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Contact: Media Relations, (305) 539-3084
WHAT’S NEW IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES
MIAMI (August 26, 2003) --Miami’s visitor industry was on a roll January through May, posting the second-highest room rate and occupancy in the nation. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau rolled into summer with the launch of several new websites to better convince consumers to book Miami throughout the summer value season: Miami’s hot deals and cool events were promoted on www.FestivalSeason.com ; the community’s stylish boutique hotels were showcased in www.MiamiBoutiqueHotels.com; and the Magic City’s culinary delights were dished up on www.MiamiRestaurantMonth.com, featuring Miami Spice value deals at the most exclusive restaurants from August to the end of September. Hotels and attractions were gearing up for the winter season, announcing major renovations and developments: HOTEL HAPPENINGS The first luxury oceanfront hotel in Miami Beach’s “south of fifth street district” is set to open Fall 2003. The 110-residence, Italian and French Riviera-inspired Bentley Beach Hotel is situated among the district’s residential high-rises, boutiques and landmark restaurants. It boasts understated European elegance with interiors imported from abroad, including fine wood furnishings, plush designer fabrics and pristine marble. Beautiful tropical foliage surrounds the grounds and lead the guests to a private beach club. Special amenities include Bentley Beach’s exclusive Caroli Health Club and Spa as well as wireless Internet access throughout the resort-something no other Miami hotel offers. Visit www.thebentley.com. On the heels a multi-million dollar renovation of its guest rooms last year, The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables just completed an extensive upgrade to its renowned Fitness Center and Golf Course. Guests of the Fitness Center now have their choice of 40 new strength pieces, including all new Cybex Eagle equipment and the comforts of TV and movies during exercise with Cardio Theatre screens. Now available to guests of all playing skills is the John Pallot Golf Academy, offering customized personal instruction and daily and weekly golf clinics. The golf course has also seen renovations with its men and ladies locker rooms and the addition of 96 new golf carts. The Biltmore Hotel has also established a permanent display of 300 historical photographs throughout the hotel, depicting the early days of the hotel and the history of Coral Gables. Visit www.biltmorehotel.com. A classic Miami Beach icon, The Creek Hotel, recently completed a $1 million renovation to its 81 guest rooms, 8000-sq.-ft. pool deck, open air bar, kitchen, and 1950’s retro-style lobby. Sitting on its own peninsula overlooking Indian Creek, the hotel offers three different room types and ideal venues for group events. Visit www.thecreeksouthbeach.com.
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The 920-room Fontainebleau Hilton has completed a $65 million renovation. This included the renovation of its famed lobby and LobbyBar. This area was restored back to its original splendor with a modern twist. In addition, the resort recently re-launched its newly-themed LobbyBar which now pays homage to the feel-good nostalgia that the Rat Pack brought to Miami Beach – and the Fontainebleau – in the 50s and early 60s. Giant images of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford are silhouetted on the Lobby Bar windows and Rat Pack movie clips are featured on plasma screens throughout the lounge. LobbyBar also features special Rat Pack martinis and the hip, nostalgic sounds of Gary Lane in the evening and The Pack at night. Bleau View restaurant and Stephens lounge are now open. All the guestrooms in the Chateau building have been renovated. The new look is a sophisticated blend of rich tones and woods. The elegant accommodations include marble vanities, baths and pedestal sinks. Cookies World, the resort’s new 7,000 square foot water park is also open for year round fun. The Four Seasons Hotel Miami is opening on prestigious Brickell Avenue Oct. 2003, surrounded by the city’s best entertainment and shopping areas. In elegant Floridian style, the Hotel features a two-acre terraced deck with lush tropical landscaping and three swimming pools; a full-service spa and sports club and innovative dining, framed with sweeping views over the city of Miami. The hotel also features 14,210 sq. ft. of meeting space. Dining options include chef Marco Box’s Italian restaurant, Acqua; Bahía, a poolside bar overlooking the water and the piano bar 14Thirty-Five. Soaring 70 stories, it is the city’s tallest building, its contemporary design a striking complement to Miami’s modern architectural inclination. State-of-the-art technology, exceptional multilingual support services and in-house event planners, plus Four Seasons unparalleled level of cuisine and service create the location of choice for small board meetings, social gatherings, large conference, galas and weddings. Visit www.fourseasons.com/miami. The Holiday Inn Miami Airport West is embarking on a quarter-million dollar renovation, to be completed by Fall 2003. The 120-room hotel is replacing drapery, bedspreads, upholstery and new carpet. The entire lobby area will be redone and the parking lot resurfaced. Visit www.holiday-inn.com/mia-arptwest. Close to the completion of a multimillion dollar renovation, the new Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Conference Center- Miami Airport is replacing the former Miami Plaza Hotel in Hialeah Gardens. No part of the hotel has been spared as everything was changed, from the 260 rooms to the over 10,500-sq.