By, Robin Bradley Hansel
Whether watching mesmerizing mermaids, walking the pristine marshes of the Everglades, or becoming a mango connoisseur, our sizzling picks will jumpstart your summer adventures.
Five is Fab
Embark on an extravagant, private 5-hour fishing excursion for five with St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort Executive Chef Franck Steigerwald to celebrate the resort’s fifth year. Return for a 5-course meal and cooking demo in the new Atlantikós restaurant. The Fifth Anniversary Catch & Cook experience is an add-on package for $5,000 and is subject to availability. For advance booking call Anthony Rostock at 305-993-0430. Stregisbalharbour.com
Fashion-forward Cabanas
Lounge by an oceanfront pool, under the shade of a cabana at the newly renovated Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton. Designed by fashion visionary Trina Turk, whose signature boutiques stretch from New York to L.A., the new California-inspired cabanas feature bold patterns from Turk’s 2017 collection, complete with candles, ice buckets and side tables. Diplomatresort.com
Paradise for the Senses
Visit the lavish Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, celebrating the wonder of architectural and artistic achievement with breathtaking vistas and beautiful works of art. Built during the height of the Gilded Age, when luxury and opulence were at their peak, discover why millionaire James Deering chose this coastal property for his private estate. Vizcaya.org
King of the World
Enjoy a day on the water, soaking in the magnificent splendor of the Atlantic Ocean aboard a luxurious yacht. With the convenience and affordability of Luxury Day Charters, customers can rent a fully staffed yacht for up to seven days at a time. Smaller yachts are available for parties of up to 12 guests or larger vessels for parties of 13 or more. Luxurydaycharters.com
Mangos, Glorious Mangos
Looking to stimulate your palate? Stop by the 25th Annual International Mango Festival in Coral Gables, Florida for a celebration unlike any other. Take part in a variety of mango-themed lectures and cooking demonstrations. Sample craft beers or bid on your favorite varieties in the World-Famous Mango Auction. July 1-2. Fairchildgarden.org
International Street Art
Take a walk through the Wynwood Art District in Miami. These visually captivating works of art include more than 40 murals by over 20 different artists from around the world. Stop by the Kenny Scharf Garden where a beautiful fountain and giant mural commemorate the life of Tony Goldman, the man who first brought these walls to life during Art Basel. The best part is, admission is totally free! Thewynwoodwalls.com
Your Pass to Adventure
The South Florida Adventure Pass provides a host of engaging fun-filled, affordable opportunities. Annual price includes free admission into five different Florida attractions: Flamingo Gardens in Davie/Fort Lauderdale; Jungle Island or the Perez Art Museum Miami (both in Miami); Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston; or the Young At Art Museum in Davie. Children ($35); Adults ($45) Southfloridaadventurepass.com
Legendary Battle
For soccer fans, El Clásico Miami is the event of a lifetime. Defending La Liga champion FC Barcelona and defending UEFA Champions league winner Real Madrid C.F. will face each for the first time in North America as part of the 2017 International Champions Cup presented by Heineken. Leading up to the first soccer match played in the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium, is a week of excitement and fun with concerts, beach parties and art events for fans. July 26-29 Elclasico.internationalchampionscup.com
Thoroughbred Thrills
Take a trip to Hallandale Beach for a visit to Gulfstream Park. Thursday through Sunday, experience racing from a luxury suite in the Grandstands. Afterwards, stop by the casino and test your luck against one of the over 800 slot machines or prove your skill in a game of high-stakes poker. Gulfstream Park also has a variety of scheduled events and concerts for all ages, along with a variety of dining options. Gulfstreampark.com
Foodie Fantasy
Let the professionals at the Biltmore Culinary Academy “whisk” you away to a world of gastronomic bliss. As the only hotel in North America with a recreational cooking school, the Biltmore Culinary Academy offers a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels. Whether it’s casually cooking for friends and family, or learning how to become the next Bobby Flay, get the tools and insight you need to succeed. Biltmorehotel.com/bca/
Go, Speed Racer
Satisfy your inner urge to put the pedal to the metal without earning a speeding ticket. Under the instruction professionals at the Sports Car Driving Experience at the Homestead/Miami Speedway and Palm Beach International Speedway in Jupiter, Florida, participants get the opportunity to experience the thrill of zooming around the track in a Corvette in one or two day racing school courses. Call 1.800.453.5506 Sportscardrivingexperience.com
