Only in Arizona. Winter 2010 news
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
September 7, 2010
GRAND CANYON DEPOT TURNS 100
September 5, 2010
Out and About in MIAMI. September 2010 news
September 2010 www.MiamiandBeaches.com
OUT AND ABOUT IN MIAMI
Thank you for your continued support of Miami! The monthly Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Relation’s e-newsletter is filled with story leads you can develop,
including exciting news and events. Enjoy!
COUNTRY’S ONLY CRUISE SHIP-THEMED CHILDREN’S EXHIBIT SET SAIL ON SEPTEMBER 1 AT MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: In a nod to maritime tradition, Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines and the Miami Children’s Museum uncorked a confetti-filled bottle of champagne to officially re-launch of the country’s only cruise-themed children’s exhibit. After an extensive renovation, the redesigned 1,850-square-foot cruise ship-shaped attraction now features a host of new hands-on activities that provide oceans of fun and help kids learn the secrets behind one of South Florida’s largest industries. At the two-level exhibit, kids sail on a sea of discovery as they create their own cruise-themed puppet show, listen to actual recordings of a captain bringing a ship into port, dress up as entertainers, play steel drums and “see how low they can go” with a fun limbo activity. For more information, visit http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE AT THE BETSY-SOUTH BEACH!: Summer officially ends on September 23, but the joy of warm weather continues in South Beach where Miami Spice showcases the very best of Miami gastronomy created by world renowned chefs, including Chef Extraordinaire, Laurent Tourondel of BLT Steak at The Betsy. So pack your bags, and enjoy a luxurious two night stay on South Beach that includes one three-course dinner for two from BLT Steak’s Miami Spice menu. Additional amenities include: Continental Breakfast Daily, Beach Chairs, Plush Towels with Umbrella, Free Wireless Internet, and Daily New York Times. Inclusive rates start at $569 with your arrival from Sunday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturdays, enjoy an upgraded BLT Blackboard Special at an inclusive rate of $729. Extend your stay with additional nights, available at prevailing rates. Book by calling 866.792.3879 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866.792.3879 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (Special Access Code: SPICE) or learn more at www.thebetsyhotel.com.
SOLEA AT THE W SOUTH BEACH INTRODUCES FIRST EVER COCKTAIL LIST: Located at the W South Beach, Solea, the award-winning culinary hotpot introduces its first ever cocktail list, created by bartender Tommy Merolla from the W’s bar/lounge Living Room, as well as a slew of exciting new dishes. Brought to the forefront nationally by the recent feature in the New York Times on Living Room’s couture cocktails, Miami’s evolving mixology movement has infused the restaurant with a vibrant new spirit. Honoring the restaurant’s Spanish roots and embracing the vibrant energy of Miami, the list of ten libations, priced at $14 each, is an exciting melding of classic and contemporary ingredients. Much like the individual layers that come together so exquisitely in each of Solea’s dishes, the cocktails’ ingredients are fresh, made in-house and often unusual or difficult-to-find. Elements such as fresh cilantro, basil and ginger root; aloe vera gel; lavender gin; strawberry yuzu; cinnamon simple syrup; bison grass infused vodka; orange blossom water; and cardamom bitters bring an intriguing balance and presentation of flavors, and make sipping a cocktail before, during or after a meal a culinary experience all its own. For more information, phone: (305) 938-3111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (305) 938-3111 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels
KIMPTON’S EPIC MIAMI ANNOUNCES THE PERFECT ‘10-10-10′ MEETINGS PACKAGE: For planners looking for that “perfect 10″ meeting experience this fall, Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel in Miami introduces a pull-out-all-the-stops meetings package just in time for October 10, 2010 (10-10-10). EPIC, the luxury lifestyle waterfront boutique hotel in downtown Miami offering the most comprehensive and distinctively designed meeting space in the market, with services and amenities to match, is committed to creating memorable meetings that are also strong on value. To mark what could be considered the most perfect date in the calendar, Miami’s luxury lifestyle, waterfront boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Miami has created the perfect meetings package with special savings across the board for groups booking 50 rooms or more per night during October 2010. EPIC’s “perfect 10″ meeting package includes:
- A credit of up to 10% to the master account
- Up to 10 category room upgrades (for example, book 10 City View rooms and receive up to 10 Water View room for the same price)
- Up to 10 upgrades to Jr. Suites at group rate for your VIPs
- 10 VIP amenities
- A $500 American Express Gift Card for every $10,000 charged to the master account
- 10 complimentary welcome cocktails for your VIPs
- Meeting attendees receive 10% off their dinner at Area 31
- Meeting attendees receive 10% off spa services provided by Exhale
- $10 off per night for overnight valet parking
In addition to the above, for groups booked over 10-10-10, EPIC will host a complimentary private wine hour event for meeting attendees. Book another meeting at EPIC of equal or greater size to be consumed in 2010 and receive this same offer again. Upgrades are subject to availability. Minimum length of stay for eligibility is two nights, 50 rooms per night. Offer is subject to change without notice. A mutually signed contract must be received by the hotel by September 10, 2010. Offer is not applicable to already contracted groups. For more information, call EPIC sales at 305-424-5226 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-424-5226 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or to send requests for proposals to sales@epichotel.com.
A NEW PRODUCTION FROM THE CREATORS OF STOMP TO MAKE ITS U.S. DEBUT IN MIAMI THIS FALL LAUNCHING THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER 5TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON: The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announced the kick-off to its 5th Anniversary Season with the U.S. premiere of PANDEMONIUM: The Lost and Found Orchestra. From the creators of the blockbuster hit STOMP, this modern, urban symphonic adventure features a cast of 25 performers plus a 30-member choir of local Miami singers. Fresh from sold-out performances in London, Sydney, and Amsterdam, PANDEMONIUM is poised to take Miami by storm, September 16-26, 2010 in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House. Where STOMP creates rhythm with everyday objects, PANDEMONIUM transforms everyday objects into a plethora of invented instruments. Performed by the LFO (Lost and Found Orchestra), PANDEMONIUM recreates every section of a symphony orchestra, using musical saws, bottles, whirly toys and traffic cones. Out of chaos emerges an orchestra. Visit www.arshtcenter.org for up-to-date information for details and schedules.
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER JON SECADA PREMIERES INTIMATE NEW MUSIC VENUE IN MIAMI NOVEMBER 2010: Seating 200 guests, Secada’s at Magic City Casino will offer an ideal setting for meeting friends for cocktails and innovative bar bites, while enjoying great entertainment, ranging from dance-offs, Carnaval nights, and live DJ music. Secada’s will also bring back the intimacy of a live music venue to Miami, where guests will enjoy impromptu evenings hosted by Secada as well as performances by local musicians and emerging acts. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy new Secada’s signature merchandise, including cotton tees, camis, and hats. The venue is in tune with the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s affinity for music and the entertainment arts, and his passion for Miami. To celebrate the opening of Secada’s, Jon will star in a concert - Secada and Friends - on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the casino amphitheatre. The opening of Secada’s at Magic City Casino will be another career highlight for this internationally recognized Latin crossover singer-songwriter and actor who starred in Broadway hit musicals including Grease and Sam Mendes’ critically acclaimed version of Cabaret. In fact, Secada’s career is currently booming. He recently announced his participation on Univision’s first season of its dance competition show, Mira Quién Baila (Look Who’s Dancing), the Spanish equivalent of “Dancing with The Stars,” premiering nationwide on September 12, 2010. In addition, Secada is currently in the studio recording his upcoming Spanish pop album. For more about Jon’s music, concert tours, Secada’s at Magic City Casino, and Mira Quién Baila, visit www.JonSecada.com and www.magiccitycasino.com.