-ft. of meeting and banquet space. A tropical ambience and upscale décor should help complete the goal of bringing this renowned jewel of Hialeah Gardens back to the people of Miami and surrounding areas. Visit www.hojomia.com. Loews Miami Beach Hotel recently completed a $5 million renovation which included a total soft goods renovation and the creation of a spectacular four-bedroom Super Suite. The bi-level suite boasts floor to ceiling windows, flat screen televisions, all Italian Marble Bathroom and a personal exercise suite. Visit www.loewshotels.com. The 329-room Mandarin Oriental, Miami has introduced a new dimension to its world-class service- the ultimate Beach Club. Guests staying at the luxurious waterfront hotel can now enjoy the benefits of this private beach, situated adjacent to the hotel’s infinity edge-swimming pool and award winning spa. The tropical paradise setting is adorned with authentic Oriental-style furnishings and boasts Beach Butlers, pampering guests with cool towels and mist services. Additionally, outdoor spa massages are provided in private cabanas and showers, footbaths and hammocks are available at a cozy resting area. Visit www.mandarinoriental.com/miami. The National Hotel completes a year-long $3 million renovation project with the unveiling of the refurbishment of their Historic Tower rooms and hallways. This initiative included the creation of Miami’s only three-floor penthouse suite, the Triplex, and the renovation of the hotel’s Cabana Wing with refurbished rooms and suites that capitalize on the National’s signature 205-foot infinity pool. The Historic Tower consists of 54 standard city view rooms, 57 oceanfront, and 3 oceanfront one-bedroom suites. Visit www.nationalhotel.com.
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The former Renaissance Miami Biscayne Bay Hotel is re-branding the hotel, the New Radisson Hotel Miami, featuring 528 rooms, 43,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a $12 million “performing arts themed” renovation of its rooms, meeting spaces and restaurant. The hotel is located in the heart of Miami’s Art District. Visit www.radisson-miami.com. The Richmond Hotel in South Beach recently reached the distinguished milestone of sixty-two years ownership of by the founding family. Operating by the original family since 1941, the Art Deco masterpiece boasts recent renovations to all public areas and guestrooms, with the addition of the poolside Verandah Porch Café. Visit www.richmondhotel.com. The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, Miami’s newest luxury hotel located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Coconut Grove entertainment district, recently opened a new 6,000-square-foot spa with innovative signature treatments including a mango-wine body cocoon, bamboo-date body scrub and the newest trend in spa therapies: Tandem Treatments, the last word in spa decadence. Two highly trained spa therapists provide a perfectly synchronized experience as they listen to the body’s needs and simultaneously work a separate area to create the ultimate pampering experience. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, a stunning Art Moderne restoration of a 1950s landmark MorrisLapidus-designed hotel, is set to open late 2003 with a $2 million original art collection featuring established and emerging Latin American and European artists. The 11-story, 375-room oceanfront property at One Lincoln Road features 72 Cabana rooms located in two three-story wings that extend toward the ocean and flank an elevated center pool. Eight guestrooms in the main building have 400 sq. ft. private oceanfront terraces that double the guestroom size and offer spectacular views. The hotel’s centerpieces include a 13,000 square-foot spa and fitness center, two restaurants, oceanfront beach lounge and mezzanine-level showcase bar. Twenty thousand square-feet of function space includes a 10,000 sq. ft. Ritz-Carlton ballroom overlooking Collins Avenue, ten individual meeting rooms, permanent boardroom and outdoor and oceanfront function space. www.ritzcarlton.com The 32-story, 390-room Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort, a $110 million project located on a pristine Atlantic beachfront in Sunny Isles Beach, just north of Miami Beach, opened April 4, 2003. Guest accommodations, all of which offer views of the Atlantic oceanfront or Intracoastal Waterway, feature elegant, contemporary décor in natural earth tones. Most