Fantastic new(ish) home for ICA. We went for the Dolce and Gabbana exhibit. Very impressive space…read moreand a really fantastic exhibit. Admission was reasonable for the exhibit at $23 (adjustable demand by day pricing... think it ranges up $40 Staffers were warm, friendly and helpful. The exhibit itself was a huge amount of fun. Be sure to explore the neighborhood outside as well as the museum...design district is incredibly cool. Old derelict warehouse neighborhood transformed into luxury boutiques. Parking in this neighborhood is almost never free...several different local parking garages or cheaper pay by phone on neighborhood streets (just be careful of residents only zones)

Ever since I heard it was coming to Miami, I've wanted to see this exhibit. I finally made it…read moreduring its final weeks, and it far exceeded my expectations. The extent of my fashion knowledge runs more to Emily in Paris and the Devil Wears Prada but I love history and art and this fashion is steeped in both. Dolce & Gabbana: From Heart to Hand is a blockbuster exhibit currently on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami's Design District. Dolce $ Gabbana was founded in 1985 by Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Madonna launched them into international fame when she picked them to design the wardrobe for her 1993 The Girlie Show World Tour. Known for their glamorous Mediterranean style they are firmly rooted pop culture dramatically dressing A list celebrities for red carpet appearance. Curated by Florence Müller, the exhibit showcases more than 300 pieces of Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and jewelry alongside archival treasures, artwork, and the cultural traditions that inspire them, including Sicilian tiles, opera, and Baroque art. The exhibit winds through three floors on the west side of the museum. Each room is more jaw-dropping than the last. The clothing and jewelry are true works of art. Take your time examining the exquisite details in each piece. I thought I would be done in an hour, but I ended up spending more than three hours immersed in the fairytale world of Dolce & Gabbana. Parking is available in the garage across. the street or along the street. Tickets range in price from $26 to $42 depending on when you visit. This is a not-to-be-missed exhibit, but you only have until June 14 to see it.

During SOBEWFF I got the chance to attend my share of events - and I'm always super impressed with…read morethe venues. Of course there's a ton of action right on the beach - which is always cool. There were a couple of hotel events. Then there was Croquetas and Champagne in the Design District - as soon as I saw the name of the event, I hopped on it, not even thinking of where it would be held. Basically this is a high end shopping mall - that converts it's open air courtyard into an event space. This was one of my favorite events from SOBEWFF - maybe because of the 86 croquetas I ate - but also because it was such a cool venue to host it at. There was a stage set up with some live music. The entire perimeter was lined with vendors, a bar right in the middle when you enter and there was sufficient places to put down your drinks/plates. Trash cans were plentiful. The bathrooms were located on the second floor - and were spotless the entire time. That whole second floor area could of easily fit an additional 200 people I felt. It never felt crowded, downstairs - and there was a good amount of folks. It was pretty cool that one of the jewelry stores was actually open during the event, and allowing folks in for a sip/to look around. As someone that throws these kinds of events for a living, I really was impressed with Palm Court as a venue. Now to convince my counterpart in Miami to throw a party here ;D

Located in Miami's Brownsville neighborhood, the Historic Hampton House was once known as the…read more"Social Center of the South." Originally built in 1954 as the Booker Terrace Motel, it became a premier place for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era and remains one of the few surviving Negro Motorist Green Book hotels in Miami. Published by Victor Hugo Green from 1936 to 1966, the Negro Motorist Green Book was an indispensable travel guide for African Americans, listing hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and businesses where Black travelers could expect safe and respectful service. At a time when segregation and discrimination made travel dangerous, the guide provided a lifeline for families on the road. Publication ended after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed legal segregation, making the guide's mission increasingly unnecessary. The Green Book later inspired the title of the 2018 Academy Award-winning film Green Book. The Hampton House also gained renewed attention through the 2020 film One Night in Miami, which dramatizes the evening of February 25, 1964, after Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston to win his first heavyweight championship. The film imagines Ali celebrating at the Hampton House alongside Malcolm X, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke. According to local history, it was here that Ali enjoyed the famous bowl of vanilla ice cream he had promised himself after the fight. More than just a motel, the Hampton House became an important gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. It welcomed influential figures such as Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is said to have practiced an early version of his "I Have a Dream" speech here in 1960. Its renowned pool and jazz club also attracted legendary performers including Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, and many others who could entertain audiences on segregated Miami Beach but were prohibited from staying there overnight. Following desegregation, economic activity gradually shifted away from Brownsville, and the Hampton House closed in 1976 before falling into decades of neglect. Thanks to determined preservation efforts led by the Dade Heritage Trust and local community advocates, notably Dr. Enid C. Pinkney, the Historic Hampton House was saved from demolition in 2002. Miami-Dade County purchased the property, and a $6 million restoration project transformed the abandoned motel into a museum and cultural center, that opened in 2015. In 2022, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today you can tour the two-story, fifty-room, modernist style inn featured a jazz club, restaurant, and swimming pool. Tickets are $25 for a 45 minute tour but they sometimes host events with free tours. Check their website for dates and details. As someone who loves history I appreciate this time capsule of mid century modern design but more importantly the Hampton House is an important symbol of resilience, civil rights, and Black history that continues to educate and inspire.

