The once bohemian neighborhood still maintains a bit of the hippie vibe and the artists that attend the festival always evoke that feeling. It’s easy to make a day of it at the festival. With more than 360 artists scheduled at this year’s event, there will be a tremendous variety of pieces available.

Mixed Media 2D and 3D and digital art are some of the funkier pieces available but there’s also printmaking, watercolor, sculpture, claywork, wood, glass, fiber, painting, photography and jewelry and metalwork. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and new art pieces for the home or office.

The atmosphere is great too, thanks to the usually fantastic South Florida February weather. It makes for the ideal time to watch the musical performances that take place throughout the weekend. Local legendary acts jazz flutist Nestor Torres and jazz artist Joe Donato are performing as are local sensations Suenalo with their funk, Afro-Cuban, Latin rhythms.

Grab lunch while at the Festival’s Global Food Village in Myers Park along South Bayshore Drive. The view of the yachts and sailboats on the water make the perfect backdrop for a leisurely outdoor snack. It’s an international plethora of Asian, Greek, Latin and Barbecue to name a few of the choices. And speaking of food, the Culinary Pavilion features food demonstrations and tastings by local chefs including Top Chef contestant Chef Ron Duprat, local chef Marc Randazzo, WLRN radio host and former Miami Herald columnist Linda Gassenheimer and agriculture advocate Teena Borek.

Barnacle State Historic Site

It’s also the perfect opportunity to take in the Coconut Grove area and explore the Downtown shopping district which aside from the outdoor mall CocoWalk features various unique boutiques, something the Grove has always been known for. Also, visit the Barnacle Historic State Park, a lovely historic spot right on the bay. The park’s main draw is the house, built in 1891 where visitors can enjoy relaxing on the porch rocking chairs. The surrounding tropical hardwood hammock makes for a great nature walk and the Biscayne Bay view is unbeatable.

There are some fabulous townhouse condos in the Grove area of all different styles, from modern to Spanish influenced. Call one of our agents at 1-877-852-6636 to find out about availability.

Foodies and aspiring chefs love Miami-Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute. Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus is a powerhouse in the Downtown Miami community and the institution just keeps on growing. In April they opened the Miami Culinary Institute, a welcome addition to the already well-rounded institution. It’s a great place for condo dwellers in neighboring Brickell and along Biscayne Boulevard near the Omni area to consider for evening and weekend classes or even dinner.

Their goal, according to the Institute’s website, is to “serve up food, culture and innovation.” They offer three main components – a 64-credit Associate in Science in Culinary Arts Degree, continuing education for culinary professionals, and a food and beverage enthusiast education program called “Culinarium” with classes like The Nuts and Bolts of a Sustainable Garden and To Russia With Love! The courses, programs and even the building are rooted in sustainability and eco-culinary approaches.

Developing those courses and programs is an impressive group of the world’s top professional chefs who make up the school’s Chef Council. The Who’s Who list of chefs includes Michelle Bernstein, Norman Van Aken, Michael Schwartz, Allen Susser, Douglas Rodriguez, Jose Andres, Cindy Hutson, Phillippe Ruiz and Rudi Sodeman – all established and legendary names in the restaurant industry and leaders in the sustainable food movement.

The state-of-the-art building features general kitchen labs, a baking lab, a food and beverage theatre, a first floor bakery and café and appropriately an organic garden which will yield crops to be used throughout the campus.

The Institute is now also home to Tuyo Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Norman Van Aken who is the perfect choice being that he’s one of the innovators of “New World Floribbean” cuisine and at Tuyo they’re serving up “an exquisite fusion of new world flavors.” One of their signature dishes is the pan cooked fillet of Key West yellowtail with malaber spinach from the school’s organic garden with citrus butter sauce and garlicky mashed potatoes. Housed on the eight-story building’s top floor means views from Tuyo are spectacular, providing a panoramic look at the many condominiums in the area as well as the landmark icon, the Freedom Tower.

MCI is the perfect spot for foodies to hone their cooking skills and enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant with a menu devised by one of South Florida’s premier chefs. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the restaurant will benefit the school’s programs.

To learn about condos in the area near Miami Culinary Institute contact one of our agents at 877-852-6636.

The Peninsula peaks high from Aventura’s exclusive Williams Island – two towers (Peninsula I & II) of luxury and refinement. The 2-4 bedroom condos dazzle with invigorating Intracoastal views, tinted hurricane-grade windows, and features like high speed internet, digital cable, and a home phone service. Expect marble floors and countertops, stainless steel-filled professional kitchens, and large and lovely master suites. The master baths are also a great treat with marble vanities, walk-in showers, and sometimes even Roman tubs or free-standing soaking tubs.

