Forget Black Friday. Here’s where to spend time outdoors instead of heading to the mall
The day after Thanksgiving is coming. But do you really want to go anywhere near a mall?
Even at the best of times, Black Friday shopping is a preview of hell, full of fury and desperation and angry, sweaty people who will have no problem shoving you aside on their way to a bargain.
And now, with the COVID-19 pandemic surging ahead like that lady at Walmart who really, really wants that half-price flatscreen TV, the whole idea of being around a bunch of pushy, out-of-breath shoppers is even less appealing.
May we suggest getting some fresh air instead?
After a thoroughly soggy October and November, the sun is out and the breeze is balmy in Miami. Here are a few of our favorite alternatives to mall madness. Bring the kids and your mask. You can stop at your favorite small business and support them on the way home.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Enjoy the beauty of nature amid tropical greenery. In addition to reducing the number of touch surfaces — that means fewer benches, for the record — the garden has created a one-way route and canceled tram tours. You no longer have to buy a specific time slot, but masks are required. More information and tickets at fairchildgarden.org
Zoo Miami
Visit the largest zoo in Florida and see the animals by day or roam the grounds after dark under a million LED lights at the annual Zoo Lights event. Tickets must be purchased online at www.zoomiami.org
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Stroll around 10 acres of Italian gardens and enjoy the fact it’s not raining. Finally! Just don’t forget your mask — they’re required. Tickets must be purchased online at vizcaya.org
Jungle Island
Work off some of that turkey (or whatever you ate at your socially distanced Thanksgiving) at the new and improved eco-adventure park with zip lines, obstacle courses and more. Make reservations at www.jungleisland.com
Knaus Berry Farm
It is closed on Thanksgiving and on Sundays. But if you want to get some fresh air on Black Friday, summon your patience and head to Knaus Berry Farm and get in line for a little magic in the form of milkshakes and some of the best cinnamon rolls on the planet. There are new social distancing rules, but you can still grab a dozen to go. You won’t mind staying home if you have a few cinnamon rolls handy.
Miami Seaquarium
After being closed for almost eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the marine life park has reopened Friday through Sunday and will expand its hours in December. Capacity is limited inside the park, and masks are required. Tickets must be purchased online at miamiseaquarium.com/tickets-and-passes
Fruit & Spice Park
Did you forget about this 37-acre botanical garden and park in Homestead? Well, don’t. It’s a good place to get outside and away from other people breathing on you. It’s open daily except on Thanksgiving. The Mango Café is open for takeout only. More information at redlandfruitandspice.com
Everglades National Park
Shark Valley is still temporarily closed due to flooding, but the main Homestead entrance is open. Proceed with caution, however: Pine Glades Lake, Sisal Pond and Pa-hay-okee areas are closed due to high water, and the first 10 miles of the Main Park Road are under construction while the road is repaved. Minimal delays expected. On the bright side, tropical fruit mecca Robert is Here has reopened, so you can grab a shake on the way. Consult www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm for more information.
The beach
Did you forget where you live?
This story was originally published November 25, 2020 at 6:00 AM.