She Took Off Like a Jack Rabbit: Running with Ashley Cusack

Often voted as one of the best places to live in Florida, Miami Shores is a lush residential area of Miami with a population of 10,756. It is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Miami, Miami Beach and the Miami International Airport.

Living in Miami Shores offers residents a dense suburban feel where most residents own their homes. Miami Shores offers locally-loved restaurants, shopping and parks. Many local small business owners, families and young professionals live in Miami Shores. It is a neighborhood that generational families established, and still call home.

Miami Shores Country Club is in the heart of this community and boasts one of the most unique courses in South Florida. With majestic oak trees and gently rolling terrain, the historic 18-hole championship layout will challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels.

Homes in Ponce-Davis typically sit on large lots, many with parcels that are over an acre in size. Because the lot sizes are bigger, homes tend to be bigger as well. Although technically located in Unincorporated Miami-Dade County, the Ponce-Davis neighborhood is really in the heart of it all. Surrounded by South Coral Gables, and High Pines, and just a stone’s throws from the pedestrian center of South Miami and the University of Miami, it is truly the most convenient location to every part of Miami.

Home to many sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as some of Miami’s most successful residents, Ponce-Davis is regarded as the most prestigious neighborhood, home to community leaders, established families and real estate investors.

Luxurious parks, fine restaurants, boutique shopping and prestigious schools are a quick walk or drive away – with Downtown Miami, the University of Miami and Miami International Airport easily accessible.

Tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors – many small business owners – and the best ice cream shop in town make this the perfect place for families of all kinds. See you at Whip-n-Dip!

For nature enthusiasts, the Bill Sadowski Park and Nature Center located in Palmetto Bay is another place of particular interest. Visitors to the park will marvel at the 822-gallon freshwater aquarium that showcases an array of indigenous fish and amphibians, as well as be captivated by the 30-acres of parkland. The park also offers observatory sites perfect for bird watching and stargazing as well as the more traditional amenities including picnic areas, nature trails, and boating and fishing.

The Village of Palmetto Bay holds annual events that attract hundreds of visitors, including the popular “In the Park with Art” at Coral Reef Park. The annual exhibition, held in October, is presented by The Cultural Council, Inc. and has been attracting local artists, national artists, residents and tourists alike since 2003.

Continuing its commitment to development and its residents, The Village of Palmetto Bay is currently planning to add a neighborhood library. Palmetto Bay also boasts markets, restaurants and lodging options.

While Coral Gables might be best known as home to the prestigious University of Miami, the city offers much more to boast about.  Coral Gables is also home to many historical landmarks, including the largest tropical botanical garden in the United States, Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Commonly called Fairchild, the site is frequently used as a backdrop for traveling art installations from the likes of Fernando Botero, Roy Lichtenstein and Dale Chihuly, among others. Coral Gables also has the only swimming pool to be found on the National Historic Register, The Venetian Pool .  The city’s Venetian Pool is an 820,000-gallon spring-fed grotto swimming pool with underground caves. The pool was built of native coral rock and is an awe-inspiring sight to behold by both residents and visitors alike.

Another attractive feature that makes the “City Beautiful” is its vast amount of immaculate landscaping and tree canopies.  In fact, more than 50,000 trees shade the city’s 13.3 square miles and line the city’s bike paths and walking trails. The city also has 22 parks and 33 public tennis courts, as well as two public golf courses.  Coral Gables is home to 36 miles of pristine waterways and contains multiple boating facilities in order for its residents to take full advantage of its abundance of water.

Famous for its grand Miracle Mile, Coral Gables replicates a European Old World style setting with its outdoor cafes and specialty boutiques. Apart from Miracle Mile, residents and visitors of Coral Gables turn to the Village of Merrick Park for luxury shopping.  Merrick Park is a place where fashion and style come to life in an outdoor setting complete with fountains, lush tropical foliage and a serene garden. Merrick Park is home to such world class boutiques as Tiffany’s, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci and Hugo Boss as well as the elite department stores Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Affectionately known as “SoMi,” South Miami’s Downtown District encourages visitors and new businesses. Downtown SoMi is powered by a unique and eclectic mix of businesses and close-knit residents. Centrally-located with convenient and easy access from the South Miami Metrorail transit station, With shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, movie theatres and professional services, visitors and residents enjoy all the amenities that SoMi has to offer.

