Or Blogs

Agricultural industrialist James Deering built this gorgeous, sprawling Miami estate in 1916. Deering spent his winters on Viscaya for the next nine years until his death in 1925. Deering’s estate was inspired by centuries old European villas and of its 34 rooms; several are decorated with antiques and furnishings from the 15th to the 19th centuries. In 1994, Viscaya became a National Historical Landmark.

James Deering’s Vision

Decorated in the style of a grand European estate, Deering’s Viscaya exists as a tribute to art and nature. Deering himself was a passionate environmentalist who made a number of architectural decisions that supported his appreciation of the environment. Deering’s decision to build Viscaya facing Biscayne Bay was only one example of his love of nature. He chose to build his winter retreat in Miami in part because of his appreciation of the native hardwood hammock. Even throughout the grand main house, Deering’s love of nature can be seen in his choice of paintings. Even the decor occasionally reflects the wonder of the South Florida landscape – and the beauty of Viscaya’s grottos and gardens didn’t escape the notice of Martha Stewart herself, in this slideshow.

Nature and Beauty

Featured in many films, Viscaya’s unique beauty makes it one of the most noted and beautiful historic homes in America. The gardens are one of the most extradionary features of Viscaya, taking up ten acres of the estate’s fifty acres. At the time of its construction, Deering hired an estimated 1/3 of Miami’s population to build the grand house and the gardens. Stepping into Viscaya’s lush Italian-inspired gardens is like stepping back in time to the 16th century: water fountains, rich foliage, and hidden caves all make this an exotic and timeless hideaway. In keeping with Deering’s vision, Viscaya is a place where the beauty of Florida’s natural landscape meets the mosaic of the past.

If You Go

To learn more about Viscaya’s programs for children and adults, call 305-250-9133 or go here.  Viscaya is open daily except for Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Adults are $15, students and seniors are $10, kids 6 and older are $6, kids 5 and younger are free.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By sherrivokey

If naturism is your way of life or you just want to go someplace where you can be in harmony with nature, look no further than Baker’s Haulover Beach’s communal nudist area. Visitors to Baker’s Haulover Beach can legally remove all clothing, avoid tan lines and enjoy the impeccably maintained half-mile stretch of sand in Miami named after a local fisherman, Baker, who hauled his sponge boat from Biscayne Bay through the almost unsurpassable dunes to the ocean on that very spot.

Baker’s Haulover Beach

Baker’s Haulover beach is one of a kind in the state of Florida. Thanks to a Dade County ordinance, visitors are allowed to expose their naked bodies without fear of persecution on the specially marked part of the beach. In 1991, the naturist organization, South Florida Free Beaches, worked towards making the nudist beach a reality. Naturists or nudists believe in the unashamed acceptance of the human body as natural. Though many locals opposed this and the idea of a nude beach, Baker’s Haulover Beach was an instant hit, especially with tourists.

Safety

It may be this reason that this beach, unlike others in the United States, is an official tax-supported public nude beach. This safe and clean beach boasts lifeguards, police patrols, parking, shower facilities, clean bathrooms, concessions such as beach chair and umbrella rentals, snacks among others. Unofficial beaches around the country leave visitors to the mercy of police patrols, and prey to dangerous surroundings.

Since naturists traverse all of society, Baker’s Haulover beach goers include the very young, the very old and everything in between. Locals, national and international visitors abound. Because the area is clothing optional, some visitors stay in their swimsuits. This is a good option for first timers who just want to try it out!

In July, the beach comes alive during National Nude Week. The festival features events including live music, parades and dancing.

If You Go

Baker’s Haulover beach is located within the 10800 block of Collins Avenue in North Miami Beach. Sun worshippers can stay from sunrise to sunset. The north lot is the parking lot closest to the beach, costs upwards of $6 and it is full to capacity by noon on weekends and holidays. A tunnel connects the north lot to the beach so you do not have brave the busy rte. A1A. There are other lots surrounding the area as well. Though not set in stone, many visitors say that the area north of the main lifeguard tower is mainly gay and lesbian while the south end is straight. Lewd behavior is not tolerated and gawking is considered rude. Dogs and glass containers are prohibited.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo By osseous

The 14^th Annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will begin on April 27, 2012 and run until Sunday May 6, 2012. Since it’s the first LGBT film fest in the year, many feel that it sets the tone for all the other LGBT film events. The MGLFF screens its films throughout Miami-Dade County, including Miami Beach and Coral Gables.

