COCONUT GROVE

Founded in the 1800s as a haven for Bahamian seamen in search of salvaged treasure, this eclectic Miami neighborhood retains its quaint charm. Located on the edge of Biscayne Bay, the Grove (as it is called by locals) was established two decades before Miami existed. By the time Miami sprouted, this pristine 3-mile slice of the tropics was home to black Bahamians, New England intellectuals, and laid-back white "Conchs" from Key West. In the 1960s and 1970s, groovy Grove was Miami’s hippie hot spot. It has always been a haven for writers and artists. Today the creative energy of the artists and writers intersects with transient college students and the older residents who frequent the upscale shops.

Coconut Grove came together under the guidance of Ralph Munroe, a ship salvager, who established a yacht club, library, post office, churches, and schools. Commodore Munroe built his house, which he called Barnacle, from salvaged ship timber. The Barnacle State Historic Site, overlooking Biscayne Bay, is a wonderful tribute to the village pioneer. Today’s Coconut Grove is a great deal more congested but still as diverse. Historic stately homes share the same block with stark new dwellings and rustic cottages. The brick-lined winding streets are filled with brightly flowing hibiscus and jacaranda.

People-watching is a great sport here. Through heavy traffic weave in-line skaters, cops on mountain bikes, and even hunky young bronzed men pulling rickshaws populated with screaming passengers. Coconut Grove has some of Miami’s best dining and nightlife. There are plenty of restaurants that serve up hearty portions of Cuban, Argentine, and Greek food.

This lush village is popular with both locals and tourists because of its close proximity to downtown Miami (five miles to the north), the Miami International Airport, the Port of Tampa, the Metrorail, and major highways. The150,000-square-foot Coconut Grove Convention Center, on the shores of Key Biscayne, accommodates 18,000 attendees and features a beautiful backdrop of of sailboats in the nearby marina.