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+ Bayfront Park: Versatile venue’s bayside in Downtown

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+ Ballet Flamenco La Rosa: Passionate castanet moves

[caption id="attachment_60597" align="alignright" width="111" caption="Ilisa Rosa, artistic director of Ballet Flamenco La Rosa. Photo by Ali."][/caption] One of Miami's most beloved dance troupes Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, led by artistic director Ilisa Rosal, who formed the group in 1985. In their nearly three decades of existence, Rosal has developed more than 100 flamenco performances. Serving as a choreographer and dancer as well, Rosal and her troupe take flamenco beyond the traditional well known dance and in their performances, present it in a theatrical setting. Their original numbers explore the connection between flamenco and other dance forms including Middle Eastern, Indian, jazz, tap, blues and Afro-Cuban. They regularly collaborate with internationally renowned guest musicians and dancers who enhance the experience. In "Celtic Callings" they were joined by the Breffini Irish Dancers while productions like "Las Brujas de Salem" ("The Witches of Salem") and "Rey Lear" were inspired by Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" and Shakespeare's "King Lear," respectively. Ballet Flamenco La Rosa performs throughout the year at various venues around Miami and also host weekly classes at the Performing Arts Network, 13146-8 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami 305-899-7730, www.balletflamencolarosa.com, www.panmiami.org

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+ New World Symphony: Classy new venue

The New World Symphony is known for presenting classical music with a few re-interpretations and now they're presenting them in a brand new venue on Miami Beach. Just to see a master like Michael Tilson Thomas waving his conductor's wand and leading this masterful group is exciting enough. Now however, NWS has a new venue, the state-of-the-art New World Center designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry as well as an outdoor venue called Soundscape and designed by Dutch architectural firm West 8. So now it's even easier to catch a performance by this talented orchestra in a great outdoor setting on the 7,00o-square-foot projection wall in the 2.5 acre public park. Along with their regular performances they also host monthly special events including family days, solo spotlights and Pulse where they transform the already incredible indoor venue into a nightclub setting. The New World Symphony's New World Center is located at 500 17th St., Miami Beach, FL

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+ Coral Gables Art Cinema: Reel indie films shown here

Lovers of independent films usually have to wait until March for the Miami Film Festival to come to town but the Coral Gables Art Cinema's, a new 144-seat venue, run by Coral Gables Cinemateque, Inc., has changed that. With stadium seating and rare 16/35 mm films shown in HD professional theater-quality sound, the bill includes American independent, foreign and classic films not found in typical multi-screen movie theaters. The intimate cinema is a welcome addition to an already vibrant restaurant, cultural and shopping scene in Downtown Coral Gables. Housed inside a historic building on one of the city's best known streets, Aragon Avenue is home to some of the City Beautiful's best restaurants taking dinner and a movie to another level. Coral Gables Art Cinema is located at 260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, FL, 786-472-2249, www.gablescinema.com

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+ Stiltsville Tours: Homes on water evoke old Miami

The 1920s and 30s may have been the heyday boom in Florida. The time Art Deco got famous, when Flagler's railroad was chug-chugging and visits to Miami were about sun and fun. It was also the time when a little place called Stiltsville on Biscayne Bay emerged. Today, there are a mere three or four "shack" homes built either on wood or reinforced concrete pilings ten feet above the shallow water. They're situated one mile south of Key Biscayne's Cape Florida. There are several tour companies that make trips out to Stiltsville and recount the story of how the houses were built and the transformation of its heyday to the few that still stand. Island Queen Cruises does their tours through History Miami. Miami historian Dr. Paul George conducts the tours. Call 305-379-5119 for reservations. www.islandqueencruises.com

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+ Wrestlin’ a gator is an art form to these guys

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+ Zoo Miami: An adventure in the jungle

