Hotel Place St. Michel and Miami Overview

Miami is a crossroads, a magnet for northerners seeking the sun and southerners seeking the sunnier side of life. Sometimes the mix is magic; sometimes it's oil and water. Despite the risk, travelers still visit from far-flung points for the sheer experience of it --the color, the excitement and the opulence of the first world buoyed by the tropical ambience of the third, Although visitors will find the standard white sand and blue surf, it’s the unique neighborhoods and communities in the Magic City that leave you talking about your trip for years to come, then planning a return engagement just to experience it all again.

Miami Beach

Both the sun and the moon shine brightly today over the playground called Miami Beach. The round-the-clock excitement is reflected on the covers of national and international glamour and travel magazines where the trendy South Beach district -- or SoBe -- is displayed like a model newly emerged from a makeover. Not far from the truth… It's the revitalizing of this area's definitive art deco architecture that has put Miami Beach on the map.

Encompassing 17 islands in Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach has enchanted visitors with its incomparable beaches and social scene since the 1920’s. It was during the boom time of the ‘20’s and ‘30’s that the scores of small art deco hotels were built to accommodate pleasure-loving hordes from colder climates. Beginning in the late 1950’s these modest tourist digs gave way to grand resort complexes (like the fabulous Fontainebleau). It is in SoBe’s Art Deco District where today's action is -- from Ocean Drive's magnetic stretch of restaurants, clubs and lovingly renovated art deco hotels to the trendy shops, restaurants and cafes on Washington Avenue, to the cultural nexus taking shape on Lincoln Road. Art Deco Weekend (January 16-18, 2004) is the big beach blowout, but there's almost always something special going on.

Today, the art deco-fueled renewal is certainly packing them in, but it's a diversity of attractions that keeps the crowds happy. Of course there are the fabulous beaches, and all the recreation that goes along with them, but, increasingly, there are also world-class cultural draws, such as the New World Symphony (305-673-3331), Miami City Ballet (305-929-7000), the Art Center South Florida (305-674-8278), and a visible community of dancers, actors, artists and designers.

This cultural side of South Beach is a prominent part of what Lincoln Road has to offer. Once one of the most elegant shopping streets in the country, Lincoln Road was redesigned in the 1960’s by legendary architect Morris Lapidus as America's first pedestrian mall. Now it is envisioned as the center of the new Miami Beach -- a kind of link between South Beach and the mainline attractions, such as the Miami Beach Convention Center (305-673-7311), the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts (305-673-7300) and the Bass Museum of Art (305-673-7530) among others.

South Beach

Occupying less than two square miles on the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Beach's subtropical sandbar has an identity all its own as the American Riviera. Here, life is celebrated as one chic, 24/7 street party in an art deco playground.

South Beach 's beautiful architecture makes it a favored location for films, music and television shows, as well as a backdrop for fashion shoots. The Art Deco District boasts the largest concentration of 1920’s and 1930’s architecture in the world, earning a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. –It is also globally recognized as one of Miami 's unique attractions.

South Beach sightseers will want to start out at South Pointe Park for a close-up view of ships heading through the deep-water channel, known as "Government Cut", to the Port of Miami . Across the channel are the Mediterranean-style buildings of Fisher Island , accessible only by ferry.

Next, check out Lummus Park , a green expanse bordering the wide beach. Once there, note how the pastel pinks, bright aquas and canary yellows of Ocean Drive ’s hotels fight for space on the South Beach skyline. Visitors can join a walking tour or check out South Beach 's other attractions, including the Wolfsonian/FIU collection, the Botanical Gardens and the Holocaust Memorial.

This is also a key stop for shoppers with an eclectic mix of intriguing boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and home design shops. Don’t miss the Spanish-style Espanola Way featuring stores that sell New Age and retro items.

Food is another big draw in SoBe with dozens of restaurants lining the streets creating a culinary meca of sorts for so many different types of cuisine. And in a town that never sleeps, the restaurants are always busy until the wee hours of the morning.

South Beach also stays alive late into the night as visitors and locals dress up or down to hit South Beach’s trendy clubs, pubs and daiquiri bars. No matter your style, a visit to South Beach will redefine how you look at style!

