Waking before dawn is usually not my idea of a good time. But last Saturday, I was invited to go hot air ballooning to celebrate my best friend's 50th birthday. Her husband arranged this as a surprise, and judging by the look on her face as we gathered in the dim light of the Holiday Inn parking lot, it was. Our group of ten was greeted by the Miami Balloon Rides coordinator, who gave us release papers to sign. Launches take place in Homestead, Florida, which is about a 50 minute drive from downtown Miami. We piled into a white van and were whisked off to a grassy field in preparation for our balloon...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

Seeing Miami from the water is an unforgettable experience. Ditch your landlubber's perspective and make time to enjoy what seagulls do every day:  sultry sea breezes, the sounds of Biscayne Bay lapping at the shore and sunsets that paint the sky a thousand shades of tangerine and lavender. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who calls Miami home, seeing Miami by water is a must-do. Here are a few cool ways to do it: Kayak - Experience Miami’s natural waterways, mangroves and small islands by your own “paddle-power”.  Kayak and canoe rentals are available at several...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

                      You can't come to Miami without trying some of these activities: See the Art Deco District.  Walking tours, bike tours, cellphone tours - there are a million ways to check out Miami Beach's iconic architecture. And you definitely don't want to miss the Gift Shop. Taste tropical fruit. Where? Fruit & Spice Park, Robert is Here or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Moon over Miami. We’ve got moonlight garden tours, moonlight cruises - or you can howl by the light of the moon at one of our world-famous night clubs. Experience Miami’s Latin flavor....


 QuickView | Read Full Article