FOR THE 10TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY WILL SERVE AS HOST TO NASCAR’S FORD CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND IN 2011: South Florida again will be the site when NASCAR crowns its Champions in all three of its top national divisions–the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series– the weekend of Nov.18-20, 2011. It’s a unique privilege to host the Championship finales of America’s No.1 spectator sport for a 10th year running. No other city in any other sport can claim such a string: Consider that the Super Bowl, college football’s BCS, the World Series, NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals all rotate their Championship-crowning events from city to city each year. Since the debut of Ford Championship Weekend in 2002, Homestead-Miami Speedway has played host to historic NASCAR Championship moments, including last fall when Jimmie Johnson became the first driver ever to claim four consecutive Sprint Cup Championships. In 2004, Homestead-Miami hosted the first-ever NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, as Kurt Busch became the first to hoist the “Chase” hardware. All told, Homestead-Miami has seen 18 different NASCAR Champions crowned. Kids FREE: Homestead-Miami Speedway is the only venue ever to host all of North America’s premier motorsports Championships, and they’re doing it again in 2010 in hosting both the NextEra Energy Indy Championships (Oct.1-2) and NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (Nov.19-21). Kids 12 & under are FREE to three of the five Championship finales. For more information, visit THEChampionshipTrack.com or call (866) 409-RACE begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 409-RACE end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
A NEW PRE-HEAT GAME DATE SPOT: Amuse, a glossy den of modern French cooking, is now open at Tempo Miami hotel. Despite its location across the street from the AA Arena, this is a relatively quiet, off-the-radar spot to take a date. Walking into the third-floor restaurant, the first thing you’ll want to do is look out the great sprawl of glass framing views of the bay. Take a deep breath and bask. Then, claim a couple of leather chairs and get things socially lubed with a beer or a Cucumber Lemonade. When you’ve got her laughing about your thoughts on Dan Le Batard’s chest hair, step over to the adjacent dining room and ask for a table by the 30-foot-tall windows overlooking the arena. That’s where you’ll want to dive into the mostly Californian wine list and summon plates from the no-stranger-to-Michelin-stars Argentinean/French chef like Soft Shell Crab Tempura, sake ice cream and braised short ribs with scoops of mango beer sorbet. Nothing pairs with alley-oops like mango beer sorbet. For more information call (786) 369-0300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (786) 369-0300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit http://tempomiami.rockresorts.com/dining/amuse.asp.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT MIAMI CIRCLE SITE: At the mouth of the Miami River, an instant city of high-rise condos popped up around the 2,000-year-old Miami Circle in far less time than it took the state of Florida to devise a plan for public access to the ancient Native American site. Now, 11 years after taxpayers ponied up $27 million to save the archaeological relic from getting buried under a condo slab, earthmovers are finally at work transforming the 2.2-acre parcel into the city’s newest — and perhaps most resonant — waterfront park. That the first phase of the Miami Circle Park is close to completion is in large part due to an obscure state board — the Florida Inland Navigation District, known as FIND — that stepped in to help close a budget gap that threatened to again halt the long-delayed project. But by late November or early December, planners say, residents and visitors should gain unfettered access to the site via a new, palm-shaded riverwalk that connects to a year-old public baywalk behind the Icon Brickell condo complex next door. For an urban park, the roughly $1 million plan is simple and frugal: Aside from the riverwalk, it includes some landscaping, lighting and signage. A drop-off loop will provide auto access from Brickell Avenue. The ancient circle itself will for the foreseeable future remain buried for protection, its circumference delineated by paving stones. A new “ceremonial” circle will occupy the point where the river meets Biscayne Bay, a location archaeologists believe held special significance for the Tequesta tribe, Miami’s original developers.
Calendar of Events:
| Miami Spice Restaurant Month |
through Sep.30 |
|
| Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show |
Sep. 3-7 |
http://www.homeshows.net |
| XV Anniversary International Ballet Festival of Miami |
Sep 3-12 |
http://www.internationalballetfestival.com |
| Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon | Sep. 26 |
http://www.escapetomiamitriathlon.com |
| So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2010 |
Sep. 29 |
http://www.aaarena.com |
TO CONTACT US AT: 1-888-766-4264 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-766-4264 end_of_the_skype_highlighting,
September 2, 2010
LaPlaya Beach& Golf Resort . Fall Packages! Fall Prices! Fall News 2010
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Invites Guests to Indulge in
A Fall For You Escape
NAPLES, Fla. – LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort – the only true luxury beachfront, boutique resort on the Gulf Coast of Florida – invites travelers to warm-up this fall and take advantage of rates starting as low as $329/night with the added-value Fall For You Package, including a resort credit, deluxe accommodations and complimentary resort fee and valet parking when booked now through
Dec. 30, 2010 and traveled Oct. 1-Dec. 30, 2010.
<!–[if !supportEmptyParas]–> <!–[endif]–>
Fall For You Package*
(Oct. 1-Dec. 30, 2010)
<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>$50 Resort Credit for a One Night Stay
<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>$100 Resort Credit for a Two-Three Night Stay
<!–[if !supportLists]–>· $200 Resort Credit for a Four-Night Stay or Longer
<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Deluxe Room Accommodations
<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Complimentary Valet Parking ($23 value)
<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Complimentary Resort Fee ($17 value)
LaPlaya offers travelers a refined respite on one of Travel Channel’s best beaches in the world, Vanderbilt Beach. Beach Butlers provide the ultimate luxury for guests relaxing in private cabanas along the cascading pools, from arranging a poolside cabana massage and parasailing excursion to creating personal favorite beverages and providing chilled towels. This Naples beach resort reflects the classic Florida charm through charming accommodations with lush bedding on the luxurious four-poster beds draped with delicate butterfly netting and crisp blue cabanas along a cascading falls pool.
SpaTerre takes spa goers on a sensory stimulating journey, offering Thai- and Indonesian-inspired treatments such as the signature Javanese Lulur Royal Treatment, originally reserved for royalty. Intimate treatment rooms that lead to private patios with traditional outdoor Japanese Relaxation Tubs filled with aromatherapy infused waters and topped with fresh flower petals.
Much acclaimed fine dining restaurant, BALEEN, will reopen its doors this fall with enhanced style amidst the epicurean enclave. Toes-in-the-sand dining takes place as BALEEN offers three daily seatings with palate-pleasing options all consisting of a coastal twist on traditional favorites. Spilling out through grand doors to a terrace with tables overlooking the sweeping beach, and a fire pit beyond.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is the only true beachfront, boutique resort on the Gulf Coast rivaling the élan of South Beach. Capturing a spot on the coveted Condè Nast Traveler “Gold List” and the “Great Hotels” ranking of Travel + Leisure, the stylishly simple escape features a sweeping soft private white beach with Beach Butlers, crisp blue cabanas along a cascading falls pool, David Leadbetter Golf Academy with a private 18-hole Bob Cupp golf course, exotic SpaTerre and stunning sunsets.
For more information on LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, call (800) 237-6883 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (800) 237-6883 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit www.laplayaresort.com
* Credit applicable toward incidentals only and may not be applied toward package rate. Credit is a one time, non-recurring credit. Unused credit will not be refunded. Credit may not be combined with other packages, discounts or offers. Promotional code: FALL.
Discover What’s New this Fall in California. Sep 2010 news.
Contact: Kathryn Burnside, CTTC
916-319-5421 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 916-319-5421 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Jennifer Sweeney, CTTC
916-233-0255 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 916-233-0255 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Naureen Kazi, Publicist
212-725-0707 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212-725-0707 end_of_the_skype_highlighting x162
For Immediate Release
DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW THIS FALL IN CALIFORNIA
New flights, week-long package deals and signature events
SACRAMENTO, CA, August 31, 2010 - With more direct flights into California, it’s never been easier for Canadians to escape to the Golden State. The good news comes just in time for a variety of fall events about to get underway.
“California welcomes more visitors from Canada than from nearly any other country in the world,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC). “With new non-stop service and the diversity of experiences the state has to offer, California is a perfect fall destination for our northern neighbors.”
