This year’s lineup promises to make mouths water with 35 new restaurants including 1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, Angelique Euro Café, Blue Sea at Delano, Cabana, Caffe Portofino, Caffe Vialetto, Canyon Ranch Grill, Catch 10 Seafood Bistro, Catch Grill & Bar,  City Hall the Restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, Deco Grill, The Dining Room, Eden South Beach, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar,  Graziano’s Restaurant (2 new locations), Kane Steakhouse, Le Provencal Restaurant, Loulou “Le Petit Bistro,” Makoto, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink , Mister Collins, Morton’s, the Steakhouse, North Miami Beach, Old Lisbon Restaurant, Rincon Argentino Steakhouse # 2, Rosa Mexicano – South Beach , The Royal, Shula’s 347 Grill, Sustain Restaurant & Bar, Symcha’s, Trio on The Bay, Truluck’s, Tudor House and West Avenue Café.   For the full list of participating restaurants, menus, and scheduled events, visit the Miami Spice Restaurant Month’s dedicated website: www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com

JUNGLE ISLAND DEBUTS “CRAZY FOR CAMELIDS” EXPERIENCE:  They’ve starred in movies and cartoons for many years and now guests have the chance to meet them first hand. They’re the members of the Camelid family… a dromedary camel, llama and an alpaca! In the thirty minute encounter, small groups of up to six guests can interact with a camel, llama and an alpaca while getting insight into the animals’ daily habits, feed them their favorite snacks and make a trio of friends for life. “Camels, llamas and alpacas have been been stereo typed as not always very friendly. When you do this encounter you’ll get to know a side of these animals that’s never been seen before,” says Dr. Jason Chatfield, General Curator for Jungle Island. Jungle Island, Miami’s #1 Family Attraction, is located in the heart of the city between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Building upon the rich tradition Parrot Jungle began in 1936, today’s Jungle Island is home to the world’s rarest and most incredible animals. Guests participate in hands-on interactions with fascinating animals, marvel at the engaging animal shows and presentations, and are amazed by the park’s breathtaking landscapes and vistas. Jungle Island’s “Crazy for Camelids” Experience is offered daily. The Experience costs $30 per person for the 30-minute experience and can accommodate up to six guests at a time.  www.jungleisland.com

CITY HALL, THE RESTAURANT, BISCAYNE CORRIDOR’S MUCH ANTICIPATED BRASSERIE-STYLE DINING DESTINATION, NOW OPEN:  Seasoned restaurant veteran Steve Haas, chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), former co-owner and operating partner of Soyka Restaurant, and long-time restaurant manager for China Grill Management – opened his much-anticipated down-home, brasserie-style dining destination – City Hall, The Restaurant – at 2004 Biscayne Boulevard, Wednesday, June 29, 2011 for dinner. At the helm is famed executive chef Tom Azar (43), a master of soulful comfort food and protégé of world-famous chef Emeril Lagasse, who has created a beautiful menu sure to appeal to locals and visitors looking for down-to-earth modernized classics, served up in a beautiful, welcoming, laid back environment.  The two-story, 6,000 square foot eatery, located five blocks north of Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and a five minute drive from downtown Miami, features a casually chic ambiance. The restaurant offers dinner service 45 minutes after performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center and games/shows at American Airlines Arena.  The competitively-priced menu features hearty portions of Chef Azar’s comfort food specialties as well as a selection of classics with a twist.  Haas, one of the creators of the widely successful Miami Spice Restaurant Program, is known for his devotion to the restaurant industry and to service excellence.  While serving as a two-term GMCVB Board Chair, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and named to the Travel and Tourism Hall of Fame.  He also helped create the GMCVB’s Miami Begins with Me, a city-wide initiative developed to raise the bar of customer service in Greater Miami.  www.cityhalltherestaurant.com