Downtown Miami

No exploration of Miami would be complete without spending some time downtown. There's plenty of shopping here, but you'll also find the center of county government, a wealth of cultural opportunities and some of the city's most famous architecture. Nearby is Biscayne Bay , with Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, a marina, and views of the Port of Miami , which is the world's largest cruise port.

Historically, this is the oldest area of Miami . In the 16th century, a Spanish mission was established near the mouth of the Miami River . It was succeeded by an army outpost built in the 1840’s to protect settlers.Development later fanned out from this point. This is obvious from city maps: The intersection of Flagler Street and Miami Avenue downtown marks the convergence of the city's N.E., N.W., S.E. and S.W. quadrants. Not very interesting, but crucial to knowing where you are in Greater Miami. From this point, numbering begins for streets (running east/west) and avenues (running north/south).

For shopping, the action centers on the Central Business District (CBD), the core of which is bounded by N.E. First Avenue, N.E. Fifth Street, Biscayne Bay and the Miami River . More than 3,000 retailers are located here, from department stores to specialty shops to 300-plus restaurants. Busy Flagler Street is a logical place to start, but don't miss the Jewelry District, on N.E. First Street between N.E. First and Miami Avenues. Bayside Marketplace, a shopping, dining and strolling mecca, takes full advantage of its site on the bay. The waterside ambience and many fine diversions make this the most visited attraction in South Florida .

Coral Gables

Appropriately named the "City Beautiful" by its designer, George Merrick, Coral Gables is an utterly charming community of gracious Mediterranean architecture, monumental gateways, streets shaded by huge banyans and ficus trees, plazas, fountains, and miles of waterways and canals. Merrick grew up here, in a gabled plantation house built of coral rock and pine, which is now open to the public. Call (305) 460-5361 for information. In the 1920’s, he spent more than $100 million to create this dream city on some twelve square miles of former Florida scrub and citrus groves, 4 miles south of Downtown Miami.

Merrick's plan also included "international villages" styled Normandy , Colonial, French Country and City, Dutch South African, Chinese, and Italian. These pockets of thematic architecture punctuate the city like quirky comments on their traditional surroundings.

One of the grander attractions in Coral Gables is the Venetian Pool (305-460-5356). Formerly a quarry from which oolitic limestone (coral rock) was taken for architectural uses, the huge municipal pool is a fantasy of caves, waterfalls, arched bridges, and Mediterranean-style buildings.

On the natural side, there's Matheson Hammock County Park (305-665-5475), a mangrove forest fronting Biscayne Bay , edged with beaches and a boat harbor, and just south is Fairchild Tropical Garden (305-667-1651), a lush hothouse of tropical plantings.

Today, Downtown Coral Gables is a thriving business community, especially along the major shopping thoroughfare known as Miracle Mile ( Coral Way , between S.W. 42nd Avenue and Douglas Road ). Home to more than 130 multinational corporations, plus eleven consulates and foreign trade commissions. Coral Gables also offers some of the top chefs in the city, with more than 120 restaurants the choices are rich and varied.

Be advised, you'll need a map to explore Coral Gables . The curving streets can be confusing and the street signs are small. Drop by City Hall (305-446-6800), which is the imposing Spanish Colonial building complete with a tower and colonnade, for maps and information.

Coconut Grove

If any neighborhood in urban Miami could be termed a "village" it has to be Coconut Grove. On Biscayne Bay , south of Downtown and east of Coral Gables , the Grove has been a diverse community since its settlement in the late 19th century. Sailing yacht designer Ralph Munroe, originally from New York , and the Peacock brothers, from England , settled the area along with the families of Bahamian seamen who salvaged treasure from wrecked vessels offshore along the Great Florida Reef. Munroe's unusual 1891 home, called The Barnacle (305-448-9445) for its conical shape, is a wonderfully preserved slice of old Florida .

On the other end of the architectural spectrum, but built just a decade later, is Vizcaya (305-250-9133), the Italian Renaissance-style estate of millionaire industrialist James Deering. This opulent 70-room palace on Biscayne Bay is the jewel in the city's crown, with its art treasures, formal gardens and preserved natural setting.

