Frankie Goes to Florida 🍊

Exploring the Heart of Florida: Our 3-Week Journey from Street Art to Neon Dreams

January 2024, we took an unforgettable three-week trip to Florida, where we dove deep into street art, soaked up the serene beauty of the Keys, and reveled in the vibrant energy of Miami. Each stop along the way offered its own magic, from the artistic pulse of Fort Lauderdale to the old-school neon vibes of the Keys, and the creative explosion of Miami’s streets.

Fort Lauderdale – A Creative Haven at the AOTA Street Art Festival

Our Florida adventure kicked off in Fort Lauderdale, where we spent an entire week immersed in the dynamic AOTA street art festival. The vibe in the city was magnetic, with artists and creatives buzzing with energy, transforming the streets into a living canvas. The murals along the river were stunning, with bold colors and wild designs that reflected the city’s unique blend of cultures and stories.

We found ourselves constantly surrounded by great people—fellow art lovers, local talent, and visitors from all over. The riverfront area became our go-to spot for inspiration, with its eclectic mix of outdoor installations and peaceful waterways. It was the perfect balance between urban excitement and laid-back charm.

Fort Lauderdale showed us a side of Florida we hadn’t expected—one where art, community, and creativity thrive in unexpected corners. Leaving was hard, but we were ready to switch gears as we headed south toward the islands.

The Keys – Slowing Down in Nature and Old-School Neon

After the buzz of Fort Lauderdale, we made our way to the Florida Keys, where life seemed to slow down in the best way possible. The neon signs of old-school motels and diners flickered against the lush backdrop of palm trees and turquoise waters, giving off a vibe that felt like stepping back in time. There was something nostalgic about it all—like a forgotten slice of Americana still alive and glowing in the tropics.

We spent our days here soaking up the natural beauty of the Keys, wandering through mangroves, and admiring the serene landscapes. The sunsets were breathtaking, each evening more vibrant than the last. At night, the neon lights reflected on the calm water, creating a dreamy contrast between the modern world and a vintage paradise. It was the perfect escape from the fast-paced world we had left behind in Fort Lauderdale.

Miami – A Burst of Art, Culture, and Vibrancy

Our final stop was Miami, and it felt like stepping into a whirlwind of color and creativity. We stayed in Little Havana, a neighborhood rich with Cuban culture, where the rhythm of salsa and the smell of Cuban coffee filled the air. This part of Miami felt like its own world—a vibrant fusion of history, art, and culture that left us enchanted.

From there, we explored the iconic Ocean Drive, with its Art Deco architecture and vintage cars that made us feel like we were living in a postcard. But the real heart of our Miami experience was in the Wynwood area, where the street art scene is unlike anything we’ve seen. Murals towered over us, transforming entire neighborhoods into open-air galleries. It was an endless source of inspiration, with each wall telling a different story through its bold colors and intricate designs.

We also visited the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an opulent mansion that looked like it was plucked straight out of a dream. The grandeur of the estate, mixed with the tropical surroundings, was an incredible blend of art, architecture, and nature. In between these explorations, we dove into Miami’s vintage shops, where we found gems that matched our love for unique, timeless fashion.

The energy in Miami was electric, constantly pushing us to explore more, create more, and soak in all the artistic inspiration that surrounded us. The blend of street art, history, and culture made every corner of the city feel like its own work of art.

From Fort Lauderdale’s riverfront street art scene to the neon-drenched sunsets in the Keys, and finally to the artistic explosion of Miami, our Florida trip was a whirlwind of creativity and discovery. Each place had its own pace, its own style, and its own inspiration to offer. We left Florida not only with new memories but also with a renewed sense of inspiration for our creative projects back home.

This trip reminded us of the beauty in slowing down, exploring different kinds of art, and finding creativity in every corner—Florida, with its eclectic mix of past and present, urban and natural, will forever hold a special place in our hearts.