Welcome to Miami;
a vibrant city with gorgeous
beaches, amazing skylines,
where the people never sleep and
the domino playing never stops
NIGHT LIGHTS Miami, the location of our
esteemed campus, is one of the most diverse cities in
the world. Because it is a hub for arts, sports, music and
night life, Miami is the ultimate location for exploring
new interests. Photo by Steele Rutherford via Unsplash
32 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO MIAMI 33
32 33
miami’s ultimate
HOTSPOT
N ewly built condominiums, trendy new bars, restaurants, and
endless business opportunities characterize Brickell, Miami’s
most up-and-coming neighborhood. Vibrant, eclectic, and
immensely dynamic, Brickell attracts a diverse collection of residents
from all over the globe with its fast-paced urban lifestyle.
A KEY TO BRICKELL Sunset
off of Brickell Key, a man-made island
TIME TO PARTY Because of its close proximity to the BREAK(FAST) FROM WORK Freshmen also known as Claughton Island.
university, students will go to Brickell on the weekends to party. students Crystal Hua, Jenipher Lima, India Shirley, This 44 acre land is home to some of
Students have a blast together under the neon lights at Sweet Shems Halwani, Jake Sperling and Robin Burger Miami’s tallest buildings.
Caroline’s bar in Brickell. Photo by Sophie Wright enjoy brunch at Barsecco. Photo by Jake Sperling Photo by Jake Sperling
SKYSCRAPERS TOWER ultimate entertainment
over the entirety of Miami
One of the main reasons to visit Brickell is to see
Some of the tallest and most architecturally complex the grand Brickell City Centre. Here, patrons can
buildings are located in Brickell. In fact, all of the skyscrapers enjoy luxury shops and dining options. Perhaps
the most inviting aspect of Brickell City Centre is
that call Miami home are located in Brickell
the dine-in movie theater and the technologically
advanced Puttshack golfing experience.
HISTORY OF MIAMI SKYSCRAPERS
The city of Miami, Florida has the third-tallest
skyline in the United States, after New York City
and Chicago, with 439 high-rises, over 100 of which
stand taller than 400 feet, 70 being taller than 491
feet. Currently, the tallest building in Miami is the
85-story Panorama Tower, which rises 868 feet
in Miami’s Brickell district. Miami’s Skyscraper
boom began in 1912 with the six story Burdine’s
Department Store, becoming the first skyscraper
in Miami. The McAllister Hotel, located at Flagler
Street and Biscayne Blvd, opened on New Years
Eve in 1919, becoming the largest building in
Miami, a title it held on to until 1925. Currently, the
tallest completed structure is Panorama Tower
in Brickell. It reached the height taller than any
other building in Miami in August 2017. There are BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY A large portion of
various construction projects in Brickell and the LOTS TO DO Brickell City Centre is at the hub of Brickell sits on the water, meaning that both residents in
surrounding areas that promise to deliver buildings Brickell. With bars, clubs, shops, golf and a movie theater, water-side buildings and employees working in water-
of similar heights. Photos by Sonali Thakkar, information there is plenty for people of all ages to enjoy. Photo side buildings get views of the bay. Photo by Gautier Salles
courtesy of Wikipedia courtesy of Felix Mizioznikov - [Link]
34 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO BRICKELL 35
FIND NEW
things to discover
G laser Organic Farms’ weekly farmers market attracts vendors
from across Miami, who offer their products to a large market of
locals, students, visitors and all in between who walk through the
aisles of the market. Occurring every Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., this
market is a must see when visiting the Grove. 
