The 2010 Real Estate Market
2010 -- This year, Miami real estate will be filled with challenges: a slow economy, little population growth and uncertainty in the retiree market. But with sales activity rising and prices stabilizing in many markets, plus the federal tax credit extension for buyers, there are clear signs of an upturn that will create new opportunities for Miami real estate condo investors.
“On a statewide basis, Florida has been experiencing a difficult economic cycle”, says Sean Snaith, directory of University of Central Florida Institute for Economic Competitiveness. “But this is not a structural economic problem like Michigan faces with its devastated auto industry. Florida remains a desirable destination and conditions will improve, gradually.”
John Tuccillo, president of Tuccillo and Associates in Sarasota, and former chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, says Florida has been hit harder by the real estate slump than any other state east of the Mississippi. “For 2010, I see a better economy and real estate market for the state, but no sharp recovery either” he says. “It will be a tug of war between increased buying power and a growing distressed property inventory. Buying power will win, but only by a bit.”
One factor to watch for signs of a recovery in 2010 is new home starts, according to analyst Lewes Goodkin, president, Goodkin Consulting, Miami. “To me, that’s a real indicator of when a market has reached the bottom. There has been minimal new construction across the state, but with land prices falling and builders willing to sell new product at little to no profit, we will probably see a modest increase in activity this year.” Noting that the pace of real estate transactions increased in 2009, and the 12 month moving average of prices turned upward, Snaith says, “Developers tell me that the prices of existing homes have fallen below replacement costs”, he says. “That indicates that pricing has overshot on the way down, because the long-run floor for prices has to be replacement costs. That points to prices rising in the future”.
“The big challenge for the Florida’s real estate market is the absence of population growth and ongoing slowdown in the construction sector”, he says. “We have more rooftops than we need, so the first step will be filling those new homes”. Another big issue is the number of foreclosures expected to continue through 2010.
Florida’s population is unlikely to grow much, if at all in 2010. After losing residents in 2008, for the first time since World War II, Florida’s population was expected to end 2009 with little change, while Snaith projects a very modest 10,000 person increase this year. “Until the labor market recovers, we won’t see strong in-migration” he says.
However, Florida’s market presents excellent opportunities for several market segments such as first-time buyers, investors and international buyers who want to take advantage of low prices, low interest rates and great deals on new home inventory. The extension and expansion of the federal income tax credit program is also expected to stimulate the state’s real estate market.
President Obama recently signed a bill providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time buyers who have closed a transaction or have a binding contract in place by April 30, 2010. A $6,500 tax credit is available to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. However, this will probably not do much good to those looking to relocate to the Miami area, as real estate prices are still very high.
“The substantial rise in home sales we’ve seen over the past few months proves that the tax credit is working”, says Charles McMillan, 2009 president of the National Assocation of Realtors. “Extending and expanding the home buyer tax credit will enable even more families to take advantage of current low interest rates and affordable prices to invest in their future through homeownership”.
The University of Miami
colleges,
education,
educational institutions,
higher learning,
schools,
um,
universities,
university of miami
Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real estate boom, UM is a major research university, engaged in more than $326 million in research and sponsored program expenditures a year. While the majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of Medicine, investigators conduct dozens of studies in other areas, including marine science, engineering, education, and psychology.
Led by President Donna E. Shalala, the University is comprised of 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 180 majors and programs. In 2009, U.S.News & World Report recognized UM among the top-tier of national universities, ranking it No. 50 in its listings of “America’s Best Colleges; it also cited several of its programs in “America’s Best Graduate Schools.”
Miami's Latin Culture
The Miami culture is very dynamic and has a heavy Latin influence. Immigrants can be found from Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico, among other Latin American countries. In fact, 58 percent of the people living in Miami city in 2003 were foreign born. It is not uncommon to walk down any street in the city and not hear English spoken. It is a wide variation of people and backgrounds, influencing cultural celebrations found throughout Miami. You can also see a generous difference in wealth. Miami is full of those living a life full of riches and fame, driving expensive cars and owning high rises with oceanfront views. On the opposite side, you will also find suburbs with little income.
