8 & 9. This celebrates our 30-year history with mangos and you can do almost anything imaginable during the festival. There is a mango brunch, classes about the fruit, shop mango plants, and also enjoy the other attractions in the park. For ongoing attractions, kids will love the summer camp, and even a dragons garden. There is a children’s garden and a discovery attraction where the kids can explore hidden corners. Loads of fun. Pinecrest Gardens Playground Miami Frog 3 – Pinecrest Gardens South Florida’s Cultural Arts Park is Pinecrest Gardens. One of our favorite programs there is called Little Lizards on alternating Wednesday afternoons. It is an informal science and art program with a monthly theme. Registration is required. In the summertime, there is the Discovery Lab where kids can become a true scientist. The sessions encompass all areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). There is chemistry, energy, mechanical engineering, life science and others. And of course there is fun in the splash pad, the play park, the zoo, gardens and indoor facilities. If your kiddo is not yet big enough for the other activities but is potty trained, they can attend the Pinecrest Dance Project Toddler Camp. They also have a full menu of Mommy and Me classes that are ongoing. Ferre Park Downtown Miami Sculpture Garden 4 – Bayfront Park & Maurice A Ferre Park With the longest waterfront promenade in Miami, Downtown’s Maurice A Ferre Park and Bayfront Park off beautiful scenery, lots to do and offers direct access to the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Perez Art Museum. There is an amazing new sculpture garden, access to restaurants and monuments to Miami’s rich history. In Bayfront Park, you will find a playground near the pavilion on the south side and direct access to Bayside Marketplace where you can experience the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. Boat rentals and tourist boats are also available in Bayside Marketplace. Tinez Farms Miami 5- Tinez Farm With a little bit of a drive, you can find something really special. Tinez Farm is a small family-owned center that is wonderful for kids to explore in. Jessica and Ruben Martinez are Miami-natives who realized how difficult it is to come by local, organically grown goods so off they went. Our daughter loves it here. She can waddle around and pick from the seasonal veggies and take a pony ride. There are animal interactions, guided tours, a garden maze, Tinez yard games, climbing, swings, a zip line and a tubing slide. Sometimes special characters arrive too, so check their Instagram page for special announcements. They also have a full menu of fresh, sustainably raised meats of all kinds. There is grass fed & finished beef, pasture-raised pig, lamb, goat, chicken, turkey and duck that were raised with zero hormones or antibiotics. It’s a really special place and we love that it’s locally-owned and operated. Knaus Berry Farm Sign BONUS – Knaus Berry Farm Speaking of locally owned and operated, we can’t have a list of outdoor things for kids in Miami to do without including the famous Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead. I added it as a bonus since they close for the summer and here we are, but from November-April this is not a spot to miss. Beginning as a small berry stand run by 2 brothers in 1956, a broker tasted the cookies made by Ray’s wife. He said they were good enough to sell and indeed they were! Be prepared to wait. You’ll see come November that local Miamians are proud to wait in the line for their famous cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls. For the kids, there is fresh berry picking and tomatoes which is an iconic Miami memory for generations. We hope you’re enjoying these new lists and coming up with new ideas for how to beat the heat in Miami with your whole brood!
Miami For Kids: What To Do On A Rainy Day Posted on May 29, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs It happens everywhere, but particularly in subtropical climates during the summertime. Yes, it rains in the Sunshine State. Typically the rain will blow through in an hour or so, sometimes even just a few minutes, but sometimes you need to entertain your kids indoors for the entire day. Here is a list of indoor activities that we suggest for your kids on rainy days in the Miami area: Mummy Exhibition | Photo credit: Frost Science Museum Miami 1 – The Frost Science Museum The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science has also come up in our list of Places Your Kiddos Can Interact With Wildlife, but the Frost Museum is also home to revolving exhibitions of all sorts that the kids can interact with. This summer, the museum is bringing Mummies of the World to Miami. This is a collection of 40 human and animal mummies from various locations and points in history. There is also a vast array of artifacts, teaching your family about the different cultures and lifestyles of times in the past. The exhibition opened on Saturday, May 27 and will run until September 4, 2023. There is plenty of time to visit and learn. If your family