RAISING THE BAR ON FINE DINING ON SOUTH BEACH, KANE STEAKHOUSE NOW OPEN:  Sure to become one of the area’s most exclusive fine dining establishments, boasting a chic, sophisticated design and a seductive menu, Kane Steakhouse, located at 431 Washington Avenue in South Beach’s booming “South of Fifth” area, is now open to the public.  A partnership between seasoned restaurateur Mathew Glazier – the man behind NYC’s venerable Strip House and Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. at Grand Central Terminal among others, and well known nightlife impresarios Roman Jones and Justin Levine – creators of Mansion, SET, and Louis Bar-Lounge, among others, Kane offers a veritable trifecta of fine cuisine, modern design and a seductive ambiance. The menu, created by talented chef Daniel Ganem, features a sumptuous array of upscale steakhouse classics: irresistible appetizers, perfectly charred premium cuts of beef, as well as innovative seafood, meat, poultry dishes and creative sides with a uniquely modern spin. Ganem (28), a rising culinary star, brings to Kane an unbeatable mix of steakhouse savvy and fine dining experience.  Previously of Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak and, most recently, Laurent Tourondel’s BLT Steak, Ganem, a Miami native of Chilean descent, has also worked under world-renowned Michelin starred chef Martin Berasategui in the Basque region of Spain. www.kanesteakhouse.com

MORGANS HOTEL GROUP LAUNCHES NEW BIKE PROGRAM:  Morgans Hotel Group launches their new bicycle program, offering guests complimentary hire of a stylish Dutch inspired bicycle, the Public J7. This new amenity will be available at Morgans Hotel Group Miami properties; Delano, Shore Club and Mondrian South Beach. Cycling is one of Miami Beach’s favorite forms of transportation and now hotel guests can explore the city on two wheels. The bikes are skillfully designed for stop-and-go city riding and beautifully crafted making it ideal for guests to stop off and see all the sights the city has to offer.Morgans Hotel Group is committed to offering guests a full range of health, fitness and well-being services. Mondrian Miami recently introduced SOULCYCLE, the first outpost of the indoor cycling program outside of New York. www.morganshotelgroup.com

CHEF MIGUEL AGUILAR TAKES THE HELM AT MIAMI HOTSPOT, WYNWOOD KITCHEN & BAR:  After a nation-wide search for a creative new executive chef, Miguel Aguilar was appointed to helm the kitchen at Goldman Properties’ artistic Miami restaurant, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar (WKB).  Born in Venezuela, Chef Aguilar comes to WKB from Philadelphia, where he served as executive chef at Doug Rodriguez’ Alma de Cuba; catering chef for the venerable Stephen Starr and opening chef for El Rey Restaurant – dazzling Philly’s food enthusiasts with his vibrant Nuevo Latino flavors and flawless cooking technique.  For Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, he is creating a menu of small plates and chef’s specials, incorporating great ingredients, superb technique, and the subtly layered global-Latino flavors he loves.  The new menu will be offered later this summer for lunch and dinner.  Open November 2010 during Art Basel, WKB boasts a floor-to-ceiling collage mural in the bar by acclaimed graffiti artist Shepard Fairey, of Obama poster fame, and Berlin artist Christian Awe’s panoramic canvases adorn the dining room.  There’s al fresco dining at the graffiti art park, Wynwood Walls, which encompasses a series of breath- taking murals by leading international artists. A multi-colored sculptural man, rising 11 feet high at the entrance welcomes guests to the restaurant. An international wine list, amazing classic and artist-inspired cocktails and artisanal beers – make this one of the coolest restaurants in the U.S. www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com .

JUNGLE ISLAND LAUNCHES SECOND PASSENGER SHUTTLE – COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE TO TARGET DOWNTOWN HOTELS AND THE PORT OF MIAMI:  Jungle Island has announced the launch of a second passenger shuttle that will offer complimentary service to and from the Port of Miami along with numerous locations in downtown Miami. The new shuttle can accommodate up to 24 people with room for luggage and will make twice daily visits to the Port of Miami as well as stops at Bayside, JW Marriott Marquis, Marriott Biscayne, Tempo, the Hilton Omni and the Doubletree Hotel among others.