guestrooms and suites range in size from 550 to 1,773 square feet and offer wet bar, microwave oven, minibar/refrigerator, high speed internet access, cable/web TV, CD player/radio, 2-line phones, inroom safe, bathrobes, and more. The 32-story resort also features a two-story waterfall in the lobby; free-form oceanfront pool; water sports program, 2 restaurants; 2 lounges; European Spa and Fitness Center; Retail Arcade; Business Center; 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting space for groups up to 350, including an oceanfront ballroom; Game Room; Just Us Kids program; and shuttle service to world class shopping in Bal Harbour and Aventura, as well as local attractions. Visit www.sonesta.com. Renowned for its award-winning golf courses, Turnberry Isle Resort & Club has opened a Golf Learning Center specially designed to enhance the skills of players on all levels. Offering a three to one student-to-teacher ratio, the Golf Learning Centre programs include a full swing analysis, video sessions, putting and chipping training, on-course instruction and golf course management. The programs also offer spa stretching sessions on the state-of the-art LPG machine especially designed for golfers, yoga for golfers classes and spa massages. Turnberry Isle’s Golf Learning Center is open Saturday through Wednesday for the instruction of hotel guests and club members. For more information on the programs offered through the Learning Center, please contact Turnberry Isle Resort & Club’s Golf Pro Shop at (305) 933-6929. Visit www. turnberryisle.com
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SHOPPING/SPA SPECIALS Aventura Mall is undergoing some exciting new renovations in 2003 totaling more than $6 million and focusing primarily on the original sector of the mall which includes upgrades to common areas, entrances, a new escalator in the Piazza entrance and new tables and chairs in the food court. Just opened are Diesel, Movado, Bag N Baggage, Lola Blue and Aldo. "Coming Soon" in 2003 are, Color Me Mine, Lladro, Marmi, Skechers, Miss Sixty, Urban Outfitters, Kenneth Cole and Apple. Free transportation is available for groups of 20 or more from any hotel in Miami. In addition to more than 200 shops and prestigious department stores, Aventura Mall is branching out to include a Farmer's Market on Saturdays and Sundays, prominently located in the plaza surrounding its central courtyard fountain. Produced by The Market Company of Miami Beach, the Aventura Mall Farmer's Market will feature colorful orchids and cut flowers, tropical plants and trees, bonsai, fresh herbs, bread and baked goods, tropical fruit juices and smoothies, candies, Miami Beach Delicious jams and preserves, sauces and marinades, quality crafts, incense and potpourri. Visit www.shopaventuramall.com. Chopard, the legendary Swiss watch maker, opened their sixth location in the U.S. Their Bal Harbour store carries precious jewelry, watches and accessories in the company's signature decor of cozy furnishings, warm wood accents and an antique marble fireplace. Sergio Rossi, the Italian luxury footwear and accessory house, opened a sleek and contemporary boutique that evokes a private club atmosphere. The Bal Harbour Shops addition is part of their brand's global expansion. Visit www.balharbourshops.com. The Dolphin Mall, near Miami International Airport, opened the county’s first Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center in May 2003. Two $1 million construction projects are to be completed this fall as Dolphin Mall welcomes two major restaurants- Perry’s of Key Largo and the national Brazilian steakhouse chain, Texas de Brazil. Visit www.shopdolphinmall.com. A new sparkle has been added to Española Way, created in 1925 as Miami Beach’s first entertainment district. The weekend Jewelry Bazaar now takes place every Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 9PM with handcrafted silver and gemstone jewelry, beads and wearable art from around the globe. The open air market is a glittering extension to the art and crafts fair every weekend on Española Way, south of 15th street, at Washington Avenue in Miami Beach. The opening of Tapas & Tintos invigorates the Spanish flavor of Española Way with its restaurant, winebar and outdoor café on Plaza de España. It features a Sunday paella brunch, sangria specials, wine tasting and authentic Spanish cuisine. Also new on the Española Way restaurant scene is the lunchtime opening of Hosteria Romana, the popular Italian sidewalk café, and lunchtime hours for Grillfish, and Tantra tantalizes with its Miami Spice Restaurant Month menu. The new Clinton Hotel in South Beach welcomes the acclaimed Panico Salon and Spa this summer. The alfresco rooftop spa will pamper clients with the latest skin and body treatments, as well as various massage types. To resemble an oasis, the spa is covered with a white canopy and designed with a lush, tropical atmosphere. The ground floor elegant salon will offer nailcare, hair, and makeup, using top of the line products such as Bumble & Bumble, Aveda, Kerastase, the Comfort Zone, and Bobby Brown Cosmetics. In-room spa and salon treatments will be available to hotel guests. Visit www.clintonsouthbeach.com. COOL CUISINE AND NIGHT LIFE Eden Roc Miami Beach, a Renaissance Resort and Spa, just opened the new marine inspired Aquatica Beach Bar and Grill. Under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Keith Bristol, the beachfront restaurant is just steps away from the Atlantic, with casual décor of blue, green and sand, a magical deep creatures mural and porthole windows peeking into the second floor pool. The restaurant boasts a variety of promotional events throughout its first year, live entertainment and an extensive rum and tequila Wet Bar. Eden Roc recently completed a $17 million renovation
