Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa

http://www.mommymusings.com/christmas-town-at-busch-gardens-tampa/



Busch Gardens Tampa is getting ready to launch the biggest Christmas celebration ever! Christmas Town will transform the park into a nighttime holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas, filling guests’ senses with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors, and creating a beautiful new tradition for Tampa Bay families.

For the first time in the park’s 53-year history, visitors to Christmas Town will experience all-new evening attractions, shows and shopping from 6 to 11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Nov. 30 through Dec. 23.

I was able to get a sneak peek of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, and I couldn’t be more excited about the event when it open this holiday season! Christmas Town will be a separate-ticketed night event, meaning it is not included with regular daytime admission, Fun Cards or annual passes.

Christmas Town will offer a lot of value with advance tickets at $29.99 for ages 10 and up, and $9.99 for ages 3-9. Pass members can enjoy an advanced rate of $24.99 for adults and $9.99 for kids, while night of event tickets are $39.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. Your best best is to buy tickets in advance!

Here’s a look at how Busch Gardens will be transformed in Christmas Town:
– Celebration Village brings together the rich, warm colors of Christmas and heartfelt voices lifted in song to welcome guests as they enter Christmas Town. Draped in jewel-tone ornaments and glowing lights, the Moroccan Village comes alive with local choirs in the Marrakesh Theater and shops full of holiday gifts.

– Family and friends will cozy up to brave the chill in the air along Ice Wonder Way. The frozen pathway sparkles and shimmers in the night as snowflakes dance down the front of the Moroccan Palace, welcoming guest for special performances of the all-new Christmas Town ice show.
– Wild colors, exotic decorations and intricate animal patterns create the kind of Christmas found only in nature! Stretching along the Cheetah Hunt walkway, Jungle Jubilee welcomes guests to Florida’s only triple-launch coaster and the iconic Crown Colony restaurant, featuring special holiday fare and the new Carol of the Bells light show.
– Just around the bend, Candy Cane Lane gives Christmas Town a peppermint twist. Red and white lights twinkle in the trees throughout the Nairobi area, calling to mind the beloved Christmas confection and pointing guests down the path to the Christmas Town Express and Santa’s House.

– Experience the humble magnificence of that first Christmas night and remember the real “reason for the season” and along Miracle Way. Guests will marvel at a topiary representation of the Holy Nativity and illuminated angels, set along the Stanleyville Bridge in the warm glow of Christmas lights and sacred holiday music.
– Christmas has come to Sesame Street! Elmo and his friends are all dressed up in their holiday best at Sesame Street Season of Fun, ready to pose for pictures and plenty of hugs with kids of all ages who stop by to wish them a funny, furry Christmas.
– When its warm in December and there’s more sand than snow, celebrate a Floridian Christmas with a touch of the tropics in the Enchanted Flamingo Valley. Guests will be “thinking pink” as they encounter decorated palm trees and a flock of festive flamingos created from thousands of twinkling pink lights.
– Christmas is in full bloom along Poinsettia Parkway, where guests can lose themselves among hundreds of the traditional holiday flowers and feast their senses on delicious holiday treats.
– On your way to play in the snow, stop by Jingle Bell Junction and climb aboard a pint-sized train for a holly-jolly ride designed especially for young guests, located at the crossroads of Christmas Town in Gwazi Plaza.
– Guests can find the perfect holiday gift or indulge in a delicious seasonal treat as they explore Christmas Town Village. Set along the Gwazi Park walkway, tiny Christmas cabins will scent the air with seasonal treats like apple pies and strudels, gingerbread cookies, eggnog and roasting nuts, as well as a delicious array of flavored popcorns, roasted nuts, waffles with ice cream, fruit-filled
crepes, rustic sandwiches, homemade potato chips and Starbucks coffees and hot chocolate.
– Enjoy a nostalgic white Christmas – in Florida! – in Christmas Town Park. Guests can experience real, frozen snowdrifts in the Show Wonderland snow play area, meander among quaint cabin shops, pose for pictures with strolling snowmen, and finish off the night with an exclusive concert with the Grammy Award-winning group Jars of Clay.

And while Christmas Town will offer guests the opportunity to ride some of Busch Gardens’ most popular  roller coasters, including Cheetah Hunt, SheiKra and Gwazi, the special event will also offer some equally special rides and attractions exclusive to the nighttime experience:

• All aboard the Christmas Town Express for the biggest Christmas carol sing-a-long on wheels! Friends and family are invited join in singing traditional songs of the season like “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” while circling the park on a beautifully lit vintage-style steam locomotive.
• The Claus family invites you into their North Pole home at Welcome to Santa’s House. While the elves are busy preparing for Christmas, Mrs. Claus is in the kitchen baking holiday treats, but even Santa himself will take a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet and take photos with families in his private study.
• Straight from the South Pole, the Christmas Town Penguins have brought a bit of ice and snow all the way to Florida! Come chill with these dapper little creatures and marvel at their underwater antics at the penguin habitat, located near Candy Cane Lane in the Nairobi area.