Following the success of the attraction’s first shuttle to some of Miami Beach’s most popular hotels including the Fountainebleau, the Loews, the Eden Roc and more, the park set its sights on providing transportation to and from the downtown area. With its planned route, the downtown shuttle will seek to draw many of the tourists who choose to stay in downtown Miami as well as those cruise passengers who are seeking an adventure before or after their cruise. Jungle Island already caters to the pre/post cruise market by offering luggage storage and shore excursions with several of the cruise lines. With its bright yellow design complete with photos of some of Jungle Island’s most famous residents, neither shuttle can be missed.  www.jungleisland.com/express.

Calendar of Events:

MIAMI SPICE RESTAURANT MONTH                   Aug. 1- Sep. 30            www.ilovemiamispice.com

15TH BRAZILIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF MIAMI          Aug. 19 – 27                 www.brazilianfilmfestival.com

XVI INT’L BALLET FESTIVAL OF MIAMI                 Aug. 26-Sept.18           www.internationalballetfestival.org

Dream South Beach's decor could be described as disco meets French Moroccan.

Dream South Beach, a ’70s-inspired hotel has transformed two iconic properties, The Tudor Hotel and Palmer House, into one ethereal hotspot.

Michael Czysz’s design house Architropolis spearheaded the creative concept with Kelly Ogden helming the interiors, coupling a touch of disco with a French-Moroccan flare.

Dream’s promenade is lined with wall fountains and the pathway glows with an acrylic in-laid floor under-lit with come-hither hues, while an 8-foot tall sculpture of Ganesha, crafted by Miguel Rodríguez sits in a bamboo grove, guarding the entrance.

The former Palmer House lobby serves as Dream South Beach’s reception area, featuring original keystone wainscoting as well as a keystone front desk dating back to 1939, when the original façade was erected.

All public areas in the renovated hotel feature custom-crafted lighting and furniture, echoing the surreal scene of the 108 guestrooms, including the Sun House Duplex Penthouse, two Duplex Sun Suites, and nine Junior Suites.

Guests will discover a sleek, jewel-box feel in the bedrooms, boasting carved neo-French-Moroccan doors back-lit by cool blue light. In fact, the rooms are cast almost entirely in shades of teal, cobalt and purple while flickering prisms flank the bed and a white and whimsical chandelier dangles above.

As a nod to the past, Dream’s new restaurant, The Tudor, occupies the ground floor of what was The Tudor hotel serving up casual, contemporary American fare. The venue features baseball-stitched banquette seating and back-lit teak screen partitions, while the outdoor dining areas are furnished with custom teak bench seating and dining tables with bronze glass tops amid a background of tropical plants.

The new rooftop lounge, also steeped in late ’70s decor—with glimmering glass tiles in white and gold and, of course, loads of lucite—has an infinity pool and sun-soaked views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fort Lauderdale has more than 20 miles of beaches, including this area seen from the Atlantic Hotel.

Having welcomed its first cruise ship in 1931, Port Everglades is now one of the world’s busiest cruise ports with 3.8 million passengers expected this year. Many of those guests will spend a few days ashore in Greater Fort Lauderdale either pre- or post-cruise. What’s to see and do? Following is a sampling of fun activities.

Called the Venice of America—and celebrating its 100th birthday this year—Fort Lauderdale is surrounded and dissected by waterways. So not surprisingly, many top attractions are water-focused. With 16 stops throughout Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, the Water Taxi allows adults to hop on and off all day for $20, with lesser fares for seniors and kids.

History buffs and romantics may check out Las Olas Gondola Tours for Venetian-style gondola sightseeing. Or, visitors may board the 550-passenger Jungle Queen Riverboat for a three-hour, narrated sightseeing cruise along the New River and Millionaire’s Row, with a stop to view rare birds, monkeys and an alligator exhibition. A dinner cruise features all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken and shrimp, followed by a variety show.