Chely Wright Honored On First Night of Festival

On April 27, Chely Wright, country music star and author of the memoir Like Me, will be presented with the Lavender Heart Award, which honors an entertainer who has presented a positive image of the gay community. The recent documentary about Chely’s coming out, Wish Me Away explores public and private moments as Chely comes out,  much to the surprise of her conservative country fan base. It will be screened at the MGLFF on April 28. Chely is also the national spokesperson for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

Films

From CoDependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same to the classic The Celluloid Closet, the MGLFF features a variety of films, including shorts and full-length features. Among them will be Vito about writer and activist Vito Russo, the author of The Celluloid Closet; Seventh Gay Adventists, in which the faith of three people collide with their sexuality; Kermit and the gang hit New York in the 1985 family classic The Muppets Take Manhattan; and two sister-in-laws to be fall for each other in the Swedish comedy Kiss Me. The MGLFF also features many films from around the world, including films from Ireland, Israel, and Africa.

If You Go

The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will take place in several main locations: The Colony Theater in Miami Beach, the Coral Gables Art Cinema, the Miami Beach Cinematheque, the Miami Beach Convention Center, Regal Cinemas on South Beach, and The Wolfsonian. For more information about the locations, please go here. For tickets and ticket prices, go here.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By eschipul

One of the easiest ways to go green is by reusing items and recycling your old stuff. My old high school friend Allie was the queen – I mean the past master – of thrift stores. Once, I watched her find a pair of Michael Kors jeans – retail value of $100 – for a mere five bucks. “Get them. You need these.” They were two sizes too small, but I bought them – and still have them, a proud souvenir of a good thrifting day.

I’ve been to them all: Goodwill, garage stores, and swap parties, but so far nothing has rocked my world harder than Out of the Closet. Billed as “the world’s most fabulous thrift store,” Out of the Closet has many locations spanning California, the new store in Amsterdam, and four right here in South Florida. The two Broward locations are right in the “gayborhood” of Wilton Manors and one located just a few moments away from Wilton Manors in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Sunrise Blvd.

Free HIV/AIDS Tests

Many Out of the Closet locations provide free and confidential AIDS testing and counseling. The tests are conducted in a private section of the store. Several of the South Florida locations offer this free service. For a complete list of the locations that offer free HIV/AIDS tests, please go here. The stores also benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, so when you shop at OftC, your money is going to a very good cause.

Books, Clothes, and More

I’ve been to both the Wilton Manors location and the Sunrise location. The Wilton Manors location is just off Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, Florida. The Sunrise Blvd location is in a huge freestanding building. It reminded me of a John Waters movie, with just that kind of wacky, kitschy vibe. If you like your thrifting with a bit of flash, check it out. My personal OftC Haul consisted of a half-filled journal, a book with a love letter scribbled on the end pages, and many tee shirts, one featuring Speed Racer (Go, go, Speed Racer, gooo!). There are pride buttons and bracelets aplenty, especially at the Sunrise location, which is bright and airy – a fun place to spend a long weekend looking at interesting and quirky odds and ends.

Pick Up

Out of the Closet will come to your house to collect old stuff, too. (Warning for the shy: the second the massive pink and blue truck pulls into your neighborhood, you will instantly be – just as the truck reads – out of the closet.)

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By anna_logical

Chaz Bono, the transgendered son of superstars Cher and the late Sonny Bono, will be this year’s grand marshal at the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, April 15.

Writer and Documentary Star

In 2011, Chaz Bono’s memoir Transition:The Story of How I Became a Man was released by Dutton Publishing. In it, Bono discusses his childhood growing up female as Chastity Bono and his journey as, first, a self-identified lesbian, and later, a transgendered man. Prior to the release of Transition, Chaz (as Chasity Bono) wrote two books:Family Outing: A Guide to the Coming Out Process for Gays, Lesbians, and Their Families (1998) and The End of Innocence (2003), in which Bono recounts coming out as a lesbian and the death of his partner from lymphoma. For two years (2008-2010), Bono underwent gender reassignment surgery, and in 2010, legally changed both his name and his gender. Bono’s gender transition was the subject of an Emmy-nominated 2011 documentary, Becoming Chaz. Becoming Chaz was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and on OWN, Oprah Winfrey’s network.