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program that included a re-design of the resort’s meeting space, dining areas and pool areas. Visit www.edenrocresort.com. The Beach House Hotel in Bal Harbour welcomes chef David Anthony Sowers to its Atlantic Restaurant. Chef David brings his version of rustic and American cuisine to the restaurant’s new menu. Visit www.rubellhotels.com. November brings in a “bam” with Emeril Lagasse opening Emeril’s Restaurant Miami Beach at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The menu will feature Lagasse’s “new” New Orleans cuisine, a Creole cuisine combined with a variety of ethnic influences. But local patrons have no fear, as the menu will also include the unique products and creative cuisines of South Florida. The restaurant will pay homage to the unique Art Deco property where it is situated with signature design touches. Occupying a ground floor space of 8,000 sq. ft., the restaurant seats 180 patrons in the dining room, 40 in the exterior café and 20 at the bars. Visit www.loewshotels.com. Miami’s Doral area has found a new place to kick back and enjoy some down-home comfort food. Frankie’s Hide-A-Way opened in April in western Doral’s The Hampton Inn and Suites, appealing to area business professionals and residents alike. The casual restaurant specializes in a hearty barbeque grill menu and Frankie’s signature drink, the “Bozo Bomb,” named after his equally bright green parrot Bozo. Wednesdays boast a 16 oz. prime cut sirloin specialty, with weekends going Rasta with live Reggae bands on the pool deck. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy four satellite televisions providing continuous coverage of their favorite game. For more information call 305/500-9300. La Estancia Argentina, an upscale food and wine emporium plus café, opens in two locations this summer. Village of Merrick Park, Coral Gables welcomes the Argentinean eatery in September, holding an indoor and outdoor café, while Aventura’s restaurant had its opening in July. Both locations, a $2,500,000 project, encompass a butcher, bakery, fresh produce and flower markets and selections of national and international wines and gourmet products. Visit www.laestanciaweb.com. A taste of la dolce vita comes to Lincoln Road with the charming new Italian bistro, Locanda Sibilla. Owned by Stefano Fritella, the restaurant is modeled after Sibilla, a landmark restaurant, just outside of Rome, owned by the Fritella family for three generations. Many heirloom Fritella family dishes are on Locanda’s menu, including family specialty Italian roast pork. Seating 100 outside under umbrellas and 30 indoors, the bistro features antipasti, salads, house-made pastas and seafood and meat specialties. Also served is an American brunch on the weekends and a daily pre-theatre menu. For more information call 305/695-1654. Mango’s Tropical Café, located in the heart of South Beach, opens the first VIP lounge on Ocean Drive. The Vodou Room showcases art by internationally recognized Haitian artist, Edward Duvall Carrie. At a cost of $300,000 in renovations, the Vodou Room is equipped with state of the art lighting, sound and environmental effects, combined with sensual and audacious entertainment. Also available for private parties, the lounge features small plates of delicacies, signature martinis and bottle service. Visit www.mangostropicalcafe.com. Along with the chic 88-room Clinton Hotel, Pao opened late March 2003, featuring upscale classic Chinese food in a stylish, modernist setting. Cb5, the acclaimed team behind scores of successful hotel restaurants throughout the U.S. including the Los Angeles W’s Mojo and Chicago Crowne Plaza’s Marma, developed and managed the opening. The restaurant sports a breezy, modern design by Kitchen Table Partners, which includes a glass-enclosed dining room and a chic lobby bar inside the hotel, as well as poolside cabana-banquettes where guests can dine under the stars, and occasionally see a Hollywood star, such as Cher, Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft and Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Executive chef Kiki Anchana Praropkul, of Miami Beach’s Chow and China Grill, designed a menu featuring beloved Chinese dishes as well as numerous chef specialties. The 100-seat restaurant is located in and poolside at the new Clinton Hotel. Visit www.clintonsouthbeach.com.
