Add some local grit to your luxury Miami dream with learning and spontaneity
Some education with an air conditioned free nap in the planetarium show at the Frost Science Museum
Hey all, Vykkie here to report back on the hidden and not so hidden gems of Miami. Nothing says “ I am important and authentic“ more than to be gorgeously traveling like a local! So here are some hacks for you to earn some street cred:
1. Frost Science center
Frequent rain and the general hottest muggiest month got you down? Want to see a reptile in the Everglades but mosquito Hell and the fact that all you are likely to see is a floating log that may or may not be an alligator preventing your excursion? Have no fear, the Frost science museum is here! With each ticket purchase comes a green screen of you in any background you wish and a free planetarium show vr with a 30 minute ice cold power nap to recharge your hot and bothered self! Go early and mid week to avoid peak children crowds and school trips.
2. Lady/Man of the Night Parade on 79th
Imagine this is a sad forlorn man in a red wig standing on a street corner wearing a jean jacket.
If there was ever a site to behold, the very publicly displayed gathering of night ladies, men, and everything in between parading along 79th street known as its own impromptu red light district is worth a visit. Barcelona’s La Rambla is a pond compared to ocean of Miami‘s 79th Street workers. More crowded than a disney light show with fireworks, going through this area will transport you to its own little Amsterdam of human diplayed goods in the hundreds coming from the direction of little Haiti, also now known as Little River in developers’ hopes to gentrify the neighborhood. Take a stroll or drive after midnight to get a full voyeuristic pleasure in seeing America’s usually hidden side in full glory.
3. Visit Hialeah and have a lovely family adopt you
Yes there is a historic racetrack and casino with a lovely pink flamingo neon sign to explore. AND why not go further and be adopted by the lovely Gamboa family with Cuban coffee and meals to-go made while you nap until the late afternoon to complete your real local experience? Have dual Spanish/English conversational exchange eating plantaine soup and there’s even TWO Chinese grocery stores to boot. How’s that for multicultural in Hialeah?
4. Go see Earth N Us Farm
think theres nothing rural in Miami? Think again! Started by Roy Chasser forty year’s ago, you can now rent out a treehouse Airbnb and learn how to urban farm/compost like a champ. they offer ” a learning space for youth and adults to peacefully coexist and care for the earth” as the sign says. Hurry before high rise developers swoop in to ruin your luxury nature experience! Tenants who live on premises also cook outdoors and may throw spontaneous fashion/dance parties/film festivals in true Miami style.
5. Hang out at north beach late at night
this is the north beach and it is nighttime
Filled with romance, monthly drum circles, calm waters, lifeguard towers, sand fleas that bite, naked men hiking about, whats there not to like? There’s a pretty walking path with white lights to stroll down on a date. Explore some of the interiors of burnt out watchtowers for that fun Halloween-like experience
With these glorious activities in mind, you will be SO much more prepared to impress your non local to Miami friends when you return home. Give it a try!