Being Chaz and Dancing with the Stars

The follow-up documentary to Becoming Chaz, Bono’s latest documentary Being Chaz follows Chaz in his life,post-transition, as he comes to terms with the day-to-day realities of living. Being Chaz also follows the star as he prepares for what was to be a controversial role on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. (During his time on the hit show, he received death threats from homophobic viewers.)

Activist

This April, Chaz will be among an estimated 60,000 supporters at the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade on Sunday,April 15, 2012, from 5th to 15th streets. Thanks to his trailblazing honesty and tireless bravery, he is known the world over as a transgender activist and speaker.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By greginhollywood

Visitors love to shop while on vacation for many different reasons. Some just love to shop and will hit every mall and outlet, however for most, the goal is to get a little keepsake for friends and family back home. A souvenir can be special and distinctive and not hodge podge that will eventually end up in a landfill. South Florida offers plenty that is unique and exotic in tiny boutiques and other shopping venues. You are sure to return to your humble abode with something for yourself as well!

Posh

Worth Ave

Tall rustling palm trees line this ritzy strip of more than 200 high end shops. Around since the 1920s, this Rodeo Drive wannabe, is where Elizabeth Arden got her start. Exclusive to a fault, you can shop or just window shop at shops such as Gucci, Chanel, and Hermes among many others. Best time to go is in the fall as half the shops close in the hottest months of the year. Be forwarned, this option is not for the conservative spender.

Mizner Park

This lovely outdoor mall features free valet parking, live music (on Saturdays only), a breezeway and many popular department stores. Kerzen Candles, one of the very few unique stores there, sells non-toxic, gourmet candles and waxen art not to be missed.

En Avance

Chic shopping, complete with velvet rope, celebrity sightings, high fashion, Defile makeup and designer styles for babies, are the trademarks of this one of a kind store. Get your Rebecca Taylor, Juicy Couture and Tse fix right here.

Green

Crimson Carbon

Help the earth as you shop- it will feel great. This super green store specializes in fashionable but organic and ecofriendly clothing. They feature both Carilyn Vaile’s green label which is made from raw bamboo and accessories from a Madagascar co-op.

Kitsch

Ricky’s NYC

You will find anything and everything in this multi-level store. It houses the quintissential souvenir kitsch, convenience store items and racy fashions all under one roof.

Exotic

Jalan Jalan

This Indonesian treasure holds within it wondrous and incredible furniture, antiquities and artifacts from all over the world. It is a sight for culture thirsty eyes.

Vierge Miracle & St Philippe

Touted as the best botanica in Miami, this little jewel highlights Haitian vodou items and large statues of loa (related to angels), and is located at 5910 NE 2nd Ave in Miami. The on-site houngan and mambos (male and female high priests) may be able to help you with love or work related problems or interpret your dreams. For more information, call (305)759-9100.

Artistic

Wolfsonian-Fiu Gift Shop

This quaint gift shop showcases the most eclectic items, from sleek technofied bags to art and design books to cool wallets. Uniqueness is the name of the game in this shop.

ArtSouth

A throwback to simpler times when art was all the roar, this artists’ colony is the place to visit to pick up original and inspired artwork for very reasonable prices in a museum like location.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo By freefotouk

Coastal blue waters teeming with marine life. Gleaming cityscapes. The lush wondrous forest of the Everglades. Red skies as the setting sun bids goodbye to the day. From above, South Florida is postcard-perfect, and one of the best ways to take in all the scenery is by air. Options range from quick 10-minute flights to 3 hours tours – flightsee Florida in a plane, seaplane or helicopter. You will be sure to see this sun kissed state in a way few people do.

