Good Morning and Happy May Day!!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
As I previously stated I had sports all weekend long. Nolan got the first hit of the season for his team! He got on base every time he was up at bat, with 4 RBIs and 2 runs. We were so proud of him. I suppose all of his winter practices really have paid off.
While I have only been to Miami twice, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite cities to visit.
It is so lively, very culturally diverse and you just can not beat the weather.
My idea of a vacation is relaxing in the warm sun, and eating and drinking fabulous food.
I look forward to many more trips to Miami, soaking up more experiences and culture.
Here are just a few of the fun places we have been...
We tried something a little different this year and stayed at a smaller boutique hotel.
Last year we stayed at the Fontainebleau, which was absolutely amazing and the attention to customer service was unparalleled, but it felt a little Spring Break-y. The Marenas Resort was small, accessible, impeccably clean and simply perfect. I prefer suites to regular rooms for a few reasons. I like the extra space and I love to have a kitchen. After sleeping in, what is better than to putter around in your own space, drink your coffee, read the news and eat some breakie?
The second day we were in town we headed down to a friend's beach which sits right next to the Newport Pier. In ten years I haven't spent as much time in the water as I did in this one week.
When we had had enough of the sun and were water logged we headed over to the Beach Bar on the pier for a late lunch and a little day drinking.
You can't go to Miami and not get Cuban food.
Where to go for the most authentic Cuban? Well, Little Havana obviously!
Versailles was supposed to be the best. The World's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant, has been serving tasty Cuban cuisine and culture to the South Florida community and tourists from around the world for four decades. Soon after it opened its doors in 1971. I am not a huge meat eater, which is what they are known for, I got shrimp sauteed in a lemon, butter and garlic sauce served with rice and plantains... YUM! A 35 minute Uber ride from the beach, it was well worth it. For 8 of us where everyone ordered steak or fish and drinks it was only $218!! For sure the least expensive night for us.
One night for fun we headed over to Margaritaville and the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. It was such a fun and lively area. We sat outside, watched people on the FlowRider surfing simulator, sipped on margaritas and snacked on apps. A live band performed at the Hollywood Beach Theater and created a fun soundtrack to our evening wandering around visiting bars and shops.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away, located on Key Biscayne you can enjoy a world-class marine-life entertainment park with a variety of fun things to do such as dolphin encounters in Miami, Florida. From eight different marine animal shows, astonishing daily presentations, and a variety of educational tidbits along the way, Miami Seaquarium is a place of inspiration, education - and fun!
Just as fascinating as it was the first time I saw it last year, the colors are bright and attention grabbing. This installation is a towering 42 feet tall, and permanently installed in Collins Park, on the corner of 21st Street and Collins Avenue. Miami Mountain is a perfect juxtaposition of ancient materials and current and bold colors creating a sense of romantic minimalism.
I love Lincoln Road! For me it is reminiscent of Boston's Faneuil Hall, or Los Angeles's 3rd Street Promenade. Located just a few blocks off the beach, Lincoln Road Mall is Miami's premiere outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. This mile long, pedestrian-only promenade boasts a happening street scene with throngs of local and out-of-town visitors, excellent shopping, and terrific dining options.
Have a wonderful day and Happy May 1st!
xx, Elise
xx, Elise
