Have you always wanted to spend the day swimming with the dolphins? To feel, to touch these magnificent animals is often a dream to many, but when you live or visit Florida, the opportunity is there to experience this firsthand. From now until December 15th, the Miami Seaquarium is offering a 30% discount to Florida residents.

The Seaquarium offers 2 different experiences at Dolphin Harbor, their 12,000 square foot, 700,000 gallon dolphin pool that is home 12 Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The first is titled Dolphin Odyssey. It is a 2-hour experience where participants are able to touch and feel the dolphins and learn where our fascination with dolphins stems from. Participants even have the opportunity for some deep-water interaction. The Dolphin Odyssey program costs $134 plus tax per person for Florida residents (regularly $199 plus tax).

The second is something new that is geared toward those that want the dolphin experience, but to a lesser degree or for those that are a bit younger. This program also lasts 2 hours, but instead of swimming with the dolphins, guests wade out into the pool and take part in a shallow water experience. Guests are able to feed and touch the dolphins, and take part in an educational seminar explaining how dolphins are trained among other things. Guests must be at least 5 years old. The Dolphin Encounter program costs $94 plus tax per person for Florida residents (regularly $139 plus tax). For children 5-9, the cost is $68 plus tax for Florida residents (regularly $99 plus tax).

For more information, call (305) 365-2501.

Photo Courtesy of Miami Seaquarium

Share This

Were you one of the lucky ones to score tickets to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Fountainebleau this past weekend? This annual holiday lingerie extravaganza made its way to Miami Beach this past weekend as part of Fountainebleau’s star-studded grand re-opening. Usher kicked off the show, and he was soon joined by 35 supermodels decked out with their Angel wings including the much loved Heidi Klum. If you failed to get tickets to this show, don’t worry as it will air on CBS on December 3rd at 10:00 pm.

You can also get a sneak peek here.

photo credit: newscom

Share This

• Football, football and did I say football? There’s never a bad day for football, especially on Thanksgiving Day. Tennessee takes on Detroit at 12:30 (will they win that first game of the year against the league’s only undefeated team this year?), Seattle goes to Dallas at 4:15 and Arizona takes on the Eagles at 8:15 pm.
• Movie Marathon anyone? There’s 4 movies being released the day before Thanksgiving and you could be one of the first to check them out. “Four Christmases” starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn is released on the 26th. This happily unmarried couple have planned an extravagant getaway for the holidays, but due to weather they find their vacation plans ruined and end up going to four family functions that day instead. Their feelings are spread in all directions as one can’t wait until they escape, while the other is starting to think about “other” things. Also, scheduled to be released are Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, Milk starring Sean Penn and Emily Hirsch highlighting the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office, and Transporter 3 starring Jason Stathaym.

• Are you looking to find a tasty Thanksgiving turkey dinner, without having to do all of the leg work? Make your reservation today. Opentable.com has a pretty extensive line-up of restaurants throughout South Florida ranging from traditional menus to innovative inspirations. Whether you want a prix fixed menu or are more of that a la carte type of meal, you will find what you are looking for in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
• Has it been awhile since you’ve used that grill? Invite some friends over, put a turkey on the grill and have everyone bring a side dish. For wine, epicurious put out an interesting article on the top 5 turkey friendly wines, along with some delicious recipes. Don’t forget to take some pictures to send up to your northern friends as they are fighting the cold.
• Make a shopping list for Black Friday, go to bed early, and get ready to fight the crowds at 5 am.
• Make a list of everything you are thankful for. Take part in the true reason behind this holiday.

Photo Credit: xybermatthew @ flickr

Share This

Whether you’re visiting Miami, just moved here or are a seasoned veteran, you need to check out the recently launched Miami Tour Company. This virtual information superhighway turned onboard tour company is proud to announce the daily tours of Miami and the surrounding areas in 5 languages (English, Spanish, German, French and Italian).