Guests who have come to love Busch Gardens’ traditional holiday shows will still be able to see Christmas on Ice, Christmas from the Heart and Christmas Celebration during the day. But at Christmas Town, new shows and surprise guests who will provide a very special evening of family-friendly entertainment:

• Busch Gardens’ Crown Colony House restaurant sets the stage for an stunning ballet of music and light each night under the stars. The Carol of the Bells features tens of thousands of Christmas lights covering the façade of the stately building, set in motion to a choreographed presentation of stirring seasonal songs.
• World-class skaters will bring to life favorite Christmas songs both traditional and contemporary, in a cool, all-new snow-inspired ice show, produced especially for Christmas Town by the creators of Christmas on Ice and Iceploration.
• Jimmy Osmond’s Christmas Jukebox features Jimmy Osmond and his family singing favorite Christmas tunes and sharing special holiday memories each night in the Stanleyville Theater. In the true spirit of Christmas, Busch Gardens is joining Jimmy in his work with the Children’s Miracle Network, and will be making a donation to local Tampa Bay-area kids in need.
• Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian artists Jars of Clay will provide an uplifting finale each evening with an exclusive concert in Gwazi Park. Performing both original hits and holiday favorites, the group will send guests on their way with music in their hearts and the spirit of Christmas in their souls.
• For those who can’t wait to get their night at Christmas Town started, guests are invited to pull up a chair at Mrs. Claus’ Family Feast for a special evening filled with stories, songs, a delicious buffet of traditional holiday fare, plenty of opportunities for holiday hugs and photos with Mrs. Claus and her favorite elves, and exclusive no-wait access to Welcome to Santa’s House and Snow Wonderland after dinner. Seating is $20 for adults, and $14 for children 3-9 (plus tax).

For more information, or to purchase tickets to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, visit www.ChristmasTown.com

Miami Daily Deals for November 12

Miami Daily Deals for November 12

November Events @ Pinecrest Gardens!

November Events are in Full Bloom! Let the Holiday Celebrations BeginFeatured This MonthMasquerade in the Gardens; Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens & Next Generation Jazz Showcase; Orchestra Miami; The Marleys on Stage; Art Opening; Chick Flick Wednesday; Family Friday; Horticulture Lecture Series; Gardens Gallery; Botanical Arts & Crafts; and a Special Holiday Fantasy Light Show... Pinecrest Gardens' 46 Nights of Lights

