Maybe their political friends can't count ballots correctly, but the folks in the Miami cultural and botanic fields know what they're doing, all right. Around Valentine's Day this February, they'll be having the 40th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, in what Sunshine Artist magazine calls the number one fine arts fete in the USA. And in early April, the Fairchild Tropical Garden here is host to the world's largest outdoor international orchid show. For both occasions, local hotels have come up with packages, ranging in price from as low as $38 per person per night up to about $150.
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Sponsored in large part by Washington Mutual Bank, the festival takes place in the somewhat Bohemian ambience of the Grove, which considers itself a cut above the rest of Miami. Right on Biscayne Bay, the festival includes contemporary art in a dozen mediums, such as clay work, digital art, fiber, jewelry and metal work, as well as painting, photography, printmaking and drawing, watercolors, wood, sculpture and mixed media. About 330 artists were chosen from 1,200 applicants through a "blind" jury process. Dates are February 15-17, 2003, over the Presidents' Day weekend. For more information, phone 305/447-0401 or log on to www.coconutgroveartsfest.com.
Here are a few hotel packages, starting from the most moderately priced: The Hampton Inn has Festival rates starting at $149 per night per room including free "deluxe" Continental breakfast buffet and self-parking. Phone them at 305/448-2800. Five nights at the Sonesta Hotel & Suites (February 14-18, 2003), deluxe rooms at $429 per person, includes full breakfast daily, but not tax or gratuity. A three-night package costs $399 per person and up, with full breakfast, no taxes or tips. Call 800/SONESTA or 305/529-2828 or visit www.sonesta.com/coconut_grove.
Mayfair House has two packages. The five-night deal (between February 11-17) is for a suite, with outside private terrace, Japanese-style hot tub, king bed and sitting area, with daily continental breakfast. Rates start at $229 per night, single or double, not including tax and tips. Their three-night package (between February 13 and 15) has similar pleasures, but starts at $279 per night, single or double, no tips or tax included. For information and to book, phone them at 800/433-4555 or visit www.mayfairhousehotel.com.
At the Wyndham Grand Bay, from February 14 through 19, a five-night package starts at $279 per night, single or double occupancy, not including taxes or tips. A three-day package starts at $299 per night per room, ditto above on tax and tips. Contact: 305/858-9600 or www.wyndham.com.
The Mutiny Hotel offers a three-night package costing $890 for two persons, with wine/cheese/fruit welcome amenity, full continental breakfast daily, no tax or tips included. Contact them at 305/441-2100 or at www.mutinyhotel.com.
First International Orchid Festival
The Fairchild Tropical Garden orchids are expected to be in full flower from April 4 to April 6, 2003, so there's no better time to host an orchid festival--hard on the heels of the, Adaptation, the recent film about an orchid thief (amongst other plot lines). The tale takes place in Florida and stars Meryl Streep, Nicolas Cage and Chris Cooper.
At least 70 species from around the world will be featured, along with lectures, workshops and demonstrations, as well as food and musical entertainment. The Garden has been going strong since 1938, its 83 acres attracting visitors from around the world. To read a recent comment about the gardens, click here.
Some hotel packages, from cheapest upward: Quality Inn South has rates from $74.50 per room per night, plus tax. Phone them at 305/477-3319. The Dadeland Marriott has standard rates starting at $159 per night per room, plus tax. For reservations, phone 305/670-1035 or visit www.dadelandmarriott.com.
The Hyatt in Coral Gables offers standard rates starting at $185 per night per room (plus tax), but you can ask for a shopping package for $159 per night plus tax, and that includes a continental breakfast for two and a 15% discount at the restaurant in the hotel. Phone them at 800/233-1234 or visit www.hyatt.org. Finally, at The Colonnade, also in Coral Gables, rates start at $209 per night plus tax for a king-sized bed or two double beds. Rates include free Champagne at check-in. Phone 305/441-2600 or visit www.omnihotels.com.