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Prime Grill, a sizzling hot midtown Manhattan restaurant that just happens to be glatt kosher, opened a South Florida branch in Aventura in March 2003. South Florida’s first upscale kosher dining destination, the restaurant is expected to be a magnet for observant – and nonobservant foodies alike. Featuring sleek, sophisticated décor, the 12,000-square-foot waterfront restaurant seats 375. Executive chef David Kolotkin, formerly of Windows on the World, features juicy cuts of glatt kosher New York rib steaks, T-bones and Delmonico cuts along with Chilean sea bass, herb-crusted lamb roast and Long Island roast duck, among other specialties. Ultra fresh sushi, sashimi and imaginative rolls, made to order salads and heavenly desserts round out the menu. Visit www.theprimegrill.com. Earlier this year, The Park Central welcomed Jerry Quinn and his team as they opened their completely new dining experience at the famous Ocean Drive Art Deco hotel. Quinn’s at The Park Central offers the best in meat and seafood specialties with popular Caribbean and Asian influences. Guests have the choice of enjoying their meal in the lobby, on the verandah or on the lively sidewalks of Ocean Drive. Visit www.theparkcentral.com. Over a million dollars in renovations resulted in the opening of The RIVER Oyster Bar in the heart of Brickell Village. Dark woods, metal finishes, textured fabrics, soft lighting and French doors that open on to the street lend to the restaurant’s warm feel. The focal point of The RIVER is the 20seat, curved mahogany and slate rock bar situated in the middle of the restaurant. The crosscultural cuisine includes the freshest oysters from around the country, fresh seafood, grilled prime meats and a mix of house specialties with Continental and Caribbean accents. Visit www.therivermiami.com. Sunny Isles, once South Florida’s sleepy haven for retirees and snowbirds, is going through a real estate boom, with notables such as Donald Trump developing hundreds of million-dollar oceanfront condo units along Collins Avenue. This developing community celebrated its first noteworthy restaurant when acclaimed chef Tim Andriola and partner Rodrigo Martinez opened the doors of their intimate, 103-seat restaurant, Timō, in late April 2003. Italian for thyme, Timō represents their dream project: an elegant yet comfortable restaurant where locals and tourists can sample fabulous Italian-Mediterranean fare in an environment both warm and welcoming – perfect for an upscale community in the making. Timo’s menu spotlights Andriola’s flair and appreciation for the robust flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean and a well-crafted wine list. For more information, call (305) 936-1008. ATTRACTION ACTION Cirque du Soleil is back by popular demand with its live production, Alergría on January 9, 2004. Alegría is an internationally acclaimed production featuring an international cast of 56 performers and musicians from 13 countries. The baroque and operatic production features flamboyant costumes, extraordinary lighting and an elaborate set design enhancing Alegría’s spectacle of athleticism and artistry. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. Everglades Safari Park added a new fleet of small airboats to its existing fleet of large-capacity airboats. With these new boats, Safari can offer a new line of exclusive “private” and “custom” tours, designed for small groups of adventurers looking for a more personalized everglades experience. Clients can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the secretly preserved wilderness of the Everglades, explore uninhibited islands on an “Island Hopping Tour” or encounter magnificently transforming skies on a “Sunset Tour.” Visit www.evsafaripark.com. Miami-Dade Parks welcomes three major developments as residents and visitors can enjoy fun in the sun. A $5.7 million clubhouse at Crandon Park Golf Course is scheduled to open Dec. 2003. The 20,576 sq. ft. facility will house a lobby and visitors’ reception area, restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and a lounge. The new clubhouse will be a welcomed addition to the championship 18-hole Crandon Park Golf Course, which hosts such world-class golf tournaments
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as the Royal Caribbean Golf Classic. Visitors can view the few remaining fossilized mangrove reefs in the world at the $344,000 Crandon Park Bear Cut Preserve Boardwalk on Key Biscayne. The 524-foot-long boardwalk travels along a coastal hammock habitat and connect to a beach overlook. Last but not least phase one of the Kendall Soccer Park is completed in September. The park includes two soccer fields, a field house and parking for 200 cars. Visit www.miamidade.gov/parks. Miami Metrozoo opened the American Bankers Family Aviary, Wings of Asia exhibit, in May 2003, which offers 300 rare and endangered Asian birds in free-flight, an indoor, interactive Field Research Camp linking today's birds to dinosaurs, fossil excavation pit, waterfalls, underwater viewing, and