SharonNRayMc are looking for relaxing suggestions for a 3-4 day stay near Miami late Jan/early Feb
Sep 11th, 2004, 08:09 AM
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SharonNRayMc are looking for relaxing suggestions for a 3-4 day stay near Miami late Jan/early Feb
Here's some background:
Dates are January 29 through 31st or Feb 1.
My husband has an aunt and grown cousins who lives in Miami and we would make plans to join them for dinner one night.
This is my first trip to the Miami area. My husband has been before in his childhood to visit family.
The flight would arrive in Miami early afternoon on the 29th and then we will fly out about 11 at night on the 31st Jan. or 1st Feb. on a flight to La Paz, Bolivia.
The objective for the stopover is to rest and relax before heading to the high Andes. We want to start the Bolivian trip well-rested.
Activities: Walking along a nice beach, sitting on the beach, watching the waves, doing a little drawing or taking photos, some nice meals, seeing wildlife. (I assume it's too cold for swimming, but we do love the water.) We love nature!!! Also like architecture, anthropology, archeology, art, fine wine, good food, good service, museums.
Recommended beaches?
Nature viewing locations?
Any tremendous seafood restuarants?
Any must-see sights?
We are in our 40s; Enjoy traveling at a somewhat slow-pace in order to drink in the rhythems of a place.
We are hoping to have my in-laws join us. They are 79 & 82 and get around splendidly.
A beach condo might fit the bill nicely. We would have a rental car.
Upper end for accomodations would be $150 per night. (If it's just the two of us.) If the in-laws come, we could double that. We don't need high-end accommodations. So something under $100 would be alright. It's not the price as much as it is the location. We'd pay more for ambiance and convenience. Not sure on the rates for this time of year in South Florida.
As for meals, we would probably balance picnic-style with fine dining. (Go figure!) So, I should probably also ask if there are any intresting produce markets or grocery stores or delis. We'd also be interested in any specialty dining that's unique to south Florida.
Thanks bunches,
Sharon
Dates are January 29 through 31st or Feb 1.
My husband has an aunt and grown cousins who lives in Miami and we would make plans to join them for dinner one night.
This is my first trip to the Miami area. My husband has been before in his childhood to visit family.
The flight would arrive in Miami early afternoon on the 29th and then we will fly out about 11 at night on the 31st Jan. or 1st Feb. on a flight to La Paz, Bolivia.
The objective for the stopover is to rest and relax before heading to the high Andes. We want to start the Bolivian trip well-rested.
Activities: Walking along a nice beach, sitting on the beach, watching the waves, doing a little drawing or taking photos, some nice meals, seeing wildlife. (I assume it's too cold for swimming, but we do love the water.) We love nature!!! Also like architecture, anthropology, archeology, art, fine wine, good food, good service, museums. Recommended beaches?
Nature viewing locations?
Any tremendous seafood restuarants?
Any must-see sights?
We are in our 40s; Enjoy traveling at a somewhat slow-pace in order to drink in the rhythems of a place.
We are hoping to have my in-laws join us. They are 79 & 82 and get around splendidly.
A beach condo might fit the bill nicely. We would have a rental car.
Upper end for accomodations would be $150 per night. (If it's just the two of us.) If the in-laws come, we could double that. We don't need high-end accommodations. So something under $100 would be alright. It's not the price as much as it is the location. We'd pay more for ambiance and convenience. Not sure on the rates for this time of year in South Florida.
As for meals, we would probably balance picnic-style with fine dining. (Go figure!) So, I should probably also ask if there are any intresting produce markets or grocery stores or delis. We'd also be interested in any specialty dining that's unique to south Florida.
Thanks bunches,
Sharon
Sep 11th, 2004, 10:53 AM
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HI Sharon,
That is a great time of the year to come to Miami, the weather can be cool or warm you never know. However it is the season and the prices for hotels are high.You can stay at one of the smaller hotels on South Beach( Ocean Drive) You can walk on the beach. There are many inexpensive restaurants on Ocean Drive.You can pick up sandwiches or food at Epicure Market and picnic on the beach. For dinner you should treat yourselves and go to Joe's Stone Crab. It is also nice to go over to Smith and Wollensky restaurant which is on the cut where the cruise ships go out. You can sit outside and eat or have a drink late in the afternoon.
Go on line for the Fodor's Guide for Miami for other attractions that will interest you.
Have fun!
That is a great time of the year to come to Miami, the weather can be cool or warm you never know. However it is the season and the prices for hotels are high.You can stay at one of the smaller hotels on South Beach( Ocean Drive) You can walk on the beach. There are many inexpensive restaurants on Ocean Drive.You can pick up sandwiches or food at Epicure Market and picnic on the beach. For dinner you should treat yourselves and go to Joe's Stone Crab. It is also nice to go over to Smith and Wollensky restaurant which is on the cut where the cruise ships go out. You can sit outside and eat or have a drink late in the afternoon.
Go on line for the Fodor's Guide for Miami for other attractions that will interest you.
Have fun!
Sep 13th, 2004, 10:55 AM
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Sharon, if you've not been to Miami and your husband hasn't been since he was a kid, then your best bets are South Beach (the Art Deco District), the Cocoanut Grove area, or Coral Gables. Of these three, only South Beach is on the beach. Why not pick one of the art deco hotels (you like architecture right?) and enjoy a step back into time. This is a lively area and where it's all happening. JOe's Stone Crab is one of those have-to-go-there spots so that's also a good recommendation (pricey). I think Sharoo is offering some great advice, and is also telling you what you need to understand, that this is the high season in Florida and you need to book now. As for trips to "nature spots", you might try Mathison Hammock for a unique experience. Miami has Metro Zoo for wildlife, and wintering shorebirds are in abundance in January. Keep in mind that it will not be bikini weather but you can surely walk along the beach.
Sep 13th, 2004, 11:03 AM
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Sharon - no ideas, just a "hi" from one of your fellow Spain travelers! Another big trip for you guys! I hope you have a great time.
I am leaving this Friday for San Francisco and then Arizona, and I can't wait. Haven't yet figured out my next international trip, but I'm thinking about the Winter Carnaval in Quebec in February.
Karen
I am leaving this Friday for San Francisco and then Arizona, and I can't wait. Haven't yet figured out my next international trip, but I'm thinking about the Winter Carnaval in Quebec in February.
Karen
Sep 13th, 2004, 11:31 AM
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I've been pouring over Florida travel books. It looks as though a day at the Everglades would be doable. Was reading last night about Big Cypress National Preserve looks intriguing. Is this sort of thing doable from Miami? Sometimes distances on maps can look quite close and yet take a long time to get to with traffic and all.
Thank you Sharoo and tandoori_girl for the input you gave. I guess I better get my plan nailed down quickly so I can secure hotel reservations.
I am still working out a few details for the South American portion of the trip and have been holding off on Florida hotels. Thanks for the warnings about peak season and availabilities.
And, Karen, have a great time out west! Ray and I will post a trip report when we get back from Bolivia and Peru. At first it was just going to be Bolivia... now we've added South Florida and Peru into the mix. Looks of details to tend to.
- Sharon
Thank you Sharoo and tandoori_girl for the input you gave. I guess I better get my plan nailed down quickly so I can secure hotel reservations.
I am still working out a few details for the South American portion of the trip and have been holding off on Florida hotels. Thanks for the warnings about peak season and availabilities.
And, Karen, have a great time out west! Ray and I will post a trip report when we get back from Bolivia and Peru. At first it was just going to be Bolivia... now we've added South Florida and Peru into the mix. Looks of details to tend to.
- Sharon