But perhaps what comes to mind most often for Miamians when they think of the Grove is shopping, entertainment, good food, and fun. Locals come from all over to dine at the many restaurants, from sidewalk eateries to candlelit dining rooms – all featuring a culturally diverse selection of food. The Grove is also a favorite haunt for locals when it comes to its art galleries, interesting shops and clubs – all of which you will find at CocoWalk, a one-stop entertainment complex in the heart of the Grove. Visitors will also find a wide selection of street artists and entertainers at Cocowalk.

It's never more obvious that the Grove is among the happening spots in the city than during one of the many festivals. A few include, “A Taste of the Grove” (January), the “Coconut Grove Arts Festival” ( February 14-16, 2004 ), the “Italian Renaissance Festival” ( March 19-21, 2004 ) at Vizcaya, the “Goombay Festival” ( June 5-6, 2004 ), a celebration of Bahamian heritage, and the “King Mango Strut” (December 28), which is a spoof on Miami 's Orange Bowl extravaganza.

Many of these events take place outdoors in Coconut Grove's lovely Peacock Park (305-416-1300), but any day of the year is good for enjoying the views of the bay and the marinas from one of the area’s waterfront parks. Bicycling, roller-blading, jogging, picnicking, tennis and more are all here on the water. When you tire of walking the Grove’s tree-lined streets, hop in your car and admire the area’s architectural points of interest -- from old houses of coral rock and gracious homes with expansive grounds to cottages and historic churches.

Key Biscayne

Just across the Rickenbacker Causeway, 2 miles south of downtown Miami (yet a world away, according to residents), is Key Biscayne. This 7 mile long and 2 mile wide barrier island is known for its spectacular beaches and many other recreational opportunities, as well as its relaxed, small-town lifestyle.

The Village of Key Biscayne is little more than a square mile of the island, which includes 1,800 acres of natural parkland. On the southern end of Key Biscayne is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, home of the 95-foot-tall Cape Florida Lighthouse.

On the east side of the Key is Crandon Park (305-365-2300). It’s 3.5 mile white sand beach has been rated one of the 10 most beautiful in the United States by CondÈ Nast Traveler magazine. There are two outstanding sports sites here: Crandon Park Golf Course (305-361-9129) and the Tennis Center . Crandon Park Golf Course, with its lush tropical setting and great views of the Miami skyline, hosts the annual Royal Caribbean Classic (February), kickoff to the U.S. Senior PGA Tour. Not to be outdone, the Tennis Center hosts the annual NASDAQ-100 Open (March 24-April 4, 2004). The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (305-361-6767) with a marina, bike paths, concessions and more, round out the many family offerings in Crandon Park .

Key Biscayne is fabulously situated for water sports. Windsurfing is especially popular from Hobie Island , just 200 feet off the mainland. Scuba diving into offshore reefs and wrecks is also possible, along with sport fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, and sailing.

Nearby Virginia Key is home to the Miami Seaquarium (305-361-5705), a center for research and conservation, housing some 10,000 creatures of the deep, and the University of Miami 's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (305-361-4000), a leader in oceanographic research. After a visit to these hospitable islands, so close to the bustle of urban Miami , you too will find yourself in the swim.

Little Havana

The official name of this area is Southwest Eighth Street , but everyone knows it as "Calle Ocho."

Cubans who fled from Cuba in the 1960’s recreated their community west of Brickell Avenue , imbuing it with nostalgia for their homeland. This vibrant neighborhood, home to many residents from Central and South America as well, has a distinct Latin flavor. Everything is authentic, from the fruit stands and cigar factories to the eat-at windows of the cafeterias where patrons drink Cuban coffee and passionately discuss politics.

You'll want to visit the area's quaint shops, where you'll find embroidered guayabera shirts, hand-rolled cigars and Latin music, or explore gift shops offering unique items and Cuban memorabilia. And at Little Havana to Go (305-381-7884), you'll find regional crafts, souvenirs, art and more.