Masquerade in the Gardens Pinecrest Gardens Annual Fundraiser Saturday, November 3, 7:00 p.m. Click on image for information It's not too late to get your tickets for a spectacular night of dining and dancing under stars at our inaugural gala this coming Saturday, November 3rd at 7:00 p.m. The elegant evening will commence at Lakeview Terrace, where VIPs, taste-makers and local celebrities will sip signature cocktails provided by Bacardi and dine on gourmet cuisine provided by Macy’s Catering. Let the party begin when you enter a magical atmosphere on a red carpet while being serenaded by Venezuelan recording star Thania Sanz. Entertainment will also include stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters and an exclusive performance by renowned jazz diva, Debby Orta and her trio on Lakeview Terrace. The evening will continue with dancing and music in the meadow, which will be transformed into a nightclub setting with ringside tables and dance floor. Music will be provided by the Continental Brass Band and DJ Mike Pileggi. As the night draws to a close, attendees will receive a gift bag of goodies--no one will leave empty handed. Tickets for the black tie optional evening are $150 per person, all-inclusive. For reservations, call (305) 669-6990. Spam AllStars Saturday, November 10, 8:00 p.m. Click on image for full season information Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens presents Grammy nominated Spam AllStars; Miami’s most coveted band and originators of the oh-so-cool "Miami Sound". Join us for a wild intoxicating night when DJ Spam and the AllStars chime in on sax, trombone, guitar, flute, congas, timbales and just about anything else they can get their hands on to make you move your feet. Gary Alexander, legendary guitarist, vocalist and jazz columnist quotes, “They are a tour de force of world electro-funk that is blissfully groovy.” Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for delicious pre-concert dining by Macy's catering (use your Macy's credit card to collect additional points). To purchase tickets, click here! An American Soldier’s Tale Sunday November 11, 7:00 p.m. Click the image for details In honor of Kurt Vonnegut’s 90th Birthday, Orchestra Miami presents the gripping story of Pvt. Eddie D. Slovick, the only US soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War, set to Igor Strainsky’s unforgettable music for “Histoire di Soldat”. It's an emotionally packed fully staged performance featuring four actors, seven musicians directed by Michael Yawney and conducted by Elaine Rinaldi. When asked by New York Magazine, "It must have been visceral to write..." Vonnegut answered, "Yes, it was. It was a unique event in American history, and The Execution of Private Slovik, (the book), was out of print. Slovik deserves to be kept alive." Gates open at 6:00 p.m. for refreshments by Macy's catering. Tickets $25 & $30, to purchase click here. Next Generation Jazz Artist Showcase Clifton Heights Jazz Project Saturday, November 17, 8:00 p.m. Click on image for information. Join us in welcoming The Clifton Heights Jazz Project; a conglomerate of eight incredibly talented musicians from across the country. Lead by guitarist Zach Larmer, these young jazz virtuosos have joined together to bring you fresh material, from original compositions to standard jazz repertoire turned upside down. Drawing from the classic American songbook, bluegrass, funk, classical, and modern jazz, the Clifton Heights Jazz Project has a little something for everyone. General Admission $10, to purchase tickets click here. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments will be provided by Macy's catering. Family Friday at the Gardens The Pirates: Band of Misfits Friday, November 16, 8:00 p.m. For information click the image Family Fridays continue with The Pirates: Band of Misfits. Bruce Diones of the New Yorker calls Pirates " beautifully staged, delightful, and exciting”. This wonderful animated film features the voices of Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek and Jeremy Piven. Flashlight Tours at 7:00 & 7:30 p.m., the movie begins about 8:00 p.m. and we serve the best hotdogs and popcorn in town. General admission, $5 and children under 2 enter free. Chick-Flicks at the GardensHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Wednesday, November 21, 8:00 p.m. Click image for information Live music, martinis and a movie under the stars. Your favorite night out with the girls (or guys) continues with How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days. Hollywood.com quotes “You gotta love love love it, especially when it's devious, deceitful, selfish, brutal and manipulative." Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) is an advertising executive and ladies' man who, to win a big campaign, bets that he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days. Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) covers the "How To" beat for "Composure" magazine and is assigned to write an article on "How to Lose a Guy in 10 days." They meet in a bar shortly after; and the rest is romantic comedy history! Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for live music, cocktails and tapas, movie at 8:00 p.m. Gardens Gallery Berry Van Boekel Top 100 Image: John Coltrane and Miles Davis, 13.25" x 10", oil on wood, 2008 For 30 years Dutch painter, Berry Van Boekel, has been working on his Top 100 series. This ongoing project is a testament to Berry’s love of music. Every year he compiles a list of the 100 most listened to songs and proceeds to paint the musicians. The Top 100 show at the Gardens will consist of 100 paintings selected from over 2,000 in Berry’s collection as well as several large scale paintings inspired by the natural beauty surrounding his home in Ft. Myers, Florida. The opening reception will take place on Friday, November 2nd from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The show will continue through to January 3rd 2013. From the Ground Up--A Garden Re-Imagined Herbs in Containers & Coffee with the Plant Guy Gardens Gallery, Hibiscus Room Click on image for information Get in touch with your inner “green thumb” when our new season of lectures kicks off with a terrific presentation by Horticulturist Craig Morell. On Wednesday, November 14th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and Thursday, November 29th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. learn all about Growing Savory Herbs in Containers. The demonstration features all the needed steps to grow and harvest fresh savory herbs for your kitchen and table. The steps to success are both easy and fun to learn. Hibiscus Room Gardens Gallery. $5 fee includes lecture and refreshments. Learning Made Fun Botanical Arts and Crafts November 3 & 17, 2:00-3:30 Click image for full schedule Join us on Saturday, November 3rd or Saturday November 17th 2:00-3:30 p.m. for Krafts 4 Kids; our wonderfully creative and educational arts and crafts class. It’s all about learning and it’s all about fun. Children ages 6-11 will journey into the world of the Iroquois Nation and experience the First Thanksgiving and the food that was harvested as they create a work of art to bring home. Classes are limited to 20 children and the cost is $5 with all materials included in the price. Call for reservations in advance at 305-669-6990. Pinecrest Gardens' 46 Nights of Lights Holiday Light Festival Click image for information A new and spectacular holiday light festival is coming to town and you can find it right here in Paradise. Join us when we throw the switch and light up the night Thanksgiving Day, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. This brilliant and beautiful festival featuring over 60 different larger than life light installations will be open every night at the Gardens for visitors from 6:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. through January 6th. Many of the evenings we will be featuring entertainment for children including storytelling, puppetry, music and more. Macy's Catering will be providing sweet treats and snacks including delicious eggnog and hot cocoa. Celebrate the season in our tropical winter wonderland. General Admission is $5, children under 2 enter free. The Journey An Omeriah Malcolm Music Foundation Second Annual Benefit Concert Thursday, November 29, 8:00 p.m. James Malcolm, the youngest of the Bob Marley cousins has created an event that depicts his family's journey from the Africa in the 1500s to the present though orchestral music, dance and song. The Journey and Celebration of the world-renown Marley family will feature Pianist James Malcolm, Stephen Marley featuring Orchestra Miami, Gospel Choirs and a Troupe of Dancers from Senegal. VIP tickets are $100 which include a pre-concert reception with the artists and preferred seating. All other tickets are $60.00. Proceeds will provide music education and equipment for underprivileged children in Ethiopia, Jamaica and South Florida. Call 305-669-6990 for ticketing information. Farmers Market: Fresh Produce & More Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Click on image for information Enjoy the fresh air while selecting your fresh produce, spices, home-baked breads, hand-made pastas, organic products and much more at Pinecrest Gardens' Farmers Market, every Sunday. Each week we will be joined by more local fresh produce growers as we head into November when the full-blown Farmers Market will be back in full swing. The market is open from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and admission is Free. While you are there, enjoy the purchases you have made at one of our many picnic areas in the Gardens, or overlooking the magnificent view on Lakeview Terrace. COMING NEXT MONTH... Flamenco Once Again Lights Up The Banyan Bowl Stage Click the image for information Flamenco Puro, Saturday, December 1st Pinecrest Gardens presents the world-renown, Flamenco Puro Dance Company featuring Artistic Director, Choreographer and Dancer Clarita Filguerias. For 25 years Clarita has performed through Europe, Latin America and the US. Among her many credits include touring with the Gypsy Kings. Join us Saturday, December 1st at 8 p.m. when this extraordinary company of dancers, singers and musicians bring all of the magic and allure of Spain to the Banyan Bowl, for one night only. This show is sure to be sold out so we would recommend purchasing tickets early by clicking here.