Main Attractions

Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts 23 miles of Blue Wave environmentally certified beaches, each with soft white sand and its own personality. It’s easy to identify Fort Lauderdale Beach from its low, undulating white walls along the beach road, as well as palm trees and active beach scene. Movie buffs may want to peer inside Fort Lauderdale Beach’s Elbo Room, featured in the 1960 spring break romp, Where the Boys Are. Further north, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea exudes a low-key, quieter style with eclectic restaurants and a fishing pier.

The 2.2-mile Hollywood Oceanfront Broadwalk is the place to stroll, ride a bicycle or just people-watch. Corral a Broadwalk-facing table at the Hollywood Beach Marriott’s outdoor Tiki Bar and chow down on fresh grilled fish, salads, burgers and Caribbean fare.

One of the destination’s trendiest shopping areas for clothing, jewelry, gifts and galleries is Las Olas Boulevard. The sprawling, 400-store Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise is the place for shopaholics. For cruisers with flights home late in the day, some lines offer post-cruise shuttles to Sawgrass, followed by an airport drop-off.

One trendy upscale Hallandale Beach attraction is the Village at Gulfstream Park with clothing boutiques, housewares, gifts, galleries, outdoor cafes and fine restaurants. Recommended is BRIO Tuscan Grille, which serves yummy northern Italian cuisine in a casual, white-tablecloth atmosphere. Gulfstream’s adjacent horseracing track, home to the Florida Derby, is open in the winter season and its casino is open year-round with 850 slot machines, electronic table games and live-action poker.

In Touch With Nature

Exploring the Everglades is a Florida “must-do” for many visitors. An all-day ecotour by Everglades Day Safari combines an airboat ride, nature walk, wildlife drive, Southern lunch and scenic boat ride into the mangroves of the 10,000 Islands. Everglades Holiday Park-Airboat Tours will rent fishing boats or take consumers through the River of Grass on a one-hour tour.

Heading west in Broward County along I-75’s so-called Alligator Alley, visitors may immerse themselves in viewing native American heritage and wildlife at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation’s Billie Swamp Safari. Airboat rides, alligator shows, Swamp Buggy tours and animal exhibits are the big draws. So is the onsite Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which explains Seminole history and culture with dioramas, native crafts and artifacts.

At Flamingo Gardens and Wray Botanical Collection in Davie, visitors enter a 60-acre garden and explore a tropical plant house, birds-of-prey center, walk-through aviary and a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to bobcats, Florida panthers and alligators. And yes, here visitors also will see flamingos. While the pink birds are actually native to the Bahamas and the Caribbean—not Florida—to most tourists, the birds are Sunshine State icons.

To stroll amid 10,000 butterflies, travelers may check out the 10-acre Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. Highlights are an English rose garden, tropical rainforest aviary, a Wings of the World Secret Garden, colorful fish, an insectarium, exotic birds and more.

History, Culture and More

Fans of religious art should head for Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art, a special exhibition through April 24 at the Museum of Art/Fort Lauderdale at Nova Southeastern University. Visitors will view priceless works by Bernini, Giotto and Guercino as well as Vatican artifacts.

Families or those seeking something to do on a rainy day may venture to the Museum of Discovery and Science for hands-on science fun and an IMAX theater. The International Swimming Hall of Fame displays Olympic memorabilia from 100 nations, as well as information and videos on more than 600 aquatic stars. One current exhibit showcases actor and swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, his Olympic gold medals, a swimsuit worn during the 1928 Olympic Games and movie memorabilia from 16 Tarzan films he made during the 1930s and 1940s.

The Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District is a lovely place to stroll. Among its attractions is the Fort Lauderdale History Center, where travelers may check out the old photographs and artifacts at the center’s museum, housed in the 1905-era New River Inn.

Broward County’s oldest structure is the 1901-era Historic Stranahan House Museum, a Florida vernacular-style mansion with period antiques. In partnership with Water Taxi, the museum offers a spooky Sunday evening River Ghost Tour with a house visit and boat ride. Tickets are $25 per person and reservations are required, so e-mail education@stranahanhouse.org.

