Category Archives: Miami

Lifestyle, Miami Attractions, Relationships

Benefits of Starting a Business in Miami in 2021

View of Miami downtown

Overall, there are many solid reasons why Miami is one of the most attractive cities in the US for business. Thanks to its growing economy, numerous companies and startups are finding it often convenient to take advantage of the opportunities provided. Being among the top cities for venture capital for years already, starting a business in Miami seems like an opportunity not to be missed. In other words, everything from low taxations to the exemplary pool of potential customers is making Miami an excellent place to grow your company.

The advantages of starting a business in Miami

When you look at the Miami business environment, you can notice everything from startups to small to mid companies to Fortune 500. The specific combination of low taxations, great quality of life, and skilled workforce gives Miami perfect conditions to be a natural business hub. Those in the industries aware of the benefits are not hesitating to expand their operations and often move their headquarters to Miami.

To help you better understand the reasons behind this, here are some of the many benefits of starting a business in Miami:

  • Maimi has an extraordinary large pool of potential customers
  • Exceptional taxations
  • High quality of life
  • Tourism contributes significantly
  • Miami has a great location
  • Highly developed infrastructure
  • Workforce and education
  • Miami is a center of innovation

Miami has a vast pool of potential customers

Florida, and particularly Miami, is one of the epicenters of international business. Of course, some of the reasons behind this are a unique combination of a diverse population, visitors, and existing businesses. These conditions are necessary to have a promising economy with the potential to grow further, and Miami has it all. With a surplus of potential customers throughout the entire year, many businesses are already moving to Miami. Miami will be an immensely suitable place if you want to hire reliable commercial movers to help you transfer the existing company here or launch a new business venture.

Exceptional taxation system

One of the reasons why Miami attracts numerous businesses is the extremely business-friendly taxation system. When you compare Miami with other major cities, the overall tax structure provides many advantages. Basically, there is no personal income tax, which means more purchasing power to the potential customers, and businesses are required to pay about 5.5% on corporate income tax returns. And that’s just a part of it. In general, this creates a perfectly suitable environment to invest in a business without additional expenses.

High quality of life

Another reason why many choose to start or migrate their business to Miami is the overall high quality of life. As you can assume, a great climate and many job opportunities are already attracting people to live here. This, in essence, influences the willingness of both future residents and workers to come to Miami. This gives you, as a business owner, many potential customers, and a great environment for your workers to develop plans for their future.

Tourism contributes significantly

With hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Miami is a highway of people. This is a great opportunity, especially for those in the tourism business, to benefit from such traffic. People are coming here for vacation, for business, or just passing by on their travels, without being limited to specific seasons. They do it at any month of the year, which means endless opportunities to increase your revenue throughout the entire year.

A tourist driving a car near a beach

Miami has a great location

Many entrepreneurs are choosing Miami as a base of their business operations. Already known as a tourist crossroad with numerous visitors, Miami is also beneficially positioned business-wise. The fact that it’s located on the coast gives it great logistical potential. As one of the traffic centers of the area, Miami has excellent international connections. Both continental and marine networks make it one of the central hubs of exports.

Highly developed infrastructure

Besides the transportation network, one of the advantages of Miami for business is its existing infrastructure. Miami constantly invests in creating a business-focused environment. This provides plenty of opportunities to find quality yet affordable office space, for example. As a result, numerous companies are expanding or migrating here. Those who plan to do the same will find numerous opportunities. With so many existing businesses around, it’s much easier to establish connections and conduct your business on the international level.

A bridge that connects the business center with the residential part across the water.

Workforce and education

For years already, Miami has been labeled as one of the cities with the best education system. This is quite important because it constantly provides an influx of fresh talents. You will never lack the skilled workforce in Miami, which you need to make your business successful. On top of it, Florida invests in workforce development programs and incentives to help people reorient their careers, if necessary

Fresh graduates celebrating

Miami is a center of innovation

Already labeled as one of the IT hubs, Miami provides plenty of opportunities for an innovative business approach. Considering the situation on the market is constantly changing, sometimes, it’s necessary to deploy specific universal solutions applicable to every situation. Numerous startups and large companies are now adopting alternative means of conducting business. What once was observed as a luxury, remote work may become a standard in the future. You can open a headquarter in Miami and run your business operations from almost anywhere in the world. The best part is that you can also employ workers following the same principle. In general, Miami didn’t invent this, but as it’s growing into one of the major entrepreneur and tech hubs, it’s undoubtedly pioneered these solutions on a larger scale.

