The King Mango Strut is today at 2:00 p.m. In downtown Coconut Grove. An irreverent parade with themes plucked out of the year’s headlines, the Strut is sure to make you laugh. I have been a faithful attendee since I saw the “Bobbit Brigade” years ago…I still get a chuckle out of that one.
There was a great Viva Miami MediaPlanet insert in today’s Miami Herald titled: Miami Grows followed by, “Industries unite in the expansion of PortMiami, as the city sets sights on becoming an economic engine for South Florida and the nation”.
Though obviously a promo piece, it spews out some positive numbers:
– PortMiami contributes more than $18 billion annually to South Florida’s economy
– Cruise industry up over 2010
– MIA’s air cargo trade is worth more than $50 billion
Construction projects in and around the airport and port are currently underway to maximize additional cargo and improve the related transportation and logistics involved with moving it on to it’s final destination.
The insert also mentions new residential construction projects that are planning to break ground, since only 4,000 of the 23,000 condo untis built during the boom are still waiting for buyers.
If you are new to South Florida you may not know of Nochebuena, which is a celebration that takes place on Christmas Eve. In Miami, Nochebuena means the smell of roast pig, mojo, and beans waft through the air.
On 102 Street, Nochebuena is accompanied by luminarias, that run from 67 Ave to 57 Ave
I love living in Miami because it is so easy to travel to just about any where in the world. I have mentioned 20 minute flights to Bimini Bay. I went to my brother’s wedding in Costa Rica and felt like I had been on a two week vacation. Panama City, Panama is also a short flight away and offers lots of options for a short, or long, vacation. The city itself is extremely modern and during the building boom in Miami several local developers also developed projects in Panama city. Punta Pacifica features several buildings with names and Miamian would recognize including Trump Ocean Club, the Venetian, Aquamare and the Dupont are just a few.
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For years, my dad trekked up to North Miami Beach to shop at Laurenzo’s Italian Market and I go by every time I visit my sister in Aventura. Last night hubby and I decided to make the drive to attend their annual Holiday wine tasting. I had never been to one before and am so glad we ventured out of our neighborhood for an evening out. So many wines were poured there was no way to try them all, even with a designated driver! Picked up a bunch a great food on the way out, so we will be eating wonderful Italian food this week. If you have never been to Laurenzo’s it is worth the trip. They are holding wine tastings through the holidays on Saturdays, from 1-4 p.m.
For years, my dad trekked up to North Miami Beach to shop at Laurenzo’s Italian Market and I go by every time I visit my sister in Aventura. Last night hubby and I decided to make the drive to attend their annual Holiday wine tasting. I had never been to one before and am so glad we ventured out of our neighborhood for an evening out. So many wines were poured there was no way to try them all, even with a designated driver! Picked up a bunch a great food on the way out, so we will be eating wonderful Italian food this week. If you have never been to Laurenzo’s it is worth the trip. They are holding wine tastings through the holidays on Saturdays, from 1-4 p.m.
Tomorrow night at 7:30, the New World Symphony Wallcast is From the New World. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner for a wonderful evening of culture on Miami Beach.
Treat your taste buds to latin food and beverages at Pinecrest Gardens’ Latin Spice Festival. It includes food, music, dancing, and shopping. Stay for Grammy Award wining Chino Nunez.
The Artist Village at Deering Estate hostS the opening of their Winter Exhibit from 7-9pm on December 7.
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, American Express’ push to highlight the importance of small business to our individual, local communities as well as our national economy.
American Express is offering incentives and lists participating businesses by zip code.
So avoid the Black Friday madness at the Big Box stores and relax today and support your small local stores tomorrow,