The iconic Football Sandwich Shop on NE 2nd Avenue is a Miami institution. This institution, however, may or may not be closed for good. A recent-ish post on the Big Bubble dove into that question. Sadly, in addition to no more delicious subs, the news of its closure might also mean the loss of the gorgeous murals celebrating the Miami Dolphins that grace every inch of the exterior. They're murals are still there, though, for now. So, check them out in our gallery, this way...
The Palm Bay Club was the destination for the fabulous glitterati of 1970s Miami. In 1965, Sports Illustrated called it 'Connie's Club for Homeless Glitterbugs,' referencing its creator Connie Dinkler. I found an old article somewhere that said Vidal Sassoon himself came once and did everyone's hair.
From the art deco era to the 1950s and (sporadically) even much later, Terrazzo was a tremendously popular floor material across South Florida. The poured floors with little, colored specs in any color you can imagine, are versatile, durable, can be made into any pattern or design. They also look even better as they age, developing a crack here and there. In fact, they look better with a few cracks.
There are little pieces of old Miami all around. You just have to look. These relics of the past—ghost signs and sign scars—were all found and photographed by Phillip Pessar, that prolific explorer of Miami.
Vizcaya, the early 20th century winter home of Chicago industrialist James Deering was almost from its earliest inception destined to be far more than just a big house in Coconut Grove, despite Deering's desire for a comfortable and pleasant place to spend the winters and entertain relatives in his retirement. As soon as Deering met Vizcaya's chief designer, or 'creative director' as he is also known, Paul Chalfin, the estate became a great gestamkunstverk, or total work of art.
The Palace, a South Beach gay bar of legend, notoriety, debauchery, and giddy fun is closing its doors at its current Ocean Drive locale because its new landlord is renovating Palace's home of 20 years and wants the bar out. With an uncertain future ahead, the owners of Palace are currently looking for a new home.
