Festivals and more...

Jack Frost may be making a nuisance of himself elsewhere, but in Miami, it's a great time of year to enjoy yourself at an outdoor festival. Several upcoming events -- both indoors and out -- showcase Miami's arts and culture to the fullest. Coming soon:

• 
  
• Miami International Art Fair (January 7-10)
  
  http://www.MIA-ArtFair.com
  
  
  
• Art Deco Weekend (January 15-17)
  
  http://www.MDPL.org
  
  
  
• The Original Miami Beach Antique Show (January 21-25)
  
  http://www.DMGAntiqueShows.com
  
  
  
• Miami Beach Festival of the Arts (January 30-31)
  
  http://www.gonorthbeach.com
  

Visit our calendar for complete listings of these and other upcoming events in Greater Miami and the Beaches.

January Foodie Fun

The Great Taste of the Grove is January 9-10, 2010 at Peacock Park in downtown Coconut Grove. This annual celebration of food, wine and music is a terrific way to spend the day. Sample tastings from Coconut Grove's top restaurants and enjoy live music in beautiful, tree-shaded Peacock Park. You can purchase tickets at the event. Hours: Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Orchids Galore

Springtime is when two of Miami's most spectacular orchid shows take place. The grande dame, the 64th Miami International Orchid Show, happens February 26th to 28th at Doubletree Miami Mart near Miami International Airport. This is one of the most prestigious orchid shows in the world, featuring rare and exotic blooms from professional growers, extraordinary orchid displays, a juried awards competition, and thousands of orchids and related items for sale. At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden the 8th Annual International Orchid Festival takes place march 12th to 14th. This show features over 10,000 orchid plants from more than 50 vendors. Garden workshops, walking tours and displays of rare orchid species in the American Orchid Society juried show are highlights of this show, which takes place at one of Miami's most beautiful outdoor spaces.

Miami Beach Hostels

Some people get scared away from South Beach during high season. That's the time of year when hotels can command the highest prices for their rooms. Did you know that there are two hostels located on Miami Beach? The Clay Hotel & International Hostel is located on one of the most charming, pedestrian-only streets in South Beach, Espanola Way. Rumor has it that gangster Al Capone and his cronies spent time here, in the complex of buildings known as the "Spanish Village". The average room rate during December at the Clay Hotel is just $58. Just a few blocks from the Clay is the South Beach Hostel, located at 235 Washington Avenue. Both hostels offer clean, no frills accommodations in locations that can't be beat if you want to explore the Art Deco District, hang out on Ocean Drive or just head for a day at the beach.

Dinner with a View

Miami is full of new hotels where killer views of the city are paired with fine dining. Here are a few of our favorites:

EPIC Hotel - Area 31 is a seafood-focused dining establishment located in Miami's Brickell Avenue neighborhood. This 16th-floor bar and restaurant is decorated in soothing beige tones, accented with live orchids and soft leather chairs. Menu: daily fish specials prepared four ways; rock lobster in a sauce of tomato, white wine and opal basil; salt crusted dorade with preserved meyer lemon marmalade; bone in rib eye. Dine inside or outside on the terrace overlooking the Miami River.

Viceroy Miami - Eos Restaurant is a brightly decorated aerie, with astounding views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. An inspired Mediterranean menu features well seasoned dishes and desserts to write home about. Menu: inspired ceviches; tagliatelle with 6 minute farm egg and black truffle; spicy Greek "paella" with prawns, shellfish and orzo; hangar steak; Spanish tapas.
Presentation is delightful, and the service is friendly and efficient. For after dinner drinks, take the elevator to Club 50, the hotel's 50th-floor night club which has sweeping views of Miami and a fabulously romantic pool terrace.

Mondrian South Beach - Like the name says, you're in the heart of South Beach here and the accent is on the amazing sunset views of downtown Miami looking across Biscayne Bay. The Sunset Lounge is the place to sip a minty fresh mojito while musing over Miami's many charms. Asia de Cuba is the hotel's sexy Asian Latin fusion restaurant. Menu: duck breast roasted with hoisin; char sui beef short ribs; lobster shitake potstickers; honey rhum-glazed pot roast of pork; crispy tofu with soy/lime/chipotle marinade. While prices are on the high side, the portions here are generous.

Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove - Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge is located on the 8th floor of this bright, art-filled hotel. And Panorama is no misnomer - the sweeping view of sailoats at Dinner Key Marina and Key Biscayne in the distance is nothing short of hypnotic. The cuisine is Peruvian with a few American standards mixed in (burgers, salads and sandwiches). Menu: an assortment of flavorful ceviches; tiraditos (similar to sashimi and marinated like ceviche); and aji de Gallina (chicken stew in a spicy, nutty sauce). With the hotel's pool deck just outside, Panorama has become a popular place to spend Independence Day. The fireworks show in adjacent Peacock Park lights up the sky while locals sip pisco sours. Even if you just come for cocktails, you'll leave here appreciating Coconut Grove's charming bayfront atmosphere.