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Swanky Miami Attractions: Miami Beach Polo World Cup

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Hanna Lassila

Miami Beach Polo World Cup

What: Miami Beach Polo World Cup

When: April 26 – 29, 2012

Who: Male & Female Polo Players, Polo Aficionados Dressed in White

Where: South Beach, between 20^th and 22^nd Streets

Why: World Renown Polo Players + South Beach Vibe = Swanky Fun

Polo, the world-renowned “Sport of Kings” is coming to Miami. But this isn’t just any polo match, this is the Miami Beach Polo World Cup.

Miami Beach Polo. Photo by: JustoRuiz

In a typical polo match, spectators are awed by the thoroughbred mares that thunder across perfectly manicured fields of green as the riders race for the goal. But in Miami, polo has its own tropical feel as players from around the world kick up the soft white sands of South Beach as blue waves crash in the background. It’s just something you have to see.

The Miami Beach Polo World Cup is an opulent experience. Thanks to the main sponsor, the luxury car maker Maserti, this event has a distinctively swanky feel and there are no shortages of VIP lounges. Watch the players sweat like soccer moms in a gym sauna as you sit in a shaded, impeccably color-coordinated bar. Sip on a variety of cool beverages and shop for the latest and trendiest polo gear in between games. Let’s not forget the fashion shows with Argentine models and yacht parties. Yeahhh baby! Las fiestas continue into late into night with fireworks and DJs making all the beautiful people dance.

Even if you know next to nothing about polo, be sure to check one of the best Miami attractions. See Miami from it’s best side and enjoy a day on the beach polo pitch! VIP tickets are still available and can be purchased via the Miami Beach Polo Website.

Are you planning to attend the Miami Beach Polo World Cup? Let us know!

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals, Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Miami attraction, Miami Beach Polo, Polo in Miami, See Miami | Leave a comment

Things to do in Miami in April

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Damien Venuto

While the rest of the nation cowers under umbrellas to escape the “April Showers”, the people of Miami head to the beach to enjoy clear skies, sunshine and a multitude of riveting activities. If you’re lucky enough to be on a Miami tour during the month of April, then you will definitely want to include some of the following activities in your itinerary.

Art of storytelling Festival

This nostalgic throwback to our raconteur tradition features puppet shows, dancing, live performances and face-painting. So, take the kids along for an entertaining day that teaches them the value of well-told story.

Photo by WalterPro4755

Florida Renaissance Festival

If the kids enjoyed our story-telling tradition, then they’ll undoubtedly love the sword fighters, skirmishing knights on horseback, magicians and minstrels on display during the Florida Renaissance Festival. This event, which attempts to give the youth a living taste of history, occurs on the 1^st, 7^th and 8^th of April.

Miami Beach Polo World Cup

If you haven’t had enough of people on horseback, then you can attend the Miami Beach Polo World cup. This event, which runs from April 27^th to 29^th and features teams from all over the world, is a welcome departure from the elitist snobbery that we often relate with polo.

Borscht Film Festival

This lesser-known independent film festival tells gripping stories from the perspective of the young people who live in Miami. These films, sometimes sad, sometimes funny, present an artistic representation of what it means to live in one of the premier holiday destinations of the world.

Miami Beach Festival of Arts

South Beach Lifeguard Hut

Featuring artists from all over the United States, the Miami Beach Festival of Arts is an event that any art-lover will enjoy. During the exhibition you’ll be able to peruse a comprehensive exhibition of sense-delighting art, which includes paintings, ceramics, jewelry and photographs.

AIDS Walk Miami

Affecting the lives of millions of people throughout the world, the impact of AIDS should not be underestimated. This event, arranged by South Florida’s oldest HIV/AIDS organizations, attempts to spread awareness and raise funds in the hope that we can one day bring the pandemic under control.

Miami Cattle and Agriculture Festival

Lest we forget that Miami is situated in the South, the Miami cattle and agriculture festival is there to remind us. This meeting of cattle breeders from all over the world features educational stalls, kids’ activities and a variety of shows.

Miami Gay Pride

On April 15^th Ocean Drive explodes in a plethora of color and elation as the Miami Gay Pride festival takes place. The parades start at midday, and the party atmosphere doesn’t subside until the next morning when the clubs and bars close their doors.

Did we miss anything?

If you can think of any other things to do in Miami during the month of April, please leave your responses below. We are always eager to hear how the sexy people of Miami are spending their time in this gorgeous city.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Miami attractions, Miami Beach, miami parks | Leave a comment

Road Trip Playlist: Best Songs for Your Key West Trip

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Megan Kaseburg

Music is an essential part of traveling. Whether you are pumping yourself up for a night on the town in South Beach or relaxing on the white sands of Key Biscayne, an appropriate playlist is a must for any traveler.

Crossing one of the 42 bridges

This is especially true when you are on the road. Long stretches of highway are the perfect places to pop in some tunes and let your mind wander. One of the most beautiful highways in the United States to do is US Route 1 between Miami and Key West, Florida. Famous for the numerous bridges (42 to be exact) and crystal blue water, traveling down the 113 miles (181 km) of scenic road through the Florida Keys is spectacular.

Looking for some musical inspiration to get you started on this journey? Here are some playlist tips from Gray Line Miami.

“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys: Sing it along with me “…off the Florida Keys / There’s a place called Kokomo / That’s where you wanna go to get away from it all.” Embrace your inner tropical surfer and happily sing along to Kokomo. This mythical place is somewhere off the Florida Keys and the song tells the story of a couple who are on their way to a romantic and very relaxing holiday weekend in the Caribbean. With a shot out to Key Largo, this is a great song. And as they say “Baby, why don’t we go?”

Road Trip to Key West

“Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Ottis Redding: While this melody is written about San Francisco, the idea of taking it easy while watching the tide roll away (Ooooo) is perfect for the laid-back atmosphere of the Florida Keys. Imagine the dangling your toes above the warm sea and forgetting about all your stress. What could be more relaxing?

“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett: No Key West trip would be complete without this song on constant repeat. Embodying the kooky and eccentric residents of the US’s southernmost city, Margaritaville is Jimmy Buffett’s famous lament about drinking too much and loosing the girl. (To be fair, it was his own damn fault.) This song is a quintessential anthem from Key West’s most famous resident.

“Welcome to Miami” by Will Smith: On your way back to Miami from your Key West trip, bop your head to this ridiculously poppy hit. Will Smith croons about the city where he owns a house and reminds us that the biggest Miami attractions are the beautiful people and the fact that you will be partying “all night on the beach till the break of dawn!”

What would you put on your playlist for your next trip to Key West?

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged Key Lime Pie, key west, miami Trip | Leave a comment

Miami Nightlife – Best Clubs and Bars to Visit in Miami

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Damien Venuto

Miami Nightlife

Miami is unique among the world’s elite tourist destinations because it accommodates the preferences of every kind of person. Whether you dance like a dizzy jellyfish or a foot flashing Kevin Bacon, Miami has a spot where you’ll be able to squeak your sneakers without having to worry about who’s watching you. If you are unsure of what do in Miami during this spring, then simply let our guide lead you to the best bars in Miami.

Bongo’s Café – Salsa

If you know how to bust a few Latin moves, then put on your dress shirt and square-tipped shoes for a night of excellent food and late night dancing. This club has been known to attract quite a crowd, so reservations are recommended if you want to avoid disappointment. The music at the club is restricted to Salsa, making it essential to know the basics when you attend.

Nikki Beach – Never-ending Beach party

Start your day on the beach enjoying cocktails and a mouth-watering assortment of meals at this open-air restaurant. At night, the venue transforms into one of the most popular nightclubs along Miami’s Ocean Drive. With its excellent combination of good music, chic décor and perfect location, it comes as no surprise that Nikki Beach is frequented by the rich and famous.

Mango´s Tropical Atmosphere

Mango’s Café – Cabaret

Mango’s talented dancers have featured on ABC, CBS, The Travel Channel, The E Channel, MTV, The Oxygen Channel, ESPN, The Food Network and hundreds of other cable stations around the world. It has the reputation as one of the finest cabaret shows that you’ll ever see, and it doubles as an eatery. An internet search for Miami restaurants will render hundreds of results, but you will be hard-pressed to find a spot with a better cocktail of food and entertainment.

Set Miami – Old School Clubbing

A chic and extravagant throwback to the late 1980s, Set Miami redefines the word glamorous. The club’s reputation was lauded in 2009, when it was rated as the best club in Miami. Since winning this award, the club has maintained an unshakeable commitment to providing good music, excellent drinks and long queues. If you want to enter this club on a good night, you’ll have to arrive well before opening time to find a reasonable spot in the inevitably long line.

Club 90 Degree – Raggaeton

The raggaeton music craze was imported from South and Central America to Miami, and today its addictive beat can be heard in many of the clubs in Little Havana. Of all the venues where you can hear raggaeton in Miami, few compare to Club 90 Degree. Pronounced by the Miami New Times as the best Latin club in Miami, Club 90 Degree offers an authentic raggaeton experience that will linger with you for a very long time.

Have your say…

Do you know of any other spots visitors may like? Well, you can help us to spread the Miami love by leaving your responses in the comments section below!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged mango´s tropical cafe, Miami Beach, miami restaurants, south beach, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Best Key West Seafood

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Megan Kaseburg

Fresh off the boat seafood is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And one of the best places in the US to find the freshest fish is in Key West, Florida. The clear tropical waters that surround this southernmost city offer plenty of mouth-watering options for hungry visitors and locals alike. If you are traveling to Key West, be sure to try one (or all) of these Key West seafood delicacies.

Photo by lisatozzi

Stone Crab – People go absolutely bonkers for juicy and succulent stone crab claws. In season from October to May, these large and meaty pinchers are absolutely delicious when dipped in Key West mustard sauce (a mix of mustard, mayonnaise and Key Lime juice). Locals know that the easiest way to extract the crab meat is to skip the traditional crab claw crackers and instead use a spoon to gently crack the shell. The best part, the fishermen do not kill the crab to take the claws. If harvested correctly, stone crabs will regenerate new claws in one to three years time. Mmmmm, renewable resources taste better.

Key West Pink Shrimp– Lightly pink and slightly sweet, these puppies are the freshest on the white sands of Key West. Many restaurants offer deals for ‘buckets of shrimp, allowing you to enjoy your afternoon chatting with friends while you peel and pop these delicious seafood treats in your mouth like nature’s candy. The more work you put into it peeling the shell, the better it tastes! You should also be on the look out for royal red shrimp, which can be more difficult to find but have a rich flavor similar to the taste of lobster.Photo by Jing a Ling

Conch Fritters – What better place to eat conch fritters than the Conch Republic?Shellfish meat deep-fried into tasty morsels, these bite-sized wonders will be gone from your plate before you know it. The batter is mixed with a variety of herbs and spices, most often served with Key West mustard sauce. Sample a platter at a local Key West restaurant or stop by The Original Conch Fritters street stand on Whitehead Street and Mallory Square for a more authentic dinning experience. This is a must eat in Key West!

Yellowtail Snapper – While this fish can be found up and down the Caribbean, yellowtail snapper is very high-quality in Key West. This light and flaky fist is prized by seafood aficionados around the world. The yellowtail snapper can be served fried, blackened or sautéed with an accompanying mango sauce. All options are absolutely delectable. Available all-year-round, fishermen come from Miami to Key West just for the opportunity to catch this premium fish.

Are you ready to try all of these delights from the sea? Well you are in luck because the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is set to take place this year on March 10^th – 11^th and it is a seafood celebration not to be missed. Make sure to stop by and tell them that Gray Line Miami Tours sent you!

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged key west trip, miami restaurants, miami Trip | Leave a comment

What to do in Miami Before the End of the World

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Damien Venuto

With the apocalypse just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to complete your Miami sightseeing bucket list. Whether you are a weathered Miami local or a hip tourist on a three-day stopover, there are undoubtedly some activities that you still need to do in this gorgeous Floridian city. So stop procrastinating, get into your car and start exploring Miami before our favorite Mayan prophecy – that’s not really a prophecy at all – materializes!

Carnival at Mango´s

Miami Carnival

Set in Little Havana, the Miami Carnival is a plethoric explosion of color that will leave you senses mesmerized. Running from mid-February into March, the event is a true celebration of Miami’s Latin heritage. The people of Miami rarely need a reason to celebrate life, but this is one time of the year when everyone parties with no reservations whatsoever. Next to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, the Miami Carnival is the best carnival on offer in the United States.

Spanish Lessons

If you want to mingle in the elation of the Latin community during the carnival, then Spanish is a prerequisite. If you still don’t have a decent handle on the language, then it’s time to take some lessons. Miami offers some of the cheapest lessons available anywhere in the States, so you have no excuse for not learning the language. By improving your Spanish you can open countless doors to new Miami experiences.

Key West

Parasailing in Key West - Nice or what?!

Miami locals are often guilty of not taking advantage of all the outdoor activities on their doorstep. A day spent in Key West should start early in the morning with Yoga on the beach. After stretching your muscles and aligning your chakras, you will be ready for an exhilarating Key West parasailing trip. If this sounds a little too extreme then you also have the peaceful option of snorkeling over a Key West reef.

Jungle Island

Jungle Island

There are also a host of Miami activities kids can enjoy, and none are more exciting than the Lemur adventure at Jungle Island. Every child that has seen Madagascar will know what a Lemur is – well at least the Sacha Baron Cohen inspired version. Jungle Island combines wildlife education with entertainment to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for the whole family. With so much to see and do, there’s no reason to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon indoors wondering how to entertain the kids.

There’s no need to be glum about the impending end of the world. If you’re lucky enough to be in Miami before December 21^st, you’ll be able to participate in a great range of activities before the tidal wave hits.

So, how are you planning to take advantage of your last few months before the apocalypse? Please leave your interesting and creative responses of what to do in Miami this year in the comments section below.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged key west parasailing, key west trip, little havana, mango´s tropical cafe, miami for kids, miami Trip, to see in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami Trips: Valentine´s Day Drake Concert in Miami

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Megan Kaseburg

Who: Drake – Rapper/Hip Hop Entertainer

What: Opening Night of Club Paradise Tour 2012 in Miami

When: Valentine’s Day 2012

Where: BankUnited Center, Coral Gables, FL (1245 Dauer Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33146)

I cannot think of any better way to spend Valentine’s Day than a getaway with your significant sweetie in sunny Miami. A romantic trip to Miami is a great way to relax, forget all the stresses of your day-to-day life and reconnect with your partner. Because nothing says flirtation like the beaches of South Beach. But while Valentine’s Day is an excellent reason to show your affection on the golden shores of Miami, it can also be a lot of pressure. With cupid, stuff animals and big red hearts everywhere, it’s easy to get jaded about this day of love. But never fear. If you are having trouble deciding what to do in Miami for Valentine’s Day, let me help you out. This February 14^th, the sensitive yet strong rapper/lady-killer known as Drake will be strutting on stage in Miami for the opening night of his Club Paradise Tour 2012 – the perfect Valentine’s Day date in Miami.

I can almost hear the swooning female fans now.

“Drakkkeeee! Sing my sooonng! Drakeeee!!! I loveee you! You´re the best!! Drakeeee!!”

Drake will be crooning to a sold out crowd on Tuesday night and one thing is for certain; love will be in the air. There will be a lot of snuggling, hand holding and sexy dancing. What more could you want on Valentine’s Day? Because this former Canadian child actor from Degrassi: The Next Generation (sooo much better than 90210) definitely knows how to work a crowd with his sweet gangster style. It also helps that his LP Take Care has produced a series of hits and increased his already blinding path to stardom. Definitely on the playlist will be his first hit “Best I Ever Had” as well as the heartfelt (and very drunk) confessions of unrequited love on “Marvin’s Room”. Don’t be surprised if the rambunctious Miami resident Lil’ Wayne makes a guest appearance. Long-time mentor to Drake, Lil’ Wayne is sure not to miss this special Valentine’s Day in the romantic Miami night.

So skip the teddy bears and chocolates and instead head for the Drake concert on Valentine’s Day. Make this one of your best Miami trips ever!

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged Miami attractions, miami Trip, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

What to do in Miami for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Damien Venuto

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year when guys discard their beer-guzzling bravado to reveal the huge softy that lies under all that testosterone. Apart from the odd Don Juan, most guys approach Valentine’s Day with a distinct sense of trepidation, because they honestly have no idea of what constitutes an appropriate date. In their idealess desperation they turn to mothers, sisters, best friends and women’s magazines for advice – but they rarely find what they are actually looking for. Fortunately, for those living in South Florida, we have done all the hard work! So, sit back and enjoy as we present the top five things that you can do in Miami for Valentine’s Day this year.

Photo by Chico

Picnic on the beach

The endless golden stretches of Floridian coastline present an excellent opportunity for you to dust off the picnic basket and treat your significant other to a romantic afternoon, which features Mother Nature’s relaxing playlist of the ocean gently lapping the shore. But remember, drinking in public is illegal. So substitute the wine for sparkling fruit juice, lest you want to spend your romantic Miami night in a holding cell.

Salsa Lesson + Meal

Photo by vdrg dansschool

Miami’s strong Latin influence makes it the perfect place to take salsa lessons with your girlfriend. She has probably asked you to go dancing in the past, but you have always rejected the idea without a second thought. This an opportunity to show her that you’re willing to step out your comfort zone to give her what she wants. As a bonus, most salsa clubs feature restaurants, which will undoubtedly be kitted out with romantic décor on Valentine’s Day. After an evening of standing on each other’s toes, you can enjoy a quiet meal of authentic Latin cuisine.

Miami Helicopter Ride

Helicopter Ride

Most people have been in an airplane, but few have been suspended over a city under the chopping blades of a helicopter. While you fly over Miami you will see the city from a completely different perspective, and the exhilaration of the experience will linger with you for years to come.

Biscayne Sunset Cruise

Biscayne Bay Cruise

The one thing we learnt from the film Titanic is that a boat trip can tickle your romantic nerves into a lovelorn overload. If you want to reignite the wavering flame of your love, then treat your significant other to a Biscayne Bay cruise in the late afternoon. The setting sun will serve as a picturesque backdrop to the romantic story of your lives together.

Valentine’s Day concert

The annual Miami Valentine’s Day concert is always a huge hit among romantic couples who are looking for a good way to spend the evening. During the concert, you will sit under the moon, eat dinner and listen to the emotions of a troubadour pouring into a microphone. But remember to book in advance, because seats are limited.

If you have better ideas, please leave a commentary. No matter if you´re traveling to Miami for Valentine´s Day or later, you´ll find a great number of tips about what to do in Miami from our site. We wish romantic Valentine´s Day for everyone! XXxx

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged biscayne bay, boat trips, Key Biscayne, little havana, Miami Beach, miami beaches, romantic in miami, to see in Miami | 1 Comment

Culinary Tour in Miami Beach – Eat South Beach

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Hanna Lassila

Last post introduced some of the best eateries in Little Havana. Since South Beach is the most obvious option for a dinner while staying in Miami, why not having also our favorite places of Miami Beach listed. Here we go:

South Beach

The Dining Room
This excellent diningroom is located a bit away from the hassle and overpriced Ocean Drive. If you can´t get enough of the seafood, you have found you´re place. We highly recommend you to check out this small, yet friendly South Beach restaurant.

413 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel.: 305-397-8444

http://www.diningroommiami.com

Giotto Maestro della Pizza
This may just be the best pizza place in South Florida. At least for those who are sick and tired of the American super cheesy pizzas. This restaurant serves authentic Italian style thin crispy pizzas with excellent ingredients and flavors.

