Tag Archives: South Florida

Pandemic Picnic: The 4 Best Beaches for Picnicking in South Florida

access_timeMay 29, 2020personScott Patterson

After being cooped up for two months, it’s time to go outside and soak up the sun! Here in South Florida, our beaches are open, and as long as you maintain proper social distance, you can enjoy a day out by the ocean. Why not bring a meal out there, too?

South Florida Beaches Are Ready for Picnics

Due to everything going on right now, you’ve probably been stuck at home for quite a while. Now is a great time to plan a visit to South Florida’s beaches, and you could even pack a meal to enjoy, too. Whether you go with family or even take a book and head down solo, you’re bound to have a great time at any one of these South Florida beaches.

1. Sanibel Island

This beach is known for the beautiful shells and birds that line its coast. There’s no better place to watch the ocean waves while enjoying a good meal! It’s also pretty secluded, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about other people or maintaining social distance.

2. Siesta Beach

This popular beach is known for having sand that’s made out of quartz crystals. That means it’s always cool, which makes it ideal for the perfect summer excursion—eating a meal here won’t be too hot, and the clear ocean water will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

3. Clearwater Beach

This location is perfect if you’re looking to spend some time outdoors and enjoy more than just a meal. There are bike trails around the nearby town, and you’ll also be able to take in the atmosphere of a relaxing beach. While Clearwater Beach is mostly known for the restaurants around it, you can still have a great day on the seashore even if they’re closed.

4. Pensacola Beach

If you’re looking for a magical place where you can relax along the dunes while taking in the view, then Pensacola Beach is a spot you have to visit. You’ll have a great time watching the local wildlife and unwinding on sandy dunes—it’s also the perfect place to picnic! Dolphins are known to come pretty close to the shoreline, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

Are You Moving to South Florida?

If you’re looking for more things to do in the South Florida area because you’re about to buy a home here, then we can help! The Scott Patterson Group has all the tools you need to find your dream home. Contact us if you’re ready to take the next steps, and make sure to check out the resources we have for buyers!

Four Classic South Florida Restaurants That Are Working Through COVID-19

access_timeApril 27, 2020personScott Patterson

Recent events have changed how people across the world are living life, especially here in the Sunshine State. The current stay-at-home order runs through mid-May, and it’s having a pretty strenuous impact on local South Florida restaurants and businesses.

Support Local South Florida Restaurants and Maintain Social Distance

It’s important to maintain social distance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a good meal. Local businesses have found ways to maneuver through the current situation by offering takeout and/or delivery options. These South Florida restaurants are still open and could use your support.

1. Le Patio

If you’re looking for European-style food, then Le Patio is your best option. Known for their famous French Onion soup, this restaurant has options that include beef Wellington, smoked salmon, shepherd’s pie, and even Italian quesadillas. There are plenty of vegetarian options available as well.

As of April 17, Le Patio is open for takeout during lunch and dinner. You can call ahead and place your order!

2. Juniper on the Water

With options ranging from seafood, steaks, pasta, and brisket sandwiches, Juniper on the Water has something for everyone to love. Their “family-style menu” lets you choose between one protein, one sauce, and two sides to feed two or four people. They’re also serving drinks, including wine and beer, for takeout orders.

Juniper on the Water is currently open for takeout and delivery. Although they’re available on several meal-delivery apps, you can save 20% by calling and placing a takeout order instead!

3. Aruba Beach Cafe

Aruba Beach Cafe specializes in seafood delicacies, but there are other classic options like burgers and salads. The best part? There are plenty of dessert options to satisfy your sweet tooth, too!

Aruba Beach Cafe is only available for takeout from 11 PM to 1 AM as of April 17. This is a perfect late-night option for all the quarantined night-owls.

4. La Vie Lebanese Restaurant

If you want to try some new food, check out the Lebanese cuisine at La Vie Lebanese Restaurant. They offer delicious meals that incorporate lamb, chicken, grouper, and Moroccan spices—it’s some of the most unique food that South Florida has to offer.

Currently, La Vie Lebanese Restaurant has options for takeout and delivery for you to choose from.

These are by no means all the restaurants open for business. Be sure to call ahead and make sure that any restaurant you go to is open, as hours are subject to change at any moment.

Looking for Other South Florida Restaurants to Support?

The Scott Patterson Group is available to help you navigate these trying times, even if you’re not trying to sell or buy a home. Reach out to us if you have any questions, and we’ll do our best to help you.

