Downtown Hotels and Events

Miami, The Big Picture - Courtesy www.condominiumcentral.net

Despite the uncertainty stirred by Hurricane Ike, Miami appeared to be pulsating with its regular hustle and bustle offering unique appeal to visitors who got off here along with us. Having decided on the vacation in advance, and even booked through the Downtown Miami hotel site our little group decided that no Hurricane was going to come betwixt our pleasure jaunt. Caught up for too long in our frenetic workaholic existence it had been a focussed joint venture to chill out together. This is what brought four not-so-young women in the middle of Miami city. Thankfully Ike decided to change course and soon enough the bit of ocean tension was back to its usual inviting waters.

The timing was just right. With the summer rush almost over and winter waiting to nip in, we were to experience the city in its natural multicultural setting. Of course we had been warned about the year round sultry humidity. Undeterred we remained resolute on our mission to unwind and relax. The intention was to enjoy the sights and sounds without the hassle of rushing into every kind of touristy thing. The only exception being the free Jazz Concerts that are on at the Museum of Contemporary Arts on the last Friday of each month. Yes we would take our blankets, sit out under the stars, and enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz. That was about it.

For the greater part we were to loll around the beachy places and find sequestered  spots to experience what Miami was all about. Ranked as a global city headquartering financial institutions and television studious we were aware of it as a major finance and commerce center. Clearly there are countless places to go and many things to do and see here. Miami and its suburbs are located on a broad plain between the Florida Everglades to the west and Biscayne Bay to the east that also extends from Florida Bay north to Lake Okeechobee. The main portion of the city lies on the shores of Biscayne Bay which contains several hundred natural and artificially-created barrier islands the largest of which contains Miami Beach and South Beach. These were to be our playing fields.

Its the beaches that draw over 12 million visitors annually from across the country and around the world. The historical Art Deco district in South Beach is widely known as one of the most glamorous in the world for its world-famous nightclubs, beaches, historical buildings, and shopping. And its a fact that that Miami Beach is a separate city from the City of Miami. So while the Beach areas are the target of conventions, festivals and events it is the City of Miami that brings together all kind of cultures living together - the most predominant of which is the Spanish influence.

We were of course focussed on sunbathing, dining, going to the movies, ..uhhm…all the things that girls like to do to please themselves. Why there were times when we were content sitting at a roadside cafe sipping cool drinks and watching people go by. Honestly that was the best way to enjoy the place or so we thought. Until we stepped into the malls. From Lincoln Road Mall to Bal Harbor Shops to downtown Coral Gables we could have spent an entire lifetime walking around and window shopping.

Lincoln Road Mall is superb. This immensely walkable thoroughfare has a lively atmosphere. The mall stretches from Biscayne Bay to Miami Beach. Locals add to the fun by bringing in their dogs, roller blades, bikes, strollers to become part of the picturesque setting. Located within the mall are Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, BeBe, and many many boutiques and galleries. We even spotted Macy’s too. But if you are looking for something more glamorous then the shops of Bal Harbor are for you! Cartier, Chloe, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Harry Winston and Hermes.  Its all eye candy  but the experience  is wonderfully fascinating.

The beautifully landscaped area at the end of the Mall brings you to the famous wide white sand  of Miami Beach. But since we were still in for the shopping mania we headed for the downtown commercial district known as the “Miracle Mile”. This is a 2 mile long and 4 blocks wide pedestrian friendly stretch with a whole line of shops. As it turned, the little shops out on Coco Walk is where we actually did buy some stuff. The other interesting place that we made a beeline for was Coral Gables that had a more downtown feel. With sidewalk cafes and boutiques lining the street, it was well worth the visit.

Miami city is a melting pot of tropical art deco style of the 20’s mixed with heavy Spanish colonial influences and the hot Florida Sun. Its a place of varied cultures and arts. There are many choices available for entertainment and leisure. Famous beaches flourish in the myriad of daytime cafés and night time hot spots that line Ocean Drive. It really appears like the LA of the East full of the trendy and fashionable in-crowd. It was really fun exploring Miami trying hard to decide what to see and what to miss.

To get the quintessential Miami experience, we visited the lovely open-air market of Bayside to browse the artist’s carts and stroll along the pier. Sipping iced drinks along the many many restaurants that lined here makes for a wonderful past time. Its more than just a mall as it offers an authentic slice of south Florida life letting you enjoy Miami’s beautiful skyline along the Biscayne Bay and delight in the fresh ocean breeze. Which is what we came here for. We were glad we made it here despite it all. Not the Hurricane, nor Miami Heat nor Miami Vice could put us off. We had a very good vacation with some great food, fun and entertainment! Yes the luncheons and dinners under the majestic palms were wonderful! Mama mia! Miami anytime.