959 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139
Tel: 305-532-1138

http://www.giottopizza.com/

Osteria del Teatro

Osteria del Teatro
This is another place you don´t want to miss if you love seafood or Italian dishes. Here you might be sitting next to some Miamimese celebrity or a politician, with or without noticing. Even though its food is amazingly good and it is popular among the high class of Miami, it´s not as expensive as one might expect. Try it yourself!

1143 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-538-7850

http://osteriadelteatromiami.com

Indomania
This excellent restaurant offers a weird but delicious mix of Indonesian and Dutch food. Maybe you don´t see this fusion everywhere, but that´s one of the reasons why this place is so special and loved. The service is polite and friendly, the waiting-time perfectly calculated and atmosphere is all in all nice. Remember to make a reservation, you´re not the only one wanting to check out this place!

131 26th Street, (off Collins Ave.) Miami Beach, Fl. 33140
Tel.: 305-535 6332

http://www.indomaniarestaurant.com

If you´re hungry for new experiences and adventures, take an adventure or sightseeing tour in Miami. More information on what to visit in Miami available on our website.

Posted in Eat Pray Love Miami | Tagged miami restaurants, south beach, to see in Miami, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Culinary Tour in Miami – Eat Little Havana

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Guest Columnist

Little Havana

Miami is known for a lot of things. Its fantastic beaches and vibrant nightlife have made it a favorite for travelers over the last few years. Perhaps the best characteristic of Miami is its Cuban food. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal prepared by an internationally esteemed chef or a cheap but authentic meal prepared at a hole in the wall, the Cuban food of Miami is one of the best and tastiest parts of visiting the city. Read on and when you’re done, take a train, book an air charter — run if you must — to Miami and try out some of this fantastic food.

Versailles

This Miami mainstay is located in the iconic Little Havana neighborhood and has been serving up authentic Cuban food since 1971. The restaurant is a haven of local culture and is often used by political figures who are passing through the area as a headquarters for garnering the Cuban-American vote. Their Famous Cuban Sandwich comes with sweet ham, roast pork and Swiss cheese on toasted Cuban bread. The prices are also reasonable, with entrees hovering between $6 and $10. Versailles is the perfect lunch destination for those looking to experience real Cuban culture.

Typical Cuban Sandwich

The Miami Sightseeing hop on hop off bus stop number 19 is located just next to Versailles restaurant. So getting there couldn´t be easier.

De Rodriguez Cuba

De Rodriguez Cuba is an upscale spot located on Miami Beach near South Pointe. This dining destination’s offerings have been curated and researched by Douglas Rodriguez, a legendary name in the culinary world. Considered by many to be the godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine, Rodriguez’ menu includes a wide selection of wines, cocktails and micro-brews and such Cuban classics as a crispy pork belly served in Cuban marinade sauce. De Rodriguez Cuba is a little on the pricey side with most entrees coming out to between $25 and $35.

Argentinian empanada, Little Havana, Miami

Typical Argentinian empanada

El Nuevo Siglo Supermarket

This Cuban cafeteria offers perhaps the freshest food of any restaurant on this list. El Nuevo Siglo is primarily a supermarket but buried deep within the store’s endless corridors of authentic Cuban cooking staples is a cafe that serves everything from massive churrasco steaks to baked goods. The restaurant is located in the Coral Gables neighborhood of Little Havana and has other mouth-watering options like homemade chorizo and Argentinian empanadas. The prices are also quite reasonable with most entrees coming out between $8 and $10.

If you’re visiting Miami make sure to hit some of these essential Cuban restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you. If you´re one of those persons who prefer not to leave South Beach during your vacations, culinary tour in Miami Beach will bring you more information in the near future.

This article is written by a guest columnist, Logan Baker from the Blog Content Guild.

Posted in Eat Pray Love Miami | Tagged little havana, miami restaurants, what to do in Miami | 1 Comment

What to Do in Miami on January? – Art and Sports

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Hanna Lassila

After the busy holiday season, it´s time to start enjoying this new year. Some say it will be the last of this world, but we think there´s nothing that can stop Miami and its growing cultural events´ supply!

Here are our recommendations of the biggest events of this month:

Beaux Arts´ Festival of Arts

Lowe Art Museum

Some 240 exhibitors present their artworks in this festival. This event provides art and free entertainment for different budgets; live eclectic music and children’s art experiences, number of dining options, and free admission all weekend to the Lowe Art Museum.

The festival will be held at the premises of the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

January 7-8, 2012

Miami International Art Fair

MIA – this contemporary art fair gathers some 30 international and emerging art dealers to present the works of the most talented and visionary painting, sculpture, photography, mixed-media, installation and video artists. Part of the fair – Sculpture Miami, will be held aboard a 228-foot megayacht exhibition venue – SeaFair.

January 12-16, 2012

Miami Art Deco Weekend

Art Deco Weekend

This annual street festival includes arts in number of different forms: films, live concerts, lectures, childrens´ activities, arts and crafts, and guided tours on the Miami Beach National Register Historic District. Art Deco celebration takes place on the famous Ocean Drive. Special: Dogs and their owners are welcome to Art Deco dog promenade.

January 13-15, 2012

Shakespeare in the Park

One of legendary Shakespeare´s most famous plays, Midsummer Night’s Dream, will be offered free to the public during three weeks, in three different locations. First in Pinecrest, next on Coconut Grove and last but not least on Hollywood. Bring your blanket, picnic gear and good mood!

January 20-February 4, 2012

Miami ING Marathon

ING celebrates its 10^th year this January. Some 25 thousand runners are expected to fill the streets of Miami this year. Run through the Magic City or spend a day watching the participants of the marathon and wheelchair marathon of that spectacular day.

29 January 2012

If this is not enough for you or you only have a little time to spend in Miami, think no more what to see or what to do in Miami, we´re here to help!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Miami attractions, Miami Beach, Miami Beach half marathon, to see in Miami, what to do in Miami | 1 Comment

Things to Do in Miami During the Christmas Holidays

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Miami and White Christmas in the same sentence don´t exist. Or if they do, I´m sure no-one is talking about snow. Or other picturesque snow-related plays, carols or snowball fights. So, instead of the typical Christmas stuff, Miami has some other things to offer. See our list of things to do in Miami during the Christmas holidays.

Holiday Ice Rink (presented by Coca Cola)

This is the closest you can get to the traditional Christmas atmosphere in Miami. Put on your ice-skates and skate admiring the amazing view of Biscayne Bay!

Open daily: 10am to 10pm, until 15^th January 2012.

Santas Enchanted Forest

Santa´s Enchanted Forest

This is the world´s largest Christmas theme park. Spend an evening here, you´ll have more than 100 rides, games, attractions and shows to enjoy. I can assure you, your kids will remember this place for a looooooong time.

Open daily: 5pm to Midnight. Park closes on 8^th January 2012.

Santaland Diaries

The Santaland Diaries

This funny evocation of Christmas Hell is one man´s insightful look of the good and not so good sides of working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. You don´t get to see these kind of plays every day, so I highly recommend you to go and check it out!

The last show will be run on 23^rd December at Carnival Studio Theater at Adrienne Arsht Center.

Merrie Christmas Park: Botanical Wonderland and Eco-Walk

Eco-historian Frank Schena guides you through a lush enclave in South Grove. Learn how to create an oasis to your garden, hear interesting stories about plants and wonder under the huge banyan and ficus trees of the park. This park is sunken down for over 10 feet from the street level.

Saturday 17^th December, from 10am to 12pm.

Deering Estate at Cutler

This beautiful, yet endangered pine rockland habitat, located at Biscayne Bay, is an environmental, archeological and historical preserve, which offers a great number of activities for the whole family.

Holiday season has already started and there are plenty of different events running in this natural area. Read more about kids´ craft with Santa, Holiday Cruise and guided house and nature tours there.

Open daily: 10am to 4pm, until 31^st December 2012. Closed on 25^th December.

And also our Miami Tours run almost as normal during the holidays. More information on our website.

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged Miami attractions, Miami Beach, south beach, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Local Miami Attractions: Best Miami Food Trucks

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Like everyone else in the U.S., I love food trucks. One cup gourmet food with half a cup of you-have-to-be in-the-know, food trucks provide scrumptious food at competitive prices. What better way to sample Miami´s diverse cultural palette and warm weather than stopping by one of the best food trucks in Miami.

Gastropod
The crème de la crème of food trucks, Gastropod is a gastronome’s dream. One of the most well established food trucks in Miami, Chef Jeremiah serves his tasty dishes out of his signature silver 1960s Airstream motor home (see above photo). While his food is not the cheapest in town you can expect to pay around $10 per plate) it is the most ‘gourmet’ option as Gastropod has a reputation for exciting and unique Caribbean fusions. Favorites include Banh Mi Pork Tacos, Red Curry Duck Tacos and the famous Old Dirt Dog Short Ribs with Stupid Slaw. Are you hungry yet?

Ms. Cheezious
Mmmmm, grilled cheese. Everyone’s favorite comfort food has now gone mobile with Ms. Cheezious. With over eight different types of cheese (count ‘em – American, Blue, Brie, Cheddar, Gruyere, Havarti, Provolone and Swiss) it´s hard to go wrong. And while some food trucks go overboard trying to be swanky, Ms. Cheezious gets it right by keeping it simple and oh-so-good. Order a side of fries (I recommend the sweet potato variety) with your sandwich order and you are all set to go. For those looking to spice it up, try Ms. Cheezious’s savory Grilled Harvest, a grilled havarti cheese sandwich with spiced apples. Simply mouth-watering. It is important to note that Ms. Cheezious is one of the few food trucks that offer vegetarian options.

Munch and Move On

Dim Ssam a Gogo
How could you not love a food truck whose motto is “No Frills Just Good F’n Food”? Serving Asian fusion inspirations from a truck suggesting you “munch and move on” Sakaya Kitchen commands a loyal following with Dim Ssam a Gogo. Feeling like Korean delicacies? Then try the critically acclaimed Banh-mi Bun made with Kurobuta Pork Belly with a side of chili sauce or the Short Rib Chunk’d Cheesy Spicy Tater Tots or the Kalbi tacos. Wash it down to with a glass of watermelon juice. Ahhh. With plates ranging from $1-$6, this chow won’t break the bank. Dim Ssam a Gogo also deserves a shout out for its eco-friendly practices of buying organic meats and produce from local markets as well as using biodegradable and recycled cups, plates and utensils. How many Miami attractions can boast that?

Want to try them all?
Consider taking your own personal food truck tour in Miami. Reserve your Tuesday evening for the Biscayne Triangle Truck Round-Up (or as the locals call it, BTTR). Located 1700-1846 NE 127th St, North Miami, this weekly food truck fiesta starts at 5:30pm and ends when the last meal is served, usually around 10:00pm. There is plenty of green space to have a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chairs for a relaxing dinning experience. Of course, remember to bring cash.

If Tuesdays don’t work for you, there are a variety of other meet up points for food trucks, including Food Truck Fridays or Food Truck Pile-Up. Be sure to double check MiamiFoodTrucks.com for up to date schedules.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged gourmet food trucks, Miami attractions, miami food trucks, tour in miami | Comments Off

Miami Sports and Attractions

Posted on December 2, 2011 by William Hayes

NBA strike is over, but other Miami sports still heat up.

Perhaps no city had as much to lose with an NBA strike/lockout as Miami, whose star-loaded Miami Heat team came so agonizingly close to winning the NBA title a few short months ago. It seems now that the city is poised for a fan-frenzied follow up to last year’s campaign, as NBA players and owners have reportedly come to terms to avoid pulling the rug out from one of the best Miami attractions.

So what else is there for a sports fan to do in Miami this season, as an alternate to the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh taking to campaign to the court again? Here are some athletic alternatives to check out in the meantime during your visit to South Florida.

Miami Hurricanes

University of Miami basketball: You can satisfy your hoops jones by checking out the Hurricanes, who play most of their home games in Coral Gables, just outside of town. Since the ‘Canes play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with some of college basketball’s best schools, many terrific teams come to town and are worthy of a ticket. Clemson visits Jan. 18, NC State on Jan. 22, and mighty North Carolina arrives for a Feb. 15 game.

Florida Panthers professional hockey: No, really, there’s a hockey team that plays in sun-soaked Florida. As football winds down and sports fans may still have some lingering ill-will toward the NBA, professional hockey could fill the void.

Florida Panthers

Face-paced hockey features some of the world’s most skilled athletes, skating at stunning speed and crashing into each other with ridiculous abandon. The Panthers are decent, and the action itself is always something to see.

Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship: Tennis is a huge deal in Miami, even as interest wanes in other parts of the country. One of the biggest events a bit under the radar is the annual Orange Bowl tournament for juniors, which is the most important event of the year for youngsters from around the world hoping to make a name for themselves in the sport. The tournament is Dec. 4-9 this year in Miami, and for the first time since 1998 the tournament will be returning to its clay-court roots, with competition happening on the slippery surface once again.

Who cares, right? Well, take a look at this short list of past champions of the event over the years: Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Caroline Wozniacki, Anna Kournikova, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Bjorn Borg, Chris Evert. Get the picture?

Miami Golf

Maybe golf is more your bag. There are more than 1,000 courses across the state, most open all year round. The pros come to town to take on the TPC Blue Monster at Doral, from March 7-11 in Miami, for the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship. This is also a premier event in the sport.

Jai alai: No list of Miami sports would be complete without mentioning jai alai, touted as the world’s fastest sport, in that the “pelota” has been clocked as speeds as fast as 180 mph. Think racquetball, with guys in helmets holding “baskets” whipping a tiny goat-skinned ball all across a three-walled court.

It’s more than a simple spectator sport, however. Miami jai alai aficionados love the game because they can gamble on the outcome. You can, too, by attending the games live or placing bets at sportsbooks across town.

These, of course, are all ideas for the sporting spectator in you. But we can also suggest a few Miami tours where the action is all yours:

Sport Fishing Tour

Sport fishing in Miami: Hop a chartered boat and land the big fish you’ve always dreamed of.

Key West snorkeling trip: Take the short ride to the southernmost point in the U.S., and book a sparkling snorkel dive at one of the area’s great reefs.

Key West Parasailing Tour: Take to the skies above one of the most scenic island spots in the world.

With the NBA players a late addition to the sports scene this year, there are plenty of Miami attractions to grab your attention. The sporting never stops in this city, whether you’re a spectator or participant.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Miami attractions, miami sports, snorkeling, what to do in Miami | Comments Off

Key West Things to Do – Inexpensive Sights

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Key West is a popular place to visit among travelers who choose Miami as they holiday destination. I you have more than a couple of days in Florida, we highly recommend you to get familiar with the southernmost city of USA! Key West is the driest city in Florida and it has all-year-round good weather. However there are much more to see than just the beaches.

Here I have gathered a list of inexpensive Key West things to do.

The southernmost spot in continental USA

Southernmost Point of the USA

This is a must spot to photograph in Key West! The place is marked by a buoy at the Atlantic end of Whitehead Street.

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

50 to 60 different species of butterflies make this conservatory a special place to visit while in Key West. There are also more than 20 exotic bird species flying under a climate-controlled environment full of colorful plants, waterfalls and trees.

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

1316 Duval Street, (305) 296-2988
Open daily: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: adults $12.00
http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/

Ernest Hemingway House

Another must-visit place in Key West. The famous American writer lived and wrote here for more than 10 years. His memory lives strongly in the house together with over 40 cats.

Ernest Hemingway Home

907 Whitehead Street
Open daily: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: adults $12.50
http://www.hemingwayhome.com/

Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

This amazing, yet natural garden without any directional signages holds a rare collection of different tropical trees, plants and a community of colorful and chatty parrots. This site is also a place for many weddings, and one of the objectives of garden´s maintenance is to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint with life choices. This garden can be found from the end of Free School Lane, which is off of Simonton Street, between Fleming and Southard Streets.

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

Open daily: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: All ages $10
http://www.nancyforrester.com/garden.html

Memorial Sculpture Garden

This sculpture garden was opened in 1997, and it features 36 cast bronze busts of citizens, who have had a great influence on Key West´s history and present. There are over 1 million annual visitors who familiarize themselves with Key West history by visiting this garden. It´s located in Mallory Square on the corner of Wall Street and Tifts Alley.

Memorial Sculpture Garden

Open daily: 7:30 AM to 9 PM
Free Admission
http://www.keywestsculpturegarden.org

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society and Museum

The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society is a not-for-profit organization that provides educational services on maritime and colonial activity in the New World. It also preserves maritime culture resources on its premises. This is absolutely one of the most interesting museums in Key West.
200 Greene Street

Open Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: adults $12.50
http://www.melfisher.org/index.htm

Key West Lighthouse

Key West Lighthouse and Light Keepers Museum

This lighthouse was built in 1825 in order to keep ships off the numerous reefs of Key West. It was destroyed in 1846, and rebuilt later on Whitehead Street. Afterwards it served ships and sailors for more than 120 years.

If you want the savor the awesome views from the top of the lighthouse, be ready to climb the 88 steps before reaching the top. There is also a small museum of nautical artifacts and photos in the Keeper’s Quarters.

938 Whitehead Street
Open daily: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Admission: adults $10
http://www.kwahs.com/lighthouse.htm

If you get excited to visit Key West, we have many tours to offer; all include a transportation from Miami to Key West and some come with an additional snorkeling, glass bottom boat, parasailing or trolley trip.

See you in Key West!

P.S. If you want to suggess some other interesting places to visit in Key West, please let us and our readers hear about it!

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged Key Lime Pie, key west trip | Comments Off

Worst Movies Filmed in Miami and Everglades

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Damien Venuto

To the delight of independent filmmakers, Hollywood has adopted the quantity over quality approach to making movies. Scriptwriting and good direction have taken a backseat to more important factors like the names in the credit-roll, the size of the explosions and the gossip-worthiness of the acting staff. This hit-and-miss filmmaking strategy ensures that Hollywood produces a yearly pile of rubbish so enormous that Kim Kardashian’s wedding ring – now available on eBay – is the only basis for comparison. Luckily, we’ve rummaged through this expansive pile and found a few rotten tomatoes that stood out from the rest.

Eddie Murphy

Holy Man

Why Jeff Goldblum and Eddie Murphy chose this script is beyond all confines of understanding. We can only infer from this lack of decision-making prowess that these two once reasonable actors suffer from blinding arrogance, or they have joined a new-age cult premised on the short-sighted message presented in this film. Within the first ten minutes we learn that materialism is bad. This confounding revelation is then supplemented with the perfect solution – Eddie Murphy in a white robe preaching the message of inner-peace. Sadly, the film leaves us with nothing but inner-turmoil at having wasted $10 dollars on trashy cinema. Some movies are so bad that they almost seem good. But Holy Man, by taking itself too seriously, is just plain bad.

Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach

This is a classic example of a comedy series overstaying its welcome. The first two films were a good laugh, but using the same jokes for an additional three sequels is never a good idea. The film relies too heavily on what the audience enjoyed in the previous films, giving it a corny and contrived feel. At the end of the day, the audience has moved on and it’s time for the Police Academy crew to do the same.

Nightmare Beach

If this list was based on cheesy character names, Nightmare Beach would win hands down. This 80’s gore-fest features Diablo, the leader of the Demons motorcycle gang; a football player called Skip; a police chief named Stryker; a thug named Dawg; and, last, but not least, Reverend Bates as the killer. The clichéd names are a perfect match for the one-dimensional characters that contribute to a predictable plot. What the film lacks in intrigue, it tries to make up for in gratuitous scenes of violence and nudity. It says a lot when the director uses a pseudonym to hide his true identity from the public – I wouldn’t want my name on this film either.

