Five Reasons To Visit South Florida In 2015

Many people say that South Florida is paradise because of the year-round, agreeable, tropical weather. This statement is most valid in the early winter and spring when the rest of the nation is gripped in cold weather. Natives and tourists alike should venture outdoors in shorts or light clothing and attend outdoor festivals till sunset and watch the stars come out. They should meet new people but also gather with friends to see and do things outside of the usual movie night or barbecue. These types of events are what distinguish South Florida from the rest of the nation, events that not only excite the eyes and the ears but also adapt to the most sensitive of palates and tastes.

Art Deco Weekend
Ocean Dr. between 5th and 13th streets
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-2014
www.artdecoweekend.com

Date: Jan. 16-18, 2015

It's hard to believe that the City of Miami Beach has been around for 100 years, and the Art Deco Weekend will be the signature event of its comemerative anniversary. Art Deco is a feature that is best seen in this area as it has been maintained in Miami Beach through the National Art Deco Historic District. Events celebrate the era when Art Deco was at its height – the 1920s and '30s – and kids can enjoy stilt walkers, magicians, strolling characters and music.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival
McFarlane Road, S. Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 447-0401
www.cgaf.com

Date: Feb. 14-16, 2015

Coconut Grove, especially the area where McFarlane Road and Grand Avenue meet, is a special place in South Florida. It is where the past and the present converge and it can be seen in the buildings and the businesses. Peacock Park is the central location of the Arts Festival, named after one of Miami's founding families. The Coconut Grove Library has stood in the same place and is the same building since its opening in 1895.

Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(877) 762-3933
www.sobefest.com

Date: Feb. 19-22, 2015

Every foodie's dream happens in February at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. It is the all-star game of the food entertainment world as renowned chefs and the stars of the Food Network and Cooking channel appear and put their expertise to work. Attendees can take part in tastings, dinners, parties, brunches and lunches, eating food that one would never think could be actually tasted but only seen on TV. While this is happening, the weather, the people and the entertainment of South Beach surrounds and entices one to explore.

Related: Top 2014-2015 College Productions In South Florida

(Source: Exxxotica South Florida)
Exxxotica South Florida
Broward Convention Center
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 765-5900
fl.exxxoticaexpo.com

Date: May, 2015

Conservative-minded people and liberals alike should buy a ticket to Exxxotica South Florida. This event includes seminars dedicated to helping couples out with their love lives, funny moments, music and fantastic after-parties. South Florida is the only southern area to host the nationwide convention. The other locations are Chicago, Edison, NJ and Atlantic City.

Shock Pop ComicCon (Feb 2015)
Broward Convention Center
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 765-5900
www.shockpopcomiccon.com

Date: Feb. 13-15, 2015

San Diego's famous Comic Con is nationally known, but for comic book lovers and horror movie fans, South Florida will also have its own Comic Con in February. Be a hero or a villain for a day and walk around talking with comic book artists and former horror movie scream queens and kings to marinate in geekdom. Notable appearances (subject to cancellation) will be from Robert Englund, Elvira, Danny Trejo and Ken Kirzinger (Crystal Lake Jason).

Related: Top Winter 2014-15 Art Events In South Florida

Eric L Labrador is a freelance writer covering all things Miami. His work can be found on Examiner.com.