St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in Downtown Hollywood. This year they did a great job with…read moreit. It has been my favorite parade so far. It was bigger, entertaining, and fun. It was very different from the one from last year. The city blocked downtown and Harrison St. This event was very well organized and I had fun being here. What made it fun for me was the lively music and parade. I enjoyed it. One side of Hollywood blvd had vendors of food, bars, food trucks, clothing, and many other things. I tried the deep-fried Oreos. I had not had fried oreos in a long time. Boy, that was good and the funnel cake was also yummy. This side also had a little park that had activities for kids like face painting and games. The event was well put together. I was glad I came everyone seem to be having a good time. The live music sounded good. People dancing all around and having fun. This was a family fun filled event.

The Parade was great - the music after ducked this year. In the past the main stage band after the…read moreparade was always Irish - this year no Irish music - all four stages no Irish music. Out of 365 days a year - one day you would think you would have Irish music.

It's September in Miami -- this event had zero tents or umbrellas set up around the grounds…read more Almost no tables or seats. The heat index was above 100 degrees. I purchased VIP tickets and even that section had no cover. Food was good and there was plenty of booze (but little bubbly). I wouldn't do this again unless they moved the date.

Great events. Plethora of food and drink choices. Great way to taste a lot of Miami in one spot And…read morealso Great music

A huge shoutout to Yelp and their ticket giveaways. I was able to win a ticket for the event on…read moreSaturday and it was awesome! From the moment you step in, it's sensory overload in the best way. Think endless rows of tasting booths, celebrity-chef energy buzzing in the air, cocktails flowing freely, and the ocean breeze reminding you that you're very much in Miami. This is not a "grab one bite and go" event--this is a pace-yourself, choose-your-own-adventure experience. There's sooo many options! You'll find everything from refined, chef-driven bites to indulgent comfort food, with Latin flavors making a strong showing (as they should, given the Goya sponsorship). Portions are tasting-sized but generous enough that if you're strategic--and disciplined--you'll leave full. The drinks? Not sure what the statistic was but I am pretty sure there were at least 2 booths for every food stall. Wine, spirits, cocktails, bubbles--every few steps there's something new to sip, and the brands go all out. Hydration stations are your friend, and yes, you should use them. What really sets the Grand Tasting Village apart is the energy. Live music, chef demos, and being on the sand in the Miami heat. it's lively without feeling chaotic. It's crowded, sure, but that's part of the SOBEWFF charm. If you don't like lines or navigating through happy, slightly buzzed food lovers, this may not be your scene. I highly recommend if you're a foodie, a wine lover, or just someone who enjoys excellent food in a high-energy, Miami-glam setting, the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village is a must-do SOBEWFF event. Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and wear sunscreen and sun-protection.

The food and wine festival is fun. Idk if $270.00 per ticket fun, but fun. There is a plethora of…read morefoods and goodies to gather from all the different stations, so if you do get the opportunity to come to this event, make sure you get your moneys worth. It's also nice that you get to meet some food network stars. Make sure you remain well hydrated, as I saw several people collapse from dehydration.

Fleurs De Villes is a 10 day cultural arts event held at Bal Harbour Shops in conjunction with…read moreWomen's History Month. Local florists cover mannequins in a stunning array of flowers and plant materials. This is the world wide launch if this year's theme, Flora. While the flower installations are mainly at the mall they are also at several other locations throughout Bal Harbour including the beach, hotels, parks, and Village Hall. Flora is the Roman Goddess of spring and this year the theme celebrates fashion and rebirth. Floral designs were created by Aniska Creations, Anthology Co. LLC, Atala Miami, Blake Roses, Connections and Creations, Formaneta, Hydrangea Flowers and Events, Isáchi Flowers & Crafts, Jk Bouquet Floral Design, Jassi & Co Creative, MOLLY Flowers & Decor, Petunia's, Something Blooming, W & W Flowers & Events Design Group, Indigo Hues Designs, Petal Productions, and Gilded Group Decor. My two favorites mannequins were by Jassi & Co, located by the escalator and and the pink rose dress on the first floor by Aniska Creations but honestly they were all amazing. I also tried to take in a few of the other installations throughout Bal Harbour. This is one of my favorite events every year. In conjunction with the floral displays, Bal Harbour Village offered a number of events including floral pastries at the St. Regis Bar, afternoon tea at La Gourmandise, botanical spa treatments at the St. Regis Spa, and a flower crown-making workshop and a hand-tied bouquet at Waterfront Park. Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end so hurry in as the last day is March 8th.

If you are coming to Miami, and your calendar is manageable, make your visit land on Second…read moreSaturday. If you make it on Second Saturday, well, all galleries are open late, and many galleries offer free drinks. Many galleries also have cash bars, if you really want to hang. If you like walking around, this could be a problem. The streets are packed with art lovers. If you like to sit down, this could also be a problem. It's overcrowded, and finding a seat may be a hard commodity to find, but don't lose hope. If you come to Second Saturday, you'll have fun.

How could I have not reviewed this before?…read more I was one of the brave souls exploring Wynwood back at the beginning in '02 / '03 when Second Saturdays had a more underground feel to it and was just three or four gallery spaces. (I remember this area when I went to high school nearby and it was just the hood, but I'll leave it at that...don't want any more gray hairs to pop up!) Anyways, Wynwood / Design District has grown up and diversified now and known by the mainstream. Nowadays you're likely to see a DJ performance in front of a local (non green mermaid) coffee shop with live breakdancing, live street painting, performance art such as planking in one of the public spaces, and bands in the other . You're also likely to run into a bunch of majorly cool people around the different galleries too. Don't forget the bunch of new restaurants, plus the food trucks either! Sure, parking can be an adventure and / or overpriced ($10 for an unimproved lot where my "Eleanor" gets dirty?? ) But what would a hot night in the city be without a little adventure!