Here are some suggestions:

Fort Lauderdale

Departing from the Fort Lauderdale Florida Metro Area, this helicopter ride is sure to inspire a feeling of excitement you have not experienced before. There is nothing like the sensation of flight to catch the fancy of even the most jaded traveler. Fly across the Fort Lauderdale skies and relax as the helicopter takes you over the most tranquil sights of Florida’s tropical region. Below you, the beautiful beaches of Dania, Hallandale and Hollywood, Golden Beach, Aventura and Miami Dolphin Stadium are some of the landmarks you will enjoy. Options range from the economical 10 minute flights to custom tours, tailored to your liking.

Hop on a plane in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale and soar above the towering city landscape. Get a unique perspective on all South Florida has to offer. You will be amazed at the sights of the iconic Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, gorgeous Pompano Beach, beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach, the bustling Port Everglades with fantastic cruise ships docking or departing, the Florida Everglades, all the while listening to the pilot’s witty historical narrative. On the descent, the breathtaking views of downtown Fort Lauderdale skyline will be the crowning touch. Prices and tour lengths vary.

Miami

Board a seaplane and experience Miami by sky. The expanse of the city will spread beneath you, just waiting to be discovered. Listen to the history of this ecletic city, as you catch glimpses of manatees and sharks swimming near the beaches, the port and cruise ships looking small from the high distance but no less magnificent, feel the magnitude of the downtown skyscrapers and so much more.

Don’t be late for this Sunset Plane 30 minute flightseeing tour over Miami’s famous beaches! Witness the dreamlike sunset as you soar over Downtown Miami as it turns on its twinkling lights. Circle over trendy South Beach and Star Island, as the sun sinks on the horizon.

Roll like a celebrity on Key Largo helicopter a half-day getaway. Included is a tasty lunch or an early dinner. The helicopter picks you up in Miami and heads south east towards the coast line to Key Largo, revealing to you the most beautiful views of Florida’s gold coast. Once in Key Largo, you can explore. When you are ready to head back to Miami, the pilot will zip north where you will end a great day with downtown’s lit skyline before you.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo By Graham Coreil-Allen

In early February 2012, the GLBT Travel Expo is coming to South Florida! South Floridians interested in GLBT-friendly travel will have two chances to explore the GLBT Travel Expo, one at the Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale, and one at the historic Moore Building in downtown Miami.

The GLBT Travel Expo is sponsored in part by the Equality Forum, the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Best Gay Travel Guide, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, and the cities of Key West and Miami. Produced by Steven Levenberg Productions for the third year in a row, this exciting event promises a huge turnout. After the GLBT Travel Expo leaves South Florida, it will move on to Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York.

If You Go

Not only will you have the best and most up-to-date GLBT travel info at your fingertips, but you’ll have the chance to win great prizes and giveaways. Looking for a romantic getaway for two? How about a gay-friendly family vacation? Get the information you need to plan your adventure. From airline and train information to the best of GLBT hotels and resorts, there’s something for everyone at this free expo.

Fort Lauderdale

On February 9, 2012, come visit the GLBT Travel Expo from 4-8 pm at The Pride Center at Equality Park, located at 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The Pride Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale is the hub of gay life in South Florida, featuring events and programs ranging from kid-friendly fun to dances for the elderly GLBT population, to community-based support groups.

Miami

On February 12, 2012, the GLBT Travel Expo will be presented as part of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s 4th annual Explore Expo at the historic Moore Building in Downtown Miami, from noon to 5 pm. Built in the roaring 20′s, the Moore Building is located at 191 NE 40th Street, in the heart of Miami’s Design District.

For more information about the South Florida GLBT Travel Expo, please go here.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Jason Pier in DC

South Forida is a place rich in creative spirit. There are many fine art museums with timeless pieces and galleries for new and talented artists to include in your travel itinerary.

The Bonnet House

Fort Lauderdale

Artist Haven Gallery

This trendy gallery features contemporary fine art paintings, abstract, landscape, photography and mixed media from around the world. If you like new art, this is the place to go. Most art work is also for sale, a wonderful treat for any collector.

Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art

Located in downtown, on Las Olas near Riverwalk, this museum is easy to get to and has free metered parking. Inside visitors can enjoy new and permanent large scale exhibitions, along with other monthly special events. American and European modern and contemporary art and contemporary Cuban art can always be found there. There is also a quiet cafe and bookstore for your pleasure.

