"White Friday" -- day of shopping, dining and more

In conjunction with White Party week in Miami, "White Friday" is taking place in Coconut Grove on November 26. The Coconut Grove Merchants Group and the White Party Committee are hosting the day. This is a take on Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the day after Thanksgiving.

It's a full day of shopping, dining, fashion and a book signing event. A bay cruise for locals and visitors is also being offered. Storefronts will be decked out in white showing off the 2010 White Party Cirque theme with businesses competing for the best dressed window.

Over 40 Grove merchants and restaurants are offering specials including brunch specials at restaurants. At 4 pm, a private book signing with gay lifestyle chronicler David Leddick will be held at The Bookstore (3399 Grand Avenue).

A VIP two-hour sunset sight seeing cruise will launch from Dinner Key on the "MT Celebration," a charter yacht. The first bay cruise is at 7 pm and the second is at 10 pm. The cost is $24.50 per person, which includes the cruise and one free drink ticket for liquor or soft drinks and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. A live DJ will provide dance music.

Parking is free at Dinner Key Marina. When guests return from the cruise, Grove restaurants will offer drink specials.

White Friday in Coconut Grove is open to the general public. Some merchants will make donations from sales, others will accept donations at the check out counter. Money raised will be given to Care Resource, the producer of the White Party.

“This is a free event, open to everyone. All you have to do is come to the Grove and shop and dine,” says Felice Dubin, Merchant Group member and co-owner, with Sandy Francis of the Bookstore in the Grove.

Participating Grove merchants will have a White Friday sign in their windows to identify them. A list of specials and deals to shop, dine and unwind is here.

For Celebration on the Bay Cruise reservations and info, please call 305-445-8456 or email bayexcape@aol.com.