Out and About in MIAMI. Spring/Summer 2010

May 2010                                                                                                                                            
www.MiamiandBeaches.com

 OUT AND ABOUT IN MIAMI

Thank you for your continued support of Miami! The new issue of the monthly Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Relation’s e-newsletter is filled with story leads you can develop, including exciting news and events.  Enjoy!

DECOBIKE, THE OFFICIAL CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PUBLIC BIKE SHARING AND RENTAL PROGRAM TO DEBUT IN JUNE, 2010: The Green Transportation Revolution has begun and the City of Miami Beach and its world-famous South Beach Art Deco district is helping lead the way with green practices and sustainable transportation initiatives.  DECOBIKE Miami Beach is the new ZERO-pollution public transit system for residents and visitors alike that is also healthy, fast, and efficient.  It requires no fossil fuels and has the efficiency equivalent of over 3,000 miles per gallon.  The City of Miami Beach is helping lead the way with green practices and sustainable transportation initiatives.   DECOBIKES will include approximately 1,000 Custom Program Bicycles, 100+ Solar-Powered, DECOSTATIONS located in the Public Right of Way will include all major attractions, shops, hotels, condos, offices, beaches, parks and civic centers in South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach and will have Automated Operation  24/365.  Monthly membership programs will be available. DECOBIK members enjoy unlimited rides per day, free parking and storage. www.decobike.com

DOWNTOWN CORAL GABLES ANNOUNCES NEW RESTAURANTS, MERCHANTS AND RELOCATIONS:  With more than 15 new restaurants, merchants and cultural venues debuting in Downtown Coral Gables in the coming months, Miracle Mile is abuzz with action. Dining is the talk of the town with celebrity chef Norman Van Aken making his highly anticipated return to the Gables and the Ale House introducing their casual brand of fun to the area. Additionally, J. Del Olmo bridal salon and Reminiscence antiques and accessories have relocated to accommodate a 300-seat Seasons 52. The healthy grill and wine bar will take over six storefronts on the north side of the 300 block of Miracle Mile between

. Cultural projects nearing completion include the Coral Gables Cinemateque and the Coral Gables Museum, which has announced an opening date of October 10, 2010. Women’s apparel, home furnishings, bridal accessories and salons round out the list of newcomers.

KIMPTON’S EPIC HOTEL IN MIAMI EARNS GREEN SEAL CERTIFICATION:  Recently chosen as a Top 10 Luxury Hotel, a Top 10 Trendiest Hotel and a Top 25 Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® Awards, Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel continues to re-define its commitment to quality service and excellence in every area, including environmental responsibility, becoming Green Seal certified.  Just in time for Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, the EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami announced that it received its Green Seal certification, a third-party validation that is part of a company-wide effort by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to become the first U.S. lifestyle boutique hotel company to attain 100 percent Green Seal certification at the Silver level across its 50 hotels in 22 major metropolitan cities.  Certification requires an initial evaluation by Green Seal, including an extensive on-site audit of the property and annual monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance. www.epichotel.com

LA MAREA AT THE TIDES SOUTH BEACH INTRODUCES NEW “LAZY BRUNCH” BRUNCH MENU:  In keeping with the dazzling success of their daily Lazy Breakfast menu, executive chef Gonzalo Rivera of La Marea at The Tides South Beach introduces Lazy Brunch at the Ocean Drive restaurant hotspot beginning on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 9, 2010, from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Each course, served as an unlimited selection of small plates, is brought to the table by your server; so you can kick back and enjoy the restaurant’s whimsical décor or soak up the sun rather than standing in a buffet line. La Marea’s version of Sunday Brunch, priced at $45 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, will offer diners an impressive array of tasty, market -inspired selections.

Calendar of Events:

REDLAND INTERNATIONAL ORCHID FESTIVAL                           May 14-16                    www.fruitandspicepark.org

WINGS OVER MIAMI AIR MUSEUM WARBIRD & CLASSIC AIRCRAFT      May 15             www.wingsovermiami.com

CUBA NOSTALGIA                                                                    May 21                         www.cubanostalgia.org

BAL HARBOUR PARTNERS WITH MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AND OFFERS “STAY THREE, THE FOURTH IS FREE” PACKAGE:  For families visiting Bal Harbour, there’s a whole host of activities including a kids club, restaurants and shops.  The newly-launched Bal Harbour Kids Club is a collaborative partnership with the Miami Children’s Museum, a south Florida landmark since 1983, now housed in a $23 million facility on Watson Island in downtown Miami. The Museum’s first off-site partnership with a children’s program the Museum oversees all aspects of the Club.  Based in Bal Harbour’s historic Sea View Hotel, but open to guests of both The Sea View and ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, as well as village residents and their guests, the Kids Club runs daily workshops such as “Eco-Explorers” that teaches kids about recycling, conservation and living “green.” “Little Masters” encourages budding artists to create their own Monet or Warhol mini-masterpiece. “Cultural Connections” focuses on a different country each day, examining its cuisine, dance, music and traditions. For burgeoning thespians “The Entire Worlds’ A Stage” tackles everything from set design and costumes to staging the actual performance. In “Nutrition Mission” the kids practice yoga and aerobics and learn about healthy eating and cooking.  Designed for kids 5 to 12 years of age, daily workshops run from 9 AM to 12 PM and cost just $25 per child, per day (including snacks).  

And when morning workshops draw to close, families can visit the Bal Harbour Shops across the street for an afternoon of lunch (each of the seven restaurants offers kid-friendly menus) and shopping. When browsing kids fashions at Bonpoint and Mini Oxygene, just two of the 100 plus boutiques that make up the famous Shops, families can duck into Books & Books to peruse its extraordinary choice of titles for young readers. This spring and summer, families visiting Bal Harbour can also take advantage of a “Stay Three, The Fourth is Free” promotion available at both of Bal Harbour’s hotels; the Sea View Hotel and the ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa. www.balharbourflorida.com

KIMPTON’S EPIC HOTEL IN MIAMI INTRODUCES ULTIMATE GIRLS GETAWAY PACKAGE: From pampering and partying, to shopping and splurging, the new “Ultimate Girls Getaway” package from Kimpton’s EPIC, a boutique waterfront hotel located in downtown Miami, is sure to satisfy every girl’s whims along with those of her gal pals.  In addition to the fun-filled days and nights to be enjoyed in the “ Magic City” of Miami, the EPIC Girls Getaway Package, which is bookable in groups of two, includes:

• Three days / two nights in deluxe water view club level accommodations at EPIC Hotel
• Two exhale spa treatment packages (including a facial, manicure, pedicure, massage, and gift)
• Two champagne cocktails nightly at Area 31 restaurant
• Placement on the VIP list at River Lounge, plus a private VIP table, and complimentary bottle of champagne
• Two Gucci gift cards valued at $800 each

 The EPIC Ultimate Girls Getaway Package is available for $968 per night based on double occupancy and is valid for a limited time, now through May 20, 2010.  In addition to the flavor and fun of Miami, those who book the EPIC Girls Getaway package will have an opportunity to enjoy the EPIC Lifestyle, which embodies an appreciation for experiences that touch all the senses.  www.KimptonHotels.com