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| Cheap Florida Vacation Rental |
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Yes, there are those legendary beaches that have lured sun worshipers to Miami almost since time began.
The powder-soft sand of South Beach and beyond still finds its share of takers. But these days the city
has turned up the heat and sizzles 24/7. By day its Art Deco district (the biggest in the world, they
claim, and certainly the hippest) recalls the days of Fred and Ginger. Those swank buildings in sherbet
colors now host shops of urban chic, high-style cafes that showcase Floribbean flavor blends, and lush
open-air lounges from which to ogle the cast of celebs who roam its palm-fringed streets. You may find a
cheap Florida vacation rental, but that is certainly not a vacation.
But after dark is when Miami really starts to sizzle. The salsa beat picks up in its lively cluster of
late-late-late night clubs and doesn't end till it's time for ham and eggs (along with café con leche, to
carry out the vibrant Cuban theme that scintillates throughout the city). The Spanish tempo that dominates
the city adds a potent, vibrant flavor to the swank cultural stew it serves up with panache. Again you may
find a cheap Florida vacation rental, but that is certainly not a vacation.
Day One
Roll out of bed
Today, breakfast comes as late as you like (it's served 24 hours) at Jerry's Famous Deli just off the south
end of the famous boardwalk leading to Miami Beach. The 1940s Deco throwback of glass-brick, terrazzo, and
moderne lighting presents a menu just as retro: from dollar-sized pancakes to blintzes and matzo brie or
bagels with lox.
Then stretch your muscles with a round of tennis or golf at one of South Beach's many facilities-or simply
stroll along postcard-pretty Lummus Park, lining the Deco district's shoreline, all the way down to South
Pointe Park. Here you can catch the surf on a rented board, try your luck at fishing, or simply gaze at the
mammoth cruise ships heading for open water off this southernmost piece of real estate. You must agree with
me, you may find a cheap Florida vacation rental, but that is certainly not a vacation.
Alfresco lunching
Head back north four blocks to Ocean Drive for a bite of lunch with a side of people-watching. Block after
block of outdoor cafes display the day's specials at umbrella tables. And block after block of strolling
sun worshipers clad, more or less, in beachwear provide the live entertainment. You may find a cheap
Florida vacation rental, but that is certainly not a vacation.
A lazy gazing afternoon
Now turn your heels a few blocks north to Espanola Way, a charming recreation of Old Spain, lined with
funky shops, cafes, and studios sheltered by shady greenery. It's close to Miami's famous Lincoln Road,
just another half-mile heading north, where you'll head next to exercise that shopping gene at "name"
boutiques along its pedestrian-only mall, under palms that glint with twinkle lights once the sun goes
down. If you prefer to melt down in a spa, you can compare pedicures with supermodels and fashionistas at
The Beauty Lounge on the Road. I say it to you one more time, you may find a cheap Florida vacation rental,
but that is certainly not a vacation.
The night is young
Right here on Lincoln Road, you'll discover scores of tempting restaurants with way-cool dining rooms, or
tables under the stars. SushiSamba Dromo tempts palates with its adventurous Japanese-South American theme,
melding the clean design and flavors of the Far East with the carnival colors and spice excitement derived
from south of the border. Shrimp sashimi ceviche, anyone?
Then, amid the Road's skaters, dog-walkers, and style-setters, stroll over to Rumi, a club whose cool retro
design and hot Caribbean rhythms attract celebs of the film and music world. Isn't that Gloria? Well, yes.
Right again, you may find a cheap Florida vacation rental, but that is certainly not a vacation.
Day Two
Beach blanket bingo
This morning, grab a cuppa-to-go at your hotel and meander to the waterfront, where one looong public beach
extends almost seamlessly from the tip of South Beach to the suburbs miles to the north. Slather on the sun
block, stretch out on the chaise, dip your toes in the cool foam teasing the sand, and become a beachcomber
for the morning. After all, isn't this why you came to Miami?
Then catch a cab for the paseo to Little Havana and meander along the eight-block stretch of Calle Ocho
(8th Avenue), teeming with shops for Latin tunes and fashions, noting the stars on the pavement honoring
hot Hispanic artists. Along a two-block stretch of Cuban Memorial Boulevard rise monuments to the island's
freedom fighters. Close by, Domino Park is a lively haven for senior señores playing their favorite game.
Grab a bite to eat at a taqueria along Ocho and eavesdrop on spirited Spanish conversations. Here is when
I should say, in Spanish version …, you may find a cheap Florida vacation rental, but that is certainly not
a vacation.
Grab a cab to the new Design District just to the north and amble among the four square blocks of leading
designer showrooms for furniture, home appointments, and art galleries, where the public is welcome to
browse.
Or head back to the pastel playground called the Art Deco National Historic District and rent headsets for
a 90-minute self-guided tour among its sleek, historically preserved buildings-scads of hotels with names
such as Avalon and Majestic, as romantic as their smooth, pastel-hued silhouettes. Take time out to tour
the Wolfsonian museum in the District's midst to catch a glimpse of the icons of the era, from toasters to
posters and more. Then stroll the length of Collins Avenue to shop till you drop. And when you do, one of
dozens of outdoor cafes will revive you with a cool drink. Certainly, you may find a cheap Florida vacation
rental, but that is certainly not a vacation.
One enchanted evening
Tonight, dine close by in South Beach at Wish, located in The Hotel-or, outside it, rather, in a shadowy,
romantic setting of swaying palms and splashing fountains. Finish off the night in one of the multitude of
live-music clubs along Ocean Drive, a block away, or venture a bit farther south to Fifth Street to Tap
Tap, a bright and lively Haitian cafe with an unbeatable late-night beat, or not. Simply stroll along the
magic boardwalk, soaking up the starlight. You may find a cheap Florida vacation rental, but that is
certainly not a vacation.
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