Escape to Miami
Going to Miami is like Going Home!
Our trip to Miami was short but truly magical. I was able to show my kids the Miami that I grew in and fell in love with! We visited some of my favorite places.
Where did we go?
We spent the most amount of time at Vizcaya. If you have not heard of Vizcaya, here is some history. Vizcaya was built as the summer home of John Deering. It was built in 1916 and has been a central part of Miami since then. Many famous people have visited this home like Queen Elizabeth II, President Regan and the Pope. You can read more about this here.
Vizcaya has breathtakingly beautiful gardens, a home that is full to the brim of precious art and many antique items that are all part of it's charm.
Where else did we go?
Miami has a vibrant design district that is near Wynwood. Wynwood has graffiti art everywhere you look. You should stop in at the Wywood Walls and explore the vast amount of artwork. It is a true must-see. The Miami Design District also has tons of big brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and much much more with beautifully decorated windows. It also features some really cool parking garages that draw a crowd because of their unique play areas.
Not far from the Wynwood Walls is Bayside. It's a great place for outdoor shopping and dining. If you are looking for something more family-friendly, check out Zoo Miami which has over 2000 animals. A trip to Miami should also include a walk through Little Havana and South Beach.
Where did we eat?
One of my favorite things about Miami is the food. I love Cuban food but there is so much more to Miami dining, some places are a true experience. Miami has my favorite pizza, breakfast and everything in between! Here are a couple of my all-time favorite places:
For breakfast you must go to the Miam Cafe. It has the most delicious pancakes I have ever had. I typically do not eat pancakes while I am out. I like them thin with syrup and butter but these are the polar opposite of that and I can eat the entire plate! The dulce de leche is to die for!
More Favorite places to eat:
Frankie's Pizza off of Bird Road. I grew up eating this stuff and the best part was the half slice they would put on top for you to eat as you were heading home. I have so many memories of Frankie's growing up!
The second is Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza. I will eat this even when I am not hungry. I love a good pizza with arugula and this is my favorite in the entire world. I don't know what they put on this pizza but it does not disappoint!
A whole-in-the-wall Italian place that I first went to over 20 years ago is IL Bambino in Westchester.
My favorite classic Cuban restaurant is Versailles, it's located on 8th street. If you are looking for some Cuban comfort food try the "Bistec de Palomilla con arroz con frijoles" aka thin sirloin steak with rice and beans. I also love their Sopa de Malanga which is a malanga soup that is filling and easy to eat. For dessert, you can try the pastelitos or a flan. Don't leave without having "un cafecito" a traditional Cuban espresso.
Where should you stay?
I have a few hotels in the Miami area that our family enjoys. We have stayed at others but these are our current favorites.
The Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables. This property feels like a treat, it's luxurious and in the heart of Coral Gables. We can walk to the Miam Cafe from here. We had a corner suite the last time we stayed that had a great view.
The Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. While not as fancy as the Hotel Colonnade, it's still luxurious and a great property.
The Loews Miami Beach. The rooms are on the small side but I love the proximity to the beach and the ability to walk to places to eat and hang out.
The Ritz Carlon - Coconut Grove. I grew up going to "The Grove" on weekends so this area holds a special place in my heart. The Ritz is upscale with great service and centrally located.
