February is fast approaching and depending on where you call home, weather can be either fabulously mild or you’re settling in to your long hibernation mode as winter shifts into second gear. Shorter than its sister months, February is still crazy packed with events and activities to keep you and your loved ones from going stir crazy by indulging in one of the following big events.
1. JAZZ IN DENMARK
Vinterjazz Since the snow and cold cling as constant companions for the next month or so, why not heat it up with a visit to Denmark in February. Vinterjazz 2020 (Feb 6-29), a mature 19 years old festival is gearing up to host its annual jazz festival that spans 30 cities, inviting touring musicians to perform at over 150 jazz clubs/venues while welcoming tourists from all corners of the world.
As of this posting, their site was still updating their line-up of artists.
2. THE RUNWAYS
For lovers of fashion, February is all about fashion weeks being introduced not only in major cosmopolitan cities, but in secondary markets. This period is one of the biggest months of the year for designers to unveil their works to industry professionals, however a number of the runway events do allow the public to purchase tickets.
As a VIP, the name of the game is to connect directly with the producers of the individual shows who control their tickets or directly reach out to the design houses. Mark your calendar for these important dates for the next 4 weeks of scheduled Fashion Weeks 2020:
· New York Fashion Week Feb 6-13
· London Fashion Week Feb 14-18
· Milan Fashion Week Feb 18-24
· Paris Fashion Week Feb 24-March 4
The biggest sporting event on the planet arrives in Miami, Florida on Feb 2nd. So just in case you failed to score tickets, (as of this posting, the official NFL site still had packages available), Miami’s list of “things to do” around the city prior to kick-off at Hard Rock Stadium will keep you plenty occupied.
As we mentioned in a previous blog, Miami is the playground for grown and sophisticated adults with a never-ending selection of nightlife on South Beach, cultural exposures of Cuban lifestyle in Havana, international cuisines from A-Z, outdoor sportspersons endless choices of water and land activities, the numerous art, food and wine festivals and the ton of Super Bowl parties hosted by celebrities and renowned DJs… the game itself almost becomes secondary.
Yet, the NFL doesn’t disappoint with hosting its own family friendly pre-Super Bowl events accessible to the public to feed the public’s anticipation for the day warriors take the field for the final time of the season.
4. SAILING THE HIGH SEAS
Progressive Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show
January and February essentially kick-off the boat show events with cities, both local and international invite fans wanting to shop the latest water vessels in the industry.
Those in the market for the newest high performance boats, sailboats or catamarans (from 10-100 feet), or yachts/ super yachts (up to 320 feet), should plan on attending one of the most anticipated duel shows to kick off the season featuring over 2000 boats, yachts, marine technology, and accessories.
Located in Downtown Miami, celebrating its 78th year, in addition to the typical admission fees to the general public, the Miami International Boat Show offers unlimited access, through its VIP package sponsored by Porsche which includes complimentary food, drink and entertainment in a private air-conditioned lounge.
Free shuttles and water taxis are available and are included in the price of admission. (VIP Premier Day – Feb 13 is $180 or VIP Days are $155.)
Celebrating its move from South Beach to Downtown the Miami Yacht Show will roll out its superstar fleet of floating mansions on February 13-17 located on and around Biscayne Bay.
The Miami Yacht Show, along with official timekeeper and sponsor, luxury Swiss nautical watchmaker, Ulysse Nardin will host the Windward VIP Experience in an exclusive climate-controlled venue where guests enjoy a premium open bar, gourmet food, happy hours, private events (including access to the display of Ulysse Nardin’s timepieces), show admission, valet parking, and water tender service to and from the display locations of the Yacht and SuperYacht displays. (cost is $200)
Accomodations:
The hotels recommended by the Yacht show provide junior, deluxe and executive suites.
3. The quite contemporary EAST Miami
Suggested Restaurants to Explore:
Balloo Restaurant – one of the hottest new intimate food destinations; opened November 2019 by Miami award winning celebrity chef Timon Balloo, is a mixture of Asian and Caribbean tastes that offer exceptional cuisine.
https://www.balloorestaurant.com/
Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge – hugging the Miami River, is a chic fine dining seafood establishment receives rave reviews from both critics and patrons on its exquisite dishes and superior customer service.
https://www.seaspicemiami.com/
5. LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Love Through Food…
Cozymeal – Searching for an activity to deepen intimacy in your relationship? This company offers that experience through a cooking session, testing you and your lover’s skills in the kitchen with any type of cuisine. Why not immerse yourself in either a group cooking class or better yet, a private cooking session with a trained personal chef? Cozymeal offers this service in most major cities in the U.S. and is now expanding overseas.
Love Through Sweat…
If winter outdoor activities are more of a preference, commit a romantic few hours bundle up and take your beloved ice skating at the nearest city rink or pond. However, why not elevate that activity by planning a two-day jaunt to Chicago, to enjoy several different rinks against the backdrop of the urban cosmopolitan retreat that Chi-town offers – day or night. The rinks below are all open during the month of February or longer depending on weather:
1. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink free admission, fee for skate rental
2. Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon free admission, fee for skate rental
3. Sky Rink at The Pennisula Chicago nominal fee for entry, fee for skate rental
4. Ice Rink at Lincoln Zoo nominal fee for entry, fee for skate rental
Let’s challenge you to take it one step further … purchase your partner and yourself a pair of ice skates! What a unique and gorgeous gift! This results in 1) avoiding annoying skate rental lines; 2) controlling when you want to skate, since not being dependant on the hours of the rental place; and 3) impressing your partner for being incredibly thoughtful (pros suggest purchasing hybrid skates and a 1 to ½ size smaller than your shoe size).
Keep in mind, purchasing in person at a retail stores, boils down to either specialty stores that sell ice skating equipment (depends on your locale) or the very few remaining sporting good shops in the U.S. Otherwise, purchasing online will be your option.
6. HISTORY LESSONS
If you and your loved ones are history buffs, perhaps in observance of Black History Month, a weekend getaway to Washington D.C. for a visit to the National Museum of African American History (NMAAH) for a tour of the newest museum built in D.C.
The 85,000 square feet of exhibition space holds nearly 3000 objects, 12 exhibitions, 12 different interactive with 17 stations and 183 videos housed on five floors. The museum typically attracts large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays, so expect extended wait times; the length of time spent in touring the museum can average 5 hours depending on your pace and involvement with the exhibits, so many visitors plan for a two-day visit.
Accommodations – D.C. has experience resurgence in both new and renovated hotels with debut openings in 2020. In addition to the hotels that I mentioned in this blog, here are two additional properties that have come onto the scene in 2019 earning high marks among D.C.travelers..
The Wink Hotel – Newly renovated lifestyle hotel in Dupont Circle that offers junior and king suites; the décor is stylishly chic with a cool urban vibe.
The Dupont Circle Hotel – A second property that went through a multi-million dollar redesign and now brings a fusion of American and European style and service for their guests.
-AJ
This list is just a beginning, so share your own luxury indulgences in the comment box below or on Twitter!
Thanks to the photographers for the stunning photos to enhance the blog
Mostafa Meraji Winter Scene
Foundry Co Guitar
Ahmad Ardity Runway
Yogendra Singh Runway
3D Animation Production Company Footballs
Ingesistel – Yacht
Lisa Larsen Miami dock
Brandless Couples cooking
Kelli McClintock Iice skates
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