Goldvarg Collection Car Museum

The Goldvarg Collection is the sort of museum that exists because one person never stopped collecting. In Weston, west of Fort Lauderdale, Sergio Goldvarg has assembled a collection of roughly twenty thousand scale-model cars, a hoard that has earned recognition from Guinness World Records twice, along with cars from television shows. Visits are by appointment only, and the experience is a guided tour of about two hours in which the collector explains the models, their history and his lifelong interest in cars and car journalism. It is a quirky, personal alternative to the big museums and a good indoor option for a rainy day. Reserve ahead, as there are no walk-in hours, and expect a conversation rather than a self-guided wander.

The scale of the collection is the first surprise. Miniature cars fill display cases and shelves in a quantity so large that even a long visit can only pass through the highlights. The collection has been recognized by Guinness World Records on two occasions, which gives a sense of how far the hobby has been taken. The museum's real-size television cars add a different kind of attraction, and the visit ends with a photo opportunity in the driver's seat of a famous show car.

What distinguishes this from a standard museum is that it is a guided, conversational experience. The tour runs about two hours and is led by the owner, who talks through how the collection grew, what it means to him and the stories behind individual models. Because the museum operates by appointment only, groups are small and the pace is relaxed, which suits car lovers, collectors and families with curious older children. Expect to ask questions and to hear many answers.