Miami, Florida

It’s Always Hot

Ocean Drive Miami Beach

A friend called the other day and said, not without a soupcon of sarcasm, “So is Miami cold yet, you know, in the low ‘70s?”  In fact, tropical paradise that we are, we do occasionally get a cold snap in the winter months. (You know the temps have dropped when the fashionistas are sporting thigh high leather boots and tourists leave their flip flops in their bag).  Another friend called to offer his sympathy: now that Art Basel Miami Beach was over, wasn’t I bored?

No way!  There’s plenty to do in Miami beyond the beach, bikinis, and Basel … even when the temperature heads south.   Besides the myriad of museums and collections, there are the historic venues, such as the stunning Biltmore Hotel and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, great shopping, ranging from outlet to vintage, world class dining and entertainment and endless sports events and activities. I’m pleased to report that January and February both offer an almost endless array of events with something for just about everyone’s taste. Here’s my comprehensive round-up.

Ocean Drive Miami Beach cars

Art Deco Weekend from January 13 through 15

Last year more than 200,000 Deco devotees from all over the world converged on legendary Ocean Drive in South Beach for this event.  This year promises to be even more of a blowout as Art Deco Weekend celebrates its 35th anniversary. In addition to the annual antique car parade, there’ll be booths offering antiques and collectibles, lectures and live entertainment. There’s also a fashion show of custom gowns inspired by iconic Deco hotels, a new “Miami Noir” film series, an exhibition of Bunny Yeager’s famous Betty Page photographs, and an Art Deco & MIMO Furniture Expo with both originals and reproductions.

 

The International Chocolate Festival at the Fairchild Botanical Garden from January 20 through 22

A feast for the senses, this event includes all things chocolate from candy and foods to chocolate making demonstrations amid the lovely, world-renowned gardens.

 

The Miami Jewish Film Festival from January 21 through 29

Showing national and international films on a variety of themes (perhaps one on chocolate guilt?)

Miami Marathon people

ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon on January 29

More than 17,000 people run the 26.2 or 13.1 miles, following an incredibly beautiful course that’s largely along the water beginning in downtown Miami and continuing through Miami Beach.  For the tardier among us the stunning causeway views are practically a gift.

 

The Miami Beach Antiques Show from February 2 through 6

Billed as the world’s largest indoor antique show, it features more than 1,000 dealers within the Miami Beach Convention Center.

South Beach Wine and Food Festival

Art Wynwood from February 16 through 20

Depending on whether your idea of collectibles is powerboats or paintings, Presidents’ Weekend will offer much more than a long weekend. Brought to you by the producers of Art Miami, one of Art Basel Miami Beach’s  preeminent satellite fairs, Art Wynwood will include seventy international galleries, indoor and outdoor projects, video, solo exhibitions, and conceptual art.  Its location is a trifecta of emerging art galleries and street art (Wynwood), shopping (Midtown Miami) and interior design (Miami Design District) with trendy restaurants in all three neighborhoods.

 

The 71st Miami International Boat Show from February 16 through 20

The self-proclaimed greatest boat show in the world and Florida’s largest annual event, it features powerboats, sailboats, and engines … oh my! (Plus chic accessories for your nautical toys, too).  Held in the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Sea Isles Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside, the latter specializing in all things sailing, the event boasts 3,000+ boats and 2,000 exhibitors.  A new attraction is the Dive & Travel Harbor, a one stop shopping resource for adventure.

South Beach Wine and Food Festival Entrance

The 24th Miami International Yacht & Brokerage Show (on Collins Avenue from 41st to 51st Sts.), concurrent

This outdoor, in-water only event promises to “…transform Collins Avenue into a multi-million dollar presentation of yachts, including the most extraordinary and uniquely designed yachts and super yachts from the world’s foremost custom boat builders …” The show is free and you’ll feel like a million dollars yacht-hopping along Indian Creek.

 

The 49th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival from February 18 through 20

The number one outdoor arts festival in the nation and a triple threat with more than 300 visual, culinary and performing artists from all over the world.

