24 hours in miami with david “lebo” le batard
The visually arresting work of Cuban-American, Miami-based artist David Le Batard—or “Lebo,” as he’s perhaps best known to the world—has shown up everywhere from cruise ships (as in, on the hull of the boat) and car posters (think: Ferrari) to magazines and murals. He has collaborated with professional athletes, celebrated musical acts like Thievery Corporation and the Beastie Boys, and several of the world’s most recognizable brands. All this and the guy still finds time almost every day to get his sweat on. We couldn’t think of a more dynamic and fitting individual to work with when opening our new Miami flagship—and we also were dying to know where he hangs in the city known for art deco, sugar sand beaches and music. So here, in Lebo’s words, is how he spends 24 hours in his hometown, one of the most captivating cities in America.
Morning
Living on South Beach—my studio is right above my apartment—means a relaxed starts to most days. I either walk to Panther Coffee or grind my own coffee that Panther roasts locally (I take mine bulletproof).
If I’m training early I might go to South Pointe Park and practice my animal flow or global bodyweight training as ships pull in and out of the port. South Pointe Park is one of my favourite places to train outdoors and one of the most unique spots on South Beach. On rehab days, I like to go to the Shakti Yoga studio. It’s wonderfully simple yet soulful, a perfect place for finding balance.
After I train, I like to walk the south beach boardwalk back to my apartment. This stroll is by far one of the most sublime experiences here in the heart of the tropics; it’s free to all and shouldn’t be missed. There’s a wonderful view of one of the US’s most beautiful beaches, Miami’s iconic art deco landscape (I particularly like The Betsy Hotel), and the people watching is beyond fascinating—some of the most beautiful bodies in the world strolling alongside skaters, bikers, joggers and an international assortment of oddballs, eccentrics and anomalies. More times than not I’ll grab lunch at The Front Porch Café on Ocean Drive (my top pick is definitely the California Omelette, $10.99).
Afternoon
To check out what’s going on in the city, Sweat Records blog is always my first stop. They’re always keyed into what’s new, interesting and relevant in the magic city.
On Sundays it’s always nice to skate or bike (you can find Deco Bike, a bike sharing program, all over Miami Beach) down to Lincoln Road to check out the Farmers’ Market and street fair. Here you’ll find locally made jewellery, tropical fruit smoothies, used books, vintage clothes, or just a shady spot to watch the world go by.
Even when the market is not taking place Lincoln Road is lined with a treasure trove of stores, from laid back funky ones like Superdry to ultra cool rocker chic men’s store John Varvatos. If I’m keeping it strictly local, I’ll swing down Washington Avenue to Reggaewear or Uncle Sam’s, a long standing local’s favourite selling quality vinyl as well as artfully designed men’s and womens T-shirts. Definitely check out the Wolfsonian Museum on the way, a thoroughly curated body of work from the Industrial Revolution through WWII showcasing artistic and decorative arts along with arts and crafts, propaganda art and furniture design from that period.
Evening
Essencia Restaurant in The Palms Hotel is a perfect place to start the evening. Intelligently prepared dishes cater to those with a discriminating but health-conscious palate, with most of the food sourced locally and much of it even grown on property. On the outdoor patio you can hear tropical birds chatting away while a pleasant breeze flows right off the ocean. It’s an enchanting way to dine.
After Dark
If I’m not staying on the beach, I like to check out who’s playing at The Stage. While Miami is known for the thump, thump, thump of DJs from around the globe, The Stage consistently brings the best of Miami’s local music scene, crossing all genres and keeping things soulful, steamy and sonically sensational.
Once I get back from being on the mainland, to close the night I’ll usually stop at The Broken Shaker, which graces the backyard of the Freehand Hostel. Blending one part tropical oasis with two parts speakeasy, this chilled out bar is the perfect place to bring out-of-towners or old friends, as well as to make new ones.
