Miscelaneous, Miami

This cafe/bar is truly unconventional. Having lived in cities like Seattle and Chicago, where eccentric non-corporate cafes abound, I was dismayed to find nothing of the sort in Miami. Until I stumbled by chance into Luna Star Cafe in North Miami one day after I had visited the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is a quiet neighborhood, you would think it would be a bustling center of arts and eccentricities, with the museum rooted there, but it's not. In fact, it is a still undiscovered neighborhood.

The cafe has been around for over 7 years and is soley run by a very charismatic and interesting woman named Alexis who is from New York but has also lived in London and the Greek Islands. There are collected knick knacks all over the place, local art on the walls, and an L-shaped bar where locals gather and drink unique belgium-style beers. On the weekends she hosts folk music concerts. Another rarity, considering the fact that live acoustic music is also hard to find in Miami.

This place is a must-see if you like to mingle with odd and interesting characters, and if you prefer an "off the beaten path" experience. I have seen a guy in there who wears a robe, tells stories, and claims he is 400 years old! Plus photographers, artists, musicians, yet the place isnt one bit pretentious.

If you're looking for a perfect photo location in Miami, look no further than under the McArthur Causeway. The McArthur Causeway is the bridge that links Miami Beach to the Mainland. When you drive over this causeway, you'll get a great view of the Miami city skyline... but to get an even better view that you can really sit back and soak up, you have to go UNDER the causeway.

To get to the secret photo spot, get onto I-395 and head over to the Miami Children's Museum exit (Watson Island). Drive to the NW corner of the little island area and you'll find you can drive your car under the bridge.

The best time to check out this spot is at night, on the weekends, from maybe 10pm to midnight. This is when all the city's lights will be at their best. You may run into some local fishermen, or a professional photo shoot in progress. It's a great place to bring a date too!

Remember the dramatic illusion of this 13.000 square foot trompe l'oeil mural depicting the Fontainebleau's back yard ? It surprised north-bound drivers as they approached the bend on Collins Avenue on the South side of the building.

The world-famous Fontainebleau Hilton hotel has undergone a multi million dollar renovation. She got built in 1954 to show her gracious ambience and prestige of those heyday and, became Miami's "crown jewel" only 2 miles from the Art Deco District.

It's a shame the famous trompe l'oeil mural had to disappear as part of the renovations, so maybe this photograph will remember the heydays of Fontainebleau's Back Yard ...

There is a local fruit and vegetable stand that's been around for years. Robert's Is Here, a place of nearly every kind of tropical fruit and vegetable that can be acquired.

Also, the milk shakes! They are made with all kind of tropical fruits. The greatest!

For extra treat you will find huge turtles on display.

You don't want to miss Robert's Is Here! Located at the end of Palm Drive in Florida City, Florida.

Extreme Rock Climbing is an indoor rock climbing gym in south miami. Its great for beginners and even has some routes for more experienced climbers as well.

Anyone who hasn't climbed before has to take an intro class. The cost is $35 and includes all equipment. You're also allowed to use the gym for the day once you've paid and taken the class. Otherwise, the rates are $12 per day or $40 for a monthly pass. Equipment rental is extra.

many tourists including americans them selvs are scared to makefriendship with gangers.i wonder why?!...this is certianly one of the off-the beaten bath in miami..i made friendship with gangers there..and i found them very funny..and you'd not feel bored with them...with them..you will do off-the-beaten bath cativities..

you can see my friends 'shairf' and 'marco'(a guy from the gangers) making whatever by their hands:P

Miami is a really great place. It does have a high crime rate in certain places, but that shouldn't be a problem with common sense. The Metro Zoo is very good. Also , if you have time, check out Vizcaya Mansion-a match for many of the best grand homes of Europe and else where. There are some good museums in Miami too. Take your pick.

Miami-Dade County, which includes Miami Beach, has been dubbed 'Capital of the Americas,' a crossroads where neighbors from many nations to the south share their music, their cuisine, their culture. It's also a preferred choice of those who want to enjoy paradise-like weather and crystal-clear beaches while dining and being entertained in a culture that says, Only in Miami.

Learn to fly an Ultra Light plane. These things land rigth on the water. Not only you learn to fly it but you get the best view of Miami, and Miami Beach. They fly you up and down the beach. On Rickenbacker Causeway after the first bridge. Telephone 305-361-3909

Bouganvillas in full summer bloom. All along South MIami avenue between 15 and 25 roads. One block north of Brickell avenue. If you are travelling from downtown to coconut grove, don't take US 1, this is the scenic way. Brickell and South Miami Avenue, look at your maps.