The Historic Biltmore Hotel
biltmore hotel,
business travel,
conference centers,
coral gables,
culinary academies,
fine dining,
golf,
golf resorts,
palme d'or,
social events,
spa resorts,
spas,
wedding facilities
Welcome to the Historic Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables
An Esteemed Miami Golf and Spa Resort Graced with Definitive Luxury and Class
Reflecting the passion and vitality of one of America’s most exciting cities, the Historic Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables has been a favorite of world leaders, celebrities, and sports stars since its opening in the 1920’s. As a standard setting resort, the Biltmore Hotel showcases championship golf, cosmopolitan dining, a breathtaking spa and premier conference facilities, all the while exceeding most refined expectations.
Graced with unequivocal luxury and class, the Biltmore Hotel offers a stunning location in the exclusive Coral Gables area of Miami. Surround yourself by old world charm and beauty as you ease into indulgence and serenity. Welcome to the Biltmore Hotel.
Resort Features:
- 275 guest rooms, including 130 suites
- 150 acres of lush and tropical landscapes, which include an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, 10 tennis courts and the world-famous Biltmore pool with private cabana suites
- Acclaimed restaurants: Palme d’Or, Fontana, Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill, and the 19th Hole
- A world-class spa and fitness center
- 70,000 square feet of spacious state-of-art conference and meeting space
- Full service catering for meetings, events, and weddings
- Minutes from South Beach, downtown Miami and the business districts of Coral Gables
History and Elegance in Coral Gables
A place of elegance, beauty and old world charm, the Biltmore Hotel is a luxury golf and spa resort located in the elegant Coral Gables area of Miami, Florida. This historic resort features grand hotel rooms and suites, highly acclaimed restaurants, a world-class spa and fitness center and spacious state-of-the-art conference facilities. Surrounding the Miami Biltmore Hotel are 150 acres of lush and tropical landscapes, which include an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, 10 tennis courts and the world-famous Biltmore pool with private cabana suites. An oasis of privacy and tranquility in the vibrant city of Miami, our upscale Florida hotel is just minutes from the electricity of South Beach and downtown Miami as well as the flourishing business districts of Coral Gables.
Beautiful Coral Gables Accommodations
The stately accommodations at the Biltmore consist of 275 guest rooms, including 130 spacious suites. The rooms feature luxurious details such as plush Egyptian bedding, Jerusalem stone-tiled floors and oversized windows. Click here for hotel features and guest room amenities.
Meetings & Groups at the Biltmore
We welcome business and group travelers to the Biltmore Hotel and our stunning conference space at the Conference Center of the Americas. Our convenient location makes for a great point of reference and is close to all the major leisure and business areas including downtown Miami and Miami International airport. Click here to explore our full suite of hotel business services at the Biltmore.
Stunning Miami Weddings & Events
Lush landscaping, iconic architecture, versatile facilities and award-winning cuisine have made the Biltmore an extraordinary destination wedding site. The Biltmore creates a perfect setting for weddings and important social events. Click here to view our meeting facilities.
Exceptional Dining at the Biltmore
The Biltmore offers exceptional fine dining onsite with four fabulous options to choose from with Palme D’or, Fontana, Cascade Bar & Grill and the 19th Hole. Additionally, the hotel features an afternoon tea service in the grand lobby and an attractive wine cellar bar. Click here to read more about dining at the Biltmore.
Old World Glamour and Exemplary Comfort
Miami Luxury Rooms & Suites
The Biltmore’s relatively small number of guest rooms and suites — 275, including 130 suites — gives the resort an appealing intimacy. All accommodations feature the latest technology services, as well as magnificent skyline and city, pool or golf course views. Welcoming and richly appointed, all of the luxury rooms and suites at the Biltmore features:
- European feather bedding and topped with 340-thread-count Egyptian cotton duvet covers.