Have Some Fun at the Top 5 Winter Events in South Florida

access_timeJanuary 27, 2020personScott Patterson

Can you believe the holidays are finally over? Although the hustle and bustle of the festive season might be gone (for now), the fun never ends when you live near Miami! Ready to get out of the house and enjoy some of the best winter events in South Florida? Here are a few that you won’t want to miss.

Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show – January 25th

Woman on motorcycle driving to Winter Events in South Florida

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dedicated motorhead or a casual enthusiast—you won’t want to miss this spectacular display of vintage bikes! Just head to Dania Beach’s Frost Park to watch the festivities unfold all morning and afternoon.

Not sure what to expect? Here, you’ll find more than a few collectors and riders showing off their favorite motorcycles. If you have a bike of your own, you can even enter it into the competition to see how you stack up or participate in the annual parts swap. Of course, there will also be plenty of live music, food, games, exhibits, and more.

The Century Celebration – January 31st

Football players running to Winter Events in South Florida

If you’re a die-hard football fan, we have the perfect event for you. Come rub shoulders with some of the NFL’s top hall of famers at the Century Celebration, a charity event that supports the Ray of Hope Foundation.

Now is the time to grab your tickets for the event, which takes place at Hollywood’s illustrious Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. If you’re lucky, you might even run into Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders, Joe Montana, or your favorite player! There’s nowhere else in the city where you can have fun and meet football’s biggest stars, all while supporting a good cause.

CanadaFest – February 7th

Maple syrup and hockey are probably the first things you think of when Canada comes to mind, but this country has so much more to offer. Southern Florida’s unique Canadian population is eager to share their culture with our community, and you’re invited to join in! Come learn more about our northern neighbors at CanadaFest, an all-day celebration hosted by Le Soleil de la Floride.

Hollywood’s ArtsPark will act as the center for all the festivities—and there’s no better spot to sample some of Canada’s best beer, wine, and food. Younger attendees will also love the exciting games and live music, too.

Dania After Dark: Artwalk & Street Festival – February 8th

Have you been searching for an event that’s free, pet friendly, and fun for all ages? Look no further than the Dania After Dark Street Festival, which takes 1st Street by storm all year long. This is the number one place to get to know Broward County’s finest creators—and they’ll have plenty of unique wares for sale.

Take a drive to Downtown Dania Beach every second Saturday of the month to experience this community extravaganza for yourself. There’s something exciting in store for everyone—even the area’s younger residents! Live music, vendors, food trucks, and plenty of art will also be on display for you to enjoy.

Discover More Winter Events in South Florida!

Ready to uncover even more of the best winter events in South Florida? We have you covered! Come check out our personal picks on our event page or give us a call for some recommendation. As always, we’re here to help you with all of your real estate needs!

The Top South Florida Fall Events You Can’t Miss

access_timeNovember 5, 2019personScott Patterson

As we gear up for the holiday season, fall is still in full swing in South Florida. It might not seem to be getting much colder, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with a little autumn spirit. Ready to get out and enjoy some of the best South Florida fall events? We’ve got a list of activities you won’t want to miss, and they’re fun for the entire family!

South Dade Seafood Festival

Seafood and wine at South Florida fall events

Living so close to the coast means that Floridians get access to some of the country’s best seafood. The South Dade Seafood Festival is a celebration of the area’s finest cuisine, and you’re invited to join in on the fun!

Wondering what’s in store? On November 2nd, BrandsMart USA will be hosting one of the most mouthwatering seafood events in the Miami area. Now is the time to try some delicious fish, conch, crab, shrimp, and more. There will also be plenty of live music and drinks to go around!

Camelot Days Medieval Festival

Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all fair Floridians! The Camelot Days Medieval Festival is heading to Hollywood, and it’s going to be a jolly good time! All jokes aside, this festival is going to be one you won’t want to miss, especially if you love some knights, jousting, and checking out local artisans.

From November 3rd to the 17th, TY Park will come alive with medieval spirit. Come enjoy live combat, magic, and all kinds of family fun. Locals love cheering on their favorite side during the live chess game and feasting like a king at traditional-style eateries.

Fall Art on the Square 2019

Want to support local artisans while taking in the lovely landscape of West Palm Beach? Mark your calendars for November 9th! Fall Art on the Square is just a short drive from Miami, and it’s perfect for a day trip. It’s also the great opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping!

Curious about what you’ll find? This combination market and competition features some of the best artisans from around the country. Come browse the entries and pick up some one-of-a-kind finds, all while enjoying gourmet bites and a good drink.

Don’t Miss Out on These Top South Florida Fall Events!

