What: Miami Beach Polo World Cup

When: April 26 – 29, 2012

Who: Male & Female Polo Players, Polo Aficionados Dressed in White

Where: South Beach, between 20^th and 22^nd Streets

Why: World Renown Polo Players + South Beach Vibe = Swanky Fun

Polo, the world-renowned “Sport of Kings” is coming to Miami. But this isn’t just any polo match, this is the Miami Beach Polo World Cup.

Miami Beach Polo. Photo by: JustoRuiz

In a typical polo match, spectators are awed by the thoroughbred mares that thunder across perfectly manicured fields of green as the riders race for the goal. But in Miami, polo has its own tropical feel as players from around the world kick up the soft white sands of South Beach as blue waves crash in the background. It’s just something you have to see.

The Miami Beach Polo World Cup is an opulent experience. Thanks to the main sponsor, the luxury car maker Maserti, this event has a distinctively swanky feel and there are no shortages of VIP lounges. Watch the players sweat like soccer moms in a gym sauna as you sit in a shaded, impeccably color-coordinated bar. Sip on a variety of cool beverages and shop for the latest and trendiest polo gear in between games. Let’s not forget the fashion shows with Argentine models and yacht parties. Yeahhh baby! Las fiestas continue into late into night with fireworks and DJs making all the beautiful people dance.

Even if you know next to nothing about polo, be sure to check one of the best Miami attractions. See Miami from it’s best side and enjoy a day on the beach polo pitch! VIP tickets are still available and can be purchased via the Miami Beach Polo Website.

Are you planning to attend the Miami Beach Polo World Cup? Let us know!

Art of storytelling Festival

This nostalgic throwback to our raconteur tradition features puppet shows, dancing, live performances and face-painting. So, take the kids along for an entertaining day that teaches them the value of well-told story.

Photo by WalterPro4755

Florida Renaissance Festival

If the kids enjoyed our story-telling tradition, then they’ll undoubtedly love the sword fighters, skirmishing knights on horseback, magicians and minstrels on display during the Florida Renaissance Festival. This event, which attempts to give the youth a living taste of history, occurs on the 1^st, 7^th and 8^th of April.

Miami Beach Polo World Cup

If you haven’t had enough of people on horseback, then you can attend the Miami Beach Polo World cup. This event, which runs from April 27^th to 29^th and features teams from all over the world, is a welcome departure from the elitist snobbery that we often relate with polo.

Borscht Film Festival

This lesser-known independent film festival tells gripping stories from the perspective of the young people who live in Miami. These films, sometimes sad, sometimes funny, present an artistic representation of what it means to live in one of the premier holiday destinations of the world.

Miami Beach Festival of Arts

South Beach Lifeguard Hut

Featuring artists from all over the United States, the Miami Beach Festival of Arts is an event that any art-lover will enjoy. During the exhibition you’ll be able to peruse a comprehensive exhibition of sense-delighting art, which includes paintings, ceramics, jewelry and photographs.

AIDS Walk Miami

Affecting the lives of millions of people throughout the world, the impact of AIDS should not be underestimated. This event, arranged by South Florida’s oldest HIV/AIDS organizations, attempts to spread awareness and raise funds in the hope that we can one day bring the pandemic under control.

Miami Cattle and Agriculture Festival

Lest we forget that Miami is situated in the South, the Miami cattle and agriculture festival is there to remind us. This meeting of cattle breeders from all over the world features educational stalls, kids’ activities and a variety of shows.

Miami Gay Pride

On April 15^th Ocean Drive explodes in a plethora of color and elation as the Miami Gay Pride festival takes place. The parades start at midday, and the party atmosphere doesn’t subside until the next morning when the clubs and bars close their doors.

Did we miss anything?

If you can think of any other things to do in Miami during the month of April, please leave your responses below. We are always eager to hear how the sexy people of Miami are spending their time in this gorgeous city.

Crossing one of the 42 bridges

This is especially true when you are on the road. Long stretches of highway are the perfect places to pop in some tunes and let your mind wander. One of the most beautiful highways in the United States to do is US Route 1 between Miami and Key West, Florida. Famous for the numerous bridges (42 to be exact) and crystal blue water, traveling down the 113 miles (181 km) of scenic road through the Florida Keys is spectacular.

