Community Information

November 13, 2015

Thanksgiving Giving in and Around Miami

The other day I read that over 46 million people in the United States (about 14.8%) are in poverty, including 15.5 million children under the age of 18. I’ll admit it: I was shocked when I read that statistic. The first thought that came to my mind was, “What can I do to help?” I firmly believe in the importance of giving back to the community, which is why I cherish my involvement with Big City Mountaineers and Miami Children’s Health Foundation. Now that we’re entering the season of giving thanks, it’s a perfect time not only to appreciate all that we have to be thankful for, but also to share what we do have with those who are less […]
November 6, 2015

What’s Going On in Coral Gables: Food, Wine & Spirits Festival

Prospective homebuyers considering the Coral Gables area should not miss the upcoming Food, Wine & Spirits Festival. The sixth edition of this annual event, which has evolved into a sophisticated, well-run week of foodie fun and celebration, takes place November 9 to 15 in downtown Coral Gables (on Giralda Ave between Ponce de Leon Blvd and LeJeune). It’s a perfect opportunity to get a taste of the enthusiastic and diverse community that makes up the perennial favorite of the southern Miami suburbs. The first component of the event is the Food, Wine & Spirits Week (Nov. 9 to 13), with an interesting lineup of tastings, VIP dinners, new product intros, even a beer fest taking place each night (from 7pm […]
October 30, 2015

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween in Miami

Halloween in Miami is a whirlwind of dance parties, costume nights, and theme cocktails on the party scene, but away from the nightlife, Miami’s southern suburbs offer some of the safest, most enjoyable trick-or-treating streets around.   Try the storefronts of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile for a safe, all-in-one-place trick-or-treating destination. Enjoy story time at Books & Books, a photo booth at the Leica store, and live performances at the Actors’ Playhouse, plus plenty of parking at the surrounding garages.   Soak in beautiful views of Biscayne Bay while walking the equally beautiful streets of Palmetto Bay with your little ghouls. The Village of Parks is extremely family-oriented, so you can feel safe bringing your little ones here for some […]
October 19, 2015

A Big Charity Event for Big City Mountaineers

Time does fly…. I am honored to say that this marks my 13th year hosting the BNI Charity Golf Tournament, which takes place on Friday, October 23. This event is dear to me for many reasons. First of all, 100% of the proceeds from the tournament go to the Big City Mountaineers. For those of you who are not familiar with this organization, Big City Mountaineers is a non-profit that was founded in 1989 by my father, who firmly believes that nature is a powerful teacher. The organization’s mission is to provide urban teenage youth in need of positive adult mentoring with a challenging and safe wilderness experience led by qualified adult volunteers. Believe it or not, through these expeditions, […]
October 1, 2015

What’s Next for Downtown Gables?

  If you read the real estate coverage of the Miami Herald with any regularity, you have probably taken note of the big development plans on the horizon for the historically quiet suburb of Coral Gables.   Among the 16 proposed and approved new, high-density projects announced for the highly desirable enclave are the Mediterranean Village at Ponce Circle, a million square feet of hotel, condos and shopping across 6.7 acres south of the Mile on Ponce de Leon Boulevard; 33 Alhambra, a proposed 16-story residential tower to be built on the block behind the historic Coral Gables Elementary School; and the Collection Residences, a 10-story building with 270 luxury condos and 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.   This […]
August 7, 2015

Can’t-Miss August Events

The greater Miami area is a diverse and high-energy place, offering something for every taste and interest. Attending a special festival or event, whether it’s a onetime event or an annual tradition, is a great way to take in the local flavor and get a feel for whether a certain area is a good fit for you and your family. Whether you have your sights set on one of the city’s family-friendly southern suburbs or are still exploring your options, these cool August events are a great way to experience the signature Miami magic.     For Football Enthusiasts: The Miami Dolphins Friday Night Festival & Scrimmage When: Friday, August 7 Where: Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium What: Get […]
July 31, 2015

Beat the Heat: Cool Cultural Attractions

  Though we can’t control the climate of the place we choose to live, buyers often want to know if a prospective neighborhood has amenities and cultural offerings to help keep busy when the weather is less than perfect. I previously wrote about some of the area’s best pools—but some days you need a break from swimming, or boating, in the sun. Luckily, Miami has plenty of other ways to beat the heat, whether it’s spending the afternoon at a museum or strolling the shady perimeters of a historic estate.   The Coral Gables Museum This neighborhood cultural hub, which also serves as the City Beautiful’s official visitors’ center, puts on a full roster of events both on the museum […]
July 21, 2015

South Miami-Dade Summer Camps

As a parent, I understand the importance of having access to solid summer-camp options. It’s especially nice when a town has several more specialized programs, too, for kids with focused interests. The family-friendly neighborhoods of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay offer many great options, many of which are already under way for the season—in which case, you can always stop by for a preview and make plans for next year. Most area schools provide summer programming for their students, too, so check with your child’s institution to see what’s on offer.   Camp Palmetto Bay The Village of Palmetto Bay runs the 8-week multidisciplinary Camp Palmetto Bay in June and July, which takes advantage of local attractions to keep kids engaged […]
June 8, 2015

Coral Gables Restaurant Week

One of Coral Gables’ most alluring characteristics as a neighborhood is that it has its own thriving, highly regarded restaurant scene. There is no better opportunity to sample the local flavors and get a feel for the neighborhood’s unique foodie fervor than during Coral Gables Restaurant Week. This year, the 8th installment of the annual tradition kicks off on June 4, with Taste of the Gables, a ticketed food-and-drink-sampling event taking place at the Westin Colonnade Hotel. The official promotion window for Restaurant Week then begins June 8 and runs through June 28 (so…it’s actually three weeks long, which is a good thing, because that gives you more time to try more spots). No matter your preferred cuisine or dining […]