Think it’s too late to enjoy some of the best South Florida fall events? Believe it or not, autumn is the perfect time to buy a home, and I’m here to make the process easy.

Trust the Scott Patterson Group to get the job done right. We’ll be there with you every step of the way, from setting up showings to handing you the keys to your dream home. Our buyer resources and handy search tool will keep you in tune with the South Florida market, too. Ready to get started? We’re just a phone call away!

Stock Up at South Florida’s Top Farmer’s Markets!

access_timeOctober 29, 2019personScott Patterson

Although it’s getting chillier, one of the perks of living in South Florida is having year-round access to fresh produce! Here, you’ll find plenty of farmers markets all along the coast that are fully stocked with some of the best organic fruits and veggies. Here’s my list of South Florida’s top farmers markets—I know you’ll find a spot you’ll love!

Yellow Green Farmers Market

Want to check out South Florida’s largest farmers market? Yellow Green is the top spot for locals looking for fresh produce and artisanal goods. This 100,000 square foot warehouse is home to over 300 vendors, and it’s open all year round.

One of the best parts about this market is its open-air atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Florida’s stunning weather while also shopping for locally sourced products. Be sure to check out the Amish butter and organic pet treats for your furry friends—they’re some of my favorite products.

Laurenzo’s Farmers Market

Peaches at Florida's top farmer's markets

Looking for a market with a unique Italian twist? Laurenzo’s is the place to go. This local hotspot has all the delicious eats you’ve been searching for, along with some one-of-a-kind imports you won’t find anywhere else. This family-owned business has been serving North Miami Beach for over 45 years, so you can trust their quality and expertise.

You can enjoy Laurenzo’s market 7 days a week, and you’ll always find something new and exciting to try. You can’t miss out on their tomato sauce and homestyle meals—they’re just like how grandma used to make them!

The Aventura Market

Interior of Florida's top farmer's markets

Do you have an appreciation for organic produce, Miami-based artisans, and top-notch quality goods? Then the Aventura Market is the place for you! This small-scale farmers market features over 35 vendors, and you can’t beat its convenient Aventura Mall location.

Wondering what you’ll find at the Aventura Market? The options are endless! Be sure to stop by—the market is open every weekend and features a wide variety of locally-sourced goods. I personally love their custom tea blends, fresh cut flowers and succulents, and international cuisine.

Coconut Grove Organic Market

Vendors at Florida's top farmer's markets

Whether you’ve been eating organic for years or are looking to start, the Coconut Grove Organic Market should be your go-to spot for Miami’s freshest produce. Every Saturday, Grand Avenue comes alive with farmers and fans of this decades-old market.

There’s something truly special about meeting the person who grew your food. Here, farmers are always on hand to talk about the growing process, and they’d love to give you some recommendations! It’s also a great place to grab some pre-made goodies, including picks for vegans and vegetarians.

Florida’s Top farmers Markets Are Waiting for You!

Ready to explore Florida’s top farmers markets for yourself? Then it’s time to consider making your move to South Florida! Whether you’re relocating from across the country or down the street, we’ve got you covered. The Scott Patterson Group is ready to go the extra mile to find your South Florida dream home. Feel free to reach out to us—we’re excited to team up and help you take your next steps.

Scott’s Picks: Your Exclusive Guide to South Florida’s Best Parks

access_timeSeptember 17, 2019personScott Patterson

Did you know that Florida has some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world? It’s true! When you call the Sunshine State home, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning serenity of nature.

These are my top picks for South Florida’s best parks — they’re the perfect spots to unwind in the great outdoors.

Biscayne National Park

Light house at one of South Florida's best parks.

Get ready to explore Florida’s most interesting ecosystems. From coral reefs to islands, you’ll find it all at Biscayne National Park. This coastal preserve features its own mangrove forest, a campground, four marinas, and so much more.

Planning a visit? Don’t miss out on the amazing snorkeling opportunities. Here, you’ll be able to see dolphins, sharks, manatees, and even tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you can even schedule a private tour of the park, which includes access to the bay and keys. Another can’t-miss spot is the Boca Chita Lighthouse, which features stunning waterfront views.

C.B. Smith Park

Water park at one of South Florida's best parks.

If you’re looking for a spot that’s fun for the entire family, there’s a reason why C.B. Smith Park was rated as one of South Florida’s best parks. Hidden away in Pembroke Pines, it’s hard to believe that this park is less than a half-hour from Miami’s city center!

Here, you’ll find a plethora of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Kids will love the water park, batting cages, and more. Don’t worry, though—there’s plenty of fun for the adults, too. This park also has a driving range, tennis courts, and fishing spots. Full RV hookups are also available for camping year-round, so come and enjoy what C.B. Smith Park has to offer.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades at one of South Florida's best parks.

