Does Hollywood Have A Young/Vibrant Downtown? (Sarasota: live, nightlife)

[Rcsligar]

First off I would say people. Being in an environment where people really care about current affairs and are willing to have discussions about it is far superior than being a hermit or having shallow relationships.
I would say the most important aspects of a city to me are a solid indie music/film scene, good local theater, art exhibits, etc.

[Rcsligar]

I've been raised nearly my whole life in SW Florida, and trust me, I have been through the ring of frustration for a while. Where have you been living around?

[fkostas]

Boston is one of the most intellectual cities in the country, yet I wager you would search far and wide there for an "intellectually stimulating" bar. People generally go to bars to relax and get a buzz.

South Florida is not known for it's deep thinkers. Look for a meetup group with like minded people and find a bar the group likes so you can all think deep thoughts together and drink.

Hollywood is probably at the bottom of intellectual south Florida cities.

There really isn't an Indie anything here, but you should be able to find some artists and musicians to have a discourse with.

[hurricaneMan1992]

You might find "indie" hip hop and reggae, as in underground, but that's about it. Delray was mentioned above, and I have to say, it is one of the most upscale bar scenes in South Florida. However, I've never heard of an "intellectual" bar crowd.

[Nolefan34]

Nowhere in FL has what you're looking for. You'll have to go to a Northern city for that even if it exists at all. The South FL nightlife scene is all about looks, glamour, sex, materialism, and showing off to others.

[polo89]

Like others have said, there's an upscale bar/nightlife scene in Delray. There's also a huge independent arts and gallery scene in Delray. But I can tell you're looking for something along the lines of "Hipsterish". Well, go down to Wynwood, and the Design Arts disctirct in Miami. There's plenty of "Indie" and artsy stuff in that part of Miami. Have folks on here even heard of those places? There's plenty of artsy folks in those areas that folks never really talk about until Art Basel.

[misterednotthehorse]

Originally Posted by Rcsligar

First off I would say people. Being in an environment where people really care about current affairs and are willing to have discussions about it is far superior than being a hermit or having shallow relationships.
I would say the most important aspects of a city to me are a solid indie music/film scene, good local theater, art exhibits, etc.

Based on that, I'd say Delray Beach is your closest match. Unfortunately they roll up the sidewalks for the night at 2 AM.

If you get into the right clique for you, you could find what you're looking for in South Beach, but most of the people you meet at clubs will probably not be your match as far as wanting to speak on current affairs.

Try MeetUp to find them, and then go clubbing together. :-)

[Rcsligar]

While I'm over on the east coast this weekend, I will concentrate on Delray and the Wynwood district of Miami. Thanks for your input.

[polo89]

Originally Posted by Rcsligar

While I'm over on the east coast this weekend, I will concentrate on Delray and the Wynwood district of Miami. Thanks for your input.

But becareful what parts of Wynwood you go to, some areas are pretty close to the ghetto. So be aware of your surroundings.

[blueherons]

Intellectually stimulating nightlife? Sarasota.