Hometown Series: Miami, Florida

Forget about what you've seen on TV from Dexter and CSI; Red Wine follower Celia would like to give you some insight into her Miami in the second of our Hometown Series.

"Bienvenidos a Miami (Welcome to Miami)! Most people who visit our metropolis refuse to label Miami as part of the "south," rather, they accept it as just the capital of all of Central and South America (with an American twist)!

Although you are still in North America, an English to Spanish translator or book will become incredibly useful, especially when you embark on getting to know the "real Miami," rather than just the tourist section. The majority of restaurants and locales will initially greet you in English, but be warned: some businesses do not require for the box "speaker of English" to be checked off on their job applications. Plus, you will find that the best service is sometimes given to those who attempt to speak Spanish (as in, you will hear stories of the "old country," and laugh until morning over an authentic "cortadito" [shot of Cuban coffee]).

After visiting the "touristy" locations of South Beach (pictured above), North Miami Beach... and, well, the beach in general, rent a car (a necessity in Miami. DO NOT rely on public transportation) and drive to Coral Gables Miami's little "Spanish Colony." You will drive through rows and rows of gorgeous trees and houses that have an antique yet affluent feel to them. While there, visit "The Church of the Little Flower", Miami's number one wedding location. It does not compare to any of the beautiful churches in Europe, however, it's as close as you will get. If you time your visit right(on the weekends), you will be rewarded with the chance to witness one of a myriad of elegant weddings that takes place weekly.

A few blocks down is The Biltmore Hotel. A historical site, it is one of the most breathtaking hotels in Miami. Take a tour through the immense lobbies (where lovebirds chirp and sing in colossal cages), try to get the elevator to stop on the forbidden and "haunted" 13th floor (come on, I dare you!), or just sip a cup of tea and nibble on some sandwiches while a Spanish guitarist serenades you into a "siesta." Overall, the Biltmore boasts beautiful views, a large golf course, a gigantic pool (one of the largest in the U.S.) and THE BEST brunch in Miami (a tad pricey, but well worth it).

Also in Coral Gables, you will find Miracle Mile, which is made up of two things: wedding boutiques and exquisite restaurants/bars. Try John Martin's, an Irish pub, or Ortanique's, a new-age Latin restaurant with the freshest and most scrumptious mango salad you will ever taste.

For the true Hispanic experience, travel down to "Calle Ocho" (Southwest 8th street) and get a feel for the real Spanish influence in Miami. You will pass by dozens of Cuban bakeries and restaurants that serve Venezuelan, Colombian, Peruvian, Nicaraguan, Mexican, Argentinean, Dominican and countless other cuisine.(Please do not insult anyone by assuming that all Hispanic dishes are the same. Each restaurant brings individual textures, tastes and spices to the plate). Stop by any bakery and order "una tostada con cafe con leche" (coffee and toast) to get the most authentic and delicious Cuban breakfast, and you might even witness the typical old men smoking their cigars and playing dominoes on the street! For the true connoisseur, find any Cuban restaurant (like Islas Canarias, La Carreta, Havana Miami, El Rinconcito) and order such dishes as the "Ropa Vieja" (literal translation: "old clothes," but it's actually a delicious shredded beef with rice and beans), "Bistec Empanizado" (breaded beef), or my personal favorite: "Vaca Frita" (seared/toasted beef with a plethora of lime and grilled onions).

As for museums and parks, Miami boasts beautiful agriculture and landscapes at Fairchild Gardens (home to countless of lakes and orchids), Vizcaya, Parrot Jungle Island (a zoo that includes a quaint Japanese garden), Museum of Science, The Children's Museum and much more. Tropical Park is also a beautiful place to have a picnic (the weather here is marvelous year round) surrounded by a myriad of palm trees and, in the Christmas season, it is home to "Santa's Enchanted Forrest," the closest Miami will get to a winter wonderland.

If you favor shopping, you will literally shop-til-you-drop at the countless malls Miami offers, including The Falls (an outside mall with ponds and topiaries), Dadeland, Merrick Park, Sunset Place, International Mall, Dolphin Mall and Bal-Harbor (for those who have money or would just like to rub elbows with those who do).

When the sun sets in Miami, there are parties until dawn just about everywhere. If you enjoy the bar scene, return to Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, or even Coconut Grove, where you can drink and bar hop to the tune of local bands and the bay's breeze. Head on over to the Design District for unique and eccentric clubs, or drive down to South Beach for the TRUE Miami party experience... but be warned! Since this is a major tourist hub, you will definitely be overcharged.

At the end of the day, visiting Miami is truly like visiting a foreign country without the need to show your passport (if you're a U.S. citizen, of course). The people, nightlife, sights, smells and culture will make you wish you would never leave."

Red Wine would simply like to add that if you have a rental car already, it's worth it to take a drive out I90/41, or "Alligator Alley." This two-lane road is littered with gators on both sides as you drive through the Everglades. Scott even helped a 50-pound alligator snapping turtle cross the road last time he visited. There are many places to stop and see gator farms, take an air boat ride or stop and get too close to wild alligators.

Thanks to Celia for submitting her story about Miami and if anyone else would like to contribute advice about their town anywhere in the world in our Hometown Series, we would love to hear from you. Please email information to redwinehelpsyousleepontrains@yahoo.com.