Air Canada and Virgin America are launching new non-stop service between Toronto and the Golden State. Air Canada now offers non-stop service between Toronto and San Diego as well as Orange County, joining its non-stop service to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Virgin America also recently launched new daily service connecting Toronto, the Canadian film epicenter, to its U.S. counterpart, Los Angeles. WestJet continues to offer easy connections from Eastern Canada to California via Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver. Starting February 2, 2011, WestJet will offer new non-stop seasonal service between Toronto and Palm Springs.
Fall Travel Deals
Air Canada Vacations:
Five nights in San Francisco from CA$999 ex Toronto/ CA$1,029 ex Montreal
Experience San Francisco! Over five days, become immersed in this city’s beauty, bountiful culinary options and world-class culture. Visit the de Young Museum, featuring two consecutive special exhibitions, “Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay and Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne” and “Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay,” or head over the Bay Bridge to Berkeley and explore the new Oakland Museum of California.
Package includes:
-
Round-trip flights Toronto Pearson (YYZ) or Montreal Trudeau (YUL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
-
Five nights’ accommodation at four-star Hilton San Francisco
-
Valid travel dates: September 23 through October 5 and October 19 through November 15, 2010
For more information on the Toronto package, call 1-866-529-2079 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-866-529-2079 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit:
http://bit.ly/AirCanadaVacations-YYZtoSFO
For more information on the Montreal package, call 1-866-529-2079 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-866-529-2079 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit:
http://bit.ly/AirCanadaVacations-YULtoSFO
Prices are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise stated, from Toronto International Airport or Montreal International Airport. Taxes and Fees not included. Vacations to the USA include return flight and hotel as described. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Not applicable to group bookings. Sale prices reflect applicable reductions, are subject to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada’s largest full-service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada. Together with its regional partner Jazz, Air Canada serves over 32 million customers annually and provides direct passenger service to over 170 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a founding member of Star AllianceTM, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. For more information, visit: www.aircanada.com
WestJet Vacations:
Get five nights for the price of four in Anaheim from CA$819 ex Toronto
Stay at the four-star Hilton Anaheim and spend five nights in the famed O.C. For kids and kids at heart, visit Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Head out to the region’s famous beaches - learn to surf at Huntington Beach or mix with the stars at Laguna Beach. Or, search for the elusive “real housewives of Orange County” in the region’s leading shopping precincts at Newport Beach boutiques or Fashion Island.
Package includes:
- Round-trip flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Los Angeles (LAX)
- Five nights for the price of four at the four-star Hilton Anaheim
- Valid September 7 through October 24, 2010
Get four nights for the price of three in Palm Springs from CA$1049 ex Toronto
Escape to sunny Palm Springs for a desert getaway. Play the region’s world-class golf courses, enjoy some spa therapy or just relax by the pool. The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa provides the perfect base for a Palm Springs escape. Over this 45-acre oasis in the desert, swim in one of the resort’s seven pools, tee off on the championship golf course or improve your serve with the staff tennis pro.
Package includes:
- Round-trip flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Palm Springs International (PSP)
- Four nights for the price of three at the four-star Hyatt Grand Champions
- 2010 Departure dates: September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24
Note that WestJet Vacations packages quoted must be booked by September 15, 2010 (11:59 p.m. MT). Flights from Toronto to Los Angeles require a connection in Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver. Until WestJet’s non-stop seasonal service from Toronto to Palm Springs begins, flights offered will connect via Calgary. Other departure cities and dates available, but prices may be higher. Price is per guest, based on double occupancy. Fares on other days may be higher. Taxes and fees not included. Advance booking required. Offer limited and subject to availability. New bookings only. Visit www.westjetvacations.com for details.
For more information on the above packages, contact your preferred travel agent, call 1-877-737-7001 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-877-737-7001 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit www.westjetvacations.com/
About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet’s fun and friendly image, extensive network and world-class guest experience, WestJet Vacations offers guests a personalized, once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. For more information, visit www.westjetvacations.com.
What’s New
For a complete list of what’s new and news in California, visit the California Travel and Tourism Commission’s official media page: http://tourism.visitcalifornia.com/industry/pressroom.
A selection of what’s new in California includes:
In the Shasta Cascade Region, Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding sports a brand new water feature, thanks to months of hard work from Turtle Bay’s exhibits team and generous donor support. Visitors can also join the many GPS and geocaching enthusiasts celebrating the opening of the new GPS Adventure exhibition. Earlier this year, the Chico area welcomed the Gateway Science Museum, located in a chic modern building, which is surrounded by a unique landscape. Visitors will find five separate eco-regions, including a paleo flora area, riparian zone, buffer zone, delta and northern lower mountain region.
In the North Coast Region, there’s wine tasting in unusual places - including Safari West in Santa Rosa. The new Wines over Watusi program launches in October to coincide with the grape harvest in Sonoma and Napa Valley. This unique offer includes a private safari for 10 people with one of Safari West’s knowledgeable guides, touring their 400-acre Sonoma County preserve, with the addition of a private wine tasting somewhere along the trail. Famed vintner Mike Draxton, who has produced wines for a number of labels including El Roy, Heliodoro and Henry Bronson, is opening a tasting room in Geyserville’s Alexander Valley. All of his wines are made from estate-grown or purchased grapes from the Alexander Valley.
In the San Francisco Bay Area Region, travelers coming to Oakland for business or pleasure now have even more options for downtown accommodations. The newly-opened Clarion Hotel Oakland, located at13th Street and Franklin, offers easy access to BART, the Fox Oakland and Paramount Theatres, the Oakland Museum of California, Old Oakland Chinatown and the many fine restaurants in the area. Two consecutive special exhibitions, “Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’OrsayVan Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne” and “Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay” are at the de Young Museum in San Francisco through January 2011.
Delta Discovery Cruises, a family-owned business, has expanded its operations to include the City of Stockton in the Central Valley Region. Their newly acquired vessel, Island Girl, is a luxurious 149-passenger motor yacht based out of the Stockton Waterfront Marina. Hyatt Place UC Davis recently opened, conveniently situated on the beautiful University of California, Davis college campus.
In the Gold Country Region, Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” short story catapulted Twain and Calaveras County into fame. Today, Mark Twain is celebrated in Angels Camp, where there are numerous sculptures, statues and events honoring the author. The most recent tribute to Twain is a new permanent exhibit at the Angels Camp Museum.
It’s pure luxury in the High Sierra Region, as the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite National Park recently opened the 10,000-square-foot Ascent Spa, as well as 15,000-square-foot enhanced comprehensive conference facility. The new spa increases the AAA four-diamond resort’s wellness offerings with new treatment rooms, dry saunas, steam rooms and health classes for guests to enjoy. After much anticipation, the Truckee Railroad Museum opened its doors May 8, on National Train Day. Situated right next to the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks and the downtown train depot, the museum is housed in a caboose and features displays of models, historic photographs and artifacts representing the area’s rich railroad heritage.
In the Central Coast Region, Santa Barbara Adventure Company paired two favorite treats to create a new, mouthwatering adventure: the Tasty Cupcake & Wine Tour. Guests tour the Santa Ynez Valley tasting wine and learning the difference between a pinot blanc and a pinot gris, as on a typical wine tour. But the icing on the cake is a stop at Enjoy Cupcakes in Solvang, where guests sample six miniature wine-infused cupcakes with incredible flavors, such as Pomegranate Mango Chardonnay and Chocolate Blackberry Syrah. Situated on Moonstone Beach in Cambria, the Blue Dolphin Inn offers 20 newly designed guestrooms, including six specialty hotel rooms inspired by locales from all over the world that are home to dolphins, the results of an extensive $1.2 million renovation.
