We are less than a month away from Miami’s Art Basel, so let the art lovers come out and play. If you are looking for something to do In & Around Miami this Saturday night November 14th, 2009 from 7pm – 11pm head to the Design District.
Welcome to Miami
Hi, and welcome to the all new ProjecTravel Miami Blog where you can get the most in the know information about this city on the Atlantic ocean.
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“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”
Buena Vista Bistro is quite the scrumptious neighborhood restaurant. The atmosphere is very informal nonetheless still delivers an enjoyable experience. They keep it simple;
so check the chalk-board (no menus) for what’s cooking and/or if their are any specials – let me just say the food is very appetizing. The wine selection is reasonably priced and surely will please your taste buds.
4582 NE 2nd Ave; 305-456-5909
If you are an urban explorer, there are some fine parks and preserves worth visiting in the Metropolitan Miami area
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 South Miami Avenue; 305-250-9133
A place worth mentioning more than once is Vizcaya Museum right off Brickell avenue heading South on Biscayne Bay that was once the estate of agriculture industrialist John Deering. The 50 acre land consists of a main house and formal gardens. Deering used this residence in the winter months from 1916-1925. It took approximately a 1000 workers that included laborers and craftsmen from the Caribbean and Europe to construct and complete this project.
Photo taken by Tom Schaefer
The Barnacle Historic State Park 3485 Main Hwy Coconut Grove; 305-442-6866
Completed in 1891, this house was built by Commodore Ralph Munroe. It is Miami-Dade County’s oldest house still situated in its original location.
The tours are offered throughout the day will be the only way to enter the house itself to view the furniture and artifacts. The house is preserved as a time capsule of Munroe’s life and times.
Free concerts are held here every full moon night, except during the summer months. The Barnacle is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Monday
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables; 305-667-1651
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden gets its name from one of the most famous plant explorers in history, David Fairchild (1869-1954). Fairchild was known for traveling the world in search of useful plants, but he was also an educator and a renowned scientist. Since 1938 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has assembled an outstanding collection of tropical plants, emphasizing palms, cycads, flowering trees and shrubs, vines and fruit trees. Except for certain cultivated plants and critically endangered species, many of these plants are collected from the wild. These collections are now a resource of world significance.
Fruit & Spice Park 24801 S.W. 187 Avenue, Homestead; 305-247-5727
Photo taken by Christopher Hind
Established in 1944, the Fruit & Spice Park is a tropical paradise just 35 miles south of Miami. Surrounded by thousands of acres of tropical agriculture, the Park is a showcase for South Florida’s agricultural community. Over 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from throughout the world are found in this lush 30-acre garden.
The Bookstore in the Grove
The Bookstore in the Grove is the kind of place you can call your own. I’ve made numerous stops in this little haven and not surprisingly I’ve lost track of time while there. They house a huge selection of books, assortments of magazines, and I can’t post this without mentioning all the little trinkets they sell. The café enclosed offers you the very best indulgences; try one of the ice blended drinks, Misha’s cupcakes, or the oven-baked empanadas.
Photo The Bookstore in the Grove
Miami
DESTINATION: MIAM! (Not your typical tourist)
Fellow traveler,
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference”
No matter what destination you have chosen to mark your journey for the summer, weekend, or new beginning set forth it is always necessary that you learn to adapt to the local environment and explore the city to the fullest while you are there; you never now when you’ll be visiting again.
Luggage check-list:
For him: Speedo’s and/or trunks, sun block, flip flops, dressy shoes and/or sneakers, shaving kit, polo and/or button downed shirt, jeans, casual shorts, sunglasses. Last but not least, don’t leave without a good book or magazine and above all, an updated playlist with your favorite music to get you grooving.
For her: Bathing suit, bikini, sundress, headscarf or hat, sun block and tanning lotion (personal favorite are by Lancaster or St. Bart’s found online,) flip flops, sandals, ballerinas and/or heals. Think comfortable and casual by day and all you need at night is what makes you feel good and pretty. Don’t forget you hair care products because a bad hair day can be any day here, it all depends on the weather. Chance of humidity – always, so be prepared.