I visited the Historic Hampton House today and received a splendid, history tour from Nyota. The…read morehistory deserves to be told and shared of its origin, renovation and significance today. Highly recommend visiting this remarkable place.

5 Stars all around for this BBQ and wine festival! They had so many tasty bbq items at the…read moredifferent restaurant booths! Once you arrive in the area on the beach you are overwhelmed at how big the place is. There's a DJ midway through and live band at the far end. There's an overhang so if it rains you at least have some coverage. Guy Fieri was amazing at being the host. He had one of his chicken booths and gave out the awards at the end to the top 3 restaurants that everyone voted on with the wooden chip they give you once you enter.

We were lucky enough to attend 4 events at SoBeWFF 2020 (Barilla Italian Bites, Taste Jamaica, Goya…read moreGrand Tasting, and Beachside BBQ) and this was the last of the 4. We felt like we had kinda gotten things figured out. Get there early and try to experience most things before "everybody else" arrived. This strategy had worked quite well on the other events, but NOOOOO luck on this one. Geez Louise. Perhaps this is the one a lot of folks paid for early entry or else "everybody else" also got there by the 7 start time. Or perhaps I was overtired and fussy from all the eating/drinking that we had done for the last 2 days. ;-) I would have to call this one #OverSold. I honestly felt afraid in the big tent there were so many people and so little room. There was at least one guy smoking (!?!?) a cigarette at a table in the tent. And there was no rhyme or reason as to where the lines formed. Perhaps a few switchbacks might help to keep lines from going straight out into the walkway? Not sure. The opening band was very good but we didn't stay for opening act. And the volume was actually okay (as opposed to many of the other tents during the festival that had such loud music you couldn't even hear/talk to the bartender of the nice folks at the food booths). We did find a way to try several BBQ options. I do wish people would move away from the serving area once they have their sample. Lamb Chops were sold out by 8pm. Seemed kinda early for things to already be gone. Also, needed more drink stands with bourbon, etc. We enjoyed the Old Fashioneds! The beer stand never seemed crowded. But I did appreciate the access to bottled water.

I am an old lady who often makes mistakes on the computer, and when I ordered a bracelet from the…read moremuseum my order reverted to my default address instead of the new one. I freaked out and called their number expecting no help. A young woman named Sloan answered the phone, understood immediately what happened, said no problem she would get back to me and within forty minutes got back to me saying the problem was solved. This service is unheard of in this age of bots and whatnot. From now on, I am doing all my shopping here.

First of all, I need to explain that I'm an Anglo. If you are from Cuba, then you're response will…read morebe way different. I think Cuban heritage folks will give is 5-*. But I'm not, so I have to speak solely from an Anglo's perspective. I gather this used to be a contemporary art exhibit. Well, now it is a museum on the Cuban diaspora. It seems wide-ranging and highly professional, but having no connection to the Cuban community, it just did not engage me. The 3-d video dioramas were awesomely well done, though, so I could appreciate that. There is also two floors of FIFA soccer exhibits. Again, having no interest in European football, I found it unengaging. It also costs $14, which is not cheap for what you get. However, you can park for free at the MDC garage if you tell them where you are going. And the security lady there was very sweet, a lovely human being. So, as far as art goes, it is really a zero. The Cuban-American story is presented very well, but won't be germane unless you are of Cuban extraction. The European football exhibit, however, was thrown together silliness. No educational value at all, just a bunch of gee-gaws, like gold-plated footballs.

What a beautifully and well organized event. Loved how safe I felt with the covid restrictions…read more Everyone in attendance honored (from what I witnessed) the mandates. Each artist represented had beautiful art and pieces of their soul displayed in a beautiful manor. Was honored to be able to meet and speak with some artists. Sir Daniel certainly was the most kind and approachable artist. Love the passion he expressed with each piece displayed. Cannot wait to make this part of my annual tradition.

