Great Rates for July 4th at InterContinental Miami

The InterContinental Miami is offering an Independence Day special with room rates starting at $129 a night. Guests can view Miami’s finest fireworks display from the comfort of an upgraded Harbor View Guest Room or relax on the Plaza Level (5th floor) by the Pool and Blue Water Café to watch the dazzling show. This special offer is valid for July 4th and 5th. To book your room, visit http://www.ICMiamiHotel.com/ or call (305) 577-1000. The InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza in Downtown Miami.

Big Easy in Coconut Grove

Christabelle’s Quarter

This lavishly decorated New Orleans-style restaurant and bar serves up mouthwatering dishes and live music in a dazzling three-level space. Antique chandeliers, stained glass, bronze statuary, marble fountains, Louis XIV chairs and ebony-topped bars transport you to the French Quarter in style. New Executive Chef Keith Becton, who specializes in French, Cajun and Creole cuisine, has put together a menu featuring fried oysters, zesty gumbos, crawfish bisque, po' boy sandwiches and classic New Orleans dishes such as Shrimp Remoulade, Eggs Sardou, Crawfish Etoufee, bread pudding and more. Early Bird Summer Specials are $25 per person, served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Friday Night Wine Tastings take place in the elegant La Boheme Bar from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Live Jazz Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fireworks Over the Water

July 4th Cruise on Biscayne Lady
Looking for a fun way to spend Independence Day? This year will be the 3rd annual July 4th Fireworks Cruise aboard Biscayne Lady, which sails from Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami. This upscale evening cruise features imported and domestic cheeses, vegetable crudités, top sirloin carving station with dinner rolls, pasta station and a full cash premium liquor bar. The Biscayne Lady yacht will begin boarding at 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and depart around 8 p.m. and will be cruising until 10:00 p.m. There will be a professional DJ onboard playing dance music until the fireworks begin. Patriotic music will be played during the fireworks show. Tickets: Adults $55.00 Children $25.00. Call 1-800-910-5119 or visit www.IslandQueenCruises.com/4thofJulyCruiseMiami.htm.

See and Be Seen

Friday Happy Hour at The Raleigh

Relax, chat and enjoy the ambience at one of the most elegant pool areas on Miami Beach. The Raleigh's Terrace Garden & Martini Garden is the place to be on Friday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Featured drinks are two-for-one, and there is a live DJ spinning tunes under the stars. Tasty nibbles, cool drinks and the company of someone fascinating are all you need to start the weekend off right!

A Feast for the Eyes (and Wallet)

Free Sundays at Vizcaya
Here's a cool treat for the summer: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens opens its gates free of charge on the last Sundays in June, July, and August for a day of free programs and activities for all ages. Roam through the gardens, have lunch at the cafe, and savor the beauty of this exquisite Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion. Free Sunday dates are: June 28, July 27, August 31. Museum hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.