The Official MINI Takes the States 2008Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink Checklist - Miami

• Make sure that you download the main drive route for the MINI Owners' Rise & Shine Rally, but feel free to choose your own adventure. Whatever path you take, we guarantee that all roads will lead to fun.
• Don’t forget your MINI Takes the States registration confirmation to obtain your goodie bag.
• If you’re motoring in a convertible, don’t forget your sunscreen.
• We know you take brilliant care of your MINI, but in case you haven't done so lately, don't forget to have your vehicle completely serviced before departure to ensure all fluids and engine parts are in full working order.
• Plan for the heat in advance and be sure to bring a cooler for road-trip snacks and refreshments. And if you bring your pet, remember to stop often to hydrate both yourself and your pet. Fido will thank you.
• Check to ensure that you’ve packed your MINI Visa credit card. And if you haven't because you simply have yet to MINI-ize your very own piece of plastic, visit the MINI Financial Services booth at any stop along the way to apply for the MINI Visa credit card.
• Grab your digital camera to capture memories along the way and, of course, share with your jealous friends back home. And these pictures shouldn't just live in your camera until you arrive back on your doorstep, we'd like you to share them with us! Email us what you've snapped along the way and we may just post some of them to the online MINI Takes the States photo album.
• Pack a blanket and lawn chairs. We know you love your MINI and never want to leave it, but trust us, getting it through the turnstile at the movie will be a tight fit.
• Call in sick. Enough said.
• Bring your best "I'm pretty sure I could give that pop star a run for her money" shower melody and grab a few of your favorite CDs or your iTrip for the ride. Or, if you really want to score some hit material for your pop-idol audition, sign up for SIRIUS Satellite Radio and belt out hits from all over this fine land of ours as you motor along.
• Stop your newspapers and mail. Well, that is, unless you have found yourself a nice mail carrier who's agreed to deliver these items wherever you end up.
• Pack up your favorite MINI motoring gear: a sweatshirt to keep you warm in the evenings, a MINI cap and your driving gloves.
• Don’t forget your sunglasses, 'cause you’ve got to be cool when you're motoring in your MINI.
• Bring your PDA with friends' addresses so you can send them postcards along the way. And while you're at it, why not include a photo or two or at least the link to the MINI Takes the States website so they can see all of the fun you're having.
• Walkie-talkies are great for multiple vehicles. The paper cup and string thing gets difficult on the road.

UPDATE: Rise & Shine Rally (MINI Owners Only) - Miami

Saturday, June 14th, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Bicentennial Park, Miami FL

All MINI Owners are going to meet up for a “rise and shine” breakfast from 8am until 10am followed by a late morning rally to the MINI Takes the States Festival at Homestead Miami Speedway. Click on the rally map with points of interest below, and download the PDF with detailed directions and a printable version of the map.

Sponsored by our friends at the Southern Region MINI Dealers

Do Some (Eco) Good! - Miami

Kids Ecology Corps

Kids Ecology Corps is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire young people to make environmental action part of their everyday lives. They offer unique hands-on presentations and eco-action programs that educate youth about: keeping our oceans clean; the importance of trees; the role re-planting our coastal wetlands play in beach conservation; water conservation; pollution prevention; global climate change and energy conservation; and protecting local natural habitats for native wildlife. At MINI Takes the States, they'll focus on volunteer opportunities on the South Florida coastal wetland restoration projects that they actively participate in.

Miami Headliner: Michelle Branch

Saturday, June 14th, 7:30 pm

Homestead Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

Live on the Music Stage: Michelle Branch

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Michelle Branch has always been a young woman in a big hurry. At the age of 18 she released her first multi-platinum album and turned the world onto her catchy, heartfelt sound with the hit singles “Everywhere” and “All You Wanted.” Her second album proved to be just as successful with the hit singles “Are You Happy Now?” and “Breathe.” Branch has collaborated with Carlos Santana and broke down the barriers between pop and country with her band The Wreckers. The Grammy winner is now back at work in the studio on her new solo album that is sure to embody the timeless, bold music we have come to expect from her.