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New Year's Eve events to kiss 2018 goodbye, bring in 2019 | Laurie's Stories

Instead of staying in this New Year’s Eve, you may be thinking of going out on the Treasure Coast.

The best things to do Monday night are parties with ball drops and Champagne toasts — some at midnight and some in the middle of the day, some just for adults and some for the whole family.

Many local restaurants are open for dinner, but you need to make reservations ASAP. Seating is limited for most ticketed dinners and events.

LAURIE’S STORIES: Staying in New Year’s Eve? Make this craft cocktail to celebrate Florida-style

Here’s What To Do in 772, going from north to south, to bring in 2019.

The best things to do New Year’s Eve are parties with ball drops and champagne toasts. (Photo: GETTY IMAGES)

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Sebastian

The fourth annual Toast around the World at Pareidolia Brewing Company starts at 5 p.m. at 712 Cleveland St.

The event includes a free Champagne toast every hour starting at 5 p.m. until midnight to celebrate each time zone. Fireworks will be streamed on big screens every time. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/pareidoliabrewing.

LAURIE’S STORIES: TCPalm’s Brew Tour brings craft beer lovers together in Sebastian

The New Year’s Eve Party at Capt Hiram’s Resort starts at 8 p.m. at 1606 Indian River Drive.

Party like it’s 1989 at this ‘80s party with live music from Metalucious, complimentary party favors, a free Champagne toast and a confetti cannon salute at midnight. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/capthiramsresort.

MORE: Son of Capt Hiram’s Resort founder continues to carry on father’s legacy in Sebastian

Vero Beach

The “Diamonds are Forever” Party of the Century starts at 8 p.m. along 14th Avenue downtown and outside The Heritage Center at 2140 14th Ave.

The free block party includes an outdoor dance floor with a DJ and light show, a Champagne bar, a beer garden, food trucks and activities.

An elegant, black-tie party begins at 9 p.m. inside The Heritage Center and features a Champagne reception, fine dining from a personal chef and caterer, a three-act live musical performance and a midnight dance party.

At midnight, both parties come together for a Vero-style ball drop and fireworks show. Tickets for the black-tie party are $85 each. A sold-out VIP event begins at 8 p.m. To get tickets, call 772-770-2263 or go to www.veroheritage.org/events.

MORE: TCPalm’s coverage of the Vero Beach Centennial

Brew Year’s Eve at Walking Tree Brewery starts at 8 p.m. at 3209 Dodger Road.

Enjoy an ‘80s dance party with live music from Vice City, six limited edition barrel-aged beer releases, food trucks and a barrel drop and Champagne toast at midnight. Ages 21 and older only. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/walkingtreebrewery.

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The New Year’s Eve Party at American Icon Brewery starts at 8 p.m. at 1133 19th Place.

Enjoy craft beer, a full bar, food, live music and dancing. Plus, watch the fireworks from outside the brewery. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/americaniconbrewery.

Ring in the New Year at Heaton’s Reef Bar & Grill starts at 8:30 p.m. at 3500 Ocean Drive.

The beachside party includes DJ entertainment until 1 a.m., a toast at midnight and complimentary valet. Admission is $40 each. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/heatonsreef.

A New Year’s Eve Dinner & After Party at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at 3244 Ocean Drive.

The night includes a five-course dinner and a poolside party. The cost is $155 each. To make a reservation, call 772-410-0100 and have your credit card information ready. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/costadestebeachresort.

The New Year’s Eve Party at the Skate Factory of Vero Beach starts at 7 p.m. at 485 27th Ave. S.W.

The party includes free pizza from 9-11 p.m. Win money and prizes during the balloon drop. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/skatefactoryvero.

On New Year’s Day, the Resolution Run 5K walk/run is from 10-11:30 a.m. across the Barber Bridge and over the Indian River Lagoon.

Post-race festivities at Riverside Park include music, refreshments, raffles and an awards ceremony. The cost for the 5K is $28 each. A 5K for ages 12 and younger is $18 each. Registration ends Dec. 28. Plus, there’s a free children’s fun run. For more information, go to www.runvero.com.