Voting Day 2012 and why this one was different for me!

......and so it has arrived Voting Day 2012! they say it's the most important Election in history....I guess we will see.  To be honest I wasn't even sure if I was going to vote this election, for what? was it really going to make a difference....I have quite the cynical hubby at home with his own views so I debated for a while.  Kept my opinion mostly to myself although Facebook and social media was inundated with my friends political choices. Let's just say some of them were not shy at all!  You really have to love this country.  Being able to express openly how you feel Yup! I love AMERICA! 

So I think my main reason for voting this election was simply, it was my choice!  I simply could! There was no one waiting to harm me, threaten me, my life wasn't in danger, I didn't have to hide what I was doing, I could even post lawn signs in front of my house stating who I was supporting (My daughter said we should make a sign that said Vote for Tacos!).  I could just walk up and cast my vote and suddenly, at my age (i'm not that young anymore) it meant the world to me.  I thought of my parents when they were in Cuba and of the people in Venezuela with the past election and so many others who don't know what it is to vote or can't and suddenly I felt very honored to live where I do and for the freedom I have, I know it sounds corny but it's so true.  So I made up my mind.  I decided I was going to early vote.  Now I'm not going to lie I knew I would have to wait but not ahem...5hrs!!

So me and my good friend, Luis got up on Saturday and headed off to vote.  Mind you my girls were in tow and I knew it wasn't going to be easy.  The older one had been discussing the election process in her civics class so I told her that it would be great to see first hand the voting process (she wasn't thrilled but didn't have a choice).  My little one, you got to love her had already voted, yes! She logged on to NickJr and voted.  They held an election just for kids and she was very excited to cast her vote.  I asked her who she voted for and she said for Obama.  I asked her why and she said because he's rich and cool.  Oh well!  It's her choice right????? (good girl!)

So while we stood in line, (and let's remember we stand in line on black friday, for the latest Iphone, tickets to a concert, the latest sneakers, to get someone's autograph, to see a movie) I was determined to make it to the finish line.  I texted my hubby several times with updates, to which he said I was crazy and then said he gave me props for my determination.  It didn't matter though I was there because I wanted to and I was going to make a difference.

My girls on the other hand had no choice lol.  The older one drew random people in line on her sample ballot (she was a hit) while the little one tried to make fire, skinned tree limbs, hung from vines and climbed trees (hey at least at Disney you get a ride at the end of the line here, well she got to check some books out).  I got so much more!  I made it! 5hrs later I had finally voted and received my sticker....needless to say I wore it all day!  I was really proud of myself.