Instead of sitting through another boring tour led by a monotone voice, these tours are filled with entertaining stories told by professional actors along with music and sound effects. The tours give you the inside scoop that only the locals will know. Plus, all tours take place in state-of-the-art buses so being uncomfortable won’t be an issue. If you are looking to find out the story behind Casa Casuarina and why this landmark is the 2nd most photographed residence in the United States or want to find out where part of the movie Scarface was filmed, you are in luck.

Along with learning interesting facts about the city throughout the 3 1/2 hour tour, and exploring Ocean Drive, Miami Seaquarium, Vizcaya, Madonna’s House, University of Miami, Miami’s First Schoolhouse, the place where Michael Jackson filmed the “Thriller” video and more the bus makes a few stops at such locations as The Fresh Market, Biltmore Hotel, Little Havana (Cuban coffee, anyone?) and Bayside Market Place.

Even better, the cost for bus tours of Miami start at only $28. In addition, they also offer tours of both Orlando and Key West, and private transportation to and from airports, seaports and hotels in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

Special Offer: They are offering free city tours now through Nov. 16th. Reserve your space today and enter code: MTC4FREE

Photo used with permission from Gus Moore, MiamiBeach411.com

Share This

Bethesda Sunscreen Soap is an all-natural sunscreen soap produced by Bethesda skincare. The bar soap contains a minimum SPF 10 and a multitude of vitamins and minerals to help soothe and aid in protecting your skin from the sun. In addition, it also moisturizes, deodorizes and is simple to throw in your suitcase. You won’t have to worry about getting stopped at airport security for having liquids or having it spill in your bag.

If you are worried about how your sensitive skin will react, fret no more, as this soap is all-natural, non-oily and hypo-allergenic. This is just a smart product that makes sense.

In honor of the founder’s sister, who is suffering from cancer, the company offers something known as the Melanie Policy.  This policy offers a free bar of soap to anyone who is suffering from cancer or knows of someone who has cancer. Sadly, I’m sure we all fit into this category. To qualify, send the name, address and the recipient’s condition to store@bethesdaskincare.com, and make sure you reference The Melanie Policy.

Image used with permission from The Cannon Group.

Share This

An article that appeared in Business Week titled “The Best Places to Raise Your Kids 2009” was recently released. Business Week, along with OnBoard Informatics, performed this study and named the best place to raise kids in each of the 50 states according to these factors:

• Towns with 50,000 + residents
• Median family income between $40,000 - $100,000
• School performance
• number of schools
• Household Expenditures
• Crime Rates
• Air Quality
• Job Growth
• Museums, parks, theaters, etc
• Diversity

The results are in, and the winner for Florida is ….

Pembroke Pines

Yes, this city of just over 165,000, in between Fort Lauderdale and Miami won the title this year. They were noted for their good schools and their low crime rate. (and you can’t forget they just added a pretty nice  outdoor mall to the line-up.)

Photo Credit: C.P.Storm @ flickr

Share This

Taishi is Morikami Museum’s Young Professionals Group. They plan events each year for professionals in their 20’s - 40’s with proceeds going to support the educational programs at The Morkiami. On Friday, they will be hosting Sushi & Sail that will take place on Lady Atlantic on the Delray Intercoastal at Veterans Park from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. This entertaining evening will allow guests to enjoy the gorgeous Florida sunset while they listen to great music, make new friends and enjoy some scrumptious appetizers.

Cost is $35 for Taishi Members and $50 for non-members. Purchase your tickets online or call 561.495.0233 ext 214.

Photo Credit: avlxyz @ flickr

Share This

I recently learned of a spa experience that really got me going. Think of this — Spa Happy Hour. At the end of the week, what are you looking to do? Happy hour, a nice massage, and now think — you can have them both together in this unique spaaaalicious experience.  Taking place at the Aquanox Spa at the Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach on the first Friday of the month, this is the perfect time to grap your girlfriends for that girl’s night out you’ve been wanting to take.  And… since it takes place on the first Friday of every month, you have almost a month to plan this out.

