Greetings {name},

August 13, the second Saturday in August, is National Garage Sale Day. A popular pastime for antique hunters and those with a penchant for bargains, the American institution of the garage sale is an example of free enterprise in action.

Friday, August 19 is National Aviation Day, celebrated in honor of the birthday of aviator Orville Wright. It is sometimes called Wright Brother's Day.

As always, make plans to enjoy the great outdoors in our little city. Walk down Miracle Mile, experience the live theatre and the best movies, browse the book stores, look into the art galleries and meet up with friends at the restaurants. Visit the parks and public spaces to appreciate the bounties of nature. 

Enjoy the best of Coral Gables in the coming days.

Robert and Robin Burr

Saturday, August 13 from 5 to 10pm

Summer Beer Festival

Enjoy unlimited samples of more than a hundred Craft Beers at the Grove Summer Beer Fest.  You'll find amazing food, beer exhibitors, live none stop music, some wine and spirits, summer beer cocktails, "how to" seminars, and food pairing with beer -- inside air conditioning. Get details and purchase tickets online.

please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty and serenity of our majestic city

Passiflora sculpture by Alice Aycock at Segovia Circle Fountain

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Now Enrolling

ASC 2022 Theater Classes and Productions

Aspiring young talent are invited to join the 2022 Theater Classes and Productions at Area Stage Company, 5701 Sunset Drive, for summer session. Get details online. https://www.areastage.org/enroll-in-classes-and-productions

Library Digital Collections Blog

Looking Back at the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926

As we continue to navigate another hurricane season, we’re taking a look back at the storm that stalled Miami’s first big development boom in the latest Library Digital Collections blog. By the early 20th century, Miami's population was growing rapidly thanks to Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. The city continued to grow until it was hit by the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926. Learn more about the hurricane's impact and see images chronicling the devastating storm's aftermath. https://www.mdpls.org/dc-blog-twentytwo-july

August and September

Miami Spice Months

Savor a mouthful of diverse flavors from the best chefs in South Florida during Miami Spice Restaurant Months this August through September. Lunch and brunch are just $28, and dinner specials are only $45 or $60. Make your reservations online. https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/offers/temptations/miami-spice-months

Thursday, August 11 at 7pm

James Chapin - Ride South Until The Sawgrass

In four tales, the paths of the Primrose and Quinto families cross, separate, and inevitably intertwine in this virtuosic debut set during the tumultuous years of the Florida Territory’s Second Seminole War and early statehood. From the moment Nat Quinto and his wife Lucy set foot in the Florida Territory, they can’t seem to steer clear of Jake Primrose, a rancher whose schemes to increase his already plentiful wealth ensnare everyone around him. Between Primrose’s greed and the brutal conflicts brewing in the Territory surrounding them, will the Quinto family be able to stay true to themselves? Meet James Chapin at Books & Books, 265 Aragon at 7pm. Call 305-442-4408. Get details and RSVP online.

Starts Friday

1982 at Gables Cinema

In his debut feature, director Oualid Mouaness delivers an ode to innocence in which he revisits one of the most cataclysmic moments in Lebanon's history through the lens of a child and his vibrant imagination. The film demonstrates the complexities of love and war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Within the microcosm of a school, the film draws a harrowing portrait of a society torn between its desire for love and peace and the ideological schisms unraveling its seams.  In-person Q&A with writer/director Oualid Mouaness on Friday, August 12 at 8pm. Tickets include a wine reception before the film at 7:15pm. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/1982/

Saturday, August 13 from 9 to 11:30am

Native Plant Field Trip: Nixon Smiley Pineland Preserve

Florida Native Plant Society invites you to a field trip at the Nixon Smiley Pineland Preserve (formerly Tamiami Pineland), a 120-acre Miami-Dade County Environmentally Endangered Lands preserve on SW 124 Street at approximately 130 Ave. This is one of the largest expanses of natural area left in suburban Miami and presents the opportunity to observe the area's landscape heterogeneity prior to widespread human development. This preserve is uniquely characterized by expanses of sandy soil and limestone outcroppings, with the ecotone between pineland and prairie present here. It is one of the most biodiverse sites in the county with at least 275 plant species -- a habitat for endangered, rare and interesting native plants such as Brickellia mosieri (Florida Brickell-bush), Ipomoea tenuissima (rockland morninglory), Asclepias verticillata (whorled milkweed), and Physostegia purpurea (false dragonhead). The preserve recently burned and will be at 3-months post burn when we visit. https://dade.fnpschapters.org/events/

