This Date's a Hole in One

Figuring out the perfect date is challenging, especially in this SoFla swampland. Compound the frustration of a possibly blah evening with your dwindling checking account balance, and you might just take yourself off the market.

Well before you run off to the monastery, spend an evening in the Upper East Side Garden. This Edenesque courtyard is only a dozen feet back from Biscayne Boulevard (7244 Biscayne Blvd., Miami – Behind Devine Trash and a sushi shop), but is so tranquil and expertly landscaped that it feels 1500 miles removed. More than just greenspace, Upper East Side has become the most chill-axed spot in Miami to hunker down, play around, or shake your ass – depending on the night. Thursdays are especially ideal; that’s when picnic-style blankets and pillows are stretched out over the grass, lawn furniture is clustered about, and a movie is projected up on a big screen (the Garden’s doing scary films through October, so catch The Devil and Daniel Johnston tonight!). Stretch your legs and take a whack at the Back Nine, the Garden’s whimsically crafted putt-putt course. Most amazing is the price; seven bucks gets you a film, popcorn, a cocktail (they have liquor sponsors), a round of mini golf, and a romantic pseudo-vacation from SoFla. Pull out your little black book: this date will make you look like a million bucks. Visit http:// web.mac.com/uppereastsidegarden for a full schedule.
Thu., Oct. 18, 2007