Flying Sky-high...

Miami Balloon Rides

Want to woo your girlfriend, wow your husband, or just experience the thrill of a lifetime? Take a trip in a hot-air balloon! Your adventure begins at 5 a.m., but it is well worth losing a few hours sleep to glide over the lush Miami landscape and watch the sunrise while floating 1600 feet in the air. The friendly staff at Miami Balloon Rides will put you immediately at ease with their warmth and homey charm. Bring a camera for some spectacular sky-high shots of the city and surrounding farmlands. After an hour’s flight and an easy landing, you’ll enjoy a champagne picnic as you toast to the magic and freedom of flight and your new-found status as an “aeronaut”. This is a once (or twice!) in a lifetime adventure, not to be missed.

Something to Bite Into

19th Annual Great Taste of the Grove - January 10 - 11, 2009

It's that time of year again. Coconut Grove's popular outdoor food and jazz festival is free to the public with ticket sales for beverages and food samplings ($1 to $8) from Coconut Grove's top fine dining and casual restaurants. Live music and children’s activities round out the fun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Peacock Park in Downtown Coconut Grove.

So Nice...

Winter Miami Spice - January 12 - February 12, 2009

The GMCVB and presenting sponsor American Express® are proud to introduce the first Winter Miami Spice, taking place January 12 - February 12, 2009 at many of the 2008 Miami Spice participating restaurants throughout Greater Miami and the Beaches. Celebrate the city’s passion for food and life by enjoying a special 3-course dinner and/or lunch at Miami’s finest restaurants. Lunch is $23 and dinner is $36 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). For participating restaurants, visit http://www.ilovemiamispice.com/.

Redland Adventure

Schnebly Redland’s Winery

Schnebly Redland’s Winery claims the distinction of being the only winery in South Florida. Schnebly’s makes its wines not from grapes but from the amazing array of tropical fruits that grow year-round in the Redland agricultural area, just 30 minutes south of Miami. Luscious fruits such as guava, lychee, passion fruit, mango, and even avocado are used to produce wines that range from very sweet to crisp and dry. This winery also offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life: Schnebly’s is a tropical wonderland of tiki huts, palm trees, waterfalls, and some very cool fish to feed. For the kids, there’s juice, plenty of room to roam and an unusual monkey-like creature to pet. The winery is also available for weddings and private parties, and makes for a gorgeous tropical setting, indeed. Schnebly’s is an experience to be experienced. Visit http://www.schneblywinery.com/ to learn more.

What's Cool

Bowling Gets Hip at Splitsville
Splitsville Luxury Lanes & Dinner Lounge takes bowling to a whole new level. This super cool bowling and entertainment lounge opened in November at the Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami. Thirteen lanes are built in clusters throughout the super groovy modern space, which includes four chic bars, plasma TVs and a gourmet menu with sushi, Thai shrimp quesadillas, seven kinds of Sliders, filet mignon, Chicken Pinot Grigio and Sweet 'N Spicy Salmon - just to name a few. Banquettes throughout create a cozy feel. Children and families are welcome before 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., it's 21 and older. Splitsville is open 7 days a week.