is not ready to view mummified remains, there are still other indoor activities at the museum that fill an entire day. The aquarium spans level upon level, the interactive Power of Science and MeLab exhibitions are open, the planetarium is always a hit, as well as dinosaurs and an exhibition about flight that explores everything from prehistoric avian life all the way to the future of space travel. The Frost Museum is a space where we suggest a yearly membership if you plan to visit more than once per year. For members, you are able to visit as many times as you like per year, visit each of the rotating exhibits and the aquarium plus 1 planetarium show per visit. The museum is easily accessible from nearly any part of town, so will definitely be something you wind up doing several times per year, if not more. Silly Monkey’s Playhouse Coconut Grove 2 – Silly Monkey’s Playhouse Coconut Grove families will particularly love Silly Monkey due to its convenient location in CocoWalk. This indoor play, explore and learning center has a special place in our hearts as our daughter London has been particularly enriched by the services they offer. We even detailed the experiences here on the blog a few weeks back. For the smaller kids, Silly Monkey’s Playhouse is dedicated to helping children and parents to bond and communicate. Using music, art and play they embrace the natural tendencies for little ones to explore and socialize. There are a host of classes available, and each one is custom-tailored to each child’s age group. They can experience the world at their own pace. There are several options for classes. Our now favorites are the Music, Art & Playground in English and then again in Spanish on another day in the week. Let’s face it, Spanish is an integral part of life here in the Miami area. The Music, Art & Playground course hones in on your child’s playfulness. It encourages independence, and stimulates curiosity. The projects change weekly, so a new discovery can take place every week for a full year. These are 1-hour each, broken down into 3 sections of about 20 minutes each in order to accommodate for the attention span of these young brains. Prices vary at Silly Monkey’s Playhouse depending upon the courses you choose, so we suggest browsing their website or getting in touch with Georgia, the owner, for her suggestions of where to start. You can visit the website here, or follow Silly Monkey’s Playhouse’s Instagram here. This is also a great opportunity to support a locally-owned and operated business! Miami Children’s Museum Curious George Exhibit 3 – Miami Children’s Museum Back over on Watson Island in between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach, you will find the Miami Children’s Museum. This is an amazing idea for your kids when the weather is rainy or just too hot to do anything. The Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to creative learning for all ages, offering constantly revolving programs that embrace various cultures, sensory play, life experiences and embraces the creative nature of our littles. there is also a performing arts section for those who like to put on for others. It is really all-encompassing for the whole family. This summer, the museum is offering a Curious George exhibit to really hone in on the curiosity of childhood. Check their website regularly to see what sorts of special programming is happening on a given day and plan ahead! There are even activities you can do at the house for those days when you just don’t want to leave home but still want to enrich your children. The Miami Children’s Museum is another location where we suggest the yearly membership. There is too much to do in the museum for small minds to grasp and small hands to experience in one day. You will want to go back repeatedly. State of Kid South Miami | Photo Credit: Facebook/State of Kid 4 – State of Kid With three location in the Miami area, you are practically always near an outpost of State of Kid. They have locations in Miami Beach, South Miami and the Miami Design District. Upon entering, you will be greeted with an adorable boutique that allows your kids to embrace their inner fashionista. Our daughter is always the center of attention at playdates with her flower glasses that we found at State of Kid this spring. We have also found many outfits that are adorable and unique for those who don’t always want to choose the same patterns and styles that are offered at Carter’s. Nothing wrong with Carter’s, of course. Their clothes are comfy and cute, but the outfits at State of Kid are also unique and we like that. If you aren’t in a shopping mood, that is ok. There are so many different classes and activities at State of Kid that range from newborns up to early elementary-aged kids. They can learn ballet, hip hop dance, cooking courses, an introduction to martial arts with jiu-jitsu courses, art classes and more. They have an interactive calendar on their website, where you can conveniently plan ahead with classes and locations. Costs vary. Brightline Entry Downtown Miami 5 – Ride The Brightline “Where can the Brightline