In the end, starting a business is never an easy task. However, you can make it much more promising if you decide to do it in Miami. The city has plenty to offer to both employers and employees, considering all the benefits of starting a business in Miami. When you need a perfect place to explore business opportunities, Miami is definitely a great choice.

Meta: If you are looking for the perfect place to invest in and expand your business, read about some benefits of starting a business in Miami.

Related posts:

  1. Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Drivers, Miami, Transportation

Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Driving in Miami is easier than its reputation suggests, once you know the handful of things that work differently here. The tolls take no cash, the fast lanes on I-95 cost money, the phone rules are strict in places, and a summer storm can turn a clear road into a slow one in minutes.

These seven facts cover what catches visitors and new residents most often. The laws below were checked against Florida statutes and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in October 2026.

1. The toll roads do not take cash

There are no toll booths on Miami-area expressways. An overhead gantry reads a transponder on the windshield or photographs the license plate, and the bill follows later.

You will meet this within minutes of leaving the airport, because the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) and the Airport Expressway (SR 112) are both tolled. Florida’s Turnpike and the Rickenbacker and Venetian causeways are too. The MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways to Miami Beach are free.

In a rental car, the rental company bills you for the toll plus its own service fee. Those fees vary a lot, so read our guide to rental car tolls in Miami before you reach the counter. If you would rather skip tolls altogether, turn on “avoid tolls” in your navigation app.

2. The express lanes on I-95 are tolled

The regular lanes on I-95 are free. The express lanes in the middle are not, and their price rises and falls with traffic.

Two things to know:

  • Enter and leave the express lanes only at the marked openings. Cutting across the plastic poles that separate them from the regular lanes is illegal and causes crashes.
  • The express lanes skip some exits. Check that yours is reachable before you move over.

3. Rush hour lasts longer than you expect

Weekday traffic is heaviest from roughly 7 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. I-95, the Dolphin Expressway, the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and the causeways to Miami Beach all back up, and one crash can add half an hour.

Leave extra time for anything with a fixed start, such as a flight, a cruise or a dinner reservation. Check FL511, the state’s traffic service, or your navigation app before you set off. Event nights downtown and weekend afternoons on the beach causeways can be as slow as a weekday rush.

4. Speed limits, and the “super speeder” law

Florida’s default limits are 30 mph in business and residential districts and 55 mph on other roads unless a sign says otherwise. Interstates are posted higher, up to 70 mph outside the city. School zones drop to 15 or 20 mph when the lights are flashing.

Since July 1, 2025, extreme speeding has been a criminal offense in Florida, not just a ticket. Driving 50 mph or more over the limit, or at 100 mph or more in a way that endangers others, can bring up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both on a first conviction. Penalties rise for a second.

Miami traffic often moves faster than the signs. Match the flow where it is safe, keep right if you are going slower, and let the people in a hurry go.

5. Phone rules are stricter than many visitors assume

Florida law on phones has two parts:

  • Texting while driving is illegal everywhere. That covers typing or reading texts, emails and messages while the car is moving. Police can stop you for it.
  • In school zones, school crossings and active work zones, you cannot hold a phone at all. A violation there is a moving violation with three points on your license.

Using your phone for navigation is allowed, and so are hands-free calls. Mount the phone and set the route before you pull out.

6. Move over for stopped vehicles

Florida’s Move Over law requires you to change lanes away from a stopped emergency, tow, utility or sanitation vehicle. It also covers any disabled car on the shoulder with its hazard lights on.

If you cannot move over safely, slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit. Where the limit is 20 mph or less, slow to 5 mph. It is a common ticket on I-95 and the Turnpike. FLHSMV explains the rule on its Move Over page.

7. Rain changes everything, fast

From about June through October, short and heavy afternoon storms are routine. Visibility can drop to a few car lengths, and low streets in Miami Beach and Brickell flood quickly.

