Looking for a little independence from the same old mundane nightlife? A little freedom from the Pavlovian ritual of going to the same places on the same nights, seeing the same people and having the same conversations? You're in luck. Invest in some gasoline and head up to Fort Lauderdale to check out the new W Hotel's Wet Pool Lounge and Whiskey Blue, the site of Salvation Sundays. Up on the fifth floor, where views of the ocean rival those of the scantily clad bathing beauties, the Wet pool deck features the usual creature comforts of hipsterdom: VIP cabanas, bars, lounges and a fire pit (the temperatures may be high, but a fire pit is always a novel prop in Florida).

A much classier version of the skanky Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas, Salvation Sundays will also provide fresh-spun ear candy. And if you dare exhale and hunger for sustenance, the hotel's restaurant Steak 954 will feed you poolside while official vodka Grey Goose quenches your thirst. The party takes place every Sunday from 12:30 until 8 p.m., and there's no cover. Set your GPS for 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

Closer to home, the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove offers a cool July 4 package featuring dinner for two at Angelo & Maxie's, two cocktails and fireworks at Cabana One, and sweet suite accommodations in the Mayfair Suite for $199 on Saturday. To book the all-inclusive sleepover, call 800-433-4555. Just around the corner, the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove's Ladies Champagne Fridays pours free bubbly for the fairer sex from 5-7 p.m., accompanied by hors d'oeuvres and live music in the hotel's lobby lounge.

Back on the beach, a mini Winter Music Conference of sorts takes place at Shine on Friday when DJ Behrouz takes on DJ Josh Wink at 10 p.m. On Sunday, check out Sundance with Aussie duo TV Rock alongside Stephan Luke at SET. Tickets, $20. For more DJ action, the Independance Pool and Beach Party at the Surfcomber Hotel features 12 hours of nonstop spinning, from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, with headliners Danny Tenaglia and Victor Calderone. Tickets are $60 for an all-day pass, with assorted service charges. Go to www.wantickets.com.

In the South of Fifth area, Red The Steakhouse is throwing a backyard BBQ with chicken, ribs, steak, salads and more, as well as stellar views of the free fireworks at Eighth and Ocean at 9 p.m. Saturday. The restaurant will serve up 2-for-1 specialty cocktails, $5 sangria, $5 beer, $7 mojitos and a $9 bar menu on its private rooftop terrace.

We love the idea of free events, including the Viceroy's pool party from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday featuring BBQ and drink specials starting at $5. There's another free pool party Sunday at the Doubletree Coconut Grove, where from 1-5 p.m. you can get a free massage, one free mojito or beer for adults and unlimited soft drinks all day. There's also live music, mermaids and Bacardi Girls. A holiday buffet is $15. The party is limited to 150 attendees. 305-858-2500 or www.coconutgrove.doubletree.com.

Down in Islamorada, the soothing, swanky Moorings Village Resort is throwing a full moon party Sunday in case your fireworks fizzled the night before. The party, on the beach at the resort's two restaurants, Pierre's and Morada Bay Beach Cafe, 81600 Overseas Hwy. (MM 81.6 bayside), features barbecues, bars, live bands, DJs on the beach, bonfires, a Bahamian Junkanoo band, circus performers and that big, blazing full moon. Cover is $15 if you're not staying at the resort. Call 305-664-4708.

Louis Bar-Lounge at the Gansevoort South is hosting the premiere party for Bravo's upcoming docu-series Miami Social on Thursday. The series premieres at 10 p.m. July 14, but Thursday is your chance to decide whether or not it's worthy of space on your TiVo.

Speaking of reality, the Adrienne Arsht Center earned its hipster creds thanks to the spectacle known as Fuerza Bruta. Frankly, we didn't love the show, but we did love Barton G.'s pre and post show G Lounge, an avant garde, SoHo-esque speakeasy of sorts featuring funky snacks, drinks and excellent people-watching. Rhythm City DJ Sama spins the crowd into a post modern Studio 54-frenzy. Exactly the change of scenery and venue this town so desperately needs.

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