take you?” is their catch phrase, but in reality you could wonder where can the Brightline NOT take you? With six current stations between Miami and the newly-opened Orlando station, plus two more upcoming stations paired with complimentary event shuttles and fixed-route shuttles, the possibilities are endless with South Florida’s luxury superfast train. We will have a full post dedicated to the possibilities, but for today we want to highlight the concept. The train ride alone is a treat for kids. Smaller kids love it just because it is a train, but it is also adult-friendly since it offers a luxurious and comfortable travel experience. At each stop there is something for the littles to experience. One of my favorites is to ride the train to Downtown Fort Lauderdale and visit the nearby Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery + Science. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online, in person at a kiosk or via the Brightline App. They also offer routine discounts for different travel scenarios, so check the website and app often! We hope you all see that rainy days don’t have to be a drag in the Miami area or in South Florida in general. There is always something to do, rain or shine. We hope you enjoy and follow up on other weeks for lists of outdoor fun, sports camps, fun with animals and specific ideas for the Brightline! Photo Credit: Dylan Sauerwein via Unsplash
Miami For Kids: South Florida Sports Camps Posted on May 22, 2023May 23, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs If your brood is interested in furthering their talent in a certain sport so that they are more competitive for the next academic year, or if they are interested in trying a new sport privately, without the pressure of trying it in front of classmates, a directional summer camp is going to be for you. Miami is filled with opportunities for youngsters to attend sports camps while school is out, here are a few of the stand-out offerings that we have seen. 1 – Tennis Camp at Dante Fascell Park (South Miami) If your youngster is looking to channel their inner Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams, you’ll need to start early. At Dante Fascell Park, located at 8600 Red Road in South Miami, you will find 9 weekly sessions this summer, beginning in mid June. The camp is designed for kids aged 4 years up to high school seniors and takes place from 9:30 am-12 noon each day. There are no rain-out days, so come ready to play rain or shine. With small group ratios (6 players per instructor), each child receives age-appropriate training and individual attention, increasing the likelihood they will excel when competition time rolls around in the fall. The cost is $155/week for South Miami residents, $175/week for those who live outside of the area. Ocaquatics Swimming Lessons Miami FL | Photo Credit: Raj Rana via Unsplash 2 – Swimming Lessons (Multiple Locations) Learning to swim is not just fun, it’s also a life-saving necessity, particularly in Miami where so many activities revolve around water. There are many options for swimming lessons that go from life-saving courses for babies up to competitive camps for older kids who are looking toward a future paved by Michael Phelps. We recommend Ocaquatics because they host not only a variety of levels, but also have multiple locations. The location we would choose is in Coral Gables, but there are also offerings in Kendall, near Tropical Park, and Hialeah Gardens. Tuition is $28 per class, or $80 per private lesson and is billed monthly. Miami International Riding Club | Photo Credit: Valerie Fomina via Unsplash 3 – Equestrian Training (Cutler Bay) If your child has shown an interest in English Horseback Riding, we suggest the Miami International Riding Club prior to investing in a stable. Beginning at age 6, the MIRC includes riding lessons, horsemanship, and lessons on horse care. There are fun activities and games to play on the horses and with them, ensuring that your child will be comfortable with these majestic animals. The camp runs from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm with optional after-hours time until 5:00 pm for an additional fee of $50. The camp offers several options as far as duration with daily rates of $150 up to the full 6-weeks of summer for $3,000. Coconut Grove Sailing Club Sailing Camp | Photo Credit: Little John 4 – Coconut Grove Sailing Club (Coconut Grove) For those kids who are 6 years old or higher and have already mastered basic swimming, they are also ready to begin sailing. At the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, kids of all levels are welcome for week-long sessions of sailing camp for $475 per week. They are divided into groups by age and size, learning how to rig & launch a boat, basic knots, sailing terminology, develop wind awareness, and learn to sail a race course. Some groups do require previous sailing experience and if your child bonds with the sport, classes can continue throughout the year. Camps run Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at 2990 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove FL, 33133. Miami Baseball All Stars Camp | Photo Credit: Keith Johnston 5 – Baseball/Softball Camp (Miramar) Baseball is one of the more competitive sports in high schools throughout the country and loads of kids are looking to catch Derek Jeter’s eye, getting scouted to the Miami Marlins and representing their hometown on the diamond. For some this is a pipe dream, but it is our job as parents to provide them with the resources they need to set them up to realize even the loftiest of dreams. This brings us to the All Star Training Center in Miramar. While it is in Broward County and a bit of a drive, this camp has come highly recommended by parents whose children are incredibly competitive in the sport. The camps are each a week long and host just 45 children each week. The cost is $350/week for a full day that goes from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm or $280/week if you would like to check your child out at noon. Discounts do apply if you book additional weeks and there is the option for daily practice rather than the weekly camp. Paris Saint-Germain Soccer Camp Miami | Photo Credit: Peter Glaser via Unsplash 6 – Paris Saint-Germain Academy Soccer Camp (Tropical Park) Naturally soccer is going to be incredibly popular in our region. With all of the different cultures that Miami has to offer, most all are avid fans of the sport. At Paris Saint-Germain Academy, the children have the opportunity to learn the Paris Saint-Germain methodology of European soccer and to see what day to day life is like in the world of high level soccer. During the camp, players focus on one area of soccer per day. This includes attacking, transitions, defending and finishing. Young athletes are taught from world class coaches who exclusively work with high level players that routinely find themselves on the pitch in the world stage. There are several different locations, we are choosing to highlight Tropical Park as it is closer to coastal Miami, where most of our readers are located. The half day camp is available at a rate of $575 per week and runs from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm Monday through Friday. Top Gun All Stars Miami Cheer Camp | Photo Credit: Facebook/Top Gun All Stars 7 – Top Gun Cheer & Dance Camps (West Kendall) Beginning at age 3 and becoming competitive at ages 5 or 6, Top Gun Cheer and Dance is going to be for those children who view Simone Biles in awe and adoration. Open to both boys and girls, the kids will begin with the fundamentals of balance and coordination, moving up to complex tumbling and flying moves that bring home medals. Before going all-in with year-round team training, you can test the waters of the sport with a week-long summer camp. The different levels offered will teach front and back walkovers, moving up to handsprings as well as single and multi-base flying stunts. Prices and times vary depending upon the age group. Private coaching is also available. We hope this list helps you to nurture the interests of your kids during the summer, setting them up for success in the new academic year. Stay tuned next week as we look at less intensive outdoor activities for your family to enjoy! Photo Credit: Kateryna Hliznitsova
A Complete List Of Michelin-Starred Restaurants In Miami This Year Posted on May 18, 2023May 19, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs Ladies and gentlemen, it is officially that time of year again. The Michelin Guide has released its 2023 recipients of the coveted Michelin Stars and once again, Miami’s culinary scene does not disappoint. We are proud to have twelve local eateries to be honored in the 2023 Michelin Guide and one restaurant receiving two stars. Given the prestige of this award, to have twelve recipients in one city is quite an accomplishment and we are proud of each one. Here is the list of Miami’s Michelin Star recipients, broken down by community: Coconut Grove Once again, two restaurants in the Grove hold onto their stars as diners hold onto their hats. Both Ariete and Los Felix have retained their standings, not to anyone’s surprise but we are proud nonetheless. 1 – Ariete (3540 Main Highway): The Michelin reviewers were impressed by the versatility of Ariete, guests can fit in wearing business casual indoors or flip flops out on the patio just the same. And let’s face it, you don’t necessarily have to be dressed to the nine’s to enjoy a top-notch meal. Ariete was the brainchild of Chef Michael Beltran, who weaves together new American and classic French fare. Chef Beltran’s creative combinations and excellent sauces are highlighted on the tasting menu, which is recommended for first-time guests. Some of the standout dishes the reviewers noted were the Florida Orange, which features a creamy chicken foie mousse, duck and sour orange pâté, chocolate dirt, mint, white bread. They also thoroughly enjoyed the conch and wild mushrooms with lobster demi-glace, which is a riff on beef Bourguignon. 