| Coconut Grove is one of Miami's most unique | | | | choice for festivals, however, is the Goombay |
| districts, beginning as an independent city | | | | Festival. For a few days in June, the |
| called "Cocoanut Grove," and being | | | | Goombay Festival transforms mild-mannered |
| subsequently swallowed up by Miami in a | | | | Coconut Grove into celebration of Bahamian |
| bloodless annexation. Bahamian culture plays | | | | culture in the form of a Caribbean carnival. |
| a large role in the identity of the | | | | Junkanoo groups (Junkanoo is the traditional |
| community, thanks to a substantial settling | | | | Bahamian street parade, usually featuring |
| of Bahamians back in the 1880s. It is now | | | | large groups wearing brightly colored clothes |
| known as "Miami's Food-court" for reasons | | | | and yes, tons of cowbell) abound, and it can |
| that are obvious to even the densest | | | | be difficult to tell if you are in Miami or |
| individual. Countless restaurants and | | | | Nassau. Between the junkanoo groups dancing |
| open-air cafes dominate the landscape, making | | | | and carousing, the rake-and-scrape music |
| Coconut Grove a perfect place to have a night | | | | coming from dozens of different sources, the |
| out. One of my favorites is Tuscany, but | | | | sizzling Caribbean food, the vendors trying |
| there are plenty of other fantastic places as | | | | to hawk their wares, and the spectators |
| well. There are numerous shopping | | | | caught up in the spectacle, the excitement is |
| opportunities here (as with almost all of | | | | always palpable, and there is always more |
| Miami), and since the demarcation for the | | | | conch salad than you can eat. |
| southern border of Coconut Grove is Biscayne | | | | |
| Bay, there are numerous boating and sailing | | | | Next June, do yourself a favor and make your |
| opportunities. All in all, there is enough | | | | way down (or up, as your geographical |
| to keep you busy in Coconut Grove for quite a | | | | location might dictate) and partake of the |
| long time. And I haven't even gotten to the | | | | Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove. Depending |
| festivals. | | | | on how much fun you are planning on having |
| | | | (and how much you feel like dealing with |
| In addition to being a gastronomic and | | | | parking in the middle of a street festival), |
| consumer powerhouse, The Grove (as it is | | | | you might consider chartering some |
| sometimes called) is also known for its | | | | transportation, like a cab or (better yet) a |
| varied and fantastic festivals and | | | | limousine from Millenium Limo. Being able to |
| gatherings. Its world renowned art festival | | | | relax and not worry about transportation |
| and famous King Mango Strut (a hilarious, | | | | always helps you have the best possible time. |
| tongue-in-cheek takeoff of the Orange Bowl | | | | Bring your washboard and your cowbell. |
| parade) are favorites to many. My personal | | | | |