Who plans on attending the WOC in Miami next year??

[Linnie]

Hi guys,

We're about 3 and a half hours away so I don't know if I will be staying there for a day or so, or just spending the day.

I've stayed in Miami a few times and know the hotels in the South Beach area are rather steep. ( OH my, I just looked at some of the hotel prices at the link Suzanne sent) Talk about steep- and it's high season in Florida in January so every where will be more expensive.

I"ll try to remember where I stayed because it was a suite and could probably be shared so you might want to check it out. I know it's in Kendall, so that is a start.

I was also thinking maybe you could check out some of the bedroom communities by Homestead.

I think I'd like to be at the show on the first day, so maybe I can meet up with you Suzanne.

Now if I could only stop proscratining, I would make my reservations..

It's going to be so much fun..

[Linnie]

I remember now, I stayed at the Amerisuites several times in Kendall, though I see they are in the $200 range now.

Here

is a good site to find house rentals. If several people went together, its going to be cheaper than getting a hotel room.
Vacation Rentals .com - Miami Florida Ocean Access - Miami River Villas

If I come across anything else, I'll be sure to post the info.

Another idea, the folks at the American Orchid Society might have come good suggestions. Palm Beach is only about an hour away..

[cb977]

Linnie...thanks for the great lodging info

Here's a link to the official WOC site:
WOC Home Page

If you look into the Travel & Tours section, you'll find they have a number of interesting tours available. The local growers tours should be phenomenal! I've been to RF Orchids in Homestead and it was a sight to behold

The growers tours are a full day tour covering stops at 3 area orchid growers and includes a lunch! I won't be going to any of them (it's enough that I'm getting hubby to go at all ) but if any of you have the opportunity to go, I know you'll love it

[Rhonda_in_FL]

I'm registered for the whole she-bang. I live about 1.5 hours from Miami, but will be staying in the hotel. Can't wait!

[Djarum Black]

I'm gonna go too! Woot! I am soooo excited about it! I'm gonna take the plunge and stay for the whole week. I haven't been to Florida since I was very small.

[cb977]

I plan on spending the entire first day of the conference there...Weds 1/23/08, shuffling back and forth between the WOC and the festival being hosted by Dr Martin Motes

If anybody else will be there that first day, we've got to set up a meeting

[Djarum Black]

Ohh yup! We need a OB meeting! It would be such a shame to fly out all that way and not get to see some OB folks! I don't know a gosh darn thing about Miami but I'm open to just about anything!

[cb977]

My husband and I will be spending that Tues & Weds night at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Hollywood Fl, which is around 39 miles away from the conference...gotta keep the man happy

[Rhonda_in_FL]

There is so much to do in the area...

Miami Seaquarium

Vizcaya Gardens

Monkey Jungle

Parrot Jungle

Fairchild Gardens

Bonnet House (wonderful orchid collection)

The Florida Keys are only about an hour away

The trouble with the hotel location is the horrible, horrible traffic in the a.m. If you want a tip from a local, go very early in the a.m. and stay until either 3:00 ish or until after rush hour traffic. When we went down to judge the Miami show this year, we left ridiculously early so we could avoid the commuters and it was worth it.

The convention hotel is still a short walk from the actual convention center, so bring an umbrella or a collapsible rainjacket...never know.

If you are going to drive, there is a fee to park. Not sure what it is...

This may be the last time WOC is here for a very long time...last time it was in USA was in 1984...in S Fla.

I can hardly wait--have been excited since they announced it six years ago!

Also, the AOS members meeting is at the same hotel the weekend prior. If you're interested in particpating in something like that, it will be part of the WOC proceedings.

[justatypn]

Sounds like a blast, will be planning on making the WOC on Wednesday as it is now. Not sure if we will be staying over or just go back to where we have our boat docked in Ft. Pierce, 2 hour drive It will be a blast to see our OB family. Would be perfect to meet on Wednesday.