2 – Los Felix (3413 Main Highway): Don’t ask for cheese enchiladas at this Mexican outpost, the menu is far more thoughtful than that. The bright atmosphere is incredibly colorful and the menu is highly creative and designed to send guests on a gustatory trip. All of the ingredients match the vibe, modern, organic and youthful. Even the ambiance is designed to fit every mood. The menu does change depending upon what is seasonally available, and at the time when Michelin reviewers visited they were impressed with the servers’ knowledge about the provenance of each ingredient. They particularly enjoyed the pork cheek carnitas with different salsas, snapper crudo with jicama shavings and avocado aīoli, and grilled octopus with beetroot mole. Again Los Felix is not exactly traditional, but for me it is evocative of visiting a special restaurant in Mexico City, who also has a thriving culinary scene. Elcielo Colombian Restaurant Brickell | Photo Credit: Facebook/Elcielo Miami Brickell The Brickell Financial District is also home to a restaurant with a legacy star. El Cielo is routinely honored by the Michelin Guide and the sole recipient in the bustling neighborhood. 3 – El Cielo (31 Southeast 5th Street): El Cielo Miami By Juan Manuel Barrientos is a hidden gem that will soon be less hidden when Baccarat Residences opens, also opening a new stretch of Riverfront Baywalk in Brickell. It is currently tucked away on the river side of Brickell on the River’s north tower and also routinely makes the list of “Most Romantic Places” in Miami. What sets El Cielo apart is the fact that it is less restaurant and more Experience. The Experience is a 20-course tasting menu that pays homage to Colombian cuisine. Each course is designed to transport you to a portion of Colombia, from the beaches of Cartagena to the mysterious corners of the Amazon jungle. Offering 2 seatings each night Wednesday – Saturday and one dinner seating on Sunday, this is not the restaurant to pop in for an appetizer and cocktail before venturing off to another destination. This is the destination, and you must get a reservation. Cote Miami Design District Tasting Menu | Photo Credit: Facebook/Cote Miami Miami Design District Known for its posh retail and restaurant scene, we sort of expect the Design District to rake up a significant amount of accolades, and they understood the assignment with four award-winning restaurants in the guide. 4 – Boia De (5205 Northeast 2nd Avenue): This contemporary Italian eatery thrives upon juxtaposition. Situated between a laundromat and a medical center, you would never expect to see a gourmet restaurant in this Buena Vista shopping center. But there is the neon-pink exclamation point, glowing above the front door, beckoning guests to come in for a ride. Michelin reviewers were amused by the surprise factor of this “Italian” restaurant. The fried potato skins were cradling stracciatella and topped with caviar, beef tartare was embellished with tonnato-style gravy and garlic-shallot crumble. They were also impressed with the tagliolini pero tossed with king crab and vin jaune and served chilled. Expect the unexpected here. 5 – Cote (3900 Northeast 2nd Avenue): We have all heard of cultures who worship cows, but Cote feels like a temple to worship the consumption of beef. Cote is a highly stylized Korean steakhouse and offers beautifully marbled and aged beef, that is on display in an adjacent room. Hailing form New York, owner Simon Kim offers top-quality ingredients, astutely seasoned dishes and engaging staff to fully button up the dining experience. Michelin reviewers suggest the butcher’s feast, which is a generous tasting menu that includes an assortment of banchan, an array of cuts of beef and two stews. They also do not want you to forget the kimchi Wagyu paella, calling it a marvel on its own. 6 – Le Jardinier (151 Northeast 41st Street): Executive chef Max McCarthy is a protege of famed chef Joël Robuchon and offers a menu elegant contemporary French/American fusion. Designed for special occasions and outdoor dining, there is both a lush outdoor dining patio and a rooftop garden to enjoy the approachable yet refined vegetable-driven menu. Carnivores need not worry, the local, seasonable fruits and vegetables are complemented by wild and sustainable fish, meat, and poultry. 7 – L’ Altelier de Joël Robuchon (151 Northeast 41st Street): Staying on-brand with the Paris, New York and Tokyo outposts of Joël Robuchon’s famed eatery, the Miami outpost certainly does not disappoint. The ambiance is highlighted with an open kitchen, rosewood walls and leather chairs, and L’Altelier is also the only restaurant in Miami to receive two Michelin Stars. Despite the fact that both tasting portions and large plates are available, reviewers suggest the seasonal prix fixe for maximum experience. They were impressed with the opening bread basket followed by a French adventure that includes seared sea scallops with toasted spices, Tuna sashimi in warm vinaigrette made from brown butter, mustard and makrut. After these, they were presented with artichokes served under a glass dome and floating in chickpea and turmeric “cappuccino”. The meal was concluded with le chocolat sensation, which lived up to its name with a balance