LAURIE’S STORIES: New owner takes over Barefoot Cafe in Vero Beach

The Big Ben Beatles New Year’s Bash at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery is north of Fort Pierce. (Photo: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

 

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Fort Pierce

The New Year’s Eve Ball at The Braford Steakhouse and Rooster in the Garden starts at 7 p.m. in the Galleria of Pierce Harbor building downtown at 100 S. Second St.

The five-course dining experience is followed by live music, DJs, dancing and entertainment. Dinner reservations are available from 7-9 p.m. The countdown party begins at 9 pm.

All-inclusive tickets for the five-course meal, Champagne toast and dance party are $150 each. Tickets for access to the music, entertainment, dance party and Champagne toast at midnight are $50 each. To get tickets, go to www.thebraford.com.

MORE: The Braford steakhouse restaurant opens in Fort Pierce

REVIEW: Fort Pierce’s Rooster in the Garden has comfortable atmosphere, fresh fare

REVIEW:The Braford Steakhouse in Fort Pierce makes a big impression with atmosphere, portion size

 

The New Year’s Eve Party at Sailfish Brewing Company starts at 6 p.m. at 130 N. Second St..

Dance like it’s the disco era as a DJ plays some groovy tunes and enjoy special beer releases. A costume contest with a $300 prize is at 11 p.m. A toast is at midnight. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/sailfishbrewingcompany.

LAURIE’S STORIES: Breweries aren’t just about beer anymore; game nights attract customer

 

The New Year’s Eve Celebration at 2nd Street Bistro starts at 4 p.m. at 122 N. Second St..

A four-course meal will be available with a free glass of wine or draft beer and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. To make a reservation, call 772-293-9191.

 

The Big Ben Beatles New Year’s Bash at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery is from 4-7:30 p.m. at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce.

Celebrate the way the British do with live music from Beatles tribute band Beatle Guys Band and a United Kingdom food menu at midnight in London, which is 7 p.m. here, with the winery’s Big Ben Bell, party favors, decorations, hats and noise makers.

Tickets, which include admission, buffet, one dinner drink ticket and one glass of Champagne for toasting, are $77.50 each until Dec. 30 and $82.50 each at the door. To get tickets, which are limited, go to www.summercrushwine.com. Children’s tickets from $19.50-$29.50 are available by calling 772-460-0500.

HOMEGROWN: Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery in Fort Pierce turns native muscadine grapes into wine

 

The Manatee Observation & Education Center, which usually is closed on Mondays, is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 480 N. Indian River Drive.

The center will have hourly fish feedings starting at 10 a.m., boat tours at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., a touch tank and the chance to see manatees in Moore’s Creek. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/manateecenter.

Port St. Lucie

New Beers Eve at HopCat starts at 7 p.m. at 10553 S.W. Meeting St. in Tradition.

Celebrate a tap list of beers appearing for the first time at HopCat, tapping each one every hour until midnight. Then, HotCap will stay open until 1 a.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/hopcatpsl.

Here’s the schedule: Pierced Ciderworks special release at 7 p.m., Walking Tree Brewing Company Duke Snider’s 2019 American imperial stout at 8 p.m., Hop Life Brewing Company Blood Orange Zero Viz New England IPA at 9 p.m., Sailfish Brewing Company Barrel-Aged Drinkin’ Thing barrel-aged barley wine at 10 p.m., Saltwater Brewing Company Mayday imperial porter with cocoa nib at 11 p.m. and Barrel of Monks Brewing Company 2019 Grand Cru Belgian strong dark ale at midnight.

 

The New Year’s Eve Party at Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub starts at 9:30 p.m. at 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Suite 115.

The party includes live music by 33 Years Band, drink and food specials and a free Champagne toast at midnight. For more information, go to www.shindigpub.com.

 

New Year’s Eve at Kava Kat starts at 7 p.m. at 1046 S.E. Port St. Lucie Blvd.

Open mic night starts at 7 p.m., followed by DJ Duke. Then, Kava Kat will be open until 2 a.m. For more information, call 772-323-0824 or go to www.facebook.com/kavakatpsl.

 

The New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance at the Knights of Columbus Council 7514 starts at 5 p.m. at 451 S.W. Ravenswood Lane.

The night includes DJ entertainment, dancing, fine dining and a Champagne toast at midnight. Hors d’oeuvres are from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 8 p.m. Hats and noisemakers will be provided.