  • Turn your headlights on in rain. Florida law requires it.
  • Slow down and leave more room. Roads are slickest in the first minutes of a storm.
  • Do not drive through standing water you cannot judge. It stalls cars, and salt water from tidal flooding damages them. Damage from driving through water may not be covered by a rental company’s damage waiver.

Storms pass quickly. Waiting 20 minutes in a parking lot is often the smartest move.

Quick answers for visitors

Can I drive in Florida with a foreign license?

Yes. Visitors can drive with a valid license from their home state or country. FLHSMV covers the details in its Visiting Florida FAQ. Rental companies set their own document rules, so check with yours.

Can I turn right on a red light?

Yes, after a complete stop and when the way is clear, unless a sign at the intersection says no turn on red.

Do I need a car in Miami at all?

Not always. Downtown, Brickell and South Beach are well covered by the free Metromover and trolleys. See our guide to public transportation in Miami. A car makes sense for the Everglades, the Keys and the suburbs.

Where do I pick up a rental at the airport?

At the MIA Rental Car Center, a free train ride from the terminal. Our guide to renting a car in Miami covers what to bring.

Is parking hard in Miami Beach?

It is tight and enforced closely, but manageable if you use the city garages. The Miami Beach parking guide lists rates and how to avoid a tow.

I just moved here. Do I need a Florida license?

New residents have 30 days to get a Florida license. If you need to take the knowledge exam, a practice site such as DMV Written Test is a quick way to review the handbook.

The bottom line

Plan for tolls before you leave the rental lot, stay out of the express lanes unless you mean to use them, put the phone in a mount, and give yourself extra time at rush hour and in the rain. Do that and driving in Miami is no harder than in any other large American city.

Laws and limits were checked against Florida statutes and FLHSMV in October 2026. Rules change, so confirm anything that affects your trip.

Car Rental, Miami, Transportation

Car Rental at Opa-locka Executive Airport (OPF): Options and How to Save

Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport (OPF) has no rental car center and no row of rental counters. Cars are arranged through your FBO or delivered by a local agency, so a little planning before you land saves both time and money.

This guide explains how renting a car at Opa-locka works, what your options are, and how to keep the cost down. Airport details come from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, checked in October 2026.

Opa-locka Executive Airport at a glance

  • Address: 14201 NW 42nd Avenue, Opa-locka, FL 33054
  • What it is: The largest of Miami-Dade County’s general aviation airports. It serves business, private and charter flights and acts as a reliever for Miami International.
  • FBOs: Atlantic Aviation, Fontainebleau Aviation and Signature Flight Support
  • U.S. Customs: On site, 9 a.m. to midnight daily, with advance notice required
  • Open: 24 hours a day

The airport is about 7 miles north of Miami International Airport. The county puts drive times at roughly 20 minutes to MIA, 30 minutes to Miami Beach and 35 minutes to downtown Miami, before traffic. More is on the county’s Opa-locka airport page.

How car rental works at OPF

Because there is no central rental facility, the car comes to you. There are three common ways to set it up.

1. Ask your FBO

FBOs commonly arrange rental cars for arriving passengers and crew, so ask yours when you set up handling. It is the simplest route. It is not always the cheapest, so ask which company supplies the car and what the total will be.

2. Book a local agency that serves the FBOs

Local companies deliver cars to the FBO of your choice. One example is OPA-LOCKA Airport Rent a Car, which says it leaves the keys and rental contract at the counter at Atlantic Aviation, Fontainebleau Aviation or Signature, so you can sign and drive. According to its website it also offers:

  • A Toyota fleet that is replaced every six months
  • One-way rentals to Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports
  • Free 24-hour roadside assistance
  • A price match against advertised Opa-locka rental rates

3. Take a ride to a rental office

If you want a specific brand or car class, a rideshare or taxi to the MIA Rental Car Center takes about 20 minutes and gives you every major company in one building. Several independent agencies in Miami also pick customers up.