I think we all loose faith from time to time and that is ok but we have to believe that there is something greater out there and when you are determined, don't let anyone stop you.  I wanted to make a change and although I know there is a part of me that realistically thinks at times there are other hands at work it has to count for something, it has to make a difference if not why bother? why exist? why live?  My daughter asked me mom, why vote?  I looked at her and said voting is a special privilege. I signed up a long time ago and it's my duty, plain and simple.  Today I get to exercise that right.

....and so here we are Election Day - Nov.6, 2012! Running for President of the United States, your candidates: Barack Obama and Mitt Romney who will win?  that my friends calls for a new chapter and a new post.

So very proud of all of you who voted! You truly ROCK!!!!

November Events

November is a beautiful month in Miami, with the weather beginning to cool down, and plenty of special events to choose from.

French Spice - November 2012

Start Date: 11/01/2012   End Date: 11/30/2012

French Spice November 2012 Experience a taste of France among the diversity of Miami in November 2012! French Spice offers a fine dining experience with 2, 3 and 5-course lunches and dinners at very attractive prices. French gastronomy enthusiasts will enjoy authentic French wines starting at $20 per bottle and $6 per glass. Lunch: 2-course lunch for $15, 3-course lunch for $25 and Dinner: 3-course dinner for $35, 5-course dinner for $50. More information HERE

Santa's Enchanted Forest
November 1, 2012 - January 6, 2013
Experience this Christmas wonderland anytime from early November through early January.


France Cinema Miami Festival
November 2-4 & 9-11,2012
Enjoy first-run French films with English subtitles, presented by French Feelings Films.


H&M Grand Opening
Thursday, Nov 8 12:00p
at Lincoln Theatre, Miami Beach, FL
To celebrate opening day, H&M at Lincoln Road will offer the first 500 shoppers in line an Access to Fashion Pass, valued from $10 to $500, in addition to fantastic giveaways and opening offers for the whole family! Live music by DJ Irie

Read more here: http://events.miamiherald.com/miami_beach_fl/events/show/291429765-hm-grand-opening#storylink=cpy

 

Easter Seals 24th Annual Festival of Chefs Nov 8 7:00 pm
The Rusty Pelican

Paradise Under the Stars - A Night in Old Havana

Start Date: 11/09/2012

Paradise Under the Stars:  A Night in Old Havana Friday, November 9 6:30 pm-12:30 am In celebration of the Museum's first anniversary and the opening of the major exhibit, Building Bacardi: Architecture, Art and Identity, the Coral Gables Museum is presenting a party to remember

 http://www.festivalsmiami.com/index.php?sec=events&e_id=8248


Barnacle Under Moonlight
November 9, 2012
A concert held on the second Friday of the month at the Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove.


Exponica International: The Fair of the Americas
November 9-11, 2012
Annual exposition and festival showcasing Central and South American culture.


 

TASTE OF PERU 2012 Nov 9 11:00 am
Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Convention Center


The Ramble: A Garden Festival
November 9-11, 2012
Visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for South Florida's oldest and most loved garden party.


South Florida International Auto Show
November 9-18, 2012
Car-related merchandise and more than 1,000 of the industry's latest vehicles for the upcoming year are on display.


 

BBQ Cook Off Nov 10 12:00 pm
Miami Carol City Park

Downtown Miami Riverwalk Festival
Start Date: 11/10/2012

	Family Day on Aragon! 11/10/2012 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Have you ever built a gingerbread house? Get into the Holiday mood with our 4th  Annual GingerBuild Competition. Today, the Museum will offer a 1pm GingerBuild  Workshop to teach you basic baking, frosting and decorating gingerbread house- making skills, and hopefully inspire you to enter our 4th Annual GingerBuild  Competition!  Pre-registration is required for the workshop, $10 per family (1-4 members) extra  members are $5 per person. Then at 3:00pm, the FIU Collegium Musicum presents  "Bach and Before" in the Abraham Family Gallery. The concert is free!

 http://coralgablesmuseum.org/upcoming.php



Gulfstream Park Art Festival Nov 10 10:00 am
Village of Gulfstream Park

 
Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival
Nov 10 6:00 pm
Boca Corporate Center & Campus (former IBM Headquarters)


Annual Fall/Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, Nov 10 9:00a
at First United Methodist Church of South Miami, Miami, FL

Read more here: http://events.miamiherald.com/miami_fl/events/show/285082865-annual-fallholiday-bazaar#storylink=cpy

http://www.firstumcsouthmiami.org/



 

Arts and Craft Fair Nov 10 11:00 am
The Shops at Midtown Miami


Doral Design District International Taste of the Arts
Saturday, Nov 10 10:00a to 4:00p
at Doral Design District, Miami, FL
will be on NW 79 Ave between NW 29th and 33rd Street.
The general public will get to know the Design District and Doral’s internationally renowned tile and marble merchants. Thousands are expected to attend. Local merchants, businesses and community groups will have booths with food, arts and more.  http://events.miamiherald.com/miami_fl/events/show/285868785-doral-design-district-international-taste-of-the-arts#storylink=cpy