Tickets are $45 each. There will be a cash bar and raffle tickets for sale. To get tickets, call 772-879-1351 or 772-380-5817. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/kofc7514.

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The New Year’s Eve Party at the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club starts at 7 p.m. at 951 S.W. Country Club Drive.

The party includes valet parking, party favors, DJ music, a mirror photo booth, hors d’oeuvres and a four-course dinner. Cocktail hour is from 7-8 p.m. Guests are seated for dinner at 8 p.m. The ball drops at midnight.

The cost is $85 per person. Sales tax and 20 percent gratuity will be automatically added. To make a reservation, call 772-336-2507. The deadline is Thursday. For more information, go to stlucietrail.com.

Kiss 2018 goodbye and bring in 2019 with parties across the Treasure Coast. (Photo: Getty Images)

MARTIN COUNTY

Jensen Beach

New Year’s Eve at Kyle G’s Prime Seafood starts with brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10900 S. Ocean Drive.

An unlimited bloody Mary and mimosa bar is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The holiday dinner menu is served from 9 a.m. until midnight. A complimentary Champagne toast is at midnight. Plus, live music by The Shakers is from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. To make a reservation, call 772-237-5461 or go to kylegseafood.com.

REVIEW:Kyle G’s Sunday brunch has bottomless drinks, tasty fare and beautiful view

Kyle G’s Bloody Mary Bar was stocked with regular or infused vodkas, spicy or less spicy mixes, horseradish, olives, bacon, chunks of pepperoni or cheese, pickles, and a variety of traditional and non-traditional condiments. (Photo: LUCIE REGENSDORF/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)

The New Year’s Eve Bash at Conchy Joe’s Seafood Restaurant starts at 9 p.m. at 3945 N.E. Indian River Drive.

The bash includes live music from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. by Jahzilla, as well as a free Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. For more information, go to conchyjoes.com.

The New Year’s Eve Bash at RUSH Jensen Beach extreme trampoline park is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 3245 N.W. Federal Highway.

Celebrate with a balloon drop at noon, glitter tattoos and games. Discounted tickets are $15 for one hour of jumping with socks included. Plus, pizza slices and medium drinks are $1. For more information, go to www.rushjensenbeach.com.

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Stuart

The New Year’s Eve party at Terra Fermata Tiki Bar starts at 6 p.m. at 26 S.E. Sixth St..

The party includes a free glass of Champagne and live music: Brett Staska from 7-8:15 p.m., Bryce Allyn Band from 8:30-9:40 p.m. and The Ellameno Beat from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Admission is $10. Before the party, enjoy a meditation and burning ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon at Terra Fermata. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/terrafermata.

LAURIE’S STORIES: Palm City couple plans to open only brewery in Martin County next year

 

A New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance Cruise aboard Island Princess Cruises starts at 8 p.m. at 555 N.E. Ocean Blvd..

The four-hour cruise along the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon features a dinner buffet, dessert, a champagne toast, an open house bar and a DJ.

The cost is $125 each. Reservations are required. All ages are welcome, but only ages 21 and older can drink. To make a reservation, call 772-225-2100. For more information, go to www.islandprincesscruises.com.

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The second annual New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance at Save the First Dance starts at 8 p.m. at 5086 S.E. Federal Highway.

Enjoy a catered buffet dinner and dance the night away on a 2,700-square-foot dance floor to a mix of music, including country, ballroom, line dances, Latin, swing and night club.

Tickets are $75 per person. Bring your own beer, wine, champagne and alcoholic beverages. Bottled water, sparkling cider, soda, snacks and party favors will be provided. For more information, call 772-247-7954 or go to savethefirstdance.com.

 

Noon Year’s Eve at Ground Floor Farm is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd..

The event includes live music Swing Boutique, face painting, food and drink specials, games and a balloon drop at noon. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/groundfloorfarm.

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Port Salerno

The New Year’s Eve Bash at The Twisted Tuna starts at 4 p.m. at 4290 S.E. Salerno Road in Manatee Pocket.

The bash includes drink specials, free tastings, dinner specials and live music by Jordan Laurenti from 4-8 p.m. and Stereo Mix from 9 p.m. to midnight. Plus, there will be a DJ starting at 11 p.m. and free party favors and Champagne toast at midnight. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/thetwistedtuna.