Six ways to save on an Opa-locka rental

  1. Reserve before you take off. Give the agency your FBO, tail number and estimated arrival time. Last-minute requests at a general aviation airport can cost more and limit your choice.
  2. Compare the total, not the daily rate. Florida adds a $2 per day rental surcharge and sales tax to every rental. Ask for the all-in figure.
  3. Check your own coverage. Your auto policy or credit card may already cover a rental. Know the answer before anyone offers you a damage waiver.
  4. Decide about tolls early. The Gratigny Expressway (SR 924) beside the airport and Florida’s Turnpike are both cashless. See our guide to rental car tolls in Miami.
  5. Use a one-way rental if you fly out of another airport. Dropping the car at MIA or Fort Lauderdale can beat paying for a ride back to Opa-locka. Ask about the drop fee first.
  6. Refuel yourself. Fill the tank before you return the car so you are not billed the agency’s refueling rate.

Returning the car

Ask where the car should be left and who takes the keys, especially if you depart outside office hours. Photograph the car, the fuel gauge and the odometer when you drop it, and ask for a closed receipt by email.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a rental car counter at Opa-locka Executive Airport?

There is no shared rental car center. Rentals are arranged through the FBOs or delivered to them by local agencies.

How far is Opa-locka airport from Miami?

About 7 miles north of Miami International Airport. Plan on roughly 35 minutes to downtown Miami and 30 minutes to Miami Beach, more at rush hour.

Can I pick up at Opa-locka and return at Miami International?

Some agencies offer one-way rentals between Opa-locka, MIA and Fort Lauderdale. Confirm the fee when you book.

What do I need to rent?

A valid driver’s license and a payment card in the renter’s name, as at any other location. Our guide to renting a car in Miami covers age rules, deposits and insurance.

The bottom line

At Opa-locka the rental is arranged, not picked off a lot. Book ahead with your FBO and arrival time, compare the full price, and sort out tolls and insurance before you land.

Airport details were checked against Miami-Dade Aviation Department sources in October 2026. Rental services and prices change, so confirm with the company you book.

Business, Events, Miami

Broadway In Miami

Broadway Miami

Those waiting for Broadway Tours to travel back to Miami don’t have a long wait. Broadway Miami has shows coming later this year to the Adrienne Arsht Center.

Broadway in Miami
Broadway in Miami

I Love Lucy Live will bring back the famous redhead in the form of Sirena Irwin. Get the chance to witness an I Love Lucy episode performed live. It starts on September 30 and ends on October 5. Shows from Tuesday to Friday are at 8 PM, shows on Saturday are at 2 PM and 8 PM, and the final shows on Sunday start at 1 PM and 7 PM.

Cinderella is another show that can’t be missed. Look for that little glass slipper on stage as the princess is brought to life with classic songs and beautiful sets. Shows are from October 28 to November 2. Watch at 8 PM Tuesday through Friday, at 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturday, and at 1 PM and 6 PM on Sunday.

Book of Mormon has its Mormon missionaries to take everyone on a hilarious adventure in a Ugandan village. Co-created by Trey Parker (South Park) and Matt Stone (Avenue Q), Book of Mormons will be in Miami from December 2 to December 14, 2014 at 8 PM from Tuesdays through Fridays, at 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays, and at 1 PM and 7 PM on Sundays.

Beauty and the Beast will bring the beastly prince and kindly maiden to Miami at the end of the year. This adaptation of a beloved film has love, danger and magic to entertain you from December 30 to January 4. Shows are at 8:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Saturday, and at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Newsies brings history and entertainment together by revisiting the Newsboys Strike of 1899 as inspiration for this dancing and singing sensation. Cheer for the newsboys February 3 to 8 in 2015. This show starts at 8 PM on Tuesday to Friday, at 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturday, and at 1 PM and 7 PM on Sunday.

Wicked is an old tale retold as we get to know the classic character of The Wizard of Oz, The Wicked Witch. It will be on stage starting from March 11 and ending on March 29 in 2015. The evening performances from Tuesdays through Fridays are at 8:00 PM. Saturday shows are at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM and Sundays shows are at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. There is also a matinee presentation at 2 PM on Thursday, March 12.

Sister Act brings the adventurous nuns from the screen to the stage. Try to keep up with Deloris and her singing act from April 14 to 19, 2015. Watch the show at 8 PM Tuesday to Friday, at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Saturday, and at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM on Sunday.

Upcoming Broadway shows in Miami are listed here: http://broadwaytour.net/broadway-miami.