STILTSVILLE, KEY BISCAYNE AND CAPE FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSE BOAT TOUR

Start Date: 11/11/2012 STILTSVILLE, KEY BISCAYNE AND CAPE FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSE BOAT TOUR November 11, 9:00am - 11:30am Voted best tour, Miami New Times. Enjoy this beautiful boat trip with Dr. Paul George to one of Miami’s hidden gems—Stiltsville, a remnant community of seven houses perched on stilts in the middle of the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. See the Cape Florida Lighthouse, learn about the history of Key Biscayne and hear stories of Bikini Club parties and nefarious mobsters. Advance reservations and payment required. HistoryMiami members: $44; Non-members: $54; Children $25 Book your City Tour! Online CLICK HERE Call 305-375-1621 or email: citytours@historymiami.org

Family-Style Sundays at The Stage Nov 11 1:00 pm
The Stage
 

Palmetto Bay Food and Music Festival Nov 11 4:00 pm
Palmetto Bay Village Center


Miami Beach Food Truck Music Festival Nov 14 5:00 pm
North Shore Park


The Village of Merrick Park Announces November Holiday Celebration
Thursday, Nov 15 6:30p to 8:30p
at The Village of Merrick Park, Coral Gables, FL
The Village of Merrick Park celebrates its annual tree lighting with a community toy drive for Toys for Tots. The weekend continues debuting Shop-o-Holly brunch, benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Miami's dog lovers and philanthropists are invited to EAT l SHOP l LOVE, featuring brunch favorites by CRAVE, Villagio, Sawa, Neiman Marcus and C'est Bon. read more
http://www.villageofmerrickpark.com/events/village-of-merrick-parks-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony

Read more here: http://events.miamiherald.com/coral_gables_fl/events/show/290244225-the-village-of-merrick-park-announces-november-holiday-celebration#storylink=cpy

Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek/ Nov 16 6:00 pm
Tradewinds Park (in COCONUT CREEK, FL)

Nascar Ford Championships

Start Date: 11/16/2012   End Date: 11/18/2012

Address: Homestead-Miami Speedway 1 Speedway Blvd.Homestead FL 33035

MAD HATTER ARTS FESTIVAL

Start Date: 11/16/2012   End Date: 11/18/2012

Address: The Barnacle and along the sidewalks of Main Highway, Coconut Grove Pretty Muddy Women's Mud Run - Miami, FL November 17, 2012 Pretty Muddy Hialeah, FL http://prettymuddymiami.eventbrite.com/#  (I will be participating in this stay tuned for pics lol)

38th Annual Harvest Festival
Nov 17 10:00 am
10901 Coral Way (SW 24 Street & 107 Ave.)
http://eventful.com/miami_fl/events/38th-annual-harvest-festival-/E0-001-052110281-1
www.MiamiHarvest.com

Artisan Food Fest - Coral Gables Museum

Start Date: 11/17/2012

Artisan Food Fest  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Autumn is in the air and that means market season in South Florida!  Join us at the Coral Gables Museum for the November Artisan Food Fest on our beautiful Plaza on Saturday, November 17 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Over 20 local artisan foodies will offer hand-crafted sausages, jerky, jams, jellies, granola, scrumptious baked goods, popsicles, ice cream, sauces and so much more!  Enjoy breakfast or lunch at an umbrella-ed table listening to beautiful music in a European Market atmosphere!  Yummy sampling, a raffle for a Museum membership and its all FREE!!! Free admission - donations are appreciated!

Miami Book Fair International
November 11-18, 2012
A huge literary event bringing top-selling authors, booksellers, and book-lovers together in Downtown Miami.


Madonna
Tuesday, Nov 20 8:00p
at American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

Read more here: http://events.miamiherald.com/miami_fl/events/show/247280105-madonna#storylink=cpy

Brazilian Festival - TV Record USA Nov 24 2:00 pm
Pompano Community Park










 

13th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving Weekend Art Festival Nov 24 10:00 am Pineapple Groove


Miami Short Film Festival
November 24 - December 1, 2012
Dedicated to promoting the short film genre, the festival showcases films from one to thirty minutes long.

Bayside Rocks Festival
2012 Dates TBA
Dubbed "The Woodstock of Reggae," this music festival features reggae artists in Downtown Miami.

Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children
2012 Dates TBA
Don't miss this fantastic and affordable music concert series for children.

White Party Week
2012 Dates TBA
The crown jewel of HIV/AIDS Fundraisers comes to Miami every year with a week of parties and dancing.

