Cultural Trip

When it comes to culture in South Florida, I used to joke that the only semblance of such was the kind found on a Petri dish after swabbing the floor of one of Miami's most popular night clubs. That's no longer the story. If you're looking for real culture, eclectic, ethnic, and otherwise, we've got that, too, now. Whew.

Days 1 & 2: Key West

In order to completely understand Conch Culture, you have to experience it with a few days in wacky Key West. To fully get it, try to stay in a B&B like La Pensione or a swankier one like The Gardens. Leave the Hiltons for bigger cities if you must. Then book yourself on the famous Trails of Margaritaville Jimmy Buffet-themed tour of the city. If you're still standing after that, hit all the bars on Duval Street and its side streets making sure not to miss Captain Tony's Saloon and the Green Parrot; and then steal away to the Bahama Village for dinner and drinks amidst the cackling roosters in the backyard of the famous Blue Heaven.

Days 3 & 4: Key West to Miami

There are all sorts of bizarre spots along the Overseas Highway en route to Miami. You can't miss the gigantic lobster out front of one wacky gift shop, nor can you avoid the pink manatees beckoning you into the various shell and souvenir shops. Very much a part of Keys culture is a stop in Islamorada's famous Tiki Bar, where the rumrunners are potent and the vibe is the quintessence of vacation. When passing through Homestead, you may or may not want to stop at the Coral Castle, the place built by a Latvian man obsessed by his unrequited love, or just continue on to Miami, where you'll check into the quaint and charming Miami River Inn, a vestige of old Florida culture smack in the midst of the city.

Days 4 to 5: The Hottest Spots North of Havana

Don't listen to what people say about Little Havana. If you do it right, it's entirely worth seeing. In fact, we recommend you take the Herencia Hispana Tour that will take you through Miami's most vibrant cultural neighborhood with very knowledgeable guides, who will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Miami's Cuban culture. After the tour, grab a croquette and medianoche (midnight sandwich) at Versailles, where Cuban cafe culture is alive and well. You can also do Little Havana at night if you dig dancing -- check out Hoy Como Ayer, especially on Thursdays, for the best in Latin tunes and dancing.

Day 6: Miami by Design

Definitely not an all-day affair, but nonetheless cool if you're into art and design, Miami's Design District is worth a look-see. While you're there, grab a bite at Sheeba, the city's only Ethiopian restaurant. After that, don't miss Miami Beach's Bass Museum and North Miami's Museum of Contemporary Art, and South Beach's Wolfsonian museum if you're into history and kitsch. By the time you have this book, we hope the long awaited, zillion-dollar Miami Beach Performing Arts Center will raise its curtains and make its debut.

Day 7: Everglades or Palm Beach? You Decide.

When it comes to nature and South Florida's fascinating Native American culture, the Everglades are the place to be. Besides the kitschy 'gator wrestling and airboat rides, there is still a thriving Native American community that lives and works within the remarkable Everglades. If you're afraid of getting bit by mosquitoes, or if nature's just not your thing, head up to Palm Beach, where all things natural give way to Botox and Silicone. Check out the fascinating Norton Museum of Art and the Flagler Museum, where you can view old railroad cars, and Whitehall, the so called Taj Mahal of the South.