Looking for some musical inspiration to get you started on this journey? Here are some playlist tips from Gray Line Miami.

“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys: Sing it along with me “…off the Florida Keys / There’s a place called Kokomo / That’s where you wanna go to get away from it all.” Embrace your inner tropical surfer and happily sing along to Kokomo. This mythical place is somewhere off the Florida Keys and the song tells the story of a couple who are on their way to a romantic and very relaxing holiday weekend in the Caribbean. With a shot out to Key Largo, this is a great song. And as they say “Baby, why don’t we go?”

Road Trip to Key West

“Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Ottis Redding: While this melody is written about San Francisco, the idea of taking it easy while watching the tide roll away (Ooooo) is perfect for the laid-back atmosphere of the Florida Keys. Imagine the dangling your toes above the warm sea and forgetting about all your stress. What could be more relaxing?

“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett: No Key West trip would be complete without this song on constant repeat. Embodying the kooky and eccentric residents of the US’s southernmost city, Margaritaville is Jimmy Buffett’s famous lament about drinking too much and loosing the girl. (To be fair, it was his own damn fault.) This song is a quintessential anthem from Key West’s most famous resident.

“Welcome to Miami” by Will Smith: On your way back to Miami from your Key West trip, bop your head to this ridiculously poppy hit. Will Smith croons about the city where he owns a house and reminds us that the biggest Miami attractions are the beautiful people and the fact that you will be partying “all night on the beach till the break of dawn!”

What would you put on your playlist for your next trip to Key West?

Miami Nightlife

Miami is unique among the world’s elite tourist destinations because it accommodates the preferences of every kind of person. Whether you dance like a dizzy jellyfish or a foot flashing Kevin Bacon, Miami has a spot where you’ll be able to squeak your sneakers without having to worry about who’s watching you. If you are unsure of what do in Miami during this spring, then simply let our guide lead you to the best bars in Miami.

Bongo’s Café – Salsa

If you know how to bust a few Latin moves, then put on your dress shirt and square-tipped shoes for a night of excellent food and late night dancing. This club has been known to attract quite a crowd, so reservations are recommended if you want to avoid disappointment. The music at the club is restricted to Salsa, making it essential to know the basics when you attend.

Nikki Beach – Never-ending Beach party

Start your day on the beach enjoying cocktails and a mouth-watering assortment of meals at this open-air restaurant. At night, the venue transforms into one of the most popular nightclubs along Miami’s Ocean Drive. With its excellent combination of good music, chic décor and perfect location, it comes as no surprise that Nikki Beach is frequented by the rich and famous.

Mango´s Tropical Atmosphere

Mango’s Café – Cabaret

Mango’s talented dancers have featured on ABC, CBS, The Travel Channel, The E Channel, MTV, The Oxygen Channel, ESPN, The Food Network and hundreds of other cable stations around the world. It has the reputation as one of the finest cabaret shows that you’ll ever see, and it doubles as an eatery. An internet search for Miami restaurants will render hundreds of results, but you will be hard-pressed to find a spot with a better cocktail of food and entertainment.

Set Miami – Old School Clubbing

A chic and extravagant throwback to the late 1980s, Set Miami redefines the word glamorous. The club’s reputation was lauded in 2009, when it was rated as the best club in Miami. Since winning this award, the club has maintained an unshakeable commitment to providing good music, excellent drinks and long queues. If you want to enter this club on a good night, you’ll have to arrive well before opening time to find a reasonable spot in the inevitably long line.

Club 90 Degree – Raggaeton   

The raggaeton music craze was imported from South and Central America to Miami, and today its addictive beat can be heard in many of the clubs in Little Havana. Of all the venues where you can hear raggaeton in Miami, few compare to Club 90 Degree. Pronounced by the Miami New Times as the best Latin club in Miami, Club 90 Degree offers an authentic raggaeton experience that will linger with you for a very long time.

