I feel that as a Realtor it is quite important to know more about the city you live in and to be able to discuss the area with your clients instead of just talking about houses all the time. Here is my list – in order of importance and how much time you will need to visit each – of the most important places to know in the area. Keep in mind that there are many other places and attractions, but these are the ones that I feel are off the beaten path and a little less congested with tourists.
Wynwood Art District in Miami – You’ll need approximately two hours to cover the district, but add one or two more if you want to include a meal and drinks at one of the area’s fantastic restaurants or bars. Take your time strolling the streets and viewing the numerous art exhibits that are strewn all over the old warehouse buildings. This is a photo lover’s dream.
Vizcaya of Miami – This is an all morning or all afternoon museum visit that is worth its weight in gold. The house alone is less than an hour self-guided tour. It’s the gardens that take so long to view, because of its sheer size and beauty. Bring a camera!
Ford and Edison Estates in Fort Myers – This is an all-day excursion as the drive from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale is about 1-1.5 hours. Two homes, a museum and a lab are on the property, so be inclined to stay awhile to take it all in. There truly is nothing like this as both men were visionaries in their fields. Architecturally, you will not see anything like these two homes in the area.
Miracle Mile of Coral Gables – This lovely area of Coral Gables is a beautiful walk on both sides of the street and includes all kinds of shops and restaurants. However, don’t be surprised to see many a bride modeling their gowns on the sidewalk. It’s quite a spectacle. This is an afternoon or early evening with time for dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Cuban Crafters of Miami – This surely is what you would be looking for if you want a real taste of how a fine cigar is made. Local craftsmen dot the premises making cigars by hand right in front of you. Feel free to sample what you like, partake in a cup of Cuban coffee and even get a straight razor shave while there. You can do it all in about an hour and for less than $10!
Billie Swamp Safari – This is probably the best toured Everglades experience you will have. It’s pricey, but worth it as you will not only be a passenger on an airboat ride, but on a buggy ride as well, where you will see all kinds of native and international wildlife. This is an entire afternoon experience. While you are there, it’s a good idea to check out the native Indian art and crafts for purchase. It’s a great way to give back to our Native American friends.
Lincoln Road of Miami Beach – This is literally an outdoor shopping mall in the heart of Miami Beach. The area boasts all kinds of local foods and retail shops. While all of the local mom and pop retail stores have all but gone because of high rents, it is still a wonderful place for a stroll and dinner as the architecture is completely art deco. This takes an early evening as the day is quite hot. Be prepared to spend at least two to three hours there walking and people watching.
Las Olas Blvd and downtown Fort Lauderdale – I’m going to lump these two together even though they are separated by a river. This is a fabulous area to walk, dine and enjoy a fine local meal. The summers can be quite dreadful during the day, but evenings and winter hours are fabulous. Parking is a bit of a problem, so get there early. Best bet is to have dinner and a stroll on Las Olas and then catch a ride to the other side of the river to downtown and go bar hopping.
Downtown Delray – You should spend at least two to three hours here. This small beach town just north of Boca Raton is probably South Florida’s best hidden little gem. The downtown area harkens back to the days when people actually went downtown to shop, eat and be entertained. It is an incredibly nice atmosphere that is completely walkable. And that is a good thing because walking is the only way to truly enjoy the electric atmosphere of the city. As you stroll up and down the streets you will be greeted by local bars, restaurants and shops that have been renovated while still maintaining their old architecture. Music will greet you from the local musicians who play on the sidewalks as you walk by, as well. And it’s not nearly as expensive as South Beach!
Stranahan and Bonnet Houses of Ft. Lauderdale – A couple of hours in each will do, but why rush? Although both of these homes are in the same city they were built by different families and offer visitors something different. Both can be viewed on the same day in just a few hours. It will give you a very real taste of how people lived and how homes were built in the early 20th century. It is a good idea to visit these before they disappear, too, as both have pretty much been swallowed up by hotels and high rises all around and rest on prime real estate. Stranahan is Broward County’s oldest surviving structure and was built in 1901 by Ft. Lauderdale’s founding father, Frank Stranahan. Bonnet house, on the other hand, was built in 1920 as a retreat for Frederic and Helen Bartlet. The sheer location of the home is evidence of how well thought out the home was. The grounds encompass one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. Five distinct ecosystems can be found on the property, including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a fresh water slough, the secondary dune (which includes the house site), mangrove wetlands and a maritime forest. There is also a beautiful orchid showroom with flowers that are rotated regularly. And by the way, Stranahan is a spectacular setting for a wedding.
Warsaw Coffee, The Alchemist and Funky Buddha of Ft. Lauderdale – I am also going to lump these three together, because they are all in the same city and close to each other. If you are a lover of fine, locally brewed coffee, then the first two are amazing. I like the iced coffee in both. However, Warsaw’s iced coffee is cold brewed and the Alchemist’s is not. It is served with coffee ice cubes instead. Funky Buddha is a local beer brewery and offers all kinds of local craft beers and tours. You can spend all day at the three if you really want to, so it is totally up to you. Or, go to one for coffee in the morning, Buddha for some beer and then back to the other coffee bar for a refresher. The coffee bars are a perfect place to enjoy the aroma of the freshly roasted coffee and ambiance while sipping your favorite beverage. And no crowds or waiting like the typical franchises.
Morris Massre, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty, has more than 20 years experience in sales, working in both retail and real estate. He specializes sales, leasing and discounted property management. Massre has written blogs for Miami Agent Magazine in the past and can be found on Twitter at @Shoelessmoe.