While Miami is known for its beaches and high rises, insiders know that – incredibly – one-third of land in the county is agricultural. The Redland Riot Road Rallye creates a near-perfect way to explore those green areas, known as Redland. The Riot’s team format playfully explores the farms, gardens, nurseries, vineyards, bakeries, shops and boutiques scattered across the southwestern part of the county. You and friends travel in your car as you seek out the answers to the challenge questions at the locations that make Redland so special. Pro Tip: Bring spill-proof glasses, a hearty appetite and plenty of room for the produce, bottles and crafts that you’re sure to gather along the way.
The Redland Riot happens only once each year and this Saturday 1/18 is the day. Early registration is a must to get a spot for your team. Bring some cash and show up early.
Rob and Robin Burr are the powerhouse couple that make the annual Riot happen. But it’s their year-round energies that make the Great Gables Guide a staple of life in Coral Gables. Their weekly newsletter is the go-to summary of what’s happening in the Gables and it can’t be beat, especially because of its free subscriptions and its long history of finding the best of the Gables.
Register for the Redland Riot pronto. It starts Saturday morning 1/18 at 10:00. Detailed instructions are found here. Read them.
Ransom Everglades Boys Basketball hosts Palmer Trinity in a battle for local bragging rights. The homespun enthusiasm (and bargain price) could be a perfect introduction to sports fandom for a grade schooler. Friday 1/17 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Ransom Everglades Upper School, 3575 Main Highway.
The music of kings and queens, Renaissance choral music was the height of vocal art. Seraphic Fire presents Renaissance: The Capilla Flamenca in town for one night only, Friday 1/17 at 8:00 p.m. Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables. Tickets.
Orchids could change your life or at least make for a very beautiful day. The Tamiami International Orchid Festival is the largest of its kind and it opens today and runs through Sunday. The flowers and plants can be breathtaking, and almost all are for sale. It’s up to you to decide which side of the inspiration-intimidation threshold you’re on. (Pro Romance Tip: Valentine’s Day arrives soon. Consider a day strolling among the orchids and choosing the bloom that most speaks to you both.) Early admission (9:00 a.m.) is available Friday and Saturday. General admission starts Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Doors close at 6:00 p.m. Miami Dade County Fair Expo Center Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami. True, it’s not close by, but it’s worth the trip. Advanced sales tickets let you avoid the line to get in.
Tropical Audubon Society’s Bird-friendly Gardening Day welcomes volunteers to their beautiful habitat. Hands-on experience that you can take back to your own garden can’t be learned from a book, and the connections to master gardeners make it all the more special. Register in advance, as space is limited. Saturday 1/18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. 5530 Sunset Drive.
After your victory at the Redland Riot Rallye, join classic car buffs displayed at The Barnacle’s Cars & Cigars display. Better still, bring a picnic or buy the burgers or hot dogs from the Barnacle Society’s grill and enjoy the lawn, the cars and new friends. Sunday 1/19, 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Gate opens at 9:00 a.m. The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Highway. Modest entrance fee.
nightLAB: Science Swarm at the Frost Science Museum brings adults (age 21 and over) together for hands-on science in an after-hours social setting. The ambitious program uses “Bugs” as its point of departure but extends through the whole museum. Wednesday 1/22 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Tickets required. Very limited parking; Pro Tip: Metrorail to Government Center, then free Metromover to Museum Park station.
Save Me a Seat
The Miami Lebanese Festival next weekend is a must for its great cultural vibe (see, not everything in Miami is Latin). We’ll go for the food, but we’ll stay for the dancing. Just around the corner at 2055 Coral Way. Starts Friday 1/24 and lasts through Sunday 1/26.
The romance continues with the St. Hugh Steinway Concert Prelude to Valentine’s Friday, 1/31. Tenor Arturo Chacon Cruz headlines the show. Information and tickets are available here.