Convenience on the property comes in the form of a business center, a social center complete with a kitchen, private storage facilities, and concierge and valet services (optional if you prefer to park your own vehicle). For the children, there is a playroom, a playground, and a wading pool (near the adult’s swimming pool). For the adults, the amenities are long to list but include such great add-ons such as a lounge and health bar, 3 tennis courts, a studio for aerobics and pilates, and a full-service spa.

Aventura is a great place for singles and families alike and you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the leisure and entertainment offered nearby and essentials like great schools and a wonderful sense of community throughout the city.

Where will you find your place at The Peninsula? Check out some of the available units.

Unit #2006

Unit #GS3107

If you like what you see then just enter your information into the box on your right and a expert Miami real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP to show you the Peninsula or any other condo in Aventura!

Photo Credits: condohotelcenter.com

Whether you live at Tower House or La Tour in Miami Beach, or in Miami somewhere gorgeous like Grovenor House, you’d be best advised to come see the finest home offerings from all over the world (to see one of these startlingly-beautiful condos, give a call to a Miami Condo Loft realtor at 888.852.6636). Just park your car and you can literally walk around in a comfortable distance to the 52 fine furniture and home furnishings stores in the Design District!

Fendi Casa: The legendary Italian fashion house brings high fashion and opulence to your home with their first U.S. showroom located in the Miami Design District. The brand doesn’t want you to limit yourself to home décor either; they proudly boast their design skills for yachts and private jets as well. 90 N.E. 39^th Street Miami, FL 33137 305.438.1660

Poltrona Frau: Elegant leather furniture that is modern with a great classical design influence. 10 N.E. 39^th Street Miami, FL 33137 305.576.3636

Abitare: Indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, and lots of darling home accessories with various ethnic influences. 21 N.E. 39^th Street Miami, FL 33137 305.573.5200

Campaniello: This Italian furniture powerhouse name carries the top lines in the industry with a heavy focus on modern design. 180 N.E. 39^th Street Suite 121 Miami, FL 33137 305.576.9494

Ligne Roset: All the luxury additions you could possibly need for your home in bright and funky color schemes in the newest and most cutting-edge silhouettes. 160 N.E. 40^th Street Miami, FL 33137 305.576.4662

If you would like to see some of the awesome condos that are available in the design district, just enter your information into the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Andalusia provides fitness and fun with a fitness center and a game room (including two billiard tables). Time for serenity? Enjoy the lovely courtyard garden to bask in the outdoors without the bustle of the city. Ready to go out on the town? Coral Gables offers a host of activities and events and some of the best places in Miami for shopping, dining, and the arts including The Village of Merrick Park, Miracle Mile, Lowe Art Museum, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. What else is there to do in the area? Speak to the Andalusia Condominium concierge for special recommendations.

For a private tour of the Andalusia simply enter your information into the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Miami International Wine Fair -8101 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33138866-877-WINE info@miamiwinefair.com

There are also some really awesome condos for sale on Biscayne Boulevard. Here is a short list of some of the best.

900 Biscayne Bay| 900 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132

50 Biscayne| 50 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132

Marquis Miami| 1100 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33131

As you can see there are some really gorgeous condos are on Biscayne Boulevard. Enter your information in the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will show you one today!

Photo credits: miamiwinefair.com, 900biscaynebay.com

Living in the Grove means being in close proximity to…everything. Head over the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne or on South Miami Avenue to shopping, nightlife and restaurants in the Brickell area where Mary Brickell Village is the centerpiece of the neighborhood. South Beach is just a short trip on Interstate-95 as are Wynwood and the Design District. Head in the other direction and reach Coral Gables in about 10 minutes for shopping on Miracle Mile and great restaurants and galleries around Downtown. Also in the immediate area is shopping at CocoWalk,  Greenstreet Cafe or Scotty’s Landing to name just a few.

The welcoming lobby is inviting in muted gray and beige tones, immediately evoking a feeling of soothing comfort. As the entrance point into the building, it gives a glimpse of what’s to come.

Make a delectable meal in an equally sleek kitchen. State-of-the-art Miele Designer Series appliances include a 54 inch refrigerator and freezer along with range, wall oven, hood and built-in microwave. There’s even a 24 inch wine cooler. Alfresco provides a 54 inch grill, ice maker, refrigerator and sink in the summer kitchen.

Panoramic views from the light and airy terrace is the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning or perhaps a glass of wine (from the wine cooler) at the end of the day. Waterviews and swaying palm trees make this typical Miami.

