When out-of-towners picture spring break family vacations in Florida, they tend to think of huge crowds standing in single file in lines snaking around an amusement park. Here are some great reasons to instead bring your family to Miami:

• The beach! It’s hard to beat the Newport’s location, with miles of sun, ocean and sand just outside the back door.
• It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason. With average temperatures in the low 80’s in March and April, Miami has some of the best spring weather available.
• Amazing meals on any budget - South Florida has become a foodie destination and you won’t have to leave the Newport to sample some of the best Miami Beach restaurants. Known for the tastiest Cuban food this side of Havana, you can find great ethnic fare all over the city as well as some South Florida classics.
• There’s something to please everyone - Newport Beachside Resort offers a myriad of organized vacation activities for the entire family - from wine tasting and cooking classes to poolside limbo and sand castle building contests.
• There’s so much to do in Miami - The list is long but some not-to-be-missed experiences found only in Miami include a swim with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium, the Art Deco heritage on view in South Beach and a face-to-face meeting with some big cats at Parrot Jungle Island. Miami’s zoo, children’s museum and art museum are all highly acclaimed. Check out the Go Miami Card for convenience and savings on admission to these and other area attractions.
• Did we mention the oceanfront pool?

A spring break vacation in Miami Florida is affordable fun for the entire family. Make your reservations today to stay at Newport Beachside Resort!

Trick or treat? Maybe both.

Who says Halloween is just for kids? Just in time for Autumn’s favorite holiday, Executive Chef, Michael Blum of Michael’s Kitchen, Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort, shares how he puts a fun twist on a very adult Halloween treat.

Recipe:

• Sour Apple Schnapps (DeKuypers Pucker Sour Apple recommended [2 ounces per 10 ounce glass])
• Vodka (6 ounces per 10 ounce glass)
• 3 Apples
• 3 Tablespoons of brown sugar, plus extra set aside for the rim of the glass
• White sugar for garnish (optional)
• 1 Teaspoon of cinnamon
• Caramels (melted)
• 2 Ounces of butter
• 1/2 Tablespoon of salt

Instructions:

Wash apples in hot water, then polish with a warm towel (this removes wax). Peel them, then cut into quarters. Place apple pieces in a glass dish. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, salt and butter. Coat the apples in the mixture, and bake at 325 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes (or until everything looks caramelized and golden). While the “apple mash” cooks for about 15 minutes, begin to rim the glasses by gently dipping the lip of the glass in melted caramel, then in brown sugar.

Take a few tablespoons of the mash and put it in a martini shaker, along with 2 ounces of Apple Pucker and 6 ounces of Vodka. Add a cup of ice and shake. Strain into a martini glass. For an extra bit of garnish, roll a fresh slice of apple in 50/50 mix of white and brown sugar.

Serving size varies, based on number of 10-oucne glasses desired. Enjoy!

“I was the planner for a group of 346 football fans that recently spent the weekend at [Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort]. We contracted for 160+ rooms and also had a banquet in the Atlantis Ballroom. With a group this size you always have a few problems with arrival and departure dates, type of room, etc. The hotel staff demonstrated excellent customer service in immediately resolved any problems that came up during check in and with room assignments. In addition, the banquet staff was great to work with. The Atlantis Ballroom and adjoining reception area were nicely laid out and the dinner was good.

I commend Barry Harris and his staff for going the extra mile in planning for our group by decorating the lobby and having some of the service staff wear shirts that “welcomed” our group.

Great job, we will return to [Newport Beachside].”

We’re pleased to introduce the Newport Beachside Blog! This new addition to the Newport website is a resource that will offer regular posts regarding updated information on current events and attractions in Miami, vacation tips, Newport and Miami news, photo gallery, and guest comments and reviews.