Cultural activities are blossoming here, along with art galleries, studios and theaters. Cultural Fridays take place on the last Friday of every month along Calle Ocho and feature dance, music, poetry, visual arts, and theater. The historic Tower Theater is alive with performances, cultural and educational programs, and multi-cultural films, while Teatro Ocho is home to theater productions in Spanish.

Last, but not least is the food. Little Havana is one of the best places to experience Latin cuisine. Latin flavor takes center stage during Carnaval Miami, a week-long celebration of Hispanic culture culminating with Calle Ocho (a street festival that's often referred to as "the world's largest block party"), which attracts more than a million people each year.

Aventura

After becoming a city in 1995, Aventura, located at the northern end of Miami-Dade County , has established its niche as an enclave of tropical landscaping and water, surrounding sleek high-rises and luxurious single-family homes.

Majestic palms and shade trees line the roadways, and colorful flowers cover the medians of Aventura Boulevard and Country Club Drive , which sweeps around the golf course in the heart of the city.

Aventura Founders Park , located in the center of the city, features a bayside path, tennis courts, a children's playground and a multi-purpose athletic field. Nearby you’ll find the 4.3-mile long Don Soffer Aventura Fitness Trail, a popular spot for walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers.

Aventura is also synonymous with world-class shopping. The Aventura Mall, set among lush landscaping, includes an interesting array of shops and restaurants, as well as a large movie theater inside. The nearby Waterways replicate a village set around the marina. You can wander around the shopping areas, boutiques and galleries, meander down to the lighthouse, and then enjoy a meal in one of the area’s distinctive restaurants. With a selection of cuisine ranging from sophisticated to casual, Aventura will definitely entice you.

Bal Harbour

This may be one of the smallest municipalities in Miami-Dade County , but it is also one of the best known. Covering a third of a square mile, the village has long been a favored hideaway of the rich and famous where celebrity spotting is easy. Here the main street, Collins Avenue , becomes a wide boulevard graced by stately palm trees and greenery. To the east, against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean , you'll find the village's 2 luxury resorts and gleaming condominium towers set amid flowers and fountains. On the west side of Collins Avenue , low-rise apartment buildings stand next to the gated entrance to Bal Harbour 's single-family homes. Heading north out of this tiny oceanside city, the road rises to a crest over the Haulover Bridge . On the other side you’ll find Haulover Park where you can enjoy the beach, water, picnic area and more.

Bal Harbour shops are the village's crown jewel. The upscale mall is open to the sky, but designed to protect shoppers from the elements in a tropical garden setting, swathed in scarlet and purple bougainvillea. Here you can browse the collection of internationally renowned boutiques and stores that evoke style centers in New York , Paris , Milan , and London . The latest designer fashions and accessories, precious gems and fine, decorative objects may be found here.

When it comes to dining, you can choose from an array of elegant cuisines -- continental, international, Italian, Latin, seafood, steaks, sushi, and New Miami World cuisine served by the restaurants or the village's two resorts. But whether you dine indoors or outdoors, in a cafe or bistro, or on a terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean , you'll savor the ambience of Bal Harbour.

Sunny Isles Beach

The scene is changing in this lively resort area, as funky 1950’s motels and small beachfront hotels give way to luxury apartment towers and hotels. But little has changed on the Newport Fishing Pier, where you can drop a line and fish from shore.

For the thrill of deep-sea fishing, just head south to the charter boats docked on the Intracoastal Highway at Haulover Beach Park – a park split down the middle by the main road, Collins Avenue. (THIS SHOULD BE ONE COMPLETE PARAGRAPH W/THE NEXT PARAGRAPH.) On one side, bordering the Intracoastal Waterway, ocean breezes cool the 9-hole, par-3 golf course and the tennis courts, making the park a perfect spot for kite flying. Across Collins Avenue, a one-mile long stretch of pristine beach gives you the obvious surf and sand choices, plus shaded picnic areas where you can enjoy a day of fun or a quick oceanside lunch or dinner..

Surfside

One of the attractions of this quiet, family-oriented town is the wide, secluded beach that is bordered by a path through the dunes.

Rejuvenated hotels and luxury high-rise condominiums are changing the style of Collins Avenue , but Harding Avenue retains the feel of an old-style main street with small shops, a 1950’s corner drugstore and a soda fountain.