Surrounded by subtropical gardens, the 1920-era Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is the former home of two American artists; some works and a studio are on site. The Old Dillard Museum specializes in African-American heritage. Antique aficionados might browse for glassware and American artifacts at the small Dania Historic Antique Shopping District, a short taxi ride from Port Everglades.

Hollywood’s Seminole Paradise Hard Rock Hotel & Casino fields slot machines and gaming tables but the Seminole Paradise complex also includes 18 themed dining options, 12 high-energy nightclubs and live entertainment venues, as well as 23 boutiques.

When the locals want to take family or friends visiting from out of town to a fun evening show, they often head for the Mai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale. Diners savor the Panang Curry Chicken or other Asian dishes, watch hula dancers and fire twirlers, and soak in a South Seas ambiance.

The 27-acre Boomers! Greater Fort Lauderdale in Dania Beach is a hit with families, with its go-karts, video game arcade, rock wall, mini-golf, bowling, batting cages, laser tag, bumper boats and several thrill rides, including the Hurricane, a 3,200-foot wooden coaster.

From May through September, visitors will reap two-for-one savings on attractions in the destination’s Vacation like a VIP program. During Learn to Dive month in June, Greater Fort Lauderdale visitors who book an open-water scuba diving course with a local dive specialist will receive a free graduation dive and free night’s stay: the region boasts more than 100 offshore wreck dive sites.

For details about these and other Greater Fort Lauderdale area attractions, visitwww.sunny.org. That site also has information about such programs as Dine Out Lauderdale, an October promotion that offers three-course meals at top restaurants for a fixed $35.

Sun-soaked and sea salt-strewn oceanfront, an elaborate health and wellness program and a short drive to the South Beach action, the all-suite Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach has it all—and can back it up. How? The hotel and spa has more than a hundred health and wellness staff members offering treatments in everything from Chinese medicine and exercise physiology to life management, physical therapy and nutrition.

The spa, helmed by Director of Spa & Fitness Charlotte Prescott (cprescott@canyonranch.com), has more than 70,000 square feet of space and 54 treatment rooms. Guests unwind with Canyon Ranch’s signature facial, Your Transformation, or two of the most requested treatments, the Muscle Melt for Road Warriors or the Abhyanga Massage.

We also hear that the Aquavana comes with an impressive array of soothing waters, thermal cabins and soaking tubs—guests can wander from one experience to the next, alternating between the cool and warm waters. Be sure to try the Crystal Steam Room, which is set apart for infusions of aromatic essential oils and refracted colored light, as well as the Experiential Rains, a three-storm shower experience in Atlantic Storm, Caribbean Monsoon or Polar Mist. Other unique offerings include Herbal Laconium, a warm, gently humid ceramic room boasting fresh herbs, a starlit ceiling and igloo ventilated by gusts of cool air; and three Arctic Mist experiences—menthol, mint and eucalyptus—heightened by twinkling fiber optics and a pebbled floor.

International Flair: Highlighting treatments hailing from every corner of the globe, the spa also serves up Ashiatsu Deep Barefoot Massage, De-Stress Chakra Ritual, traditional Turkish Hammam Bath Ritual and Ayurvedic Herbal Rejuvenation.

For those with their families in tow, Canyon Ranch has special young adult treatments for ages 14-17. Brides-to-be will also blush: the spa offers such in-room group treatments as the Pedicure Party and the Champagne Toast/Day Spa package.

Because the spa is so sought-after, Prescott recommends booking treatments at least two weeks prior to  arrival. Contact Program Advising Manager Jessica Fishman (jfishman@canyonranch.com) to book anything spa-related. Canyon Ranch Miami also has a two-story, indoor rock-climbing wall and conducts 40 complimentary fitness classes per day, sure to keep guests fit as a fiddle while on vacation.

A One-bedroom suite

Canyon Ranch isn’t all about the spa, however. Luxe accommodations abound in the form of One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, with such amenities as full kitchens with Miele appliances and bathrooms with Italian glass tile mosaics and deep soaking tubs. Top View: The one-bedroom Intracoastal Suite faces Miami and, its namesake, the Intracoastal Waterway. We also recommend the two-bedroom Atlantic Pool suite with ocean views.

