4 Things to Do Over Labor Day Weekend.

Labor Day tradtionallly represents the summer coming to a close. Gone are the warm evenings, days at the beach  and sunny days for the rest of  North America.

We are happy to report that the glorious days and nights will continue down in our little part of heaven. But, given the chance we are always ready, willing and able to party like the rest of the country. So with that in mind, here is our list of 4 Things to Do Over Labor Day Weekend.

1. Head over the beach and do not forget the sunscreen! Our must go to beach is South Beach. Plenty of sunny, hot sand, gleaming beaches and warm water. Hang around after hours, the restaurants are great  and this "is" the place to people watch. ?

2. Open air dance at Bay Side. Loud music, sweltering heat and a cool drink. Even if you do not participate in the dancing, watching the entertainers and the spectators is worth the trip.

3. Visit the Miami Zoo, considered one of the best in the country. Our great climate allows the zoo to keep animals from Africa, Australia and Asia. Did you know that the zoo is one of few "cage less" exhibits in the country?

4. Take a stroll at Fairchild Tropical Garden. The grounds are incredibly well kept and maintained. In the  tradition of living down in the tropics the garden is the home to various plants and trees you will only see in Miami. Along the way, stop at the outdoor cafe.

We hope you take advantage of all that Miami has to offer. Happy Labor Day ( in advance) from us all at Mikisole Property Management.

Key Biscayne, I must see when visiting Miami.

When one thinks of Miami images of South Beach and Lincoln Road run thru your mind. Perhaps you have ventured north to Fort Lauderdale or the other direction, south to Key West.

Today we would like to take you to Key Biscayne, an island six miles off the coast of Miami.

Key Biscayne is seven miles long and only two miles wide.  This village was incorporated in 1991 and today the  population of just over ten thousand.

Two must see parks on Key Biscayne include Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the south and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world Crandon Park to the north.

There are numerous  outdoor activities on Key Biscayne including:

• Bicycling
• Golfing
• Fishin6
• Windsurfing
• Boating

Another venture worth considering is  a sea plane tour : what a great way to view Miami and Key Biscayne. There are several excellent restaurants on Key Biscayne to meet all your culinary desires. Just moments away from the glam and excitement of Miami , Key Biscayne is hidden secret. We invite you to spend the day in glorious Key Biscayne, you certainly will be glad you did!

  

Things To Do in Miami- Vizcaya

On the rare occasion it rains here in South Florida- yes we have to be honest- it does rain in the summer months, Miami offers many exciting things to do indoors.

Sure of course, one could spend there time in a  shopping mall or perhaps even the movies. But let us talk history, finery, culture... lets head off to Vizcaya.

Vizcaya is a stately home located in Coral Gables, a city just South of downtown Miami.  Coral Gables is easy to access, just head south on  Interstate 95, which becomes US 1.  If you happen to get lost or need instructions, just ask a local where you can find  "The Gables".

James Deering was the entrepreneur that built this Mediterranean Revival style city of Coral Gables, way back in the early 1900's. His home, Villa Vizcaya , was built in 1914. Located on a bay front site in Miami  this remained Deerings winter home from 1916 until his death in 1925 .

Authentic materials from Spain and Italy were incorporated in the estate-not an easy task in the early 20th century. Also shipped to our shores  included pieces of European castles, many tapestries, murals and actual ceilings. Many can be seen today in the estate now called "Vizcaya".

At the time of construction Miami's population was a mere 10,000. Workers on the project numbered 1,000  at one time or another on the "Viscaya Project". Many of these labourers and craftsmen came from Europe and the Caribbean.

At its inception, the complex included a working farm and livestock covering 180 acres on both sides of what is now US 1. Today, there are ten acres of formal gardens and a native "forest".

Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark and accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Admission to the estate are:

• Adults                $15.00
• Children 6-12        6.00
• Children under 5  FREE
• Seniors                10.00

Hours of Operation:

• Daily -except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas day from 9:30am- 4:40pm.

Vizcaya Estate, truely worth visiting while visiting us in Miami.

What to bring on your Vacation?

What to pack for your vacation?

Here are our tips for visiting us in the Sunshine State:

Choose clothes that are appropriate for our climate. Remember we are located in the tropics.

Think humidity, nights of 80 degrees and an occasional rain shower.

Cardigans and sweaters are rarely needed, unless of course you dine in an air conditioned restaurant.

Think:

• Shorts,
• Bathing suits
• T-shirts
• Flip flops and sandals

Stick with one basic color, but not black. Sure black clothing is elegant, but it also absorbs the heat.

Think double duty, men's shorts that can be worn as a bathing suit. For the ladies, a bathing suit top that can serve as a top with a skirt.

A sarong is an excellent option for a skirt. In an addition, they are great beach cover-ups.

Forget an alarm clock, most mobile telephones offer this feature. Sure you are on your vacation and who needs to be awake at the crack of dawn( unless it is to watch the sun rise!)

By now we have all become accustomed to the limits of liquid items allowed on airline flights, so find a product that will act as a "double duty " product-shampoo and body washes are plentiful.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen and after sun products. Do not be fooled by a cloudy day. If you happen to get caught make sure you grab some aloe vera-a fresh stalk is normally available at one of our various supermarkets.

If you need help planning your vacation we are here to help you. Summer, winter, autumn and spring, Miami is a great place to vacation.

See you soon!