Have your say…  

Do you know of any other spots visitors may like? Well, you can help us to spread the Miami love by leaving your responses in the comments section below!

Stone Crab – People go absolutely bonkers for juicy and succulent stone crab claws. In season from October to May, these large and meaty pinchers are absolutely delicious when dipped in Key West mustard sauce (a mix of mustard, mayonnaise and Key Lime juice). Locals know that the easiest way to extract the crab meat is to skip the traditional crab claw crackers and instead use a spoon to gently crack the shell. The best part, the fishermen do not kill the crab to take the claws. If harvested correctly, stone crabs will regenerate new claws in one to three years time. Mmmmm, renewable resources taste better.

Key West Pink Shrimp– Lightly pink and slightly sweet, these puppies are the freshest on the white sands of Key West. Many restaurants offer deals for ‘buckets of shrimp, allowing you to enjoy your afternoon chatting with friends while you peel and pop these delicious seafood treats in your mouth like nature’s candy. The more work you put into it peeling the shell, the better it tastes! You should also be on the look out for royal red shrimp, which can be more difficult to find but have a rich flavor similar to the taste of lobster.Photo by Jing a Ling

Conch Fritters – What better place to eat conch fritters than the Conch Republic?Shellfish meat deep-fried into tasty morsels, these bite-sized wonders will be gone from your plate before you know it. The batter is mixed with a variety of herbs and spices, most often served with Key West mustard sauce. Sample a platter at a local Key West restaurant or stop by The Original Conch Fritters street stand on Whitehead Street and Mallory Square for a more authentic dinning experience. This is a must eat in Key West!

Yellowtail Snapper – While this fish can be found up and down the Caribbean, yellowtail snapper is very high-quality in Key West. This light and flaky fist is prized by seafood aficionados around the world. The yellowtail snapper can be served fried, blackened or sautéed with an accompanying mango sauce. All options are absolutely delectable. Available all-year-round, fishermen come from Miami to Key West just for the opportunity to catch this premium fish.

Are you ready to try all of these delights from the sea? Well you are in luck because the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is set to take place this year on March 10^th – 11^th and it is a seafood celebration not to be missed. Make sure to stop by and tell them that Gray Line Miami Tours sent you!

Carnival at Mango´s

Miami Carnival

Set in Little Havana, the Miami Carnival is a plethoric explosion of color that will leave you senses mesmerized. Running from mid-February into March, the event is a true celebration of Miami’s Latin heritage. The people of Miami rarely need a reason to celebrate life, but this is one time of the year when everyone parties with no reservations whatsoever. Next to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, the Miami Carnival is the best carnival on offer in the United States.

Spanish Lessons

If you want to mingle in the elation of the Latin community during the carnival, then Spanish is a prerequisite. If you still don’t have a decent handle on the language, then it’s time to take some lessons. Miami offers some of the cheapest lessons available anywhere in the States, so you have no excuse for not learning the language. By improving your Spanish you can open countless doors to new Miami experiences.

Key West

Parasailing in Key West - Nice or what?!

Miami locals are often guilty of not taking advantage of all the outdoor activities on their doorstep. A day spent in Key West should start early in the morning with Yoga on the beach. After stretching your muscles and aligning your chakras, you will be ready for an exhilarating Key West parasailing trip. If this sounds a little too extreme then you also have the peaceful option of snorkeling over a Key West reef.

Jungle Island

Jungle Island

There are also a host of Miami activities kids can enjoy, and none are more exciting than the Lemur adventure at Jungle Island. Every child that has seen Madagascar will know what a Lemur is – well at least the Sacha Baron Cohen inspired version. Jungle Island combines wildlife education with entertainment to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for the whole family. With so much to see and do, there’s no reason to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon indoors wondering how to entertain the kids.

There’s no need to be glum about the impending end of the world. If you’re lucky enough to be in Miami before December 21^st, you’ll be able to participate in a great range of activities before the tidal wave hits.

So, how are you planning to take advantage of your last few months before the apocalypse? Please leave your interesting and creative responses of what to do in Miami this year in the comments section below.

