Tag Archives: south florida events

The Top Romantic Spots in South Florida

access_timeFebruary 19, 2020personScott Patterson

Valentine’s Day might already be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to really wow your special someone. If you’re on the hunt for the most romantic spots in South Florida, here are a few places you just have to visit. Get ready to experience sparkling coastlines, unbelievable restaurants, and endless entertainment!

The Rusty Pelican

Picture this: you’re relaxing on the coast with your special someone, enjoying an amazing meal and breathtaking views. If this sounds like your dream date, it’s time to head to The Rusty Pelican. This stylishly updated landmark has been a Miami favorite for years, and there’s no better place to discover some of Florida’s best seafood.

Wondering what’s on the menu? Expect to see plenty of American fare, all with a Miami twist. You can never go wrong with the Atlantic salmon or the Rusty Pelican board for two. If you want to add a little decadence, consider signing up for their exclusive champagne and caviar tastings!

The Kampong

Open to the public by appointment only, The Kampong is an awe-inspiring tropical botanical garden that you won’t want to miss. This hidden hem is tucked into the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, and now is the time to schedule your visit.

You and your date will be whisked away on a magical journey—either with or without a docent—surrounded by Florida’s native tropical flora. Guided tours last for about an hour, but you can also schedule a self-guided tour and take as long as you’d like. Be sure to check out The Kampong’s calendar of events, too. There’s always something fun going on!

Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina

If your date is a foodie at heart, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina is the place for them. This fine dining experience is a love letter to the American steakhouse experience, with a few exciting twists thrown in. Chef Michael Mina’s legendary artisanal flavors pepper every dish to perfection…but the steak is absolutely indulgent.

Just head to Miami’s JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa to start your culinary journey. Diners can enjoy a whiskey cart, world class seafood and steak, as well as a broad selection of cocktails. Don’t forget dessert, too—their beignets are phenomenal!

A Coastal Stroll

Couple exploring romantic spots in South Florida

When in doubt, South Florida’s beaches are a fantastic backdrop for a date, even in the winter. Looking for recommendations? You can never go wrong with Sunny Isles Beach, which features miles upon miles of pristine coastline. For a less commercialized experience, Dania Beach is the way to go.

If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of entertainment and beachside fun, just head to North Miami Beach and start exploring. Here, you’ll find plenty of activities, restaurants, and coastal excitement to fill an entire weekend. Top spots include Haulover Park and St. Bernard de Clairvaux.

Uncover More Romantic Spots in South Florida

South Florida has so much to offer, and I’d love to give you some of my personal picks. I’m Scott Patterson, your local real estate expert. If you’re getting ready to buy or sell your home, let me handle all the details. Just drop me a line with any questions—I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

6 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events Happening in South Florida

access_timeNovember 27, 2019personScott Patterson

If you haven’t pulled out the holiday decor and started playing “Jingle Bells” yet, then you’re going to have to get started soon. November is almost over, and we’re nearly at peak holiday season—and the South Florida area is coming alive with celebrations!

From festive parades to snow-filled festivals, here are the top holiday events to check out around the area this year.

45th Annual North Miami Winternational Thanksgiving Parade

When: November 28th, 10am

Where: Along 125 Street from NE 6 – 12 Avenues

What: Marching bands, giant floats, festive characters—the North Miami Winternational Thanksgiving Parade has been going on for decades and is quite the staple in the South Florida area. If you need some plans on the morning of your Turkey Day, be sure to come out and watch.

North Miami Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

A Christmas tree with lights on it at a holiday event.

When: December 5th, 6pm – 8pm

Where: City Hall

What: Ring in the start of the holiday season with the rest of the North Miami Beach community at the annual Tree Lighting. Not only can you witness the dazzling lights come alive on this year’s tree, but there will also be Christmas carols and refreshments available. It’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade

A person holding a candy cane beside twinkling lights at a holiday parade.

When: December 7th, 7pm

Where: Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

What: Fun fact: the Hollywood Beach Candy Cane parade is one of the longest running parades of its kind in the entire country. What started as a small gathering in the 1950s has grown to become a tradition for thousands! If you’re curious what sort of floats and entertainment to expect, you can check out a few videos of the previous year’s parades here.

Christmas Near the Beach

When: December 14th

Where: Arts Park @ Young Circle

What: A giant Christmas tree, a Christmas pageant, Santa Claus, live music, dancing, giveaways—Christmas Near the Beach packs all of the holiday highlights you can think of into one event. The celebration lasts for five hours and is totally free to attend, and often brings in several thousands visitors of all ages from around the area.

Snow Fest & Community Safety Day Parade

When: December 14th, 5pm – 11pm

Where: City Hall

What: Snow in Florida? At the Snow Fest celebration—one of the biggest holiday events in the area—anything is possible! Last year, over 10,000 people came out to enjoy the giant snow mountain, rock climbing wall, carnival rides and games, food and drinks, live music, and more. This year promises to be even bigger than the last!

Winterfest Boat Parade

Fireworks over a body of water at a holiday event.

When: December 14th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: 512 NE 3 Ave., Fort Lauderdale

What: Heralded as “the Greatest Show on H20,” the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade lasts for 2.5 hours and stretches 12 miles along the waters of New River, to the Intracoastal Waterway, to Lake Santa Barbara. The pre-show features tons of non-motorized vehicles, while the main event brings in giant showboats and yachts, each decked out in holiday decor and dazzling lights. You can also expect live music and special guests throughout the night!

