When you visit Miami, don’t just check out the common sights. A short drive from Key Biscayne is the big city, with plenty to do, see, and explore. One of our favorite lesser-known spots is the Miami River. Beloved by locals, it’s worth visiting for some water-oriented fun.

Miami River: Why Go?

A course at Pankey is an opportunity to learn and experience something unique. That extends to what you do in your free time as well.

The Miami River is a six-mile waterway with boating and views of the impressive Miami shoreline. It is entertaining a fabulous rebirth that provides ample attractions to the curious tourist.

Multi-million dollar developments going up in the area have inspired growth and some of the hottest Miami restaurants. It’s also just plain old beautiful looking at the high rises, gorgeous homes, and marinas dotting the view.

Best Sightseeing, Food, and Fun

The best way to appreciate the Miami River is by getting out on the water, instead of observing it from afar. Interestingly, the river is still a cargo passageway, with many container ships easily navigating the booming trade path. Get a look at the river up close by chartering a small, private cruise along the river. This company also has an option for chartering.

Our favorite place to eat overlooking the Miami River has to be Seaspice, a brasserie and lounge with a garden. Watch the sunset over the river after a long day out in the warmth. Cool down with a handcrafted Blossom Martini and sample their delightful wagyu dumplings.

Walk off your amazing meal along the riverfront to take in more of the lush, green blend of cityscape and natural environment. If you’re beat from the long day, you could also take a segway.

If you visit the Miami River, let us know below! We’d also love your tips on what else the Pankey community should do in Miami …

For anyone who has attended Pankey, there is a magic that happens as your cross the Rickenbacker Causeway.  Whether it is the magic of Biscayne Bay, the beauty of the Miami skyline against the water, or the knowledge that you are about to be at Pankey it is something all of us experience. We are asked all the time what makes Pankey special. That is a very challenging question to answer. We provide top tier clinical education. Pankey courses also include financial and practice management sections, as well as time to explore what you need Dentistry to look like. Yet, it is more then that. Pankey is about re-engaging and re-energizing personally and professionally. There is a magic of leaving your everyday environment, immersing yourself in the best dentistry has to offer and sharing that experience with others from around the world. Most Pankey alumni share that their best friends are people they met at a Pankey course.

For two decades our building at One Crandon Boulevard has been the center of the Pankey experience. A year ago we took on renovating the Institute with the goal to modernize, create a state of the art learning facility that supports both education and the community and relationships that are the center of who we are. We are excited to announce the completion of the renovation and share with you images of the new spaces.  The renovation created 3 new learning spaces on the third floor: Becker Hall, The Third Floor Teaching Lab and out new teaching Clinic. The second floor of the building now features 22 individual suites with private bathrooms and a common area including kitchen and living space for evening sessions.

Many of you had the opportunity to share in our growing pains as you attended programs this last year, and you will be greatly rewarded when you are back as you enjoy the incredible new spaces. I’d encourage all of you to make plans to visit Pankey this year, we look forward to welcoming you to the newly renovated Pankey Institute!

The small Florida town of Key Biscayne is home to the Pankey Institute and multiple other interesting businesses. It’s a unique vacation spot, with beautiful beaches and a special community. How much do you know about its fascinating history?

Key Biscayne History for Pankey Buffs

As a barrier island, Key Biscayne is little known to most people who aren’t from the Miami area. Before America was ‘discovered’ and colonized, the Key was home to the Tequesta Indians.

Once Spain got to exploring this side of the planet, Key Biscayne was quickly handed off into the possession of the King of Spain. Much later, Florida became part of the United States and the island was sold for a couple hundred dollars combined to a family and the U.S. government.

The first town on Key Biscayne wasn’t introduced until 1839. Growth was slow at first due to the prevalence of pirates. Over time, a coconut plantation was built, which attracted more people to join the community.