Small bistros welcome strollers for a casual meal, while the oceanfront Surfside Community Center and Tot-Lotpresent various shows and events year round in an art deco-style outdoor stage that is reminiscent of a miniature Hollywood Bowl.

Just south of surfside, the North Shore State Recreation Area offers an unspoiled beachfront nature preserve and picnic area that also caters to families.

Shopping

Greater Miami is a shopper’s paradise, with a combination of breezy open-air venues and cool, enclosed malls. Shoppers can choose from the latest haute couture and prêt-a-porter fashions to antiques, jewelry, fine art and more. The shopping possibilities go on and on . . .

Miami Central
Bayside Marketplace
401 Biscayne Boulevard
(305) 577-3344
Shopping and sightseeing go hand in hand at open-air Bayside Marketplace, where you’ll find street performers, live music and even boat tours. Browse more than 100 specialty shops, including Gap, Victoria ’s Secret and the Disney Store, or relax in the Hard Rock Cafe or one of the outdoor cafes, bars or restaurants. Secured self-parking and valet parking are available.


Central Business District
Bounded by I-95, NE 5th Street ,
Biscayne Bay and the Miami River
(305) 379-7070
The Central Business District (CBD) in downtown Miami is home to more than 3,000 retailers, including department stores, unique specialty shops, national chains and more than 300 restaurants. Metromover serves the CBD.


Jewelry District
NE 1st Street, between NE 1st and Miami Avenues
Downtown Miami is known especially for its electronics, sporting goods,
luggage, shoes, and jewelry. The Jewelry District is a popular destination for people shopping for the perfect piece. Metered and lot parking are available. Merchant validation is offered at four municipal garages.

Miami Design District
Between NE 36th and 41st Streets,
N. Miami and NE 2nd Avenues
(305) 573-8116
Designer showrooms share quarters with business offices in this 18-square block center for home furnishings design. In addition to the showrooms, you’ll find art galleries, photography studios, antique shops, restaurants, cafes and, travel agencies.

Coconut Grove
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Avenue
(305) 444-0777
Lively CocoWalk combines 38 shops with restaurants, outdoor cafes and a 16-screen cinema in a Mediterranean-style, open-air complex. Retailers include Victoria ’s Secret, Gap, Banana Republic, B. Dalton, Express, and Blockbuster Music and Video. The 3-level center also includes restaurants, clubs and more. Secure, covered parking is available

Streets of Mayfair
2911 Grand Avenue
(305) 448-1700
In the heart of Coconut Grove, this exciting center includes shops and boutiques, as well as 9 restaurants and sidewalk cafes, including Iguana Cantina. Streets of Mayfair also offers the Improv, Oxygen Lounge and other clubs. Metered, self-parking and valet parking are available.

Coral Gables
Miracle Mile
SW 22nd St. , btwn. Douglas and LeJeune Roads
(305) 446-1657
This charming 4-block stretch showcases galleries and boutiques, accented by fountains, plazas and archways dotted with bougainvillea. You’ll find moderate to high-end shops, restaurants and
cafes. Services include florists, hair salons and ATMs. Garage and metered parking are available.


Airport Area
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW 12th Street
(305) 365-7446
Dolphin Mall offers a new world of shopping, dining and entertainment. Located 5 miles from Miami International Airport at the intersection of the Dolphin Expressway (836) and the Florida Turnpike, this 1.4 million square foot mall offers 8 anchor stores and more than 150 outlet shops, including OFF 5th – Saks Fifth Avenue, Mars Music, Burlington Coat Factory, Old Navy, and The Athlete’s Foot.

Mall of the Americas
7795 W. Flagler Street
(305) 261-8772
Anchor stores at this value-oriented mall include T. J. Maxx, Linens N’ Things, Old Navy, Marshalls, and Home Depot, plus more than 100 specialty stores. The stores are accompanied by an international food court, 14-screen AMC movie theater and video arcade. Services include an ATM, 2 hair salons, a one-hour photo store, and a postal service. Free parking is offered.