From Justin to Kelly

This movie’s failure comes down to a simple fact: winning a singing competition doesn’t mean that you can act. On-screen chemistry is substituted with awkwardness, and you sometimes get the sense that Justin and Kelly don’t really know what they are doing. The film was nominated for eight Razzies, including the Governor’s Award – a category which was created as an excuse to mock the choreography in the film. This movie gives us an 81 minute reminder that beautiful people and beautiful locations do not equal beautiful movies.

Mega Python VS Gatroid

Justin and Kelly were pretty formidable contenders, but when it comes to bad movie pairings nothing will ever come close to Mega Python and Gatroid. These two CGI mostrosities do their dance of death in the Miami Everglades, where they kill a wide range of cardboard cut-outs along the way. The acting in this film is so bad that you find yourself waiting for the actors to wink on-screen letting you know that they’re actually just having a laugh. The wink never comes and you are left with the uneasy feeling that you might be the brunt of a multi-million Dollar practical joke.

Posted in Miami in a Nutshell | Tagged celebrities in miami, Miami movies, to see in Miami | Comments Off

What to Do in Miami on Thanksgiving

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

The American Thanksgiving is celebrated every 4^th Thursday of November. This year the exact date will be 24^th November. Thanksgiving is also an important holiday in Canada, where it´s celebrated on the second Monday of October, the same day as Columbus Day in U.S. So if you´re in town on Thanksgiving, there are few things you should know.

As background information for foreign visitors, Thanksgiving was traditionally celebrated after the harvest cycle, and people got together to throw a party after the hard period of work, and gave their thanks for the good harvest year. Nowadays Thanksgiving Day is a special day dedicated to family get-togethers. Some consider it more important holiday than Christmas.

Thanksgiving is usually a tranquil day when many businesses close their doors. However, Miami is a city that never sleeps, so you won´t get bored!! (Besides our Miami tours run normally that day ) Thanksgiving is followed by Black Friday, which is the opposite for the previous day. This day is known for the big discounts and fatal queues for the stores. Many shops open their doors early in the morning (4pm: JCPenney and Sears), some at mid-night (Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy) and few already on Thursday evening.

So what to do in Miami on Thanksgiving, if you don’t feel like celebrating it the traditional way, or you´re a foreigner, and it´s not a part of your traditions?

Miami Turkey Trot

Miami Turkey Trot

Burning some calories before the turkey is not such a bad idea, ha? Miami Turkey Trot is a day race for the whole family. You can participate in a 10K or 5K or take your kids to the Chobani Champions Kids’ Trot and stay on the side of the road cheering for them. Well, if your kids can do it, maybe you should too.. For more information and registration.

WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade

Healthy People, Healthy Places is this year’s theme for the annual parade that will be held for the 37^th time this year. Go out on the streets of North Miami and check out the bands and colorful costumes. The parade starts already at 10 am.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal in a restaurant

Easier said than done! However, nowadays many restaurants open their doors for the lazy cooks and foreigners. Advance reservation is a must, so keep your eyes open. Check this site for open restaurants in town.

The White Party

The White Party is a massive event for those who love to dance and party day and night. This party week starts on November 23^rd and lasts until 28^th. The whole idea behind the concept is to collect money for those living with HIV or AIDS and for the research of the disease. This event brings together the fundraisers from all around the country.

The world´s largest and oldest HIV fundraiser offers an enormous amount of parties to choose from: Cirque Blanc, DOLCE, the Heatwave Pool Party, A Woman’s Event, Get Lucky Tea Dance, White Journey, the White Party, Muscle Beach, and many more.

And all the other activities..

Miami Everglades

Our tours operate normally through Thanksgiving. So, if it´s a Biscayne Bay Boat Tour or a thrilling airboat ride and alligator watching in Miami Everglades you´re looking for, we´ll have it! By the way, did you know that there are over million alligators in Florida? And most of them live in their natural environment in Everglades. But no worries, Everglades tours have always been perfectly safe.

Fly over Miami

Or maybe spend your Thanksgiving on a Miami Sport Fishing tour or fly over Miami with one of our helicopters? And of course the only Miami Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus is also circulating through otherwise empty streets of Miami in Thanksgiving Day.

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged biscayne bay, boat trips, fly over Miami, Miami attractions, Miami Beach, Miami sightseeing, sightseeing cruises, south beach, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

What to do in Miami: White Party Week 2011

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

White Party Week Miami 2011

When: November 23 – 28, 2011

What: White Party Week is a world famous fundraising event for CARE Resource, a NGO that provides services for those living with HIV/AIDS as well as education and disease prevention in the Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Who: LGBT community and friends.

Where: Miami. Parties will be held out throughout the city, with the main White Party event being held at the Miami Seaquarium.

Gray Line Miami Tip: Wear white!

For 26 years Miami has been hosting the one of the largest annual fundraisers for HIV/AIDS, The White Party. While cities such as New York, Montreal and Palm Springs also throw events, Miami’s is by far the biggest and best celebration around. What started out as a humble fundraiser in 1985 has now turned into week full of colorful cocktail parties, let-your-hair-down musical events and insane beach bashes catering to the LGBT community. This year over 15,000 LGBT visitors are expected to dance in glowing white on the shores of Miami Beach, making it one heck of a social gathering. Those interested in experiencing a crazy night in Miami should look no further.

As the event name implies, you should be dressed head to toe in all white. For party threads, stop by the Macy’s sponsored event on the Wednesday to pick up any last minute outfits. While there are things to do in Miami every day during the week, the biggest parties are on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The main fundraiser is The White Party on Saturday, November 25^th and this year the event will be held at the Miami Seaquarium. Guests can look forward to dancing until sun comes up over Biscayne Bay to the sounds of live DJs from all over the world. Ticket prices range from $40 – $350 with an option for Ultra VIP that includes an open bar and snacks. Florida residents can get a locals’ discount but tickets must be purchased in advance. For the ladies, there is a separate event called Cirque Blanc on the same night at the same location, with prices ranging $25-$85 and similar VIP options. For further information about the events, to purchase tickets or pick up free goodie bags, visitors can stop by the White Party Week Welcome Center, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday and is located in the National Hotel.

The best and perhaps most important part of White Party Week is that it’s all for a good cause. All the proceeds go to CARE Resource, a non-profit that provides services for those living with HIV/AIDS as well as educational and prevention campaigns for the Miami-Dade and Broward County area. Raising about $2 million annually, White Party Week is an essential fundraiser. So if you are in the Miami area at the end of November, don’t miss the chance to experience this legendary party. Be advised that hotels do fill up quickly and reservations are a must.

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged Miami Festivals, what to do in Miami, White Party | 1 Comment

Camping – From Miami to Key West

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Florida Keys

Camping is not everyone´s passion, yet it´s a way of traveling for so many that campgrounds in many parts of the world are fully-booked all year round. Many people consider it the only way of traveling; it does provide you a freedom to make a camp almost anywhere if other options are not available. It´s also a form of meeting like-minded people, and many times one might stay on a holiday for longer time periods, thanks to the lower budget that this traveling style requires compared to other accommodations. Not to mention how big experience camping may be for the kids!

The basic equipment to carry with you when camping is a tent, sleeping bag, mosquito repellent, flash light, sleeping pad or hammock. Or whichever mattress you prefer for sleeping and are able to carry with you. Camping when backpacking or moving around by car are two totally different ways of doing it. Regardless how you move and how much you have to carry on your shoulders, it is good to be prepared with your own pots and spices if possible.

Important note: There are no campgrounds in Key West, but many close by (according to our knowledge).

Here you have the list of the biggest and the most famous ones, in geographic order from Miami to Key West:

Bahia Honda State Park and Beach

Bahia Honda State Park and Beach

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida Keys. Actually there are many beaches in this area and they provide with excellent chances for snorkeling (be aware of the jellyfish) or kayaking. It is much more than a campground, for which it also offers good facilities, but it´s not as equipped as some other places. Just go and check it out, with or without a tent! The park is approximately an hour away from Key West.

(800)326-3521 or (800)262-728

Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge

This place is famous for its ever so friendly staff and top notch facilities, which make the stay of a camper enjoyable. There are also many activities provided for both kids and adults, which is typical in Florida campgrounds. They have a pool and other luxurious facilities that many others also offer in the area. You can spot a deer wandering around the park and enjoy the quiet atmosphere, which is this site´s huge benefit compared to most other campgrounds in Keys. No pets allowed, because of the friendly deer inhabiting the area.

(305)872-2351

Sugarloaf Key, Key West KOA

This campground is part of the KOA family and really worth checking out if planning to camp in the Keys. It´s more like a camping resort. There´s a bar and restaurant, and no need to cook if you don´t feel like it. They also have a pool and hot tub and they offer many activities from kayaking to snorkeling etc.. As many other camping areas here, this one also lacks on tent space, which is the biggest and maybe the only downside of the place.

(800)562-7731

Fall asleep with these views from your tent..?

Leo´s Campground

Leo´s is one of the campgrounds closest to Key West and it´s basically half the price as Boyd´s (the next one), but it´s also more basic. However it provides all the equipment for all normal camping needs and it´s very quiet. Usually it´s well cleaned and the customer service is nice. It doesn´t have a pool, but if you rather spend your time on the town than next to your tent, you won´t need it anyways. There´s also a bus stop near, so what comes to getting around, this place is convenient.

(305)296-5260

Boyd´s Key West Campground

Boyd´s is definitely one of the most popular campgrounds in the area. Boyd´s is located in Stock Island, which is a bike or bus ride away from Key West. It has camping possibilities in the waterfront which guarantees great views. All in all, it´s well maintained, offers good services (swimming pool!), many activities and has a friendly stuff. You pay for what you get, it´s not the cheapest either, but I would highly recommend this place.

(305)294-1465

If camping is not your thing or your stay in Miami is short, see our one-day Key West trips from Miami. Wonder no more what to do in Miami, you´ll find a multitude of things to see in the city and possibilities to be amazed by the nature near Miami City. You´ll wish you could stay for more!

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged Key Biscayne, key west trip, miami beaches, snorkeling, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Top 5 TV Crime Series Set in Miami

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Ever since the creation of Miami Vice, the beaches of South Beach have been a hotbed for TV crime series. With sunshine, striking white sand and a healthy scoop of beautiful people, Miami is the perfect backdrop for prime time drama and here’s a list of the cream of the crop. Embodying the dangerous sex appeal of Miami Beach’s hot nights while sticking up for the innocent, these TV shows are seriously entertaining.

CSI Miami: This wildly popular spin-off follows a good-looking team of forensic investigators and police officers as they try to solve the oddest crime puzzles in town. Horatio Caine and his beauty queen with a physics degree counterpart Calleigh Duquesne leap between crime scenes and science labs to analyze thread samples, DNA and finger prints. With the glitz and glamour of high-tech crime fighting technology and some seriously bad one-liners from Horatio, this crew does the impossible, solving the case while rarely breaking a sweat in the Miami sun. Fun Fact: While this series is set in Miami, the vast majority of the scenes are actually shot in California.

Burn Notice: Former intelligence office Michael Westen hobbles home to his native Miami to recuperate from a failed mission only to discover that someone is trying to ‘burn’ him, intelligence jargon for discrediting an operative. Michael has no money and very few people he can trust in his life but he knows that the only safe zone is in Miami. He has no choice but to make his living as a private investigator, relying on his intelligence gathering skills and intellect. Spies, handlers and burn notices… oh my! A bit prescribed, spy enthusiasts will love the premise, while Miami aficionados will love the fact that the series is filmed in the Coconut Grove neighborhood.

Dexter: One wouldn’t think that a show about a serial killer could be such a hit, but Showtime’s award-winning original drama has captivated audiences by bringing them to the edge of their sofas. Dexter struggles with his mental dissociative disorder and tries to live a double life as a calculated killer while maintaining a friendly-neighbor-next-door exterior. Audiences openly love the suspense and the fact that Dexter tiptoes along the far edges of ethics and morality by following ‘The Code’ of only killing bad people. Not a show for those scared of blood and guts, this dynamic series shows the viewer a much darker side of Miami.

Animal Cops Miami: Animal lovers might shed a tear during this series as the Miami-Dade Police Department Animal Services Unit rescues abused animals, confiscates illegal exotic animals and breaks up dog fighting rings. While this may be crime of a different nature, it is nonetheless despicable. (How can people do this to these poor defenseless animals?!) Thank goodness Animal Cops Miami is here to the rescue! These are the men and women you would call to get that alligator out of your pool, a very necessary service in South Florida. Viewers enjoy watching these knights in shining camo pants save the day and reinstall faith that there is hope in the world for our animal friends.

The Glades: The newest kid on the Miami crime series block, Detective Jim Longworth takes a Miami trip from Chicago for warmer weather and a fresh start to work in Florida Department of Law Enforcement. His smug sense of self rubs his coworkers the wrong way but using good old fashion police work and a confident pair of pearly whites, he repeatedly demonstrates that he deserves his position. This series debuted in 2010 with the most viewers for an original A&E premiere and has recently been given the green light for a second season. Only time will tell if viewers continue to enjoy this program that is filmed in South Florida, supposedly near the Miami Everglades.

Posted in Miami in a Nutshell | Tagged csi miami, Dexter, horatio, miami Trip | Leave a comment

Things to See in Miami: The Best Marketplaces

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

When I travel, I love visit local marketplaces, both food and artisan. It´s an easy way to get an idea about the local culture and culinary habits, buy some souvenirs or just spend time and watch local people passing by. With good luck you can find some good deals and by buying something you support (hopefully) local artists and farmers.

So, here are my favorite marketplaces in Miami, go and visit them!

bayside marketplace

The Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is one of the most touristic spots in Miami, but for a reason. This combined shopping mall and market area hosts a multitude of different shops, also flea market-styled stores and a huge food court. The restaurants are mainly American chain eateries, but it’s a place to go once you´re in the city. Also, it´s the place where many Miami sightseeing cruises leave, if you´re looking for a ride on the bay or want to spot some of the celebrities´ homes. Or you can chill out and listen to live bands or just be amazed by the bay view, not many shopping malls have that to offer.

Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market

If you´re a vegetarian, vegan, raw food lover or otherwise like fresh and healthy food, this is your place. Farmer´s market is only open on Saturdays, from 10am to 7pm, but you can fill your hotel minibar with fruits and vegetables, juices and take-away veggie food for many days. I believe it´s worth of mentioning that you can find cheaper food elsewhere, but if looking for local-produced, or at least, mostly local, here you have it all in the same place.
3300 Grand Avenue, Coconut Groove, FL 33133

Lincoln Road Antique and Collectibles Market

This marketplace opens its tents every second weekend of the month. From the link below you can check the exact dates and see if it´s open during your trip to Miami. There are on average more than 120 antiques dealers looking for potential buyers. You can also come here to search for clothes, weird accessories and vinyl records – everything that´s one-of-a-kind! Or grab a bite of snacks sold in the area or take photos of all the unique stuff that can be found here.
Near 17th Street and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, 33139

http://www.antiquecollectiblemarket.com/

Lincoln Road Farmers Market

Lincoln Road Farmer´s Market

This is one the obvious things to see in Miami, especially if you´re heading for the antiques and collectibles market. This market is full of fresh fruits and vegetables, and also bakeries and everything that one might wish to eat on a sunny Sunday afternoon. You may also find some art sales, plant workshops and activities for kids. Market is open year round, every Sunday from 9am to 6:30pm.
Lincoln Road between Meridian and Euclid Avenues, Miami Beach, FL, 33139

Please share you favorite places here, I´m sure there are many that I don´t even know about!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged biscayne bay, boat trips, miami parks, miami Trip, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Halloween Costume Ideas for Your Miami Trip

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

No idea how to dress up on Halloween? Here are our Miami-related tips for you:

Miami Heat on Lock Out: Since the NBA has canceled the first two weeks of its regular season (with the potential for it last for much longer), show your support by wearing your favorite baller´s Miami Heat jersey. Try making a homemade sign assuring everyone that you’ll play for food or to make payments on your Bentley. See how much sympathy you’ll get.

Cruise Captains/Crew: With over 4 million cruise passengers visiting every year, Miami is home to the largest cruise ship port in the world. This would not be possible without the talented and good-looking captains and crew members of international cruise lines. All you will need for this outfit are white pants or dress and most importantly, a nautical hat.

Pitbull (Singer): The most recent phenomenon to come out of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood and everyone seems to want to be Pitbull. His look mainly consists of giant sunglasses, a clean shaved head, a small goatee, relatively little bling and close proximity to a Cuban flag. For good measure you should probably carry around a CD and sing “Uno, do´, tres, cuarto… I know you want me”. Dancing is mandatory in this costume.

CSI Miami: More fun than original the traditional cop outfit, show off your brainy side with CSI Miami‘s designer style. Be sure to invest some cool shades and designer work wear. Or you can always borrow a lab coat, latex gloves and perhaps a camera to gather evidence. Of course, don´t forget your CSI Badge.

Miami Vice: Everyone loves dressing up like it’s 1985 and Halloween is the perfect opportunity. For the classic Don Johnson look (swoon) get a baggy white suit, a brightly colored T-shirt, sunglasses (preferably Ray Bans) and add your ooo-soo smooth style. Bam! You are now Miami’s most cliché Halloween costume. Congratulations.

Dexter: What’s Halloween without a little blood, guts and a serial killer from Miami? Charming and yet deadly, Dexter is a great character for a more sophisticated Halloween party. All you really need a is a dress shirt and pants, a knife or other weapon of choice, fake blood and clean cut hair style to be everyone’s favorite murderer.

Golden Girls: “Thank you for being a friend/Travel down the road and back again/Your heart is true you’re a pal and a confidant!” How could you not love sitcom about four silver-haired ladies living together in Miami, Florida? There are so many avenues you could go with this, but fake glasses and perms are a must. With four great characters to choose from, this has the potential to be a great group costume.

Miami Beach Lifeguards: “Are you a lifeguard? Good because I’m gonna need a little mouth to mouth.” This outfit will be a magnet for cheesy pick-up lines but whether you´ll be receiving or giving them is completely up to you. You’ll need white shorts, a self-identifying t-shirt, sunscreen and of course, a swimsuit. The best part is that you get to wear a whistle. After a couple of drinks you’ll be working the crowd with your whistle magic in no time.

Silly Tourist – That’s right, it’s time to dress properly for your Miami Trip. Get out your button-up Hawaiian shirt, wear socks with sandals, dorky sun-hat, a camera, city map, fanny pack… the accessory options are endless! You can go nerdy or sexy with this Miami beach sightseeing outfit, and the ambitious will try to do both. Are you up for the challenge?

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged Halloween Costume Ideas, Halloween in Miami, Miami Beach, Miami beach sightseeing, miami Trip | Leave a comment

Key West Tour: Haunted destination

Posted on October 26, 2011 by William Hayes

The Haunted Destination

Is it really a surprise that the legendary southern gateway to Florida, Key West, is also a supposed gateway for the supernatural?

Tourists with an affinity for history are drawn to the remote outpost. It was once a magnet for pirates, smugglers and all sorts of characters of questionable reputation. With Halloween approaching, haunted tourism hunters will find the spirits of these historical characters still lurking among many attractions on the island. An ideal spooky sightseeing tour is easy to put together.

