| Hilda Mitrani's Blog Archive |
 |
| Back to Hilda Mitrani's Page |
|
| Florida Was Birthplace of America's Cowboy Traditions |
|
| November 17, 2009 |
|
At the Florida Agricultural Museum, a new permanent exhibit on our state's early cattle industry recalls how the word “cowboy” originally came to describe a black male slave who tended cows. The word has roots in South Carolina during the 18th Century, and yet, the quintessential image of the cowboy on horseback began here in Florida. Eat your heart out, John Wayne!
The cattle herding tradition dates back approximately 6,000 years to the Sahara region where Africans were tending vast herds.... more |
|
|
|
|
| Latin American Art at the Southwest Florida Museum of History |
|
 |
|
| November 13, 2009 |
Like Florida, Latin America is a confluence of cultures and peoples.
These many influences translate into a rich artistic heritage, and it’s on display through Dec. 5 at the third annual ‘Art Expressions of Latin America III: The People,’ an exhibit at the ... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Miami Book Fair Offers 350 Author Events at Beloved Regional Festival |
|
 |
|
| November 11, 2009 |
Today we thank our veterans for the freedoms that we hold dear every day. None seems as valuable right now as the right to free speech, given the restrictions in Cuba, Tibet, Venezuela, Darfur and North Korea.
Opinions, ideas and thoughts are the heart of what makes each individual unique.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Punta Gorda Museum Showcases Muscle Cars and More |
|
 |
|
| October 24, 2009 |
| An aqua-colored Thunderbird sometimes coasts by my home in South Florida. I love the Art Deco touches and gorgeous lines on this car. Muscle cars of yesteryear are becoming popular again but there’s nothing like the authenticity of the real thing.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Historic Tour on Oct. 24 Showcases Area's Hispanic Heritage |
|
 |
|
| October 21, 2009 |
Like the voyages of Ponce de León, Cortés and Pizarro from the 1500s, you can explore the imprint that Hispanics have left in Miami-Dade County on free tours organized by Miami-Dade’s Transit Authority in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. The tours, offered in both English and Spanish, depart from the Government Center in downtown Miami and last approximately three and a half hours.
On Saturday, Oct.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Engaging Keeper Tours at Stuart's Unique House of Refuge |
|
 |
|
| October 17, 2009 |
Long before Florida was home to world-class spas and hotels, quite a few accidental visitors looked for a safe haven here: those who were shipwrecked on our coast. On Hutchinson Island, the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar offers a unique perspective of an important time in the United States' maritime history.
A local historian and re-enactment player, Marty Baum, conducts tours of the museum here on the second Saturday of each month from October through spring.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| History-Themed Day Trips Originating in Central Florida |
|
 |
|
| October 13, 2009 |
History is abundant throughout Central Florida, so I like combining trips to Orlando’s theme parks with unique places like Arcadia, close to the Gulf coast.
In spite of turbulent wars, disastrous fires and boomtown expansion, this lovely town preserves its 19th century architecture and Old Florida charm.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Culinary Treats at Cuban-Style Market in Miami |
|
 |
|
| September 25, 2009 |
One of my favorite “Only in Miami” joints is “Palacio de los Jugos” or simply translated, the Juice Palace. In my book, its name actually ought to be "Slice of Heaven."
Actually an old-fashioned Cuban marketplace, it’s also a culinary delight filled with an array of fresh produce and kiosks selling delicious comfort food.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Folk Music Festivals Signal Autumn in White Springs |
|
 |
|
| September 16, 2009 |
In grade school, I learned to love American folk songs but thought it quaintly odd that the Florida state song began with "Way down upon the Suwannee River." Looking at any map, it seemed clear to me that much of the state was below the river! Of course, that was before I learned a little history…
A rich sense of history is part of what draws people to the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center in ... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Fishing Is a Pleasure in Wewa, a Florida Treasure |
|
 |
|
| September 09, 2009 |
In Wewahitchka, located in north-central Florida, oak trees drip moss and oysters are a mainstay. And yet, there are two other celebrated delicacies: catfish and tupelo honey.
Many of us learned about tupelo honey in “Ulee’s Gold,” a Hollywood blockbuster.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Spanish Plate Fleet and Florida's Shoals |
|
 |
|
| August 24, 2009 |
| When I heard the term “plate fleet” at the Archaeology Institute of the University of West Florida, I had a funny vision of Annette Bening and Michael Douglas in the White House China Room from the movie The American President. Chuckling privately, I asked the archaeologist to explain the term.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Hollering for the Rodeo in Arcadia |
|
 |
|
| August 16, 2009 |
Arcadia’s getting ready for the Third Annual Best of the Ranches Ranch Rodeo, which will be held in early September.
On September 5, the performance begins at 6 p.m.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Fabric of Florida: Quilting Thrives in the Sunshine State |
|
| August 10, 2009 |
|
| Quilting is both a quintessential form of artistic expression and a centuries-old social activity. Quilters traditionally join together in groups. In Florida, many belong to the Sunshine State Quilters Association or attend the BeSewCreative Quilter’s Retreat on September 17 – 20 at DeLand’s ... more |
|
|
|
|
| Cascade of Caladiums at Lake Placid’s 9th Annual Festival |
|
 |
|
| August 07, 2009 |
| In Highlands County, Florida, more than 1,200 acres of caladiums are growing in the rich muck earth. In fact, this area is blessed with natural beauty and friendly people who put their hearts and souls into the Annual Caladium Festival. This important event celebrates the local culture and economic impact of these lovely ornamental plants.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Tasty Turkish Delight on Sunny South Beach |
|
 |
|
| August 02, 2009 |
| Finding good Turkish food nearby is an unexpected delight, as was our lunch today at Hakan Grill on South Beach. Here, savory cuisine is combined with warm service that proprietor Hakan Aksu learned during an earlier 23-year career at top hotel brands.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pirate Adventures Abound on St. Augustine Voyages |
|
 |
|
| July 24, 2009 |
Shipwrecked on the grounds of St. Augustine’s historic Ramada Hotel is a cunning and creative crew (of pirates) - circa 2009.
Har, har, you didn’t know there were still pirates in Florida?
Well matey, Black Raven Adventures has created a modern pirate attraction on a specially designed vessel.... more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Following the Spanish Colonial Trail via Mission San Luís |
|
| July 15, 2009 |
|
Imagine digging through a trash pile that is 400 years old and finding an ornate metal cross. Who owned it? Why was it discarded? Was it a gift from a beloved gone missing on the sea or did the metal chain break, rendering the cross useless?
The archaeological team at ... more |
|
|
|
|
| A Taste of Victorian in Central Florida |
|
| July 15, 2009 |
|
| Chalet Suzanne, a family-owned inn and restaurant on a 100-acre estate, makes it easy to travel to their tranquil spot of Florida; the 70-year old mini-resort has its own airfield! Not arriving by air? Chalet Suzanne is accessible from I-75, Florida's Turnpike and US-27.... more |
|
|
|
|
| Follow Me Off the Beaten Path |
|
| July 14, 2009 |
|
Hi! I’m Hilda, a native Miamian of Cuban-Spanish descent (just like Florida!) who loves getting off the beaten path and discovering the real Florida.
My kids and I love exploring Florida’s more unusual and unique spots. Come along with me as I write and create videos about my hidden finds.... more |
|
|
|
|