Zoo Miami is one of the most unique attractions in Miami and is not your conventional zoo see, there's no cages here, well, virtually none. Moats separate a majority of the animals from the visitors which makes it a much more natural experience. Strolling along the pathways, either on foot, on a safari cycle, in the safari tram tour or on the monorail, is an adventure in everything wild. Monkeys climb on tree limbs and branches in King of the Jungle, while the Huon tree kangaroo, koalas and a crocodile monitor lizard hang out in the Australia exhibition. Flamingos, giraffes, hippos, snakes, rhinos, lions, tigers, lizards, eels, spiders and more, they all live here in this massive 327 acre park. Kids can enjoy more than just the wildlife with the ever-popular Diego Zoo show, with the famous character from Dora the Explorer. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, FL 786-619-3418, www.zoomiami.org

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+ Margulies Collection: Wynwood District pioneer’s space shines

The once sleepy Wynwood neighborhood over the last decade has become a force in the growing and world-reknowned Miami arts community and pioneering the transformation is Martin Margulies, well known art collector. At the giant Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, located of course in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District, the variety of art on display is impressive and obviously his life's work. Contemporary and vintage photography, sculptures, installations and video pieces. Sculptures by artworld heavyweights Joan Miro, Williem de Kooning and Isamu Noguchi are here for the viewing. Amazing that works by such masters exist in one place together. This is an art lover's dream and give yourself a few hours because working through the space requires just that. The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse is located at 591 NW 27 St. 305-576-1051 www.margulieswarehouse.com

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+ Jazz at MOCA: Tunes under the night sky

[caption id="attachment_53249" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Arturo Sandoval trumpet blaring at Jazz at MOCA"][/caption]It's a scene to behold in the heart of downtown North Miami on the last Friday of the month when the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts their monthly Jazz at MOCA event. It's become the place to be and it's no wonder, they get some stellar jazz musicians to play here. First off, it's just a nice event, people bring blankets, set up a nice picnic under the stars with wine and other goodies and settle in to watch performers play and sing their hearts out in their cool bandshell. They've hosted such greats as trumpet great Arturo Sandoval, local favorite Ira Sullivan and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. Great trios and quintets perform too and they get the crowd clappin' and foot tappin'. As an added bonus, the museum stays open late so jazz lovers can stroll through and see the exhibitions.

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+ Jungle Island: Paradise attraction on Watson Island

Just the car ride to Jungle Island is glorious with cruise ships on one side and mansions on the other and sparkling water all the way around. The attraction uses its surroundings to their advantage. The tropical landscape lends itself to the Parrot Bowl shows where vultures, cockatoos, swallows and more share center stage. Exhibits around the Island feature several species of monkeys, snakes and birds including penguins, flamingos, American alligators, Burmese pythons, skunks, cobras and chameleons. They live among a variety of gorgeous plants and flowers that provide the grounds' beautiful landscape. They also make full use of their waterfront location by incorporating an area called "La Playa" (The Beach) where adults can lounge on a beach chair under an umbrella while the kids frolic in a 17-foot water slide. The view's unbeatable and it's a great way to cool off.

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+ HistoryMiami CityTour: A lesson on the Magic City

Miami may be a young city but there's still a rich history to be learned and that's what the HistoryMiami CityTour provides for out-of-towners who want to learn about the place called "The Magic City." Tours are done by boat, coach, bike or on foot and feature some of the city's most historic and iconic spots. Dr. Paul George, a professor at Miami leads tours of The City of Miami Cemetery, where Julia Tuttle, one of Miami's most legendary pioneers, is buried as well as historic Little Havana homes , among several others. While long-time Miami resident Frank W. Schena leads the eco-history tours of  The Redland Farm, Cape Florida Lighthouse and Miami Beach Boardwalk. The boat tours go to Elliot Key and Boca Chita while another goes to Stiltsville where seven homes are built on stilts in the middle of Biscayne Bay. This one's a sight to behold. Departure spot depends on which tour. HistoryMiami is located at 101 W. Flagler St. and it's best to call or visit their site to find the departure location.

