Flamingo - Miami Beach, FL

Flamingo-Lummus was named after the "Flamingo"-- the South Beach Hotel built by Carl Fisher in 1920. This area of Miami was originally developed subsequent to 1910 by the Lummus Brothers, John Collins and Fisher. In the 1930s, South Beach underwent an architectural revolution referred to as Art Deco. It commenced as a primarily suburban and residential district of Miami until the 1940s.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the neighborhood became popular with Jewish retirees who wanted to avoid the cold winter months of the Northeastern United States. During the 1970s and 1980s, property was still inexpensive in this area of Miami, and the influx of Cuban immigrants during this time period began to change the local demographics. The economic and development boom began in the mid-1980s in South Beach and continues today. South Beach hosts numerous annual food, wine and art-related events.

You can find any type of food you desire within a five-minute drive of Flamingo-Lummus. Italian, Japanese, Haitian, French, and Mediterranean eateries, to name just a few, populate the landscape. Restaurants can be found on Ocean Drive, on Collins Avenue, and along Lincoln Road. You will never get bored of the culinary scene in this part of Miami.

If you want to try a laid-back, moderately-priced restaurant that serves up awesome Caribbean dishes, check out Tap Tap Restaurant on 819 5th Street. This brightly painted bistro specializes in flavorful Haitian Cuisine. Order some of their malanga fritters (akra) with watercress dipping sauce, and then follow it up with the famous blackened grouper (pwason neg). Enjoy your food in the Haitian ambiance, have it delivered to your home, or pick up your order after work.

Any list of culinary recommendations in Flamingo-Lummus would not be complete without mentioning Joe's Stone Crab on 11 Washington Avenue. Joe's opened its doors in 1913 and has been a South Florida landmark ever since. As the name suggests, it specializes in stone crabs during season. The lobster wontons and mango Thai popcorn shrimp also rank highly with regular customers. Bring the family for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Joe's does not accept reservations, so get there early if you want a seat.

The Flamingo-Lummus area has dozens of pubs and clubs within its periphery, and many of them have long celebrity-clientele lists. Dream Nightclub, located on 1532 Washington Avenue, has been named one of the top 100 clubs in the United States since 2012. It has a state-of-the art sound and an LED lighting system, creating an exotic electric atmosphere for dancers and clubbers. Sit back and enjoy your favorite drink in one of the eight VIP rooms, the Main Room, or the Lounge as you watch the action on 40 feet of synchronized video screens.

If you want to hang out with some of Miami's top socialites, spend a night drinking and dancing at LIV nightclub, located inside of the Fontainebleau at 4441 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. It features several different music formats which can be appreciated from one of the exclusive skyboxes, three full-service bars, or one of the VIP tables. Come party with some of Miami's most popular personalities in this lavishly decorated 18,000-square-foot facility.

Most people in Flamingo-Lummus walk or ride a bike. While the neighborhood does not have any designated biking lanes, it is pedestrian and cyclist friendly. Taxis can be hailed easily, and Uber services the area; however, most people use their own private vehicle if they have business in another part of the city. MetroBus also runs to the city of Miami from South Beach. Be warned — while public parking is available, daily fees can easily cost in excess of $20. I-95 is located 5 miles west of Flamingo-Lummus, which makes facilitates hopping on the highway for a trip to the Florida Keys or Disney World in Orlando.

Flamingo-Lummus’ premier park for free fun and exercise is Lummus Park. Many residents gather at the park in the evening for a pickup game of beach volleyball or to pump some iron at the outdoor gym. The paved paths allow for running, walking, cycling and rollerblading. A child-friendly play area has also been set up for the kids. If you prefer a more relaxed schedule, rent a beach umbrella with a lounge chair and enjoy the view. Families, friends and college students mix easily in a laid-back environment. Even though dogs are not allowed on the beach, the boardwalk area is canine-friendly, so your furry friend can get some exercise while the rest of the family soaks up the sun and basks in the surf.

Compared to other districts of Miami, the cost of living in Flamingo-Lummus is quite high. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment sits around $1,163 a month. It will set you back $2.25 to get to downtown Miami via MetroBus. For a beer on a smaller beach bar, expect to pay $7 or $8. Gas prices in this part of town run 30 percent above the national average, so you might want to consider filling up once you get off the beach.

Shoppers rejoice. Flamingo-Lummus lies within the middle of a veritable shopper's paradise. Stores and boutiques carrying home furnishings, jewelry, clothing, swimwear and accessories are all within a few minutes' drive of the neighborhood. If you are looking for jewelry or a nice gift, make H&H Jewels on 3434 Main Highway in Coconut Grove your first stop. It carries a wide selection of rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings and watches, and staff sell fine timepieces from Chopard and Breitling in addition to a large selection of vintage estate jewelry.

Before you take off for an afternoon on the yacht or beach, why not pick up a new bikini at Beach Bunny Swimwear on 750 Collins Avenue. Beach Bunny has the latest styles of swimwear from around the world. Choose a one-piece, regular bikini, thong, or mesh ensemble, depending on your mood, company and destination. Beach Bunny Swimwear also sells a full range of accessories, cover-ups and lingerie. This moderately priced boutique is your answer for swimwear and after-sun excitement. For weekly grocery shopping, residents of Flamingo-Lummus frequent Publix grocery store on 1100 6th Street. Publix always has a fresh supply of produce, seafood, meat and baked goods. If you prefer organic food, Lincoln Road hosts a huge farmers market every Sunday. Locally grown produce, baked goods and fresh vegetables comprise the offerings at this bustling outdoor market.