The Ultimate Escape
Worry and anxiety melt away as you reach the peak of relaxation and inner peace. The Escape the Day package offered by the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort provides over six hours of dedicated professional relaxation therapy. The day includes the participant’s choice of a private fitness class followed by a head-to-toe North Beach Drift exfoliation and seawater wrap treatment, a Carillon Signature Pedicure, a Repair and Replenish Hair Treatment, and a mouthwatering lunch. Could life get much better? Carillonhotel.com
Part of Their World
Mingle with the mermaids at the Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Since the 1950s, Wreck Bar has entertained and amused locals and travelers. Resembling an underwater shipwreck, visitors gaze out the porthole windows of the bar into a massive pool. Every Friday and Saturday, the bar hosts its live underwater MeduSirena Mermaid Show providing the guests with an amazing performance while they dine on delicious fresh seafood. Bhotelsandresorts.com/b-ocean/wreck-bar
Worth the Trip
Stroll the iconic streets of Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida perusing the unique, upscale shops. Enjoy the lavish atmosphere as you watch a colorful parade of people and pampered pets. With over 200 local shops and restaurants dedicated to exceptional customer service for the most demanding clientele, experience one-of-a-kind art, exquisite fashion designs, gourmet food and more. Worth-avenue.com
The Keys to Happiness
Take a trip just a few hours south to Old Key West, where you can weave your way through the historic and the whimsical. Tour the house of Ernest Hemingway and pet some six-toed cats (Hemingwayhome.com). Sample your way around town in search of the world’s best key lime pie, and end the day watching the sunset at Mallory Square dock (mallorysquare.com). The next day, head back north to Key Largo for some underwater exploring at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Pennekamppark.com)
Back to Nature
Grab your walking stick and roll up your pant legs. Guided tours through the Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida will help you reconnect with the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades. Encounter beautiful flowers and natural birds on a 2-hour Eco Swamp tour behind legendary nature photographer Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery. Clydebutcher.com/big-cypress/swamp-walks/
Fore!
Play the flawless fairways and gorgeous greens of five of South Florida’s top golf courses. Take on Jack Nicklaus’ famous Bear Trap at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens. Test your skills on Robert Trent Jones’ Turnberry Isle Miami course. Experience the breathtaking ocean views at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Conquer the infamous Blue Monster at Trump National Doral Miami. Tee it up on the Scottish-inspired Biltmore course. Whatever your skill level, the opportunities for golf lovers are limitless. Metropolitanluxe.com/2017/03/fairest-of-fairways-five-of-south-floridas-best-golf-courses/
Bring It on Down to Beerville
On Labor Day weekend, “hop” down to the 7th Annual Key West Brew Fest. Sample over 200 craft beers from around the country and enjoy fun activities such as beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars, and the Signature Tasting Festival Event. August 31 –September 4. Keywestbrewfest.com
It’s Always Tea Time
Spend an afternoon sipping tea in the comfort of the newly opened La Gourmandise lounge at the heart of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The tradition of afternoon tea is one that has been cherished by St. Regis for decades. With the largest selection of teas in Miami, the resort’s Bird Cage Signature High Tea includes a delicious assortment of savory and sweet treats and teas presented in a captivating way. Stregisbalharbor.com/LaGourmandise
Salsa is in Session
Miami Salsa Congress is an annual celebration of Salsa music. Over the course of the 5-day music and dance festival at Deauville Beach Resort, a variety of parties, workshops, shows, and concerts all converge into one massive celebration with some of Salsa’s most successful pioneers and over 500 performers July 26-30. Miamisalsacongress.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robin Bradley Hansel
Robin is a South Florida freelance writer “rooted and grounded in a love of words.” As owner of Green Treehouse Media, LLC, Robin’s passion for environmental conservation and her background as a physical therapist are reflected in many of her published articles and writing projects for private clients.