- Frette robes and plush Bamboo Orchid towels
- Comfortable sitting area with custom-designed furniture
- Oversized picture windows with views of the golf course, pool or elegant Coral Gables
- Wireless and wired high-speed internet access and cable TV with pay-per-view
- Jerusalem stone tile flooring (except for select Superior rooms)
Miami Culinary Excellence and Entertainment
Signature Cocktails and Award-Winning Cuisine at the Biltmore
As one of Miami’s most diverse dining destinations, The Biltmore Hotel’s restaurant portfolio offers four distinctive restaurants, two different bars and a tea lounge - from frankly swank to coolly casual, sumptuous indoor decor to atmospheric al fresco settings. All feature the world-class cuisine and service that have created an internationally renowned culinary legacy for the historic hotel.
Built by Coral Gables’ developer, George Merrick, the Biltmore opened in 1926 as the epicenter of the city’s social activities. Today, in keeping with Merrick’s vision, the hotel’s restaurants and bars, in concert with the programs of its unique Cellar Club, assure the Biltmore is an integral part of local residents’ daily lives.
The Biltmore Spa Experience
Welcome to the Biltmore Spa Coral Gables
A sanctuary for the senses in the center of Miami, a place that offers peace, inspiration and profound relaxation. The moment you step into the Biltmore Spa, a feeling of contentment washes over your whole being. Perched on the 7th floor of the iconic resort, amid great views of the golf course, the Biltmore Spa relaxes and tunes the mind and body while stimulating the senses. The timeless materials of the Historical Landmark, rich stones and warm wood, were used throughout the Spa to create a serene and restful ambiance. Here in the contemporary elegance befitting the Biltmore’s distinguished past and new splendor, each therapist, driven by a deeply personal vision of well-being, offers a wide array of nourishing and balancing personalized treatments from around the world and seeks to capture a connection with each guest.Wellness is …an all-around way of life leading to health and contentment
…well-being tailor-made for everyone
…a decision to optimize your health and zest for life
…our connection with each other and with nature
…pure life optimism and good mood
Wellness is harmony, constant movement, a search for internal peace, balance and enjoyment beneath the watchful eyes and expertise of wellness professionals.
Let us welcome you to the Biltmore Spa, a superb wellness retreat where a brand new world awaits you. Let us guide you on the path to well-being, in an environment of absolute beauty, legendary history and incomparable service.
Hours of operation:
The spa is open daily from 8:30am to 8:00pmPhone: 305.913.3187
Play on the Donald Ross Golf Course at Our Miami Golf Resort
Golf Biltmore
Adjacent to the hotel is a 6,800-yard, 18-hole, par-71, championship golf course designed by world-renowned golf course architect Donald Ross. The course provides preferred daily tee times for hotel guests.
Corporate groups can organize tournaments and preferred group tee times through the Biltmore’s Concierge. Uniformed bag attendants, curbside bag drop and valet service are available seven days a week. You’ll also enjoy a fully equipped clubhouse, restaurant and bar and one of the largest driving / practice areas in the southeast — ideal for a memorable Miami golf vacation.
Award-Winning Miami Fitness Center
Fitness at the Biltmore
The Biltmore’s 10,000 square ft., state-of-the-art FitnessCenter allows guests to maintain their fitness regimen when traveling. It features a separate area dedicated solely to cardiovascular exercise, and a comprehensive free-weight room and two additional rooms of plate-loaded and selectorized resistance equipment. Ranked by Men’s Fitness magazine as one of the 10 best hotel fitness centers in the U.S., the center offers more than 100 weekly exercise classes including Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, Marital Fussion, Body sculpting and many more. A variety of aquatic classes are held in the hotel’s landmark pool. The Biltmore also offers over 20 personal trainers who are available for personal training. Nutritional counseling is also available upon request.
What's New?
- Come experience the newly revamped and more extensive state of the art Precor cardio machines with personal monitors. New cardio layout includes one Fluid Rower, 2 Additional Treadmills and 3 AMT's.
- ADA Cabanas are now available. Contact reservations for more information and assistance.
Questions or Comments?
- Send us an email at: fitness@biltmorehotel.com
- Or call us at 305-913-3102.