Miami International Mall
1455 NW 107th Avenue
(305) 593-1775
With a strong cosmopolitan flavor, Miami International Mall lives up to its name. Most of the merchants are bilingual, and stores run the gamut from European high fashion to American brand name products. The mall’s 200 specialty stores are anchored by Burdines, Dillards, JCPenney, and Sears and services include salons, alterations, a drugstore, an ATM, a full-service restaurant, and an international food court. Free parking is available.

Miami South
Dadeland Mall
7535 N. Kendall Drive
(305) 665-6226
Dadeland Mall, on North Kendall Drive , between U.S. 1 and the Palmetto Expressway, boasts more than 175 stores housed in elegant surroundings. The largest Burdines in Florida, Saks Fifth Avenue, Limited/Express, Lord & Taylor, and JCPenney anchor the mall, which also includes a Thomas Kinkade art gallery, one-hour photo service, ATM, travel agency, hair salon, optometrists, 2 full-service restaurants, and a food court. Covered parking and valet service are available.

Downtown South Miami
Between Sunset and Kendall Drives
More than 250 businesses, including antique stores, art galleries, boutiques and specialty shops, bookstores, markets, and bakeries, are located in this pleasant community. Popular shopping streets are SW 72nd and 73rd streets, SW 57th Avenue and Dixie Highway .

The Falls Shopping Center
8888 SW 136th Street
(305) 255-5883
The Falls Shopping Center is home to Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and more than 100 shops, a 12-screen movie theater, cafes, and restaurants set in a magnificent waterscape with tropical foliage. A bank and an ATM are also nearby. Free parking is available.

The Shops at Sunset Place
5701 Sunset Drive
(305) 663-4222
This upscale retail and entertainment complex is located at U.S. 1 and Red Road . Offerings include Barnes & Noble, Virgin Megastore, GameWorks, an IMAX theater, Nike Town , Z Gallerie, a 24-screen AMC Theatre, and an array of specialty shops and restaurants. Garage and valet parking are available.

Town & Country Center
8505 Mills Drive
(305) 274-7982
This shopping facility occupies 75 acres that include a 6-acre lake. More than 100 shops and stores are divided between an enclosed mall and a half mile long strip mall. Town & Country is a value-oriented shopping center anchored by Ross Dress For Less, Sears and Linens N’ Things. Nine full-service restaurants and a food court offer international dining. A pharmacy, dry cleaning service, 10-screen theater, indoor carousel, and ATMs are also onsite. Free parking is available.

Miami Beach
Lincoln Road
Between Collins and West Avenues
An oddity in auto-oriented Miami, this pedestrian mall at the north end of South Beach has a trendy charm, with an eclectic mix of art galleries and studios, antique and interior design shops, apparel, gifts, electronics, bookshops, cafes, restaurants, coffeehouses and theaters. Services include banks, salons, markets, postal and printing services, florists, opticians and more. Enclosed parking is available.


South Beach
Bounded by Fifth and 23rd Streets,
Alton Road and Ocean Drive
The trendiest spot in Miami , South Beach is the heart of Miami’s historic Art Deco District. Best known for its colorful art deco hotels, nightclubs and great dining, this is the place to go for cutting edge fashion, jewelry, home furnishings, gifts, collectibles, beachwear and more. Major shopping streets are Collins and Washington Avenues.


Aventura
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Boulevard
(305) 935-1110
This shopping center includes more than 200 shops and boutiques, restaurants, a 24-screen cinema, and other services. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, JCPenney, Sears, and Burdines, the mall is also home to Cheesecake Factory, Paramount Grill and Johnny Rockets. Free motorcoach service to and from Downtown and Miami Beach hotels is offered 5 days a week. Parking garages and valet parking are available.


Loehmann’s Fashion Island
18711 NE Biscayne Boulevard
At Biscayne Boulevard and NE 187th Street , this unique open-air shopping and entertainment center features specialty items not available anywhere else. Among its offerings are elegant boutiques, fine restaurants, charming outdoor cafes, and a 16-screen AMC cinema. Free parking is also available.

Bal Harbour
Bal Harbour Shops
9700 Collins Avenue .
(305) 866-0311
Elegance is key to Bal Harbour Shops. It is home to Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and many famous European and American designer shops, including Chanel and Gucci. Discover continental cafes in tropical garden settings, artwork by modern masters at Bal Harbour Gallery, plus beauty salons and a travel agency. Enclosed parking is available onsite.

