Lincoln Road Mall, A Playful, Outdoor and Fashionable Institution on Miami Beach
Written: Feb 15 '04 (Updated Jan 03 '07)
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Pros: A large variety of things to do and see
Cons: Can be hot in the summer since it is outdoors.
The Bottom Line: Lincoln Road is a destination in itself for good eats, people watching and shopping.
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| ifif1938's Full Review: Lincoln Road Mall |
When I think of Lincoln Road all sorts of images and memories pop into my mind. Yes, today it is one of the fashionable spots of South Beach but I can’t help but think about the days when this was where we use to hang out when I was a teenager...This was where my friends and I would meet on Saturdays at the old Liggetts or Woolworth’s or one of the 3 movie theaters that were popular at the time...One of these theaters, though no longer a theater, really conjures up a memory of the time I was taking care of my little sister, Robin, RobinLynn on Epinions, dragging her along with my friends to see some movie at the Caribe Theater, a posh, beautiful theater at the time, complete with a waterfall and parrots at the entrance into the place where you presented your tickets..For some reason the ticket taker was angry with someone and shoved Robin into the waterfall…Believe me she was shook up plenty but thankfully, she wasn’t hurt and now it’s just a funny memory of a time long ago.
Lincoln Road has undergone many changes nearly as many as my sister and I have…and of course, Miami Beach’s South Beach itself.
Now it’s called Lincoln Road Mall and it’s roller coaster history is still going strong...Thankfully, today it has hit a new high since it’s inception back in the 20’s by Miami Beach’s developer Carl Fisher who thought it would be the comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue...It’s stores back then were the height of fashion with Saks Fifth Avenue leading the way along with many posh spots following suit. This was when anyone who was anyone flocked to the beach to get away from the cold winters up north....Four decades later, Morris Lapidus, designer of the famed Fountainebleau hotel, had new ideas for Lincoln Road and turned it into one of the first pedestrian malls in America. Unfortunately, this did not prevent the decline of the mall in the 70’s as the exclusive shops moved out and the schlock stores moved in along with the many electronic stores that were so prevalent then. Eventually the movie theaters closed as did any shops that offered anything of quality...Well, except for one, Miami’s institution department store, the only department store on Miami Beach, Burdines, now Macy's.
But, a vast revival was planned once again, and in the 80’s when the “Art Center of South Florida” opened up in one of the grand old buildings it brought new life to the old streets. Soon new independent galleries appeared and art studios opened up... With the arts came some new stores and restaurants. The streets were redone, buildings revived and fixed up. The old Art Deco buildings were given new paint jobs and the pedestrian traffic increased... Most of the interiors of these old stores were gutted to provide new, modern space for these new entrepreneurs, though keeping the unique Art Deco motifs alive.
The mall was changed again, this time they opened the streets to cars going North and South but kept them closed from East and West starting at Collins Avenue all the way to Alton Road the distance of about 9 blocks....This gave more access to those who wanted to only go a short distance or had a specific place to visit...They could park on one of the side avenues, shop or eat and not have to worry about walking the entire length of the Mall should they not desire to.
In recent years many new and fashionable stores opened up again, some small privately owned shops, like one of my favorites, Palm Produce, where you will find the most unique type of items and collectibles with a tropical flair, they have the best Flamingo, Parrot and Palm tree items along with an unusual greeting card selection...In addition, there are many that are part of a chain, like Ann Taylor, Gap, Gap Kids, Lucky Brand, Pottery Barn, Victoria’s, Secret, Williams Sonoma, Bebe, Sunglass Hut, a great book store, Books and Books, where many authors come for readings and signing opportunities....All these and many more, over 40 stores in all and that’s not counting the Art Galleries where on any given day you might find the artist who will be more than willing to discuss his or her work....Most of the Galleries are found on the West end of Lincoln Road. Still in business are some of the tourist shops and electronics stores but those are mostly on the east end.
I haven’t even mentioned the Restaurants! Lincoln Road is home to more than 20 places to dine or grab a quick snack. Many of them have taken advantage of the lush trees and fountains on the Mall and have opened outdoor cafes or some have just put out a few tables and chairs. A few have taken up entire corner spots and are constantly full on weekends for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner...One of our favorites, Nexxt Cafe, features so many items on the menu and serve such huge portions there is always a wait even for an indoor table. The same is true for another very popular spot, Van Dykes Cafe, though their portions aren’t as big. There are also Ice Cream shops, for a quick cooling treat on a hot day and of course places to get a cup of cafe Cubano. If you are looking for a place to eat come to Lincoln Road, the variety is outstanding.
Another highlight of Lincoln Road, instituted a few years ago on Sundays and, my favorite time to go, is when the outdoor Market is taking place. Vendors and artists from all over come to set up and display their wares. If you collect antiques this is a fabulous time to find old treasures, many from the “classic Art Deco Era” or just stuff from the fifties or sixties that you wish your mother or grandmother had not thrown away. Furniture, paintings, old clothing, so many and so much for sale...These vendors set up on some of the side streets as well so wear good comfortable walking shoes.
Fresh produce is also available just picked from the farms in South Dade along with freshly baked goods, abundant flowers and juice stands where you can have any concoction made to order.
And, I must not forget to mention, if you love to people watch, this is the place to go....from street performers, to an oddball character here and there wearing their pet snake, alligator, or parrot on their shoulders to others selling puppies and kittens from new born litters, still others, strutting their stuff along with their dogs on and off their leashes. There are those on roller blades or skate boards, some in very strange looking outfits, and some, hardly wearing anything at all.
There is also a megaplex theater on the west end of the mall featuring 18 theaters, a far cry from the day my sister was thrown in the waterfall of the old Caribe Theater.
Yes, Lincoln Road has seen many changes most of them good and I enjoy visiting there whenever I get a chance. My memories flood back at times but mostly I just enjoy it for what it is today, a very unique place, with a nouveaux feel along with a lot of soul.
Lincoln Road Mall is located on the South End of Miami Beach also called South Beach just one block north of where Ocean Drive ends..It is located nearby the Holocaust Memorial and the Miami Beach Convention Center. Parking can be a problem but there are municipal parking lots nearby just one block north of the Mall.
Thanks Di, SurgRn911 for adding this category
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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