We’ve all heard of the Florida Everglades—it’s a kind of place you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Luckily, you can enjoy this unique part of the state just a stone’s throw away from Miami.

The Everglades National Park offers plenty of activities for visitors. Whether you want to explore nearly 30 miles of trails or enjoy the starry sky with a telescope, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. This is also a fantastic spot to learn about conservation, as park rangers are eager to educate visitors on the area’s one-of-a-kind features.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park

Beach at one of South Florida's best parks.

Everyone knows about Florida’s stunning beaches, but if you want to get away from the crowds, this is the spot. You’ll find John U. Lloyd Park in secluded Dania Beach, and there’s no shortage of fun things to enjoy.

This park is the perfect spot to enjoy a dip in the ocean and collect shells on the shore. Best of all, you can enjoy all your favorite activities without large high-rises or tourists. I recommend the kayaking or sailboating—it’s a great way to take in the Florida coast, and you can rent all of the equipment you’ll need.

Ready to Call South Florida Home?

It’s not too late to come enjoy South Florida’s best parks. If you’re considering a move to the Miami area, I’ve got the resources you need to make the right decision.

Want info from an area expert? Just call me, Scott Patterson. I’m a Miami local and have years of experience in South Florida real estate. I’d love to answer any questions you might have. Just give me a call so we can chat—I can’t wait to help jumpstart your real estate journey!

Just Listed: Luxury Condo Living at Its Finest in Aventura, FL

access_timeSeptember 29, 2015personScott Patterson

Have we got an amazing South Florida luxury real estate deal for you! Recently, an impressive condominium in the desirable Bella Mare building (also known as the 6000 Williams Island building) listed on the Aventura real estate market.

Located at 6000 Island Boulevard #2704, this incredible condo boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a total of 4,221 square feet of living space.

Listed at $3,495,000, it’s a steal of a deal when one considers all of the amenities offered here. Continue reading to learn more!

Fall In Love With Our New Aventura FL Listing

This breathtaking Bella Mare double unit was professionally designed with the most discerning of South Florida home buyers in mind.

Here, prospective home buyers will be impressed by the panoramic ocean, intracoastal, city and bay views – all from the vantage point of the 27th floor of a 30-story luxury condo. With those kinds of views at those kinds of heights, the next residents who live here will be able to enjoy unobstructed views of sunrises and sunsets every day of the year from the comfort of their luxury South Florida condo.

Take a tour of this incredibly majestic condominium and you’ll discover luxury amenity after luxury amenity. These include:

Spacious terraces
Miele and Sub-zero custom kitchen appliances
Built-in Espresso
Full-size wine cooler
Detailed finishes
Built-in shelves
Private office
Wet bar
Crestron & Lutron Home Automation
Private elevator with foyer entrance
Extravagant walk-in closets
And so much more!

And that’s just within your own personal residence! Wait until you hear all that’s offered to residents throughout the community!

The Perks of Living Here Keep Getting Better!

When you live in this South Florida community, you’ll feel like royalty every single day of the year!

After all, this condominium community offers such resort-style services and amenities as:

Valet Parking
Bike/Jog Path
Bike Storage
Billiard Room
Community Room
Exercise Room
Heated Pool
Marina
Child Play Area
Tennis

And of course, with its South Florida location, this condominium community also offers residents easy access to trendy restaurants, upscale shopping plazas, the beach and so much more!

Hurry! This Aventura Condo Won’t Be Available for Long!

Condos like this have a tendency to be purchased quickly on the South Florida real estate market.

Thus, if you’re interested in this incredible property, be sure to connect with us at The Scott Patterson Group as soon as possible.

We’ll be happy to help you by sharing you with additional information about this condo as well as answering any questions you might have. We’d also love to assist you if you’re interested in requesting a showing of this property.

Until next time,

Scott

Buying or Selling A $1M Plus Home? EWM in South Florida is Your Expert Resource!

access_timeAugust 3, 2015personScott Patterson

Some South Florida real estate agents close a $1 million home transaction once in a blue moon. And others, like EWM in South Florida, make it a core part of their business model.

Who would you rather work with when buying or selling YOUR $1 million plus home?

It is with great pleasure that we report to you that EWM was recently recognized as THE leading luxury brokerage in Miami-Dade and South Broward counties for listing single family homes over $1 million.

