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| S E N E N M E L C H O R A M P I L A N T O N I O |
| L i n c o l n R o a d |
| L i n c o l n R o a d |
| Lincoln Road is located at the north end of South Beach and extends from Biscayne Bay in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. |
| Photo credits: (Top) www.library.miami.edu; (Middle) www.ci.miami-beach.fl.us; (Bottom) www.where-miami.com |
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| Click here for an interactive map of the Miami area |
| Miami, Florida |
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| From its origins as a two-lane sand roadway in 1914, Lincoln Road soon grew between the 20�s to the early 50�s into a preeminent promenade then known as the "Fifth Avenue of the South". Even then, Lincoln Road was a prestigious address, attracting upscale retailers such as Saks, Van Cleef and Arpels and FAO Schwartz. Unfortunately, the opening of several self-contained resort developments further up the beach in late 50�s meant a decline in commercial activity to Lincoln Road. In an attempt to revitalize the area, the City commissioned famous architect Morris Lapidus, who then transformed Lincoln Road into one of the first pedestrian malls in the United States. Lapidus designed a beautiful outdoor shopping mall accented by tropical plants, funky paving, fountains and follies. These measures, however, proved to be insufficient as Lincoln Road continued to decline in the 70�s. By the 80�s, it was virtually abandoned to the homeless and drug addicts. Meanwhile, the low rents also attracted artists to the area, and soon artists� studios graced many of the former storefronts along the mall. As with many other cities, the artists� community generated a new interest in the area and helped re-establish Lincoln Road as a hip, happening place. Another major revitalization and wave of investment in the mid-90�s helped Lincoln Road attain its present incarnation as a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination. (Click here for a virtual tour.) |
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| Today, Lincoln Road is South Beach�s lifeline, and is one of Miami�s top tourist destinations. The 12-block length offers more than 170 stores, over 25 fine arts galleries, close to 50 restaurants and bars, the New World Symphony, a church and theaters. My friend Nina has a studio in Art Center/South Florida, a cooperative of some 60 local artists. A Farmers� Market is held every Sunday, where fresh produce, flowers, plants and freshly baked breads are on offer. And every other Sunday from October to May, Lincoln Road also hosts an Arts and Antiques Market showcasing original art, reproductions, trinkets and collectibles. |
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| For me, Lincoln Road is my Main Street, where I get together with Joe, Lauren, Clay and other friends. It could be for a weekday dinner, a movie at the corner cinema (Hollywood blockbuster or art house film), Saturday people watching, or Sunday brunch. I have a few dependable favorites when it comes to restaurants and bars (Sushi Siam, World Resources, Finnegan�s, Segafredo, Nexxt, Parmalat Gelateria), but am keen to check out the remaining 45� |
| Photo credits: (Top Right) www.miamibeach411.com; (Bottom Right) www.thesmartmoves.com |