What: Opening Night of Club Paradise Tour 2012 in Miami

When: Valentine’s Day 2012

Where: BankUnited Center, Coral Gables, FL (1245 Dauer Dr, Coral Gables, FL  33146)

I cannot think of any better way to spend Valentine’s Day than a getaway with your significant sweetie in sunny Miami. A romantic trip to Miami is a great way to relax, forget all the stresses of your day-to-day life and reconnect with your partner. Because nothing says flirtation like the beaches of South Beach. But while Valentine’s Day is an excellent reason to show your affection on the golden shores of Miami, it can also be a lot of pressure. With cupid, stuff animals and big red hearts everywhere, it’s easy to get jaded about this day of love. But never fear. If you are having trouble deciding what to do in Miami for Valentine’s Day, let me help you out. This February 14^th, the sensitive yet strong rapper/lady-killer known as Drake will be strutting on stage in Miami for the opening night of his Club Paradise Tour 2012 – the perfect Valentine’s Day date in Miami.

I can almost hear the swooning female fans now.

“Drakkkeeee! Sing my sooonng! Drakeeee!!! I loveee you! You´re the best!! Drakeeee!!”

Drake will be crooning to a sold out crowd on Tuesday night and one thing is for certain; love will be in the air. There will be a lot of snuggling, hand holding and sexy dancing. What more could you want on Valentine’s Day?  Because this former Canadian child actor from Degrassi: The Next Generation (sooo much better than 90210) definitely knows how to work a crowd with his sweet gangster style. It also helps that his LP Take Care has produced a series of hits and increased his already blinding path to stardom. Definitely on the playlist will be his first hit “Best I Ever Had” as well as the heartfelt (and very drunk) confessions of unrequited love on “Marvin’s Room”. Don’t be surprised if the rambunctious Miami resident Lil’ Wayne makes a guest appearance. Long-time mentor to Drake, Lil’ Wayne is sure not to miss this special Valentine’s Day in the romantic Miami night.

So skip the teddy bears and chocolates and instead head for the Drake concert on Valentine’s Day. Make this one of your best Miami trips ever!

Photo by Chico

Picnic on the beach

The endless golden stretches of Floridian coastline present an excellent opportunity for you to dust off the picnic basket and treat your significant other to a romantic afternoon, which features Mother Nature’s relaxing playlist of the ocean gently lapping the shore. But remember, drinking in public is illegal. So substitute the wine for sparkling fruit juice, lest you want to spend your romantic Miami night in a holding cell.

Salsa Lesson + Meal

Miami’s strong Latin influence makes it the perfect place to take salsa lessons with your girlfriend. She has probably asked you to go dancing in the past, but you have always rejected the idea without a second thought. This an opportunity to show her that you’re willing to step out your comfort zone to give her what she wants. As a bonus, most salsa clubs feature restaurants, which will undoubtedly be kitted out with romantic décor on Valentine’s Day. After an evening of standing on each other’s toes, you can enjoy a quiet meal of authentic Latin cuisine.

Helicopter Ride

Most people have been in an airplane, but few have been suspended over a city under the chopping blades of a helicopter. While you fly over Miami you will see the city from a completely different perspective, and the exhilaration of the experience will linger with you for years to come.

Biscayne Sunset Cruise 

Biscayne Bay Cruise

The one thing we learnt from the film Titanic is that a boat trip can tickle your romantic nerves into a lovelorn overload. If you want to reignite the wavering flame of your love, then treat your significant other to a Biscayne Bay cruise in the late afternoon. The setting sun will serve as a picturesque backdrop to the romantic story of your lives together.

Valentine’s Day concert

The annual Miami Valentine’s Day concert is always a huge hit among romantic couples who are looking for a good way to spend the evening. During the concert, you will sit under the moon, eat dinner and listen to the emotions of a troubadour pouring into a microphone. But remember to book in advance, because seats are limited.