So what exactly does it take to hold this distinguished position in the region? It means:

Selling a $1 million plus residence every 13 hours
Closing 335 transactions in excess of $1 million each during the first six months of 2015
Selling homes at an average sales price of $2,559,020
And completing a total of $857 million in luxury sales between January and June of 2015.

Now that we’ve told you what we’ve done to get this distinction, we want to take a moment to share with you how we provide the most excellent luxury home sales services in South Florida.

What We Provide For You as a Luxury Home Seller

When you work with us as a home seller, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your home is being marketed to interested and qualified home buyers and that it fetches the highest price possible on the market.

Some of the specific tools we offer include our marketing plan for sellers, tips for showing your property and tips for pricing your property.

We also offer you access to our valuable home selling blog!

What We Offer to Our Luxury Home Buyers

As a home buyer, we will search high and low for the ideal South Florida luxury home for your lifestyle and price range.

Plus, in addition to thoughtful advice, some of the valuable resources we offer to our buyers online include a guide to South Florida communities, Buyer FAQs and School Information.

20 Most Recently Listed EWM Estates For Sale

Start Working With An Award-Winning South Florida Team Today!

As you can see, when it comes to luxury real estate in South Florida, no one knows it better than our expert agents at EMW!

Thus, when you’re ready to enter the market as a buyer or seller, be sure to connect with us!

Until next time,

Scott

Discover a South Florida Paradise in Weston

access_timeFebruary 5, 2015personScott Patterson

If you’re looking for a gorgeous South Florida community in which to reside, you should consider checking out the master-planned community of Weston.

This contemporary community is highly-desirable by home buyers because it is not only family-friendly but also community-oriented. Plus, it boasts excellent public schools within the area as well as a great location near some fantastic recreational amenities.

Continue reading to learn more about what Weston has to offer buyers.

5 Reasons to Fall in Love With Weston

Here are some of the most oft-mentioned reasons for why people love to relocate to Weston:

This community, which was developed by Arvida/JMB Realty, boasts gorgeous single-family homes and condominiums. These homes were constructed with the latest and greatest interior amenities and features.

Weston has the lowest combined property taxes, municipal taxes and fees in the county, giving residents great deals on real estate in South Florida.

The 27-square-mile community is home to several Fortune 500 companies as well as owner-operated retail establishments and unique restaurants. This makes for a strong and robust local economy. No wonder the city was recognized as the community with the largest job growth in Florida in 2006.

Weston is zoned for some excellent public schools within the Indian Trace Development District as well as the Bonaventure Development District. These schools have been nationally recognized for being high-performing schools that have high graduation rates.

This community boasts 14 incredible park and recreational facilities. And a lot of them host some well-attended community and cultural events throughout the year. In other words, there’s always something going on in Weston.

And this is just scratching the surface of reasons why people love living in Weston! There are countless more reasons as well, including excellent proximity to Miami as well as the gorgeous landscaping throughout the community.

Interested in Relocating to This South Florida Community?

If so, then please take a moment to learn even more about this community by checking out my recently updated Weston community page. You’ll learn about even more reasons to fall in love with this South Florida community.

And when you’re ready to purchase your own Weston home on the market, then make sure to contact me, Scott Patterson, your dedicated South Florida real estate expert.

I’ll be happy to talk with you about what you’re looking for in a home and will then work hard to find all available listings in Weston that match those criteria.

Until next time,

Scott

Sears Proposes Replacing Aventura Mall Store with Village

access_timeJanuary 15, 2015personScott Patterson

A major redevelopment could be on its way to Aventura, Florida, according to a recent article I was reading.

Evidently, Sears recently submitted a development proposal to the City of Aventura. In that proposal, Sears is recommending replacing its current store location at Aventura Mall with a little village.

This village would be comprised of retail, office and even hotel space.

Currently, Sears occupies two stories at Aventura Mall. But under the new plan, Sears would only occupy 20,000 square feet within the 250,000-square-foot village.

Developers want to call the project “Esplanade at Aventura.” If it is approved, industry analysts are already saying it would be better than the existing Piazza at Aventura Mall where Cheesecake Factory is located.

What Do You Think About Sears’ Plans?

Do you think it would be a good addition to the mall? Do you think it’s a wise business decision on the part of Sears? Would you rather see Sears stay the way it is?

I would love to hear your thoughts!

I’ll also make sure to keep you posted as these proposed plans go forward.

Meanwhile, if you’re considering entering the market anytime soon as an Aventura home buyer or home seller, make sure to contact me, Scott Patterson.

I’m your dedicated South Florida real estate expert and I will work hard to get you the results you want on the local housing market in Aventura!