Note: The hotel fills up quickly for such events as Art Basel, the ING Miami Marathon and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.  Book at least one month out during those times.

Dine Time

We hear the Chilean sea bass, artichoke fries and Devil’s Horseback (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Maytag blue cheese) served at the Canyon Ranch Grill are swoon-worthy. It’s best to reserve a table two days in advance; pick one by the windows facing the ocean where clouds and gulls drift by.

Head Concierge Chauncey Sullivan (csullivan@canyonranch.com) can help organize customized VIP experiences, including voyages on a private yacht, a romantic dinner for two at Italian hotspot Il Gabbiano or opera tickets. While Canyon Ranch refers all of its golf-seeking guests to La Gorce, Normandy Shores and Westin Diplomat, serious competitors are sent to Doral to play the infamous Blue Monster course. Sullivan has a word of advice: Book far in advance during the holiday season, December 15-February 28.

Last year's Best in Show at Concours d'Elegance at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

For classic elegant car aficionados, this weekend’s international car show at the The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, is the place. The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is now in its 16th year and is considered the most prestigious show on the East Coast. Collectors consider it one of the big events of the year along with Pebble Beach in California, Meadow Brook in Michigan and Louis Vuitton Classic in midtown Manhattan. This year the competition will include an estimated 15,000 enthusiasts who will walk the Concours on Sunday, Ritz-Carlton says.

This year they will see 255 high-quality rare cars competing for ribbons in the Concours d’Elegance, which literally means “a competition of elegance.” Collectors, who are invited to the show, watch as a team of judges rate their cars for authenticity, function, history, style and quality of restorations. Any imperfection results in a fractional point deduction.

Why do collectors subject themselves to the rigor of a Concours competition? For some it is a hobby; they are proud to own a piece of history and want to share their car with other enthusiasts. For others, it is a business investment that can offer a higher return than the stock market. Last year’s auction sold more than $19 million in rare cars in a single day. But for all, it is a social gathering that celebrates automotive history.

Acknowledging the growth and stature of the Concours d’Elegance, Katharine Monahan, the current general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island says, “The vision of an event that draws an international audience was realized with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Now as one of the most prestigious car shows in the United States, we are honored to be a sponsor and host this truly international event.”

Tickets for the 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, March 11-13, are $45 for adults purchased in advance and $50 the day of show. Student ages 12-20 are $20 and children under 12 are admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Event tickets can be ordered in advance at www.ameliaconcours.org or can be purchased at the door.

Spanning 6,000 feet and offering seating for 120 guests, the new lounge is part of the joint business agreement among AA, BA and IB to share revenue, coordinate networks and schedules, and co-operate commercially on routes between North America and Europe.

And yes, there is a lot more than just seats waiting for jetsetters.

The business center boasts work stations with HP Compaq dc7900 PCs (completed with high-speed Internet), flat-panel TVs, spa-like showers, and a children’s room outfitted with age-appropriate programming.

Travelers visiting the lounge can also order up a stiff cocktail or crisp bubbling beer, as well as choose from a complimentary lunch, afternoon tea or light supper menu, serving up rotating soups and mini sandwiches among other edible delectables.

The AA, BA, IB Premium lounge is open daily from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and welcomes eligible International First Class, Business Class and Emerald and Sapphire customers.

Customers traveling on an AA-operated transcontinental full fare First Class (F and Z inventory) or full fare Business Class (J and U inventory) ticket, as well as Admirals Club members departing from Concourse E, may also access the lounge.

Blue Angel Jets at National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola

If you’re looking for a different vacation destination, consider the Pensacola Bay Area of Florida. Known for its colorful 450-year history and breathtaking white-sand beaches, the Pensacola Bay Area is also the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” because all Navy, Marine and Coast Guard aviators start their training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. It’s a great domestic destination for veterans, families and flying fans.