of textures and tastes. Hiden Chef Seijun Okano Miami Wynwood | Photo Credit: Facebook/Hiden Miami Wynwood With its artsy and bohemian vibe, Wynwood is honored for its hidden gem by the same name. 8 – Hiden (313 Northwest 25th Street): Hiden is in fact hidden. If you aren’t sure where you’re going, you should ask. This sushi counter is in the midst of busy Wynwood, but once found, the front door slides open with a time-sensitive passcode. Once inside, Chef Seijun Okano offers a finely tuned omakase for those who are fortunate enough to land a reservation to sit at his counter. He flies fresh fish from Japan multiple times per week and handles them with precision. Conversation flows as easily as the cocktails and Chef Okano welcomes questions about his art. The experience is well-paced to the tune of an upbeat playlist and leaves you wondering if those who have never entered the secret room know what they’ve missed. Tambourine Room MIami Beach | Photo credit: Facebook/The Tambourine Room Miami Beach So many newcomers to Miami do not realize that Miami Beach and mainland Miami are in fact not the same. For the purposes of this list, we’ll not argue with that as both areas have thriving culinary scenes. Miami Beach has been recognized for three local eateries. 9 – The Den (161 Ocean Drive): Hidden within Azabu Miami Beach, The Den is another exclusive hidden omakase room that specializes in the art of Edomae Sushi. This transformative experience takes place at an 18-seat counter that enforces strict rules in order for guests to enjoy the full experience. All guests must have pre-paid reservations and understand that raw fish will be consumed. With that being said, I’m not sure I’ve heard of anyone entering a sushi restaurant and not be ok with raw fish. That is sort of the drill at a sushi restaurant. The meals are multi-course menus without a la carte options as the sushi chefs have thoughtfully curated the culinary experience. Most of the ingredients have been flown directly from the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo in order to preserve the freshness and authenticity you would receive should you be dining at a counter in Japan. 10 – Stubborn Seed (101 Washington Avenue): Another repeat recipient of a Michelin Star is Stubborn Seed in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Chef Jeremy Ford is a previous James Beard Award Semi-Finalist and the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13. His inspiration for Stubborn Seed is elevating honest ingredients by unearthing cravings of the palate with constructing a reward in each bite. It seems like a lofty goal, but he is clearly there with it. Stubborn seed is a tasting menu only restaurant, as the dining experience is highly curated. Michelin reviewers did not elaborate on which courses stood out to them, but as the menu fluctuates based upon the availability of seasonal ingredients, we suggest you visit their website to see what is currently available. 11 – Tambourine Room (6801 Collins Avenue): Jaunting north to 68th and Collins, the Tambourine Room is nestled inside the Carillion Miami Wellness Resort. It is here that Chef Tristan Brandt and Timo Steubing deliver a colorful, multicourse tasting menu that is inspired by French cuisine with Asian influences. This seems like an ambitious combination but it is well executed, delivering rich, hold sauces and ambitious foams made of parmesan, lobster and saffron. Ginger turbocharges everything from tomatoes to scallops to wagyu. The atmosphere is as understated as the menu is bold, and reviewers suggest the second evening seating for a longer menu. The Surf Club Restaurant Photo credit: Facebook/The Surf Club Restaurant Surfside I’m not sure what kind of list this would be if Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club Restaurant was not included. Thankfully the Michelin Guide also recognizes this and included the eatery on the list for another year. 12 – The Surf Club Restaurant (9011 Collins Avenue): We are not going to sit here and pretend to be surprised about this. Everyone knew that Thomas Keller’s elegantly restored landmark restaurant was going to be on this list. Situated in the historic-yet-modern The Surf Club Four Seasons Residences along the beach in Surfside, the restaurant evokes the style and elegance of a private members-only restaurant from the days of Gatsby-esque opulence and Art Deco glamour. While enjoying the dining experience at Surf Club, Michelin reviewers noted the sharp-suited servers who were effortlessly professional. The impressive Continental cooking was helmed by the elegant sauces, starting with scallop crudo with buttermilk-basil dressing, then a brilliantly reimagined Maine lobster thermidor with sauce Américaine. The finale was a coconut chiffon cake with lime-flecked crème anglaise and every bite was noteworthy. We hope that you venture out to try any or all of these delectable restaurants throughout the year. Each offers an experience unique to its own style, inspiration and history. Let us know which one you enjoy the most! Photo Credit: Facebook/The Surf Club Restaurant