Wednesday, June 15, 2016

South Beach, Miami 2016

Where to go? Where to go? For 'Girls Trip' 2016? After contemplating a few locations outside of the country, I settled on Miami for our stateside destination. This girl's trip was much different from the last two. I was without my veterans, Hayley and Deana, instead paired up with my dear Via! Both of us first timers to the Miami experience, we were excited to venture to the most southern melting pot of the country. So, without further ado, South Beach 2016..

After looking at several hotels in South Beach I stumbled upon The Shore Club. This beachfront hotel is located on the posh Collins Avenue and has been around since 1939. Victoria took this photo of me at breakfast the day after our arrival.


I'll always be a sucker for banana leaf wallpaper. We found this inside a local H&M.


We spotted this awesome portrait of Benjamin Franklin our second day in Miami while out in search of a liquor store.


South Beach coastline


Ironically enough, I got to meet David's parents and brother for the first time, without David.



For lunch, we all went to a local Cuban restaurant called Havana 1957. Highly recommended by reviews and articles online, it did not disappoint. Famous for their mojitos and cooked in house Cuban cuisine, Havana 1957 is a must visit while in South Beach!


                                                    
A Cuban coffee


I can't remember what this was called but I do remember our server telling me that it was "the best." Obviously I had to have it. Slow roasted chicken, rice, beans and a special Cuban gravy was everything I've ever wanted.


A group photo of David's parents, brother and son and of course Vicky and I on either side.


Posin'


On Friday night we set out towards Joe's Stone Crab. When researching South Beach and where to eat, Joe's was listed as a must go. "A trip to South Beach without a visit to Joe's is incomplete." Well, I couldn't have our trip being incomplete now could I? Upon our 9 o'clock arrival it was still packed and we were given a wait time of anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. So, like in any situation where Via and I have to wait, we headed towards the alcohol. The old fashioned pictured here, hands down, was the best one I've ever had..and the night was just getting started!


After waiting no longer than 30 minutes we were informed that our table was ready. Pictured here are the famous Stone Crab legs I kept hearing about. Joe's just so happens to be the largest buyer of their kind. And when I say kind, I mean their legs. These crabs are specifically caught for their claws and then put back into the ocean to, what I hope is, regrow their claws. This is the only edible part of their bodies. Their sizes range anywhere from small to jumbo. Obviously the bigger, the more expensive. I believe these were the "large" claws and were around $55 for the five of them.  Interestingly enough they're also served cold and pre-cracked for your convenience. Overall, Joe's was an awesome experience and I would definitely make my way back to this fine dining establishment!


Via and I after dinner at Joe's.


This martini looks awesome but it actually wasn't. Sad face.


Collins Ave


Moreno's Cuba was another Cuban spot that we visited. It's atmosphere was so unique and quaint. It's signs read "put down your phones!" It was clear that they wanted you to be in the moment and experience the establishment for everything that it offered. Another must visit if you're ever in the area.


Quick snapshot on our way to dinner


<3


Oceanside, our last full day in Miami

The best part about being in Miami is that if you have all the added perks of being in the US but if you didn't know any better you would think you were somewhere in the Caribbean. It really is a huge melting pot of Caribbean influences and just by skipping from one block to the next you could be in a completely different cultural experience than what you were 20 steps ago. The food and beautiful water were definitely enough to keep me content throughout this trip and of course my company. I would say Miami 2016 was a complete success and I've already started brainstorming on girl's trip 2017! See you next time!



OLIVIA WEARS in order of appearance URBAN OUTFITTERS kimono, STONE COLD FOX X BEACH RIOT one piece AND AMERICAN EAGLE pants, TJ MAXX tank top AND AMERICAN EAGLE pants, QUAY sunglasses AND NASTY GAL X MINIMALE ANIMALE bikini, NASTY GAL dress, HANDMADE WOVEN BASKET FROM COSTA RICA, SHE MADE ME crochet bikini