The Los Angeles County Region is packed with new developments, including Santa Monica Place, where SoHo meets South Beach, featuring Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Hugo Boss, Burberry and Kitson. These famous retailers and others highlight the brand new Santa Monica Place Mall, which opened August 6, an outdoor shopping haven with a beachside setting and ocean breezes, unique meetings and event space, stellar ocean-view dining on a rooftop deck, and more. King Kong 360 3D, a new attraction based on the Oscar®-winning 2005 Peter Jackson film, is Universal Studios Hollywood’s new signature attraction. Riders on the Studio Tour tram are transported, via a darkened soundstage, back to King Kong’s home - Skull Island. The action, which takes place before King Kong ever makes his way to the modern world, culminates in a ferocious battle between the world’s most famous ape and a 35-foot dinosaur.
In the Orange County Region, the Discovery Science Center’s newest permanent exhibit, “Rocket Lab,” launched in July in Santa Ana. Located inside the museum’s famous cube, this Lab highlights the history and science behind rocket travel. Experience a rocket launch by surrounding yourself by video screens, blasts of fog and state-of-the-art sound effects. “World of Color” debuted earlier this summer as the first major milestone in the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim. “World of Color” brings Disney animation to life with powerful fountains that become stars of the show as they create the world’s largest projected water screen by combining hundreds of magnificent fountains, dazzling colors and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects.
Two new boutique hotels have opened in Palm Springs in the Deserts Region. The Pool House is a mid-century boutique hotel that opened in May. The intimate six-room property is embraced with stunning mountain views, and rooms that open onto the pool deck with plush cabanas. Its onsite restaurant, The Blue Pear, features a full-service menu. Another recently-opened boutique hotel is POSH Palm Springs. The 1930s Art Deco architectural gem is an 11-room property that offers all-inclusive complimentary three-course gourmet breakfast, light poolside lunches and evening happy hours with appetizer.
In the Inland Empire Region, Lorimar Winery has announced the grand opening of its tasting room in Old Town Temecula next to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. It offers a relaxing atmosphere with premium wines and a friendly, well-trained staff. While a Tuscan-style winery is being built a few miles away in Temecula Valley wine country, the tasting room is open and bursting with activity in a charming brick building located in the center of Old Town Temecula at Front & Main Street.
In the San Diego County Region, the three-year, multimillion-dollar restoration of Old Town San Diego’s Cosmopolitan Hotel has been completed; the “crown jewel of the State Park system” is now open. The Cosmo enjoys a prime location in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, surrounded by museums, historic landmarks and quaint shops, overlooking a grassy plaza. The Cosmopolitan includes an indoor and outdoor restaurant by the same name, boutique hotel with 10 rooms on the second level, along with private dining rooms for special occasions. Paradise Point Resort & Spa along Mission Bay is also open, with a fresh new look to its 462 bungalow-style guestrooms and expansive bay front meeting facilities following a $20-million renovation. Featuring an exotic South Pacific motif, guestrooms were transformed into airy and sophisticated retreats with sleek hardwoods, handcrafted Batik-style bed throws, expansive windows, and contemporary artworks and furnishings.
Sampling of Signature Events September through October 2010
The Taste of Beverly Hills, presented by Food & Wine magazine, September 2-5, 2010, will showcase top chefs and restaurateurs from throughout the area, including “Top Chef” season six winner Michael Voltaggio. http://thetasteofbeverlyhills.com
Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week puts the spotlight on High Sierra fine dining, giving local food aficionados and visitors an opportunity to enjoy three-course, prix fixe menus at participating restaurants for $20, $30 and $40 per person during September 5-12. www.tahoerestaurantweek.com
In Dana Point, the Italian Opera Festival, September 10-19, offers 10 days of opera productions and concerts under the stars at Lantern Bay Park.
www.iaof.org/Italian-Opera-Festival.html
Don’t miss Sunset magazine’s Savor the Central Coast Weekend from September 30 to October 3 in San Luis Obispo, when Food Network chef Tyler Florence will charm his way into the hearts of foodies as the official celebrity chef of the event, providing cooking demonstrations and hosting book signings. www.savorcentralcoast.com
Fort Bragg hosts the scrumptious Abalone Cook-Off & Festival October 2 with wine tasting, clam chowder and live music. www.mendoparks.org/abalone
The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival (AIFF) will debut October 13-17, marking the addition of a world-class cultural event to Orange County and showcasing the latest independent feature and student films. www.anaheimfilm.org
Visit www.visitcalifornia.com/events to search California’s diverse range of events from art and film to outdoors, performances, sports, and wine and dine celebrations.
About CTTC
The California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state’s travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $87.7 billion annually in California, support jobs for 881,000 Californians and generate $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California Visitor’s Guide and California Road Trips 2010, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.
August 30, 2010
How About Ojai VAlley Inn & Spa ? August 2010 news
|
August 24, 2010
September is the Special California Wine Month Hotel Deals. 2010 News
|
What’s New this Summer in Miami. August 2010 News
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700, Miami, Florida 33131
305/539-3084 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305/539-3084 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Fax 305/539-2911
http://www.MiamiandBeaches.com
E-Mail: Media@MiamiandBeaches.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/miamiandbeaches
Twitter: Twitter.com/miamiandbeaches
Contact: Media Relations: 305-539-3084 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-539-3084 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES
MIAMI (August 2010) - The streets of Miami are hotter than ever this summer. New hotels, spas, restaurants, night clubs, retail outlets and other attractions continue to add to the destination’s appeal as a tropical paradise with a chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere, setting the stage for a glamorous summer getaway.
Here is an update on the latest news from Greater Miami and The Beaches this summer:
SUMMER DEALS:
Miami Spice Restaurant Month began August 1 for its ninth consecutive year. Through September 30, more than 100 of Miami’s finest restaurants will offer discounted $22 lunch and $35 dinner three-course menus (excluding taxes and gratuities). Top restaurants like world renowned Hakkassan and Emeril’s make up part of the program. Each menu will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert offering an average discount of 30-50% off regular prices. www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com
Miami Spa Month has been extended! Thirty-six of Miami’s premier spas will continue to offer $99 specials through August 31, 2010. A variety of signature massages and body therapies, normally valued at $199 or above, are available. Spa goers can realize savings of up to 50% or more during the third annual Miami Spa Month at ultra-lux spas such as The Mandarin Oriental Spa and Canyon Ranch Miami Beach. Visit www.MiamiSpaMonth.com for a full list of participating spas.
The Miami 4 For 3 promotion continues through September 30, 2010, offering a wide range of deals at dozens of hotels, restaurants and area attractions that allow visitors to “buy three and get one free”. Transform a three-night getaway to a relaxing four-night vacation, buy three admission tickets and get one free or enjoy a round of four cocktails for the prices of three. www.Miami443.com
HOTEL HAPPENINGS
The Bal Harbour Quarzo, set to open in Fall 2010, is a waterfront luxury Boutique property situated on the western, dry side of Collins Ave, adjacent to the Intracoastal canal and walking distance from the white sandy beaches. Offering a comfortable and contemporary collection of residences featuring units with two bedrooms and two baths of 1,700sqft. This luxury boutique property has the comfort and security of a 5 Star property with the independence of your own home, as well as attractive communal spaces and a great set of amenities. The Bal Harbour Quarzo offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Miami vibe. On the grounds you will also find a tranquil atmosphere for the guests complete with Zen meditation gardens, a Solarium, two heated pools with natural wood decks, a BBQ area and even a chef you can hire to come and cook for you! If you head down to the local beach you don’t even have to cross the street! www.Bal-Harbour-Quarzo.com
The Biltmore Hotel is offering a variety of programs and activities for children throughout the summer including lessons in the kitchen highlighting cooking vocabulary, recipes and etiquette through the Biltmore Culinary Academy for Kids, golf and tennis camps, aquatics classes, and a spa beauty camp with mini Manicures and Pedicures for those small hands and feet. www.biltmorehotel.com.
