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Go-Play Adventures...off the beaten path



The World Naked Bike Ride Miami . There exists a creatively crazy event held every year in over 20 countries and 70 cities worldwide called the World Naked Bike Ride and Miami has hosted a few of them. The theme of the event is for each rider to express their own approach to cycling naked...some focus on body painting, others use their body to bring attention to political issues, and the others have absolutely no agenda but to have fun. Spectators will see a variety of wheels including bicycles, tricycles, skateboards, rollerblades, unicycles, tandem bikes, and even homemade bikes! Anything with wheels are allowed. "It's the craziest, wildest, most insane event of the year!" Miami's ride takes place in March and June on the streets of Lincoln Road. www.worldnakedbikeride.org


Paddling the Peace River (Arcadia, Florida) Paddle the Peace River and enjoy a quiet, peaceful float along Florida's most popular state canoe trail. The beautiful Peace River offers nature and wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, hiking trails, wilderness camping, fossil hunting, and of course, canoeing and kayaking.
Rentals - The Canoe Outpost - 800.268.0083, www.canoeoutpost.com. Camping - The Peace River Campground - 800.559.4011, www.thepeacerivercampground.com
Group Trips from Miami - The Miami Sports & Social Club
http://tmssc.playcoed.com



Chillin at Hopetown Harbour (Abaco Islands, Bahamas). If catching live conch, snorkeling, diving and fishing sounds like your type of vacation, then head out to the Abaco Islands. Located in the Bahamas about 190 miles from Miami, it's a great escape from the big city turmoil. In fact, most sailors and powerboat enthusiasts alike would vouch that this is one of their favorite cruising destinations. Described as a pastel-colored New England fishing village in a tropical setting, it's a great place just to relax. When it's time for fun in the sun, jump on a boat for a day of fishing or snorkel or dive the reef at Elbow Cay. For wild nights, visit the Sunday Pig Roast Party at the infamous Nippers Beach Bar on Great Guana Cay. And, a word to the wise -- don't even think about bringing anything more than your swimsuit, flip-flops and shorts. Trust us, you won't need them. It's the Bahamas, man!


Partying at the Columbus Day Weekend (Elliot Key) Columbus Day Weekend is one of Biscayne Bay's highlights of the year. Over 500 boats participate in the sailing race and over 10,000 people party-down "mardi-gras" style at the sand bars around Elliott Key. The tradition is to jump on a boat and head out to Elliot Key for the night or the weekend. All you really need is a swimsuit, camera, a really big supply of food and drinks and we recommend that you DON'T bring the kids. What most people do, really, is park their boats, crank up their music, dance, drive around in their dingies, jump from boat to boat, spray water guns, barbeque and have a great time. You may run into a few happy exhibitionists, and there will always be a Mr. McFly that drank too much and is jumping off the bow of the boat naked. (if you don't have a sense of humor then stay home). The Coast Guard is heavy on patrol that weekend so don't drink and drive!


Waterfront Island Camping ( Boca Chita Key) Boca Chita Island is located about 20 minutes by boat from Monty's Marina in Coconut Grove. It's home to a lighthouse built of coral rock, with an interior that imitates medieval stone masonry. Today, the lighthouse is not in service and deemed a hazard to navigation. Nonetheless, visitors to the island and those passing by on boats remain appreciative of its beauty. And, it's a great place to camp under the stars. Pitching a tent on Boca Chita will cost you about $10/night, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are on a boat, the overnight docking fee is about $15/night. We recommend calling Biscayne National Park Service first (305.230.1100) to check tides...shallow tides can make the entrance to the harbor tricky. Amenities are sparse on the island, but what you do find is clean and tidy. You'll have the basics like picnic tables, restrooms and grills. Just bring your own drinking water and trash bags. There's also swimming and fishing in designated areas, just be sure to bring your fishing license. http://www.nps.gov/bisc/


Naked Volleyball (Haulover Beach) Haulover Beach is a haven for its regulars, ranging from exhibitionists to nude enthusiasts to swingers. But hey, this isn’t a “girls-gone-wild” scene here, just laid back, uninhibited freedom lovers enjoying fun in the sun. If you are curious and just want to check it out, then the only requirement is that you, too must be at least partially nude and are respectful of the nudity around you. So, if you aren’t too shy and you would like to experience something new, go-play Haulover Beach! They have restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, beach chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball and a snack/refreshment center. And, there is always a lifeguard on duty. But take note - ocean currents can be very strong here. Even strong swimmers should approach the water with caution!


Sands & Elliot Key. If you are into mingling with hundreds of other fun-in-the-sun locals anchored within a few feet of each other, then head out to Sands Key for a Go-Play Adventure.. You’ll need a boat or jet ski to get to this hot spot, located about 10 miles from Coconut Grove or 6 miles from Black Point Marina. If you get there early or during the weekdays, you just may find a nice spot in the sandbar. Hmmm.. lounging in 6 inches of water with a cold beer and a nice breeze sounds like a plan. If lounging isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other stuff to do out there. Bring a barbeque, fishing rod, snorkel gear, or just tie a kite to your boat. Soak it up!