Saturday, August 13 at 10:30am

Lighthouses of Biscayne Bay Cruise

After departing from Deering Estate, a Biscayne National Park Ranger guides you on a journey through Biscayne Bay to see the iconic Cape Florida, Fowey Rocks, and Boca Chita lighthouses and learn about the history that surrounds them. You cut though the alluring Stiltsville and go to Boca Chita Key to get up close to Biscayne National Park’s iconic Boca Chita Lighthouse. You may also have the opportunity to see wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and many shore birds. The vessel complies with Coast Guard Regulations and is ADA accessible. The cost is $80 per person, plus tax and a processing fee. Advance reservations are required. https://deeringestate.org/event/lighthouse-cruise/2022-08-13/

Saturday, August 13 from 10:30am to 12:30pm

Book Club: Great Books

Read from a selection of great books for a monthly discussion of the ideas that they generate. Join the book club at Pinecrest Library in person or via Zoom. Registration is required. For online participation, a Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 years and above. https://mdpls.org/event/7005420

Saturday and Sunday at 11am

April and the Extraordinary World

Paris, 1941. A family of scientists is on the brink of discovering a powerful longevity serum when all of a sudden a mysterious force abducts them, leaving their young daughter April behind. Ten years later, April lives alone with her dear cat, Darwin, and carries on her family’s research in secret. But she soon finds herself at the center of a shadowy and far-reaching conspiracy, and on the run from government agents, bicycle-powered dirigibles and cyborg rat spies. The new English dub features the voices of Paul Giamatti, Tony Hale, Susan Sarandon and J.K. Simmons. Enjoy the Family Day On Aragon program at Gables Cinema. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/april-and-the-extraordinary-world/

Monday, August 15 at 3:30pm

Family Storytime at Gables Library

Meet at the Gables Library temporary location at 308 Miracle Mile for stories, songs and activities for children and their families. Space is limited. Registration is required. Appropriate for all ages. Call 305-442-8706. https://mdpls.org/event/6123992

Tuesday, August 16 at 6:30pm

Restorative Yoga Class

Practice restorative and vinyasa yoga with professional yoga instructor Mara Fowler at the Pinecrest Library. Designed for varying fitness levels. Ages 19 years and up. https://mdpls.org/event/6616275

Tuesday, August 16 at 7pm

Deb Rogers - Florida Woman

A gleefully dark and entertaining debut for fans of Kevin Wilson and Karen Russell, about one young woman’s sensational summer at a Floridian wildlife center for exotic monkeys. Jamie is a Florida Woman. She grew up on the beach, thrives in humidity, has weathered more hurricanes than she can count, and now, after going viral for an outrageous crime she never meant to commit in the first place, she has the requisite headline to her name. But when the chance comes for her to escape viral infamy and imminent jail time by taking a community service placement at Atlas, a shelter for rescued monkeys, it seems like just the fresh start Jamie needs to finally get her life back on track -- until it’s not. Get details and RSVP online.

Wednesday, August 17 at 2pm

Splash - Summer Matinee

Tom Hanks stars as Allen Bauer, a workaholic who's convinced he'll never fall in love... until he's mysteriously reunited with the mermaid who'd rescued him from drowning when he was a boy. Soon, Allen and his mermaid companion Madison (Daryl Hannah) are swept away by hilarious and heartwarming romance. But when the world discovers Madison's secret, it's sink or swim for the two lovers. Don't miss this delightful comedy that was one of Ron Howard's first Hollywood hits and helped make Tom Hanks an international superstar. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/splash/

Thursday, August 18 from 11am to 2pm

Painting Together

Express your creativity alongside fellow artists at this informal paint-together at the Pinecrest Library. Please bring your own supplies. Ages 19 years and above. Call 305-668-4571. https://mdpls.org/event/6462928

Thursday, August 18 at 5:30pm

Sip & Stroll: Tahitian Music and Hula

Experience Fairchild Gardenin the late afternoon and early evening with Tahitian Music and Dance, access to the Rainforest and Plant Conservatories during Golden Hour, with Signature Cocktails at the Specialty Bar. Food Trucks will be on hand. Picnic baskets are available. Start with the Hawaiian Coleslaw Salad, and Hawaiian Salsa with Chips appetizers. Entrees include Pork Pineapple Roll, Papaya & Avocado Salad and Hawaiian Pasta Salad, followed by Luau Cupcake for dessert. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/sip-stroll-august18/

