Sundy>

Miami Beach used to be perceived as a spot for retirees. Folks visited only to see grandmom and her neighbors playing canasta and comparing the price of a pound of tomatoes. Popular TV shows like SEINFELD make constant references to Jerry's bickering parents at the Boca del Vista - a retirement community for active seniors...

It's all true.

Only now the folks on this forum prefer to imagine we are all topless swimsuit models who roam from night club to after-party in a sexy, chemical-induced haze...

Also true.

Here is what you need to know:

The real experience of South Beach is all of these ideas and none of them at all. As long as you are legally old enough to buy a drink, you are welcome anywhere they sell them. There are so many places to visit all night long, your only impediment is running out of energy - or cash.

The loud, young, overwhelming club scene you are concerned about does not get going until what my friends refer to as "Vampire Hour." And to let you in on a secret most club-hopping kids would rather I not reveal to you?

They take naps.

Just like babies...

I don't care if you're 15 or 65 - it is really hard to start your night at midnight and march bravely til dawn if you also have the inconvenience of a day job or a school schedule or a life amongst the non-Vampires to maintain... And even us topless swimsuit models must venture out in the daylight to - like - update our perfect tans - you know?

It's rough going!

When are you visiting and where are you staying?

My suggestion is that you decide what kind of club experience you would like to have and go from there. There are places - for example - that have cool, ambient lounge music and those costly cocktails everyone regrets Monday morning (full head, empty wallet!). You can get the evening going on Lincoln Mall one night and pop into a number of well priced Happy Hours for drink specials and free snacks.

Try Cafeteria - a temple of all white coolness with a lounge out back and drink and appetizer specials until 7 on weeknights. See Vino Miami on 16/Washington for boutique wines and a genuinely interesting after work crowd. Sushi Doraku at the west end of the Mall has free sushi happy hours and a live DJ. There are clubs on the mall like Rumi and Touch and Funkshion and Santo but I will tell you my favorite...

On Friday nights, the place to be is Yuca - our Cuban Fusion restaurant and lounge at 501 Lincoln. Get there by 8 and head upstairs for FREE salsa lessons taught by the sexy staff of Salsa Mia (www.salsamia.com) This is the most fun you will have all week. The classes are not difficult and if you get the hang of it, you are welcome to stay and dance until 3am Friday and Sunday nights.

At the far south end of Ocean Drive - Nikki Beach Club is a sexy adult arena that hosts a beach side party day to night. They serve brunch weekends and then the party continues out on the sand with lounges and teepees and bar service indoors and out. In the afternoon, visit Smith & Wollensky steak house to sit out back around 3.30 or 4pm to watch the cruise ships sail majestically out to sea. Later, stop in to Opa Greek restaurant for dinner and dancing and you're sure to feel you're not in Kansas anymore!

My friends and I like to visit Miami Beach hot spots to happy hour with a drink and an appetizer at the bar or by the pool... Why not do a hotel bar crawl one night? There are clubs on the hotel rooftops perfect for a sunset cocktail.

The hotels due south of 21st and Collins play host to poolside parties with a distinctly club vibe starting in the afternoon. Start early evening and wander south from the Townhouse (Bond Street Sushi lounge in the basement and then a cocktail up on the water bed loungey roof) to the Shore Club (SkyBar, Nobu, Ago) to the fabulously tropical 5star Setai and the Raleigh (a must-see pool area with a fabulously affordable menu in a tropical setting out back) and the Delano (Rose Bar inside and super-sexy cabana area).

Stop and check out Saga and Social at the Sagamore. Part art gallery, part clubby lounge, you can order a few "tapas" small plates at Social and have a drink and wander through the extraordinary collection of contemporary art on site... If you've still got the energy to march, the last stop could be Vix at the Hotel Victor on Ocean Drive. They have a jellyfish tank you won't want to miss. Afterwards, check out Mangos on 9/Ocean for a Latin themed showgirl (and boy) extravaganza you're not soon to forget!

The Raleigh and our new Standard (40 Island Ave) are hosting Sunday parties that have definitely weeded out "the kids" for a more sophisticated, interesting crowd. I strongly suggest you consider spending a Sunday at the Standard... Shuttle service is available from the Raleigh Hotel on Collins across our little island to the West Side where this local's-darling is quickly becoming the place to be. There is a local favorite dinner spot on the west side called Joe Allen's that is also worth a visit while you're in the area.

I do not think you will feel uncomfortable at any club you choose to visit. Honestly, as I write this I can't imagine what would hold you back from going with the flow of your own interests... No one is going to judge you - why limit your options?

I believe you're as young as the person you feel!

Let us know if you need more specifics. I'll be here tanning and napping until I hear from you...

AG

Hi

I noticed your posting in Trip Advisor for places to go in Miami for the 40+ crowd. I was wondering if you could tell me what your experiences were and what you enjoyed/not enjoyed on your stay for hotels/restaurants/clubs+lounges. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.