At 6:00 pm, the spa switches gears and becomes an upbeat gathering place where complimentary cocktails and tempting hors d’oeuvres are passed around. In addition,  the highlight is the 20-minute spa treatments available.

• Blackberry Relief: If you are suffering from carpel tunnel or just need some relief for the tension in your hands and forearms, you will want to be in line for this treatment. Combined with blackberry essences, relief is on its way.
• Cosmo Calves: Perfect for those who are on their feet all days. Your feet and calves will be rejuvenated just in time to put on your dancing shoes.
• Martini Facial: Sit back for a customized facial, and you will be glowing for the weekend ahead.
• Mojito Scrub: Time to exfoliate your hands and feet and wipe those toxins away.
• Champagne Chair Massage: A scalp, neck, shoulder and arm massage — Ooh, la, la!

Photo Credit: BadrNaseem @ flickr

Share This

Well, yesterday I received great news. Dinner in the Sky is coming to Florida. Yes, for all those people who think they have experienced the best in dining in South Florida, think again, as this experience could knock your socks off. To explain further, Dinner in the Sky is a high flying dining experience where 22 guests are taken up to a height of 180  where they are strapped into a leather seat that’s secured to a dining table.  The entire platform is connected to a crane that performs the lift.

When Dinner in the Sky comes to Florida in December, they will be pairing up with the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek to launch the new Chef’s Table in the casino’s Fresh Harvest Restaurant. Chef’s table is a new a la carte dining option at the casino’s buffet restaurant.

Now’s your chance to experience this, as reservations are available on December 6th at either 6:30 or 8:00 pm. Call the casino at 1-866-2CASINO for more information.

Sure hope nobody’s afraid of heights!

Photo Credit: SouthBankSteve @ flickr

Share This

• Ceviche 105 opens in downtown Miami. They bring us a fusion of traditional Peruvian cuisine combined with Chinese influences. If you enjoy the added flavors and textures of Peruvian cuisine including chiles, corn, fresh lime, cilantro and Pisco, you will love this new restaurant. Better yet, they cater and deliver. Chaufa-style Seafood rice and Chicken and Pork Tamales are samples of some popular menu items.
• The King is Dead is a new royalty-themed in the Design District. This hot spot is reminiscent of a castle with leather throne-like chairs inside. In addition, they have an all black VIP room. It just might be worth a visit to. The King is Dead is located at 10 NE 40th St (next to Grass) 305-573-3355
• Fogo de Chao brings a Brazilian Steakhouse to South Beach. Like many other Brazilian steakhouse they offer a prix fixe menu for skewered meat, but the grill masters of the kitchen have likely been trained in Brazil and will be the ones serving the meat to the tables.
• If you are tired of the club scene, and are looking for a relaxing weekend, you might want to check out Cozy Piano Bar. With jazz music, a house pianist, an amazing champagne list and continental cuisine, this place is quite…cozy.
• Rice Asian House and Sushi Bar opens in Sunny Isles at 17100 Collins Avenue. This Japanese-Thai restaurant might spice up this northern strip joint. (305) 944-1185
• Enso Restaurant is a new addition to Lincoln Road. This seems to a combination of art and experimentation for the palate. The interior is lined with coconut shell tables and red couches, and once you go inside and glance over the menu, which is inspired by artists like Van Gogh and Dali, is sure to satisfy your yearning for innovative cuisine. Think: hamachi apple terrine with pine nut crisps and Gouda Caviar and foie gras popcorn. Oh, and did I mention the chefs all have experience training at El Bulli in Spain? Enso Restaurant is located at 433 Lincoln Road. 305-534-3676
• Meat Market also opens up at 915 Lincoln Road. This sexy take on a steakhouse is headed up by Executive Chef Sean Brasel, formerly of Touch Restaurant. In addition to focusing thier menu on delicate meat, seafood and seasonal produce, there will be a Crudo bar featuring tiraditos and an adjacent bar serving unique, homemade cocktails.

Photo Credit: ceviche by Sifu Renka @ flickr

Share This