Mar 30 2009
The Itinerant Attendee: Miami
Seek Unique in Miami, Florida
Sunny Miami, Florida, is the nation’s southernmost metropolis, and home to an unusual and eclectic melting pot of cultures. Cubans and Jamaicans are amongst the diversity, of course, but there are many others to be found in the most exotic city in the U.S. Miami truly is a unique place. (Over 100 businesses in the Miami area with the word “Unique” in their name.) Not to worry; You can count on the Itinerant Attendee to slice through the swath and bring you what’s truly worthy in Magic City.
To really appreciate Miami, you’ll have to know why it’s called the Magic City. Officially incorporated by a mere 300 people (and one woman, Julia Tuttle) in 1896, the city has known some truly magic growth since, and is now home to nearly six million people. It’s skyline is ranked 3rd in the nation (after Chicago and New York,) and it serves as a global trade center. Miami is also the 3rd richest city in the nation, 22nd in the world. Yet it maintains the deserved Forbes Magazine designation of “America’s Cleanest City.”
One of the most unique aspects of Miami is the way that it integrates magnificent architecture and the great outdoors. It would be a shame not to simply bask in the flow and form. In many ways, just being in Miami is a truly unique experience! We all enjoyed just walking around and taking in the sights. Even cab rides are fun and exciting in a place like this!
To give Miami a fair shake would take weeks. One weekend day, my friend David and I took an airboat ride into the Everglades. Remember to bring ear plugs and mosquito repellent, and you’ll have a great time! Biscayne National Park was also beautiful, fun and relaxing way to spend a day. We took a tour in a glass-bottom boat, saw the amazing colors of the reef and undersea world, and even had dolphins frolicking alongside us for a while! The Gulf Stream keeps the waters warm all year long, making for some great snorkeling and diving opportunities, too! There are many fun ways to take in the ocean in Miami!
Miami’s literal score of museums are true mind candy. Most are located in the downtown area, offering fascinating exhibits to expand one’s mind and horizons. It was more than a little tempting to call in Sick after the convention was over and stay another week or two to visit them all! Luckily, we’re booked there at least a couple times each year, so eventually I’ll see them all. My personal favorites so far are the Frost Art, and Miami Art Museums and the Museum of Contemporary art.
Foods and Clubs in Miami are another unparalleled experience. Lunches are uniformly delicious, from the Cuban sandwiches to haute cuisine. Then the sun sets, and it’s “buenos noches” time! Even if you’ve got no rhythm, you’ll still find yourself out there having fun at the exclusive Set Nightclub. Nothing like it! For a milder flair, we all enjoyed the Tobacco Road and the Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Very different in their styles, they each offer daily dinner specials and (if you’re so inclined,) the clubs are open until 5 am!
Miami is the kind of place that takes years to truly know. With our hectic schedule, it may take a little longer, but we’re having a great time finding out along the way!
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