Thanksgiving Events in Miami
November 22, 2012
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Miami by running a race, attending a parade, having fun, or sharing your time with others.


Festival of the Trees
Thursday, Nov 29 6:30p
at Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables, FL

Read more here: http://events.miamiherald.com/coral_gables_fl/events/show/279160285-festival-of-the-trees#storylink=cpy

Viernes Culturales / Cultural Fridays
November 30, 2012
Free monthly cultural event and street fair on the last Friday of each month showcasing music, dance, poetry, and the visual arts.

I'm Not Voting Today and I Don't Know Why

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2012/11/im_not_voting_today_and_i_dont.php
By Chris Sweeney

 

Today I will not vote. I didn't vote early or by absentee ballot either. I am 29 years old and have never voted. Worst of all, I can't explain why. 

I'm not a political junkie, but I'm certainly not apathetic or undecided. My blood boiled when Mitt Romney made a joke of climate change during his acceptance speech at the RNC in Tampa. Paul Ryan scares me.  The potential of an all-out assault on reproductive health is appalling. I fret constantly over how these guys will approach foreign policy, particularly Iran.

I grew up in New York (Bush-Gore), and then lived in Massachusetts (Bush-Kerry) and Illinois (Obama-McCain). It was easy to convince myself that my vote didn't matter, that the Dems had those states on lock. 

But this year, living in a swing state for the first time, I deeply regret not registering and not voting. It's pathetic, I know. 

When friends and co-workers ask why, I tell them that I simply don't care. This is a lie, though. 

When people yell at me and proclaim that I should be forced to vote, I counter by arguing that it's as much my right to vote as it is not to vote. I never feel good using this line of reasoning to shut down the argument. It's cheap.  

Deeply partisan people have insisted that I go vote for their candidate. Others have told me to go write someone in, whether it be Tommy Chong or Darth Vader, just to participate. 

I thought my best friend since first grade - whose political ideology is completely opposite of mine - might get it. He didn't. He told me that not voting was weak and that I should cast my ballot for Gary Johnson.

One co-worker even went so far as to print out the voter registration paper work, helped me fill it in, and mail it. Unfortunately, I don't have a Florida license or a Florida Identification Card. We still tried, using my address and social security number. At the end of October, I got a letter from the Miami-Dade Elections Department saying that the validity of my social security number could not be confirmed. It said something about a provisional ballot, but I tossed the letter in the garbage not wanting to do anymore legwork. 

So maybe it's laziness that's keeping me from voting. If so, that's more pathetic than apathy. But I'm fairly certain that I'm not lazy.  

 

Or maybe, as one co-worker suggested, I'm too privileged to understand the importance of voting. I'm a young, white, heterosexual male with a master's degree. But I'm also drowning in student debt and medical bills--issues that I know will likely be easier to deal with and avoid in the future if Obama is in office. 

On Monday night I called up my father, a retired New York Police Officer who I assume has voted republican his entire life. He let out a guttural sigh of disappointment when I told him that I wouldn't be voting. He called me a "hump," and then started talking about the sacrifices my grandfather made in WWII. It's corny, my dad admitted, but I shouldn't write it off. 

Now, hours before our new leader will be selected, I'm anxious. I tell myself that things will be the same no matter who's in office, another lie to keep my mind at ease.  

 

This year is a wash for me.  I'm banking on likeminded but far more responsible neighbors stepping up to the plate.  

No matter what happens, I've finally learned my lesson, I think. It's embarrassing it has taken this long. But come 2016, I'll be registered and in line. And, hopefully, feeling a tad less anxious about where we're all heading. 

Today I will not vote. I didn't vote early or by absentee ballot either. I am 29 years old and have never voted. Worst of all, I can't explain why. 

I'm not a political junkie, but I'm certainly not apathetic or undecided. My blood boiled when Mitt Romney made a joke of climate change during his acceptance speech at the RNC in Tampa. Paul Ryan scares me.  The potential of an all-out assault on reproductive health is appalling. I fret constantly over how these guys will approach foreign policy, particularly Iran.

I grew up in New York (Bush-Gore), and then lived in Massachusetts (Bush-Kerry) and Illinois (Obama-McCain). It was easy to convince myself that my vote didn't matter, that the Dems had those states on lock. 

But this year, living in a swing state for the first time, I deeply regret not registering and not voting. It's pathetic, I know. 

When friends and co-workers ask why, I tell them that I simply don't care. This is a lie, though. 

When people yell at me and proclaim that I should be forced to vote, I counter by arguing that it's as much my right to vote as it is not to vote. I never feel good using this line of reasoning to shut down the argument. It's cheap.  

Deeply partisan people have insisted that I go vote for their candidate. Others have told me to go write someone in, whether it be Tommy Chong or Darth Vader, just to participate. 