Art Basel weekend in Miami was awesome! Hubby & I visited New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) in the…read moreMiami Design District. It had a beautiful garden in the front lawn surrounded by art pieces & hammocks to relax on/unwind with skyscrapers in the background. Inside, there were fabulous paintings, sculptures, drawings and numerous unique pieces at some hefty prices. There were a handful of affordable pieces, but most were untouchable. The untouchable ones were sponsored by galleries. We collected information about the artists and learned the history and inspiration behind the pieces. For more travel tips, fun info & reviews visit @emptynestliving1

Fleurs De Villes is a 10 day cultural arts event held at Bal Harbour Shops in conjunction with…read moreWomen's History Month. Local florists cover mannequins in a stunning array of flowers and plant materials. This is the world wide launch if this year's theme, Flora. While the flower installations are mainly at the mall they are also at several other locations throughout Bal Harbour including the beach, hotels, parks, and Village Hall. Flora is the Roman Goddess of spring and this year the theme celebrates fashion and rebirth. Floral designs were created by Aniska Creations, Anthology Co. LLC, Atala Miami, Blake Roses, Connections and Creations, Formaneta, Hydrangea Flowers and Events, Isáchi Flowers & Crafts, Jk Bouquet Floral Design, Jassi & Co Creative, MOLLY Flowers & Decor, Petunia's, Something Blooming, W & W Flowers & Events Design Group, Indigo Hues Designs, Petal Productions, and Gilded Group Decor. My two favorites mannequins were by Jassi & Co, located by the escalator and and the pink rose dress on the first floor by Aniska Creations but honestly they were all amazing. I also tried to take in a few of the other installations throughout Bal Harbour. This is one of my favorite events every year. In conjunction with the floral displays, Bal Harbour Village offered a number of events including floral pastries at the St. Regis Bar, afternoon tea at La Gourmandise, botanical spa treatments at the St. Regis Spa, and a flower crown-making workshop and a hand-tied bouquet at Waterfront Park. Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end so hurry in as the last day is March 8th.

The Miami Springs Historical Society, founded in 1986, runs a small, free museum in Charles B. A…read moreStafford Park. It is open on Saturdays from 12-4 PM. When I arrived the door was locked and I thought they were closed but if you knock they will let you in. Maria, a member of the historical society was volunteering her time and she could not have been nicer showing me around and answering questions. She told me that the museum collection was curated by one gentleman who donated it to the historical society. The City of Miami Springs donated the building. Without dedicated people like these so much history would be lost and I am grateful that they donate their time and effort to keep history alive. The purpose of the museum is preserve the city's heritage along with that of neighboring cities. Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Opa-locka were founded by famed aviator Glenn Curtiss who was a contemporary of the Wright brothers. Curtiss started his career building and racing motorcycles. From there he moved into building airships racking up many flying firsts along the way. His innovation in planes helped the military in the run up to WWI. His planes were also used during WWII. His accomplishments and inventions are too many to list. He was considered the Henry Ford of the aviation world. Curtiss moved to Miami in the 1920's where he founded 18 corporations and developed Miami Springs in the Pueblo Revival architectural style. He passed away at the young age of 52 from complications from appendicitis surgery in 1930 but he left his presence all over this area. Some of the displays are about his development company. In a side room there is an interesting 10 minute movie about Fair Havens and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg of the cereal fame. The building was originally the opulent Hotel Country Club and the Battle Creek built in 1926 by Glenn Curtiss in the Pueblo Revival style to give prospective home purchasers a place to stay. In 1929, during the economic downturn, Curtiss sold the hotel to his friend, health, and wellness expert Dr. John Harvey Kellogg for the sum of $10. Dr. Kellogg lived and worked out of the Miami Battle Creek Sanitarium for many years where he treated patients, developed new soy-based food products, wrote, and raised his large adopted family. Kellogg was ahead of his time with his ideas on health and wellness. He lived well into his nineties. The room the is set up to look as it would have during Kellogg's time. Today the building is an elderly residents home. Many of the other displays are about Pan Am and Dinner Key. Dinner Key was used as a base of operations for the U.S. Navy, Pan American World Airways, and the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1917 the first continental naval air station in the country was created. During WWI Dinner Key was used as a Naval Air Base. In 1930, Pan American World Airways built a large terminal and hangers for flying boat service to Latin America. The City of Miami purchased Dinner Key in 1946 and one of the Pan American hangers was turned into the Dinner Key Auditorium. Fun fact, this is where Jim Morrison of the Doors was arrested in 1969 for indecent exposure at a concert for 10,000 people. He was convicted but died in Paris before he could be made to serve his sentence. Today Dinner Key is the site of the Miami City Hall that was created from the Pan American terminal in 1954. Three of the four Pan American hangars are used for boat storage and Dinner Key is now a marina. Anther display is about the Hialeah Park flamingoes. Considering that this is a small space, there is a lot to look at if you take your time. The flight attendant outfits for Pan Am through the years is a fun display from a fashion perspective. Thank you Maria for sharing your time with me. Although the museum does not charge a fee they accept donations and they have a small gift shop. If you too like history and are in the area on a Saturday afternoon, I highly recommend you stop by.