 

The New Year’s Eve Party at Manatee Island Bar & Grill with a DJ starts at 8 p.m. at 4817 S.E. Dixie Highway. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/manateeislandbarandgrill.

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Hobe Sound

The New Year’s Eve Dinner at Heritage Ridge Golf Club: is from 5-8 p.m. at 6510 S.E. Heritage Blvd..

Celebrate with a dinner menu, Champagne and live music. Seating times are 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The cost, which includes tax and gratuity, is $50 per person. The deadline to register is Dec. 27. To RSVP, call 772-546-8711.

 

New Year’s Eve at Casa Del Vino starts at 9 p.m. at 11330 S.E. U.S. 1.

The night includes bottle-popping entertainment, a dinner buffet and a bottle of prosecco given at midnight. Tickets are $85 per person. RSVP by calling 772-675-2228. The deadline is Saturday, Dec. 29. For more information, go to abphy.com/user/casadelvinolifestyle.

Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.

Source: New Year’s Eve events to kiss 2018 goodbye, bring in 2019 | Laurie’s Stories

9 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness

Gray skies don’t have to mean a drab indoor life.

As fall continues and the days become shorter, it’s too tempting to just hibernate until spring. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the quieter months of the year.

Perhaps it’s a bit overdone to talk about the art of hygge, that untranslatable Danish word that references the feeling of being ultra-cozy and content.

The thing is, the Danes know how to thrive in winter. You might already know they’re the happiest people on earth, but did you know a lot of them attribute their unseasonably sunny outlook to their home- and self-care habits?

When it’s cold and rainy out, you might hear the siren song of your favorite streaming service. Ahh, sweet, solitary binge-watching! But if you’d like a more satisfying way to spend a chilly evening, here are a few ideas to channel the Danes’ wisdom and make an intentionally delightful day out of drab weather.

1. Set the mood

Candles are a key ingredient to a supremely comfortable atmosphere. Not only do they provide beautiful, soft lighting, but they also add warmth and scent to your space.

Tip: Choose seasonal scents to inspire celebration, or choose a summery scent, such as coconut and floral, to help combat the seasonal blues.

2. Bake something

Cake is central to the cozy experience. But it doesn’t just begin when you eat the cake (or cookies or pie) — it begins when you buy the ingredients.

Go to your favorite market, choose your ingredients carefully, and mix them with great care, taking your time to enjoy the task at hand. It’s just a bonus that your baking will flood your space with delicious smells — and taste good too.

Tip: Call up a friend or family member whose recipes deserve appreciation, and ask if they could show you how to work out their spectacular skills. Baking together makes for a lovely afternoon, no matter the weather!

3. Add texture

Plush throws, sheepskins and cushions make for a much more inviting space. Cover your surfaces in as many luxurious fabrics and pillows as you can find and snuggle down.

Tip: Faux is just as fashionable as the real thing. If cost prohibits, find inexpensive alternatives.

4. Invite people over

Do you tend to hide from your friends as soon as October hits? Fight the urge to retreat, and invite your nearest and dearest (or those you want to know better) over to share your coziness. Bonus: Ask them to bring a bottle of your favorite autumnal beverage!

Tip: Low on funds but want to host a dinner party? Ask everyone to bring an ingredient for stew, and make it together.

5. Get out the board games

They gather dust all year, so make use of them now! For the minimalists among us, a deck of cards is a highly versatile recreational object to keep around. No one to play with? Try your hand at a game of solitaire — analog style.

Tip: Have long-distance friends and loved ones? There are many gaming apps that you can play from all over the world. Start up a game and maintain your connections year-round!

6. Perfect your hot drink game

Hot cocoa, hot toddies, apple cider, mulled wine — pick your poison. Whatever it is, find your own special recipe that is so delicious you can’t wait to show it off. Then have those aforementioned friends over again!

Tip: Why, yes, you can put whiskey in those drinks. But it’s usually a good idea to perfect a mocktail version, too, for friends who don’t imbibe.

7. Embrace sweater weather

If you don’t already have a favorite sweater, it’s time to find one. It should be something that makes you feel at home when you slip it on. Cashmere, wool, mohair — anything will do. Whatever you choose, pair it with thick socks!