For the fashionistas looking for unique boutiques, South Miami has that too. From Vigi for upscale clothing, Cream for luxurious cosmetics and gifts, Country French and Margaux for beautiful home accessories, House & Paper for fine stationery and Footworks for all your sporting and exercise needs, you will be sure to find what you are looking for.

In 2001, the city of South Miami was announced an “All-America City” by the National Civic League. This prestigious award is awarded to only ten cities in the United States each year and is the highest honor a City can receive. The All-America award honored the city of South Miami for its leadership, relationship between its government and citizens and their involvement in the community.

Sitting directly on the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, The Grove is well-known to boat enthusiasts. Coral Reef Yacht Club, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club and Dinner Key Marina are all within walking distance of new condos, parks, entertainment centers and cultural events.

Nestled in between waterfront homes old and new is The Kampong: a historic estate and botanical garden with a fascinating array of tropical fruit and flowering trees. The Grove is a walkable neighborhood, with friendly neighbors, dog parks and a rich, unique blend of culture, architecture and history.

Pinecrest is home to a historic landmark site, where one of Miami’s oldest attractions, Parrot Jungle, once stood. The site is now inhabited by the exquisite Pinecrest Gardens, which houses such attractions as an exotic butterfly exhibit, petting zoo, playground and tranquil swan lake. Throughout the year, several recurring events are held at the park including a fine arts festival and a locally-sourced Farmer’s Market. During the summer, the park takes on the duties of summer camp.

One increasingly popular event at Pinecrest Gardens is the Taste of Pinecrest, an annual spring event since 2006. The event showcases restaurants from the Pinecrest area, provides entertainment from local school groups and features a judged art show. The event is sponsored by the Pinecrest Business Association, local restaurants and businesses. Proceeds from the festival are donated to five Pinecrest public schools.

Pinecrest has actively involved itself with not only beautifying its community through the addition of new parks and recreational areas, but also by striving to provide its residents with luxuries not found in every neighborhood. Pinecrest further distinguishes itself with the incorporation of free Wi-Fi spots at both Suniland Park and Evelyn Greer Park. Pinecrest even has its own radio station, WQFS 1590 AM, to help keep residents updated on upcoming events, notice of future meetings, and up-to-date information in emergency situations.

Pinecrest is home to some of the very best public schools that Miami has to offer, and it gives residents a chance to own large, sprawling properties amidst lush, beautiful foliage.

The skyline’s silhouette is complemented by a surplus of shopping destinations, fine dining establishments, lavish hotels and trendy art galleries. These skyscrapers, which house both luxury condominiums and headquarters of major multi-national corporations, play a critical role of providing employment to over 104,000 people on a daily basis. This area alone comprises over 18 million square feet of office and retail space.

If the hustle and bustle of the Downtown Miami scene gives the allusion of all work and no play, do not be mistaken. Downtown’s nightlife stays alive well after happy hour, being sure to keep party hoppers satisfied with a wide assortment of hip lounges and clubs. The development of Mary Brickell Village has become a destination for residents of this area in particular for food, drinks and fun. The new Brickell City Centre is a landmark $1.05 billion, 4.9 million square-foot, mixed-use development, featuring a 500,000-square-foot luxury and premium retail center.

Tourism destinations like Port of Miami alongside local favorites like American Airlines Arena, home to the Miami Heat; century-old buildings among new pockets of young residents who call the neighborhood home.

Our urban center also holds its own share of cultural experiences. As one of Miami’s key attractions amongst visitors is the Port of Miami, located in the Downtown area, and serves more than 3 million passengers per year and constitutes the number one cruise port in the world. Guests and residents alike enjoy the stimulating cultural experiences offered by the likes of the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), the Miami Children’s Museum, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, which includes the 2,400-seat Ziff Ballet Opera House and the 2,200-seat Knight Concert Hall, and now, the stunning new Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum Of Science. For the avid sports lover, visit the American Airlines Arena, home to the beloved Miami Heat basketball team. The arena is located next to Bayside Marketplace, a 20-acre waterfront retail complex that has become one of South Florida’s number one tourist destinations.