1. Tropical Park
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 226-8316
Address: 7900 SW 40th St. (Bird Road)
Description: Acitvities such as tennis, horseback riding, and an amateaur boxing program make this an always-busy spot. The equestrian center hosts more than 36 shows a year. The elegant arena includes 2 clay rings, 2 grass courses, and seating for 1,000. An impressive 2-acre dog park features tire jumps, dog walks, and ramps. The dog park is divided into 2 parts with one side being for dogs over 35 pounds and the other for dogs weighing less than that.
2. Women’S Park
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 480-1717
Address: 10251 West Flagler St.
Description: This 15-acre park features a picnic area and playground. The on-site history gallery honors women’s contributions to the county and is a 6,000-square-foot facilitity that also hosts community events, exhibits, and private parties.
3. El Rey De Las Fritas
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (305) 223-7260
Address: 1677 SW 107th Ave.
Description: “The Original Cuban Frita” is this spot’s selling point as the strip mall location is not exactly a draw in itself. The Cuban frita is a hamburger with onion and shoestring potatoes. The “Original” is available, but those who are daring should try more exciting options with additions such as fried egg or cheese. A variety of sandwiches are also available (Cuban, tuna, ham, chicken, steak) and side orders include fried, croquettes, corn nuggets, and sweet churros, to name a few. Two other locations in Miami are at 421 West 29th St., Hialeah (305-863-0880) and 1821 SW 8th St., Little Havana (305-644-6054).
4. Florida International University
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (305) 348-4263
Address: 11491 SW 17th St.
Description: The team at Florida International University plays home games at the FIU Baseball Stadium on the FIU campus near Sweetwater. For tickets, call the University Credit Union Box Office or go on www.ticketmaster.com, which are $7 per game; $5 for alumni, staff, children, and seniors; and free for students with valid ID.
5. Florida International University
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 11200 SW 8th St.
Description: College team Florida International University plays at FIU Stadium at the FIU campus in the Sweetwater area. With Isiah Thomas now coaching the team, games can get packed. Luckily, tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and seniors over 55. Students always get in free.
6. Florida International University
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 11200 SW 8th St.
Description: Florida International University plays at the FIU Stadium (11200 SW 8th St.) on the FIU campus in Sweetwater. Coach Mario Cristobal has uplifted the program’s reputation since the one-win season in 2007 and the infamous UM-FIU fight splayed all over ESPN. Student guest passes are $15 per game; students get in for free.
7. The Patricia And Phillip Frost Art Museum
City: Sweetwater, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 348-2890
Address: 10975 SW 17th St.
Description: Florida International University boasts its own Smithsonian-affiliate museum at the main campus (University Park), which houses various exhibitions as well as a variety of paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and other examples of fine art. The museum runs on a school schedule and is free and open to the public during those time frames. Open Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun from 12 to 5 p.m.; and closed Mon and during school breaks and holidays.