#ThankYouMiami How-To: Make The Most of a Short Miami Stay

Whether you're visiting Miami or you're a local entertaining visitors, the Miami experience is hard to capture during a short stay. However, as your personal Cruise Port Advisor Miami insider, we wracked our brains for the best ways of getting a quick taste of the Miami experience. In our latest Cruise Port Advisor, we identified three must-visit neighborhoods and the spots that can make that happen. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature.

What other Miami areas do you frequent or recommend to make the most out of a quick Miami visits? What must-visit spots in the three neighborhoods we featured do you enjoy the most? What must-visit spots did we miss? Is there anything else you would like to see us cover for Cruise Port Advisor? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Outdoor Music Venues

Time and time again we hear that the best part about Miami is the tropical weather. Personally, we agree and, except during the sweltering days of summer, we love spending as much time outdoors as possible. When we go out, outdoor venues take precedence in our book, but nothing compares to an outdoor venue that also offers live music.

In our latest Localeur recommendation, we share four must-visit Miami spots that have outdoor seating AND live music because we're firm believers that you can have your cake and eat it too. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full list. As always, keep an eye on the #ThankYouMiami Localeur page for future recommendations!

What do you think of the four spots on our list? Have you visited them? Which ones? What did you like most about them? Is there a spot you would have liked to see us include? Is there a recommendation you would like to see us do next? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami! P.S. Did you know you can now follow us on Snapchat under ThankYouMiami?

#ThankYouMiami Rounds Up This Week in Miami

On Monday we told you to expect a new blog post every day this week. And, probably because we made that promise, the week turned out to be a hectic one. This week in Miami was characterized by a new slew of grand openings, unique events, and other important Miami news but, worry not, because we kept track of the most note-worthy happenings in the midst of our calendar chaos. Here's what you need to know:

1. On Monday, the new kid to Miami's "Brewers' Row", Concrete Beach Brewery, announced that they have begun brewing operations at their NW 24th Street HQ. On-going production includes two of its year-round draft beers, the wheat ale Rica IPA and the Miami-style pilsner Stiltsville Pilsner. We're excited to have another Miami ambassador spreading the word about our beautiful city through quality beer and can't wait for the brewery's indoor/outdoor bar, Social Hall, to open so we can add another hangout to our roster. "The energy and culture of this city drives everything we do, and we look forward to sharing our love of craft beer with the rest of Miami," shares Jesse Morris, Concrete Beach Social Hall Manager.

2. STK Miami, the modern steakhouse and lounge, is back in business after a very South Beach grand re-opening party. On Tuesday, we joined approximately 500 VIPs, ladies in bandage dresses, and dapper men in suits at their new home at the 1 Hotel to mingle and sample their reincarnated menu. The event engaged the who's who of Miami with signature cocktails, bites (the lil' BRGs with truffle were bomb), a pop-up tattoo parlor, a photo booth, and a flask engraving station because...South Beach. For us, STK Miami was about good vibes and good food so we're happy to see that they have successfully brought both back to Miami.

3. On Tuesday, the Arts and Entertainment District and Miami's Independent Thinkers launched the "A+E Performance Pavilion", a series of one part circus and two parts burlesque performances from the cast of Vaudeville and other surprise acts. The event, which is free and open to the public, also gives you a chance to perform with the cast, if you're so inclined. You can catch this unique show next May 1, May 5 or May 12 if you RSVP.

4. Blue Harmony Spa at the Shelborne Wyndham Grand announced special prices on their popular Citrus Quench mani and pedi for this weekend in celebration of National Manicure and Pedicure Day. From April 24 through April 26, you can schedule the manicure for $25 and the pedicure for $40 by calling (305) 341-1366. You can also get 20% off all additional services scheduled during this time. We tried out Blue Harmony Spa's massages during Wednesday's Legging Lounge event and you need it. Trust. On our end, we're excited to have another excuse to pamper ourselves.

5. Seaspice Restaurant and Moët & Chandon rolled out a sunset cocktail hour that starts today. If you have been saving your visits to Seaspice for special occasions, this sunset cocktail hour is your excuse to go back more regularly. Every Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Seaspice offers special prices on raw bar items, bar bites, cocktails, wines and, of course, Moët & Chandon. We're talking $7 Pata Negra croquettes so you know it's good.

What did you do this last week in Miami? Do you have any news we did not cover? Is there an announcement that we missed? What can we do to make our weekly roundups more helpful? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - A Reflection On Our Personal Style

Today's post for our #ThankYouMiami for Fashion column is a personal one as it discusses our recent reflective state, looks back out our mom's influence on our personal style, and shares a rare childhood photo. We'll leave it at that since we worked hard to make sure the post says it all. Read the excerpt and click on the photo for the full feature.