Thursday, August 18 at 8pm

Jazz Vocalist Quiana Lynell

This Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition winner is a feast of soul, gospel, R&B, groove, and jazz. Jazz Vocalist Quiana Lynell's vocal prowess sparkles with a band of incredible instrumentalists in this performance at the Congregational Church. She possesses the maturity of a well-seasoned vocalist while having a forward-thinking approach to creativity, all while making her audience feel at home as she does her thing with style and grace. https://communityartsprogram.org/product/quiana-lynell-tickets/

Friday, August 19 Preview 

Fade at GableStage

Directed by Teo Castellanos, this witty dramatic comedy is about class, integrity, and culture. Lucia is understandably nervous. It's day one at her first TV writing job. As a Hispanic novelist, she may actually be the "diversity hire" she's heard whispers about. Uncertain whether she can make a place for herself in cutthroat Hollywood, she feels less alone when she meets Abel, the Latino janitor. They form a bond and share stories, but it turns out that their friendship is not what Abel expects. The play continues through September 18. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, August 20

Bookstore Romance Day 2022

Books & Books loves romance readers. Stop by any location on Bookstore Romance Day and get 20% off all romance section titles and collect an exclusive limited edition bookmark with your romance novel purchase (while supplies last, in-store only). Books & Books is located at 265 Aragon. Call 305-442-4408. https://www.booksandbooks.com/event/bookstore-romance-day-2022/

Saturday, August 20 at 7:30pm

David Lynch - Lost Highway

Janus Films presents a new 4K restoration of David Lynch’s 1997 neo-noir, a thematic and stylistic predecessor to his dream-logic masterpiece Mulholland Drive. The movie stars Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Loggia and Robert Blake in a brief but unforgettable cameo -- one of the creepiest moments in Lynch’s entire body of work. Tickets are $10 plus tax and service fee for the general public, free for UM students with Cane ID. Get details and purchase tickets online. https://cosfordcinema.com/event/david-lynchs-lost-highway-new-4k-restoration/

Starts August 24

Now And Then at Miracle Theatre

From the author of Actors’ Playhouse’s signature plays Making God Laugh, The Tin Woman, and Married Alive... Now And Then is an inspiring story of love and life. Sometimes what happens after the last call just might change your life. Jamie is a young aspiring pianist working as a bartender. He is closing up for the night when a desperate last-minute customer enters and offers him and his girlfriend Abby two thousand dollars to sit and have a drink with him. What follows is funny, moving and captivating. Who wouldn’t take it? Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, September 10 at 2pm

Matt Stock - Abandoned Everglades Images

Award-winning Photographer Matt Stock has earned a reputation for his dramatic images of natural wonders, including his series of Abandoned Everglades -- exploring the interaction between man and nature as seen through night-time environmental portraits of vehicles long abandoned in the Everglades ecosystem. Each image was captured at night utilizing the highly specialized technique of light painting combined with long exposures and seasonally specific images without adding anything to or taking away from the scene. This event by Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society takes place at the Pinecrest Library. Get details and RSVP online.

Safe Service

Two Computer Guys Help Available

Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for reliable, efficient and friendly service -- from soccer moms and students to small business. They solve problems and get your computer up and running at top speed quickly with personal service. Just call when you need a little help. 305-444-1984. https://www.twocomputerguys.com

New Age Agriculture

South Tip Hemp Tours

South Dade has been the bread basket and source of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowering trees, palms, orchids and all sorts of agricultural concerns for more than a century. Now, a new era of agriculture is on the horizon with South Tip Hemp. Described as a hemp-based CBD company, the team at South Tip Hemp consists of farmers, entrepreneurs and canabis specialists, using the latest technology with tried and true methods to produce the finest quality hemp plants. A myriad of products are derived from the crop, from medicinal tinctures and balms, to pain relievers, gummies, relaxants and consumables. Visitors are welcome to stop by the shop to learn more about South Tip Hemp’s unique products, take a tour of the facility and discover state-of-the-art farming and processing techniques. https://southtip.com/book-a-tour/