Miami Gourmet Guidemap

EVERY PLACE YOU’LL WANT TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE

This marvelous mid-century tourist guide to Miami was copyrighted by John N. Gibson and issued locally in 1957 by the Atlantic Publishing Company. Gibson published his Miami Gourmet Guidemap on an annual basis from the late 1950s into the mid-1960s, but surviving copies are quite scarce both in institutional holdings and on the market today. This particular example captures America’s premier winter retreat during its post-war Golden Age, just before the arrival of the Interstate Highway System and the geopolitical shifts of the Cuban Revolution would fundamentally alter the landscape and demographics of South Florida.

The detailed street plan provides a wonderful visual reference to Miami’s mid-century playground atmosphere. A clear map legend identifies custom symbols used to denote a wide variety of recreational sites and premier dining destinations. Iconic eateries like Joe’s Stone Crab, the Rascal House, and Wolfie’s are precisely pinpointed, capturing the diverse, neon-drenched restaurant scene that stood as one of Miami’s absolute biggest tourist draws.

Other classic roadside amusements and attractions are proudly highlighted, including the recently opened Miami Seaquarium on the Rickenbacker Causeway, the Hialeah Speedway, and the Monkey Jungle. Further indices locate local movie theaters (including several popular drive-ins), major department stores, and live playhouses. The verso of the sheet offers an extensive, highly detailed index of restaurants categorized by cuisine, including a special section highlighting new openings for the 1957 season.