Here are a few known Key West haunted hotspots:

Robert the Doll ... real-life Chucky

#1 East Martello Museum – By far the creepiest fable in town is of Robert the Doll. He’s on fantastically strange display at the museum. Think of Robert as the original “Chucky.” The story goes that the weird-looking human-sized doll was given to the artist Robert “Gene” Otto in 1904, by an ill-treated servant from Haiti. Otto lived an awful life, and the doll is thought responsible. Best, though, is they say Otto hated having his photo being taken. And today, scores of visitors report camera problems in trying to immortalize the doll in photos. Some even report the doll being blacked out of photos after being developed. Then, the rest of the photo remains intact.

Haunted Captain Tony's

#2 Captain Tony’s Saloon – The infamous original location of Sloppy Joe’s has one of the creepier pasts around town. For years it served as an icehouse, as well as a morgue. A tree where many people were hanged still grows through the middle of the place. Another story goes that 16 skeletons were unearthed when the building was first constructed. Builders opted to leave the skeletons undisturbed, and one of the original tombstones still lies in the bar’s pool room.

Ernest Hemingway still lives here.

#3 Hemingway Home and Museum – One of the island’s most popular attractions is Ernest Hemingway’s former house. It’s still remarkably assembled as it was when the iconic author lived and wrote there. It seems that his things aren’t the only thing to survive there over the years. His spirit is said to inhabit the grounds, and the sound of his typewriter has been heard by many a visitor. Oh, and then there are all those six-toed cats roaming the property …

Your haunted adventures might not end when you return to the confines of your hotel, either. These lodging properties around town have all been known as magnets of paranormal activity: The Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel, The Red Rooster Inn, Marrero’s Guest Mansion, The Old Town Manor, and The Banyon Resort.

One of the best ways you can spend a spooky Halloween is to take a Key West tour during your Miami Trip. Here’s to hoping you make it back alive!

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged halloween, Hemingway House, Key Lime Pie, key west trip | Leave a comment

Ghost Stories – Halloween in Miami

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Damien Venuto

As a follow on to our Miami urban legend segment, we have decided to share some of the most famous ghost stories from the region. Miami’s history is fraught with spooky stories from all over the world. Every Halloween, Floridians gather around and share the spine tingling tales that the oral tradition has passed onto them. Here are some creepy tales that will help to get you even more excited for All Hallow’s Eve…

A Tragedy

In the late 1970s a young motorcyclist sped along the meandering roads that snake through the Miami landscape. He was on his way to propose to his longtime girlfriend when he lost of control of the bike at the corner of Oxford and Milford. The bike sped directly into a barbed wire fence, decapitating the rider and leaving his girlfriend awaiting his arrival, eternally.

Legend has it that the biker is still trying to reach his lover’s house. Over the years, many drivers have shared reports of a phantom headlight that approaches their vehicle and disappears soon after. Most sightings have occurred around the fatal curve. It seems as though this ghostly lover is doomed to relive his tragedy ad infinitum.

A Vanishing

Ron Tammen attended Miami University in the 1950s. He was actively involved in studentlife as a wrestler, jazz band member and fraternity pledge. On April 19^th 1953, Ron disappeared never to be seen again. Investigators attempted to trace his whereabouts, but every tipoff led to a dead end. One witness claimed that Ron came to her on April 20^th and asked for directions to the nearest bus stop. Her account describes him as dazed and unable to remember his own name. There are also further reports that he made a bizarre request for blood tests right before his disappearance.

Over the years there have been various sightings of the ghost of Ron, but there is no concrete evidence to verify these accounts. It has been almost 60 years since his disappearance and it is unlikely that the mystery of this phantom Miami student will ever be solved.

Reid Hall, Miami University

A Murder

On May 9^th 1959 Roger Sayles was shot and killed while on hall duty in Reid Hall. A quarrel erupted and Sayles attempted to break it up. One of the fighters turned on Sayles and shot him. Sayles fell onto a nearby hall and left a bloody handprint smear upon the wood.

The assailant ran downstairs to a phone booth and shot himself. The horror of the event has been concretized in the minds of Miami residents, because Sayles’ bloody handprint can still be seen on the door. After all these years, no one has been able to wipe away his blood. During your Miami trip you can go and check out this place..

Want more?

Our horrifying tales from Miami don’t stop here. We are working hard to keep you excited for October 31^st. Halloween in Miami is all about setting the mood, and we are dedicated to providing you with all the resources you need to frighten your friends this year!

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged halloween, Miami Beach, to see in Miami | Leave a comment

Gray Line Miami´s Guide to Holidays in Miami: Halloween

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Goblins, witches and … palm trees? That´s right, it´s time to celebrate Halloween, Miami style. If you happen to be so lucky as to be in town on Halloween weekend, be sure to take advantage of the numerous activities and parties around the city. Here are some of our suggestions.

Halloween City: First things first, get your costume in order. Whether you´re planning to be cute, sexy, scary or unbelievably creative, stop by Halloween City to pick up supplies without breaking your travel budget. This is the place to go if you´re in need of fake blood, bedazzled hats or a Star Wars outfit for your toddler. Be sure to stock up and have several costume ideas, perhaps one you could run in?.

Miami Beach Half Marathon: Celebrate Miami´s obsession with fitness by running a half marathon. Race day is Saturday, October 29^th, so sweat out any excessive booze from last night’s party or get in your exercise in before a weekend of debauchery. This event is challenging, good for the body and has a sense of humor with awards given to the fastest super hero, fastest villain, fastest underwear and my personal favorite, the fastest WTF?.

Zoo Miami: For those of you traveling with families, Zoo Miami has a variety of activities for kids of all ages. For kids 12 years and younger, check out Zoo Boo, an evening where where little witches and ghouls can run around and trick or treat amongst the lions, tigers and sun bears. How´s that for adventure? The zoo also hosts Spooky Zoo Nights, a relatively tame Dr. Wilde’s Creepy House, a Teen Fright Night (because there´s nothing scary than teenagers) and the Monster Masquerade for those “kids” 21 years and older.

Vizcaya Halloween Sundowner: There´s no party like an artsy party. This year the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens will celebrate its 25^th annual Halloween fundraiser for this impressive museum. While the $150 price tag may have you second guessing my judgment, you should be aware that $100 is a standard ticket price for most Halloween parties in Miami. At least with this one drinks are included and the money is going to a good cause. Oh, and did I forget to mention that you will be partying in a decadent, turn of the century mansion?

House of Horror: Nothing says Halloween like scaring the bejeezus out of yourself. For the scariest place in Miami, head to the International Miami Mall where you´ll find the largest haunted house in South Florida. You´ll remember why you hate clowns as you as wander through the creepiest carnival from your childhood on steroids. But with unlimited rides, impressive circus acts and a haunted house that will have your tough guy boyfriend whimpering like a baby, it doesn´t get much better than this.

Of course, don´t forget to check out the main Miami attractions, including its beautiful beaches. With so much to do during the Halloween Holidays in Miami, you’ll be glad you made the trip!

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged halloween, Miami attractions, Miami Beach half marathon | Leave a comment

Miami Urban Legends

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Damien Venuto

As we approach the final day of October, Halloween excitement is starting to gain momentum. People are already getting together their costumes, decorations and treats to go even bigger than they did last year. One of the biggest treats of the Halloween season lies in the scary stories that people share with each other. In honor of the great oral tradition of sharing chilling tales, we have decided to compile a list of the best urban legends from Miami.

Strange Smell

A young married couple decides to spend their honeymoon on vacation. The event has been planned for months and they are overwhelmed with excitement. As soon as their plane lands at the airport, it begins to hail. The storm is so severe that none of the taxis are willing to drive out for fear that their vehicles might be damaged. That night they are forced stay in a small dingy hotel near the Miami airport.

As soon as they enter the room, they are struck by a strange scent. They open some windows hoping that the smell will float out and allow them to rest – but, it simply gets worse. At about 2am they call a member of the hotel staff to investigate the bad smell. The annoyed staffer enters the room and immediately cups his face. He slowly goes through the room, checking the nooks and crannies for a possible cause of the wretched odor. He eventually checks under the bed and jolts up in horror. The young husband enquires, “what’d you see, man?” Unable to speak, the hotel employee simply points under the bed. The husband drops to all fours and is horrified to discover the decomposing body of a girl who was declared missing three weeks ago.

Revenge Burns

This story was told to me by a close friend, who lived next door to these people. I don’t remember their names but the story goes something like this. A man was working in the garage when his promiscuously dressed girlfriend approached him with a flirtatious swagger that could have put the floor on fire. As most guys would, he showed his appreciation for this seductive surprise by allowing her to do as she pleased. Before the guy knew it, she had fastened his goods in a vise and thrown away the handle.

She stepped back and simply said, “I know about her.” She picked up a hacksaw and approached him. “Ar… are you going to cut it off?” he quavered. She laughed and put the hacksaw next to him and said, “No, you are.” She poured gasoline all over the garage, lit a match and strolled out without looking back.

Skeleton Ride

In 1979, a young girl named Kimberly and four of her friends disappeared without a trace. Search parties and rescue teams scoured the Palm Beach landscape for days without finding anything. It wasn’t long before wild conspiracies ranging from alien abduction to government cover-ups started surfacing. The truth remained hidden for years and no one knew what had become of the unfortunate passengers of the small minivan that drove next to the county canal that summer evening.

Time passed and the media lost interest in the case of Kimberly and her friends. Then a story emerged about a group of fishermen who had discovered a car in the canal. A Miami salvaging company quickly went to recover the vehicle in the hope of making a quick buck. What they discovered would linger in the minds of residents for years to come. When they pulled the minivan from the water, a human shinbone fell out of the wreckage. Upon further investigation it became clear that the skeletal remains of Kimberly and her friends had been under the water for all these years.

More coming soon…

If you enjoyed these tales of the macabre then keep clicking on our Miami blog, because until Halloween we will be giving you a frequent dose of horror to keep you excited for the forthcoming Halloween parties in Miami. So, do you have any stories to tell? Share your Miami tale of horror in the comments section below!

Posted in Miami Holidays and Festivals | Tagged Miami Beach, to see in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami Beach Sightseeing – Take the ‘Jersey Shore’ Snub Tour

Posted on October 17, 2011 by William Hayes

We’re more than happy – if not a little late – to jump on the “Jersey Shore” backlash bandwagon. It appears to finally be picking up steam across the culture.

Snooki, spurned in Miami Beach in 2010

And Miami, it seems, can take some of the credit for nudging the spray-tanned simpletons nearer their inevitable date with irrelevance. Previous to this most recent season, which saw the drunken train wreck unfortunately relocated in Italy, MTV filmed an abbreviated second season of “Jersey Shore” in Miami Beach.

The reason producers were forced to shorten the Miami season, a number of news outlets reported, was that the cast and crew were having trouble persuading classy businesses to sign the show’s wide-ranging waiver. These agreements essentially give “Snooks” the right to berate your club’s staff on a whim. Or provide “The Situation” the latitude to skeeve out anyone with a pulse in your establishment. All in exchange for some threadbare publicity on the show.

Many Miami Beach businesses reportedly, and rightfully, didn’t see the value in the trade-off and refused to let the kids in to film. To us, these are some of Miami’s best businesses!

Please reward these prescient establishments with your patronage, and show your appreciation. (Talk about good “Kah-mah” …)

View from a room at the W Hotel.

#1: The W Hotel (2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach) – We’re not sure which one of the W Hotel’s six beautiful bars snubbed the Jersey Shore buffoons, but it’s obvious to anyone who’s been to the W that the unmatched taste, refinement and style of the place is anathema to the coarse crew from the Shore. Magnificently appointed penthouses, lush landscaped pools, and a long stretch of pristine private white sand beach await at one of Miami’s most magnetic spots for celebrities and the jet set.

#2 The Delano (1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach) – You’ll find actual Gaudi, as opposed to the gaudy, along with works by Man Ray and Salvador Dali, among the fine things scattered throughout the Delano hotel on Miami Beach, one of the area’s signature boutique-style destinations. They also smartly dissed the Jersey Shore production team.

Poolside at the Delano.

And why wouldn’t they? The Delano’s nine distinctly and elegantly designed spaces include an incredible indoor/outdoor lobby, a pool area described by the hotel as a “water salon” surrounded by a peaceful “orchard” of cabanas, and some of the finest and most stylish restaurants and bars around.

In other words, drunk and boorish children seeking unending amounts of freakish attention need not apply for admission …

#3 Shore Club (1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach) – No doubt it was the Skybar that drew the Jersey Shore half-wits to the distinctive Shore Club boutique hotel along Miami Beach. But the hotel’s proprietors smartly shut them out of the signature nightclub during their attempted whirlwind cultural deviation tour.

And no doubt that was the correct decision, as the hotel’s renowned labyrinth of beautifully appointed gardens and secret passageways would have obviously mystified the perpetually overserved cast members. That was clearly a drunken disaster waiting to happen.

The beautifully appointed lobby at the Mondrian.

#4 The Mondrian (1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach) – Not sure why the classy and upscale Mondrian was on MTV’s cesspool agenda, seeing that it’s actually a bit off the well-beaten path of Collins Avenue. It’s also puzzling in that the Mondrian exudes tasteful, contemporary design and classy appointments throughout – from the soaring lobby, “floating” staircase, to the spectacular vistas of Biscayne Bay via floor-to-ceiling windows.

This place just oozes status and modern elegance. We’re not sure what the Jersey Shore types are oozing.

#5 Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach (6566 N. Military Trail, Riviera Beach) – We’re a bit puzzled as to why the Jersey Shore squad would want to spend an afternoon at one of the area’s premier water parks, seeing that the park doesn’t allow alcoholic beverages. The park features more than 35 water slides and attractions over 30 acres just outside Miami Beach, but since operators denied the show from filming, we were luckily spared the embarrassing and inevitable public brawl between Sammy and Ron while waiting in line for Big Thunder – touted on the park’s website as the largest water ride in the state. Thanks, Rapids Water Park, for drawing a cultural line in the sand!

So, if you don´t know what to do in Miami, but think that maybe Miami Beach sightseeing could be interesting, make sure to include on your itinerary some of the classy and tasteful businesses fighting back against the dumbing down of our culture. Their acts of defiance against the Jersey Shore deserve everyone’s support!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Miami attractions, Miami Beach, miami beaches, Miami movies, south beach, to see in Miami, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami Trip and Surfing

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Damien Venuto

Many extreme sports aficionados are often surprised to hear that Miami has a legitimate surfing scene. The diverse Floridian coastline, with its range of picturesque beaches, is nothing short of a road-tripper’s paradise. Don’t limit your Miami trip to wining, dinning and shopping – let your sightseeing adventure coincide with surfing’s oxy-moronic combination of relaxation and exhilaration. If you haven’t done so already, set up the roof racks, wind down the window and let the swell chart dictate your next destination.

Overview

Miami’s coast is beset with over 10 surf spots that all offer the extreme sports enthusiast something a little different. The excellent American roads enable travelers to reach every spot, without too much difficulty.

The Best Spots

South Beach – Miami’s most renowned beach has also become a firm favorite for the local surfers. This spot can become a bit crowded at times, but the locals are reasonably amicable. South Beach is great for beginners because the waves are small and surfing lessons are often given here. If you are looking for some bigger swell, then you have to wait for a storm, or move onto a beach a little further north.

Dania South Beach – Drive just past Fort Lauderdale and find Dania South Beach. This lesser known gem has been known to throw up some excellent almond-shaped barrels from time to time. The spot is a little fickle, so don’t feel disheartened if you find the surf flat. The spot is relatively uncrowded during the week, but be prepared to hustle for waves over the weekend.

Miami Beach

Harbor House – This spot lies just north of Miami Beach and it’s perfect for a beginner, but can become a little annoying for someone who has been surfing for a while. The small waves in this area make it a perfect beach for an amateur to learn. If you are desperate for an overhead swell, then it’s best to wait for a cyclone or surf elsewhere.

Spoils – This spot is strictly for experienced surfers and it is therefore generally uncrowded. Whereas all the other spots have a sandy bottom, this one features the rocks and coral reef. The spot breaks very far out and you have to be a good surfer if you even want to try and surf here. The take off wedges and becomes very steep – you could easily end up landing face-first on the reef if you don’t know what you are doing.

Picking up lessons

There are various sites on the net that offer surf lessons in the Miami area. You could either book before your arrival; or, just stroll along the beach and find someone surrounded by surfboards. The Miami locals are renowned for their friendliness, so don’t ever hesitate to ask someone.

Practicing surfing

Do something a little different

Surfing is just one of the activities that you can participate in. There are a wide range of excellent opportunities that can meet the desires of every traveler. When you visit Miami, you should try to open your mind and experience as much as possible. There are so many things to see in Miami and you should never let your fears stop you from enjoying a fulfilling experience. Use your Miami holiday to reacquaint yourself with your inner-daredevil.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Miami Beach, miami beaches, south beach, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Visit Miami – or Stay, So Have Many Others!

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Little Havana, Little Haiti, Little Brazil, Little Buenos Aires, Little Moscow, Little Managua, Little San Juan, and Little Tel Aviv – sounds familiar? Sounds Miami.

Visit Miami

Miami is known for its colorful population and the widespread use of languages, Spanish more than others. The use of Spanish in Miami has exceeded the speaking of the Miami´s original language, English, and this has not always been easily accepted by the citizens. Some confrontations have broken out over the years because of this issue, but normally we live in good harmony here. The mixture of cultures has given birth to today´s city that is rich, colorful, smiling and never boring.

How did this city and state turn in 50 years into the place number 1 in the world in terms of the percentage of residents born outside the country? Here´s the story of Miami in a nutshell.

Cuban Immigration

Originally lots of immigrants had arrived to Florida when the cigar industry landed here. Later on, due to racially unequal Jim Crow laws, many black Cubans left Florida and headed to New York. The significant migration started in 1959 when the big name Fidel Castro stepped into power in Cuba.

Southernmost point of the continental USA

Many Cubans protested the communist regime by leaving the country. And much of them chose Miami as their new home, and why not? Key West is located some 90 miles from Cuba, and Miami City around 220 miles, the weather is pleasant and the American dream has always attracted immigrants looking for a prosperous future. And as a statement to Fidel, many of them searched for the capitalist, economic success and found it.

The net in-migration of black people started to reduce in the 60´s due to the crowds of Cubans who now competed for jobs, and left less employment possibilities for other immigrants. Soon after the Cuban immigration to Florida boomed, the number of Hispanic population in Miami was some 50,000 persons. Over the decades the quantity of Cubans living in Miami Metropolitan area has increased to over 800.000. Accurate numbers are hard to get, because some part of the immigrants are still illegal.

Cubans in Miami

Other Cultures in Miami

Miami is not home only for Americans and Cubans; it has also attracted a number of other Latinos: Argentinians, Haitians, Mexicans, and Dominicans to mention a few. And even though Miami is usually thought of hosting mostly Latin American and Caribbean people, in addition here resides for example lots of French, Canadians, Germans, Russians and Italians. This mixture of people comprises the over 75% of Miamese whose first language is not English.

Languages in Miami

Spanish is naturally the dominating language of the area, it´s a mother tongue of over 67% of population. After that comes English 25%, Haitian Creole 5%, French 1%, Portuguese, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese and Greek. These numbers are directional but give an idea of how multicultural and multiracial this city really is.

Thanks to our colorful city and citizens, no visitor should feel like 100% tourist here. We all pronounce different languages with our own unique accents and try to keep up with our many cultures. Come to visit Miami and see what it´s all about! No Miami trip is complete without visiting neighborhoods such as Little Havana or Little Haiti where the original cultures still live to the fullest.