BOARDWALK FUN Sean
LOCAL JEWELS Asha Sharma and Caroline Reynolds goes for an afternoon walk
FRESH FINDS Patrons browse through fresh fruit and Feldhaus look for new items to wear and browse a through David T. Kennedy Park in the
vegetable baskets at the Glaser Organic Farms market located in jewelry stand at the Coconut Grove farmers market. Coconut Grove neighborhood that is
Coconut Grove. Photo by Isabella Popadiuk Photo by Holliday Wear by the water. Photo by Sean Reynolds
GOING OUT AND insta worthy whereabouts
getting into the grove
The Grove is full of unique, instagramable
Coconut Grove is home to plenty of bars, restaurants, locations. Some of the best spots to snap a
museums and shops for people of all ages to enjoy together photo sure to garner attention are at the newly
developed CoCoWalk, a retail-leisure space filled
with lush fauna and flowing fountains. Other
ART HERE AND THERE Coconut Grove spots include the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens,
is an up and coming nexus of creativity and art. a European-inspired oasis surrounding a historic
The neighborhoods art scene reflects the dreams,
experiences, stories and dreams. The art scene is
1916 estate. Regatta Park, nested in the Dinner
beginning to boom, and the city has made efforts to Key Marina alongside Biscayne Bay.
attract art lovers from all over the world by hosting
the annual Coconut Grove Art Festival. Logan Seelig
enjoys the mural of a manatee. Photo by Yuxuan Hu
FOOD FOR DAYS One of the local food
hotspots in Coconut Grove is Bodega. Bodega was
established in 1914. The restaurant is a lively and
modern Mexican restaurant and bar that embraces
the spirit of a traditional Mexican taqueria with
a twist; it is actually a speakeasy. Adorned in
vibrant and colorful decoration, the restaurant truly
embodies the lively vibe in Miami. Junior, Brooke
Fitzgerald, waits for her order to come as she STRIKE A POSE Freshman Jake Sperlina and Ava
SUNSET SAILAWAY A yacht glides out of the Coconut Grove watches the UConn basketball game at Bodega. Kamieniarz pose infront of the fountain at CoCoWalk.
Monty’s marina, its sleek silhouette cutting through the tranquil Photo by Jordan Miles
Photo by Jake Sperling
waters as the sun dips below the horizon. Photo by Holliday Wear
36 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO COCONUT GROVE 37
our city is
VIBRANT
C oral Gables is a meticulously crafted Mediterranean-themed planned
community that captivates with its timeless charm and architectural
grandeur. Its streets are lined with charming structures adorned with
intricate details, showcasing the signature style of the Mediterranean Revival.
FORGING FRIENDSHIPS Freshmen Jake
Sperling, Carlos Sosa, Maya Grossblatt, Sonali Thakkar, COLLEGE CAMPUS Notably
Dante Anello and Ava Kamieniarz take a selfie in the located right in Gables is the
sand at the Venetian Pool located in Coral Gables OUT ON THE TOWN Carolina Camus, senior, enjoys University of Miami. Students are
during the university sponsored Experience Miami a Valentine’s Day dinner with her boyfriend at Fleming’s offered a free Hurry 'Canes shuttle
orientation program. Photo by Carlos Sosa Steakhouse in Coral Gables. Photo by Carolina Camus service. Photo by Logan Seelig
WORLD FAMOUS origins of the city
vibrant and unique attractions
Established by George Merrick in the 1920s, and
A historic city filled with cultural and locational landmarks envisioned as an idealist city community adorned
with Mediterranean-style architecture and lush
BILTMORE HOTEL Nestled amidst the [Link] name “Coral Gables” is derived
landscape of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel from Merrick’s home, “Coral” coming from the
stands as an iconic symbol of luxury and natural coral rock the town is built on, and “Gables”
elegance. Built in 1926, this hotel served as from the gabled roof of the house.
the background for countless events, and
has hosted famous guests. Photo courtesy of
Fotoluminate LLC - [Link]
THE VENETIAN POOL Constructed in
1924 and inspired by the canals of Venice, Italy,
this freshwater pool is a marvel of engineering
and design. With its cascading waterfalls, lush
landscaping and unique cave-like grottos, the
Venetian Pool offers visitors a serene escape.