Fitness Center Director
tmcqueen@biltmorehotel.com
About the Biltmore Culinary Academy
A recreational hands-on cooking school with classes for adults and children taught by the Biltmore's acclaimed chefs. Fun and educational, the class is designed for aspiring chefs of all levels. The 3-hour signature class holds up to 8 students and finishes with a meal comprised of recipes made in class.Bon Appetite!
Classes offered include:
- Signature Hands-on Class
- Master Chef Series
- Team Building Classes
- Corporate and Private Entertaining
- Wedding Party Cooking Class
- Private Couples Cooking Class
- Private Cooking Class
- Kids Summer Camps
- Kids Birthday Parties
To register email culinaryacademy@biltmorehotel.com or call 305.913.3131.
Old World Glamour with Contemporary Business Amenities
The Biltmore Hotel for Business Travel to Miami
Without sacrificing the old world glamour and luxury for which the Biltmore is known, business travelers to Miami will be pleased to know that executive suites and corporate amenities are always readily available. From a state-of-the art meeting facilities and business center to executive suites with an array of indispensible amenities, the Biltmore is built for productivity and relaxation.
The Biltmore Hotels offers travelers wireless Internet connectivity, the latest in-room technology, combined with all the comforts of home in executive suites. The spacious one-bedroom executive suite features a separate sitting area with a plush sofa, leisure chair and writing desk. On-call services include car rental, dry cleaning, banking services, concierge services, currency exchange, a doctor on call, luggage storage, multi-lingual staff, secretarial services, shoe shine, trouser press, tea service, and postal/parcel services.
The Biltmore's business center is conveniently located in the lobby of the adjacent ConferenceCenter of the and features a wide range of services for the busy traveler including IBM-compatible executive computer workstations with fast internet access and software. Guests can use the business centers computers or bring their own laptop. Also available are printers (black and white and color), photocopying, transparencies, fax machines, and stationery supplies.
Meet Luxury. Meet History. Meet at the Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables.
Miami Hotel Offers Ample Meeting Space Near Miami Airport
The Biltmore’s principal meeting facilities are located in the adjacent ConferenceCenter of the Americas (CCA), a beautiful historic building on the property of the landmark Biltmore.
The CCA has become South Florida's preferred site for high-level professional and executive education programming and now enhances The Biltmore as the Americas' host for corporate briefings, executive education and public policy conferences.
A $14 million renovation in the year 2000 produced 40,000 square feet of exceptional function space that includes eight main meeting rooms, six breakout rooms, a 6,200 sq. ft. Ballroom, two state-of-the-art amphitheaters, and a private executive boardroom. Each function room is set within the historic ambiance and luxurious surroundings of the classic Biltmore Hotel.
Every general session and breakout room is supported by powerful technology: “plug-and-play” high-speed web and video-conferencing capability. Three elegant classrooms offer dual LCD rear-screen projection. Refurbished spaces have received advanced sound, lighting and Ethernet access to T-3 broadband Internet.
The two-tiered amphitheaters, seating 60-90 and 90-130 persons provide dedicated wireless simultaneous translation and Audience Response systems. Every participant station is wired for 120 v. Ethernet, analog phone lines and personal task lighting. Amphitheaters have dual rear-screen projections, full audio support and complete remote control of the room from each speaker’s podium.
All operational systems and services are totally integrated between the CCA and The Biltmore so that conference attendees receive meeting and hotel experiences of exceptional quality.
The Biltmore/CCA complex is the center point of a beautifully landscaped residential neighborhood in Coral GablesFlorida and is just ten minutes from MiamiInternationalAirport and the major business districts of Miami-DadeCounty.
Floor Plan PDFs
 | Meeting Facilities - Main Building | 170KB |
 | Meeting Facilities - Conference Center of the Americas | 335KB |
| Full Hotel Map | 161KB |
Social Events at the Biltmore Hotel
Plan your social event at the Biltmore Hotel in rich and historically significant ballrooms. The Biltmore offers an unusually large number of indoor and outdoor spaces and locations within the Biltmore complex for social events. Each ballroom has its own unique identity for what will become truly memorable events for your guests.