Posted in Miami in a Nutshell | Tagged cubans in miami, little havana, miami Trip, to see in Miami | Leave a comment

Things to do in Miami: Little Havana

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Famous Roosters of Little Havana

Searching for ideas of things to do in Miami? A must see for any visitor is a trip to Miami’s Little Havana. Home to the Cuban Diaspora since the 1960s, this historic neighborhood located between 16th South Street and West 27th Avenue, provides visitors with a taste of Cuba’s vibrant culture without leaving the country. This important immigrant community adds the extra spice to Miami’s already fiery cultural salsa and visitors seeking an authentic Miami experience should look no further.

Playing Dominos at Domino Park

Start on Calle Ocho, the main artery of Little Havana that is lined with Cuban restaurants, cigar shops, bakeries, cafés and galleries. Those interested in learning more about the Cuban exile story should pay a visit to the Cuban Memorial Plaza on the corner of 13th Street, which gives an overview of the political events that shaped this expat district. Visitors should also check out Maximo Gomez Park, nicknamed Domino Park for the favorite pastime of the Cuban retirees that congregate here during the day. Games are strictly for members only, but this is a great place to sit and observe some heated domino matches. After this brief tour of the barrio, it’s time to get down to business? Here’s a list of things every visitor should do in Little Havana:

Where the magic happens!

Stop and Smell the Coffee

Do as the locals do in Little Havana and stop for cup of famously sweet café cubano. Chatting with friends of over a cup of coffee is an important aspect of Cuban socializing and residents of Little Havana take this duty very seriously. Order a cafecito or cortadito and take a moment to sip your sugary espresso in the sunshine while chatting with the locals. One of the most famous coffee establishments in Little Havana is Los Pinarenos Fruteria (1334 SW 8th St) and this lovely café with adjoining fruit store also offers a variety of delicious smoothies. However there are many coffee counters on Calle Ocho, so don’t be afraid to explore!

Delicious Cuban sandwich

Cuban sandwiches

If you have never had one of these sandwiches before, then I suggest you drop everything and run to Little Havana immediately! A delicious grilled sandwich consisting of ham, roast pork, cheese, pickles add perhaps most importantly, Cuban bread, which locals say you can only get the best in South Florida. The best place to try one is the Versailles (3555 SW 8th Street). This place is no family secret and it is generally packed with locals. Be prepared to wait in line for a table but you will be glad that you did once you sink your teeth into a delicious Cuban sandwich.

Cigars

Cuban cigars are world renowned for their high quality and Little Havana is a mandatory must see for any cigar aficionado. Many stores allow visitors to watch their cigar makers gently roll the tobacco by hand. There are numerous cigar shops and it can be overwhelming for an unprepared cigar novice.

Cigar shop

The Big Kahuna of Cuban cigars is El Credito Cigar Factory (1100 SW 8th Street) and a good place to start. This well-known brand now makes the vast majority their flavorful smokes off-site in the Dominican Republic but visitors can still watch some cigar makers in action and tour the historical interior of the store.

Cigar maker hard at work

El Rey de los Habanos (1120 SW Eighth Street) is another option run by José “Pepin” Garcia. While he may be the King of Cigars, José still has to run this family business and frequently stops by the store. Visitors should expect a much more intimate shopping experience while they watch the dozen, master cigar makers hard at work. Stock up for your personal supply or think of others who might enjoy a premium souvenir from your Miami tour.

Cultural Fridays/Viernes Culturales

Murals in Calle Ocho

If you happen to be so lucky as to be in town on the last Friday of the month, then you must check out Cultural Fridays in Little Havana, one of the best things to do in Miami. Part of a neighborhood campaign to revitalize the arts scene in Little Havana, this monthly street fair will give you the chance to explore Calle Ocho in the warm Miami night. Culture is in the air and see how this neighborhood shows off it’s Latin roots with its galleries, poetry reading or live show. The arts are alive and well in Calle Ocho!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged little havana, Miami attractions, Miami sightseeing, miami Trip, to see in Miami, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami Tours and Snorkeling Trips

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Damien Venuto

Key Biscayne

The famed Miami coastline has become a favorite photography subject for vacationers visiting the water. The beauty of the Miami seascape is unquestionable, but its emerald glisten reveals only a fraction of its majesty. Beneath the surface lies a mesmerizing world of color and mystery, which tourists can easily explore on a snorkeling trip. The best thing about snorkeling along the following sites is that you don’t need a diving license and there are various companies that offer different Miami tours and can assist you during your underwater exploration of the Gulf Stream.

Lugano

When the 350 foot Lugano ran aground in 1913, it immediately became a popular diving spot. But these visitors were not recreational divers – they were wreckers looking to retrieve wines and expensive fabrics from the cargo compartments of the sunken ship. Over time the ship wore down and her skeletal remains became part of an exquisite coral reef system, creating a splendid snorkeling and diving spot.

Long Reef

The aptly named Long Reef stretches along the Miami coastline for almost two miles. The reef has become popular because of its ranging water depths that offer a wide range of diving opportunities for people of every skill level. In addition to a mind blowing array of tropical fish, visitors will be able to see the Alice – a ship that went aground in 1905.

Bache Shoal

Popular due to its easy accessibility, Bache Shoal is an excellent reef for children and first-timers. This natural coral reef has an average depth of only ten feet and it is inhabited by a plethora of tropical fish. When visiting Bache Shoal, it is recommended to plan your trip in accordance with the tide chart, because the site is only accessible during the hide tide when boats can negotiate the shallow channel.

Half Moon Preserve

The elaborate history of the Half Moon makes a visit to her wreckage site much more interesting. Once regarded the fastest racing yacht in the world, this German ship was claimed by the English at the start of WWI. It was then sold and converted into a floating saloon that was stationed at Biscayne. A 1930 storm pulled her free of her moorings and she tragically ran aground, despite a concerted rescue effort. Today, the wreckage site forms part of the Biscayne national park and the ship’s original artifacts, which visitors are not permitted to remove, are on display.

Fowey Lighthouse

Fowey Lighthouse

While on a Miami boat tour, exit the Biscayne Channel and travel South East until you reach Fowey Lighthouse. Here you will find an exquisite coral arrangement in only 15 feet of water. This spot is regularly visited by a multitude of tropical fish that often moonlight as models for the underwater photographers that pass through while on Miami snorkeling trips

If you´re interested on snorkeling in Key West, more information here.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged biscayne bay, miami Trip, scuba diving, snorkeling, snorkeling in miami, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami Tours – Diving in Florida

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Damien Venuto

Many tourists make the mistake of staying at Miami Beach for the entire duration of their vacation and they consequently miss out on the opportunity to explore the ocean. Miami’s coastline features an elaborate assortment of natural and man-made reefs, giving it the feel of an underwater museum. Don’t restrict the extent of your enjoyment on your next Miami trip – get off the beach, grab some courage and visit these mesmeric dive spots.

Coral fish in Miami

Army Tanks

Although these aren’t the remnants of a war, they do offer an interesting diving experience. The nooks and crannies of these military machines serve as labyrinthine living quarters to a plethora of underwater inhabitants. This dive site is particularly appealing to military enthusiasts, who are able to see the objects of their fancy from an entirely unique perspective.

Blue Fire Wreck

The Blue Fire was a 175 foot vessel that was seized by the Coast Guard. The massive ship sank in 1983 and it has since become home to a multitude of fish, including the much-maligned barracuda. This wreck can be penetrated and it is a must for aspirant underwater photographers.

Scuba Diving in Miami

Tortuga

With the Tortuga, the American entertainment industry left a lasting impression under the sea. The explosion (and subsequent sinking) of the ship features in the final scene of Cindy Crawford’s film Fair Game. Today, the 165 foot vessel stands upright in 110 feet of water and it can be visited on a trip to the Pflueger Artificial Reef Site.

Reefs of Florida

Atlantis Reef

This, the world’s largest man-made reef, eerily doubles as a mausoleum for the cremated deceased. The reef was designed to resemble the mythological underwater city of Atlantis. Divers, who have been visiting the site since 2007, often comment on its resemblance to an abandoned asylum or haunted house.

Deep Freeze Wreck

At 210 feet, this gargantuan shipwreck offers unmatched exploration opportunity. Sunk in 1976, the wreck has become very popular with fisherman – resulting in the ensnaring risk of abandoned fishing line. Experienced divers, visiting this site, are usually equipped with a sharp diving knife in anticipation of becoming tangled in the fishing line.

Spirit of Miami

In Miami, entertainment sometimes means placing huge artifacts under the ocean for the viewing pleasure of the public. The Spirit of Miami is a huge military aircraft, which was placed under the ocean in 1993. Over the years, the wreck has been damaged by hurricanes, giving it the appearance of an authentic plane crash.

Emerald Reef

Widely regarded as one of the beautiful reefs in Florida, Emerald reef is found one mile East of Biscayne. The reef lies under less than twenty feet of water and it can easily be accessed on a Miami tours or one might go visit this site without any organized tour.

One might also participate in a Key West snorkeling trip but that´s a another story. Key West is probably the most popular place for practicing snorkeling in Florida if scuba diving seems too fierce.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged biscayne bay, scuba diving, snorkeling, snorkeling in miami, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami Travel Tips – Make Your Traveling Easy

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Traveling and having holidays are always a pleasure. Still, there are some annoyances when it comes to traveling days or to planning the trip. To avoid the possible problems of traveling, here are some tips of how to avert the most obvious ones. And please, feel free to share your stories and suggestions here with us.

Planning the trip
Decide what you want from your holiday. After that, define your budget – going low or flying high? These decisions obviously have a big impact on how much time you’re willing to spend looking for flights and hotels/hostels/apartments, that suit for your needs. FlipKey Miami Vacation Rentals is one friendly place to rent apartments in Miami area.

Our friend Google is probably the best place to begin your search for flights. Forget your national airlines for a moment, and type in what you´re looking for: “cheap flights to Miami” or maybe “direct flights to Miami”. Internet is full of travel companies that offer a mix of airlines and the best deals. As usually in life, time and money are the two variables from which you´ll have to choose one over another.

The downside of the World Wide Web is the scammers, but if you´re having doubts about buying online, look up some forums and you´ll most likely find some recommendations or negative comments about the sites. This is when customer reviews come in handy. Or make your life easy and march into the closest travel agency and they´ll do the dirty work for you – and charge for it.

The next step is of course acquiring some basic information about your destination, and what is there to do. Some people want to be spontaneous, and for others suit better planning a bit beforehand. Good side of planning is that it leaves time for being on the holiday once you´re on your destination. Again Internet makes it easy to compare prices and contents of different activities. When purchasing tours and services on the spot, comparing becomes more difficult and time consuming. (That´s why companies like we exist ) However, a good balance between making plans and leaving room for adventures and last-minute decisions is advisable to have.

Check out also the information about the tipping culture, the siesta hours or the visa requirements or whatever may be important concerning your destination. Even though you´re used to have a valid passport for most of the countries, there are always exceptions, and having to deal with these issues at the airport isn´t the ideal way of starting your vacations.

Pack wisely

Packing
Pack lightly and conveniently, you won´t end up using 4 pairs of high heels anyways. Bringing the newest pairs of shoes isn´t the best idea either. Besides, you´ll most probably buy some souvenirs or clothes, and the airlines aren´t known for their flexibility what comes to (free) extra pounds and kilos. And here´s another tip: check both the annual weather and the rain conditions of the destination. It´s not always snowing in Alaska, neither is it always hot in South America.

Take along with you the things you need in your normal life. You don´t want to start your holidays by searching for raincoats, sun screen or tampons in the new environment. But also remember to pack some extra things you might need, depending on the destination; anti-diarrhea tablets or mosquito repellent for example. Polish your nails at home (it´s forbidden on airplanes) and consider bringing some ear plugs, cream, travel pillow and/or a sleeping mask to the plane. These little things can multiply your comfort when traveling.

Travel Day
Passport, toothbrush and cash in your pocket, and you´re ready to go. I prefer to search for ATMs at the airport when arriving to my destinations. Usually the best deals for changing money you get by using local ATMs. But for some unfortunate situation when arriving to the country after a national holiday and the airport ATMs were empty, I have learned to change some money in advance. In some places taxis don´t accept credit cards (in Miami some do, but with $3 transaction fee), or you have to leave a service fee for your airport shuttle driver, so you better to be prepared.

Miami Airport

Take advantage of the self check-in machines, or check-in by text message or on Internet, this may save time and patience instead of waiting in the lines at the airport. Write your hotel information to the luggage tag. In case they lose your bag, it doesn´t help having your home address written down. By this point you have also checked if there´s a meal served on your flight, right? If not, avoid yoghurts and sodas with lots of bubbles on the plane, or remember to open them away from your seat, or you might end up landing with a nasty blot in your lap.

And even though many newest airplanes offer a good variety of movies during a long-distance flight, it´s good to try to get some sleep, otherwise you´ll be suffering from jetlag for the first days of the vacations. (It´s usually easier to adapt to the new time zone when flying west.) Some people use sleeping or other pills when flying, however, for safety reasons, I wouldn´t take anything.

Arriving
Breathe in the odd, yet lovely, new smell of the place when stepping out of the plane. Pick up your luggage, but don’t get frustrated because of some people standing two inches from the baggage carousel. It´s annoying and it always happens, but don´t ruin your day for that. (If you´re one of those persons who does that, take this as a notice.) And start enjoying your well-deserved holidays!

We wish you pleasant vacations! Miami Travel deals, Miami sightseeing and tours to Miami attractions are available on our website.

Greetings, Gray Line Miami Team.

If you have some other recommendations or weird travel stories to tell, please share them with us!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged miami Trip | Leave a comment

Miami Boat Tour: Best of Biscayne Bay

Posted on September 23, 2011 by William Hayes

Nearly every aspect of sparkling life in the seaside jewel of Miami revolves in some way around the water. So it’s no surprise that one of the best ways to experience the city is to hop of the Miami boat tour. They depart every hour on a trip around beautiful Biscayne Bay.

Miami skyline in your wake

Some of the best Miami boat tours begin at the Bayside Marketplace Marina. There the waters of Biscayne Bay meet the modern Miami skyline, in one of the city’s busiest and most visited districts. Board one of the Miami boat tours’ comfortable craft there, taking off first among the luxury cruise ship giants that dock nearby during their south Florida port of call.

Leaving the urban cityscape in your wake, the tour takes a direct route toward Miami Beach. There, clear turquoise waterways cut through some of the most exclusive real estate enclaves in the world. Waterfront mansions in a rainbow of colors, boasting the most envy-inspiring of amenities, drift through your field of vision. You float island to island in the comfort of your fully-loaded tour boat.

Making the way to Miami Beach

Your tour travels along the aptly titled Millionaire’s Row, eventually cruising past opulent one of Miami’s poshest island neighborhoods, Fisher Island. You’ll wonder which of the maritime manses belong to famous residents like Julia Roberts, Andre Agassi, Michael Jordan or Oprah Winfrey. They all are reported property owners on the island. No wonder Fisher Island is known as having the highest per capita income of any place in the United States.

Take a tour by boat

Take it all in on a cruiser that allows for awesome vistas, from both inside and outside the craft. Get the best view from the boat’s open-air upper deck. Or enjoy the enclosed air-conditioned comfort of one of the lower-level salons. You’ll still catch all the sights as they drift by your window.

Either way, the best of Biscayne Bay is best seen while floating by on one of the many Miami sightseeing cruises. They are just waiting for you to step aboard.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged biscayne bay, boat trips, Miami sightseeing | Leave a comment

Miami Everglades: The River of Grass and Gators

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Everglades National Park

When you think of the Everglades, images of wild alligators and vast mangroves may slowly waddle into your mind’s eye. Add giant snakes, shady pine forests, as well as a plethora of bugs and estuary birds to the picture, and you’re not far off from the truth. With over 1.5 million acres of wetlands and protected wildlife, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true national treasure. Only an hour away from Miami Beach, the Everglades National Park simply cannot be missed. Here’s are some reasons why:

Hikes and Activities

Anhingan Trail

The Everglades National Park is full of hikes and bike paths, allowing visitors to enjoy a more active vacation than just lying on the beach. The most popular hike is the Anhingan Trail, a half mile boardwalk that provides park visitors with the best chance to see and photograph wildlife. There are several other longer hikes and be sure to pick the hike that best fits your energy level and bring plenty of water, sun screen and a dab of bug repellent. Don’t feel like walking? Then hop on an airboat ride, the only way to catch a glimpse of the majority of the animals and birds that inhabit the immense wetlands. The sensation of flying through the subtropical grasslands is exhilarating, giving visitors an egret’s eye view of the terrain by skimming above the water.

Alligators and Crocodiles

Alligator mississippiensis

Nothing beats the thrill of seeing one of these creatures in the wild and looking directly into their bright yellow eyes. While there are lots of other notable animals in the park, alligators and crocodiles are the main stars of the Everglades’ show. These reptiles are modern dinosaur royalty and there is no place else in the world where you can see alligators and crocodiles living side by side in the same habitat. This park is their kingdom and visitors should not be surprised to see these creatures confidently strutting across pedestrian paths. Remember to keep your distance and if all else fails…RUN! By the end of the day if you haven’t gotten your fill of alligator experiences, then check out the restaurants around the park that offer the opportunity to eat these critters fried. Mmm, tastes like…alligator?

It’s the Heart and Soul of South Florida

Famous Airboat Ride

The Everglades National Park has preserved the intricate ecosystem that previously dominated South Florida before it was paved over for human development. It also serves as a vital organ that purifies the entire drinking water supply for its human neighbors and insulates the region from hurricane storm water surges. While perhaps less publicized than other Miami attractions, the Everglades are incredibly important to the citizens of South Florida as a natural resource and for their sense of self. Facing pressure from population growth and subsequent pollution, this National Park is in trouble and you can do your part by visiting and appreciating the Miami Everglades before it’s too late.

Posted in Everglades | Tagged Miami attractions, miami Trip, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Best Beaches to See in Miami

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

If you are wondering what to do in Miami, then the first thing on your list should be to head to the beach. Easy enough, right? Well here comes the hard part, deciding exactly which beach to lay your towel on and this depends entirely on your personal preferences. Do you aspire to party with the cool kids and watch a non-stop parade of eye candy wearing neon shades? Or do yearn to disappear and relax in pristine warm waters and sugar-fine white sand? Whatever your pleasure, with warm sunshine and spectacular white sand, there are plenty of beaches to see in Miami, each catering to the many different tastes of the human rainbow. Here are some of the best:

South Beach's Lummus Park

Lummus Park Beach, South Beach Are you tired of strutting around the house and no one complimenting your toned physique? Then it’s time to find the most revealing bathing suit in your closet and shake what your mama gave you on the sands of South Beach’s Lummus Park. This is the place to be if you are confident, young and fun. Rub elbows with NBA stars’ ex- girlfriends, wanna-be DJs and male underwear models. In a nutshell, absolutely amazing people watching. Be forewarned that on the weekends, the beach is jam-packed and if you are driving, look for parking garages on 7^th, 12^th and 16^thStreet.

City views from South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park, South Beach Located on the southern most tip of South Beach, this prime stretch of real estate has amazing views over Fisher Island and is a welcome respite from the 24-hour fashion show of Lummus Park. Recently restored in 2009, South Pointe has since become the gleaming emerald jewel in Miami’s park system. With lush green grass, palm trees, dog park and a pleasantly spacious beachfront, this a perfect place to relax without leaving the city. Unfortunately, parking is a big and somewhat expensive problem, and perhaps it would best to seek other forms of transportation in order to see Miami without experiencing road rage.

You've been warned...

