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Stretching north from downtown Miami along Biscayne Bay, the beautiful
and historic communities of the "Upper Eastside" are a
case study in the restorative powers of gay gentrification. Fabled
Biscayne Boulevard is the main thoroughfare for this area, and is
undergoing a renaissance as upscale shops, restaurants, galleries
and clubs open where low rent motels once proliferated.
Just north of downtown along Biscayne Bay, the Omni Mall area is
readying itself for the opening of the Performing Arts Center, a
cultural facility that will provide a Ballet Opera House, Concert
Hall, and Studio Theatre. This complex will serve as the nerve center
for the region's cultural life, and is already having a revitalizing
effect on the surrounding neighborhood. Just north of the Performing
Arts District, the historic Edgewater neighborhood boasts historic
homes and a bayside location. This neighborhood is also home to
the Cactus, a popular gay bar and restaurant.
Located to the east of Edgewater, just north of I-195, the thriving
Design District features an array of designer furniture showrooms,
antique shops, art galleries and photography studios. Hip restaurants
and bars make this neighborhood one of Miami's hottest destinations.
Between N. Miami Avenue and NE 2nd Avenue, the residential Buena
Vista neighborhood is a showcase of old Miami architecture.
The historic residential neighborhoods of Morningside, Belle Meade,
Shorecrest, and Davis Harbour stretch north between Biscayne Boulevard
and the Bay. Morningside features a stunning collection of historic
art deco and Mediterranean revival homes on wide avenues leading
to the bay. Belle Meade is a primarily gay residential community
located on an island off of 76th Street. Belle Meade is renowned
for its beautiful homes and community spirit, and hosts an annual
Halloween party that is a fixture on the calendars of many gay Miami
residents. Shorecrest and Davis Harbour (often cheekily referred
to as "Bette Davis Harbour") are beautiful bayfront residential
neighborhoods with heavy gay populations.
Crowning the Upper Eastside is the Village of Miami Shores, a
charming community of approximately 10,00 residents. Like its neighbors
to the south, Miami Shores boasts an established and growing gay
population, and beautifully maintained and historic homes. A charming
main street, proactive municipal services, and design features such
as rear alleys and sidewalks provide a quality of life that leads
many to liken the community to Coral Gables at a smaller scale.
Miami Shores Country Club offers golf, tennis and a new water park.
The community is also notable as the home to Barry University and
the Archdiocese of Miami.
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