Business, Drivers, Lifestyle, Limo Service, Miami Attractions, Transportation

Special Occasions Call for Special Transportation

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Special occasions call for special transportation. Therefore, if you are looking for luxurious, reliable, and affordable limo service in Miami, then Miami Limo Service is the right choice to meet your every limousine need.

Limousines are synonymous with elegance, fun, and celebration. Once upon a time, Cinderella had her regal coach. Well, for today’s sophisticated brides, a limousine represents that fairytale coach of folklore. In addition to the dreamy and romantic aspects of being whisked away in a limo on your special day, limousines make fulfilling the wedding transportation needs of your family and bridal party easier and safer.

Booking a limousine for your teen prince or princess and attending homecoming or prom, offers them secure transportation, too. You may hope they do not drink, but if they do, you will be assured they will have a safe and dependable way home.

And are you married couples looking to liven up date night? When you whisk your beloved significant other off in a limo, you will be making your date night extraordinary.

Of course, limos are not only for brides and promgoers. You have finally established the date for that long-awaited reunion beach weekend with your former college sorority sisters. What could be more fun and convenient than renting a limousine for the weekend? And a getaway weekend should be all about relaxation and fun. A weekend like this should not be about stressing over navigating your way around an unfamiliar city.

Travel writers have crowned Miami with the honor of being the “Cruise Capital of the World.” So, with the hope of experiencing the cruise of your dreams, you are now Miami-bound. To make this occasion more momentous, consider renting a limo to transport you from the airport to the cruise terminal. When you hire an affordable airport limo service to take you to your cruise ship, you are kicking off your cruise celebration in high style, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy the Miami scenery.

As a business owner, when you need to impress a prospective client, nothing says success and refinement like personalized limousine service.

Whether it is the fairytale wedding, the girls’ weekend in South Beach, the grand cruise of a lifetime, or the breakout business deal, when you rent a limo, you will be giving your event that touch of class that only a limousine can provide.

Community, Miami, News and Society

Help keep Clean Our Bay – A Biscayne Bay Project

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Love and Care for  Biscayne Bay in Miami Florida

A project by Jesus Portomene, a professional photographer and video producer in Miami Florida.
(Our Biscayne Bay, its being threatened by an invasion of trash that is polluting its waters)

We want to use to illustrate our objectives and motivations, among other imaging and data, the story of a day, at our favorite beach in the Bay. How after we set down the cooler and unfolded the beach chairs, the smell of a large goat in a state of decomposition ruined our plan for a perfect day on the beach. We will show in our video why a goat isn’t part of the picture, and it certainly couldn’t have paid the toll on the way to the beach!

Florida Travel, Miami, Miami Attractions, Miami Beach

Having a Great Holiday in Miami

There is a reason that Florida, in the southernmost region of the USA, is the 4th most populous state in the country. With most of the state being close to the ocean, there are plenty of beaches and some great weather all year round. There is so much to offer such a wide range of people n this state as well.

  • Fishing
  • Beaches
  • Amusement Parks
  • Golf Courses
  • Wildlife Attractions
  • Partying

If you cannot find something that you like and enjoy in the state of Florida, then you must be dead already as everything is here to keep all members of the family happy and contented during their stay. Most of the younger generation, and some of the older generation also, have seen some of the parties on MTV, showing all of the college kids enjoying a party in the sun on Spring Break. This is the place of legends!

The Family

There is a wide range of amusement parks, attractions, and wildlife on offer throughout Florida. One of the most popular places would be around Orlando where you have Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and many others where you will need to spend more than one day in some of the parks to be able to see and do everything on offer. This is why they have maps and multiple-day passes! Whether you want to see the killer whales at Sea World or have your picture taken in front of the famous castle in Disney World, you are your kids will find plenty on offer that will keep you all amused. Make sure you take plenty of sunblock though as you can easily get burnt when visiting the sunshine state.

Golfing

With all of the great weather that you get year-round in Florida, there are also some tremendous-looking golf courses and some of the most challenging available in the USA. There is an abundance of courses to choose from and you can even arrange a specified golfing tour, where you can take in as many courses as you have time for. There are plenty of tour operators who can offer this service at a reasonable price. If you do not bring your own clubs with you then you will be able to hire a set whilst you are there. After hard days golfing there is also no better place to be than the 19th hole! The best place to unwind and relax after chasing after that little ball all day.