Anticipated to open in Fall 2010, Vikram Chatwal Hotel’s Dream South Beach will inject a hit of avant-garde edge to the Miami landscape. A vanguard amongst fashion-forward hotel accommodations, Dream South Beach will occupy an ideal position at 11th Street and Collins Avenue, the epicenter of the renowned Miami nightlife and epicurean scenes. With distinctive architectural elements executed by internationally acclaimed designer Michael Czysz (principal of Architropolis), Dream South Beach will expose guests to progressive, fantastical elements while retaining a comfortable sense of personal, “in-your-dreams” sumptuousness. The hotel will also include Chopra Spa, a serene haven of holistic healing with signature ancient Indian Ayurvedic treatments. For more information, visit, www.VikramChatwalHotels.com and www.DreamSouthBeach.com.
Hotel Beaux Arts Miami, a private, 44-room boutique property that fuses art and innovation, will open in October 2010 inside the new Metropolian Miami development. The hotel is the first-ever to be entirely outfitted with Bang & Olufsen in-room entertainment systems including remote controlled video & sound systems, remote controlled drapery, HD-LCD flat screen TV and home theatre system. Replete with the finest in amenities, views, and art-infused accommodations, each room also features rich, Brazilian cherry dark hard wood floors; touch-controlled, illuminated bathroom faucets; an iPad; and luxurious bedding and pillow menu. The amenities at the JW Marriott Marquis are conveniently available to guests. www.hotelbeauxartsmiami.com
The world’s first JW Marriott Marquis Miami opens October 2010. The two-story, 50,000-sq-ft facility will feature a 10,000-sq-ft NBA-approved basketball arena, full-size tennis court, world-renowned Jim McLean Golf School, Virtual Bowling Alley, 3-D media room, Rik Rak Spa & Salon as well as a word-class Fitness Center. Located in Miami’s new Metropolitan Miami (The Met), the 313-room hotel will also feature Miami’s first DB Bistro Moderne, a French/American restaurant by acclaimed chef-restaurateur and winner of three James Beard Foundation awards, Chef Daniel Boulud. www.jwmarriottmarquismiami.com
This summer, Loews Miami Beach Hotel is showing off its new $50 million renovation. The renovation consisted of three parts — the arrival experience, with a completely redesigned lobby including an aquarium wall and porte cochere entrance; the guest experience, with SoBe Scoops ice cream shop and Splash boutique; and the “living” space, with 790 completely transformed guest rooms, suites, bathrooms and hallways. The hotel’s extensive rejuvenation will be completed late 2010 with new cabanas featuring sliding doors and roof decks. www.loewshotels.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami, recently completed a $17 million renovation, completely redecorating its guest rooms and suites, the Oasis Beach Club, and M-Bar martini lounge. All enhanced guestrooms include a private balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay or the Miami skyline. The redesigned Oasis Beach Club offers a variety of choices for guests while lounging and enjoying sun, sand and sea and the private beach recently unveiled new luxury cabanas with flat-screen televisions and bespoke butler service and chaise lounges. Mandarinoriental.com/Miami.
The National Hotel, Miami Beach’s premiere historic beachfront resort announces new lavish Poolside Cabana Rooms and Suites opening August 2010. Each suite will have an oversized private terrace and refreshment/dining area, all overlooking the signature, one-of-a-kind, 205-foot-long swimming pool and surrounding tropical gardens. www.nationalhotel.com.
The Newport Beachside Resort recently launched Seven Seas Salon, a new Aveda Concept beauty space with Dashing Diva Nail Bar. For the style conscious who covet beauty on a budget, the full-service salon and nail bar features affordable services and treatments starting at only $10. Dashing Diva, New York’s favorite nail salon chain, provides a state-of-the-art experience with the most innovative nail care products and services designed for all looking to be pampered. Three modern and unisex styling stations are also available offering professional Aveda cuts and blowouts at reasonable prices. For more information visit, www.NewportBeachsideResort.com or call 305-749-2100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-749-2100 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Opening in Fall 2010, Red South Beach Hotel, located on historic Collins Avenue, across from the white sands of the beach, at the gateway to South Beach in iconic Miami Beach, offers casual luxury and great style in an upbeat and chic boutique hotel. After a multi-million dollar renovation, Red South Beach Hotel is truly a unique destination, only steps from the world class nightlife, dining and shopping of South Beach. Artfully blending classic baroque elements with contemporary finishes, Red South Beach Hotel exudes graceful elegance. The Hotel’s hip design brings you back to an era of simple yet stylish beauty and sophistication. This is your new home away from home in Miami Beach. Your four legged friends are welcome too. Complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel keeps you productive, even by the pool. Didn’t bring your laptop, no worries, we’ll lend you one. If an afternoon on the beach is your desire, we’ve made it easy, beach chairs and plush towels are available at the front desk. From it’s splendid outdoor pool, a welcome drink upon arrival, luxurious bedding, and relaxing outdoor lounge, Red South Beach Hotel epitomizes the essence of a boutique hotel in America’s Riviera, the sexiest playground in the world. 3010 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140, www.RedSouthBeach.com.
Experience the valiantly new Shelborne South Beach, reopening October 2010, in the heart of Miami Beach. Rejuvenated at a cost of US$10,000,000, visionary Jonathan Cardello who has bended the award-winning architectural designs of renowned Morris Lapidus and icon Igor Polevitsky. This new incarnation of one of the original and first luxury high-rise boutique hotels on Miami Beach draws its inspiration from the serene coastal beach and ocean landscapes background of Miami Beach and captures everything the South Beach stands for - excitement, invincibility, fashionable and glamour. The Shelborne South Beach will feature 200 brand new guestrooms;1 & 2 bedroom townhouse apartments, suites, Jr. suites & Executive Penthouse suite; Two Whirlpools, Olympic Size Pool w/ Poolside Bar; a Rooftop Spa & Fitness Club; The New La Esquina, upscale NY Mexican including a Brasserie, Taqueria, Tequila &Wine Bar; Three Entertainment Lounges including the World Famous Studio Lounge; Six flexible Meeting Rooms including a brand new state-of-the-art Ballroom; Production facilities For Sound Top Motion Picture Movie/Film; and 24 hour concierge service. For more information, contact Saun Lightbourne, (305) 341-1318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (305) 341-1318 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, (800) 327-8757 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (800) 327-8757 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Saun@Shelborne.com or visit www.shelborne.com.
Soho Beach House Miami is due to open in Mid-Miami Beach in Fall 2010. Located on the site of the historic Sovereign hotel, their new private members club will offer 44 bedrooms, 6 tower suites, a screening snug, 2 pools, cabanas and a beach, as well as an expansive rooftop “Cowshed” spa with wooden cabins for private treatments and a Cecconi’s restaurant open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.sohobeachhouse.com/.
COOL CUISINE AND NIGHT LIFE
8’s taking over the breezeway in South Beach’s Z Ocean Hotel, plating burgers like their house blend (a meaty conglomeration of sirloin, tri-tip, short rib, and chuck) and edible fun like the Suds & Slider Sampler: three 5oz beers with mini wild boar, lamb, and prime beef burgers. Study major beef accoutrements on the full menu at 8OzBurgerBar.com.
