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Archive for April, 2008

Espanola Way in Miami

April 28th, 2008 by amie f

Espanola WayEspañola Way, Miami Photo uploaded by Go Card USA

On a recent weekend getaway to Miami, I instantly fell in love with this small street. You feel as if you are transported a bit back in time, and perhaps even to another country! Española Way is a historic Spanish village in the vibrant Art Deco area of South Beach (bounded by 14th and 15th streets, Washington and Jefferson Streets).

Here, you’ll find a secluded street lined with shops, art galleries, and numerous restaurants offering al fresco dining. There is a weekly Española Way Weekend Festival that features live music, and an open-air market selling handmade crafts, candles, flowers, and more.

The entrance to Española Way is conveniently located near many tourist attractions. After a stroll, you can tour the city by way of a GoCar, or take a Miami Duck Tour - Both are included with the Go Miami Card!

Planning a trip to Miami? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Miami Card.

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Miami Tourism Going Green

April 22nd, 2008 by susan j

Miami Seaquarium
Miami Seaquarium photo uploaded by markus941

Last year, the Four Seasons in Miami became the first green-certified hotel in Miami. It’s clear that travel companies and travelers themselves are becoming increasingly conscious of how their actions impact the environment. Today is Earth Day, why not think about going green on your next trip to Miami?

Here are some Miami attractions where you can celebrate animal and plant life.

  1. Miami Seaquarium features marine shows and educational exhibits set against the beautiful backdrop of Biscayne Bay. See dolphins, sharks, sea lions, manatees, and more.
  2. Miami MetroZoo is ranked among the top 10 zoos in the country. With 300 acres showcasing over 1,300 animals, the Miami MetroZoo offers something for everyone, from behind-the-scenes zookeeper tours to safari cycle rentals to animal feeding encounters.
  3. Miami Beach Bicycle Center offers a way to see Miami without creating traffic or pollution. Ride past popular destinations like Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, Coconut Grove, and more.
  4. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured seabirds for over 25 years. The station welcomes visitors to tour the facility and learn more about preserving South Florida’s seabird populations.
  5. Miami Science Museum boasts South Florida’s largest natural history collection with over 60,000 artifacts and specimens covering zoology, paleontology, and more. They also offer a wildlife center and a planetarium.

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day and promote environmental awareness? Leave a comment, and let us know!

Planning a trip to Miami? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Miami Card.

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Miami Duck Tours a Fun Activity for All Ages

April 14th, 2008 by amie f

Miami Duck Tours
Miami Duck Tours photo uploaded by Go Card USA

Recently my friends and I checked out Miami Duck Tours on a weekend trip to Miami. I was surprised to discover how many famous movies were shot in the South Beach area. From the club scene in the remake of Miami Vice, to the apartment scenes in Ace Ventura Pet Detective to the infamous chainsaw scene in Scarface, you’ll think you are in Hollywood!

Our tour guide, “Rodney Dangerduck,” kept things lively with his trivia facts, jokes, and the occasional quack. He also pointed out many architectural nuances of South Beach that I will always associate with Miami. For instance, did you know that the Art Deco colors of the buildings are meant to mimic the colors of coral? Or that most of the buildings were designed to look like cruise ships, with smoke stacks and round portal windows?

The Duck Tour was a great way to tour the city and get a better idea of what we should check out while in Miami. Although the tour mainly focuses on Miami Beach and South Beach (which I learned are technically the same thing), you’ll also go over the MacArthur Causeway that connects greater Miami to Miami beach. You will also zoom past other great attractions, including Jungle Island, Miami Children’s Museum, and the Wolfsonian Museum. Don’t forget your camera!

Planning a trip to Miami? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Miami Card.

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“Who Killed the Electric Car” Screening

April 7th, 2008 by jamie a

Electric Car ProtestElectric Car Protest Photo uploaded by Osbornb

Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff invites the residents (and visitors!) in the city of Miami to a FREE screening of the hit documentary Who Killed the Electric Car. Accompanying the film will be a demonstration and show of electric cars as well as a Q & A with electric vehicle activist Chelsea Sexton.

Events begin at 5:15 at Miami’s City Hall with the display of electric vehicles and the screening of the film will follow at 7 pm. The Q & A will begin immediately after the film and will focus on the “life and mysterious death” of the GM EV1.

The film precedes the 2008 Fairchild Research Project Showcase that will be held the following day at 11:30 am. This showcase features the work of high school students and their findings in working on environmental science projects.  Everything is free and open to the public, so get out there and learn about the amazing electric car!

Planning a trip to Miami? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Miami Card.

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Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner and Show

April 2nd, 2008 by keith f

mia-mai-kai-polynesian-dinner-show.jpg
Polynesian Dinner photo courtesy of Mai Kai Polynesian Dinner and Show

Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show really is one of the most unique dining and entertainment experiences I’ve ever had. It has been around since the mid 50’s and authentically recreates a Polynesian Village. The show remains much the same as it was in the 60’s and offers wonderful dining options alongside the Polynesian Show.

The Mai-Kai has quite the aura about it with tiki torches, thatched roofs, waterfalls and a plank bridge entrance. The plank bridge entrance runs adjacent to the bar and replicates the sound of thunder in the bar as cars pass. Each room reflects a different region of Polynesia.

The exciting 45 minute Islanders Revue is performed twice nightly by native Polynesian dancers in colorful costumes. The beautiful maidens and agile warriors recreate, through dance, details of many facets of life in the Islands. The Mai-Kai is proud home to many original artifacts, some of them up to 100 years old.

Now to the food… The award winning cuisine includes Cantonese and American dishes from fresh seafood and steaks grilled to perfection, to house specialties like Peking Duck, Rack of Lamb and Lobster Bora Bora. Delicious.

If you’re vacationing in South Florida, this place has to be visited to be appreciated. It’s one of the few “Grand Polynesia Palaces of Tiki” still in operation today. The Mai-Kai is an included bonus option on 3, 5, and 7 day Go Miami Cards.

Planning a trip to Miami? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Miami Card.

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