Everything began to change as land was partially donated to the public, shopping centers and schools were built. Divided from the mainland, this island paradise began to gain its name and mansions quickly dotted the scenery. The Village of Key Biscayne was officially incorporated at the start of the 90s.

Since 1991, Key Biscayne has blossomed into a true community and resort spot. It retains a more laid-back spirit due to the distance from the mainland. The population hovers at around 12,000 people, with seven shopping centers and a diverse population. Not to mention some of the best food in Miami at large!

You can learn more about the history of Key Biscayne here and interesting facts about the Village here. It is a wonderful place we are proud to call Pankey’s home.

Do you know any cool facts about the Key’s history? 

Key Biscayne has more to it than meets the eye. Though it’s a small place, it also manages to be a prime vacation destination. Along those lines, one of our favorite spots of all on the Key is the Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz is classy while still being both laid back and accessible. Here’s why you should either stay at or visit this beachside resort:

We Love the Key Biscayne Ritz-Carlton

The Key Biscayne Ritz has three fabulous restaurants to satisfy many different cravings. You can have a quick and easy meal by the water at Dune Burgers on the beach. If you want a more upscale lunch or dinner, head to Cantina Beach for Mexican fare such as tacos and enchiladas. You can then watch the sun set over the beach.

The fanciest of the Ritz’s restaurants has to be Lightkeepers. This swanky oceanfront restaurant offers a pleasing mix of seafood, cheese, and beef. They also have a rum bar and poolside ice cream parlor for a simpler option.

The lobby bar in particular is a Pankey favorite. They have live music and a longtime bartender Geno who has worked there for multiple decades. We sometimes think he knows more Pankey philosophy than almost anyone else on the Key. He also makes the best piña colada in the area.

Between meals and time spent on the beach, head to the Ritz’s 25,000-square-foot spa or their phenomenal fitness center. They provide many luxury experiences designed to make the world fall away completely. You’ll be completely refreshed either before, after, or during a Pankey course.

The Key Biscayne Ritz-Carlton will be the site of the 2019 Pankey annual meeting, so there’s a significant chance you’ll have sand in your toes and a margarita or daiquiri in your hand before long.

Do you have a favorite place to stay while you’re at Pankey? 

Miami is an energetic, enormous city that is easy to travel to and from. The minute you touch down at one of the two closest airports, you’ll experience the distinctly Florida vibes featuring international influences and diverse people. Plus, a decent helping of ocean breezes!

Both Miami International and Ft. Lauderdale airport are good options depending on your preferences for travel and distance to the Key. They offer different experiences for those suited to bustle and others who prefer a slower, more relaxed atmosphere. Here’s our perspective on the best ways to visit the Pankey Institute with the least stress and most ease:

Airport Travel to the Pankey Institute

MIA

Miami International airport is an American Airlines hub, which makes it a great choice for those who rack up the AA miles. Otherwise, you should know it’s the fastest way to get to the Key. MIA is a 25 minute drive from Key Biscayne. You’ll be driving over the Rickenbacker Causeway seeing the Miami skyline and blue Biscayne Bay before you know it.

They have Uber, Lyft, taxis, and private car services readily available. It’s a big, busy airport, with a lot of international travel. Allow extra time for security and getting to and from your gate on the way out.

Bonus Tip: Baggage commonly has delays or long wait times at MIA. If you can travel with only your carry-on, you’ll save a lot of hassle.

FLL

Ft. Lauderdale is a Southwest airlines hub. It’s also a smaller airport with a slower pace. Security will be faster and it’s a much better option if you plan to check bags. Car services, Uber, and Lyft are available, as well as Super Shuttle. The downside is it’s an hour drive from Key Biscayne. Traffic can be a pain depending on the time of day.

We always recommend you arrive at least the night before your course in case there are any travel hiccups and to connect with faculty and other participants as we always plan some social time. It will also make traveling less hectic and give you a little more time to appreciate your drive through the bright lights and activity of Miami. If you can avoid rush hour, even better!