The culinary standards available for social events are the same as those acclaimed in the Biltmore restaurants, such as Palme d'Or. And the variety of spaces and locations within the Biltmore complex makes the Biltmore an incomparable venue for multifunction events such as destination weddings and other multi-day social events.
Give your guests a Miami event to remember with the Biltmore as your host.
Memorable Events of History and Elegance in Miami
Coral Gables Weddings and Events at the Biltmore Hotel
Lush landscaping, iconic architecture, versatile facilities and award-winning cuisine have made the Biltmore an extraordinary destination wedding site. The Biltmore creates a idyllic setting for weddings and important social events in the charming Coral Gables.
Whether arranging an engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, wedding reception or a post-reception brunch, the Biltmore’s varied, on-property venues and highly personalized and exemplary service ensure an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Enjoy a pre or post ceremony spa or make-up session or any of the other on-site amenities. The Biltmore is versatile and abundant with activities and services to enhance your most important day.
Have a Beautiful Biltmore Ceremony
The legendary architecture of the Biltmore and the lush landscaping sets the scene.
We have a wide selection of elegant settings for the ceremony of your dreams. A splendid ceremony under the stars. A sparkling fountain-centered courtyard. A romantic garden. A terrace overlooking the pool or golf course. A spectacular ballroom. The Biltmore offers picturesque venues for indoor or outdoor ceremonies.
Setting the standard for romance…elegance…and breathtaking memories.Seal your ceremony with an emblem of history at the Biltmore of Miami.
Exclusive Miami Vacation Packages
Coral Gables Luxury Hotel Specials and Packages at the Biltmore
Treat yourself to an exclusive Miami vacation package custom designed for business travelers, romance travelers, Florida residents and more. Check back and sign up for our newsletter to take advantage of the latest additions on abundant Miami hotel vacation packages.
CLICK HERE for our Current Specials.
*Reservations required $75 per Child
LOCAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM - The Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. The Miami Children’s Museum is a non-profit educational institution, which meets the needs of all children in our multicultural community. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. The museum offers interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.
JUNGLE ISLAND - Jungle Island is a bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and botanical garden. There are over 1,100 birds presented in a tropical forest setting, some of which take part in daily shows. The gardens contain around 2,000 varieties of exotic plants including Heliconias, bananas, orchids and bromeliads. The site is also home to a variety of other animals including alligators, tortoises, monkeys, orangutans and the famous flamingoes featured in the opening credits of "Miami Vice." Some of the other shows presented at the Parrot Jungle include a nocturnal creature presentation and the reptile encounter that highlights one of only 17 albino alligators in the U.S.
MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM - Discovering the rings of Saturn or the Crab Nebula in the night sky, wading through sea grass into a colorful undersea world or getting a close-up of a real bald eagle - these are life changing experiences-- for adults as well as children. With its real life marvels, interactive exhibits, and exciting learning adventures, the new MiaSci will stimulate the mind - while touching the heart.
MIAMI SEAQUARIUM - On a 38-acre tropical paradise with spectacular skyline views lies a South Florida attraction like no other. Welcome to Miami Seaquarium®, a place where dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air. Where sea lions delight children of all ages and endangered sea turtles and manatees find a safe haven. Enjoy a world-class marine-life entertainment park with eight different marine animal shows and astonishing daily presentations. Miami Seaquarium® is a place of inspiration, education – and fun!
MIAMI METRO ZOO - Our mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world's wildlife and to help conserve it for future generations.
VENETIAN POOL - Formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923, Venetian Pool is included in the National Register of Historic Places. This 820,000 gallon pool is fed with cool spring water daily, and features two waterfalls, coral caves and grottos. The buildings are Venetian-style architecture, designed by Denman Fink, uncle of the founding father of Coral Gables, George Merrick.
