The Buzz: South Florida - From Serene to Shocking
Thinking of taking one of your meetings to South Florida? In addition to long stretches of white beach and dazzling sunshine, the region offers some of the hottest nightlife and attractions in the country. Here’s the buzz on the latest happenings.
The big news is the new Marlins Ballpark, which is set to open its doors when baseball season begins this spring. Located in the Little Havana section of Miami, the ballpark will have a retractable roof and the Clevelander, a separate space in the outfield for groups and special events. The venue is a spin-off of the iconic Clevelander Hotel, which has held court on South Beach for more than 70 years. The ballpark location will offer more than 4,000 square feet of gathering space, a splash pool with nightclub-style entertainers, and tailored menus from buffets to bar service.
If the occasion calls for a little more elegant setting, take a look at the Soho Beach House, also in Miami Beach. Located on the site of the historic art deco Sovereign Hotel, it’s a hotel open to the public and members-only club that boasts a new 16-story oceanfront tower and event spaces ranging from the main pool and Tiki Bar to the penthouse and library.
Down the coastline in Coconut Grove, check out Peacock Garden Café for a slice of history. It recently unveiled a new private dining space called the Dinner Key Dining Room, which can accommodate as many as 200 guests. The space takes its name from the nearby Dinner Key Marina, which was a convenient stopping point between the Miami River and Snapper Creek in the early 1900s. The marina later served as a naval station during World War I. This history is celebrated in décor and artwork throughout the venue.
If you have more of a hipster crowd , travel back to Miami and take a tour of House, a 9,000-square-foot multi-room venue modeled after a home of the future. The kitchens are used as bars, bouncers are clad in pajamas and there’s high tech 3D mapping on the interior and exterior walls. According to those in the know, it’s more of a living, breathing art installation than a nightclub. If you think your group can handle an adventure, check it out here.