Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Get Lost in the Architecture of This Landmark Estate

Millionaire James Deering commissioned the construction of Vizcaya during the early part of the 20th century. Originally situated upon 180 luxuriant acres abutting Biscayne Bay, the estate was Deering's interpretation of an Italian villa in a subtropical setting; it was where the bachelor spent his winters until his death in 1925.

Nowadays, Vizcaya serves as a public museum and botanical gardens, attracting countless visitors eager to tour the estate's ornate, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and stunning formal gardens. Vizcaya's innovative design explores the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, and every room within the meticulously preserved estate was designed around artwork and mementos acquired by Deering during his travels abroad.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m daily, except Tuesdays. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
vizcaya.org
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Luxury Elevated in the Miami Design District

The Miami Design District is a neighborhood dedicated to “the unity of design, fashion, art, and architecture.” Spearheaded by L Real Estate and entrepreneur Craig Robins, this design enclave showcases dozens of exhibition spaces and galleries, as well as public art, innovative restaurants, and creative retail stores.

For an afternoon of high-end shopping, the Miami Design District has plenty to offer. Swing by this neighborhood, located less than three miles from Downtown Miami, for the latest luxury goods from fashion designers like Christian Louboutin, Emilio Pucci, Prada, Rick Owens, Marni, and Cartier. Modern design enthusiasts will find offerings from home decor stores such as Design Within Reach, Jonathan Adler, Ligne Roset, and Armani/Casa. After a long day of shopping, you’re sure to be hungry, and the Miami Design District has eating covered. Make a reservation today to dine at hotspots like Mercato, The Cypress Room, Oak Tavern, and Lemoni Cafe. Though Miami has no shortage of luxury offerings, the Miami Design District elevates art and design to the next level.

Miami Design District
3841 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 722-7100
www.miamidesigndistrict.net

The Past Comes Alive at HistoryMiami

HistoryMiami is more than just your standard history museum. At this cultural institution, preserving and showcasing the diverse culture of Miami takes first priority. Whether you’re a Miami native or a newcomer to the city, you’re sure to find something in the museum’s expansive collection to pique your interest.

Choose from a wide variety of exhibitions, like the “Tropical Dreams” show, which offers a “people’s history of south Florida,” featuring artifacts from prehistoric times until today. There are also exhibits highlighting more contemporary items.

HistoryMiami offers a wide variety of tour styles, ranging from boat and coach tours to eco-tours and walking history tours. For those who wish to delve deeper into the history of the Magic City, the HistoryMiami Archives & Research Center offers a vast library of primary-source documents for researchers.

Visit HistoryMiami's website to find out more.

HistoryMiami
101 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 375-1492
www.historymiami.org
www.yelp.com/biz/historymiami-miami

Lights, Camera, Entree! at CineBistro

The name says it all—CinéBistro is part cinema, part bistro. If you’re looking for a unique place to spend a night out, look no further than this specialty movie theater, where gourmet food and great flicks unite as one. Cinébistro’s auditoriums are spacious and luxurious, featuring comfortable leather chairs, reserved seating, and digital technology.

Take your seat and order a selection from the theater’s chef-created menu. Try delicious creations like the grilled brie, the yellowfin tuna tacos, or the sweet and spicy wings. Cinébistro’s menu also features classic “cinéssentials,” like popcorn, Junior Mints, and bottomless soft drinks. Enjoy the film as a waiter or waitress delivers food and drink right to your seat. Cinébistro frequently hosts themed event nights, like the CinéClassics series. Check the theater’s website for upcoming events. Matinee tickets cost $14.50, and evening screenings start at $17. Since there's a full bar, CinéBistro is only for guests aged 21 and older.

CinéBistro
11471 NW 12th Street
Miami, FL 33172
(305) 455-7373
www.cobbcinebistro.com/dolphin
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Tower Theater: A Miami Landmark

Opened in 1926, this historic Art Deco theater in Miami was the areas entertainment destination of choice for decades. Although the theater closed in the 1980s, Miami Dade College reopened it in 2002 to show independent and foreign films.

Its historic preservation and art house film repertoire have earned the theater accolades from USA Today, which recognized it as on of the Top 10 old-fashioned movie theaters in the country. You get to experience all the history and charm at reasonable prices too! General admission is $10, but if you become a member of the Theater, that price drops to just $6 per show!

