July 2002

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Miami Sizzles in Summer

Summer in Miami is a lifestyle of tropical beaches by day and exciting South Beach cruising by night. Yes, it can be hot, but with the constant flow of ocean breezes, even the hottest days are bearable. A hot day is also a perfect opportunity to hit the beach, or to really cool off, jump into the cold clear water of the Venetian pool.

We know that most Northern visitors prefer to come during the winter, and we don't blame them. However, summer is not all that bad and there are many things to see and do. You also get better bargains on hotels during the summer. If you are planning a side trip to Key West, summer is a great time to go. Hotel and motel prices are at their lowest, and the island isn't choked with throngs of tourists that are common in many winter months.

Once the sun goes down, Miami comes alive with it's vibrant Latin lifestyle. Hanging out in the Grove, hitting a dance club in South Beach, or taking the family out to a nice restaurant, are all popular summertime activities. So put on your guayabera, have a café cubano, and hit the road with us as we enjoy another great summer in Miami!

Cool Off at the Venetian Pool

Summers in Miami can be very, very hot! In July and August especially, the beaches are packed. Everybody enjoys the beach in summer. But the water is so warm -- like bath water! You just don't feel refreshed. However, there is a great place to cool off in Miami. When it gets really hot in the summer you'll see many people there, even normally warm water loving Cubans!

This Hot Cuban Hangout is the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Part of the great architectural history of Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool was created from a rock quarry. They used the natural coral limestone from the quarry to build many of the fine homes along Coral Way in Coral Gables.

They eventually turned the quarry into a giant pool, containing more than 820,000 gallons of water! Best of all, the water flows from a natural spring so it is always cool and refreshing (about 76 to 78 degrees year 'round). It's also clean and virtually chemical free...(more)

Carne Fría

Carne Fría is a type of Cuban lunch meat. It is almost like making homemade sausage, except that instead of using a sausage casing, you wrap the meat mixture in cloth to cook it. The cooked meat roll is kept in the refrigerator and served cold. You just slice it and serve it on crackers or bread... (more)

A Typical Cuban Salad

Cubans don't eat a lot of green vegetables, but they do like a good salad. The typical Cuban salad is very simple and easy to make. It's a popular side dish at pig roasts and parties... (more)

Natilla

If you're Cuban, this delicious dessert will bring back memories of your childhood. It is one of the traditional Cuban comfort foods that many of us grew up with. If you're not Cuban, you are in for a real treat. Natilla is a Cuban version of pudding. It's not fancy, it's not hard to make, but one bite will have you hooked... (more)

Keep Your Cool at the Flea Market

Sure, it's hot and an asphalt parking lot doesn't sound especially appealing. However, you can get some cool bargains and a taste of Latin culture at the Flagler Flea Market. Every weekend the parking lot at the Flagler Dog Track is filled with row upon row of people selling a wide array of useful (and not so useful) things at bargain prices. Pick up everything from a new parakeet for the kids, to a complete set of cookware. A large farmer's market serves lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Stretch those vacation dollars by buying some fresh fruit for tomorrow's breakfast!

If the day is hot -- and it will be hot anytime in summer -- consider bringing an umbrella to block the sun. Do what the locals do: drink plenty of guarapo or ice water and go inside the track building occasionally to get out of the sun and cool off a little.... (more)

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