P.S. Join us and our mom at The Falls INDULGE: Fashion and Fun for Mom event next Thursday, April 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. We will be celebrating Mother's Day early by strutting our stuff on the catwalk with fellow Miami fashion bloggers Kelly Saks of Kelly's Kloset, Lauren Ashley Patao of The Fashionista's Diary and Stephanie Pernas of A Sparkle Factor. See you there!

Has your mom influenced your style? How? Who else has influenced your style? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Laid-Back Hangouts

We apologize for the radio silence we left you with last week. We discovered a new TV show on Netflix and, as Netflix goes, we spent the entire week binge watching instead of writing. Nevertheless, we have finished the show and have returned like the prodigal son to our laptop keyboard so we will have a full week of new posts on Miami life for you this week.

Since today is Monday, we are kicking off the week with social calendar inspiration to help you hold on to last weekend's memories and get your planning started for next weekend. Specifically, #ThankYouMiami contributor Brad Wells is sharing with you his favorite four laid-back hangouts. Did you visit any of these over the weekend? Will any of them make it into next weekend's itinerary? Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature.

Have you been to any of these spots? Which is your favorite? Why? Which of these spots will you be visiting next weekend? Where else do you go grab drinks that is un-Miami? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Where To Stay In Miami For A Relaxing Vacation

So you're planning a trip to Miami. Congratulations, bro, you made the right choice! Now, if you could only decide where to stay...

Miami is like a choose your own adventure book so picking the right hotel for your vacation is critical to setting you off on the right foot. Lucky for you, we're your Cruise Port Advisor Miami insider and we're here to help. Today we're sharing our favorite five laidback boutique hotels because, if you have a relaxing vacation in mind, we want you to spend your Miami stay looking for your zen, not a pair of earplugs. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full list. Bon voyage!

Which hotel sounds most appealing for a relaxing Miami stay? What other laidback boutique hotels do you recommend to travelers looking to unwind in Miami? Is there anything else you would like to see is cover for Cruise Port Advisor? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for "So Miami" Experiences - 1930s House

As Miami locals, we are very careful to avoid places that promise a typical Miami experience. These types of places are generally expensive and unauthentic tourist traps. However, every once in a while, we come across a spot that offers a genuine "So Miami" experience. A place that, on its own accord, makes the perfect local hangout - like the Thompson Miami Beach's newly opened 1930s House.

#ThankYouMiami for Locally-Owned Surf Shops - Localeur

Miami is not really known for being a surfer's paradise. The surf is inconsistent thanks to our geographical and topographical conditions so local surfers reluctantly spend most of the year chasing waves further north, traveling abroad to surf, or coming up with creative surfing alternatives. When there's a hint of rideable surf, the line-up is crowded and tensions run high. It can be a really frustrating experience for the surfer...and their friends and family (hint, hint).

We are grateful that we have amazing locally-owned surf shops. Yes, our surf shops like all others sell surfboards, leashes, clothes, etc., but they also promote a sense of surf community and keep our surfers sane. For example, our neighborhood surf shop F1rst Shop puts together surf movie nights and other great events throughout the year. They also initiate daily discussions via their social media accounts on local conditions, global surf news, and new surf products. Thanks to these initiatives surf shops like F1rst Shop keep Miami surfers calm until the surf gods finally shine upon Miami (think, Hurricane Sandy or two weekends ago).

Today, #ThankYouMiami contributor and Miami surfer Brad Wells shares the five surf shops he thinks are Miami's best. Read the excerpt below and click on the image for the full list! For more about surfing in Miami and for local surf forecasts, make sure to check out Brad's blog at ThankYouSurfing.com.

Have you been to any of the surf shops on Brad's list? Which one is your favorite? How do you keep entertained on flat days? Where do you travel in Florida or abroad for surf? Where would you like to surf next? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Food, Food, and More Food Events

Photo: Manny Hernandez

Dear Miami foodie, unbuckle your belt and start making room because this week is going to leave you stuffed. It seems the stars have aligned in your favor and are serving up a buffet of food events every day this week. Here's what you need to know:

What: The District Miami is hosting a joint celebration of National Beer and Empanada Day that is "So Miami" featuring rare brews from local breweries Miami Brewing Co., Wynwood Brewing Co. and Funky Buddha Brewery at 50% off, as well as complimentary empanadas prepared by The District's own Chef Horacio Rivadero.

When: Wednesday, April 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: 190 46th Street, Miami

What: Gables staple Frits & Franz Bierhaus will host the 12th Annual Paella-Fest with classic Spanish paella samples, live music, and drink specials, including an $11 Bierhaus Sangria Cocktail. The restaurant's party-ready plaza will be lined by liquor and beer bars and will feature performances by Conjunto Progresso, Rudy Gil, and Cortadito.

When: Friday, April 17 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: 660 Merrick Way, Coral Gables

What: Dolce Italian launched a special prix-fixe tasting menu in celebration of their Bravo's Best New Restaurant win. For only $65, you can get your hands on the mouthwatering dishes that you reluctantly coveted from home during the competition, including the crispy zucchini flowers and the ricotta cavatelli.

