WED 1/26
Gaze at the full moon as James Deering did from the gardens of his winter residence in the early Twenties. Walking from the grand patio to the long garden path, you can imagine the setting as the perfect backdrop to a stylish Gatsby party with the sounds of revelers' laughter, chatter, and clinking glasses being carried by tropical breezes across the shimmering chop of Biscayne Bay. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 S. Miami Ave.) opens its gates tonight for you to enjoy the first full moon of the New Year. January's full moon is also the smallest of the year. At a distance of over a quarter million miles away, the bright orb appears mighty tiny compared to the closer full moon you'll see in July.
Make an evening of this unique opportunity by arriving early to enjoy a sandwich or salad in the Vizcaya café and spend some time looking around the gift shop before strolling into the gardens. Gates open at 6:30 and the guided tours begin at 7:30. The moonlight garden tour is only five dollars and reservations are not required. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. Call 305-250-9133 or visit www.vizcayamuseum.org. -- Lyssa Oberkreser
Free Style
These ladies can stroke
SAT 1/22
When most people think of University of Miami sports, they envision a herd of brawny men tossing around the pigskin as they barrel across a football field, or the fine young hombres of the baseball team kicking ass and taking names on the diamond. Hardly anyone thinks of the female Hurricanes, the hard-working women who balance academics with track, basketball, golf, or crew. Which is a shame, because the Her-a-canes are noble sportswomen worth watching. Case in point is the swimming team, a passel of broad-shouldered young ladies who continually strive to stroke UM onward to victory. Under the direction of former Olympian Mariusz Podkoscielny, the team keeps the Hurricanes in the spotlight with victories and record-breaking speeds. South Florida sports rivalries don't all take place on the gridiron: Watch the Canes go up against FIU in the pool this morning at 11:00 at Florida International University's Bay Vista Aquatics Center, 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami. Visit www.hurricanesports.collegesports.com or www.fiusports.com/swimming. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
Kart Attack
Mini speed racers
SAT 1/22
It starts at the crack of dawn. The pit crew looks up for signs of rain. Finding none, they're confident they've made the right decision. Still, the rain tires are never far away. If need be, they'll spring into action, and in seconds those tires will be bolted into place. Judging by the seriousness of the event, one might think they're preparing Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s car to race past the finish line, but the only way that could happen is if he were driving a go-kart like everyone else. The 2005 Formula Kart Winter Tour kicks off today at 6:00 a.m. at Homestead-Miami Speedway, One Speedway Blvd., Homestead. Call 305-469-6188 or visit www.floridawintertour.com. -- Kris Conesa
Get Served
MON 1/24
It's the start of tennis season and the question is: Who will be the third Williams sister? The USTA Futures tournament is where to find out, as it has been a launching pad for the careers of tennis greats Andre Agassi, Lindsay Davenport, Maria Sharapova, and James Blake. The USTA Men's Pro Futures of Key Biscayne takes place today at the Crandon Park Tennis Center, 7300 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. Call 305-365-2300 or visit www.procircuit.usta.com. -- Kris Conesa