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+ Art Center/South Florida: Watch artists at work

What makes the Art Center/South Florida so unique is that aside from being such a great place to view local art it's actually a working studio where artists rent space and create their work. Besides making it the perfect excuse to stroll up and down Lincoln Road on Miami Beach, not that any excuses should be needed for doing that, it's a great way to experience the craft of creating art first-hand. Big names in the South Florida art community, like Carlos Betancourt, Robert Chambers, David Rohn, Michele Oka Doner and others, have displayed their work here and the exhibitions include public art commissions, performance and video art, multi-media works as well as more traditional paintings and drawings. Art Center/South Florida is located at924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL

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+ Mad Cat Theatre Company: Alternative to the traditional

Keeping theatre contemporary, fresh and original might as well be Mad Cat Theatre Company's motto, it's what they've been doing around Miami for the past decade. Although a majority of their performances are one-time only there are a couple that have become part of their repertoire. There's the hilarious "Shepherd's Pie" filled with limericks and Irish humor and the hit play "Broadsword" which plays on the classic theme of the classic rock band break-up and the problems that ensue. Made up a group of talented Carbonell-award-winning actors, this wacky and intelligent troupe seeks to provoke, entice and challenge their audiences with original plays that touch on a variety of subjects folks can relate to. At times gut-busting and always memorable, it's always worth making time for a Mad Cat show. The company performs at the Adrienne Arsht Center at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Downtown Miami.

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+ Tigertail Productions: Culture of every kind

Veteran cultural group Tigertail Productions, headed up by legendary director Mary Luft, is presenting another season jam-packed with musical and theatrical performances as well as spoken word events. They've been presenting passionate programs in performing and visual arts since 1979 and each year is better than the next. They're known for pushing the envelope and bringing recognition to lesser-known artists who they feel deserve their time on stage. Gracing this season's calendar are Dutch jazz artists the Benjamin Herman Quartet, a variety of spoken word or "WordSpeak" events and workshops, blues legends Henry Gray & the Cats and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. The Jess Curtis Gravity Dance troupe, featuring dancers from France, Germany, Italy, England and the United States, is an interdisciplinary mixed ability performance. And Japanese couple Eiko & Koma present their provocative performance piece "Raven." Tigertail's performances are held on Miami Beach, in Coral Gables and throughout Miami. Visit their web site for exact locations.

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+ Miami Science Museum & Planetarium: A world of hands-on exploration

Hands-on, interactive permanent as well as traveling exhibitions are what Miami Science Museum is all about. Add in the interpretive presentations, Wildlife Center and Planetarium laser shows and it's a full day affair! Visiting this attraction means learning about all things scientific, whether it's wind, electricity, the human body, dinosaurs, sharks, energy this place gets people moving since most all displays are interactive. Head outside to the Wildlife Center and see their amazing collection of turtles, snakes, birds of prey and other critters. It's also a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds so it's an educational lesson as well. And in the Planetarium, daytime shows focus on the telescope and on identifying the stars and planets. In the evening, laser shows take over, they've been a hit here for years and keep going strong. Watch laser lights move and groove while listening to the sounds of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley. On the first Friday of the month they open up the rooftop observatory for star viewing. The Miami Science Museum & Planetarium is located at 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL

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+ Paragon Theater: Movie-going taken to new heights

The Paragon Theater located in Coconut Grove's CocoWalk outdoor mall and it takes the movie-going experience to another level. It's more than just typical candy, popcorn, soda and hot dogs, the concession offerings as well as the theater itself are much more upscale. The 13-screen theater features high definition digital projection in 3-D, a 1,500 seat all reserved VIP stadium seating and coming soon a bowling alley. Paragon takes dinner and a movie to another level, offering moviegoers expanded food offerings, like wraps, pizza and chicken fingers and more. In the "Back Lot" private screening rooms they show sporting events, concerts and classic films. It's all here. Of course, because it's located in CocoWalk there's plenty of shopping to do as well. Paragon Theater is located in CocoWalk at 3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove

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+ Renaissance era’s alive at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

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+ Things are bloomin’ at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

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+ Sea creatures soar and delight at Seaquarium