In the spirit of the FIFA World Cup, as one of the many host cities, putting this fan fest together…read moreis a great idea. As fan fest takes over Bayfront Park, be sure to prepare yourself for some traffic and raised parking prices. Right next to Bayside, I parked in the Bayside parking lot for a $40 flat fee and a simple easy walk to fan fest. I went on an off day on a Monday afternoon and no lines and no crowds. However, our time was cut short with severe weather approaching. Staff at first were kind and politely requesting people exit but towards the exit, some of the staff seemed to have been irritated and became rude. Overall, the event and function was amazing during the little time we spent. Love all the interactive events and games for fans to enjoy. Love the tents with some history and facts about soccer. Love the open seating for watch parties with a big screen tv! Fun and free and nicely organized as you'll bound to have a great experience as you immerse yourself with all things soccer.

What a beautifully and well organized event. Loved how safe I felt with the covid restrictions…read more Everyone in attendance honored (from what I witnessed) the mandates. Each artist represented had beautiful art and pieces of their soul displayed in a beautiful manor. Was honored to be able to meet and speak with some artists. Sir Daniel certainly was the most kind and approachable artist. Love the passion he expressed with each piece displayed. Cannot wait to make this part of my annual tradition.

Art Basel weekend in Miami was awesome! Hubby & I visited New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) in the…read moreMiami Design District. It had a beautiful garden in the front lawn surrounded by art pieces & hammocks to relax on/unwind with skyscrapers in the background. Inside, there were fabulous paintings, sculptures, drawings and numerous unique pieces at some hefty prices. There were a handful of affordable pieces, but most were untouchable. The untouchable ones were sponsored by galleries. We collected information about the artists and learned the history and inspiration behind the pieces. For more travel tips, fun info & reviews visit @emptynestliving1

We walked into the Wolfsonian FIU Museum, which is free to Florida residents. We left our bags in…read morelockers. The museum is 2 blocks from Ocean Drive in a grand Art Deco building that's now home to a Florida International University-affiliated museum, library, and research center dedicated to the importance of art and design throughout history. Since 1985, the Wolfsonian collection has showcased the entire modern age of design, from the Industrial Revolution to the end of World War II. With over 200,000 pieces in the museum's collection are paintings, textiles, furniture, industrial design objects, rare books & magazines. There's was a lot to take in, so the museum categorizes it into a half-dozen or more exhibitions at any given time. The Geneva Window filled the 2nd floor with Harry Clarke's stained-glass masterpiece. In 1926, Irish artist, Clarke was commissioned by the newly independent Irish Free State to create a window as a gift to the League of Nations in Geneva. The completed window was, considered too provocative and "unrepresentative" of the Irish people. This installation told the stories behind the window & consequences of cultural censorship. Modern Design Across Borders exhibit examined the cross-cultural connections among people, ideas & movements that made modern design's remarkable reach and lasting impact possible. Five spotlight subjects were presented; transportation, 1925 Paris Expo, tea & coffee, plywood, and cocktail culture. Designers such as Norman Bel Geddes, Josef Hoffmann, Alvar Aalto, and Charles and Ray Eames innovations presented geometry, clean lines, functionality that defined modern life & continue to shape design today. We enjoyed all of the Miami Beach memorabilia from them motorcycle and sidecar, so all of the cocktail shakers. The posters & furniture on 5 were from the Wolfsonian's sister institution in Genoa, Italy. This ancient port city has a distinct character & is nown as "La Superba" (the superb). Mitchell "Micky" Wolfson, Jr., the museum founder gave us a picture of Genoa as a mercantile & financial center in the start of the 20th century. The hand painted secretary, posters & books represent the era beautifully. The Wolfsonian Design Store & coffee bar was almost an exhibition on its own, with its century-old Snead & Co. Iron Works shelving system presented a variety of books, games, toys, kitchenware, jewelry & tchotchkes that echo the museum's "good design is everything" theme. A smattering of tables makes this the perfect place to cool off & rest or some taking out a laptop to do some work with a fabulous iced latte.

The Wolfsonian - FIU (Florida International University) is a Museum, Library & Research Ctr. In the…read moreArt Deco District in Miami Beach, Fl. Wolfsonian Museum Founder / Author / Philanthropist / Businessman Mitchell "Mickey" Wolfson was inspired by the integration of art & design, established this museum space & donated lots of art that is on display for patrons to enjoy. Art at The Wolfsonian is from the 1850 - 1950 period. We visited during their "Free Fridays", which is from 6pm-9pm. When we walked inside, we admired the lobby for a bit before going into the elevator. Exhibits - Harry Clarke + The Geneva Window (5th Fl.) & The Big World: Alternative Landscapes in the Modern Era (6th Fl.) showcased gorgeous masterpieces. One of my favorites was a furniture piece entitled "Chest" by Josef Hoffman. We were in awe of the various paintings, & other art installations. The Wolfsonian has such a cool Giftshop! Staff & Security were present to provide information if needed. Bathrooms were clean, neat & organized. Wolfsonian.org @wolfsonian Open Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. - 10am - 6pm & Fridays 10am - 9pm Access to the Reading Room only via Appt. Free Admission to select groups if your are visiting outside of Free Friday hours - Check their website for more information. Guided Tours are available upon request.