Visit the Tower Theater website to learn more about this Miami movie theater.

Tower Theater
1508 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 642-1264
www.towertheatermiami.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tower-theater-miami

Performing Arts at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Plan a cultural evening at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. This performing arts center is home to the Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall which host a variety of entertaining and educational performances throughout the year. With the second largest stage in the country, the Ziff Opera House welcomes Broadway shows.

In addition to the two main performance halls, a small black box theater and the plaza host more intimate events, including culinary competitions. The Center offers programming to awaken your artistic spirit on any budget, and if you like to learn more about the artists, try to attend their free pre-concert talks for an expert’s perspective on the performance. Located just off I-395, its convenient location and plentiful parking make it easily accessible from all of South Florida. Check the website for a calendar of upcoming events, and to purchase tickets online!

Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 949-6722
www.arshtcenter.org
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SpecialTEA Lounge: Relax with a Cup of Tea

If you're looking to escape the busy city of Miami for a few hours head over to SpecialTEA Lounge. This little spot may not look like much from the outside but inside is a tea lover's paradise. There are over 60 loose leaf teas available for you to taste. Coffee, frozen beverages, fruit smoothies, and Italian sodas are also available. The staff is very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions from the staff. Panini, salads, and wraps are freshly made to order if you get hungry. Everything can be made vegan or vegetarian. If you just want a little snack while you're studying go for one of their baked goods. Regulars rave about the chocolate chip cookies. Free WiFi is available with the code printed on your receipt, and there are plenty of board games to play available behind the counter.

SpecialTEA Lounge
10766 SW 24 St
Miami, FL 33165
(305) 554-8327
http://www.yelp.com/biz/specialtea-lounge-miami

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Enjoy the Outdoors

Escape from the city to an afternoon of paradise at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Since 1938 this 83 acre garden has been welcoming the public to its luscious lawns and carefully curated plant collection. There are several exhibits throughout the grounds, and one favorite is the new indoor butterfly conservatory and outdoor garden. This exhibit features a small glass window where you can patiently watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons. If you're planning a day trip, you can pack your own lunch and enjoy it on a secluded bench, or stop in one of their two cafes. Admission is $25, with the fee helping to maintain the lovely property. It includes a one hour tram tour, which is a recommended way to familiarize yourself with the garden. Plan to spend several hours here, and don’t forget your camera, as most every view is beautiful.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156
(305) 667-1651
www.fairchildgarden.org
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Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream: Always In Style

Old Fashioned never goes out of style at Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Miami. What’s not to love about a family owned ice cream parlor with creamy hand dipped ice cream, and homemade fudge? With over 25 flavors of ice cream, and a plethora of toppings from syrups to candies, there's likely something here for everyone. Scoops are generous, so be prepared to indulge. Daring diners take on their “Great Wall of Ice Cream” food challenge with 12 flavors, bananas, brownies, 2 wet toppings, 2 dry toppings, whipped cream and a cherry. If you finish, you and your crew will get your picture on the “Wall of Fame”; if you can’t, it'll wind up on the “Wall of Shame.” Walls makes their own fudge too, a perfect treat for yourself or gift for a friend. The decor and the 1950s memorabilia – along with the prices! – help give Walls its old fashioned vibe. Friday and Saturday nights are often quite busy, but there's still generally plenty of parking in their lot.

Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream
8075 SW 67th Avenue
Miami, FL 33143
(305) 740-9830
www.wallsicecreamfl.com
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Gold Coast Railroad Museum: History on Rails

You don’t have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy a visit to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, a popular museum in Miami. A visit gets you up close and personal with historic trains like the Presidential Pullman car, the Ferdinand Magellan, built in 1928 to transport heads of state like Franklin D. Roosevelt in the days before routine air travel. The California Zephyr Silver Crescent, the Silver Palm Sleeper Car, and a steam locomotive are also on exhibit at the museum. Take a train ride during your visit on a caboose, coach car, or the Edwin Link Children’s Railroad, which is suitable for both tykes and adults. Open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

12450 SW 152nd Street
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 253-0063

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