Michael Bloise, formerly exec chef of Wish at The Hotel, will be opening a neighborhood noodle shop in the Biscayne corridor in the Fall 2010, American Noodle Shop. For more information, contact Susan Brustman, (305) 573-0658 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (305) 573-0658 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, sbrustman@brustmancarrinopr.com.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts embarks on its fifth anniversary season with the new Bombay Sapphire Lounge. Opening October 8, 2010, the lounge will offer a variety of cocktails and tapas in an indoor/outdoor setting. It is located on the Arsht Center campus at the base of the restored Art Deco Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Miami. www.arshtcenter.org
The Viceroy has launched Bistro E, a new wallet-friendly lunch service in the Eos restaurant space, with items as low as $5 and no more than $22. Try the $15 “bento” box, a three-courser with things like a grilled cheese BLT and key lime pie. Open daily 11am-4pm daily, Eos, 485 Brickell Ave, 305-503-0373 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-503-0373 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. http://www.viceroymiami.com/cuisine/bistro_e.html
La Fee Verte, Miami’s first members-only burlesque and absinthe club, opened in June 2010 in North Miami Beach. French for “the green fairy,” La Fee Verte is like a 1920s Paris bordello crossed with the Delano and a dash of The Shining. Everything is meant to arouse-from the vintage erotica on the bar’s countertop to the women’s bathroom walls clad with midcentury strippers to the swings suspended from the ceiling that double as lounge seating. You’ll want to get here around 11pm-bring some friends or a date you want to seduce-and pile onto an oversized bed in the VIP area to catch the stripteases, aerial tricks and contortions that go on each hour. From there, you’ll begin an absinthe-fueled journey fraught with old standbys (Pernod, Lucid) and novel varieties (a white version from Switzerland, absinthe chilled through an ice block). And if you get tired of taking it straight, barkeeps will be mixing up the green elixir with champagne or classic cocktails like Sazeracs. 912 71st St., Miami Beach, FL 33141, 305-865-5955 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-865-5955 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, http://www.clublafeeverte.com.
Magic City Casino, Miami’s first and only casino to feature over 7000 Las Vegas style slot machines is launching a new music hub, Secada’s which will feature Jon Secada in performance and hosting musical guests. Bar food and specialty cocktails will be offered. The all-new Magic City Casino also features an 18-table Poker Room, outdoor concert amphitheater, live greyhound racing and multiple food and beverage outlets, among other state-of-the-art amenities. http://www.magiccitycasino.com
For more information, contact Susan Brustman, (305) 573-0658 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (305) 573-0658 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, sbrustman@brustmancarrinopr.com.
SAWA Restaurant & Lounge (which means “together), has arrived to the upscale shopping venue of the Village of Merrick Park. In the heart of Coral Gables, SAWA is the suave and sexy Mediterranean restaurant, bar and lounge from charismatic restaurateur Ramzi Zahr. This reasonably priced eatery, which also offers an exciting list of cocktails, and a sidewalk cabana/hookah lounge, showcases executive chef Jouvens Jean, formerly of Atrio and Solea, who creates a melding of Mediterranean inspired spreads, kebabs, salads, entrees, and by popular demand, sushi. An intimate 2,500 square foot space that seats 60 indoors and up to 70 outdoors was designed with the harmonious balance of yin and yang in mind. The interior boasts dark wooden tables, bar and chairs with white leather upholstery and funky white chandeliers. Crisp white walls are tastefully dressed in the vibrant art by Chady Elias who will change his “interactive art” exhibits every few months. For more information, visit www.SawaRestaurant.com or contact: 305-447-6555 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-447-6555 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Legendary NYC burger spot, Shake Shack set up shop in Miami in June 2010. This location, housed on the ground floor of the cutting-edge 1111 parking garage, differs from its NY siblings in that it’s mostly an indoors affair. There’ll be tables outside eventually, but for now the handsome interior, with its 30-foot ceilings and counters made from repurposed bowling alleys, is where you’ll bring a date before catching a movie across the street, or after a long day of beach volleyball with a gaggle of Eastern Bloc women (Estonians prefer extra relish). As far as the retro-American snack grub, here’s what you should expect: griddle-cooked burgers on the smallish side, made with fresh-ground, antibiotic- and hormone-free Black Angus beef. They’re cooked to order, so while you’re waiting for your ShackBurger (American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce), you can sink a straw into one of the restaurant’s trademark super-thick shakes made with vanilla custard. And because it’s an indoors joint, you can also cut loose with an Abita, ShackMeister Ale or Brooklyn Lager. 111 Lincoln Rd Building on Lenox Ave; South Beach; 305.434.7787 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305.434.7787 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Goldman Properties will be opening a 4,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Wynwood, the emerging arts district, next door to Joey’s, called Wynwood Kitchen & Bar. The patio dining will be on the green area that houses Wynwood Walls, the largest collection of museum-quality street art in the U.S. It’s slated to open November/December 2010. For more information, contact Susan Brustman, (305) 573-0658 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (305) 573-0658 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, sbrustman@brustmancarrinopr.com.
EPIC Hotel & Residences celebrates the opening of ZUMA, London’s award-winning restaurant, making its U.S. debut. The brainchild of German chef Rainer Becker, ZUMA offers a sophisticated cuisine philosophy inspired by the informal Japanese dining style called Izakaya. www.zumarestaurant.com or www.epichotel.com.
ATTRACTION ACTION AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Coral Gables Cinematheque - This much-anticipated art cinema located directly across the street from Books & Books on Aragon Avenue will offer international programming, opening late August/early September 2010. www.cinematheque.org.
Coral Gables Museum - Opening October 10, 2010, the Coral Gables Museum will be located at the city’s historic fire and police station on Aragon Avenue. The museum will showcase the civic arts of architecture, urban design, planning, and historic and environmental preservation. www.coralgablesmuseum.org.
DECOBIKE, the official City of Miami Beach public bike sharing and rental program debut in June 2010. The Green Transportation Revolution has begun and the City of Miami Beach and its world-famous South Beach Art Deco district is helping lead the way with green practices and sustainable transportation initiatives. DECOBIKE Miami Beach is the new ZERO-pollution public transit system for residents and visitors alike that is also healthy, fast, and efficient. It requires no fossil fuels and has the efficiency equivalent of over 3,000 miles per gallon. The City of Miami Beach is helping lead the way with green practices and sustainable transportation initiatives. DECOBIKES will include approximately 1,000 Custom Program Bicycles, 100+ Solar-Powered, DECOSTATIONS located in the Public Right of Way will include all major attractions, shops, hotels, condos, offices, beaches, parks and civic centers in South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach and will have Automated Operation 24/365. www.decobike.com
Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, will host Patriot Golf Day on Sunday, September 5, with all proceeds benefiting the Folds of Honor Foundation, a scholarship fund for dependents and spouses of service members that have been killed or disabled as a result of military service. Cost for participating is $150 per person, and tee times start at 8:00am. www.doralresort.com or www.marriott.com/miadl.
Homestead-Miami Speedway will host both the IndyCar (October 1 through 2) and NASCAR (November 19-21) Championships in 2010. Construction has been completed on a $3 million, state-of-the-art leaderboard as well as LED displays featuring high-resolution graphics and statistic information. The enhancement offers the finest technology available in motorsports, allowing fans to experience all of the on-track drama as superstars Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick, Dario Franchitti-and South Florida-residents Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves, and Tony Kanaan-all race for Championship glory. Tickets are now on sale and available by calling 866-409-RACE begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-409-RACE end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visiting THEChampionshipTrack.com.
Jungle Island have welcomed several new residents to its animal family this summer. Joining the jungle are a family of prairie dogs, a baby camel, a baby zebra and a family of marmosets (the smallest primates in the world). The new Garden Outpost will provide a wide variety of fun including Floating Beach Balls, life-size, see-through spheres to climb inside to literally walk on the water of a crystal clear pool. Also, through the end of summer, guests can meet the wild wonders Dr. Wasabi has found from his world travels - from a baby warthog to an alligator snapping turtle; baby Hamadryas baboons to African penguins. www.jungleisland.com.
South Beach’s Lincoln Road celebrates its 50th anniversary since being redesigned by famed Miami Modern (MiMo) architect Morris Lapidus. Recent enhancements to this iconic Miami attraction include new luxury stores on its east end at Washington Avenue and recent block-long expansion west to Alton Road, which includes 4-3, MAC, Journelle, Osklen, Coltori, Swarovski, All Saints and Herve Leger. The promenade’s captivating 1111 Building and its iconic new parking garage will become another mainstay for visitors of Lincoln Road, with its open-air design, black and white geometric stone paved plaza, and native Floridian landscaping, a tribute to the flora that once dominated the region in the early 20th century. And in January 2011, the Frank Gehry designed New World Symphony performance hall will also open.
