Everglades National Park can provide out-of-town guests—and you too—with a day that balances the energy of Miami and its beaches with the quietude of the ‘river of grass’. Although the variety within the park is truly enormous, a few easily accessible spots may be a perfect introduction for your visitors.
Shark Valley is the northern entrance to the park off US-41 (the newly improved highway to Marco Island). About 16 miles west of Krome Avenue, Shark Valley’s topography draws to it a startling density of wildlife. After seeing so many birds, fish, alligators and turtles during their brief hike, one recent out-of-town visitor questioned his host. “I’m confused. Weren’t we going to a national park? I think you’ve brought me to a very cleverly designed zoo.”
Shark Valley’s 15-mile paved loop road can be traveled by ranger-guided tram, bicycles (bring your bike or rent one there) or by foot. Most visitors, however, stick close to the nature center and walk on pathways nearby. Regulars advise getting an early start to see more animals before they retreat to the shade by mid-day. This time of year sees several species of bird with their mating plumage on display, while migratory birds enter the scene too.
The Shark Valley entrance address is 36000 SW 8th Street. The parking lot gate opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. daily. Locals know that they can park outside the gate along US-41 and walk or bike into the park earlier (or stay past sunset). Tram and bicycle reservations (305-221-8455) and super-helpful information is available on the park’s website or by phone at 305-221- 8776
The Strut, The Strut, The King Mango Strut.
If the neighborhood seems quieter than normal, it’s only because everyone is preparing for Sunday’s big event. Regular viewers are chilling champagne—and stalking the downtown sidewalks to lay claim to their favorite places to watch the neighborhood parade. People participating in the event—known by many names: Strutters, Mangoheads, The Freds—are waking up to realize that Sunday, 1/5/25, is the big day and just maybe they ought to start getting ready.
Sounds a little bit too casual? Well, yes, because that’s the vibe of the King Mango Strut. And it belies all the committed preparation, organization and support of the King Mango team that brings the good-spirited mayhem together in one place. “If it ain’t funny, we ain’t doing it!” seems to be the motto.
The parade kicks off at 2:00 p.m. from the corner of Main Highway and Commodore Plaza (Greenstreet Café), turns the corner at the Starbucks and heads towards the post office on Grand Avenue. But honestly now, many Strutters seldom reach the post office because they’ve already headed to the join their friends watching the parade’s many skits, or to the afterparty that fills Commodore Plaza. Free.
