My weekend in Miami was full of sunshine, culture and ethnic diversity. Add in ease of access (inexpensive, direct flights between ORF-MIA) and warm friendship as soon as I landed. Essentially, it had all the elements of a perfect weekend.
Friday night we enjoyed delicious Thai food at one of the many, small restaurants on the newly-paved pedestrian street in Coral Gables, Miracle Mile (sounds like Chicago but that’s what they call it). After dinner we attended the hugely entertaining musical comedy, “It Shoulda Been You” at Actors’ Playhouse in the Miracle Theater. I recommend this play to anyone wanting to sit back and laugh.
Saturday morning we were among the first to arrive at Vizcaya, the opulent estate built in the 1920’s by James Deering of the Deering Harvester (agriculture equipment) family. 
The home itself is full of beautiful architectural detail, elegant furnishings and art while the patios and gardens are steamed in European design with heavy Italian influence; especially Venetian. 
Although we could have stayed all day, we left in time to fit in a stroll through the Wynnwood Art District famous for street art. 
I couldn’t choose a favorite mural because each design is original and wonderful in its own way.
Even the sidewalks are covered in art and poetry.
I have no idea how long the paintings last or when they might be changed but I’d hate to see some of these painted over.
The area appears to be an old warehouse district gentrified and filled with hipster cafes and galleries. We enjoyed it by day then returned after dark to see the street party complete with a DJ, dance floor and adult refreshments. Police had a heavy presence but everyone seemed chill. 
Leaving Wynnwood it was a short drive to South Beach. I was told that “el elemento” has changed. The high-fashion models and Rolls Royces were missing but it’s still full of interesting people and places. 
Virtually every cafe, restaurant and bar had a sidewalk cafe with patrons watching the parade of characters pass by. We passed the seemingly requisite man with a boa constrictor around his neck and plenty of women with almost no clothes on. 
The beach is wide and welcoming complete with the art deco lifeguard stands. 
The Versace Villa is now a hotel and younger people have never heard how Gianni Versace was shot on his door steps. Hard to believe that this summer marks 20 years since the high-profile murder and huge funeral. 
We went on a South Beach walking tour that ended a couple blocks off the beach on Espanola Way. Smaller than the Lincoln Street pedestrian mall, Espanola has a quaint, old-Cuba feel. OK, I’ve never been to Cuba but this is what I imagine an Americanized version to be.
Sunday morning was prime time was brunch on Biscayne Bay. 
The rest of the day was filled with the Frost Museum (formerly the Miami Science Museum), the Perez Art Museum and Museum Park. 
The Frost is new and really is state-of-the-art. Complete with an aquarium and planetarium, it’s multi-storied and inviting for all ages. The Perez (pictured below) is a contemporary art museum. 
The Perez and Frost share a big park area that is my favorite type of architecture where indoors and outdoors are blended without sharp divides. I recommend going, even if only to enjoy the park and lounge in one of the many creative seating areas on beautiful Biscayne Bay. You’ll have your choice of hammock-swing-chairs, teak benches laid on stairs, and several other comfortable and fun arrangements among tropical vegetation. 
Overlooking the horrible traffic, lack of reasonable mass transportation and no bike lanes (more than a couple people blew their horns and/or shouted at me with total disregard of the “share the road” signs), everything I visited was within relatively close proximity. I actually had to approach several clerks at a department store to find one who spoke English. Miami is still part of Florida but with a unique vibe. Thus, their motto: “It’s so Miami!”
Kathryn Byler, blog 