When I travel to places I’ve never been I’m not really fond of schedules and itineraries! I think it sucks all the fun out of the trip and makes it seem like work. A trip that was supposed to be fun now becomes filled with anxiety and appointments. Instead, I like to make loose plans for the day and leave space to wander.
Miami is by far my favorite place to wander and get lost…well London is actually my favorite but this post is about Miami. Miami comes in at a close second, the vintage art deco architecture, the graffiti of Wynwood, and the way it lights up at night grabbed me for sure. My sister and I planned this trip for a quick getaway from DC and I’m already planning trip #2!
Check out some of my favorite places to eat, hang and wander in Miami.
EAT & DRINK
PINK TACO
Loved the vibe, from the moment we arrived it was a party outside and in. With the beach right across the street, the dress code will make more sense. Chips, salsa, and guac, is the obvious place to start and they got it right. Yes, people actually get chips, salsa, and guacamole wrong! I ordered the shrimp tacos and a frozen margarita! Also realized after going to their website it’s located in L.A., Chicago and Boston too…good to know!
QUORE
The eclectic & glam decor, swings at the bar…yes there are swings at the bar, plus the boozy gelato I honestly didn’t want to leave. With so many choices I finally made up my mind and went with the Pina colada gelato with Zapata 23 Rum. Don’t expect your gelato to be served in a basic bowl here – a few minutes after ordering my gelato arrived in packaging that was remincent of a matryoshka doll. Every gelato also is served with a garnish next to it, my gelato also came with those orange gummy slices. Whoever thought of putting gelato and liqueur together…that’s real innovation. Sidenote: It’s just a short walk away from Wynwood walls, don’t forget to make a stop there!
THREE-FOLD CAFE
This place was worth the 40 min wait…we didn’t have a reservation but it was obviously a favorite for many. After going back and forth between the Brekkie Sanga and Big Bad Aussie I went with Big Bad Aussie. It was definitely filling with maple glazed slab bacon, fried eggs*, BBQ baked beans, sauteed spinach, roasted tomato, roasted portobello cap & toast – I skipped the portobello cap. Being a huge lychee fan I ordered the lychee mimosa. Don’t let the long line deter you…Go!
FROHZEN
After walking around the design district aimlessly admiring all of the artful architecture teeming with people and their shopping bags we ducked into this little shop to cool down. It was a little hard to find at first but I’m glad we didn’t give up because this place was worth finding. I got two scoops of sorbet, one scoop of coconut, and one scoop of mango. Add this to your to-do!
LE CHICK
So being a designer I pay way too much attention to the decor anywhere I go, especially in restaurants. The decor was more of a boho style with hanging plants and patterned pillows in the courtyard space. However, the interior was more of a rustic industrial look the ambiance was sexy with the lights low. So back to the food, we made it here for happy hour and I ordered a frozen pina colada. Probably the best pina colada I’ve had in a long time, my advice if you’re a lightweight too – drink it slowly. We grabbed some skin-on fries too because…why not?
LITTLE HEN
If you don’t understand brunch culture then head to Little Hen and you’ll have a much better understanding. Marigold velvet sofas, floral print wallpaper, herringbone wood floors, a playful mix of patterned upholstered chairs – for a second you’ll think you’re in England. The hot tea is served in teapots, of course, and I knew I wanted the chicken and waffles from the second I saw the menu. That choice was the right one and you’ll love this place!
GO SEE
STAR ISLAND
Arriving at Pier 3 we met Oliver our Captain and tour guide for an Airbnb experience boat ride around star island to see how the other half lives.
We spotted The Arkup boathouse from World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals (Season 1 Episode 3 Boats N’Floats), Diddy’s house, and homes once lived in by Shaq & J.Lo. The most elaborate prize would go to pharmaceutical billionaire Phillip Frost’s house! It’s what I would call excessive luxury! For $59 a person this experience wasn’t too shabby.
DESIGN DISTRICT
The architecture, the shopping – if you have every intention of spending mad cash then head here for the whole experience. If you have no intention of spending, like me you’ll still enjoy walking around, people watching, and great installation art.
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART (ICA)
Miami kept impressing me with its playful and whimsical architecture that will sometimes just surprise you. Across the street from ICA, one building’s facade had cars affixed to it, not exactly a fan of that art but I can respect it. Admission was free you just need to make a reservation. We walked around and having more of an affinity for abstract expressionism I gravitated toward Jadé Fadojutimi’s work. Then there’s the art that feels out of this world or it’s hard to explain – so I won’t even try to do that here. Just go see for yourself.
SANA SKIN STUDIO
This place is more of a “Go Try” but wandering Wynwood we came across Sana Skin Studio and popped in to see if a facial was possible. The spa had a waiting list but someone canceled and I was able to jump in that slot. So glad because my facialist was great and made some recommendations for me. Every product she used on me smelled like some kind of fruity dessert. Yes, of course, we’re going to talk about the decor which was not the typical spa design you think of at all – no white or blues at all but instead rust and blush tones with modern and minimal decorative accessories.
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