If you have better ideas, please leave a commentary. No matter if you´re traveling to Miami for Valentine´s Day or later, you´ll find a great number of tips about what to do in Miami from our site. We wish romantic Valentine´s Day for everyone! XXxx

South Beach

The Dining Room
This excellent diningroom is located a bit away from the hassle and overpriced Ocean Drive. If you can´t get enough of the seafood, you have found you´re place. We highly recommend you to check out this small, yet friendly South Beach restaurant.

413 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel.: 305-397-8444

http://www.diningroommiami.com

Giotto Maestro della Pizza
This may just be the best pizza place in South Florida. At least for those who are sick and tired of the American super cheesy pizzas. This restaurant serves authentic Italian style thin crispy pizzas with excellent ingredients and flavors.

959 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139
Tel: 305-532-1138

http://www.giottopizza.com/

Osteria del Teatro

Osteria del Teatro
This is another place you don´t want to miss if you love seafood or Italian dishes. Here you might be sitting next to some Miamimese celebrity or a politician, with or without noticing. Even though its food is amazingly good and it is popular among the high class of Miami, it´s not as expensive as one might expect. Try it yourself!

1143 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-538-7850

http://osteriadelteatromiami.com

Indomania
This excellent restaurant offers a weird but delicious mix of Indonesian and Dutch food. Maybe you don´t see this fusion everywhere, but that´s one of the reasons why this place is so special and loved.  The service is polite and friendly, the waiting-time perfectly calculated and atmosphere is all in all nice. Remember to make a reservation, you´re not the only one wanting to check out this place!

131 26th Street, (off Collins Ave.) Miami Beach, Fl. 33140
Tel.: 305-535 6332

http://www.indomaniarestaurant.com

If you´re hungry for new experiences and adventures, take an adventure or sightseeing tour in Miami.  More information on what to visit in Miami available on our website.

Little Havana

Miami is known for a lot of things. Its fantastic beaches and vibrant nightlife have made it a favorite for travelers over the last few years. Perhaps the best characteristic of Miami is its Cuban food. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal prepared by an internationally esteemed chef or a cheap but authentic meal prepared at a hole in the wall, the Cuban food of Miami is one of the best and tastiest parts of visiting the city. Read on and when you’re done, take a train, book an air charter — run if you  must — to Miami and try out some of this fantastic food.

Versailles

This Miami mainstay is located in the iconic Little Havana neighborhood and has been serving up authentic Cuban food since 1971. The restaurant is a haven of local culture and is often used by political figures who are passing through the area as a headquarters for garnering the Cuban-American vote. Their Famous Cuban Sandwich comes with sweet ham, roast pork and Swiss cheese on toasted Cuban bread. The prices are also reasonable, with entrees hovering between $6 and $10. Versailles is the perfect lunch destination for those looking to experience real Cuban culture.

Typical Cuban Sandwich

The Miami Sightseeing hop on hop off bus stop number 19 is located just next to Versailles restaurant. So getting there couldn´t be easier.

De Rodriguez Cuba

De Rodriguez Cuba is an upscale spot located on Miami Beach near South Pointe. This dining destination’s offerings have been curated and researched by Douglas Rodriguez, a legendary name in the culinary world. Considered by many to be the godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine, Rodriguez’ menu includes a wide selection of wines, cocktails and micro-brews and such Cuban classics as a crispy pork belly served in Cuban marinade sauce. De Rodriguez Cuba is a little on the pricey side with most entrees coming out to between $25 and $35.

Typical Argentinian empanada

El Nuevo Siglo Supermarket

This Cuban cafeteria offers perhaps the freshest food of any restaurant on this list.  El Nuevo Siglo is primarily a supermarket but buried deep within the store’s endless corridors of authentic Cuban cooking staples is a cafe that serves everything from massive churrasco steaks to baked goods. The restaurant is located in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Little Havana and has other mouth-watering options like homemade chorizo and Argentinian empanadas. The prices are also quite reasonable with most entrees coming out between $8 and $10.

If you’re visiting Miami make sure to hit some of these essential Cuban restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you. If you´re one of those persons who prefer not to leave South Beach during your vacations, culinary tour in Miami Beach will bring you more information in the near future.

This article is written by a guest columnist, Logan Baker from the Blog Content Guild.