By
Matt Mathrani
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Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our December 2008 Florida travel feature!
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The restored Art Deco-style blocks of South Beach (the part of Miami Beach south of 22nd Street) attract gay and straight alike from the globe over.
Accommodations
The enduring Island House
(1428 Collins Avenue; 305-864-2422) rents studios and apartments at several Miami Beach locations. Their 21-unit accommodation on Collins Avenue is but a block from the beach. It features large, modern, unfussy rooms with king beds and small kitchens, as well as several smaller economy rooms. The location is also within easy walking distance of Washington Avenue hot spots. Island House guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Nightlife
Nightlife in South Beach goes late, so an afternoon siesta will be in order. Many typically do that on the beach.
Twist
(1057 Washington Avenue) is a must for any gay South Beach visitor. Late-night intrigue and a packed dance floor are what make this cocktail and dance bar such a kick. It's fun to wander the maze, where an international crowd shows up nightly, and it's surprisingly easy to find a private space to chat. The atmosphere here is friendly and relaxed, and the bar team exceptional.
The stylish Score
(727 Lincoln Road) is a cocktail bar and dance club, with terrace seating in front, on the cruisy Lincoln Road Mall. Their Sunday t-dance is well-attended. Their Crme lounge upstairs is home to the official weekend kickoff party called "Crme and Sugar" come Thursday.
Halo Lounge
(1625 Michigan Avenue), a contemporary boutiquey smoke-free venue, offers plush seating and lounge music.
Palace
(1200 Ocean Drive) is another must visit. This is famed Ocean Drive's only gay bar and restaurant, situated right across from the gay beach (look for the flags). The Palace is open from 10 am till 11 pm (till midnight for drinks), slightly later on weekends. High-energy drag shows that spill on to the sidewalk are a hoot here.
Edison Farrow's site Sobesocialclub.com
offers a peek into South Beach's gay nightlife schedule, including special events hosted by him ever and anon.
Bathhouses
Plan a visit, too, to one of the premier bathhouses in the country, Club Body Center Miami
(2991 Coral Way, where they've been in the game for decades. Current events here include Buddy Night and Black Out Party (bring a friend to help you work your way through the halls in darkness!), happy hour, and a free poolside lunch every Saturday and Saturday afternoon. Visit them online for more info.
Coming 2009 in midtown, Flex Miami
, a full service sauna with a super gym is expected to inject much gayness into the Miami scene.
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