As an added bonus, the unit is wired throughout the rooms adding the ambiance of background music. Marble stone master baths with jacuzzi tubs, spacious walk-in closets, granite or quartz countertops, elegant crown molding and Italian cabinetry complete the look.

To learn about available units at this building or for more information on Miami neighborhoods and luxury living enter your information into the box on the right and one  CondoDomain’s rock star  agents will contact you.

Photos courtesy of Residences at Vizcaya website.

The development of Island Gardens began in 2001, with initial agreements being made with the city of Miami. Since then, many amendments have been made between the developer, Flagstone Group, Miami, and the state of Florida . Most recently, the Florida Cabinet gave their approval of the development. Currently, the only approval pending is from the City of Miami commissioners. If all goes according to plan, they will break ground for the luxury oasis in 2012.

The opportunities that would be created in the area by this development cause the imagination to run wild. With the Mac Arthur Causeway slated to one day feature two mega luxury destination properties with less than a two minutes’ drive between the two. Unquestionably, Miami would certainly be cemented as a major player in the world of  luxury condominiums.

Some of Miami’s finest condominiums are within a 5 minutes distance from Watson Island. Don’t miss out on getting the scoop on:

BLUE: Featuring expansive bay views and heavenly extras, like an entertainment center, lounge, business room, banquet room, spa, heated pools, and a dog walking service to name a few!

601 N.E. 36th Street Miami, FL 33137 877-852-6636

ONE MIAMI: Live where Biscayne begins with Downtown Miami style – One Miami is in walking distance to Bayside and Bicentennial Park.  The building has great features, like a cafe on the water, a fitness center, and top appliances and fixturing.

335 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33131 877-852-6636

THE FLORIDIAN: One of my favorite West Avenue buildings, The Floridian has some of the best bay and city views on the condo-lined street. Expect to find a fitness center that offers classes for residents, an in-house shop, heated pools, a business center, tennis courts, and more.

650 West Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 877-852-6636

Photo Credits: Island Gardens, OneMiamiDowntown

Q: What buildings are hot right now and selling well that are either pre-construction or already established with available units?

A: In reviewing the sales and pending transactions for condominiums on Brickell in the last 90 days it seems like Brickell on the River has been experiencing a lot of activity with 16 closed sales and 20  pending sales The Plaza  also has great activity with 14 closed sales and 21  pending transaction. Jade at Brickell has 16 pending and 6 closed sales.  The interesting factor of would be how many are short sales/foreclosures.

Q: I wrote about Capital at Brickell across from Brickell Irish Pub for CondoDomain, what can you tell me about that building and how you project it will sell? Are there units already being sold?

A: I am not that keen on pre-construction when there is still so much inventory  especially when you consider so many buildings that are on the South Miami Avenue corridor are full of rentals that will eventually come on the market for sale. Unless the building offers something very unusual or amazing I think pre-sales are challenging. Many people get caught when developers choose not to complete or cut corners and what they delivered was not what they had indicated or promised. For example, in their projected photos, brochures or finishes where the small print allowed them to change according to developers discretion

Q: What buildings on the horizon are exciting realtors such as yourself about the area?

A: Most exciting new project is the new Swire Properties project Brickell Citicentre. I am so impressed  with the design and the fact they are only building a third of what they are entitled to build with the current zoning. They are being respectful of the need for green space and aesthetic  beauty versus  building every square inch possible. Greed has in the past ruled the day without regard to the needs of people for parks and open spaces. I think the Swire project has heart and soul.

I also like the Plaza  for several reasons. First, because it has an entrance on Brickell and Brickell Bay Drive and being able to get in and out and knowing traffic patterns is critically important. Having access to Brickell Bay Drive and exiting all the way down to  SE 14 St. or SE  15 Road is important. Also I like the open pool deck and the management.

Q: Give me your outlook on the Brickell condo market? Is it looking better in the next year or so?

A: I love living and selling on Brickell it is exciting and getting more so  every month with new services, restaurants and activities. It would be great to have a trolley or jitney service  where you could hop on or off. I definitely use the Metromover.

The condo market is strong with the older established buildings like Brickell East, Brickell Place and The Palace holding their values. We do have high levels of inventory and fortunately many people want to  live here and enjoy the fun.

Q: Give me some background on yourself and how long you’ve been a in the area?

A: I have lived on  Brickell since 1985 and seen may changes. I live  at Brickell East next to the Four Seasons and belong to Sports Club/LA.  I enjoy yoga, boxing  and Pilates. I also am a member of the Toastmasters organization.