FLORIDA EVERGLADES TOURS- Journey into Nature's secretly preserved wilderness made up of 1.2 million acres of grasslands and hardwood hammocks aboard one of our Safari airboats. A professional tour guide will narrate your thrilling airboat ride as you glide through this jungle of wilderness: the legendary Florida Everglades. Recognized as the most unique ecosystem, our tour guide will lead you through this natural wonder where you will encounter breathtaking panoramic views, lush vegetation and tranquility. You will be amidst alligators, native flora and fauna, as well as other exotic wildlife in their habitat as you ride through the River of Grass system. A truly memorable and exhilarating adventure - a must see!
CLICK HERE for our Current Specials.
Kids
Biltmore Kids
At the Biltmore, the fun starts for the little ones upon check-in with a special kid-friendly welcome gift. The attention to detail will continue throughout your stay with kid's sized robes, a special turn-down service with homemade cookies and milk, and great kids menus in all of our restaurants.Biltmore Culinary Academy for Kids
Saturday morning cooking class-children cooking classes developed to inspire, excite
and feed the curiosity children 8-16. Children are given the opportunity to cook and have fun in the kitchen. They will be introduced to cooking vocabulary and techniques, tools and utensils, basics of etiquette, nutrition, safety, kitchen math and new foods!
and feed the curiosity children 8-16. Children are given the opportunity to cook and have fun in the kitchen. They will be introduced to cooking vocabulary and techniques, tools and utensils, basics of etiquette, nutrition, safety, kitchen math and new foods!
*Reservations required $75 per Child
Yoga (seasonal)
Sunday morning yoga- provides healthy fun for all ages and abilities. Classes are specifically developed and modified appropriately by level. This is a fun and dynamic system of practicing poses joined together by breath and flowing movement.
*Reservations required $20
Spa
A take on our classic Manicure and Pedicure for the small hands and feet.
Mini Mani/pedi (8-14yrs)
*Reservations required $65/50 minutes
Golf
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:15- 5:15 p.m.
Saturday 11-12 $20
*Reservations required
Tennis
Private or semi private lessons available, from $35/hr
*Reservations required
Retail Store
Shop at the Biltmore’s newly redesigned retail shops for chic children’s resort wear, from Villebrequin, Roberta Rabbit and Onda del Mar.
Nanny Service
Available upon request
LOCAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM - The Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. The Miami Children’s Museum is a non-profit educational institution, which meets the needs of all children in our multicultural community. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. The museum offers interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.
JUNGLE ISLAND - Jungle Island is a bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat and botanical garden. There are over 1,100 birds presented in a tropical forest setting, some of which take part in daily shows. The gardens contain around 2,000 varieties of exotic plants including Heliconias, bananas, orchids and bromeliads. The site is also home to a variety of other animals including alligators, tortoises, monkeys, orangutans and the famous flamingoes featured in the opening credits of "Miami Vice." Some of the other shows presented at the Parrot Jungle include a nocturnal creature presentation and the reptile encounter that highlights one of only 17 albino alligators in the U.S.
MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM - Discovering the rings of Saturn or the Crab Nebula in the night sky, wading through sea grass into a colorful undersea world or getting a close-up of a real bald eagle - these are life changing experiences-- for adults as well as children. With its real life marvels, interactive exhibits, and exciting learning adventures, the new MiaSci will stimulate the mind - while touching the heart.
MIAMI SEAQUARIUM - On a 38-acre tropical paradise with spectacular skyline views lies a South Florida attraction like no other. Welcome to Miami Seaquarium®, a place where dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air. Where sea lions delight children of all ages and endangered sea turtles and manatees find a safe haven. Enjoy a world-class marine-life entertainment park with eight different marine animal shows and astonishing daily presentations. Miami Seaquarium® is a place of inspiration, education – and fun!
MIAMI METRO ZOO - Our mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world's wildlife and to help conserve it for future generations.
VENETIAN POOL - Formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923, Venetian Pool is included in the National Register of Historic Places. This 820,000 gallon pool is fed with cool spring water daily, and features two waterfalls, coral caves and grottos. The buildings are Venetian-style architecture, designed by Denman Fink, uncle of the founding father of Coral Gables, George Merrick.