Photo courtesy of Galina Savina - [Link]
MIRACLE MILE Established in the 1920s
as the commercial heart of Coral Gables,
Miracle Mile has evolved into a vibrant THE OG CORAL GABLES George Merrick’s
shopping and dining destination. Lined family home, built in 1906, now serves as a historic METICULOUS MAINTENANCE Coral Gables
with palm trees and Mediterranean-style house museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the epitomizes precision and elegance with its carefully curated
architecture, this iconic street is home to an early life of George Merrick and the history of the Coral streetscapes, embodying a harmonious blend of architectural
array of boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Gables area. Photo by Jake Sperling charm and greenery. Photo by Caleb Perez with Unsplash
Photo courtesy of Gabriele Maltinti - [Link]
38 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO CORAL GABLES 39
beautiful
BEACHES
P alm-fringed boulevards, pristine white sands and glamorous Art
Deco architecture characterize this neighborhood. It exudes an
air of effortless luxury and endless allure, drawing sun-seekers,
celebrities and jet-setters from around the globe.
CHASING SUNRISES Holliday Wear, Kate Pickens, Asha COLORFUL CHARM One of the staples of COOL BEACH DAY Senior Yiyun
Sharma and Ellie Sundell wake up early and take in the vibrant South Beach are the vibrant lifeguard stations. Yang stops by the beach before the
sunrise while enjoying the peaceful saturday morning on South While they serve a practical purpose, they elevate sun sets and takes photos of the
Beach, Miami. Photo by Sky Dunmyer the aesthetic of the beach. Photo by Isabella Popadiuk colorful sunset. Photo by Jingjing Pan
ICONIC AND sun kissed adventures
picturesque locations
Whether its for a summer getaway or sorority
The South Beach area is home to some of Miami’s most formal, boat trips are the go-to celebrations that
famous buildings, hotels, mansions and architecture styles ‘Canes like to host.
Because Miami is surrounded by water and
beaches, students like to spend their weekends
ARCHITECTURE THROUGH THE and summers out on a rental boat. They soak in
AGES The style of architeture that can
be found all over South Beach is called Art the Miami sun and make memories.
Deco. This style came to be in the 1920s and
1930s and is heavily inspired by neoclassical
architecture. The style is retro and and unique,
featuring bright colors. This historic district was
set to be torn down but through preservation
efforts the Art Deco style will remain standing
in Miami. Photo by Ana Suri
MANSIONS WITH HISTORY The
Versace Mansion is one of the most famous
buildings in Miami. Tourists and locals can be
seen visiting it year around. The mansion was
originally commissioned in the 1930s and was
inspired by a home in the Dominican Republic.
ALONG THE COAST From South Beach to Mid After Gianni Versace owned the mansion and BOAT TRIPS Senior Sophie Wright and her friend
died there, it became the ultimate tourist spot. enjoy an outting on the beach as they sail along South
Beach and beyond, the Miami coastline stretches
Patrons can now dine on the outdoor pool deck Beach. Photo courtesy of Sophie Wright
out as far as the eye can see. Photo by Rhami Zeini
now turned restaurant. Photo by Sophie Wright
40 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO SOUTH BEACH 41
ART and
SOUL
R enowned as Miami’s entertainment and cultural center,
Wynwood offers locals and visitors countless opportunities to
enjoy the best of international contemporary art, whether in
galleries or simply on the street, where colorful murals make it a go-to
place for Instagrammers and influencers.