Miami Northwest
Main Street Miami Lakes
Main Street, between 67th and 68th Avenues
(305) 556-2212
This European style shopping village comprises 2 blocks of specialty stores, 3 full-service restaurants, the Don Shula Hotel & Golf Resort, plus a 10-screen theater complex. Onsite services include a dry cleaner, hair salons, postal service, and travel agency. Banks and ATMs are also located nearby. Street parking is available and free parking is located behind the stores.

Art
Miami's creative hothouse environment allows its amazing fine art museums and galleries to flourish, from the avant-garde contemporary to the renowned traditional.

The Art of Religion

The Jewish Museum of Florida ( 301 Washington Avenue ,; 305-672-5044) tells the story of more than 250 years of the Florida Jewish experience. Set inside a 1936 art deco style former synagogue now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers films and historical items that put the past and the present into perspective.

Local History

The history, culture and folk life of Florida and the Caribbean are the focus of the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (101 W. Flagler Street, 305-375-1492). Exhibits cover everything from Southeast Florida in the late 19th century and Miami Beach in the 1920’s to a collection of prints of Florida birds by John James Audubon. Call for a complete schedule of exhibitions.

Discover minerals, a giant quartz crystal and fossil remains of primordial creatures at the Grace Museum of Archaeology and Natural History (481 S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach, 954-925-7770), which houses archaeological and prehistoric secrets of early Floridians, ancient Egyptians, Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs.

Thank You, Mam

The Miami Art Museum (101 W. Flagler St.; 305-375-3000), also known as MAM, features superbly curated shows that often spotlight politically controversial artists and issues. Upcoming special exhibits include "Museums for a New Millennium" (October 3-January 4, 2004), "New Work: Cildo Meireles" (through October 19) and "Visual Poetics: Art and the World" (through November 16). Other programs include artist lectures and JAM at MAM, a Thursday music series complete with gallery tours and gourmet snacks. On the second Saturday of each month, free for families, teachers lead kids of all ages in creating artwork inspired by current exhibitions.

For the Kids

Just opened in 2003, the Miami Children's Museum (Watson Island; 305-373-5437) is dedicated to enriching children's lives by fostering a love of learning and appreciation of their own unique talents. Visitors are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. The museum features interactive exhibitions, learning materials, programs and more.

Lowe Highlights

The Lowe Art Museum (University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables; 305-284-3535) is high on the list of destinations for art lovers in South Florida. Exhibits include "Rebecca Hutchinson: Connected" (September 20-November 9), "Red Grooms: Selections from the Graphic Work" (November 22-January 18, 2004), "Manhattan Stories: Enduring Legacy" (through December 7), "Wild Beasts, Wise Men" (through January 11, 2004) and "Ink, Water, Brush, Hand and Heart: Painting from the Chinese Collection" (through July 5, 2004).

Travel, High and Low

Those with an interest in trains should make their way to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum (12450 S.W. 152nd Street, 305-253-0063), located next to the Metro Zoo entrance. A collection of historic railroad cars and memorabilia includes the presidential Pullman car, Ferdinand Magellan, used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Bush. Weekend train rides on authentic diesel or steam locomotives make this a must-see.

More than 140 hands-on exhibits are guaranteed to wow patrons of all ages at the Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium (3280 S. Miami Avenue 305-646-4200). "Space Toys," "The Robot Zoo," " Newton 's Notions" and "Smithsonian Expeditions: Exploring Latin America & the Caribbean " are among the favorites. Those interested in creature features will want to check out the Wildlife Center with more than 150 live animal residents. Open daily, the planetarium features occasional lectures, laser-light shows and star shows.

Art Lessons

Art Center South Florida (800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road , 305-674-8278) provides work and exhibition space for more than 81 visual artists through its juried artists' program. ArtStudies in various media and artistic levels is available for all ages. Special exhibits include "Resemblance -- Works by Luisa Basnuevo, Betty Fleisher, Carol Prusa" (through October 19) and "Works from the Neiman Marcus Collection" (October 25-November 30). Galleries and studios are free to the public.