I truly value the opportunity to go boating on Biscayne Bay traveling along the Brickell  wall, especially at night seeing the city come alive from dusk to night. Seeing all of the bright lights start to twinkle against the night sky, it really is a magic city from the water. And going up the river for dinner is also great. How fortunate we are to live in such beauty.

To learn about available units at any of the aforementioned buildings call Miami CondoDomain at 877-852-6636.

Photo Courtesy of Swire Properties

Spiaggia Ocean Condominium on 94th Street and Collins Avenue, facing a quiet strip of private beach is one of the main reasons to consider this elegant building. The beach chairs and umbrellas are waiting and ready to be set up. The 12-story, 104-unit building includes 1, 2, and 3 bedroom residences ranging from 689 to 4,160-square-feet. Prices range from $279K to $1.35 million.

All units feature bamboo flooring, Italian marble highlights, spacious, open gourmet kitchens with cherry wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances and elegant bathrooms with jacuzzi tub, designer fixtures and faucets.

Working out at the fitness center provides incredible views of the pool deck with floor to ceiling windows which means cooling off after breaking a sweat is ideal. The Mediterranean style landscaping around the lap pool with lushly landscaped surroundings and private cabanas make the perfect relaxation setting.

Better still is that Spiaggia is walking distance from the chic, high-end Bal Harbour Shops. As the anchor of the area, this elegant shopping experience includes unique boutiques and luxury retail giants like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and other exclusive stores Bulgari, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera…well, you get the idea.

Dining at the shops is stellar too at places like Carpaccio and One Bal Harbour but there are some great restaurants in the area too. Sazon Restaurant serves great Cuban food, there’s Italian restaurants like Specchio and Cafe Prima Pasta and plenty of Greek and South American choices.

Or perhaps head a little south and grab a beer at Lou’s Beer Garden or a first-rate dinner at the classic Forge Restaurant.

Call a Miami Condo Loft realtor now at 877-852-6636 to find out about available units at Spiaggia.

Photos courtesy of Google Images

One Bal Harbour isn’t just a beautiful-sounding address – it’s a gorgeous, affluent property with a fine hotel and residences bordering the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean in Bal Harbour, Florida. The 10 floor plans are difficult to choose from as each was thought of with the utmost care in terms of ease, accessibility, and comfort. Sweeping ocean and bay views, modern and majestic interiors with marble everywhere you look, 10 feet high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows grace the stunning units. Also expect breathtaking kitchens with the finest appliances to be found as well as infinity-edge tubs and Jacuzzis in the master suites. One Bal Harbour offers the sort of amenities you expect in such a building as well as the hearty and indulgent Mister Collins restaurant and a 10,000 sq. ft. Guerlain Spa!

One Bal Harbour is in jogging distance to Sunny Isles Beach and is a short car ride to either Aventura or Miami Beach – as well as to Interstate 95. This quiet and safe neighborhood is also home to some of the world’s finest shopping and dining – just blocks away at the spectacular Bal Harbour Shops.

One Bal Harbour
10295 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154
877-852-6636
|#1202B| |#1709|

There are some phenomenal units for sale! Give us a call at Miami Condo Loft to secure an appointment! 877-852-6636

Photo Credits: trulia.com, oneluxuryhotels.com

Plum TV gives you the inside scoop on the local happenings and will surely introduce you to local places and events that you never knew existed. Think of it as your personal 24/7 guide to all things chic and Miami Beach. Plum also have a network of stations that over other local venues like  Telluride, Aspen, Vail, Martha’s Vineyard, The Hamptons, Nantucket, and Sun Valley.

Earlier this year, Plum launched a beautiful full glossy print piece in equal weight and style to act as a companion to their television station. Plum Miami Magazine covers the same Plum lifestyle areas – fashion, art, food, and the like and often reveals insider information connected to Plum TV segments including behind-the-scenes extras, extended interviews, and other treasures. If your still not convinced to be part of the Plumb lifestyle I must mention that the print media powerhouses, Jerry and Sandi Powers (original founders of Ocean Drive magazine), are also part of the Plum Media team. Together they acted as the driving forces behind the hot new publication.  For anyone looking to be in the know in Miami It’s time to join the Plum lifestyle.

Plum has quite the fondness for Miami Beach. There are so many luxurious condos to choose from – call a Miami Condo Loft realtor now to see the best the city has to offer!
877-852-6636
ICON ON SOUTH BEACH| |CANYON RANCH LIVING| |THE FLORIDIAN
Photo Credits: miamivipoffers.com