Dolphins share the spotlight with a veteran killer whale soaring through the air and delighting audiences at their retro home on Biscayne Bay, the Miami Seaquarium. The golden dome that shades audiences where these creatures perform along with funny sea lions, is visible from the Rickenbacker Causeway that leads to Key Biscayne. It's been a fixture in Miami's landscape for more than three decades. There are eight different animal shows to see here. Walking through the lushly landscaped park, it's easy to spot pink flamingos and birds, along with ponds and tanks filled with turtles, moray eels, alligators, manatees and the meanest of them all, sharks. Dolphin interaction programs are great for getting up close and personal with these intelligent animals. A day at this attraction is a must on the list of any Miami visitor. The Miami Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

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+ Award-Winning Shows at GableStage

With 148 Carbonell Award nominations and 43 wins, it's no wonder audiences flock to see GablesStage plays, which are presented in the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Perfecting their theatrical craft for more than three decades, the players at GableStage, led for the last nine seasons by Producing Artistic Director Joseph Adler, whose legendary and provocative productions have been making headlines in Miami since his arrival at the theater, is something no one at this venue takes lightly. Speed the Plow and  A Lesson Before Dying are some of the award-winners and this season's comedy Speech and Debate and the drama Fifty Words could very well garner more accolades.

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+ Staging a Stellar Line-Up at Actors’ Playhouse

Housed in Coral Gables' historic Miracle Theatre, the Actors' Playhouse is one of Miami's premier spots to catch stellar stage productions for both adults and children. Impeccably restored, but still maintaining the look of another era with a neon marquee announcing the latest productions and a grand glass box office, the showcased plays are just as spectacular. The Actors' Playhouse continues to rack up the prestigious Carbonell awards- 57 and counting- and every season expect several classics alongside original plays by local playwrights. Catch a performance here and come away with a memorable evening.

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+ Diverse Drama & Dance at Deco Colony Theater

Whether it's laughing the night away at a comic's jokes or watching dancers soar and leap across the stage, Colony Theater is the place to catch a wealth of diverse entertainment. The calendar is packed with something for everyone with groups like Miami Lyric Opera, Miami Contemporary Dance Company and New World School of the Arts Music Department presenting world-class performances. The venue has also become a hot bed for controversial plays and shows by Latin American artists, making headlines in the past year with attention-grabbing presentations. Watching a show here is like stepping back in time. The marquee and Colony Theater lettering are in Art Deco style and the look continues inside throughout the foyer with a multi-patterned terrazo floor, vintage chandeliers and a grand stage framed in Deco-inspired moldings. The theater may be inspired by the roaring 20s, but what's showing inside is fresh, new and in the moment.

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+ Island Rhythms Pulsate from Hoy Como Ayer

Once this place gets going, and since it's Miami that means LATE, the island rhythms and heavy percussion that emanate from this tiny place in the heart of Calle Ocho in Little Havana are intoxicating. Hoy Como Ayer is a trip to the Cuban Havana of old with a blend of sounds from the present day hot Latin acts that have made a name for themselves in the Magic City. Hoy Como Ayer (which means "Today Like Yesterday") is consistently ranked by most local publications as the best place to catch Latin performers, because the best play here. Cuban-born singer Albita performs here regularly, the Latin-funk-fusion band DJ Le Spam, and the All Stars (they're local faves and always pack the house), along with Luis Bofil and David Bisbal all grace the stage. It's one giant jamfest here from Wednesday to Sunday and the drinks are, of course, the best, from refreshing Mojitos to the rum and cokes, better known in Miami as "Cuba Libre."

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+ Miami Art Museum Draws In Art Lovers

Innovative and thought-provoking art is what the Miami Art Museum strives to present to art lovers. With contemporary greats, like photographer Chuck Close, icon Robert Rauschenberg, and artists Wilfredo Lam and Jose Bedia featured, there's no doubt the envelope is being pushed to the max. The rule of admiring works of art from afar does not apply here, the installations, paintings, and sculptures beg for the viewer to become engrossed in the work, examine it and in essence become affected by it. Besides the permanent collection and traveling exhibits that are presented, the MAM offers the monthly happy hour, Jam at MAM, featuring varying jazz performers, nibbles, and cocktails, as well as regular lectures to coincide with the show schedule.