I thought my best friend since first grade - whose political ideology is completely opposite of mine - might get it. He didn't. He told me that not voting was weak and that I should cast my ballot for Gary Johnson.

One co-worker even went so far as to print out the voter registration paper work, helped me fill it in, and mail it. Unfortunately, I don't have a Florida license or a Florida Identification Card. We still tried, using my address and social security number. At the end of October, I got a letter from the Miami-Dade Elections Department saying that the validity of my social security number could not be confirmed. It said something about a provisional ballot, but I tossed the letter in the garbage not wanting to do anymore legwork. 

So maybe it's laziness that's keeping me from voting. If so, that's more pathetic than apathy. But I'm fairly certain that I'm not lazy.  

 

Or maybe, as one co-worker suggested, I'm too privileged to understand the importance of voting. I'm a young, white, heterosexual male with a master's degree. But I'm also drowning in student debt and medical bills--issues that I know will likely be easier to deal with and avoid in the future if Obama is in office. 

On Monday night I called up my father, a retired New York Police Officer who I assume has voted republican his entire life. He let out a guttural sigh of disappointment when I told him that I wouldn't be voting. He called me a "hump," and then started talking about the sacrifices my grandfather made in WWII. It's corny, my dad admitted, but I shouldn't write it off. 

Now, hours before our new leader will be selected, I'm anxious. I tell myself that things will be the same no matter who's in office, another lie to keep my mind at ease.  

 

This year is a wash for me.  I'm banking on likeminded but far more responsible neighbors stepping up to the plate.  

No matter what happens, I've finally learned my lesson, I think. It's embarrassing it has taken this long. But come 2016, I'll be registered and in line. And, hopefully, feeling a tad less anxious about where we're all heading. 

 

Today I will not vote. I didn't vote early or by absentee ballot either. I am 29 years old and have never voted. Worst of all, I can't explain why. 

I'm not a political junkie, but I'm certainly not apathetic or undecided. My blood boiled when Mitt Romney made a joke of climate change during his acceptance speech at the RNC in Tampa. Paul Ryan scares me.  The potential of an all-out assault on reproductive health is appalling. I fret constantly over how these guys will approach foreign policy, particularly Iran.

I grew up in New York (Bush-Gore), and then lived in Massachusetts (Bush-Kerry) and Illinois (Obama-McCain). It was easy to convince myself that my vote didn't matter, that the Dems had those states on lock. 

But this year, living in a swing state for the first time, I deeply regret not registering and not voting. It's pathetic, I know. 

When friends and co-workers ask why, I tell them that I simply don't care. This is a lie, though. 

When people yell at me and proclaim that I should be forced to vote, I counter by arguing that it's as much my right to vote as it is not to vote. I never feel good using this line of reasoning to shut down the argument. It's cheap.  

Deeply partisan people have insisted that I go vote for their candidate. Others have told me to go write someone in, whether it be Tommy Chong or Darth Vader, just to participate. 

I thought my best friend since first grade - whose political ideology is completely opposite of mine - might get it. He didn't. He told me that not voting was weak and that I should cast my ballot for Gary Johnson.

One co-worker even went so far as to print out the voter registration paper work, helped me fill it in, and mail it. Unfortunately, I don't have a Florida license or a Florida Identification Card. We still tried, using my address and social security number. At the end of October, I got a letter from the Miami-Dade Elections Department saying that the validity of my social security number could not be confirmed. It said something about a provisional ballot, but I tossed the letter in the garbage not wanting to do anymore legwork. 

So maybe it's laziness that's keeping me from voting. If so, that's more pathetic than apathy. But I'm fairly certain that I'm not lazy.  

 

Or maybe, as one co-worker suggested, I'm too privileged to understand the importance of voting. I'm a young, white, heterosexual male with a master's degree. But I'm also drowning in student debt and medical bills--issues that I know will likely be easier to deal with and avoid in the future if Obama is in office. 

On Monday night I called up my father, a retired New York Police Officer who I assume has voted republican his entire life. He let out a guttural sigh of disappointment when I told him that I wouldn't be voting. He called me a "hump," and then started talking about the sacrifices my grandfather made in WWII. It's corny, my dad admitted, but I shouldn't write it off. 

Now, hours before our new leader will be selected, I'm anxious. I tell myself that things will be the same no matter who's in office, another lie to keep my mind at ease.  

 

This year is a wash for me.  I'm banking on likeminded but far more responsible neighbors stepping up to the plate.  

No matter what happens, I've finally learned my lesson, I think. It's embarrassing it has taken this long. But come 2016, I'll be registered and in line. And, hopefully, feeling a tad less anxious about where we're all heading.