A Fall Note from the Team
October in Miami means pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and just enough of a breeze to pretend autumn has arrived, plus a fresh round of restaurant openings and plenty to do around town.
On the real estate side, mortgage rates have climbed for five straight weeks and are now above 7% for the first time since early 2025, cooling demand and giving buyers more leverage, especially in the condo market, where inventory is well into buyers’ market territory. Florida voters will also decide on Amendment 3 this November, which would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, worth watching if you're a homeowner here. Whether you're buying, selling, or just want to know where you stand, we're always happy to talk it through.
South Florida Insider
Sunset Place Redevelopment Clears Another Hurdle
Miami-Dade approved a new community development district tied to the long-planned redevelopment of the Shops at Sunset Place. The project is expected to bring more than 1,500 residences, along with new retail, dining, hotel, and public improvements to South Miami.
Pinecrest Reminds Residents of Landscaping Quiet Hours
Commercial landscapers in Pinecrest are limited to 8 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday and 9 AM-2 PM Saturday, with no commercial landscaping allowed Sundays or legal holidays. Residents using their own equipment have broader hours.
New Community Center Coming to Armbrister Park
A new community center is moving forward at Armbrister Park in the West Grove. Demolition of the existing facility is underway, with construction of the new building expected to begin in November.
Ulta Beauty Coming to South Miami
Ulta Beauty is coming to South Miami Shopping Center along U.S. 1. The new location will add another major retailer to the center near Sprouts and other neighborhood shopping destinations.
$58M Loan Moves New Coconut Grove Condo Forward
A new eight-story luxury condominium at 2650 Lincoln Avenue is moving ahead with 48 residences, including six penthouses. Planned amenities will include a rooftop pool with bay views, fitness center, spa facilities, golf simulator, co-working lounge, and dog park.
Miami Spice Extended Through October
Through Oct. 31 | Select Restaurants Across Greater Miami
For the first time, Miami Spice has been extended through October, giving diners an extra month of prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants. Offerings include $40 brunch and lunch, $50 and $65 dinners, and select premium experiences.
The Latest Around Miami This Month
The Science Behind Pixar
Oct. 10-Apr. 11
Frost Museum of Science | Miami
More than 50 interactive experiences take visitors behind the scenes of Pixar favorites, exploring the science, technology, art, and engineering used to create characters and worlds from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., and more.
Douglas Park Fall Festival
Oct. 17 | 10 AM-12:30 PM
Douglas Park | 2755 SW 37th Ave, Miami
A free family fall festival with pumpkin decorating, crafts, face painting, inflatables, a train ride, petting zoo, stage shows, games, and giveaways.
Pinecrest Zombie Run
Oct. 17 | Check-in 4:30 PM, Run 6 PM
Evelyn Greer Park | 8200 SW 124th St
A family-friendly two-mile run through Pinecrest with zombies, costumes, a 40-foot maze, music, games, and more.
Grove Art Walk
Oct. 18 | 11 AM-5 PM
Fuller Street & Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove
The Grove Art Walk returns with local artists, live music, and an all-ages afternoon in the heart of Coconut Grove.
Palmetto Bay Artisan & Farmers Market
Oct. 18 | 10 AM-3 PM
Coral Reef Park | 7895 SW 152nd St
Back for the season at Coral Reef Park, the market features fresh produce, artisan goods, local crafts, and prepared food from a rotating mix of vendors.
Faces of Fitness Miami
Oct. 24-25
Regatta Park | 3500 Pan American Dr, Coconut Grove
A two-day fitness and wellness festival with classes from top Miami studios, celebrity instructors, live music, and wellness experiences.
October Kite Festival
Oct. 24-25 | 12-5 PM
Haulover Park | 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Hundreds of colorful kites fill the sky at Haulover Park, including giant inflatable whales, octopuses, and other larger-than-life designs. Bring your own or just come watch. Admission is free.
Pumpkin Patch Season
Coral Gables Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 17 | 2-6 PM
Ponce Circle Park | 2810 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Hundreds of pumpkins take over Ponce Circle Park for an afternoon of pumpkin decorating, live music, face painting, a mini harvest market, and festive displays. Presale tickets are available for Coral Gables residents.
Pinto's Farm Pumpkin Patch
Through Nov. 8
14890 SW 216th St, Miami
Pinto's brings back its autumn lineup with a corn maze, tractor and boat rides, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce pad, and other family-friendly activities.
The Berry Farm Harvest Festival
Through Nov. 15
13720 SW 216th St, Miami
The Berry Farm's annual Harvest Festival returns with a five-acre corn maze, sunflower fields, hayrides, live entertainment, seasonal food, and colorful displays across the farm.
Tinez Farms Fall at the Farm
Through Nov. 29
16405 SW 177th Ave, Miami
Tinez Farms fills the season with an animal barnyard, zip lines, bounce houses, a tubing slide, yard games, and festive areas for photos and family activities.
Table Talk
Joe's Stone Crab
Miami Beach
Joe's Stone Crab reopens Oct. 16 for its 114th season, just as Florida stone crab season gets underway. Joe's Take Away opens at 11:30 AM, followed by dinner service in the main restaurant that evening.
Seiya
Coconut Grove
A new Japanese restaurant is coming to the eighth floor of the Arya Hotel & Suites this fall. The rooftop concept will blend Japanese technique with Peruvian and other global influences.
Havana Harry's
Coral Gables
After more than a year closed, longtime Cuban favorite Havana Harry's is preparing to reopen this fall with a renovated dining room. Its familiar recipes, generous portions, and Cuban classics will remain at the heart of the menu.
H&H Bagels
Coral Gables
New York's H&H Bagels is opening a Coral Gables location at 2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd, joining its existing Pinecrest shop. The menu will feature its classic New York-style bagels, spreads, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Rocket Fizz
Coral Gables
Rocket Fizz has opened on Giralda Avenue with a huge assortment of retro and international candy, novelty gifts, and sodas ranging from old-school favorites to unusual flavors.
Bricked Burgers
Dadeland / Pinecrest
The local smash burger favorite has opened a new location at 9800 SW 77th Ave, taking over the former Cafe Oriental space. Expect signature smash burgers, loaded fries, and shakes.
Charisma
Pinecrest
A new restaurant called Charisma is in the works for Cypress Hall at Pinecrest Gardens. The Village recently approved the purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the restaurant, moving the new dining concept another step closer to opening.
The Original Rainbow Cone
Palmetto Bay
The Chicago favorite has opened its first South Florida location in Palmetto Bay, bringing its signature five-flavor Rainbow Cone layered with chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio almond, and orange sherbet. The menu also includes shakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes, mini donuts, and more.
Coco’s Corner: Spooky Spewing Pumpkins
Picked the perfect pumpkin? Now make it erupt!
- Carve a pumpkin with a big open mouth, and save the seeds to roast later.
- Place a small cup inside and add baking soda, a squirt of dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring - try green, orange, purple, or invent your own monster shade.
- Pour in white vinegar and watch the colorful foam spew out.
- Experiment with different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to see what makes the biggest eruption.
