Last week, I wrote about spending some time
in Key Largo over the Christmas holidays. Before coming home, we spent a couple of nights in Miami, which meant we had time to see the two districts I was most
interested in – Little Havana and the Art Deco district.
Little Havana was first established by
Cuban immigrants, many of whom settled in Miami because of its proximity to their homeland. More recently, it has welcomed
other Central and Southern American immigrants, but the Cuban influence remains
strong.
Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the
hub of Little Havana. We began our walk at the Brigade 2506 Memorial. This
statue was erected in honour of the Cuban exiles who were killed attempting to
overthrow Fidel Castro in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion.
Calle Ocho is rich with Latin influences.
We ate Cuban ice cream, and saw art galleries, a cigar factory, and the Cuban Walk
of Fame. Of note, one of the recipients of a star on the Walk of Fame is singer
Gloria Estefan. Her father was involved in the Bay of Pigs invasion, and was
captured and given a 30-year prison sentence. Two years later, he and the other
American prisoners were returned to Miami after $62 million in ransom money was
paid.
We couldn’t leave Little Havana without
having lunch at its most famous restaurant, Versailles. Even at noon, the line
to get in was formidable. It was worth the wait. The menu was huge, but I had to try the traditional Cuban ropa vieja (shredded beef). It was terrific.
Our hotel was located in the Art Deco
district, and a neighbourhood walk was on my must-do list. The Hotel of South
Beach has retained its beautiful Tiffany tower from when it was a hotel of the
same name. The original Tiffany Hotel
was designed by L. Murray Dixon, a leading architect who designed many other
buildings in the district (including the Tides, the Raleigh and the Regent hotels).
Walking north on Ocean Drive and back along
Collins and Washington Avenues, we had our cameras out full-time. Most of the
buildings were, of course, in Art Deco design. The Breakwater Hotel (pictured
at the top of the blog) pays homage to a Mayan Temple, while other buildings
were built in Streamline Moderne or Mediterranean Revival styles.
Here are some of the beautiful buildings,
and one interior, that impressed us.
We loved this gorgeous
antique car parked on Ocean Drive:
Sunrise at South Beach:
22 comments:
Not much to comment on today as I live in S. Florida and spend lots of time in Miami and South Beach. Some great restaurants there as well as scenery and architecture. The most interesting, I think, is Stiltsville. Believe you can still take tours on certain days. They cannot be replaced, and a nasty hurricane will wipe them out, never to be seen again.
Barbara, I didn't know anything about Stiltsville until I read your comment. Now I know what I'll do the next time I'm in Miami!
Not sure if you're getting this twice or not, password issues. I cleared my computer earlier and zap goes that remembered password.
It's so cold here, windchill's 30 below. Florida sounds good. Photos look beautiful.
I just got it once, Julie, so thanks for persevering!
And it's pretty cold here, too. I'm just holding on for spring.
I've only been to Miami once, for a food blogger's conference, so didn't get to see much of the city. BUT a group of us did go out to lunch at Versailles! Such a wonderful meal.
I love the Art Deco buildings! :)
Dear Beth, I have not been to Miami in many, many years. I would love to go and visit the places you mentioned. I would also love to try the food!! It sounds like a wonderful time.xo Catherine
Love all your pictures. Am visualizing the sun and warmth. Especially since I must go grocery shop in the frigid weather.
Miami looks so beautiful! I have never been to a Cuban restaurant. I am craving for some shredded beef now.
These are lovely pictures Beth!!
This sounds like a fun visit! I'd love to see the art deco architecture of Miami. This escape to Miami, even though virtual, on a chilly day is delightful!
I would totally take some Miami sun and fun right now!
So interesting! I could use a little Miami flare right now.
Wow, I never considered myself an Art Deco fan but the architecture is stunning (old-school glam!). I could definitely use a bit of Florida sun right now. :)
Thanks, Beth, for sharing this trip to Miami! The only time I was there was in 1988--when South Beach was beginning its revitalization. We stayed at the Cardoza (next to The Carlisle) whose renovations were not quite complete. :) I recall that we paid $60 a night! The entire Art Deco district is beyond charming.
The pictures are amazing,lovely Miami
I live in Florida too and LOVE your photos of some of Miami's historic landmarks - they're really beautiful - thanks for sharing!
What a gorgeous place to visit, Miami sounds so awesome!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Miami is such a great city for sightseeing. It's been far too long since we've visited. We never made it to Little Havana. We now know where to go when we go back. Your food looks delicious!
I love your photos, especially of the art deco buildings. I have a soft spot for art deco.
wow! Great post! I visited Cuba once. It's nice to know who Little Havana looks like!
I think you need to do a ski vacation or something, so I don't feel so cold this winter...
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