visitor center. New animal exhibits at the zoo, which is undergoing major expansion, include the okapi, giant eland and emperor tamarin. Visit www.miamimetrozoo.com. As part of the “Splashtacular Summer,” Miami Seaquarium opened a new wet/dry playground area called Salty’s Pirate Playground. The attraction consists of a two-level pirate ship, 31 by 27 ft., located in the center of a shark filled moat. The pirate ship features water blasters, cargo nets, punch bags and a spiral slide, while two more play areas surround the ship. While the kids play, the adults stay cool at Salty’s new picnic area. Visit www.miamiseaquarium.com. One of South Florida’s most popular attractions, Parrot Jungle, re-opened at its new location on Watson Island in July 2003 and is now a theme park called Parrot Jungle Island. The new $47 million theme park, conveniently located in the heart of Miami between Downtown and South Beach, occupies 18.6 acres on the north side of the causeway, plus a one-acre parcel of land to hold the new Japanese Garden. With more than 110 species of plants and 3,000 species of animals, such as crocodiles, flamingos and orangutans and thousands of varieties of parrots, Parrot Jungle Island will soon become a contemporary destination for adults and children alike. The centerpiece of Parrot Jungle Island is a theme park offering lavish tropical gardens, a Petting Farm allowing personal interaction with exotic animals and a variety of fun-filled shows and educational exhibits, like the Parrot Bowl, the Serpentarium, the Jungle Theater, an Everglades Habitat, the Tropical Basics and the Rare Plant Nursery. The park’s Treetop Ballroom and meeting facilities overlook the Port of Miami with its magnificent cruise ships, and the breathtaking city skyline. Other amenities include the Lakeside Café, the Garden Outpost with picnic and birthday pavilions and a private beach that will serve as the gathering place for locals and tourists. Visit www.parrotjungle.com. PRIME PROMOS The Greater Miami Conventions and Visitors Bureau has launched a new website, www.miamiboutiquehotels.com featuring nearly 100 boutique hotels in Greater Miami and the Beaches, from ultra trendy, stylish Art Deco gems to historic B & Bs. Miami’s summer festival season continues through September! Visit www.FestivalSeason.com for value deals and great events. Miami Spice Restaurant Month dished up great value deals at Miami’s most exclusive restaurants ($29.99 for dinner and $19.99 for lunch) – 25-50% savings from August through September. Diners can register to win many prizes, including a Carnival Cruise. For more info visit www.MiamiRestaurantMonth.com. CULTURAL CORNER The City of Miami Beach’s Cultural Arts Council selected eight finalists to participate in the new 2003 Artists-in-Residency Pilot Program this summer. These specially selected visual artists have been residing in Miami Beach since July 17 and have a six week stay in Miami Beach, while
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being provided accommodations, working space and an opportunity to establish contacts in Miami Beach. Participating hotels include: The Clinton, The Essex House, The Wave Hotel, The Ocean Spray, The National Hotel, The Holiday Inn South Beach, The Eden Roc and the Park Central. To view artwork submissions please go to www.ArtsBeach.com. The Grand Prix Americas is gearing up for its second annual Blast by the Bay. The weeklong festival features various social events such as FanFest at Bayside, Grand Prix Americas Street Festival in Coconut Grove, the Grand Prix Americas Foundation Charity Ball and culminates with two of North America’s premier racing series. On Sept. 26-28, 2003 Bridgestone presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford that will join the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) promoting a “dual-headline.” For more information call 305/533-1033. Toni Morrison, the 1993 Nobel Laureate in Literature, will open the 20 th anniversary edition of the Miami Book Fair International Nov. 2, 2003. The fair actually runs from Nov. 2-9 at Miami-Dade Community College’s Wolfson Campus, with the familiar street fair taking place from the 7 th to the 9th. A special exhibit, 20 Years of Great Writers: A Miami Book Fair Retrospective, will be part of the street fair in celebration of the anniversary. Another new addition will be international pavilions showcasing the arts, cultures and literature from such places as Mexico, Europe, North America and Central America. The fair will also feature an expanded Children’s Alley providing an interactive and educational fun zone for young readers. Visit www.miamibookfair.com. Miami Design District continues its expansion with new architecture and urban planning projects to complement the existing mix of showrooms and businesses in the District. The new projects include two private courtyard houses, a new street (which will run perpendicular to NE 1 st and NE 2nd Avenues), two commercial buildings, the new “Oak Plaza,” a restaurant in a converted warehouse building and a new skin for the Newton Building, a late 