Haulover Beach While topless is the norm in South Beach, those looking to let it all hang out should head to Haulover Beach for South Florida’s only naturalist beach. A mix of Miami Beach hippies and international tourists, these are not the tight and toned hides of South Beach and visitors should expect a more mature scenery. Still with its come-as-you are vibe, this is a great place to chill out and embrace your inner skinny dipping spirit in the warm Floridian waters. Don’t be shy and remember to be extra diligent with the sunscreen!

White sand, palm trees and a Florida breeze

Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne There is something about two miles of white sand that makes you smile with delight, especially when you are one of the few blessed people on it. Slightly outside of Miami Beach, Crandon Park Beach is an active traveler’s paradise and a great place to go with families or significant others to enjoy the natural wonders of Key Biscayne. The water is warm and shallow, and the palm trees swaying in the breeze will make you feel like you have walked into a tropical calendar. If you want to do more than just lie on the beach, there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as kite-boarding, kayaking or taking a nature walk to explore this ecological diversity of the island. A definite must see on your Miami Trip!

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged Crandon Park, Haulover Beach, Key Biscayne, Lummus Park Beach, miami Trip, south beach, South Pointe Park, to see in Miami | Leave a comment

Key West Restaurants: Can’t-Miss Eateries

Posted on September 16, 2011 by William Hayes

The hordes of stumbling bar hounds and cliché T-shirt shops that line the crowded streets of Key West certainly don’t do the city’s cuisine scene any favors in terms of reputation. But beneath the boozy surface of the place is a restaurant subculture that rises well above the island’s miscreant reputation. You just need to know under which rocks to look.

Duval Street, Key West

If you’re like many visitors to Key West – short-timers with just a day or two to knock around the alternately historic and hedonistic island – you won’t go wrong by sticking to this short list of can’t-miss eateries that cater to both the crass and the connoisseur.

Let’s start on the low end, on Duval Street of course. In between beverages, pull up an unassuming stool at The Conch Shack, 118 Duval Street, for a surprisingly satisfying break from the typical tourist traps that surround the joint. Key West locals swear by the classic burgers served with fresh-cut fries. This is also the place to try the conch fritter, the island’s unique and seemingly ubiquitous deep-fried seafood scone, deliciously paired at The Conch Shack with key lime dipping sauce. Prices here are unexpectedly reasonable, considering the location.

For a trip to the other end of the foodie spectrum, head to the water’s edge. There you’ll find A&B Lobster House (700 Front Street), where haute cuisine delectably meets the fresh catch of the day. Boat captains pull in to port just below the dining area, on the restaurant’s elegant wraparound balcony with stunning views of Key West’s most popular marina.

Accomplished chefs turn fresh fish and lobster into satisfying fare that more than matches the ambiance and views. After the sun sets on your fine feast, head upstairs to Berlin’s Martini and Cigar Bar for signature drinks, dessert wines and cognacs, and hand-rolled cigars. The classy décor is memorable for its rich leather and mahogany trim, and the conspicuous absence of the omnipresent television set.

One of the best bistros inland in Key West is Seven Fish, 632 Olivia Street, walking distance from Duval Street but seemingly a world away with respect to its original and creative menu. The catch of the day is expertly prepared here, but it shares menu space with some of the finest comfort food around, items like banana chicken, meat loaf, and gnocchi with sautéed fish and bleu cheese. Claiming the mantle of “neighborhood bistro” does have its drawbacks, however – Seven Fish’s tasteful and modern space is limited, so plan ahead and call for a reservation.

I’ve saved the absolute best for last, though. Two of my favorite, least pretentious, most satisfying, always gratifying Key West restaurants are presented below:

You’ll likely have to wait for a table by hanging around in the parking lot of El Siboney, 900 Catherine Street, but who cares for airs when the payoff is some of the best Cuban food around? Once inside, you’ll be crammed elbow-to-elbow at tables covered with plastic tablecloths, and your server is likely to be a bit inattentive, but all will be forgiven when your plates are (eventually) delivered. Spicy snapper and other fresh fish are prepared simply and skillfully.

Cuban and pulled pork sandwiches are traditionally seasoned, and delectably served on fresh bread. Sides of fried plantain and black beans and rice are the perfect complements to the main dishes, created with recipes clearly handed down among generations. Though the restaurant has changed owners, it still maintains the same family feel, and delivers great family-style fare.

Sent from above: Blue Heaven restaurant

Lastly, I literally have dreams about Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas Street. In true Key West style, you should dress down for the meal here … you are, for all intents and purposes, eating in someone’s backyard, dirtying your toes on the sandy floor, and dodging the random rooster clucking by your table. Blue Heaven’s food is phenomenal, though, and the secret seems to be out — so it’s no wonder people don’t mind killing time kicking back with a cold drink, or knocking a ping-pong ball around, while waiting for a table.

Once you get a seat, feel free to order anything on the menu. The yellowtail is laced with a citrus beurre-blanc sauce that will have you sopping up every last drop. All the fresh fish dishes are to die for. I’ve never had scallops melt away in my mouth before. Even the non-seafood choices, like the pork tenderloin, are ridiculously tasty. And it’s not just dinner: Blue Heaven caters to the hung-over with an awesome breakfast menu. The lobster eggs benedict is quite simply my favorite breakfast in the world.

The topper? Blue Heaven does the obligatory key lime pie better than anyone else, piled high with layers and layers of meringue torch-crusted to the texture of angel-food cake. It’s heavenly … like nearly everything else on the menu.

Of the many Miami trips that curious travelers often make outside of the city, an overnight in Key West is perhaps the one that appeals most directly to the ruff-hewn vagabond inside, itching for an amble down narrow streets once tread by real pirates and rum-runners. But the modern array of Key West restaurants are more a mix of posh and nosh … an appeal to fab cuisine still rooted in the city’s fugitive past.

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged Key Lime Pie, key west trip, miami restaurants | Leave a comment

Miami for Kids – Activities for Kids in Miami

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Something else for the kids?

Even though Miami is a hub of culture and fashion, and it possess a busy list of events that has something new to offer on daily basis, it´s not only adults who get to have fun in Miami! Miami has a quite varied supply of activities for kids, and most them are in places where the parents don´t get bored either.

Below you can find some of the most popular Miami attractions for kids:

Grapeland Water Park
This South Miami water park has slides and pools for kids of different ages. The park operated by the City of Miami has very low entrance fees, clean common areas, friendly life-guards, snack bars and whatever one might need during an active day in a water park. Bring your bathing suit and get ready to have fun!
1550 NW 37 Ave., Miami, FL 33125
T. +1 305 960 2950, http://www.miamigov.com/parks/pages/Grapeland.asp

Parrots in Jungle Island

Jungle Island
Jungle Island is a lush, tropical jungle where one gets to mingle with all sorts of exotic animals and birds from far and near. The park organizes animal shows that are entertaining for both kids and adults. This attraction also has a private beach where one might chill and relax while kids hop on to water slides and pools. Jungle Island is definitely one of the best places in Miami for kids.
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132, T. +1 305 400 7000

Miami Children’s Museum (MCM)
MCM is a museum designed especially for kids. The museum offers changing activities almost every day, from cooking classes to crafts workshops and plays. It also provides with other spaces for playing, learning and imaging. MCM possess interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.
980 Macarthur Causeway, Miami, Florida 33132
T. +1 305 373 5437, http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

Miami Science Museum

Miami Science Museum (MiaSci) and Planetarium
MiaSci features scientific and technological art and exhibitions to people of all ages interested of natural phenomena. The Planetarium features surround sound, video projection and laser shows that entertain even the eldest of the family, and it has a four story tall multi-media imagery. MiaSci is currently building a new and modern space for itself but for a while still, the old and small, yet, cozy premises are in use.
3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
T. +1 305 646 4200, http://www.miamisci.org/

Miami MetroZoo
The Miami Zoo hosts a variety of wild animals, with a special focus on Asian and African animals. The zoo organizes many different tours inside the park, mostly close encounters with animals. Tours have additional costs but are well worth of experiencing. If you manage to collect a group of 15 persons, try out an overnight experience at the zoo!
1 Zoo Boulevard
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
T. +1 305 251 0400, http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/

Beach(es)
This is the obvious option for families and everyone else if visiting the city on summertime. Play in the sand, swim, let your kids bury you under a pile of sand, burn your skin a bit and fill your stomach in lunch restaurants next to the beach. Waters here tend to be warm compared to the rest of the USA, which make beaches really enjoyable and waters easy to swim, since most of the beaches don´t have big waves bothering swimmers.

Miami Seaquarium

Seaquarium
Seaquarium is place for those who are intrigued by the mammals of the sea. Miami Seaquarium offers daily shows starred by dolphins, sea lions and whales. It also provides with a chance to educational programs, which include dolphin training and swimming with dolphins, or feeding them in the pools of small children. This place also has an aquarium and tropical fish to adore.
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
T. +1 305 361 5705

Gold Coast Railroad Museum
This is a place for a train lovers, historians, and kids. The museum has a collection of old trains from many different eras. There´s also a loved train ride for the kids – the one who gets to ring the bell will be a happy little mister or miss for the rest of the day! Every first Saturday of the month has no entrance fee.
12450 S.W. 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177
T. +1 305-253-0063, http://www.gcrm.org

Pinecrest Gardens
Pinecrest is a huge park and home of botanical gardens, a swan lake, and a petting zoo. The lush vegetation of this place hides a butterfly exhibit, children´s playground and a popular splash-n-play area. A perfect setting for a relaxing family afternoon, with a nominal entrance fee only.
11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida 33156
T. +1 305 669 6990, http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=34

Monkey Jungle

Monkey Jungle
Monkey Jungle is an animal conservatory, which helps injured and/or endangered animals. In addition to the great amount of monkeys in this park, there are also some birds and mammals residing here. Bring some raisins and sunflower seeds for the monkeys – they just love them!
14805 Southwest 216th St. Miami, FL 33170, T. +1 305 235 1611, http://www.monkeyjungle.com/

Tropical Park
Rent a bike or just wander around the park, stop along lakes or have a picnic with the family. Or watch the dogs play in their big park. Tropical Park is a very local place to hang out. Just ask anyone about “the hill” and they´ll tell you how to arrive here. This is the place of which all Miamese have some nice memories to share, “when I was a child…”
7900 SW 40 Street, Miami, FL
T. +1 305 226 8316, http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/tropical.asp

Santa’s Enchanted Forest
As the name tells, this is a seasonal park. However, when the season is on, this is an absolute must-visit place for kids. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is the world’s largest Christmas theme park, and no child will leave this park disappointed. The park is open from November 3, 2011 to January 8, 2012.
7900 S.W. 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155

http://www.santasenchantedforest.com/

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged kids in miami, miami beaches, miami museums, miami parks, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Everglades Exotic: Animals Lie in Wait

Posted on September 9, 2011 by William Hayes

Evolution is on full display across the Everglades and south Florida. Maybe most visibly in Miami, where America’s modern gateway to Latin America is quickly fashioning itself as one of the world’s most culturally cosmopolitan cities.

But more living and breathing examples of the evolution of the species can be found just outside the Miami metropolis, beyond the nightly natural selection happening in the trendy South Beach club scene.

Some of the planet’s wildest – and most endangered – creatures are lurking along some of the most well-traveled and popular tours in the area. Here’s your checklist of the top exotic and vulnerable fauna native to the region, many viewable via local tour operator or even from your rental car.

Key deer

#5: Key deer – Travelers driving south to Key West along U.S. Highway 1 regularly report sightings of the smallest species of North American white-tailed deer, the key deer. Equal parts cute, cuddly and diminutive, these tiny roadside grazers were at one point one of the most endangered animals in the Florida ecosystem, their numbers dwindling to just a couple dozen. Today, the population is far more stable. It is not uncommon to come across a baby-Bambi where the narrow road passes near the key deer’s preferred mangroves. Start your lookout at Big Pine Key. Keep a sharp eye all the way to Key West.

Florida manatee

#4: Florida manatee – Though their numbers have diminished in the Keys, these “sea cows” – once mythically mistaken by sailors as mermaids – hang around waterways up and down the East Coast. But in Florida, they are their migratory best. They slowly traverse the shallows from the Everglades, to inland rivers, to Miami’s Biscayne Bay. Historically hunted for their flesh and oil, the manatee today is most threatened by coastal development and increasing conflict with motorized watercraft. Their numbers, though, seem to have stabilized.

Loggerhead sea turtle, one of five endangered turtle species in Florida

#3: Sea turtle – With five specific species listed as endangered in Florida by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the anachronistic sea turtle is extra-sensitive to coastal development because it nests in some of the most pristine beachfronts up and down the Florida coastline. So unless you’re out with a bright flashlight late at night along one of those beaches, your chances of spotting one of these prehistoric specimens are pretty remote. But take to the water, and your outlook for spotting one swimming along rises to the ‘probable’ level, with the right tour. Our recommendation: Hitch a ride on a glass-bottom boat tour out of Key West, and on your way to the coral reef, keep an eye out.

American crocodile

Head to the sprawling swamplands of the Everglades to catch a fortunate glimpse of the top two exotic and endangered animals of south Florida.

#2: American crocodile – The iconic crocodile, which cohabits the Everglades’ sawgrass marshes and cypress forests with the often misidentified American alligator, is a keystone species to the ecosystem. It’s also a heart-stopping thrill for folks lucky enough to witness their reptilian eyes break the surface of the murky water. One way to get a glimpse of the scaly throwback: Hop an Everglades Airboat Adventure tour. Or, keep your eyes peeled in Everglades National Park along the mainland shoreline of Florida Bay from the Cape Sable peninsula east to U.S. Hwy. 1.

Florida panther

#1: Florida panther – Diminishing numbers of this majestic and eminently elusive cat mean a rare sighting should be truly treasured. A subspecies of the mountain lion, this ferocious feline once prowled much of the southeastern United States, but geographic isolation and habitat loss have driven the cat’s numbers down to near double-digits. Ecologists are going to great lengths today to protect what remains of the population, Florida’s state animal, but you’d be hard-pressed to come across a Floridian (much less any person) who’ve spied a panther in the wild.

That puts it at the very top of your south Florida animal I-Spy list.

A wide swath of Miami attractions appeals to tourists with a distinct desire to explore the region´s evolutionary spirit — in full swing in both an artistic and cultural sense, but even more poignantly on display in the hidden brush of the Everglades and in the waters rushing by on a Key West tour. Just hop a ride on an airboat or sunset sail and find out for yourself!

Posted in Everglades | Tagged Miami attractions, miami Trip, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Taxi VS Transfer in Miami

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Damien Venuto

Miami Taxi

The traveler’s conundrum of taxi VS transfer is universally applicable to all tourist destinations. Even Miami, with its highly advanced modes of public transportation, challenges the tourist in the regard. Essentially, the problem often comes down to a struggle between convenience and price, but there are often further factors at play. By considering the pros and cons of these different elements, the following discussion will help you decide which option is more suitable for your Miami vacation.

Finding a Taxi

Having spent hours sitting in the cramp-inducing seats of the economy class, you probably don’t want to wait for a taxi. The taxi waiting game can be particularly frustrating in Miami, because the drivers have a penchant for driving past you. If you are fortunate enough to wave down a thoroughly uninterested transport provider, he may reject you on the ground that your (3 mile) journey is too short to make it worthwhile.

Miami taxi drivers have garnered a notorious reputation for refusing to accept journeys that they regard as too short. Under Floridian law, taxi drivers, who reject a potential passenger, face a fine of up to $500 for such an offense – this, however, does not deter all taxi drivers from being selective.

In contrast, transfers are pre-negotiated and tourists have the assurance of arriving back to the hotel at a scheduled time. This small benefit could save you hours of vacation time, which can then be spent on hotel pick-up sticks or some other immensely exciting vacation activity.

Family Policy

Unless you are blessed with a selfless group of family members, your toddler will have to join you on your Miami vacation. Miami taxi drivers are obligated to provide young passengers with a safety seat. This rule, though admirable, leaves families with young children in the precarious position of being stranded on the side of the road, while scores of taxis, without the necessary baby seating, drive by.

Safety Seat for Children

The obvious benefit of a transfer is that the company will be informed of your family’s specific requirements and they will be able to prepare in accordance with these needs. There is no risk of standing in the rain, on the side of the road as buses kick up tidal waves of muddy water onto your white summer dress.

Cost

In Miami, a 15 minute taxi trip will cost you approximately $30 dollars – but, this excludes the $2 surcharge for journeys originating at the airport. The taxis are generally metered, but they do also offer a fixed rate to certain destinations. To get to the Miami Port from the airport will cost you approximately $24 dollars at a fixed rate. Tipping is not obligatory, but failing to do so is regarded as extremely rude – always remember to increase your price estimation by about ten percent.

The cost of a private airport transfer in Miami will largely depend on the company that you select to travel with. The price range is often dependent on the acuteness of your lust for luxury. If high-end service is what you desire, you are going to have to pay high-rolling prices. Gray Line’s standard Miami airport transfers cost from $15 to $33 per person. If you prefer grand traveling, then you have the luxury vehicle options, which will set you back between $140 and $280 per car – the choice is entirely up to you.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged airport transfer in Miami, Miami aiport transfers | Leave a comment

Things to Do in Miami – Love Miami

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Miami and its location create beautiful settings for spending a romantic holiday. Wander on the beach, watch the sunset, walk hand in hand, and fall in love. Many use Miami as a getaway point to their Caribbean honeymoon cruise, but there are some that actually come to Miami to get married. There are two places above the rest for taking your wedding vows. And lots of other places to kiss and cuddle – just be romantic!

Here is a list of some things to do in Miami and places where you might want to set up a romantic picnic or have a full moon walk with you dear:

South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park
South Pointe is a park and a beach at the southernmost point of South Beach. Thanks to its location, it offers panoramic views of Fisher Island, Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami, and the Atlantic Ocean. And the parties of South Beach don´t reach this spot. Come with your partner, family or a dog, this beach-park combination is a place for you. Most of the tourists haven´t found this place, so it leaves you a plenty of place to enjoy the day or the evening in this relatively small park and clean beach. Parking here might be a problem, which is what keeps the masses of people from coming here.
1 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-673-7730

Kennedy Park
Sit under a tree, have a picnic, read a book or have some sparkling wine while watching sailboats and windsurfers drift by. Or attend a free yoga-class on Saturday mornings here! There’s also a covered playground for kids. The park offers a possibility for all sorts of activities from beach volley to frisbee-golf. If you prefer to avoid crowds, come here on weekday, grab a lunch from Fresh Market and enjoy the day with your loved one.
2400 S Bayshore Dr
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
305-575-5256

Bill Baggs State Park
Savor for over a mile of natural Atlantic beachfront in this beach which many times is ranked as one of the best beaches in US. And no wonder why – there are eight fishing platforms and the oldest lighthouse in the South (built in 1825), which give this beach a unique scene. Eighteen covered pavilions offer excellent conditions for romantic picnics overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Maybe rent the carriage bikes to go around the island. Watch a sunset, stay over in the camping area and fall asleep under the stars.
1200 S. Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
305-361-5811

The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables

The Venetian Pool
Venetian Pool is a historic, public swimming pool, built in 1923 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The pool has amazing features you don´t find elsewhere – Spanish pórticos, caves, waterfalls and fountains which definitely make this place worth visiting. Spend a sunny and romantic afternoon swimming in the caves and enjoying the big pool that doesn´t feel crowded even with large amount of people in it. Be aware that even though being public, there´s an entrance admission, which however is worth every penny.
2701 de Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-460-5306

The Ancient Spanish Monastery
The old monastery provides 7 romantic spots for weddings and is a popular, yet unique setting for the most important day of your life. If you´re not planning weddings, yet or again, wander in the gardens in this historical setting and get amazed by its beauty and mystique. Originally built from 1133-1141 AD in Spain, the Cloisters were part of a Cistercian monastery for nearly 700 years. It was shipped to the US in 1925, and the Cloisters were reassembled in South Florida in 1952.
16711 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, Fl 33160
305-945-1461

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya is another stunning place for organizing the Day of Your Life. Located along the Biscayne Bay, the setting for a weeding or other important celebration couldn´t be better. You can also spend a day here walking around in this lush subtropical environment and letting your senses enjoy the ambience of colorful orchids and fountains.
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
305-250-9133

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour
Bal Harbour is located in the northern tip of the Miami Beach. Take a walk at night anywhere between 93-97 streets and on the beach. This is the place where no-one will come bothering you. Listen to the waves crashing and make yourself comfortable under the stars…
Miami, FL 33154

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk
Come here to enjoy a day or even better a night. If you´re not in the mood for lying on the beach or going roller-skating, kick off your sandals and take a moonlight walk in the soft and clean sand. As its name reveals, this beach and its restaurants may get crowded sometimes. Despite that, it remains as one of the cleanest and enjoyable beaches of the city.
South Boardwalk, Hollywood, FL 33019

Helicopter Ride over Miami
If you haven´t taken a helicopter ride before, Miami is definitely a great place to have this experience for the first time. When observing the city from the sky, Miami and its crystal waters look like a movie scene. Miami helicopter tour is definitely an experience you and your partner won´t forget.