Spring Break (Party)

There are a lot of students who all travel to Miami on a cheap holiday during their Spring Break. For a week the town will turn even more into the party capital that it already is, as 1000’s of people descend on the city to party for a week. From beach parties to foam parties in clubs, there is a lot of crazy things happening when spring break comes to town. Pool parties are common and there are lots of drinks deals and promotions so you can be sure it is going to get loud and raunchy. If you are young and looking to party, then this is the place and time to do it. March is when all of the party animals come to town and Miami gets even louder!

The Nightlife

Miami is a lively city all year round and there is plenty on offer to suit all tastes and budgets. There is the theatre, cinema, street art along the promenade, and a whole host of bars, clubs, and restaurants for everyone to enjoy. Or if you just want to chill out and relax, go down to Miami Beach and top up your tan, or sit by your hotel’s pool all day and have a couple of drinks. Have plenty of rest before you go out and party at night time. You will find a wide range of culinary delights on offer to get your taste buds going and also plenty of places where you can enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sun go down over the ocean. Miami and Florida in general, really have got something for everyone and there are lots of cheap holidays in the USA available. Once gone though you will definitely be coming back!

Ted Hunter wrote this article for the Travel Republic, which offers cheap holidays abroad including Miami and Florida. Ted is married with a couple of children and he has enjoyed going on holiday n Florida seen he was at University. He also likes to share advice and stories of his many travels to the USA.

Miami Attractions

Top 10 Attractions in Miami Florida

Boutique hotels like the Delano Miami Hotel offer the perfect chance to stay in luxury and comfort during a holiday in Miami. The city is simply packed with great attractions and points of interest to see. Here are just 10 of the top attractions in beautiful Miami, Florida.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The beautiful Villa Vizcaya is one of Miami’s finest buildings and is home to a fascinating museum. With its spectacular waterfront location and lush gardens, a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a must for every visitor to Miami.

Zoo Miami

One of the largest and most comprehensive zoos in the United States, Zoo Miami boasts more than 1,200 animals from all corners of the globe. For holidaymakers interested in wildlife, Zoo Miami is always a top destination.

Jungle Island

This lush, tropical island plays host to a wide range of flora and fauna to explore. Home to several animal shows and exhibits, Jungle Island is a fun and interesting place to spend the afternoon.

Miami Seaquarium

A large aquarium located just outside of Downtown Miami, the Miami Seaquarium hosts a bevy of sea life as well as marine life shows and interesting exhibits. One of the largest and most unique aquariums in the world, it is not to be missed.

Lowe Art Museum

This world-class art gallery features artwork from Renaissance Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Baroque period, and much more. For art lovers, the Lowe Art Museum is the place to be.

Bayfront Park

Conveniently located in Downtown Miami, the lush Bayfront Park offers brilliant waterfront views and is a great place to relax and spend a little leisure time. Perfect for picnics, touring, and spending some downtime during a holiday, Bayfront Park is one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces.

Little Havana

This Cuban ethnic enclave is one of the city’s liveliest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Little Havana is filled with authentic Cuban restaurants, unique shops, and a colorful atmosphere that can only be found in Miami. For holidaymakers looking for culture and a slice of Latino life, Little Havana is your top destination.

Miami Beach

Located just outside Miami proper, Miami Beach boasts golden-sand beaches, abundant sunshine year round, and a trove of bars and pulsing nightlife spots. With its world-class beaches and trove of entertainment options, Miami Beach is always a blast.

Frost Art Museum

One of the most diverse and comprehensive galleries in the United States, the Frost Art Museum features everything from photography to Latin American art to ancient relics from the Americas. One of the city’s most interesting museums, the Frost Art Museum offers something for everyone.

Oleta River State Recreation Park

This lush oasis features beaches, hiking trails, picnic areas, and much more to enjoy. As the largest urban park in Florida, it offers a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of touring the city.