FLORIDA EVERGLADES TOURS- Journey into Nature's secretly preserved wilderness made up of 1.2 million acres of grasslands and hardwood hammocks aboard one of our Safari airboats. A professional tour guide will narrate your thrilling airboat ride as you glide through this jungle of wilderness: the legendary Florida Everglades. Recognized as the most unique ecosystem, our tour guide will lead you through this natural wonder where you will encounter breathtaking panoramic views, lush vegetation and tranquility. You will be amidst alligators, native flora and fauna, as well as other exotic wildlife in their habitat as you ride through the River of Grass system. A truly memorable and exhilarating adventure - a must see!
SoBay Festival of the Arts
 SoBay Festival of the Arts | |
| from 1/31/2010 to 3/5/2010 http://deeringestate.org/pages/SoBay-Festival-of-the-Arts.aspx | |
| The SoBay Festival of the Arts was created in 2006 to raise awareness of the visual, literary and performing arts in the South Miami-Dade community and to promote the missions of partnering organizations. The SoBay Festival of the Arts is an annual celebration of the literary, performing and visual arts. The overarching goal for SoBay FOA is to provide an opportunity for the community to come together through the arts. We strive to include events that appeal to a wide range of audiences of all ages. The cornerstone of our programming strategy is that we collaborate with several local community arts organizations. Our list of past partners has included: Miami Short Film Festival, the Moth Story Corp, ArtSouth, Bake House Art Complex, LegalArt, Founding Artists of the Living Artist Concert Series, Miami String Project, The Edge Theatre Company, Books and Books, Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, South Florida Writers Association, to name a few. Featured events for SoBay Festival of the Arts generally include poetry readings, art lectures, theatre performances, fine art exhibits, and musical performances. The closing event for the Festival is the annual Moonlight and Music Valentine’s Day Jazz Concert. Sunday, January 31, 2010 ArtSoBay Exhibit Opening Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Free. Open to the public. Join us for the ArtSoBay Exhibit Opening with a progressive evening of art, history, and entertainment! Xavier Cortada will present his genographic project, "Ancestral Journeys,” a series of installations and performances using DNA to trace the ancestral journeys of people living in Miami. Guest juror, Bernice Steinbaum in partnership with LegalArt and the Deering Estate at Cutler presents a group art exhibit in the Stone House, Richmond Cottage and main grounds of the Estate. Artists in Residence – Jennifer Basile, Deena Blazejack, Cherie Clark, Ingrid Eliasson, and Vickie Pierre will present a culmination exhibit of their past year’s work while in residence on the Estate. Vignettes in the Courtyard will be featured by the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and the Miami Dade College Theatre Department. The ArtSoBay Exhibit will be on display through March 5, 2010 and is Free with Estate admission. January 31 - March 5, 2010 Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (ticket office closes at 4:00 pm) Free with Estate admission. ArtSoBay Exhibit: "Ancestral Journeys," Xavier Cortada In developing the works for the "Ancestral Journeys" installations and performances at Deering Estate, Cortada will be using DNA to trace the ancestral journeys of people living in Miami. Cortada will do so through the Genographic Project. The site-specific works Cortada proposes to install and perform during February 2010 include The Ancestral Dinner Party, Ancestral Journeys and Ancestral Miami. The artwork shows the interconnectedness between those who came from different countries across the Hemisphere to build their lives in Miami and their relationship to the natural world. In their blood they capture evidence of the routes their deep ancestors took in response to climatic changes from their original journey out of Africa 60,000 years ago. Looking at their biology to explore how nature influenced human history, the art piece will use genetic data to create a portrait of Miami's community. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit Xavier Cortada's website for more information. Friday, February 5, 2010 Greater Miami Youth Symphony Performance Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cost: $15 Join us for an evening celebrating emerging young artists in our community as they perform various vignettes of Chamber Music in the historic Stone House Ballroom. The Greater Miami Youth Symphony - our youth performance Artists-in-Residence - will co-host the evening. Saturday, February 6, 2010 "Book Nook by the Bay" - "EcoArt" Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost: Free with Estate admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children (ages 4-14). Join the Deering Estate at Cutler's staff and Artists-in-Residence and find inspiration in the natural features of the Estate while creating an eco-art project that focuses on the importance of environmental stewardship. Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Icon of a Moment: A Convergence of History, Land and Character Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Cost: $10 Location: Richmond Cottage The historical discussion will be led by the Deering Estate's own Literary Artists-in-Residence, Deena Blazejack and Cherie Clark, Independent Researcher from Chicago, Jennifer Faust, and Education and Interpretive Staff members, Jessical Cabral and Ernie Lent. They will talk about the discovery of the juxtapositions of technology and culture depicted through Charles Deering - an icon of a moment in our nation's history. The panelists will share historical information and insights into the forces which affected, and the figures who shaped, the place that would become known as the Deering Estate at Cutler in the period from 1896 to 1922, chief among these Charles Deering himself. An icon is an image, figure or representation. In this presentation, the icon is that historical “moment” extending from 1896 – the year Flagler’s railroad reached the north shore of the Miami River and the year the city was incorporated – to 1922, when Charles Deering’s Stone House was completed as his primary place of residence. 1896 marks the end of the pioneer period in this coastal area. 1922 marks the beginning of Deering’s residence here, and the beginning of what will be preserved as the Estate. The panel will talk about the following: 1. Miami’s general history from 1896 -1922 (population, economy, major historical events and forces, changes, major players. 2. The Hunting Grounds and Cutler: the pioneer period (population, economy, major historical events and forces, changes, major players. 3. Charles Deering: a general biography to 1922. 4. Charles Deering’s Chicago years: the industrialist; family ties; anti-trust suits; social activities and standing. 5. Charles Deering’s many facets: a summing up of influences and interests: the naval experience, art, ornithology, botany, genealogy, climatology, conservation, etc. Friday, February 12, 2010 - **This event has been cancelled. Miami-Dade College Theatre Department Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cost: $15 Under the direction of Deborah Mello, Miami-Dade College's Theatre Department will present an evening of Vignette's on the Estate. Saturday, February 13, 2010 ArtSoBay Exhibit Curator's Tour & Lunch Location: Richmond Cottage Tour: 11:00 am. Lunch 12:00 pm Cost: $25 includes gourmet boxed luncheon. Join Xavier Cortada, Artists-in-Residence, featured ArtSoBay artists, LegalArt Executive Director, Kathleen Carignan, and Exhibits and Collections Manager of the Deering Estate for a guided tour of the exhibits followed by a discussion of the Economic Impact on our Community over lunch. RSVP required by Tuesday, February 9th. Please call 305-235-1668 ext. 233. Sunday, February 14, 2010 11th annual "Moonlight & Music" Valentine's Day Concert featuring Johnny Rodgers and the Johnny Rodgers Band Concert begins at 7:00 pm; gate opens at 6:00 pm The festival will end on a romantic note with the 11th annual “Moonlight and Music” Valentine’s Day Concert. The concert will feature Johnny Rodgers who will delight guests with his original soft rock ballads, Taylor-flavored melodies, and sultry jazz arrangements. Johnny Rodgers performed to a sold out crowd at the Deering Estate's July 2009 Summer Cabaret Concert.  Tickets are $20. You can purchase tickets online for an additional fee of $2.50 per ticket or by calling the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233. The gate opens at 6:00 pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm. Parking is free. Liza Minnelli discovered Johnny several years ago, bringing him on as a pianist and guest performer on her world tours and recently featured Johnny in “Liza’s At The Palace” on Broadway. Johnny Rodgers grew up in Miami and is a product of Westminster Christian, Southwood Middle School, and New World School of the Arts. He also attended University of Miami Frost School of Music. | Address: Deering Estate at Cutler 16701 SW 72nd Ave. Miami, FL 33157 Cutler Ridge 305/235-1668, ext. 233 |
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