Festivals and more...

Jack Frost may be making a nuisance of himself elsewhere, but in Miami, it's a great time of year to enjoy yourself at an outdoor festival. Several upcoming events -- both indoors and out -- showcase Miami's arts and culture to the fullest. Coming soon:

• Miami International Art Fair (January 7-10)
  
  http://www.MIA-ArtFair.com
  
  
  
• Art Deco Weekend (January 15-17)
  
  http://www.MDPL.org
  
  
  
• The Original Miami Beach Antique Show (January 21-25)
  
  http://www.DMGAntiqueShows.com
  
  
  
• Miami Beach Festival of the Arts (January 30-31)
  
  http://www.gonorthbeach.com
  

Visit our calendar for complete listings of these and other upcoming events in Greater Miami and the Beaches.

January Foodie Fun

The Great Taste of the Grove is January 9-10, 2010 at Peacock Park in downtown Coconut Grove. This annual celebration of food, wine and music is a terrific way to spend the day. Sample tastings from Coconut Grove's top restaurants and enjoy live music in beautiful, tree-shaded Peacock Park. You can purchase tickets at the event. Hours: Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Orchids Galore

Springtime is when two of Miami's most spectacular orchid shows take place. The grande dame, the 64th Miami International Orchid Show, happens February 26th to 28th at Doubletree Miami Mart near Miami International Airport. This is one of the most prestigious orchid shows in the world, featuring rare and exotic blooms from professional growers, extraordinary orchid displays, a juried awards competition, and thousands of orchids and related items for sale. At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden the 8th Annual International Orchid Festival takes place march 12th to 14th. This show features over 10,000 orchid plants from more than 50 vendors. Garden workshops, walking tours and displays of rare orchid species in the American Orchid Society juried show are highlights of this show, which takes place at one of Miami's most beautiful outdoor spaces.

Miami Beach Hostels

Some people get scared away from South Beach during high season. That's the time of year when hotels can command the highest prices for their rooms. Did you know that there are two hostels located on Miami Beach? The Clay Hotel & International Hostel is located on one of the most charming, pedestrian-only streets in South Beach, Espanola Way. Rumor has it that gangster Al Capone and his cronies spent time here, in the complex of buildings known as the "Spanish Village". The average room rate during December at the Clay Hotel is just $58. Just a few blocks from the Clay is the South Beach Hostel, located at 235 Washington Avenue. Both hostels offer clean, no frills accommodations in locations that can't be beat if you want to explore the Art Deco District, hang out on Ocean Drive or just head for a day at the beach.