The City of Miami Beach and Arquitectonica, an international architecture, interior design and planning corporation headquartered in Miami have executed an Agreement for the development of a Campus Master Plan for the Expansion and Enhancement of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Arquitectonica has presented a preliminary plan for the expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center which includes: a new 60,000 square foot multi-purpose space; a 20,000 square foot junior ballroom; 200,000 square feet of new exhibition space; more than 100,000 square feet of additional meeting space; and expanded parking. Arquitectonica, now working on architectural designs and other elements, predict improvements would cost over $500 million. http://www.miamibeachconvention.com
The newly renamed Zoo Miami (formally Miami Metro Zoo) will open this summer a new $168,367 Indian Rhino Encounter Station where zoo patrons will have a unique opportunity for up-close and personal encounters with Indian rhinos. www.miamimetrozoo.com.
TRANSPORTATION
Coastal Car Worldwide and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have entered into an exclusive agreement to provide round-trip luxury shuttle transportation from 1665 Washington Avenue in South Beach to the Hard Rock Casino. The shuttle service will serve as the gateway for Miami Beach tourists and locals to visit the area’s premier gaming facility. Upon arrival at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, all passengers over 21 will receive $25 in FREE casino play and a $7.50 meal voucher thus covering the entire shuttle price. www.CoastalCar.com/HardRock.
A New Car Rental Center has opened at Miami International Airport, for the first time bringing under one roof all the major and many of the smaller car rental companies that offer vehicles at MIA. The opening of the rental car center will mark completion of the first major phase of the $1.7-billion Miami Intermodal Center travel hub, which by 2015 will connect in one site virtually all county modes of transportation: aircraft, cars, Metrorail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak and perhaps in the future high-speed rail. The MIC, as the travel hub is known, is one of three major transportation projects underway in South Florida — along with the $1.8-billion reconstruction of Interstate 595 in central Broward, and the $1-billion construction of a tunnel under Biscayne Bay to the Port of Miami. The new system will replace the multiple rental car shuttle buses now operating at MIA, one of the key contributors to traffic congestion on the MIA road network. Reducing congestion at and around MIA and linking modes of transportation in one hub have been key concepts behind construction of the MIC, which includes the rental car center, the still-under-construction Miami central station and transit services and major upgrades on roads leading to the airport. The MIA Mover station will be housed at the Miami central station, which will also house new platforms for Metrorail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak and eventually perhaps a high-speed rail to Orlando and Tampa.
RETAIL NEWS
The Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) recently completed a $56,000 village-wide beautification project to its central business district by installing more than 100 beautiful hanging flower baskets along the central business district’s sidewalks, and erecting 6 colorful bicycle racks within the District in shapes of an electric guitar, and actual bicycle and other artistic designs. This project has encouraged bike and pedestrian friendliness in Coconut Grove. www.coconutgrove.com.
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is a non-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-76-Miami end_of_the_skype_highlighting (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-447-7777 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-539-3000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-933-8448 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305-539-3071 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com. Follow GMCVB on Twitter: @miamiandbeaches or on Facebook: Facebook.com/miamiandbeaches.
August 10, 2010
Classic Cinema with Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. August 2010 news
Celebrate Classic Cinema with Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
August 5, 2010. (Ojai, CA)—Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is paying homage to classic films over the coming months with the Ojai Classic Film Series. This Series, which began last month, celebrates three timeless films: West Side Story, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Birds.
On August 21, 2010, the series will feature To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the most influential films ever made. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa will be hosting Mary Badham, the 1962 Oscar Nominee for Best Supporting Actress, who played the roll of Scout, for a question and answer period. The Q&A period will begin at 7:45pm, followed by the movie at 8:45pm.
The third and final film, The Birds, the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock classic starring Tippi Hedren, will be screened on October 30th. A yet to be named actor from the film will be attending the event.
The town of Ojai is no stranger to hosting major film events. From November 4th to 7th, the Ojai Film Festival will take place in the Ojai Valley, giving attendees the chance to see some groundbreaking new films.
For movie buffs, this upcoming festival is the perfect opportunity to plan a visit to Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. With its premier championship golf course, five restaurants, award-winning spa village, kid’s programs and Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary, the Inn provides the ideal setting to relax in between films!
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is located in the historic town of Ojai named by Chumash Indians and meaning Valley of the Moon. Ojai is one of few towns in the world to have a ‘Pink Moment’ that occurs daily as the sunsets. The fading sunlight creates a brilliant shade of pink on the Topa Topa Bluffs (over 6,000 feet), at the east end of Ojai Valley. Ojai is an artistic and cultural centre for film, music and poetry and hosts the oldest competitive tennis tournament in the US dating back to 1893.
About Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Since 1923, vacationing guests have sought the tranquil pleasures of the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, an AAA Five Diamond property located on 220 tree-shaded acres offering an incredible golf course ranked as one of the finest in North America. Located 35 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is approximately 90 minutes north of LAX. Affirmed by its many prestigious awards and fresh from a $90 million renovation, this legendary Inn is one of North America’s unique hidden treasures. For reservations, contact 1-800-422-6524 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-422-6524 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit www.ojairesort.com
Miami News. 9th Annual Miami Spice Restaurant Month Program. August-September 2010
August 2010 www.MiamiandBeaches.com
OUT AND ABOUT IN MIAMI
Thank you for your continued support of Miami! The monthly Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Relation’s e-newsletter is filled with story leads you can develop,
including exciting news and events. Enjoy!
9th ANNUAL MIAMI SPICE RESTAURANT MONTH PROGRAM KICKS OFF THIS MONTH: Currently in its 9th year, the annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program launches August 1st with an array of new culinary additions. The program will take place August 1 - September 30, 2010. During that time, Greater Miami’s finest restaurants will offer three course prix fixe lunches, at $22 per person, and dinners at $35 (excluding taxes and gratuities). Each menu will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert offering an average discount of 30-50 percent off the regular value. For the first time ever, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) sponsored a spectacular Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Hall D on Saturday, July 31, 2010. The event, which launched the much-anticipated Miami Spice Program showcased a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants. A VIP reception, hosted by Miami Spice presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, included an open bar and complimentary valet service. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish. www.ILoveMiamiSpice.com.
THE SETAI LAUNCHES EXCITING THEME NIGHTS: As part of a summer-long celebration of its Fifth Anniversary, and on the heels of a new menu launch at its signature restaurant, The Restaurant at The Setai, one of Miami Beach’s most beautiful and acclaimed properties, is introducing a series of not-to-be-missed food, beverage and entertainment-oriented theme nights including Flavors of India - Wednesdays Launching August 4 - Every Wednesday night from 7pm to 11pm, Thursday Night Jazz at The Setai - Launching August 5, and Dim Sum and Champagne Fridays -Launching August 13. setaidining@ghmamericas.com or www.setai.com/anniversary
THIRD ANNUAL MIAMI SPA MONTH STILL RUNNING STRONG: Currently in its 3rd year, the annual Miami Spa Month program showcases Miami’s premiere spas which offer special treatments for $99. Greater Miami and the Beaches are renowned for its luxury spas that are ranked among the “Best Spas in America,” and are the favorites of spa connoisseurs throughout the world. Miami Spa Month will run July 1 - August 31, 2010. For an up-to-date list of participating spas visit www.MiamiSpaMonth.com.