Tip: Start a knitting, crocheting or weaving circle, and make your own sweater over the course of the winter. It’s easier to get through lengthy projects when you’re sitting beside a friend — and it’s a great excuse to get together every week, no matter the weather.

8. Curate your cold-outside playlist

Make yourself a mix of music that inspires you to do all those things that make you feel absolutely endeared to your space. Put it on shuffle, relax, repeat.

Tip: Instrumentals are classics for a reason — they can work as background for just about anything. When in doubt, most music services have pre-made playlists, some of which you can filter by mood.

9. Do seasonal activities

Making caramel apples? Check. Carving pumpkins? Check. Canning, puddle jumping, sledding, walking through string-light-wrapped neighborhoods? Check!

Whatever your favorite seasonal treats might be, set some dates to make them happen and feel the magic of even the most blah weather wash over you.

Tip: This is a great way to involve kids in seasonal celebration. If you don’t have children of your own, hosting a kid-friendly event (such as pumpkin painting) is a lovely way to connect with friends with little ones. Not a fan of cleaning up after the kids? Offer them a treat in exchange for cleaning up. Everybody wins.

Source: 9 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness

Holidays at McKee, Christmas Road Trip, winter concerts, running Santas top this weekend

Here’s What To Do in 772 before the real Santa Claus comes to town.

Source: Holidays at McKee, Christmas Road Trip, winter concerts, running Santas top this weekend

The Grinch Steals the Show in Fun and Festive Photos of Baltimore Listing

It’s nowhere near Whoville, but a Baltimore row house features its very own Grinch. The humorous listing photos have created a buzz around the listing.

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PSL: Santa's Calling! 12/18/18

Ring ring! Santa, with the help of his special operator, has a special holiday greeting and questions specific to the child’s information gathered from the Santa’s Calling Form. When completed, please return it to the Community Center by Friday, December 7, 2018. Forms will be available at the Community Center, Civic Center, Minsky Gymand City Hall.

Read More

Final Christmas parade, living Nativity, beer festival, moon gazing top this weekend

The final Christmas parade on the Treasure Coast is this weekend.

It’s also time for a long-running living Nativity scene, free movies, drive-thru lights, concerts, parties, winter festivals and community events with Christmas carols, bonfires, hayrides and, of course,

Source: Final Christmas parade, living Nativity, beer festival, moon gazing top this weekend

Cheers, Eats and Riverside Seats!

Enjoy a tranquil and relaxing evening overlooking the beautiful St. Lucie River or just hang out and enjoy the fire. There will be live musical entertainment and cash bar and food available for purchase.

The Parks & Recreation Department hosts this event on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m at the Future Westmoreland Riverfront Park, located 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL. 34952.

RSVP on Facebook and share with friends and family!

Featuring Low Key on December 13

• 2018 Dates: December 13


• 2019 Dates: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11

Contact Parks & Recreation for more information: (772) 878-2277

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When Boy Mails a Birthday Card to His Dad in Heaven, Postman Comforts Him With a Celestial White Lie

This little boy was not expecting to receive a response after sending his father a birthday card in heaven – but he was reassured by what it said.

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Every Little Thing He Does is Magic: Dad Brings Christmas Lights to Life for Delighted Son

 

 

Click the picture to see the video!

This baby’s reaction to his father’s sweet little Yuletide magic trick is enough to put a smile on the face of any Grinch.

Source: Every Little Thing He Does is Magic: Dad Brings Christmas Lights to Life for Delighted Son

Holiday boat parades, PSL Christmas house, Jake Owen concert, festivals top this weekend

Here’s a rundown of the best things to do on the Treasure Coast.

Source: Holiday boat parades, PSL Christmas house, Jake Owen concert, festivals top this weekend

Anonymous Man Calling Himself Santa Picked Up the Tab for Dozens of Walmart Customers

Walmart was not allowed to disclose how much money the man spent or how many people he helped that day, but judging by the amount of gifts that were stacked on the store’s layaway shelves, it was a lot.

Source: Anonymous Man Calling Himself Santa Picked Up the Tab for Dozens of Walmart Customers

City Events Calendar: December 2018

City-sponsored events only.

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