When: Now until Sunday, May 31

Where: 1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

And, in case you missed it...

What: Soho Bay Restaurant, a Japanese-inspired Brazilian restaurant with stellar views of Biscayne Bay, celebrated its grand opening with over 500 guests. During the event, guests sampled signature drinks like the molecular Cucumber Mojito and Guava Coladas, as well as 15 varieties of hot and cold dishes from Chef Ricky Sauri's menu.

When: The grand opening took place last Thursday, April 2. Soho Bay opens to the public on Tuesday, April 7.

Where: 520 West Avenue, Miami Beach

Which of these events are you most excited to attend? Why? Are there other Miami food events you will be attending? Which? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - Weekending

Weekends are a blast when you live in paradise. The world is your oyster because, well, the weather is beautiful and you have a full itinerary of indoor and outdoor activities at your reach. In this week's #ThankYouMiami for Fashion we talk about our preferred Sunday afternoon activity. We'll give you three hints: (1) it's outdoors; (2) it involves a Sector 9; and, (3) it takes place at our favorite park. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature. Make sure you keep an eye out for the Sound of Music reference we threw in for good measure!

What is your favorite weekend activity? How do you plan an outfit that is appropriate for that activity yet chic? How do you accessorize ultra casual outfits? Would you wear the look from this week's post? Which was your favorite piece from this week's look? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Dining Out Like A Local

At the end of last year, Tastemade, now Tastemade City, launched #TastemadeMIA by engaging local tastemakers to create recs of our city's top 400 restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and the like. The #ThankYouMiami team heeded their call and created our very own appisodes featuring old favorites and some new finds. We've previously released the videos featuring our 4 dinner and nightlife favorites and 5 go-to breakfast and lunch spots.

Today, we're sharing with you 4 restaurants that are our secret weapons for dining out with friends or going on a date. Thanks to their ambiance and menu, these restaurant options work well for both! Check them out below and make sure to follow @ThankYouMiami on Tastemade for more recommendations soon to come.

Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grill
Macchialina Taverna Rustica
Essensia Restaurant & Lounge
660 at The Angler's

Which restaurant are you most excited to try? Is there a Miami venue you would like us to feature in an upcoming appisode? What would you like to learn about that location? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion Luminaries - Ashley Brozic

A little over a year ago, we raved about how the launch of Racked Miami meant our city is finally fashionably relevant. Today, the continued existence and growing popularity of Racked Miami means so much more than that. The site's increased coverage of non-fashion topics, such as wellness, suggests that Miami's relevance extends beyond fashion. Furthermore, its quickly expanding audience locally and abroad means the masses are hungry for our city. 

For our third Miami Fashion Spotlight for The New Tropic, we interviewed Ashley Brozic, the 100-percent Miami chica who, through hard work and dedication, made Racked Miami "a thing". In the article, Ashley shares with us what she loves about Miami, how Miami played a role in her career, and why she's not ready to ditch her city just yet. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature.

What inspires you most about Ashley? What Miami fashion luminaries would you like to see in future iterations of The New Tropic's Miami Fashion Spotlight? What other topics would you like to see us cover for The New Tropic? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Killer Programming - Yoga Soundscape

Picture this: You're in Miami and it's the Tuesday after Winter Music Conference, Spring Break, and the Miami Beach Centennial. If your hectic schedule last week didn't super charge your stress levels, the traffic definitely did. Plus, let's be honest, you probably went out more nights and a lot later than you're used to. No judgments - it was totally worth it! The only problem is that your body is currently a low-energy, high-stress environment and for a Miami-an that is a losing combination. So, how do you reboot your system?

The Miami community knows Miami life can be tough on your body, which is probably why they offer so many free yoga classes. To restart our bodies from last week's mayhem, we joined 200 of our neighbors last night for one of these classes at the Canvas Patio in the Arts and Entertainment District. But this was not just your average yoga class because we were wearing LED headphones during our practice and moving in tandem with the musical curation of Karri On. Wait - what?

You've heard us talk about Sound Off Experience's "silent disco" concept before. Well, yesterday's Yoga Soundscape event was exactly like that, except much more zen. For the first time in Miami, Canvas Miami, in partnership with Ansa Yoga, applied Sound Off Experience's innovative idea to a yoga class. The combination was pure magic. 

Sound Off Experience's headphones kept the background noise at a minimum and connected us more closely with the mind-clearing experience. We heard one girl say that listening to teacher Jennifer Pansa through the headphones helped to silence her normally racing thoughts. We heard another girl claim that she cried during one of the poses because it synced so perfectly with the music. And, us? We loved it. We hope it is the first of many more Yoga Soundscape events at the A&E District and Miami's other neighborhoods.

Did you experience the first ever Yoga Soundscape? Have you attended any of the A&E District's other events? Which one did you go to? What did you like about it? Dislike? What other types of programming would you like to see in Miami? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!