Tri-County Sentry
Friday AUGUST 15, 2014
Page 1B
Miami Summers: Pure Luxury
and Hidden Gems
South Beach, Miami Florida Sunbather People-watching By Dwight Brown mouth hidden gems – withNNPA Travel Writer out the crowds. Summer vacations in Mi- Swank Downtown ami are fun and a smart travConventional wisdom el strategy. Restaurants are says book a room in South more accommodating (the Beach. But if you want a difMiami Spice program runs ferent look at Miami, head from August 1 to September downtown. Business trav30, offering $23 lunch and elers know the joys (hotels, $39 dinner tasting menus at bars and restaurants) that prime restaurants). Hotels lurk between the skyscrapand spas that overbook dur- ers in the financial district. ing the winter months are Vacationers are learning offering special packages too, and they’re getting easy and deals. Tennis courts are access to neighborhoods emptier, golf courses, stores like Coconut Grove, Coral and family attractions, too. Cables and Key Biscayne Summer is the perfect time Island. Sometimes a lush to wallow in pure luxury business hotel can be a desor hunt out those word-of- tination in and of itself.
(Photo by Dwight Brown) As you drive across the bridge to the tiny isle of Brickell Key, just off bus-
tling Brickell Avenue, the yellow and cream-colored 20-story-high Mandarin Oriental, Miami comes into view. Only the hotel and a few condo buildings sit on this man-made isle at the base of Biscayne Bay. The high-roofed lobby, with floor-to-ceiling windows looks like a set from a Wong Kar-Wai art-house film. Impeccable decoration, pleasing colors and stately furniture underscore the pure elegance. The 295 rooms and 31 suites feel open, spacious and some have a large window between the bathtub and sleeping area that provides unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. After sunning on the sand-beach pier or dunking in the pool, head to the 15,000 square-foot spa. You’ll know you’re in the lap of sheer luxury when your therapist escorts you up an elevator to a floor with private spa suites and dramatic panoramas. Treatments run from the Thai MIAMI, See page 11B
Performance Venues
August 22, Zin Bistro, 32131 Lindero Canyon Rd #111, Westlake Village, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. August 23, Safire Bistro, 4850 Santa Rosa Rd, Camarillo, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. August 24, The Patio, 6580 Auto Center Dr, Ventura, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. August 30, Rhumb Line, 1510 Anchors Way Dr, Ventura, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Log on at: www.jeannetatumsings.com for details.
Sound Effect Calendar of Events CAMARILLO ARTS COUNCIL In celebration of the City of Camarillo's 50th Anniversary this summer's schedule will feature hits of 1964!
Concerts in the Park August 23 September 6
Driver 64 The Best of 1964 Raymond Michael A Tribute to Elvis
Movies in the Park August 16 Despicable Me 2 (Animated, Universal Pictures, 2013) Concerts begin at Movies begin at 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.camarilloartscouncil.org
These free events are held in Constitution Park, corner of Carmen Drive and Paseo Camarillo. Donations are appreciated.
Friday, August 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, in Los Angeles
Sunday, August 17, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
The Gourmet Food Truck and Bocce Ball Festival at Limoneira Ranch, 1141 Cummings Road, in Santa Paula
Thursday, August 21, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Soul 4 II trio at Cafe Fiore, 66 S California St., in Ventura
Friday, August 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, in Los Angeles
Sunday, August 24, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Whale’s Tail, 3950 Bluefin Circle, in Oxnard
Thursday, August 28, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Soul 4 II trio at Cafe Fiore, 66 S California St., in Ventura The Sound Effect band prides themselves in their trueness to live music. All instruments are played live and they never use pre-recorded background tracks at any live performances. This gives them the ability to change the feel of songs as they feel the need to which in turn keeps them fresh and energetic on stage. The fact that the core 4 members of the group have been together for over 11 years makes this possible. Having performed together for so many years also gives them the tightness that distinguishes them from any other group. Besides their unmistakeable talent, they enjoy themselves on stage so much that the feeling is contagious. Their fans become more like family and the vibe they give off becomes their own.
August 15 August 22 August 29 September 5
Myst British Beat Band Dirty Rice Woodstock Tribute
Show time is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Limited lawn seating is free. Tables and general admission plaza seats are available for a fee. For more information, call (805) 483-7960 or visit www.heritagesquareoxnard.com.