1. Florida International University
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Education
Telephone: (305) 348-2451
Address: 11200 SW 8th St. at the Modesto A. Maidi
Description: FIU has grown exponentially since its opening in 1972 and now encompasses a variety of notable schools—architecture, business, education, medicine and law, among others. The 2009 enrollment exceeded 40,000 students and of that, 8,000 graduate annually. Considered a predominantly Hispanic school, it is also ranked first in the nation for awarding degrees to this group. There are two libraries accessible to the public, one on each campus. At the Biscayne Bay Campus, the library is available Mon through Thurs from 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Fri from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sun from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The main campus’s library has varied extended hours.
2. Happy Wine
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 443-6070
Address: 5792 SW 8th St.
Description: This friendly wine store is a great place for novices to stock up on wine and knowledge. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, Happy Wine also serves food and is known for their pressed sandwiches. The reasonably priced menu offers a mix of hot and cold tapas dishes like fried chickpeas, stuffed olives, and tortilla Espanola. There’s a $1 corkage fee for diners who would like to open a bottle they just purchased.
3. Bass Pro
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 341-4200
Address: 11551 NW 12th St.
Description: You have to appreciate a chain store that gives its address in coordinates. Miami’s only outpost of this outdoor specialty shop carries everything a camper could need—from tents and sleeping bags to cookware and lanterns. For serious-yet-modern campers, meat grinders and electric composting toilets are stocked. A wide range of hunting and fishing gear is also available.
4. Rv Rental
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (800) 278-2275
Address: 3901 NW 16th St.
Description: This RV rental company is ideal for those wishing to explore Florida campgrounds outside of Miami. The company has other locations in Fort Meyers and Orlando where rentals can be picked up or dropped off. RVs that sleep anywhere from 4 to 10 people are available. All RVs have cruise control, kitchen appliances (stove burners, microwaves, and ovens), toilets, and showers. Rates, which include insurance, start at around $80 a day for the smallest RV. Like at a hotel, rental days are defined as “per night” so there is no charge on the last day. A rental minimum of 3 days is usually required.
5. A.D. Barnes Sense Of Wonder Nature Center
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 365-3018
Address: 3401 SW 72nd Ave.
Description: Eco-Adventures hosts this leisurely canoe trip through the Coral Gables waterway. Historic landmarks and natural wildlife can be observed on the water and along the shores. The trip costs $33. Call (305) 365-3018 for reservations.
6. Aquaknots Dive Center
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 545-9000
Address: 140 SW 57th Ave.
Description: In addition to carrying a wide range of scuba and spearfishing gear, this dive shop offers NAUI diving certification classes in both English and Spanish.
7. Tropical Chinese
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (305) 262-1552
Address: 7991 SW 40th St.
Description: Unlike many cities, Miami does not have a real Chinatown, so finding authentic Chinese food can be tough. Tropical Chinese has been around for 30 years and is considered by many to be one of the city’s best options. Along with standard strip-mall Chinese fare like General Tso’s and orange flavor beef, there are more exotic offerings like chicken feet. Prices are steep by Chinese food standards, but the food and ambiance are of a bit higher caliber than the typical take-away place. The Peking duck for two and the prawns with roasted garlic and spinach, which comes served in a hotpot, are both excellent dishes. The Sunday afternoon dim sum is extremely popular so expect to wait in line.
8. Los Perros
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (786) 953-6845
Address: 8410 West Flagler St.
Description: What started out as a hot dog cart, now has seven locations and a strong following in Miami. Hot dogs are the specialty, but other favorites include burgers, arepas, and a variety of Latin dishes. Unique specialties such as french fries topped with hot dogs are also on the menu. The restaurant draws an after-club crowd of sweaty, hungry, and sometimes drunk revelers looking for sustenance. Closing time Thurs through Sun is 6 a.m. so there’s never any rush.
9. Fish Shack & Market
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (305) 262-6003
Address: 2238 SW 57th Ave.
Description: A relaxed atmosphere that feels more Keys than Miami, Fish Shack & Market’s focus is on freshness. Two fish market veterans run the restaurant, so standards are set particularly high. Refreshing ceviches, a mayonnaise-based mahimahi spread and West Coast–worthy fish tacos are the menu’s highlights.
10. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 638-6771
Address: 2166 NW 62nd Ave.
Description: Founded in 1975, the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center supports and encourages young talent in the visual and performing arts. A 300-seat concert hall, a 250-seat performing arts theater, a 1,900 square-foot dance studio, and the Amadlozi Gallery make up the vast arts space. The center also offers year-round arts classes that are open to all ages.
11. Jenna White
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 669-5940
Address: 301 SW 57th Court, Suite 110
Description: Already a successful jewelry designer, Jenna White opened her eponymous store at the fresh age of 24. White’s youthful exuberance for fashion is reflected in the boutique’s offerings, which include contemporary favorites like Alexander Wang, Gryphon, and Vena Cava. The store regularly hosts trunk shows that give shoppers the opportunity to preview a line’s latest collection while enjoying free cocktails and snacks.
12. Yesterday And Today Records
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 554-1020
Address: 9274 SW 40th St.
Description: This record store touts itself as Miami’s oldest independent (vinyl) record store and has been in the city for nearly 3 decades. Those who flock to this store are looking for domestic and imported LPs, 45s, cassette tapes, and other memorabilia and music literature. The collection covers every type of music imaginable including children’s, gospel, and hard-to-find oldies. The store also buys and trades so inquire within if you have any items you’d like to profit off of.
13. Coopertown Original Airboat Tours
City: West Miami, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 226-6048
Address: 22700 SW 8th St.
Description: This tour company operates 7 airboats, 1 of which can seat up to 24 people. The business is a family affair and has been around for over 60 years. Within the Everglades area, this tour covers 9 miles of wildlife—meaning rare birds, turtles, and alligators. In case you miss the alligators on the tour, the company offers alligator exhibitions and serves frog legs and gator tail at the nearby Coopertown Restaurant.