MINI is a unique brand which truly allows it’s buyer to express their personality. Up until now however, MINI Cooper lovers with a need for more than two doors or even a little bit of trunk space, we left dreaming. MINI Cooper has now released the highly anticipated MINI Countryman, and the vehicle made one of it’s very first stops on the MINI takes the states tour right here at Vista MINI.

 Here at Vista MINI, we know how to welcome a new member of the family, MINI or MINI motorist, so we thought it only appropriate to throw a big party! The day started off with some AWESOME food from the famous Miami staple, Latin Burger. South Florida radio station 939 MIA hosted the events musical selections along with games and prizes. And really, what would any MINI Cooper event be with out a Bulldog or 5? The “Adopt-a-Bulldog” foundation brought some their canine friends over to join in the fun.

Around 4p.m. the guest of honor, the MINI Countryman arrived in our show room. Check out the video below to see what the rallier’s thought of the new MINI.

 The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. ~Dr. Seuss

Reading is one of those things that is usually equated with free time, and really, who has free time these days? Reading however is one of those things that we must make time for, even Dr. Seuss knew this, and so did the makers of the Nook at Barnes & Noble.

Some may say that holding the tangible book in your hand is one of those things that can’t be replaced, but neither can your time. So, now that Barnes & Noble has lowered the price of their Nook 3G to $199, why not give it a try?

The month may be drawing to a close, but May is a month which always ends with celebration for Memorial Day weekend- why not head to Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. While there, you will not only have the chance to roll the dice, but you might even win a brand new MINI Cooper from Vista MINI Coconut Creek.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Sick and tired of the same local haunts and watering holes? Why not tap into your adventurous side and enjoy the amazing south Florida weather all while exploring the treasures around you- get ready to go Geocaching!

What is geocaching, Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing), you say? Well, besides totally awesome, invigorating and amazing- it is defined by most as, a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online (www.geocaching.com). Anyone with a GPS device can then try to locate the geocache with coordinates found on http://www.geocaching.com

What you find inside a geocache can vary drastically.  Within a 20 mile radius from postal code 33073 (in Coconut Creek, FL- home of Vista MINI and Vista BMW) there are over 952 recorded Geocaches, the choices are abundant. In its simplest form, a cache always contains a logbook. The logbook contains information from the owner of the cache, notes from visitors and can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. In smaller caches, a logsheet may be used.

Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of items, ranging from the momentarily valuable to those that the value is in the eye of the beholder. Geocachers must remember however, that if you take something (go on, do it- that’s what it’s there for!) you must leave something of equal or great value, after all- it’s only fair. The more experienced geocacher might leave a Geocoin of GroundSpeak Travel Bug- these items are meant to be moved unless specified, all adding to the adventure and addiction that is geocaching.

Now before you go get all Samantha Brown or Inspector Gadget on me, it must be noted that this does not just have to be an exercise for the mind. Choosing intensity of search you would like to seek out depends on your intent. If you would like to cruise around in your MINI (and really, who doesn’t?) and see a few neat things, then you would probably prefer a D/T rating of 1/1. However, maybe you are feeling particularly generous today and want to leave your MINI out for others viewing (and lusting pleasure), you adrenaline junkie you, you would likely prefer a 5/5 rating search.

Geocaches are rated in two categories (difficulty and terrain), each designated on a 5-point scale. Difficulty relates to the mental challenge of finding a cache and terrain describes the physical environment. A 1/1 difficulty/terrain rating would the easiest cache to find; while a 5/5 difficulty/terrain rating would be the most difficult.

Alright- ready for your new adventure? Let’s Motor!

MINI enthusiasts know the benefits of being “green”, “earth friendly”, “eco-conscious” – monetary and otherwise. Having a healthy outside environment is one thing, but if you are polluting your internal environment, you are creating your own oxymoron.

 I have no doubt that most of you know how to “be healthy” but along with phrase usually comes a plethora of excuses ranging from, “it’s inconvenient” to “it’s too expensive”. Alas my fair readers, I too was once a believer of these aforementioned excuses, however- no longer. I have discovered one of the gems that is comes along with the privilege of living here in south Florida- GREEN MARKETS! And lots of them.

 The best organic food is that which you find close to you. The average fruit or vegetable spends 21 days AFTER being harvested being transported to your store. You can imagine the kind of costs that have to be cut in order to pay for that lengthy transportation. Those costs are usually directly reflected in the quality and taste of the food that you are putting on the table for your family. So yes, on the whole, fresh fruit and veggies may cost a slight percentage more, but you better believe that you are going to get a much longer shelf life out of them-yes, no more throwing away money  food because it went bad.

 And people, Green Markets, Farmers Markets- whatever they are masquerading as- they are everywhere in south Florida, especially during “season”.  There are some that are open year round. Marando Farms,for example, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, is open every Saturday and Sunday. If you are more of an open-air market lover, be sure to check out the Oceanside Farmers Market in Lake Worth, all whilst catching a fabulous view of that piercing blue Florida beachside. A land lover, eh, then head on over to the Boca Raton Greenmarket, but make it snappy because these folks only hang around until May.

 Wherever you choose to pick up your fresh veggies, artisan breads, delectable jams or one of a kind clothing piece, remember that being green isn’t just something you do on earth day or when you feel nauseous, it’s a way of living just a little bit better. Let’s Motor! Vista MINI <3 to all!

When people are asked to conjure images of south Florida, their first response is usually an enthusiastic ‘palm trees and oceans’. While the state tree is the Cabbage Palmetto, the butterfly capital of the world, Coconut Creek, Florida, is giving away 700 hundred trees of many species to their residents in honor of the 40th annual Arbor Day.

Here at Vista MINI, we call Coconut Creek home. We can venture to guess that Mini owners (who enjoy outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness) and admirers alike can appreciate the city’s effort to make our home just a little “greener”.

Interested in joining in? Well, hop on into that remarkable little Mini vehicle of yours and head on over to the Coconut Creek Government Center on Saturday April 24. Available trees include: Blolly, Bridalveil, Pond Cypress, Red Maple, White Geiger, Slash Pine, Natchez Crapemyrtle and Live Oak.

Already have a forest in your backyard? Add to the splendor with Wildlife Habitat plants! Habitat plants available include: Native Neclacepod, White Indigo Berry, Green Buttowood, Buddleia and many, many more.

Now, as Mini enthusiast, you know just how much you can fit in to that amazing vehicle, but, “A tree you say”? No worries! All trees come in a 7 gallon pot. Just in case you are still intimidated (shame!) check out this video…

http://www.creekgov.net/arborday/index.asp