Fodorites have come thru again! Because of their guidance, we're heading to Key West & Miami for the holidays (very excited - our first time there!)

We're celebrating NYE in Miami and I notice there appears to be 3 street celebrations going on:

- Big Orange New Year's Eve Celebration
- Espanola Way New Years Eve
- Bayfront Park's New Year's Eve

Can anyone shed some light on if there are any differences btwn them?

We're late 30's couple, just want to hang out safely, enjoy the revelry, and do some dancing at a club after the ball drops. Any suggestions on places to go afterwards that would be appropriate and only a small cover charge?

Thx again. Enjoy-la!

South Beach will be a lot of fun so my vote would go to the Espanola Way party!

Yes also to Sobe (south beach). We did this a few years ago and had a very safe and festive time. You'll see all kinds of people and all ages dancing in the street and enjoying.
Have fun!

My vote would be for Espanola Way!

Mango's and the Clevelander (poolside) are the only two places that come to mind as far as small cover charges go.

Have a GREAT time!

Thx a mint for the replies - South Beach it is!

GoTravel - you were one who first suggested MIA/KW (on my initial thread), so biggest thx to you!! (=

cybor - exactly the reassurance I was looking for, you read it spot on!

Winkz40 - thx for the specific clubs suggs; I'll look into them.

I noticed a parade in the daytime, King Mango Strut Parade which is a parody parade; anyone know if it's worth going to?

Enjoy-la!

The King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove is a blast! I work in "the Grove" [as the natives call it] and love the ambience.

While in the Grove, DO NOT venture west of 32nd Street on Grand Avenue. Stick to the touristy areas and if you need to ask directions, ask the people in the shops (and not someone one the street once your lost). Get a good map of the Grove --which is not very large-- so that you can be clear on where you're heading.

Oh, and grab a bite to eat at the Greenstreet Cafe!

If you want to get the true flavor of the wackiness of life in South Florida, I would definitely try to catch the King Mango Strut. Its in Coconut Grove and its an insane homegrown parody of our now defunct King Orange Jamboree Parade. Lots of laughs and would be a great time to see the Grove. You might want to visit Villa Vizcaya in the morning then head out to the Grove village, a mile away, in the afternoon. Park in the lots by Dinner Key and you should be set. PS the fireworks over over the beach on New years Eve are great too.

here are some links:
http://www.kingmangostrut.org/
http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/

Thx a mint for the rec on the Mango Strut parade, and especially for the extra detailed info you both provided -which I've already copied over to my itin file. We've got quirky humor that's why it caught my attn - should be fun!

I checked out the link to Viscaya, and it's def my type of thing - the orchids themselves would be enough to get me there. All much appreciated.

Enjoy-la!