Posted in Eat Pray Love Miami | Tagged biscayne bay, miami beaches, miami museums, miami parks, south beach, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Things to Do in Miami – Pray Miami

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

As the other big cities of this continent, Miami also provides with a big number of churches to choose from if you feel like calming down. Miami has altogether more than 500 churches and around 28 denominations. About 39% of Florida´s residents attend weekly services.

On the list below you can find the biggest or the most central churches that represent the major world religions:

Catholics
Catholicism is the dominant religion in continental USA and also in the Florida state. Some 26 % of Florida´s population is Catholics. Miami has over 50 Catholic churches and numerous Catholic schools. Florida and the southwest US were the first territories to receive Spanish explorers and settlers in 1513. Catholics arrived before the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Reformation.

St. Patrick Church at Miami Beach

Archdiocese Of Miami
9401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

St. Patrick Church
3716 Garden Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Jews
The first recorded Jews arrived to Florida in 1763, however the Jewish population remained under 25,000 persons until 1940’. Today with about 750,000 Jews, Florida is home to the third largest Jewish population in the US.

Temple Israel of Greater Miami
137 NE 19th St, Miami, FL 33132

Lutherans
Lutheranism is a great Western Christianity´s branch that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther. Some 7.5 million Lutherans reside in US. Lutheran community in the US is the second largest in the world after Germany.

St Mark’s Lutheran Church
3930 S Le Jeune Rd, Miami, FL 33134

ST James Evangelical Lutheran
110 Phoenetia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Muslims
Several thousand Muslims immigrated to the USA between 1880s and 1914 from the Ottoman Empire together with some that came from South Asia. Nowadays the 1.8 million Muslims of USA are spread all over the country, however there´s only few Mosques in Miami.

Muhammad’s Mosque
5600 Northwest 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33127

MCA Masjids
4305 NW 183rd Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33055

Greek Orthodox
Orthodoxy is the world´s second largest Christian communion, with some 300 million adherents. Orthodoxy is largely focused to the area of Eastern Europe but it has smaller communities all over the world, including Miami.

ST George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral

ST Peter & Paul Orthodox Church
1411 SW 11th St, Miami, FL 33135

ST George Antiochian Orthodox
320 Palermo Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Hindus
Hinduism is the world’s oldest and third largest organized religion. Approximately 0.5 % of total US population is Hindus. The majority of American Hindus are Indian Americans, immigrants from India and Nepal and their descendants.

Hindu Temple of South Florida
12511, SW 112 Ave, Miami, FL 33175

Hare Krishna Temple
3220 Virginia St, Miami, FL 33133

Buddhists
Buddhism has entered the US during the 19th century when the first Buddhist immigrants arrived from Eastern Asia. Late at the same century Buddhist missionaries from Japan came to the US. At that time, US intellectuals started to take interest in Buddhism.

Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple of Miami
15200 SW 240th St, Homestead, FL 33032

Baptists
Miami has three megachurches and two of them belong to the Baptists. A megachurch means a church that has 2000 or more persons attending mass or other activities in an average weekend.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens
21311 NW 34th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International
2300 NW 135 St, Miami, FL 33167

Assemblies of God
The third megachurch located in Miami belongs to Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God was founded in 1914 and is a Protestant Pentecostal denomination.

Trinity Church
17801 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33169

Non-Denominational / Independent Churches
There are various non-denominational or independent churches in Miami area. These churches or institutions of Christianity are not formally aligned with an established denomination, or they remain otherwise officially autonomous. Non-denominational is generally used to refer to different forms of independence: theological or political.

Miami Shores Christian Church
10150 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33138

Worship Jesus Fellowship Church
5800 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012

Methodists
Methodists possess more than 40 churches in Miami which makes Methodism a significant religion in this area. Methodism is a Protestant Christianity movement represented by a number of denominations and organizations, having approximately seventy million adherents worldwide.

First United Methodist Church of Miami
400 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Greater ST Paul AME Church
3680 Thomas Ave, Miami, FL 33133

Presbyterians
The Presbyterian Church is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the US. Presbyterian heritage, and most of their believing, began with the Swiss/French theologian/lawyer John Calvin in the 16th century.

First Presbyterian Church Of Miami
609 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33131

Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church is a mainline Anglican Christian church, mainly found in the US. It has some 2 million members in US. Its first parish was founded in 1607.

Holy Family Episcopal Church
18501 NW 7th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169

Apostolic Church
The Apostolic Church is a Pentecostal Christian denomination, which has its origins in the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival. The largest national Apostolic church is in Nigeria, with over 4.5 million members.

Pentecostal Tabernacle International
18415 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33169

Calvary Chapels
Calvary Chapel is an evangelical association of Christian churches with some thousand congregations worldwide. The name Calvary usually refers to pictures or sculptures representing the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Calvary Chapel Miami Beach
7141 Indian Creek, Miami Beach FL 33141

Pentecostal Church
Pentecostalism is a movement within Christianity that places emphasis on a direct personal experience of God. Pentecostalism is an umbrella movement for many theologies and cultures, and there is no central organization or church that directs the movement.

Just As I Am International Ministries
16196 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33054

If you´re not a religious person, there are lots of other things to do in Miami for someone new in town. Miami is an active city that holds musical, cultural and historical events weekly, and many of them are free of charge.

Posted in Eat Pray Love Miami | Tagged miami churches, religions, south beach | Leave a comment

Things to Do in Miami – Eat Miami

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

There has been a continuous upwards trend in Miami´s culinary scheme in recent years. The city is not famous for its local Michelin Starred chefs, but it does host a multitude of world-class chefs. Miami has a diverse population and its restaurant scene is at least as widespread as are the roots of its residents. However, if you´re not a big fan of Latin flavors, no worries, great courses of curry, tapas and sushi are easily found round the corner.

Annual 12 million overnight visitors are being offered lots of things to do in Miami and they are usually well fed in Downtown Miami, Coral Gables and Miami Beach. Reservations aren´t always necessary, but during peak season—from late October to March—they might be hard to get in the last minute.

Best Pizza

Steve’s Pizza
This is a cozy North Miami place with few tables inside and more on outside. It´s hard to describe this restaurant without using the next words: THE BEST PIZZA. Pizzas come with tomato sauce and amazing gooey-cheesy on long slices of fresh-baked dough in a traditional New York style. If you don´t want to settle for something you would normally order, try the “special,” filled with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and anchovies. The Garlic rolls are also worth of mentioning.
12101 Biscayne Blvd
North Miami, FL
305-891-0202

Best Seafood

Joe's Stone Crab

Joe’s Stone Crab
Get ready for waiting for a table, that´s how good and popular this traditional seafood heaven is. And no, they don´t take don´t take any reservations. Their menu is very varied, atmosphere is lovely and the service is top-notch. Joe´s serves the best grab-legs in town together with large side dishes. The experience they have of preparing the grabs comes with the long experience. This restaurant has served the Miami Beach folk since 1913. Must-go place once you´re in town, but save this for a special occasion, the night might get a bit pricy.
11 Washington Avenue / South Beach
305-673-0365, http://www.joesstonecrab.com/

Best Sushi

Shibui Japanese Restaurant
This two-story Japanese restaurant delights its customers with Japanese style seating (giant pillows on the floor) upstairs. Sushi is always fresh and the customer service has never let me down. Try sushi for the first time or eat it weekly, this is the place to go. And the prices are very reasonable.
10141 Sunset Dr
Kendale Lakes, FL
305-274-5578, http://shibuimiami.com/

Best Desserts

Sosta
Even though it´s a “typical” Italian restaurant, Sosta has something surprisingly special: an award-winning pastry chef Antonio Bachour, who is in charge of Sosta´s dessert menu. Try out his delicious torta di cioccolato with pistachio gelato, or tiramisu made with Gianduja or maybe a creamy vanilla panna cotta. If all this seems boring for someone more familiar with Italian desserts, what about an eight-inch Nutella pizza? That is what real fusion food should be like!
1025 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL
305-722-5454, http://www.sostapizzeria.com/

Mango's Tropical Café

Best Dinner & Show

Mango’s Tropical Café
How many restaurants have a live dance show going on since lunch time, even on Mondays? Not many, but Mango´s Tropical Café is a big exception. Located at the heart of South Beach, they offer you tropical dance shows from salsa to Michael Jackson and everything in between. In the evening the restaurant turns into a wild nightclub which assures great time for people looking for crazy, party experiences. The cocktails might be a bit pricey, but that´s the deal everywhere in South Beach.
900 Ocean Drive Miami Beach,
Miami, FL 33139
305-673-4422, http://www.mangostropicalcafe.com/

Best Hamburger

Jr’s Gourmet Burgers
Gourmet but homemade style burgers which are always cooked perfectly and the service is friendly. Together with burgers, try out some sweet potato fries with cinnamon and sugar! My personal favorite burger: Acosta, topped with black pepper aioli, Swiss cheese, and French onions.
7 Westward Drive
Miami Springs, FL 33166
786-360-5347, http://jrsburgers.com/

Best Curry

Soi Asian Bistro
This little, minimalistically decorated 30-seater restaurant is one of the few Curry places that exist the next time you want to go back. The turnover in Asian restaurants is high in Miami. Their Massaman is maybe the best curry you can find in this city. The portions are big, the miso soup and sushi are also very recommendable and the waiters will most likely find a room for you even though the place would be full, as it usually is, and for a reason!
134 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
305-523-3643, http://www.facebook.com/SoiAsianBistro

Best Thai Food

Lotus Garden Restaurant
Family-owned classic Thai cuisine, with a Vietnamese twist in it, serves solid quality from year to year. The portions are large and if you come here for once or twice, the owner Cathy Nguyen or her mother will most likely remember what the thing you ordered last time was. Take out or stay in, the dish will be delicious. And if you´re a vegetarian, you finally have lots to choose from!
318 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL
305-446-2360

Best Brazilian Restaurant

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria
Don´t even take a look at the dessert menu of this place, I assure you, you won´t have any room for sweet after eating your main course. This Brazilian chain restaurant is a meat eater´s paradise. And don´t worry for taking you´re vegetarian friend here, their salad bar itself is also a treat. Eat as much as can, the waiter will keep coming with meat until you show him red card as a sign of being full. If going at lunch hour, sleep a siesta afterwards.
11401 NW 12th St # 514
Miami, FL 33172
305-599-7729, www.texasdebrazil.com

Best Mexican

Taqueria El Carnal
This hole-in-the-wall Mexican street-food place that has space for only few customers at a time may not be the fanciest in town, BUT you get what you pay for: probably the best authentic Mexican food at low prices you don´t find anywhere else. Enchiladas, Pazole, Menudo or Tacos al Pastor, you name, it´s all good.
1128 SW 8th St, Miami, FL
786-287-8950

Best Italian Restaurant

Cioppino
You might end up spending some dollars here, but Cioppino does serve some of the best filet mignon in Florida. Pasta´s here are made the real Italian way and they taste as mama had just served them to you at a Tuscanese garden. From a fancy plate of course. Restaurant is located at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Key Biscayne, make a reservation for a table outdoors on the terrace and savor the view to the Atlantic Ocean while you enjoy the best dinner of your vacations in Miami.
455 Grand Bay Dr
Key Biscayne, FL
305-365-9575, http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Dining/Cioppino

Andalus

Best Spanish Restaurant

Andalus
If you feel like listening at some live flamenco music while slowly enjoying your hot and cold tapas and wine in an elegant environment, this is the place to go. Andalus is located at the design district of Miami and is definitely a good choice for ending a night of gallery hopping. Known for its warm and friendly service, this place makes you feel the Spanish vibe in the air. Andalus haven’t been in town for a long time, but with its current menu and service, no doubt it´s going to stick around!
35 NE 40th St, Miami, FL
305-400-4324, http://andalusmiami.com/

Best Vegan/Raw Food Restaurant

Lifefood Gourmet
Who said a burger or a pizza couldn’t be good for you? Healthy, tasty, organic, delicious… If these are the attributes you want from your meal, this is your heaven. Pictures on their menu show which foods help your body glow and the owner knows a whole lot of veganism.
1248 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL
305-856-6767, http://lifefoodgourmet.com/

These Miami restaurants are only author´s choice and we would love to hear your opinions and suggestions for even better dining places. Miami has a number of great restaurants to go to. Sometimes a homemade sandwich might be the best option!

Posted in Eat Pray Love Miami | Tagged mango´s tropical cafe, miami restaurants, south beach | Leave a comment

Top Five Movies Filmed in Miami Beach

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Given its idyllic beach setting and world famous nightlife, there are plenty of movies filmed in Miami Beach, Florida. Ranging from slapstick comedy to fighting crime drama, there is a mix of the good, bad and ugly. Thankfully there are some true cinematic gems and here is a list of my top five movies filmed in Miami Beach. These movies do more than entertain, they make us laugh and cry, and they inspire us to travel. Consider this Miami sightseeing from the comfort of your home. So pop these movies into your DVD player and let your mind wander to a tropical beach and feel the sand between your toes.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

It may seem like Jim Carrey has been famous forever but it was this movie where he got his start as an over the top comedic actor. Making silly jokes while looking ridiculous, pet detective Ace Ventura attempts to track down the Miami Dolphin’s mascot, Snowflake. Jim Carrey capitalizes on his signature style of physical comedy and Ace manages to save the day just in time for the Super Bowl.

The Birdcage (1996)

Proving that Miami Beach is more than just cop shows, drug busts and beaches, and the Birdcage recognizes the Miami residents of the established gay and lesbian community. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane do not disappoint in this purposefully outlandish comedy about facing the realities of modern families with more than a few eccentric individuals.

Scarface (1983)

Epic movie. Perhaps the gold standard for all future Miami crime dramas, Scarface is full of extreme violence, drugs and obscenities. In short, destined to be a classic. The film follows the kingpin Tony Montana in his pursuit of the American dream and he eloquently outlines his vision, “In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power.”

Miami Vice (2007)

Perhaps cliché, but you cannot list movies about Miami Beach without mentioning it. Based on the 80s popular TV series which made Miami Beach and white suit jackets famous, Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell boldly took on their action packed roles. The rumor mill was working overtime during the production of this film and see if you can notice any tension in the movie.

Bad Boys (1995)

The comic pairing of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence floored audiences in the 90s and helped solidify both actors as well-paid comedic forces. Bantering back and forth like as best friend narco-detectives, the duo must track down stolen drugs, beat the bad guys and save the damsel in distress. While formulaic, this movie is incredibly entertaining due to the online chemistry between the two actors. Interestingly, Will Smith is a Miami Beach resident, owning a home on the exclusive Star Island.

Posted in Miami in a Nutshell | Tagged celebrities in miami, Miami Beach, Miami movies, Miami sightseeing | Leave a comment

3 Literary Landscapes Not Inspired by Miami

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Damien Venuto

In literature, the landscape is the constant unchanging platform that simultaneously serves as a stage, which allows the action to take place, and an anonymous ever-present character, which silently influences the passions and motives of everyone in the book. It, then, comes as no surprise that the landscape often carries the most distinct evidence of the author’s influences. The landscape and its beauty (or ugliness) often defines the central themes of a novel. The following list provides a brief glance at several literary masterpieces and the reasons why the Miami landscape could not have served as inspiration for their writing.

Crime and Punishment

Rainy St. Petersburg

Dostoevsky populates St. Petersburg with scores of faceless characters, clad in suits, which shy away from interaction as much as possible. When Raskolnikov travels into the city, he chooses not to wear a top hat for fear of standing out. This seemingly insignificant moment illustrates the pervasive impact of sameness on the community – an effect absent from the colorful streets of Miami. If Dostoevsky had lived in Miami, the dreary heaviness of Russia would have been replaced with vibrant interaction. The streets would have been filled with colorful clothing, indicative of individual fashion choices. If Dostoevsky had lived in Miami, the literary canon would have lost Crime and Punishment – but, as a corollary, the exponential number of depressed writers in the world would have also been reduced by one.

Disgrace

In Disgrace, Nobel Prize winning JM Coetzee creates an arid Post-Apartheid landscape, where suffering is an inevitable norm in the new society. Little respite is offered from the bearing heat and onslaught of mindless violence. The devastating horrors that befall the protagonists simply accentuate the apparent absence of an effective police force. In sharp contrast to this, Miami has garnered international fame for its police force. The police force is so conscientious that CSI, the popular television show, has enjoyed its greatest success here. The contrast between the dangerous South African landscape and the safety of Miami is too great to accommodate the possibility that Coetzee could have written his poignant novel in the American city.

The Road

The barren post-apocalyptic landscape in Cormac McCarthy’s celebrated novel is the antithesis of modern day Miami. The book’s protagonists attempt to escape the wasteland for the entire narrative. Conversely, Miami, as a prominent American holiday destination, serves to welcome people every year. Many visitors, including a wide range of celebrities, never leave after experiencing a holiday in Miami. Miami, as opposed to McCarthy’s imagined world, is a destination that people choose to inhabit, because of his gorgeous beaches and laid back lifestyle.

Writing From Within

The oft repeated axiom “good writers write from within” speaks volumes about how experiences influence creative impulses. Miami was chosen for this piece, because it represents the antithesis of the turmoil, which features in these books. To see Miami is to realize that life can be good, despite what our literary canon might suggest. A Miami trip serves as a reminder that that melancholic musings of writers are not universal truths – but rather individual experiences represented as an art form, akin to paintings and sculptures.

Posted in Miami in a Nutshell | Tagged csi miami, literature, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Mother-Daughter Key West Trip

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Megan Kaseburg

Ahhhh.... Key West Ocean View

Given that Key West is famous for sports fishing and misogynistic authors who drink too much, you might not think that Key West is the ideal place for a mother-daughter trip. But my mom and I had an absolute blast. Fleeing the constant rain that is the trademark of our northern hometown, we headed to the southern most point of the Continental US to soak ourselves in sunshine and bright blue water. Just what the doctor ordered to chase away those winter blues.

