Trolley Time

SUN 1/2

A new trolley will clang-clang-clang through downtown South Miami beginning today, making several convenient stops around town. The initial ride is set to coincide with the city's first Sundays on Sunset, an outdoor musical and shopping experience near the busy intersection of Sunset Drive and Red Road. Jazz stalwarts Joe Donato and Melton Mustafa will have you swinging as you peruse the fine antiques, farmers' market, and other retail offerings. Ride the green limousine every Friday and Saturday between 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call 305-663-6350 or visit www.cityofsouthmiami.net. -- Lyssa Oberkreser

Snow Year's Eve

A winter fresh start

FRi 12/31

The grass looks so much greener from the other side of the snowy fence. While folks across the nation yearn for the warmth of Miami winters, down here we murmur "hace frio" and bundle up in sweaters even though it almost never drops below 50 degrees. Tonight's Winter Wonderland shindig evokes a not-so-subtropical clime with ice sculpture, decorated trees, and even snow bunnies greeting guests by the pool. (No, the pool will not be frozen over.) Enjoy a laser show, listen to musical ensemble Gary King and the Dream, and watch CBS 4's Jim Berry break it down R. Kelly style with the South Florida Steppers tonight at 9:00 in the sky lobby of the Bank of America Tower, 100 SE Second St. Tickets cost $50 in advance and $75 at the door. Call 954-538-1742 or visit www.classc1productions.com. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

Feeling Used

Thrift store cowgirls

NOW 24/7

It's Saturday morning and you've survived another long week at work. You want to go shopping, but those hours of toiling didn't exactly stuff your pockets with cash, and you're not in the mood to fight the crowds at the mall. There's no need to fret when some of the best thrift stores in the county are waiting for you in North Miami. Dubbed "Miami's best-kept secret" by Frommer's guidebooks, The Red White & Blue Thrift Store (12640 NE Sixth Ave.) is huge and packed with clothes, housewares, and home furnishings. The clothes are well organized and color coordinated, but you'll still want to search for the treasures. The hunt is worth it when you score a pair of Prada pants, a Ralph Lauren skirt, and a snazzy silk scarf for a mere ten bucks. Call 305-893-1104. -- Lyssa Oberkreser