News and Real Estate Trends For Coconut Grove & Coral Gables Luxury Real Estate

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Pilates in the Grove – Tone Your Core, Relax Your Mind November 15th, 2012

Homes of Desire

'Pilates in the Grove' Offers More Than Core Exercise While enjoying Pilates as a terrific source of exercise both for my body and mind for several years now, I can attest to its wonderful benefits such as developing good body tone, having better balance and increased flexibility.  My studio of choice is Pilates in the Grove, which is owned by some very terrific instructors (also owners of Pilates on the Beach).  Since I live in the center of Coconut Grove, I was thrilled when I...

Shopping at Miami’s Farmers Markets: featuring Zak the Baker November 13th, 2012

Homes of Desire

The temperature is finally dropping (to a staggering low of 68 degrees tonight!), and while sweaters are still optional, spending my weekends outdoors is not. I’ll take any excuse to be outside these days, and what better excuse than checking a weekly task off the list? At the local farmer’s markets, stocking up on groceries doesn’t feel like a chore—in fact, it’s a great opportunity to support local businesses. The Coconut Grove Organic Farmer’s Market, located on 3300 Grand Avenue, is...

Fairchild Ramble: A Farmer’s Market, Art Fair and Music Festival In One Place November 13th, 2012

Homes of Desire

This weekend, Fairchild Tropic Botanical Gardens is hosting their 72nd Annual Ramble. There is quite literally something for everyone there—and it really does bring out everyone, from cotton candy loving kids to bromeliad-collecting adults. The yearly festival, set in the expansive garden, makes for the perfect, leisurely day outdoors. If you go, it’s always a good idea to bring cash, as there are numerous vendors, and not all accept credit card. And while you can have a great day listening to...

Yoga Takes Over the Streets: Lululemon’s Sunset on Sunset November 13th, 2012

Homes of Desire

This Sunday, November 11, one of my favorite fitness brands, Lululemon, is hosting a yoga street party in  on Sunset Drive in South Miami. Sunset on Sunset will have hundreds of people, yoga pros and curious newbies alike, practicing their downward dog at an outdoor yoga session at sundown. This free event is a great way to meet other fitness enthusiasts--all you need to bring is a yoga mat! The yoga session begins at 5 pm, followed by a block party...

Halloween Tradition Casts its Spell on Spirited Neighborly Fun! October 24th, 2012

Homes of Desire

This One Scary Night Will Have You Howling at the Moon in Pinecrest, Coral Gables or Coconut Grove . . . Holidays tend to bring out the community spirit in all of us. And while it’s not quite time to give official thanks yet, I’ll start a bit early and say that I’m always thankful for our neighborhoods—Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove—when Halloween comes around. How many days of the year encourage us to knock on our neighbors’ doors? I have...

Locally-Minded Cuisine Draws Crowds October 21st, 2012

Homes of Desire

In recent food trends, consumers have been looking to their backyards and farmer’s markets for fresh inspiration. Restaurants are following cue; locally-sourced menu items are popping up around South Florida. Some restaurants have built an entire concept around cooking with seasonal products. Take LoKal, the burger and beer hub in Coconut Grove.  Residents are flocking to this neighborhood restaurant, not only for the casual, upbeat ambiance, but for its fresh-from-the-farm dishes. Health-minded carnivores will appreciate the range of proteins—from grass-fed beef,...

Columbus Day Weekend Brings Biscayne Bay Festivities October 5th, 2012

Homes of Desire

For the 57th year, Biscayne Bay will be host to the Columbus Day Regatta, the annual holiday weekend boat race. With nearly 300 contestants taking to the water in hopes of a trophy, it’s quite a spectacle. While the rest of the country is gearing up for October’s chill, the mid-80˚ temperatures and sunshine here in Miami promise a few more days of summer. Throw on some SPF and head down to the Biscayne area with the whole family to...

Gourmet Grocery Stores Sprout Up Around South Florida October 3rd, 2012

Homes of Desire

With so many dining-out choices, it’s tempting for South Floridians to ignore their kitchens entirely. Now, though, with two enticing gourmet grocery stores taking up residence in the Pinecrest area, prepare to get cooking. In August, the much-loved Fresh Market opened a new store in The Falls, marking its 30th opening in Florida. Already a Coconut Grove standby, The Fresh Market is lauded for its affordable produce and oven-to-shelf bakery items. This new addition has had local Pinecrest residents salivating...

New Restaurant Openings Make Coral Gables THE Dining Destination for Foodies in Miami! September 27th, 2012

Homes of Desire

With over 200 restaurants, Coral Gables is a culinary force to be reckoned with!  What's more, national chains as well as home-grown gourmet eateries have taken notice and are set to open very soon.  Impressive additions to the restaurant community include South Beach staple, Sushi Samba, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizzas, health-conscious Energy Kitchen (relocating from Pinecrest), and Swine Southern Table & Bar (brought to us by the same people behind Yardbird). It seems like there will certainly be something to satisfy every...

Realtor Scam Artists Beware! September 25th, 2012

Homes of Desire

I rarely write disparaging remarks about other professionals in my field, and even now I will not name names, but I have to say that I am disappointed by the lack of ethics some Realtors possess when it comes to "getting ahead" or being aggressive in retaining new clients.  Over the past several months I have, on two occasions, seen my listings claimed by other Realtors as their own, listing themselves as the listing agent and directing those interested in the...