1970’s structure. Phase one is expected to be finished within the next year. Scheduled to open in September of 2003, the Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Visitors of all ages are invited to play together, learn, imagine and create. Located on Watson Island, the expanded $25 million-dollar, 56,500-square-foot facility includes 10 galleries, classrooms, parent/teacher resource center, educational gift shop, 200seat auditorium and dining area. The museum offers interactive exhibits, programs and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. Visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org. Florida International University once again presents the 2004 Miami International Film Festival in its 21st year. Taking place Jan. 30- Feb. 8, the festival will screen films at its longtime home, the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Miami, at the Regal Cinemas in South Miami Beach and at the Sunrise Cinemas Intracoastal in North Miami Beach. The role of the Miami International Film Festival is to bring the best of world cinema to South Florida. FlLM FLASHES The first six months of Miami-Dade's film, television, commercial and still photo production year has started with a bang, with over $100 million spent in the local economy so far this year. The year began with major film productions with Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear in the Farrelly Brother's Fox comedy "Stuck on You," and with "From Justin to Kelly With Love" starring the American Idol winners from 2002 Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. From there on, television was the big story, with Miami featured prominently in not only the second season of the hit show "CSI: Miami" with David Caruso on CBS, but also on the top rated FX series newcomer "Nip/Tuck" and on ABC's much anticipated new fall drama, "Karen Sisco," starring Carla Cugino. These shows join literally dozens of Spanish language productions for Univision, Telemundo and Latin American cable nets currently in production, including Plural Entertainment's "Al Filo de la Ley."
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TRANSPORTATION TIDBITS Miami Duck Tours, an amphibious tour of Miami, Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay, captures all the charm of the city and the beaches, viewed from both the land and the water. Miami Duck Tours promises passengers on the 49-seat "Watson Willy" amphibious vehicle an entertaining show, an informative tour, and a thrilling experience. From its Watson Island headquarters, the land/sea adventure will tour the landmarks of downtown Miami and the historic Art Deco District of Miami Beach before splashing into Biscayne Bay for a tour of the mansions on Palm, Hibiscus and Star Islands. Miami Duck Tours offers six tours a day, seven days a week, starting at 9 a.m. and concluding with a special, longer, "sunset" tour from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In addition to its on-going schedule, Miami Duck Tours will be available for charter to groups, conventions, parties, reunions and school field trips. Tickets are $24 for adults, $17 for children 3 to 12, and $21 for seniors and military personnel. Tickets and more information are available at www.ducktoursmiami.com or toll-free at 877-DUCK-TIX. Construction of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) has begun! A “One Stop Shop Traffic Information" program is available to help motorists with detours and changing roadway conditions affecting travel through the area near the airport. For information about OSS, contact the Miami Intermodal Center Community Awareness Program at 305-219-9039 or lfernandez@c3ts.com. Due to construction in this area, please allow an additional 30 minutes to reach your destination. The Miami Intermodal Center now being constructed by the Florida Department of Transportation will be similar to New York City's Grand Central Station. It will provide visitors and residents with safe, efficient access to rail systems, buses, taxis and privately owned automobiles. The MIC’s consolidated Rental Car Facility will be connected to the airport via an automated people mover. For information about the MIC Program, please go to www.micdot.com or call the MIC Public Affairs Program at 305-573-4455. Sterling Limo Services is proud to present its newest feature, the Limo Lounge, the ultimate in luxury transportation, seating up to 23 passengers. Visit www.sterling-limo.com. The 511 Traffic Information Service is another helpful tool for motorists. By dialing 511 at no charge from any local telephone and most cell phones or by going to www.smartraveler.com, travelers are able to receive up-to-the-minute traffic information for the entire South Florida Region between Palm Beach to Monroe Counties. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is a non-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.miamiandbeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305/539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.miamimeetings.com.
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