STROLL THROUGH Lois Park,
MUSICAL MURAL Senior Ainsley Vetter freshman, enjoys a cold ice water
SUMMER SIPS Betty Srour, junior, stops to eat lunch in enjoys a hot day at Wynwood with friends and takes from Starbucks as she walks through
Wynwood and enjoys a cold glass of cold lemonade from Joey’s a photo at a futuristic music themed wall. Photo the colorful Wynwood walls. Photo
Italian Cafe. Photo by Ariella Green courtesy of courtesy of Lois Park
ART OF GELATO After a hot day in
NIGHT AND DAY Wynwood, freshman Kendall Bagmon treats
herself to cookie dough ice cream with
drastic difference chocolate syrup from Gelato
E Macchiato. Photo by
Kendall Bagmon
The Wynwood area looks drastically different during the
day versus at night. The area completely tranforms
BEACH AND FOOD During the day,
beach goers stroll through Wynwood
to enjoy unique delicacies as they stop
by the many restaurants offered. The
district is bustling with energy and life
as patrons enjoy sweet treats, drinks,
fresh fruits and foods. They also peruse
the unique graffiti art walls that are
constantly changing and being painted
over by artists. Photo by Yuxuan Hu
ELECTRIFIED NIGHT The
Wynwood district’s eclectic mix of bars,
lounges, and clubs come alive, pulsating
with music and revelry. From intimate
cocktail spots to high-energy dance AN ARTIST’S EYE Wynwood is famous for its
floors, Wynwood offers an array of murals, spanning stories high and blocks long. These
nocturnal experiences catering to diverse works of art are incredibly valuable to the community
tastes. Photo by Yuxuan Hu and to their creators. Photo by Yuxaun Hu
42 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO WYNWOOD 43
CUBAN
influence
F
rom pastel colonial-style buildings to Mediterranean bungalows
and modern touches like Art Deco facades, the Little Havana
neighborhood’s diverse structures reflect its rich cultural
tapestry. But it’s the bustling streets, alive with markets and cafes, that
truly capture the essence of Cuban heritage, creating a dynamic and
immersive experience at the heart of Miami.
HISTORY WITHIN REACH Students spot the iconic Ball
& Chain, a nightclub opened in the 1930s that has served as a FUN GAMES All throughout Little Havana, large ANIMAL ARCHITECTURE
gathering place for locals and visitors, steeped in Cuban culture gatherings of people can be seen. They are playing While walking the streets, a large
and music, where they continue to offer live acts spanning from the Cuban game of dominoes, and invite all those chicken statue is seen, adorned with
Latin Jazz to Salsa. Photo by Isabelle Fitzpatrick who walk by to partake. Photo by Logan Seelig the Cuban flag. Photo by Logan Seelig
CALLE OCHO’S miami movie set
celebration of culture
Because Miami is such a visually stunning
Declared a “national treasure” by the National Trust for location, many movies have been filmed here.
Historic Preservation, this vibrant and iconic enclave located Notable movies that have been filmed in the
Miami area include Ballers, CSI Miami, Bad Boys,
in the middle of Miami is known for its Cuban flare
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Fast and Furious.
NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN
Ball & Chain was once a popular night club
during the 1930s trough the 1950s. An extensive
renovation of the building in preparation for its
reopening as Ball & Chain took place in the 1990s.
Since then, it has become one of the most popular
live music venues that serves traditional Cuban
food and drinks. Photo courtesy of Isabella Popadiuk and
Gabby Eng
MUSIC IS THE BEAT OF THE SOUL
The Calle Ocho Music Festival is the largest
Hispanic street festival and block party in the
southeastern United States. This annual event
attracts more than a million attendees who come to
celebrate the diversity of Hispanic culture. The party
SAVORING TRADITION Amidst the vibrant features street performers and multiple stages with
live Latin acts, along with salsa, conga lines and
QUIET ON SET On the corner of a busy street in
streets of Little Havana, patrons relax and indulge in the Little Havana, filming equipment is set up as scenes
rich aroma of fine cigars at Guantanamera, where Cuban Latin street food. Photo by Logan Seelig
from a movie are being shot. Photo by Logan Seelig
heritage meets contemporary luxury. Photo by Carlos Sosa
44 LIFESTYLES | WELCOME TO LITTLE HAVANA 45