Destinations- Miami- South Beach

8/14/2019 Destinations- Miami- South Beach

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Style, entertainment and fun in the sun are the words thatperhaps best describe Florida’s only city where glitz and glamourcan be found taking center stage with surf and sand. Miami andSouth Beach beckon to travelers who seek to satisfy their desirefor fun and relaxation in a sun-kissed, southern locale that offersvisitors and residents a sophisticated and sensuous style uniquelyits own. The past two decades have seen Miami and South Beachrise meteorically in popularity to become two of the most popularplaces to play on the planet. Internationally known celebritiesand glitterati such as Madonna, Donatella Versaci and RickyMartin can be seen “living la vida loca” in this vacation mecca,where visitors come to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and year-roundbalmy breezes while perfecting their tans under the South-Floridasun before making nightly pilgrimages to urban hot spots.

HISTORY AND CULTUREOnce known as the “Capital of the Americas,” Miami has

become home to large populations of Cubans, Columbians andHaitians in a city where more than two million now live. Thesemulticultural immigrants makeup the mini melting pot that is thevery essence of the city. Walk the streets of Little Haiti and LittleHavana to savor the aroma of ethnic foods, and then be sure tovisit South Beach’s scintillating clubs where you can see patronsstrutting their stuff nightly on dance oors and bar countertops.

Home to people from around the globe, many differentlanguages can be heard in Miami, including more than 10different dialects of Spanish. Because Miami represents amélange of polyglot peoples, visitors may nd it helpful and funto learn a few words of French, Spanish or Portuguese to preparefor their adventure en el sur de la Florida.

By Stefan Ingannamorte &Tina Mahjoub

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The Spanish colonized the area that we now know as Miami,as well as other parts of Florida such as St Augustine to the north,as early as the 16th Century. South Florida remained a backwaterof sorts though until visionaries like George Merrick and CarlFisher put this once sleepy, mosquito-infested, alligator wateringhole on the map. Miami grew rapidly during the rst decadesof the 20th Century. South Beach, home of the world-famous ArtDeco district, became a hot property and the place to see andsocialize with the rich and powerful from circa 1920 through the1940s, and again during the area’s revival and renaissance inthe 80s, which has continued to the present day. Today, SouthFlorida’s vibrant rhythm and warm climate continue to attractvacationers and new residents in ever-increasing numbers. Thistrend has continued largely because when visitors come to Miami,whether it’s for a weekend vacation or an extended getaway,there is always an abundance of things to do and sights to see.

FACT: Miami welcomes more than 10 million visitors a year.

THE ACTIVITIES ARE ENDLESSMiami and South beach satisfy those seeking leisure pursuits

with a seemingly endless array of recreational and sportingactivities, not to mention blocks of nightclubs and unique barssuch as B.E.D., Crowbar and Club Deep. For those more culturallyinclined, artwork collections from some of the country’s most

talented artists can also be seen and enjoyed at the Bass Museumof Art, the Lowe Art Museum and the Miami Art Museum, to namebut a few of Miami’s many art galleries. Stroll the streets ofnewly renovated Española Way, modeled on artsy enclaves andMediterranean-style architecture, as you eat some of the bestauthentic French crepes to be found in Florida at local favoriteA La Folie in an atmosphere reminiscent of the past, but with afocus on the future. Local artists are often inside their studios, andwelcome questions about their works.

Tired of the bustle of the busy streets and crowded bars?Then make plans to see the breath-taking beauty of VizcayaMuseum and Gardens for a relaxing day by Biscayne Bay. ThisItalian Renaissance style villa was build by James Deering in1916 as his winter home. Today this magnicent museum offersa revealing prospect on the past with its collection of old-worldpaintings and ne furnishings. Visitors to Vizcaya should be surenot to miss the well-manicured gardens, which offer a peacefulplace for a leisurely stroll near the bay. Founded in the 60s, theMiami Beach Botanical Garden offers another appealing venuefor visitors to relax in a tropical oasis that is sure to be soothing tothe soul for those in need of some “serenity now.”

SHOPPING, MY DEAR?Miami is a city synonymous for its sassy style and ultra-hip

clothing boutiques. Walk from 6th street to 9th street and familiarnames from the runway like Armani, Versace, and Nicole Millerbeckon you to their doors. When it comes to high-fashion clothing,Miami truly has it all. For the cost conscious, try downtown Miamifor bargain-basement buys on luggage, watches and purses.Be prepared to negotiate, and don’t be afraid to set your ownprice because many store owners love to bargain. While many of

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VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

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Miami’s clothing stores are très chic, youmay wish to consider a visit to DadelandMall. It has almost everything the seriousshopper could want under one roof.Credit-card wielding visitors can easilyspend hours at this mega-mall before

heading to the beach later in the day fora refreshing swim.

NIGHTLIFE—FROM WILD TO WACKYMiami in general, and South Beach in

particular have been widely recognizedfor their rituals centered on drinking,dining and dancing. Model types canbe seen nightly on parade up and downSouth Beach in trendy, club-going attire,where bouncers and doormen grantadmission to their stylish patrons. Withsuch a wide variety of clubs and bars tovisit, the fun never ends. Parties can lastuntil dawn, at which point partygoerscan be seen walking down the palm-lined streets of the South Beach strip toa contingent of luxury cars classy enoughto make even renowned auto acionadoJay Leno take notice. Trafc can be tricky,however, taxis are available at all hoursof the day and night; moreover, sack timefor the tired visitor is usually just minutesaway, with most clubs located a shortdistance from the many hotels that callSouth Beach home. For those looking forsomething new and exciting, many of theclubs have nightly events, not to mentionsome of the best late-night cuisine tobe found. For a real walk on the wildside, the gay and lesbian nightclubs puton naughty-but-nice diva nights. The funcan sometimes spill out onto the streets,where revelers have been known to sing abirthday tribute to bystanders. No matterwhat your musical preference may be,from house music to hip hop, there is a clubin Miami that will suit your tastes. Doorcharges usually range from $10 to $30,and it is best to call ahead of time to putyour name on the guest list because linescan stretch for blocks.

DINING OUT—OH, THE POSSIBILITIESBoasting more than 6,000 restaurants,

Miami caters to everyone’s palate. Foodis often combined with dancing and music,

and outdoor dining is popular for peoplewatching from sidewalk cafes on SouthBeach.

A South-Florida vacation can be veryappealing because almost everything thetraveler could possibly need or desire islocated within an easy driving distanceof the city’s hotels. South Beach offersvisitors and residents its own brand ofsassy, sophisticated fun and excitement,while Miami and its environs caters toa multicultural mixture of sophisticated,smart shoppers, art and cultureenthusiasts, galloping gourmets, and justabout everyone else who may be seekingfun in the sun stateside.

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Destinations- Miami- South Beach