South beach is relaxing if you don’t drive, just park or have a taxi drop you at one of these locations and experience the simple treasures of being on vacation: Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington avenue; all are within walking distance from each other and perfectly designed for whether your looking to stroll around, shop or grab a bite to eat.
The second Saturday of every month the Design District (home to over 50 galleries and showrooms) opens its doors to the artsy and curious enthusiasts for a night of art and culture. What better way to spend your evening than pondering and admiring the creativity of local and up coming distinguished artist’s.
If you are looking to catch some rays of fun in the sun I suggest you head down to the beach. Either stop at the Boucher Brothers stand to rent your daybed across Ocean Drive and whether or not your looking to get some sand in your toes I recommend The Standard Hotel overlooking Biscayne bay to spend your afternoon. If you are in dire need of some pampering, head up to their spa for a massage or Mani Pedi, and don’t leave without experiencing their sauna or steam room.
A few more places to explore:
The Historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a landmark that shouldn’t be missed having been a favorite of world leaders, celebrities, and sports stars since its opening in the 1920’s. Adjacent to the hotel is a 6,800-yard, 18-hole championship golf course; be sure to book in advance a day or two before. For a private instructor call the John Pallot Golf Academy and if you are an experienced golfer just looking for some quiet time head to the Pro Shop for the daily rate that includes gear and clubs.
Coconut Grove area – sightings not to be overlooked are Fairchild Tropical Garden, Coco-walk and most importantly, Vizcaya Museum that was once the estate of John Deering. There is no place like this; it takes you back in time so bring a camera.
If renting a car is an option – consider driving down south to Key West and make a stop at Islamorada. Every month at the Morada Beach Café, an ecstatic crowd joins in to rejoice the full moon. What began a few years ago as a casual monthly get-together now includes fireworks, bonfires, flame-throwers and live music.
West Palm Beach requires a longer driver but only gets better as you head up, along the coast and gawk at the million dollar mansions. Take a stroll on Worth Avenue where you’ll find a combination of upscale and one of a kind stores hidden amongst.
Food & Wine:
A favorite stop for a midday or late night bite (open till 4am) is called La Sandwicherie located at 229 14th St, Miami Beach. My personal recommendation would be for you to try the prosciutto, tomato, and mozzarella sandwich served in a croissant along side their savory dressing and crunchy cornichons. You can’t leave here without having a taste of the Cuban and Latin infused flavors. So head to Las Olas for a café con leche or cortadito. Warning: sugar is added = all the more tastier.
Blue Door at the Delano – cool atmosphere and lots of hipsters nonetheless, the hotel itself is a must see in terms of collaborated design by Phillipe Starck and original architecture conceived by Robert Swartburg, built in 1947.
Cafe Sambal at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel – try the Kobe beef burger
Casa Tua - small intimate restaurant on James Ave with great food and service;
You won’t regret going.
Nobu and Ago fine dining Italian food at the Shore Club Hotel.
Pacific Time – located in the heart of the design district. Rated one of the best in the country
Sardinia for some hearty Italian food either for lunch or dinner
Smith & Wollensky - great steak, food and service all together; right by the water
Barton G. – a restaurant experience that is unforgettable, food preparation and display is very “out of the box,” creativity and good food is quite a delightful combination.
Garcia’s Seafood – by the downtown Miami river; great for lunch
Selection of Hotels from swanky to chic:
The Ritz Carlton, South Beach
The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne
The Mandarin Oriental
The Fontainebleau
The Setai Hotel
The Tides Hotel
The Raleigh Hotel
The Gansevoort
The Standard Miami
The Shore Club
The Angler’s Boutique Resort
The Viceroy Miami
The Betsy Hotel
The Sagamore Hotel