“The Pensacola Bay Area is the jewel of the Emerald Coast and has one of the richest histories of any city in the country,” says retired Adm. Robert Kelly, vice chairman of armed services for the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of naval aviation, and the centennial is a time to showcase many of our tremendous resources. We are the home of the Blue Angels and one of the finest aviation museums in the world. Thousands come through this area each year to learn how to fly and maintain airplanes at one of our area’s bases. In short, naval aviation is a very important part of this area’s history and potential.”

Special events and exhibits will commemorate the centennial celebration:

Throughout 2011: National Naval Aviation Museum Exhibits, IMAX Films and Flight Simulators—Visitors to this widely acclaimed museum can explore more than 350,000 square feet of space displaying more than 150 aircraft. A new 50,000-square-foot addition, Hangar Bay One, opened in November 2010. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling Top Gun Air Combat flight simulators, motion-based simulators, a variety of special exhibits as well IMAX films on a seven-story giant screen. Admission is free. (850) 453-2389

March 25: Medal of Honor Ceremony—More than 40 naval aviators who have earned their Medal of Honor will be honored at a special ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum. (850) 453-2389

Throughout May. Military Appreciation Month—Community-wide special events will be sponsored by the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and NAS Pensacola. (850) 438-4081

May 2-8: Aviation Week—A week-long celebration at NAS Pensacola will commemorate a century of naval aviation. (850) 438-4081

May 3-4: Blue Angels Aerial Demonstration—The Navy’s precision flight team will fly 700 mph only 18 inches apart in astonishing formations over Pensacola Bay and the visiting USS Iwo Jima. Pilots are available after Wednesday’s show for autographs in the National Naval Aviation Museum. (850) 452-2583, www.blueangels.navy.mil

May 4-7: USS Iwo Jima Tours—Commissioned in 2001 in Pensacola, the 844-foot- long ship is back for a grand tour. The Navy’s third amphibious assault ship was designed and built from the keel up with accommodations for female sailors and is one of the last ships propelled by steam boilers. The ship’s maiden voyage was accompanied by more than 2,000 World War II veterans, many of them survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima. (850) 438-4081

May 4-6: National Naval Aviation Museum Symposium—The museum’s foundation will host a series of special discussions by field experts. (850) 453-2389

May 6: National Flight Academy Christening—Guests are invited to attend a ceremony to bless the multi-million facility which will open in 2012. The world-class academy will teach middle school and high-school students the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through hands-on simulators. The National Flight Academy is adjacent to the National Naval Aviation Museum. (850) 453-2389

June 4 (tentative): USS Lawrence Commissioning—NAS Pensacola will host the commissioning of the newest Navy destroyer. The USS William P. Lawrence, or DDG-110, is a 500-foot, guided-missile destroyer that has been in construction in Pascagoula, Miss., since 2008. Commissioning a Navy ship is a tradition that has been in practice since the commissioning of a captured British schooner, the Margaretta, in 1775 and is one of the most significant events in the history of the ship. (850) 438-4081

July 9. Pensacola Beach Air Show—This must-see event features a show by the world-famous Blue Angels over the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. (850) 452-2583, www.blueangels.navy.mil

Aug. 20: Seville Quarter Recognition Event—The public is invited to kick back and have fun inside downtown Pensacola’s biggest entertainment venue, which includes eight-themed bars under one roof. One of the rooms, Phineas Phogg’s, is dedicated to aviation with a collection of airplanes and hot air balloons. (850) 434-6211

Nov. 11-12: Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show—With Pensacola as their home base, the Blue Angels perform the season’s final show at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Historic war bird demonstration acts as well as static displays will be on site for guests. (850) 452-2583, www.blueangels.navy.mil Visit www.celebrateflight.com

Flanked by mango and avocado trees rustling in the wind, the new agrarian accomidations feature a colorful and eclectic interior complete with an outdoor bamboo shower. Nice Touch: Schnebly Redland’s Winery, Robert is Here fruit stand, Everglades Outpost’s wild animals and the Everglades National Park are all within strolling distance.