Discover Life in South Florida

You don’t have to miss out on celebrating all of the best holiday events—not when you find your home in South Florida! Take some time to get to know a little more about what life here has to offer by browsing my area guides and top local picks.

Once you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your real estate journey, narrow down your options with my buying resources and specialized search tool, and give me a call to get started!

Get in the Fall Spirit with These Seasonal South Florida Celebrations

access_timeSeptember 26, 2019personScott Patterson

Although we may not have autumn’s quintessential crisp temperatures and changing leaves, we still have plenty of fall fun in South Florida.

From Oktoberfest celebrations to food festivals to book fairs, you’ll find something happening pretty much every weekend! Check out a few of the top upcoming highlights, and add them to your schedule!

Miami Carnival

When: October 11th – 15th

Where: Locations vary

What: A celebration of Brazilian and Trinidadian culture, the Miami Carnival is one of the most lively and colorful events in the region. You can expect parades, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, and tons of food and drinks. The most popular parts of the carnival include the Junior Carnival and J’Ouvert!

Oktoberfest Miami

When: October 11th – 13th, 18th – 20th

Where: German American Social Club on Miller Drive

What: Celebrating its 62nd year, Oktoberfest Miami is the longest continuously-running Oktoberfest in the country! Come one of the two weekends for authentic German beer food, music, and more.

Grovetoberfest

When: October 12th

Where: Regatta Park

What: If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you won’t want to miss Grovetoberfest. With over 500 craft beers, tons of tastings, and live music, it’s one of the largest celebrations of its kind!

Cardboard Boat Race

When: October 12th

Where: City of Hollywood Marina

What: Grab a team, assemble a boat, and see if you have what it takes to stay afloat for the Cardboard Boat Race! Boats can be built on or off site, and cardboard will be provided. The winners of the race get trophies and bragging rights! Check out some of the designs from last year, and get to building.

South Beach Seafood Festival

When: October 22nd – 26th

Where: South Beach

What: Named by USAToday as one of the Top 5 Specialty Festivals in the country and rated as the Best Seafood Festival in the US by the Travel Channel, the South Beach Seafood Festival is a can’t-miss. In addition to some of the best flavors in the country, you can also expect live music, games, demos, and plenty of drinks.

Miami Beach Pop Festival

When: November 8th – 10th

Where: South Beach

What: Jack Johnson, Chance the Rapper, T-Pain, The Roots, Maggie Rogers—this three-day music festival is bringing in some big names. No matter what your favorite genre is—from dance and hip hop to pop and rock—you’ll probably find a familiar name on the lineup.

Miami Book Fair

When: November 17th – 24th

Where: Locations vary

What: Close out the season by curling up with a perfect book at the Miami Book Fair. For eight days, you can explore vendors, authors, and all things literature.

Explore Life in South Florida

Whether you hail from Hollywood or Miami, you’ll find that our area of South Florida is always busy with things to do. The best way to explore it all? Find your new home in one of our unique communities!

Take some time to get to know more about the South Florida area, and browse my buying resources for more information. Ready to get started? Just give me a call!

Happy Birthday, America! Here’s How to Spend This 4th of July in South Florida

access_timeJune 19, 2019personScott Patterson

July 4th is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for fireworks, hot dogs, and a whole lot of fun—especially if you live in South Florida.

Trust us, Miami knows how to throw a party, and you’ll find a dozen different ways to celebrate Independence Day in Miami and Palm Beach County. There’s a LOT… so we’ve narrowed down the best celebrations for you.

So, here are five ways to celebrate America’s birthday in South Florida.

Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth Festival

Festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with free yoga on the beach, and end with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. During the day, enjoy food trucks, a kids zone complete with a rock climbing wall, bungee station, face painting, corn hole, soccer clinic, potato sack racing and more!

Live music starts at 4:30 p.m. with Suenalo, then “Soul Queen” Irma Thomas at 6:15, and finally Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band at 7:30 p.m.

This is the quintessential Miami Beach blowout, and it’s the talk of the town year after year!

South Beach Ocean Drive Fireworks

Want to celebrate the 4th on Ocean Drive? Head to a local rooftop bar to catch the stunning City of Miami fireworks.

If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey than a festival or a party, but still want some good old-fashioned Independence Day fun, Ocean Drive is your best bet.

Hollywood’s 4th of July Star Spangled Spectacular

You don’t have to travel to the heart of Miami to have an unforgettable 4th of July! Blue Wave Beach in Hollywood is an award-winning destination, known for its soft white sand and cool blue water.

For live music, games on the sand, food vendors, activities, and, of course, fireworks, look no further than this Hollywood mainstay for a fun-filled and relaxed 4th of July.

City of Aventura Fourth of July Fireworks

Watch the skies light up with red, blue, white, and all the colors of the rainbow at this classic Aventura event.

Camp out along Country Club Drive for a front-row seat to one of the most vibrant shows Aventura has to offer this summer! Fireworks begin right at 9 p.m. and may be viewed from any spot on Country Club Drive.

America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park

Music, fireworks, food, activities, a kids’ zone: America’s best birthday party is something locals and tourists alike look forward toe very year!

Bayfront Park is the perfect setting for this kind of party. Enjoy fun for residents of all ages, live music and awesome treats, and some of the prettiest fireworks you’ll see all year. What could be more American than that?

Have the Time of Your Life in South Florida

Still searching for your perfect home alongside the ocean waves? Then it might be time to buy a beautiful oceanside home in South Florida.

Even if you’re looking for something more city-bound, South Florida has plenty of fantastic real estate options to choose from. Browse some of our favorites here and let us know if you’d like to schedule any tours!