Bonnet House

This beachfront old Florida estate rests on 30+ acres of land. As you exit your car, you instantly feel as though you have been transported back in time. The wild monkeys in the trees, the beautiful palms, the gardens brimming with bromeliads and orchids make the grounds truly extraordinary. Owned by two famous artists, the Bonnet House contains all the art they collected over the years. A tour is offered and is an interesting way to spend an afternoon.

Miami

Wolfsonian Museum

A hidden gem in Miami Beach, this intimate and rarely visited museum features a collection of propaganda art that includes anyting from paintings to furniture with an emphasis on design at the height of the industrial age, 1885-1945. Admission is free after 6pm on Friday. There is also a beautiful period cafe and gift shop, including period music and free wifi.

Art Center of South Florida

This public art gallery provides affordable art studio space for up and coming visual artists. The gallery is made up of two buildings, which include 52 artists’ studios, exhibition galleries, and classrooms. The gallery is open long into the evening and shows its style in the detailed and beautiful mosaic floor in the main floor. From there, visitors can enjoy the art on exhibit in each of the artist personal studio. Many styles can be found here, including pop art, public and political art. Visitors also sometimes have a chance to see some of the artists at work. Admission to the gallery is free.

Rubell Family Art Collection

This amazing and memorable contemporary art collection is owned by the the Rubell family, known for their hotel empire. The collection is housed in a warehouse where even the bathrooms are artistic and features more than a thousand pieces, by such well known and unique artists as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul McCarthy, and Charles Ray.

Miami Art Museum

This cozy museum is known for its quality exhibitions. Though it has a limited permanent collection, their focus is mostly on local art, including video art, sculpture and photography. A unique take away is in the gift shop, where visitors can purchase a tiny original art piece from local artists from an art vending machine for $5.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo By cliff1066â„¢

The best cultural experience sometimes is that which is presented on a stage. It is not Broadway, however South Florida offers plenty of locations to enjoy any performance you desire during your stay.

Miami

Gusman Center

The Gusman Center for the Performing Arts is a unique, sophisticated and charming setting to enjoy a ballet, musical or movie. Open since 1925, nowadays this theater leads a double life. During the day, its lobby becomes the Downtown Miami Welcome Center. When darkness descends, a faux night sky donning 246 twinkling stars and clouds cast over an indigo-deep, sensual shade sparkle in the lobby ceiling, ensuring every person who enters experiences the old-world glamor this historical place has always been known for. Complete with arches, statues, glowing chandeliers and a majestic curving staircase, this theater makes you feel like you have been trasported to an older and simpler time. A must see!

Actors Playhouse at Miracle Theater

This 80-year-old theater is a gorgeous deco structure. It contains within it three performance venues: a 600-seat stage auditorium, a children’s theater and a black box for modern performances works. You may visit the theater whether you’ve got tickets or not. This wonderful theater stages musicals and comedies, children’s theater and avant-garde productions. Actors’ Playhouse is a Carbonell Award winning theatre. Check out their site for the performance schedule.

Gablestage

The Gablestage is located in beautiful Coral Gables and was originally the Florida Shakespeare Theatre. It is now residing on the property of the historical Biltmore Hotel. Audiences are lucky enough to still witness the company performiming an occasional Shakespeare play, however most recently it presents more contemporary and classical pieces. Recent productions have received great reviews.

West Palm Beach

Kravis Center

The Kravis Center is worth the drive. It is many things to different people. It contains a main concert hall, the black-box Rinker Playhouse, a pavilion housing lecture halls and practice rooms, and an outdoor amphitheater. The Kravis Center is known for its classy productions, including the World Famous Count Basie Orchestra. A favorite for many is its authoritative presentations of lavish opera productions.

Harriet Himmel Theater

The Harriet Himmel Theather is located within Cityplace, an 11,000-sq-ft space housed in a 1926 Methodist church. It’s the place to go to see a weekly Sunday Brunch Jazz Series, and the First Tuesdays Piano Series. It is available for rental and fully equipped for any lighting, sound system and staging needs for weddings, fundraisers and other events. It is a charming, restored historical landmark available for a tour.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo By Phillip Pessar