For the start of our Caribbean adventure, we decided to follow the Jack Sparrow philosophy of “It’s not the destination, so much as the journey” by taking the drive from Miami to Key West. The drive is long (about 4 hours depending on traffic) but it is usually much cheaper than flying directly into Key West. More importantly, the views are spectacular as you pass the white sand beaches and tropical scenery that make the Florida Keys famous. We hadn’t even arrived at our final stop and we were already delighted with our Key West Trip. Once we did stroll into town, we inevitably faced the “What are we going to do in Key West?” dilemma. Here is a brief run-down of the things we enjoyed the most.

The Hemingway House

Ernest Hemingway's Famous Home

Ernest Hemingway is probably best known for his amazing literary talent and his reputation as a man’s man. What many people don’t know is that Hemingway had a particular affection for six toed cats. That’s right, Hemingway was a cat lover. Today his old home has been turned into a popular museum and the lawn is covered with these lounging, polydactyl creatures. You just have to see it to believe it.

Snorkeling

Key West has some amazing snorkeling and it’s hard to imagine having more fun than swimming through warm clear water while looking at colorful fish. Our first attempt to snorkel independently…errr… well it sort of failed. When we arrived at destination, the water was cloudy and there were signs discouraging swimming due to sting rays. As most of the best snorkeling is outside of Key West, maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to take a snorkeling tour or perhaps ask around before randomly selecting a snorkeling beach.

Key Lime Pie

Yummy Key Lime Pie

My mom’s favorite dessert is Key Lime Pie and the best place to enjoy this delicious treat is in the place where these mini limes got their name. So sweet and yet so tart, Key Lime Pie is a perfect on a warm Key West evening. Each chef seems to make their pies differently, so it’s up to you to find your own favorite recipe and/or restaurant.

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged Hemingway House, Key Lime Pie, snorkeling | Leave a comment

Miami Museum List

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

This sunny city is not only about the beach and shopping. There is some serious Miami museum hopping available for those who enjoy the contemporary, historic, natural, scientific or erotic art. Exhibitions for the smallest of the family are also easily found from this city. Choose one of the few cloudy days in the city and get familiar with the supply of Miami museums.

The next list of museums gets you started and provides activities for many days:

Miami Art Museum

Miami Art Museum
Located in downtown Miami, this museum of modern and contemporary art dedicates to exhibiting and collecting international art with special focus on the American, European and African cultures from the 20th and 21st centuries.

101 W Flagler St., Miami, FL 33130
T. +1 305 375 3000, http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/

Lowe Art Museum
The Lowe Art Museum is the art museum of the University of Miami and features permanent collections from Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceana and the Americas. This museum pursues on teaching its visitors through its permanent and borrowed collections.

1301 Stanford Drive
Coral Gables, Florida 33124-6310
T. +1 305 284 3535, http://www6.miami.edu/lowe/

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
MOCA exhibits the new trends and directions in contemporary art. Most of its exhibitions present the mix of emerging and legendary artists. MOCA presents a calendar of lectures by renowned artists and critics, film screenings, concerts, and performances.

Joan Lehman Building
770 NE 125th Street,
North Miami, Florida 33161
T. +1 305 893 6211
info@mocanomi.org, http://www.moca.org/

Miami Science Museum (MiaSci)
MiaSci features scientific and technological art and exhibitions to people of all ages interested of natural phenomenon. Currently under construction in downtown Miami is the new museum including public gardens, fountains and pools.

MiaSci also includes a Planetarium and a Wildlife Center. The Planetarium features surround sound, video projection, lasers and a four story tall multi-media imagery, whereas the Wildlife Center dedicates to the ecological research and rehabilitation.

3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
T. +1 305 646 4200, http://www.miamisci.org/

World Erotic Art Museum Miami

World Erotic Art Museum
This museum is the home of the America´s largest collection of erotic art. Museum features a private collection of paintings, tapestries,sculptures and art objects of antique and contemporary art and shows different cultures, art mediums and lifestyles in a historic time line.

1205 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
T. +1 305 532 9336, http://www.weam.com/

Bass Museum of Art
In spite of the musical name, this museum doesn´t provide musical art but a collection of Antiquities, Renaissance and Baroque art, exhibitions, educational programs and scholarships.

2100 Collins Avenue (between 21st & 22nd)
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
T. +1 305 673 7530, http://www.bassmuseum.org/

Museum of HistoryMiami
The Museum of HistoryMiami acts as a space that presents the history of Miami and the greater South Florida region. It offers exhibitions, collections, and publications for both the local community as for visitors.

101 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
T. +1 305 375 1492, http://www.historymiami.org/

The Wolfsonian
The Wolfsonian is a museum and research center which possesses a collection of objects from the modern era (1885-1945) and focuses on how art and design shape and reflect the human experience. Museum offers its visitors exhibitions, publications, educational programs and individual scholarship.

1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
At the corner of 10^th Street and Washington Avenue
T. +1 305 531 1001, http://www.wolfsonian.org/

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum (formerly The Art Museum at FIU)
Located on the University Park campus of Florida International University, this museum is committed to art education for all ages, offering innovative programs including Art Smart for 5th grade students, guided tours on its Sculpture Park and lectures by renowned artists and luminaries through its Steven & Dorothea Green Critics Lecture Series and Latin American & Caribbean Art Lecture Series.

Florida International University, University Park
10975 SW 17th Street
Miami, FL 33199, T. +1 305 348 2890
artinfo@fiu.edu, http://www.artmuseumtouring.com/Frost.html

Haitian Heritage Museum
This culturally rich museum, located in the heart of Little Haiti, provides its visitors with Haitian art, historic artifacts, Haitian music and films and a collection of Haitian literature.

4141 NE 2 Ave. # 105C
Miami, FL 33137
T. +1 305 371 5988, http://www.haitianheritagemuseum.org

Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monistery

Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery
Originally built from 1133-1141 AD in Spain, the Cloisters were part of a Cistercian monastery for nearly 700 years. In 1925 shipped to the US, the Cloisters were reassembled in South Florida in 1952. Nowadays works as a popular place to organize weddings and take tourist tours.

16711 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, Fl 33160
T. +1 305 945 1461, http://www.spanishmonastery.com/

The ArtCenter/South Florida (ACSF)
ACSF offers contemporary visual arts and culture through education, exhibition and public outreach programming and it provides a work-space for visual artists in all stages of career development.

924 Lincoln Road, Suite 205
Miami Beach, FL 33139
T. +1 305 674 8278, http://www.artcentersf.org/

Black Police Precinct Courthouse and Museum
This museum displays police memorabilia; artifacts, documents, video, and word of mouth stories by the black police who worked in that building. Museum acquires, preserves, displays, and promotes African American history as it relates to the struggles and accomplishments of Black Police Officers in Miami, as they served during the pre Civil Rights era of the 1940′s, 50′s, and 60’s.

480 NW 11th Street, Miami, FL 33136
T. +1 305 329 2513
T. +1 305 329 2547, http://www.blackpoliceprecinctandcourthousemuseum.org/

Vizcaya
Vizcaya, built in the 1910′s, when Gilded Age cultural standards were enlivened of the dawning Jazz Age. This Miami museum introduces visitors to city’s place in a time when America’s wealthiest industrialists created lavish homes inspired by the palaces of Europe. Vizcaya’s collections include its national historic landmark main house and village outbuildings, its gardens with their architectural elements and statuary, and the array of art objects.

Vizcaya

3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
T. +1 305 250 9133

Jewish Museum of Florida
In addition to its beautiful buildings, this museum presents its own and traveling exhibits. It sponsors cultural and educational programs, houses a collections & research center reflecting nearly 250 years of Florida Jewish history, and communicates Jewish history, art, culture and values to Jews and non-Jews.

301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
T. +1 305 672 5044, http://www.jewishmuseum.com/

Miami Children’s Museum (MCM)
This museum provides a space for playing, learning, imaging and creating. MCM possess interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.

980 Macarthur Causeway
Miami, Florida 33132
T. +1 305 373 5437, http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

Wings Over Miami Air Museum
Located at Kendall-Tamiami Airport, this museum serves as an ongoing tribute to the veterans and aviators who pioneered military and civilian aviation. Museum educates its visitors about the history of aviation, the scientific basis of flight, and the challenges faced during the evolution of flight.

Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport
14710 SW 128th Street
Miami, FL 33196
T. +1 305 233 5197, http://www.wingsovermiami.com/

Miami Museum Month is organized in May and it provides action for people of all ages. Together with Gray Line Miami Tours even the smallest of the family are accustomed to art.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged miami museums, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Miami – What to Do List

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Damien Venuto

Even one episode of CSI could teach the most clueless traveler that Miami is a beautiful region, inhabited by a plethoric abundance of gorgeous people. What CSI fails to tell the wide-eyed spectator is that there is so much more to Miami than aesthetic charm. It would be impossible to construct an all-inclusive list of must-sees, but what follows are a few recommendations of what to do in Miami that you should not miss under any circumstances.

Football Game

The Miami Dolphin s enjoy the support of an enormous fan-base. Attending a game will not allow you to understand the elaborate array of incomprehensible rules, but it will let you experience the hype of the game. Tickets can be purchased online, but remember to plan in advance because tickets for bigger games are very difficult to come by.

Swim with Dolphins

These Miami dolphins are not nearly as vicious as their human namesakes, but they are still pretty incredible nonetheless. Swimming with dolphins has traditionally been the exclusive right of dolphin trainers and crazy pre-dawn surfers – but in Miami this right extends to you.

South Beach

Unless you are still plagued by an unbearable childhood phobia of bronze sand, you have to head down to South Beach. This hotspot serves as a stomping ground to all the beautiful people that call Miami home. Here, you will be able to admire (or laugh at) the effects of steroid abuse while enjoying the usual sun-baking benefits of a beach holiday. Lie in the sun, get sunburned and go to a beachside restaurant for a splendid Margarita – it’s all part of the Miami vibe.

Stand in Lines

As bizarre as this suggestion may sound, it’s completely necessary. An authentic Miami experience demands that you wait in long lines to enter pricey nightclubs. Unless you are a very well connected individual, or possess invisibility as a superpower, you will have to stand in some very long lines while on holiday. It may seem like a waste of time, but once you enter the establishment, you will realize why it was worth it.

See (and eat) a Gator

Gators, like lines and football are a necessary part of the Miami experience. Start your trip by seeing these living fossils in the Everglades and then pop into a local restaurant to indulge in some gator tail. You will find that it tastes very similar to chicken – yes, you’ve heard it before, so you’ll just have to try it for yourself to see if it’s true.

Helicopter Spin
If you are still wondering what to do in Miami, include a helicopter trip in your itinerary. When you fly over Miami, you will be able to see the full extent of its beauty from an entirely different perspective. There are few experiences that can truly encapsulate the word breathtaking – but this is one of them.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged csi miami, fly over Miami, south beach, what to do in Miami | Leave a comment

Tips for Miami Trip

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Miami, Florida is an ideal place to spend holidays when you don´t want to settle for less than best. Thanks to Miami´s excellent location, it offers the possibility to combine the elements of city, beach and sea in one trip to Miami. In addition to this splendor, it also features the world famous Everglades – a river of grass, where one can get a firsthand look into the lives of the alligators and other wild animals that roam this area.

World´s Largest Cruise Ship Port

As well as being an international trade hub, Miami´s busy port also functions as the largest cruise ship port in the world. Miami is often called the Cargo Gateway of the Americas or the Cruise Capital of the World. Last year (2010) Miami´s port served 4,150,000 passengers.

Predictably, there´s a lot of competition between the cruise companies and this ensures that the individual tastes of all travelers are met. Tourists can choose to travel for 3 to 11 days or sail for an even longer duration. There are a wide range of destinations on offer – the Bahamas, Mexico, the Eastern and Western Caribbean and South America are just some of the available destinations.

Things to Do in Miami

If you prefer to stay in the city during your holidays, don´t worry about what to do in Miami. Go sightseeing, lie on the beach, shop or enjoy the Miami Spa Month (in August). There is always something going on. If you want to feel the Atlantic breeze in your hair, hop on to a Miami sightseeing cruise in Biscayne Bay and check how the Magic City looks from the sea.

The Celebrities in Miami

Miami has always attracted the rich and famous because of what it has to offer. Consistently pleasant weather, culture, fashion, music and other events that keep the city alive for 24 hours a day offer environment for even the most demanding taste. Some of the celebrities have enjoyed Miami for decades; others have their second or third home here. Houses of many famous people can be spotted easiest on a Miami sightseeing cruise, since many people prefer to live next to ocean.

Who Are These Famous People Living in Miami?

• The Russian tennis player, Anna Kournikova, lives in Miami with her renowned musician boyfriend, Enrique Iglesias – son of the legendary Julio Iglesias, who also resides in Miami.

• Known for a television talk-show, Oprah Winfrey has a vacation house in Fisher Island, Miami and is a typical celebrity that can be spotted on the picturesque streets of this city.

• At the age of 2, the Cuban-American Queen of Latin pop, Gloria Estefan, settled in Miami.

• Colombian singer, Shakira – no introductions required – is also said to have one home in Miami.
• The Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards winning American rapper, P. Diddy also has a crib in Miami Beach.

• The singer and actress, Whitney Houston, who garnered international fame in 1992 for her role in The Bodyguard, owns a condominium in Miami.

• Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin has settled down after Livin’ La Vida Loca and lives with his children in a home in Miami Beach.

• Former NFL player, All-Pro, Most Valuable Player and Heisman Trophy winner, OJ Simpson – more famous for his legal controversies – also owns an abode in Kendall, Miami.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged biscayne bay, celebrities in miami, miami cruises, miami port, sightseeing cruises | Leave a comment

Snorkeling in Key West

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Hanna Lassila

Snorkeling in Key West

They say that snorkeling is an activity for everyone. You have to try it at least once in your life and you’ll know if they are right. I know many cases in which it leads a person to wanting more or to consider taking up scuba diving and exploring the whole underwater world. I’m one of those persons. Snorkeling or scuba diving might blow you away and become a regular inclusion in your future vacation plans. You just have to go to a place with a reef and begin discovering this colorful world. Snorkeling in Key West during your Florida holidays is a good option to start this amazing hobby.

My first snorkeling experience occurred on New Year’s Day in Cozumel, Mexico. The beautiful Caribbean Sea and sunshine combined to create the perfect setting for a New Year’s adventure. A friend and I had enjoyed a party the previous night with thousands of other people in Playa del Carmen. As I tend to get sea sick, when stepping into a boat that took the tourist groups to the island of Cozumel, I realized that snorkeling was not the best idea on that day. The only moment during that day trip, when I didn’t feel anything weird in my stomach was when I was under water, floating above an enormous Barracuda and recovering from the panic of how to breathe with the snorkeling gear. Still, surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, I realized that this wouldn’t be my last snorkeling experience.

What my first snorkeling adventure taught me

Never do water activities after having a party
Never forget your anti-motion sickness pills (if you’re like me and need them)
Start snorkeling more often and try out scuba diving some day
Don’t forget sun screen and towel (part of a snorkeling trip is worshipping the sun in the boat and enjoying the views)

Snorkeling in Key West

Ever since, I have been a big fan of discovering new reefs. When I tried out the Key West Snorkeling Trip, I was lucky, because the water was really clear that day so the visibility was great. I saw lobsters, snails, jellyfish and some other fish that I can’t name – and the reefs of course. My snorkeling experience in Florida was excellent. There might not be asmany exotic animals as, let’s say, in Thailand, but these reefs are the only living coral reefs in the continental United States and they are well worth experiencing. Besides, in which other city holiday do you have an opportunity to jump into the sea and be amazed by the life of these colorful weird looking creatures?

First-timer advice

There are around 110 species of coral and more than 500 species of tropical fish that inhabit the coral reefs of Key West. For a first timer, my advice is to listen carefully to the guide’s instructions, breathe slowly in the water and relax. Remember that Key West is the driest city in Florida – always bring your sunscreen, because the likelihood of sunburn is quite high.

If you follow these simple steps, you’ll definitely have an enjoyable first snorkeling experience! For the ones that feel really at home in water, breathe in and dive deeper since not all species can be seen from the surface.

On the way back

After a sunny (hopefully) day on the boat, the driver will take you back to Miami. The drive is rather long and you might feel tired after spending a day outside. Sit back and enjoy a movie in the bus – maybe a small snack. You will then be able to start thinking about which of Miami’s numerous restaurants you’ll choose for dinner.

Posted in What to Do in Key West | Tagged boat trips, scuba diving, sea sickness, snorkeling, snorkeling in miami | Comments Off

Best Things to Do in Miami

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Damien Venuto

When planning to visit Miami, you are going to have to limit your holiday to certain sights. The sheer number of sightseeing opportunities makes it impossible to do everything in the space of a few weeks. If you are planning a trip to Miami, be sure to fit the following spots into your itinerary.

Everglades

Located at the Southern tip of Florida, this vast swampland provides the perfect opportunity for a thrill seeker to get in touch with nature. Hike, camp and canoe your way through a spectacular landscape that serves as habitat to rare animals such as the American crocodile.

South Beach

Postcards and movies often feature South Beach, because of its picturesque combination of bronze sand and turquoise waters. Here, you can mix with a cosmopolitan crowd of beautiful people and enjoy the temperate waters of a subtropical wonderland.

Miami Zoo

A Miami visit would be incomplete without a visit to the sensational Miami Zoo. The zoo has pioneered the art of modern zoo-keeping by allowing the animals to roam without cages. Instead of seeing depressed animals behind bars, you will see animals grouped together in accordance to their natural habitat. The warm Miami climate also makes it possible for the zoo to house animals from all over the world.

Biscayne Bay

Biscayne boat Tours have become one of the most popular options for people who visit Miami. If you plan the trip for the afternoon, you could easily have sun-downers on the deck and take some sensational photos.

Bars and Restaurants

It would be impossible to recommend only one bar or restaurant to a visitor. Miami tourists have an extensive range of eateries and watering holes available to them. You can often combine eating and entertainment, because there are often a variety of live Miami shows on offer.

Posted in Miami Travel Tips | Tagged biscayne bay, miami restaurants, south beach | Leave a comment

CSI, Miami and Horatio

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Damien Venuto

Whenever I mention Miami to a tourist, the most common response I get is a quiet snigger followed by a Horatio reference. It is a little worrying that the ginger foot soldier of crime fighting has become the face of this city. With its crystal clear waters and sublime coastline, it is definitely a city more deserving of Robert Pattison’s square jaw – then again, year round sunshine doesn’t seem like something that he would be comfortable with.

Horatio, CSI Miami

The task of finding a face for Miami couldn’t have been an easy process. The cosmopolitan demography of the community makes it particularly difficult to pinpoint a set of features that would represent the whole. So, how is it that Horatio came to lead the weekly inserts of the CSI in Miami?

With a resume of B-grade cop films, we can safely say that David Caruso was not carried into the limelight on acting prowess. Looks also came into the equation, but a Google image search dispelled this notion quite rapidly. It must have been something else – something scandalous or sinister, perhaps?

My investigation continued, but simply led to a series of dead ends; I could find no explanation as to why Caruso was the face of Miami. I then thought back to a recent episode of CSI Miami and realized that Horatio was simply a sideshow to the real lead.

What really stands out in every episode of CSI is the landscape. Miami is not represented by the face of our favorite “daywalker” – it is represented by shots of Biscayne Bay boats and the gorgeous extras that feature in every episode. Miami doesn’t need a good-looking representative face, because the city is already sexy on its own.

Posted in Miami in a Nutshell | Tagged csi miami, horatio | 1 Comment

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