Grant Balfour

3 weeks ago | biscaynetimes.com | Grant Balfour

What makes a neighborhood? It’s partially the buildings, the trees, what the urbanists call “the lived environment of a place.” It’s partially the people who live there, whom you nod at on the street or chat with at the bar. It’s partially a mood, a way of doing things how we do here. In other words, it’s culture. ICA Miami (the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami) used to be part of North Miami’s MOCA (the Museum of Contemporary Art) up on NE 125th Street.

1 month ago | biscaynetimes.com | Grant Balfour

Despite Miami's reputation as a city of newcomers, there’s a deep fascination in the origins of the area and the history of some of its most notable buildings. As Christine Rupp of Dade Heritage Trust says: “What I find interesting about Miami is everybody’s from somewhere else, but there’s always a group interested in finding out about their new home.” This year, you’ll see quite a few centennials being celebrated at landmark locations up and down the Biscayne Corridor.

1 month ago | biscaynetimes.com | Grant Balfour

This is not a recommendation to drink and drive. Please don’t do that. It’s just an observation that motion alters mood. Just as much as sunshine, hot fudge sundaes, spinning in circles on a playground swing set, or sipping on a Savoy-proportioned sidecar (three parts cognac, two parts Cointreau, two parts lemon juice, no garnish) going fast can put a smile on your face. Even just thinking about it is kind of fun.

1 month ago | porthole.com | Grant Balfour

3 MSC Cruises will expand its family-focused entertainment offerings across its fleet starting in June 2025, the company announced Tuesday. The updates include new game shows, parades, and activities aimed at children, teenagers and their families. Several additions will feature branded collaborations and new technology-driven competitions.

2 months ago | porthole.com | Grant Balfour

2 Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of MSC Cruises, officially launched its Mediterranean Journeys Collection  yesterday as Explora II departed from Barcelona en route to Morocco and the Canary Islands. Explora I is scheduled to cruise Eastern Mediterranean ports. The ships will call on iconic destinations as well lesser-explored ports, such as Skiathos, Greece; Portofino, Italy; Saint-Tropez, France; and Mahón, Spain.