Melissa and I met while working at the Tampa International Airport. I would eventually move to Ohio and she to Miami, but we always managed to stay in touch. I loved staying with her in Miami and our visits always revolved around incredible restaurants, last minute outings and late night stops at the grocery.
My flight arrived early Friday, so I would have a long weekend before leaving for Ohio on Monday morning. When I arrived at the airport, Melissa met me at the gate and since she had another hour to work, I waited in the United Airlines Club. Raquel would also be joining us after stopping at home to change before going out.
Mel was excited to show me around the art space of Wynwood with its 20 foot murals and collages. We shopped at several of the retail stores and strolled through the art galleries before lunch.
A small group had begun to form outside of Wynwood Bar & Kitchen but within minutes we were seated and looking over the menu. Known for its small plates, USA Today ranked the restaurant as one of the 10 Best in Miami. Executive Chef Joseph Forest has created an innovative menu, while the walls are adorned with artwork from Shepherd Fairey and Christian Awe.
Along with our specialty drinks, Mel ordered the ceviche, Raquel, the Spanish charcuterie and I decided on the pork belly with a side of bok choy. We knew we would be going out later that night but this would tie us over until then.
We arrived at Mel’s condo on Miami Beach, I grabbed my suitcase out of the back seat of the Porsche and we dropped off the car with the valet. As soon as we walked in the door of the condo, I dropped off my bags in the guest room and went straight for the balcony. The view is incredible from up here and there was a nice breeze coming in through the sliding glass door. Melissa brought out a couple of cocktails and we waited for Raquel, Sam and a few other friends of Mel’s before we went out.
Once everyone arrived we decided on dinner at Mila’s on Lincoln Road for a party of eight. It was the perfect night with a light breeze and beautiful, clear sky. We ordered several dishes to share and a few drinks before going back to the condo. We made a quick stop at the W Hotel to catch up with the locals and after about an hour, we decided to go back upstairs.
I honestly can’t get enough of this incredible view….
Have you visited South Beach? Miami? Where did you go? I would love to hear about your visit to South Florida if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my weekend in South Beach / Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Where to Stay:
The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305 938 3000
Where to Eat:
Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362
Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone: 786 673 8374
What to Read:
- Miami, by Joan Didion
- Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
- Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
- Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
- Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
- 15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz
Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:
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- Art Deco Historic District: The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
- Big Pink
- Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
- Cape Florida Lighthouse
- Casa Florida
- Eden Roc Hotel
- Fontainebleau Hotel
- Gianni Versace Mansion
- Life guard stand at South Beach
- Lincoln Theater
- Miami Skyline
- Museum Garage
- Nikki Beach
- Ocean Drive: The Traffic and Palm Trees
- SOBE sculpture
- The Delano Hotel
- The Garden House Restaurant
- The Standard Hotel and Spa
- The Views from Juvia
- The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
- Venetian Pool
- Wynwood Art
