Florida is known for its beaches, oranges and the Kennedy Space Center. But within the US, the state also has a reputation for being eccentric and quirky. Its warm climate and long coastline have always been a magnet for artists, writers and other unconventional characters.
Once a neighbourhood filled with derelict warehouses north of downtown Miami, today’s Wynwood is a haven for lovers of street art. The entire district looks like an enormous collage of graffiti artwork. Thanks to an unorthodox partnership between artists and city developers, the warehouses have gradually been transformed into galleries, studios and artist residents, interspersed with coffee bars, trendy cafes and unique shops — the vibe is alternative and artistic. A great spot for an afternoon stroll or a fun evening out on the town.
To learn more about the street art scene, take a tour on a tandem bike with a local graffiti artist.
See www.miamisbestgraffitiguide.com
The Design District, towards the north of Midtown Miami, is Wynwood’s more elegant, upscale sister: creative but accomplished, with over 130 art galleries and luxurious interior design stores and fashion boutiques. Here you will find famous labels — such as Hermès, Cartier and Louis Vuitton — whose grand flagship stores centre around the upscale Palm Court mall. The entrance to the underground parking garage is marked by the retro-futuristic Fly’s Eye Dome.
Every first Thursday of the month the community hosts the Islamorada Art Walk, boasting live music and food from local restaurants. Friendly, small and no-nonsense: a refreshing change from Miami.
Islamorada, a small ‘Village of Islands’ about halfway down the Florida Keys, is home to the delightful Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. The village was once a popular destination for recreational fishers and this is still reflected in the paintings of floundering fish on display in the handful of galleries. There is also a quirky shop packed with Tibetan clothing and trinkets, and a micro-brewery that is worth a visit.
Key West is the most southern corner of the United States, just 150 kilometres from Cuba. Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams found in this outpost, far from the average American routine, to be their perfect writer’s retreat.
Even today Key West still exudes a carefree spirit of blissful isolation, which culminates in a host of eccentric parades and events. Drag races on Duval Street, Key West’s main street, can be followed by a parade of kinetic sculptures on bikes. There is always something interesting going on. During the annual Hemingway Days — celebrated in July — there is even a parade of Hemingway lookalikes.
St. Petersburg, a modest town of about 250,000 residents on the Gulf of Mexico, features a surprising number of museums and galleries scattered across seven official art districts. The Central Arts District exudes a hippy vibe with colourful graffiti murals. The stately Waterfront Museum District displays the largest collection of works by Salvador Dalí outside of Europe. And the Warehouse District is not only known for its craft beer but also for artistic glass-blowing.