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+ See The Next Big Thing at Miami’s Improv & Dinner Theater

With the hottest comics around, including Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres and Robin Williams, getting their start at the Improv Comedy Club, chances are today's comics at Miami's Improv are the next big thing. Housed inside the classic open-air shopper's paradise, Mayfair Shoppes, the Improv packs them in on a weekly basis with stellar line-ups featuring the best in the funny business. For example, joker Gabriel Iglesias has appeared on Comedy Central's Premium Blend as well as the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, while LA-based Darren Carter is a favorite on the comedy club circuit for combining comedy, sketch and impersonations into his act. To see up and coming comedians, the Improv Comedy Jam, held several times a month, is a great show to catch. Also considered a dinner theatre, the grub here is good too, with an impressive menu of appetizers, entrees and drink specials to please any palate. Overall, it's a great place to unwind at the end of a busy workday and laugh hard and eat hearty.

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+ Cutting Edge Art at Iconic Dorsch Gallery

Brook Dorsch moved his namesake Dorsch Gallery to the Wynwood Arts District 10 years ago, before there was an arts district. But just like how he's got an eye for cutting edge art, this pioneer's got an eye for location. The (very) recently renovated Dorsch Gallery has gone from newbie to icon status. Close to two decades in the biz and Dorsch is still presenting thought-provoking art exhibitions, and in these warehouse digs he's expanded to presenting concerts, film festivals and a host of cultural events. Expect the unexpected with installations featuring four stand-up concrete slabs, sculptures that seem to protrude from the ground, and geometric paintings that boggle the mind and trick the eye. He's always got a stellar line-up of shows that are great to catch at the beginning or the end of a cultural outing to the Wynwood area.

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+ No Boundaries in Miami Light Project’s Contemporary World

There are no boundaries or limits when it comes to exploring the contemporary performance world, at least not for the Miami Light Project, who has spent the last two decades perfecting their craft and becoming Miami's premier contemporary art forum. Searching for the most innovative form of expression in live performance, MLP is a place to discover groundbreaking local and global artists in music, dance and theatre. The Miami Light Project taps into the beat of the city by offering hip hop acts and world music groups. The annual Here & Now Festival is a great place to see up and coming fresh acts, but don't sweat it, there are special events year-round. Performances are at venues around the city, but mainly on South Beach and Downtown Miami.

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+ The Bass Museum: Art Inside and Out

The Bass Museum of Art has an expansive and impressive collection of art - and the building the works are housed in isn't too shabby either. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the one time Miami Beach Public Library is now the centerpiece for today's historic district. Expanded a few years back, the original building and the new wing are home to a massively impressive 500 piece permanent collection that includes paintings, sculptures, works on paper, decorative objects and textiles by greats like Rubens and Boticcelli to modern art. The Bass also has cool, fun events like Hot Nights & Cool Jazz at the Bass, complete with buckets of beer, to scavenger hunts on Family Fun Days. The traveling exhibitions feature modern art, video and photography and are definitely worth a special visit as well.

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+ History Lessons at Historical Museum of Southern Florida

Who says you can't have a history lesson while vacationing in another city? Well that's exactly what the Historical Museum of Southern Florida in Downtown Miami provides as one of the largest private, regional historical museums in the country. Housed in a fortress-like structure, the museum is home to an impressive collection of objects, prints and photographs that depict the influence that Native Americans as well as Caribbean residents had in forming and shaping South Florida. The history of the founding individuals as well as the history of the aviation, maritime and tourism industries in South Florida will leave you with a sense of knowledge of how the southernmost area of the Sunshine State came to fruition.

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+ Tobacco Road’s Act is a Century Strong

Nearly a century Tobacco Road has been open, in the same location, making it a Miami institution for live music. It first opened its doors during the prohibition days and obviously things have changed a bit since then with the addition of legalized alcohol and some of the best live music in Miami. They've been playin' the blues at this place for years now, featuring an undisputed line-up of local musicians as well as established blues and rock acts that grace two tiny indoor stages (ground floor and second floor) and out on the patio. There's always a reason for a party at Tobacco Road, whether it's a blues festival or to celebrate yet another birthday- whether it be Gloria Estefan's or another notch toward the century marker!