 

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival from February 23 through 26

In its eleventh year, this event is a Mecca for serious and wannabee foodies with its late-night parties, one-of a kind dinners, wine and lifestyle seminars, brunches, and signature tastings.  Special events range from Wine Spectator’s “Best of the Best” at the Fontainebleau Hotel to the “Farm to Table Brunch” sponsored by Whole Foods Market and hosted by local star chef Michael Schwartz at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.  Other crowd pleasers: “The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Late Night Bites and Sweets” presented by Food Network & Cooking Channel and sponsored by Godiva Chocolatier as well as “Paula Deen’s Sunday Brunch” at  the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.  Work off those calories (and add some new ones) at the uniquely Miami “Salsa at Sea,” hosted by Douglas Rodriguez and Aaron Sanchez onboard The Biscayne Lady.

South beach Comedy Festival

South Beach Comedy Festival from Feb. 29 through March 3rd

People say, “Always leave them laughing,” so my final recommendation showcases top and emerging comedic talents.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve broken a sweat just contemplating all these activities and events.  I guess it is true … Miami is always hot.

 

The area code for Miami is 305.

*Recommendations from the TravelSquire editorial staff:

Where to Stay

W South Beach – with super sized rooms and a balcony on every one, you just may not want to leave. 2201 Collins Avenue. (305) 938-3111. wsouthbeach.com

The National – it doesn’t hurt to hole up at a glorious South Beach landmark especially when it comes to late night drinks in your 3 level penthouse suite. Take a dip in the 205 foot infinity pool after. 1677 Collins Avenue. (305) 532-2311.  nationalhotel.com

The Raleigh – a recent facelift to the glamorous lobby and garden cafe have made the famous black outlined pool even more spectacular.  Esther Williams swam here so you know it’s gotta be good. 1775 Collins Avenue. (305) 534-6300. raleighhotel.com

The Tides – the grande dame of Deco Drive is serene, sexy and exclusive. 1220 Ocean Drive. (305) 604-5070. www.tidessouthbeach.com

The Clinton – off the strip but not off the map, this boutique hotel will make you feel like a local and not break the bank. 825 Washington Avenue. (888) 525-4686. clintonsouthbeach.com

Where to Eat

1500 Degrees – it’s worth it just to see the Eden Roc Hotel’s lobby but you’ll be rewarded with stellar cuisine if you continue to the restaurant where farm to table just got more delicious. 4525 Collins Avenue.  (305) 674-5594. 1500degreesmiami.com

Quattro – like good Italian?  You’ll get it here.  Practically a culinary temple on Lincoln Road, South Beach’s dazzling pedestrian thoroughfare. 1014 Lincoln Road. (305) 531-4833.  www.quattromiami.co

Red – cool, dark and secretive and the steak’s to die for – enuf’ said.  119 Washington Avenue. (305) 534-3688. www.redthesteakhouse.com

Chow Down – missing your favorite Chinese restaurant?  This place does it better and is South Beach’s best kept secret especially since it serves until 5 am. 920 Alton Road. (305) 674-1674. www.chowdowngrill.com

Café at Books & Books – their local chef, Bernie Matz, dishes up a really great brunch. 933 Lincoln Road, 305-695-8898, www.booksandbooks.com

Joey’s – there’s nothing like a visit to art-infused Wynwood and you can eat some real Italian food after all that gallery hopping. 2506 Northwest 2nd Avenue.  (305) 438-0488. www.joeyswynwood.com

What to See & Do

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens- 3251 South Miami Avenue. (305) 250-9133. www.vizcayamuseum.org

Art Deco Weekend- January 13-15. www.mdpl.org

Art Deco & MIMO Furniture Expo- www.mdpl.org/adwfurnitureexpo

Bunny Yeager’s Betty Page Photographs- www.miamiartzine.com

International Chocolate Festival- www.fairchildgarden.org

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden- 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL. (305) 667-1651. www.fairchildgarden.org

Miami Jewish Film Festival- January 21-29. www.miamijewishfilmfestival.com

Close up Map marathon

ING Miami Marathon- January 29. www.ingmiamimarathon.com

Miami Beach Antiques Show- February 2-6. www.originalmiamibeachantiqueshow.com

Art Wynwood Fair Miami Florida Painting

Art Wynwood- February 16-20. www.wynwoodmiami.com

Miami International Boat Show- February 16-20. www.miamiboatshow.com

Dive and Travel Harbor- http://www.miamiboatshow.com/attendees/diveandtravelharbor.aspx

Miami International Yacht & Brokerage Show- www.showmanagement.com

Coconut Grove Arts Festival- February 18-20. www.cgaf.com

South Beach Wine & Food Festival- February23-26. www.sobefest.com

South Beach Comedy Festival- February 29- March 3. www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com