The Wolfsonian-Florida International University (1001 Washington Avenue, 305-531-1001), housed in an art deco era gem of a building, oversees more than 70,000 American and European objects relating to decorative arts, design and architecture from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries. Exhibitions include " Tokyo : The Imperial Capital" (November 22- May 2, 2004 ) and "Weapons of Mass Dissemination: The Propaganda of War" (through March 21, 2004 ).

Aesthetic Estate

Chicago industrialist James Deering's winter home, Vizcaya ( 3251 S. Miami Avenue , 305-250-9133) is a tribute to Italian Renaissance architecture and art. Built in 1916, the house features rooms that are adorned with decor and furnishings that span 500 years. Now a museum with acres of gardens, the villa recalls a quieter South Florida.

Models of Modernity

Established in 1996, North Miami 's Museum of Contemporary Art ( 770 N.E. 125th Street , 305-893-6211) houses works that demonstrate a fresh approach to the art of our time. The permanent collection includes more than 350 artworks by artists such as John Baldessari, Dan Flavin, Dennis Oppenheim, Alex Katz, Louise Nevelson, Gabriel Orozco, Julian Schnabel, Zoe Leonard, Uta Barth, Teresita Fernandez, Jorge Pardo, Garry Simmons, Mathew Ritchie, and Jose Bedia. Current exhibits include "Roberto Juarez: A Sense of Place" (through November 16), "American Short Stories: Saul Steinberg/Raymond Pettibon" (through November 16), "William Cordova: Project" (November 29-February 8, 2004), "Richard Artschwager: ‘Painting' Then and Now" (December 3-February 15, 2004), "Laura Owens" (March 6-May 9, 2004), and "Jean-Michel Othoniel" (May 28-August 31, 2004).

May the Force Be With You

Beyond the doors of the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum ( 6350 Horizon Drive , Titusville , 321-264-0911) is an interesting and comprehensive look at the history of law enforcement. The story of the American police force unfolds with spotlights on heroes, recountings of pivotal events and exhibits of police equipment throughout several centuries. Visitors can view a memorial to more than 6,000 police officers, see unusual police vehicles, sit in a mock electric chair, enter a re-created gas chamber, experience a jail cell and more.

Curtain Calls

The Coconut Grove Playhouse ( 3500 Main Hwy. ; 305-442-4000) offers a schedule full of great new shows and fine classics. Upcoming performances include “The Tale of the Allergist's Wife” (November 4-30), “Fully Committed” (November 18-January 25, 2004), “Two Pianos, Four Hands” (December 9-January 4, 2004), Theodore Bikel in “The Chosen” (January 13-February 8, 2004), “Jolson & Company” (February 17-March 7, 2004), and “Stones in His Pockets” (March 16-April 4, 2004).

Dynamic Dance

Dedicated to developing the art of flamenco, Ballet Flamenco La Rosa (13126 W. Dixie Highway, 305-899-7730), a part of the Performing Arts Network, showcases Miami's best dancers, as well as international guests. Since 1985, the group has worked to increase awareness of this form of dance with lectures and demonstrations at public schools, libraries and festivals. Call for a schedule of performances.

Sound Advice

The Sound Advice Amphitheatre ( 601-7 Sansburys Way , West Palm Beach , 561-793-0445) is the place to go to hear the nation's top rock, country and pop acts live. Call for a complete schedule of upcoming concerts.

Blockbusters From Broadway and More

Whether you're into the entertaining musicals of yesteryear or the new beat of the young century, you've got a place to go in Miami -- the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts ( 1700 Washington Avenue , 305-673-7300). This venue presents an annual series of touring Broadway productions, as well as special appearances by visiting ballet and dance troupes. Call for a schedule of upcoming performances.

Note-Worthy

Entertainment is showcased year round at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium (2901 W. Flagler Street, 305-547-5414), including the Florida Grand Opera and Sociedad Pro Arte Gateli ( Miami 's oldest Hispanic performing arts company), as well as world-class orchestras, jazz performers and classical soloists. Call for a schedule.