Look, I’m going to be honest here. I’m not a big fan of Florida. I know lots of good folks live there and there are likely lots of good places to see I’ve never been, but the fact remains I have been to many of Florida’s alleged “hot spots” and I have found them wanting. I spent a week in the Keys several years ago (cheesy!), I spent some days in Miami (scary!), and then of course, I’ve made a requisite visit to Orlando (the horror!) to visit Disney World. Please, help me out. What am I missing?
OK, I am being unduly harsh. This fact became rather more obvious once I read this piece over at New York Magazine about Florida’s many different personalities. It seems there’s ample history, fishing, food, sports, outdoors activities and so on in the orange juice state. Pretty much everything a gadling reader could ever want.
Did I mention the kitsch? I said cheesiness, which is kind of the same thing. Kitsch is sort of intentional cheesiness. New Yorkers love kitsch, so perhaps that why they called out the “unapologetically tiki-tacky Mai-Kai bar,” whatever that is (although judging from the picture, it doesn’t look half bad). I’ll bet it is absolutely great after about 16 drinks.
Anyway, to all you Floridians out there: I’m sorry if you feel hurt. I know I need to spend more time in your state. Someday I will. Maybe.