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+ Innovative Sounds from the New World Symphony

The string section is lulling, the horns are blowing and the ultimate in guest artists are doing what they do best to the baton of world-class conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. This exciting scenario takes place every time the New World Symphony takes the stage at Lincoln Road's Lincoln Theatre, a beacon of culture on South Beach. Tilson Thomas and his posse provide a twist on traditional classical music by performing lesser known pieces as well as original compositions. These pioneering musicians have garnered a respected reputation by constantly evolving their repertoire over the last two decades making each performance a mind blowing, exciting, and unforgettable experience.

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+ Pure Serenity at Historic Barnacle

Nestled in the quaint community of Coconut Grove is a jewel of a park that takes visitors back to another era- and has one of the best bay views in the city. Wind down tree-lined Main Highway and come upon the Barnacle Historic State Park, once the home of pioneering Miamian Ralph Middleton Munroe, to catch a glimpse of life in Miami in the late 1800s. The place has grounds that rival a scene from the Great Gatsby and the house is just as grand with a bird's eye view of the bay from the home's balcony, an open rotunda attic with wrap-around carved railings, skylights and intricate furnishings in every room. The boathouse, where Commodore Munroe built his vessels, and shaded pathways throughout the property add to the tranquil setting. The Barnacle is more than simply a house to admire, they also house many activities that can make this landmark part of your weekly routine. Every week there is a yoga class that allows you to get the serenity and tranquility of the locale while also burning some serious calories. Throughout the year there are also many special concerts that take place on the grounds. Enjoy the old and the new, but always a beautiful setting, at The Barnacle.

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+ Wolfsonian Museum Boasts a Provocative Collection

It's housed in a grand Art Deco building in the heart of South Beach, but what's inside the Wolfsonian Museum is a design collection that's unlike the Miami architecture, spanning from the late 1800s to the mid-1940s and featuring European and American pieces. The multi-level structure is a vast wonderland of art, furnishings, objects, and memorabilia to suit any art lovers' taste. Collector Micky Wolfson has amassed a thinking man's collection focusing on the thought-provoking era of Decorative and Propaganda Arts. The Museum's exhibitions and programs are an extension of the permanent collection's theme and explore the important role of design during the industrial age through social, political, and technological topics.

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+ Hearst’s Miami Castle: The Spanish Monastery

Tucked along a winding, tree-lined street in North Miami Beach is a beautiful sanctuary called the Spanish Monastery, a building from the 1100s that's the perfect spot for escaping the rat race by entering into a bygone era. The structure was dismantled in Spain where it was created, and transported to North Miami Beach in a whopping 11,000 crates after newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased the property. The Spanish influence still rings through with the luscious and impeccably manicured gardens, European-inspired statues, and open-air courtyards and hallways among the stone structure. Grand gated entrances lead to various brick pathways that feature stone benches that are ideal for reading, painting, or just enjoying the fresh air amongst the breathtaking landscape. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Miami sun with some European flair.

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+ Art Deco Historic District

Awash in pastel and mostly under cloudless blue skies, the Art Deco Historic District is a feast for the eyes for both its architecture and the beautiful people that spend time there. Lovingly restored in the 1980s by the Miami Design Preservation League, the District is where it's at. Celebrities flock here and Ocean Drive has long been considered the American version of the French Riviera. Stroll along famed Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road Mall, funky Washington Avenue and chic Collins Avenue to take in historic buildings that were all the rage in the roaring 1920s and have stood the test of time. Architect Morris Lapidus put the area on the map with his unique designs, check out the legacy he created.

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+ Rubell Family Collection

Come see one of the best collections of contemporary art in the world. The Rubell Family Collection was one of the initial galleries to move into the hip and happening Wynwood District in 1993 and calls a  a former Drug Enforcement Agency warehouse home. The 45,000 square foot space showcases work by contemporary giants including Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, Julian Schanbel and Jeff Koons. It's obvious that Don and Mera Rubell, who started the collection shortly after they were married in 1964, know a little something about art collecting and shared a passion for it from the start. They've passed that on to their children Jason and Jennifer who are now collectors themselves and run the place for their parents.