Beat the Heat: Cool Cultural Attractions, Part 2

Newcomers to Florida and Miami often are concerned about the brutal summer months and wonder how locals survive the heat. In other regions of the state, I imagine July and August seem to drag on forever, but luckily in Miami and its surrounding suburbs, there is no shortage of ways to keep busy—and cool—when you’re maxed out on beach time. I previously wrote about some of the area’s best museums and estates and great pools; today I am sharing three more amazing attractions that provide a welcome break from the sun and sand.

Photo Curtesy of Aeric Moscowitz

The Planetarium at the Miami Science Museum

Planetariums, in my opinion, get little appreciation nowadays, but they offer a truly unique learning experience for kids and adults. The Miami Planetarium has been around since 1966 and offers daily shows—the perfect way to escape the midday heat with an hour in a cool, dark amphitheater. Programs range from traditional stargazing and planetary basics to multimedia laser-light shows.

Cooking Classes at Ortanique

Photo Curtesy of Gablescentral.com

The foodie-favorite Caribbean-fusion restaurant on Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile holds regular cooking classes with chef Cindy Hutson. In each three-hour session, Hutson teaches participants how to prepare three of her signature dishes, including lessons on pairing Champagne and wine with food. It’s a great way to experience Ortanique’s creative cuisine while learning how to bring the exotic flavors home to your own kitchen.

The Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami

Photo Curtesy of Kunikotheater.com

This temple to art houses a 17,500–object collection with a focus on Renaissance, Baroque, American, Asian, Ancient, and Native American art and is certainly worth more than one visit. Breeze in to scope out this year’s ArtLab@theLowe, “Germania!” which explores key artistic movements of 19th- and 20th-century Germany and Austria, then stroll over to the on-campus Jamba Juice to cool off as you take a turn on the University Green.

South Florida has plenty of ways to beat the heat, from taking a dip in a historic pool (or finding a new home so you can have your very own pool) to passing the morning at a new museum exhibit to learning a delicious new skill. As a real estate professional, I get a true sense of which neighborhoods offer the easiest access to the most attractions. Contact me today to explore the current listings.