‘EAT, PRAY, LOVE’ WEEKEND AT THE SONESTABAYFRONT HOTEL COCONUT GROVE: While most people cannot go to Indonesia, India and Rome where author Elizabeth Gilbert traveled to and serves as the backdrop for the blockbuster film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove and the new Paragon Grove 13 luxury movie theater have created an exclusive weekend taking guests on a gastronomic and meditative voyage celebrating the debut of the movie August 13 - 15. The
special package, from $199 per person, includes relaxation and rejuvenation journeys offering snap shots mirroring themes from the film. www.sonesta.com/coconutgrove
‘MIAMI 443′ CAMPAIGN PROMOTES SUMMER TRAVEL: Now through Labor Day, ‘Miami 443′ campaign is offering a wide range of deals at dozens of hotels, restaurants and other area attractions that allow visitors to buy three and get one FREE. Spearheaded by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the four-for-three promotion allows value-hunting families and friends to transform a brief three-day getaway to a relaxing four-day vacation. The Miami 443 campaign offers extraordinary value across a diverse spectrum of lodging and dining options, attractions and tours. Taken together, these deals make it possible for visitors to enjoy a world-class vacation in Miami this summer at a fraction of the regular price. For a sampling of the four-for-three deals now being offered visit, www.Miami443.com.
PARTY AT MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S NORTH TERMINAL: Through the end of August, passengers traveling through Miami International Airport’s North Terminal this summer can experience the sights and sounds of South Florida every weekend afternoon without ever leaving the airport. Westfield Concessions Management, which operates several stores at MIA, has partnered with the airport to host South Florida-themed passenger events every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 3:00 p.m. Weekends in August will include a variety of musical performances, entertainment, food samples and contests.
MIAMI SPICE CELEBRATION PACKAGE FROM MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI: In conjunction with Miami Spice restaurant month sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers the “Miami Spice Celebration” package providing a summer getaway of luxury and culinary delights. From August 1 to September 30, 2010, guests can savor this gourmet package with luxurious accommodations for two nights, American breakfast daily and choose from the three-course Miami Spice dinner menu at the high-energy Azul restaurant or the Miami Spice lunch or dinner menu at the waterfront Café Sambal. Additionally, the hotel’s concierge will provide his favorite picks from participating Miami Spice restaurants. Rates for the “Miami Spice Celebration” package based on double occupancy are from USD 548 for a two-night stay. The Miami Spice menus are available Monday through Friday at Azul and Sunday through Thursday at Café Sambal.
www.mandarinoriental.com
FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL: In an effort to celebrate the rich artistic and cultural tapestry of the performing arts in Miami, The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and the Adrienne Arsht Center join forces to present the first ever full-day festival spotlighting Miami’s arts and service organizations. For one day only, September 12th, the Adrienne Arsht Center and surrounding streets of Downtown Miami will come alive with a massive celebration of Miami’s artistic pulse. 13th Street will be closed to traffic and filled with performances on the FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL stages. Performers, artistic leaders, and community service partners will all collaborate in a grand-scale celebration of the coming arts season in South Florida. FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL is a free festival and will unite the local community in a unique and special way, offering organizations the opportunity to showcase their performing arts offerings and community service opportunities. www.arshtcenter.org
KIMPTON’S EPIC HOTEL OFFERS ‘KING-SIZED’ SAVINGS TO MIAMI HEAT SEASON TICKET HOLDERS AND FANS FORTUNATE TO SNAG TICKETS FOR THE UPCOMING 2010/2011 SEASON: With published reports of a sell-out of season tickets for the upcoming Miami Heat 2010/2011 season, those enviable season ticket holders, and fans who book their stay through www.MiamiHeat.com, are eligible to receive savings fit for a king from Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel, the top-rated hotel for luxury, style and service located within walking distance of the American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami. With the new season set to begin this October, EPIC is extending a discount of 20% off the best available rate to season ticket holders who book a stay at the hotel during one of the 2010/2011 season Miami Heat home games. Season ticket holders also receive a complimentary appetizer at the hotel’s critically-acclaimed Mediterranean-inspired premium seafood restaurant, Area 31, and a complimentary upgrade based on availability, when they present their season ticket holder credentials at check-in. All other Miami Heat fans who book their stay at EPIC through the Miami Heat website (under Promotions tab) are also eligible to receive the 20% best available rate savings. To apply 20% best available rate savings, use booking code: HEAT. And for those out-of-towners in need of extra “leg-room”, EPIC offers 13 specialty “tall rooms” with longer beds, king-sized for taller guests. EPIC’s tall beds are 9″ longer than its standard size beds, measuring 72″ wide x 89″ long. “Mascots” are also welcome courtesy of EPIC’s pet-friendly policy, which ensures all pet guests receive a pet bed, treats and toy upon arrival. www.epichotel.com
Calendar of Events:
Miami Spice Restaurant Month Aug. 1- Sep. 30 www.ilovemiamispice.com
9th Miami Salsa Congress Aug. 4 - Aug. 8 www.miamisalsacongress.com
July 28, 2010
Unprecedented Value for Summer Travel to MIAMI
701
Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700
305/539-3084 305/539-3084 , Fax 305/539-2911
http://www.MiamiAndBeaches.com
E-Mail: Media@MiamiandBeaches.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/visitmiami
Twitter: Twitter.com/miamiandbeaches
Contact: Jennifer Haz, Assistant Media Relations Manager,
UNPRECEDENTED value for summer travelers in Greater
GMCVB’s
(
“Summer promises to be extraordinary in
Miami Spice Restaurant Month kicks off August 1 for its ninth consecutive year. Through September 30, more than 100 of
Thirty-six of
The ‘Miami 4-4-3’ promotion also continues through September 30, 2010, offering a wide range of deals at dozens of hotels, restaurants and area attractions that allow visitors to “buy three and get one free”. Transform a three-night getaway to a relaxing four-night vacation, buy three admission tickets and get one free or enjoy a round of four cocktails for the prices of three. www.Miami443.com
“With travelers still yearning for outstanding savings this summer travel season,
Below is a sample of four-for-three accommodation packages at some of the destination’s leading hotels:
Fairmont
443 Promotion
From rates as low as $116.50 a night, Fairmont Turnberry Isles is offering guests free golf on its 36 championship holes, featuring challenging doglegs, manicured landscaping and the world famous “island green.” Exclusive of taxes and gratuities. Valid through September 30, 2010.
443 Promotion from $199 per night
From $199 a night, spend four nights for the price of three nights. Included in this package is a coupon book providing savings throughout the hotel on dining, activities and in the spa. Separate 443 dining deals are also available at Gotham Steak, Hakkasan, and Scarpatta. Lapis Spa & Salon is also offering a complimentary manicure for any three services purchased. A playground of the stars for decades, the Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach is one of
Hyatt Regency
Stay more, Save More from $109 per night
Business travelers can also benefit from Miami443.com. Stay three nights and receive 20% off the Hyatt Daily Rate each night or stay four nights and receive 25% off the Hyatt Daily Rate each night at Hyatt Regency Miami. Located in the heart of downtown
Mondrian
443 Promotion from $195 per night
Book three nights at Mondrian and get the fourth night free. With rates starting at $195 a night for a studio room, this stylish quiet enclave is minutes from the bustling center of
443 Promotion/Miamitini Summer Package from $129 a night
From $129 a night, stay four nights for the price of three nights. Package includes a complimentary “Miamitini” cocktail or house beverage for two at the Lobby Bar or Deco Lounge on arrival. Also enjoy complimentary breakfasts for two and redeemable vouchers for two slices of pizza at Pizza Bar of South Beach, boasting to have one of the largest and tastiest pizza’s in the continental
Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove
443 Promotion from $159 a night
At $159 a night, stay four nights for the price of three nights. Package includes complimentary breakfast for two each day at the onsite Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge and wifi access. With blue waters that beckon, and hip neighborhood shopping, discover the heart and beat of
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call
1-888-76-Miami 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777 305-447-7777 . To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000 305-539-3000 . Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com.