For further information on luxury holidays and hotels, visit the Virgin Holiday Group’s fresh new site:

vhiphotels.co.uk

Business, Community, Events, Miami, News and Society

New Art Lounge Event Space in Downtown

McCormick Place, one of Downtown Miami’s original buildings, is opening its doors as an art lounge event space. The 1924 building, once a United States Customs Warehouse, will now be the central hub for art in Downtown, serving as gallery, event and studio space. The venue features indoor and outdoor space for cocktail receptions, parties, live shows, performances and more, managed by the team of Influence Communications.IC - Front

The grand opening event, which takes place during Downtown Development Authority’s DWNTWN Art Days in partnership with the Miami City Ballet, will feature art, live music, DJ Pabel Lima, performances by Circ X, Life is Art, food trucks, specialty lighting by Redefined and exotic vehicles such as the Gamson inspired Fisker car. With an expected attendance of 400-500 guests, the September 7th event promises to kick-off Miami’s event season with an artistic explosion.

The venue features exterior murals by established South Florida artists Stephen Gamson and Eleazar Delgado as well as a classic mural by students at Miami International University of Art & Design, who collectively contributed over 100 hours, creating  a piece that showcases Miami’s attractions and night life.

Known for his bold colors and iconic symbols, Gamson’s piece, At the Table with a Flower, prominently hangs on the south façade of the building, visible from major expressways and streets. Eleazar Delgado, whose work pays homage to Miami’s history, created a rooftop centerpiece for the structure, highlighting and complimenting McCormick Place and the Miami skyline.

What: Grand opening of McCormick Place / Miami City Ballet Season Opening Party

When: September 7th, 2012, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Where: McCormick Place

111 SW 3rd Street

Miami, FL 33130

Who: Art & Culture Enthusiasts

About McCormick Place

The original building, constructed in 1924, was first a US Customs Warehouse serving as storage of confiscated goods and look-out post for the nefarious characters coming into Miami via the Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. The property was purchased in 1970 by Edward J McCormick, Sr. and dedicated to his father, Dr. James McCormick. Now, three generations later, Sean McCormick is not only reviving this venue but the Downtown area, creating the epicenter for the cultural crossroads of Miami. McCormick Place is a vibrant production based event space featuring various well known artists

Florida Travel, Miami

Cruise from Miami in Style with This Cool Travel Gear

Aside from purchasing top luggage brands and new clothing for your cruise vacation, there are plenty of gadgets and accessories that you can buy to cruise in style when leaving the beautiful Miami port. Among these accessories are those that will make your vacation easier, keep your luggage more organized, and aid in a stress-free vacation. Consider purchasing the following gear before you depart for your luxury cruise.

Electronics

When traveling, there is an array of electronic devices that can make your trip easier. One of these items is an electronic translation dictionary, ideal for those people who are traveling internationally. Since international cruises usually stop in other countries for a day, it’s a great idea to have some way to communicate with the locals. A translation dictionary can help you do just that if you are unfamiliar with their language and you decide to go shopping or dine at a local restaurant.

There are plenty of other useful electronics that you can bring along, such as music players, portable game consoles, and cell phones, but another entertaining tool can be a GPS. No matter how far you venture into the Atlantic, a GPS will track your position regardless of how far from the coastline you travel. You can keep tabs on the speed of your cruise ship, where you’ve been, how far you have to go, and track other fun information.

Electronic Accessories

If you are planning on bringing along a variety of electronics, you may want to consider the accessories that go with them. For example, you may want to purchase a device to carry your electronics in, such as a phone holder that can attach to your belt, so you can keep your hands free while exploring the cruise activities. You may also want to consider charging devices, such as a universal charger to cut down on the amount of wires you bring along or a solar-powered charger if you plan to spend a lot of time on the deck of the ship.

Luggage Accessories

Packing is a very important part of traveling and is one of the things that people worry about most. You want to stay organized, pack light, and remain secure, and there are accessories for all of these things. You can easily find luggage or toiletry bags that make organizing easy by featuring custom loops for your loose items, pockets for various devices, and other means of arranging things.

Additionally, you can find luggage that maximizes the usable space available while minimizing total weight. You can also purchase a variety of items that will help keep your items secure, such as luggage locks, hidden pockets, and passport protectors that you can wear close to your body.

Consider these various types of gear and accessories before departing for your next Miami cruise. You may find that it helps your vacation go a lot smoother.

Image by L. Richard Martin, Jr. via Flickr