Coral Castle
Located in the Homestead, the center of South Florida, the Coral Castle
is believed to be one of Florida's oldest operating attractions; a
monument to unrequited love. Built in 1923 an eccentric Latvian immigrant,
Edward Leedskalnin, hauled tons of coral onto his house as a tribute
to "Sweet Sixteen," a young girl who jilted him back in
the old country.
Using primitive homemade tools, Leedskalnin spun this beautiful castle
and furnished with carved objects including a heart-shaped table recorded
in Ripley's Believe it or Not as the "World's Biggest Valentine."
It's a must visit, especially for adorable lovers to witness the eccentricities
of love.
Miami Area Beaches
The city of Miami is famous for its wide stretch of beaches, and its
tropical climate all the more make it a great day for the beach in
Miami. The palm-studded shoreline extending from South Pointe Park
north to 87th Street, while to the north, Haulover Beach, located
on Collins Avenue between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles are simply breathtaking.
Open to the public and staffed by lifeguards during daylight hours
in selected areas, the beaches are filled to capacity all through
the year. South Pointe Park (1 Washington Ave. at Biscayne St. in
South Beach), with its wide beach, boardwalk, pier, marina, and restaurants
is all time favorite of wind surfers and divers. In the other hand,
the main stretch of South Beach's water and sand are crowded with
scantily clad sunbathers and gays. Many families find more privacy
at Third Street Beach (3rd St. and Ocean Drive). North Shore Open
Space Park (75th to 87th Sts.) has a boardwalk, pavilions, walking
trail, a bike path, and places to fish and lots more.
Freedom Tower
Referred as "Miami's Ellis Island" the freedom tower holds
symbolic values for the people of Miami. During 1892, more than 15
million immigrants are believed to have processed their naturalization
paper at the freedom tower. Alternatively, in early 1960's the Cuban
refugees made their 1st halt on their way to Florida. Thus this striking
edifice stands as an enduring symbol of freedom and the promise of
the American Dream to millions. As a symbol, the tower sites for protests,
hunger strikes, marches, rallies, prayer vigils or other activities
too.
Miami Metro Zoo
Miami Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, which houses more
than 900 wild animals in a 290-acre cage-less environment. You can
find some of the worlds most endangered wildlife roaming in huge open
spaces at the metro zoo, including species of fauna, flamingos, chinchillas,
giraffes, koalas, kangaroos, Komodo dragons, wart hogs, gorillas,
chimpanzees, elephants.
A good family outing will do at this exotic zoo.
Cuban Memorial Boulevard
Built in the heart of Little Havana, this two-block stretch is lined
with monuments commemorating the heroes that fought for Cuban independence.
Lit day and night with eternal flame in memory of the 94 Cuban exiles
that gave their lives in the foiled 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion of
Cuba, the boulevard shows gratitude to the soldiers who pledged
to fight all the way to make their fatherland free.
Additionally, a bronze map of Cuba, A statue of Jose Marti, leader
of Cuba's independence struggle against Spain, holds a prominent
space on this tree-lined boulevard. Other statues are dedicated
to the Virgin Mary; Nestor "Tony" Izquierdo, a soldier
at the Bay of Pigs, and General Antonio Maceo, an Afro-Cuban general
who died fighting for Cuban independence.
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