Paradise Farms is renowned for their monthly Dinners in Paradise, a six-course meal crafted from local organic products paired with fine wines, all helmed by visionary rotating chefs.

Be sure to not to imbibe their grape-laden libations too heavily however because come morning you can try alfresco yoga, an outdoor massage, and of course, a complimentary bohemian breakfast of organic fruit, yogurt and granola.

The sea-themed spa at One Ocean Resort has special treatments for teens, couples and groups.

When the winter doldrums hit, there’s no place like the Sunshine State to lift your spirits. For relaxation and pampering in a sunny clime, spend time at one of these luxury resorts in north Florida, all within a short drive from Jacksonville International Airport.

A half hour from the airport, in charming Atlantic Beach, is One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa, an upscale 193-room hotel that overlooks the beach and is just a stroll from the town’s restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Here, in the eight treatment rooms (plus a four-station nail salon) of the region’s only oceanfront spa, Manager Sarah Stanton and her staff perform their magic on couples, girlfriend groups, bridal parties and even teenagers. The Total Teen Package gives teenage girls an afternoon of skin treatment, analysis and instructions on how to care for their skin at home. It also includes an Ice Cream Mani/Pedi Combo, milkshake of her choice and makeup application and lesson.

Milkshake aside, the spa’s most popular treatment is the Sea Shell Massage featuring warm, oiled shells that glide over and soothe tight muscles. Going along with the sea theme, spa staff use marine-based Phytomer skincare products and treatment rooms are named for the life cycles of the sea turtle. Cassandra LeDonne is the most in-demand massage therapist, while esthetician Judi Welch is the most requested for skin care. (Tip: She’s known for her anti-aging facials.)

For couples and groups, there are oceanfront spa suites ideal for One Ocean’s Couples Heart & Sole massage, side-by-side pedicures with a refreshing fruit plate and mimosas. Stanton recommends reserving spa appointments at least two weeks in advance; contact her at sarahstanton@oneoceanresort.com or call 904-853-2340.

Amelia Island Resort Spas

Only about a half hour away from the two-year-old One Ocean is the venerable resort town of Amelia Island, where two sprawling luxury resorts have been offering up rejuvenating massages and spa treatments to their guests for decades.

The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation, set in several buildings amidst the lush greenery of the 1,350-acre property, provides a long menu of enticing massage and body treatments for adults and couples. It also has a Teen Spa & Salon (for ages 13-17) that has everything from makeup lessons to boy’s haircuts to the Prom Queen package (mini mani and pedi, updo and makeup for $164). The Little Spa for ages 4-12 features such precious offerings as the Princess Mani or Pedi.

The nearby Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island is all about tranquility and relaxation. Spa Director Tina Crawford tells us treatments run the gamut from 30-minute Surrender massages to overnight Reconnect packages for groups and families to the intimate Couples Wrap, a two-and-a-half-hour experience that includes a honey vanilla milk bath, chocolate-pomegranate wrap, a warm scalp oil massage and a body massage. Guests are cocooned during the wrap to allow the chocolate to penetrate the skin. The result is smooth skin with a hint of chocolate aroma.

If you really want to relax, we suggest Heaven in a Hammock, where zero gravity and massage treatment combine to give a body greater flexibility and range of motion.

Now that sounds like a great way to beat the winter blues.

This year’s national, star-studded, four-day destination event will also celebrate the release of the official Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival cookbook (Clarkson Potter), written by Lee Brian Schrager with Julie Mautner, featuring a foreword by Anthony Bourdain.

Set against the tropical backdrop of South Beach, the festival is sure to satisfy taste buds with an array of exciting culinary events. Among the highlights are the Moet Hennessy USA Sobe’s 10th year Anniversary Party hosted by Emeril Lagassee and Martha Stewart, Kohl’s Fun and Fit as a Family featuring Kellogg’s Kidz Kitchen, Italian in Paradise hosted by Giada de Laurentiis, Paula Deen’s Down Home Cookin’ Sunday Gospel Brunch and Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village.

To access the festival schedule or purchase tickets visit www.SobeWineandFoodFest.com.