Party in the City where the Heat is On: Long Weekend Vacation in Miami, FL
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Y’all, Miami is only about 4-5 hours away from Orlando, but aside from a week of indoor pageant lock down in Ft. Lauderdale last summer during Miss Florida USA week, I haven’t been to the area in over 10 years. A handful of girlfriends from high school and I traveled down south for my beautiful friend Christina’s birthday, and it was the mini almost-ten-year reunion of my dreams.
As soon as we all arrived (two car rides and one flight later), a relaxing day on stunning Miami Beach was on everyone’s agenda. Obviously.
I’ll be giving full details in a week or two, but I’m so obsessed with this Aztec swimsuit from Express. They launched a new program on their website where you literally build your own swimsuit, and it’s pretty darn awesome. My ruffle-front bandeau swimsuit separates can be found here (top) and here (bottom).
After laying out {and burning my back to oblivion}, we got dolled up for balcony selfies and dinner at the 5-star restaurant The Forge. If you’re ever in Miami, make a reservation and GO. Also, ask for Abraham; he’s efficient, accommodating, and ridiculously adorable. I will give you a fair warning, though– he was pretty into our birthday girl. We may or may not have stolen the bill, written her number on the receipt, and sealed it with a bright pink kiss. He may or may not have texted. a lot. and asked for a picture for his “address book.” Oh, Abraham. You rascal.
Here’s an obligatory outfit shot to show how dedicated we were to following the unofficial Miami Beach dress code, which consists solely of swimsuits and colorful sun and/or maxi dresses. Also, crop tops.
Per Abe’s recommendation, we headed to The Broken Shaker after dinner for some outdoor poolside lounging and cocktails.
The next day we finally hit South Beach. It’s everything Will Smith said it would be. After a mandatory Uber to Starbucks, we had brunch at News Cafe, played in the park, and did some compulsory shopping.
We made pretty decent time in South Beach, so we fit in some more Miami Beach sun before dinner. Since I had slowly but surely developed 3rd degree burns on my back, I stayed under the umbrella for 118 minutes of this 2-hour period.
After another day at the beach, we dined and had drinks at Havana 1957 on Lincoln Road. If you want amazing Cuban cuisine, you have to go– even just to experience the lively Lincoln Road outdoor atmosphere! I found its energy so similar to La Rumbla in Barcelona. Plus, their signature drink is a mojito, and they have over 10 different flavors, which is an immediate deal maker.
Dessert? My first ever, yet far from my last, vanilla shake from Shake Shack.
On our last day, we drove to Christina’s parent’s house in Boca Raton and spent the day brunching at the sweetest French cafe called {appropriately} Bakery of France and shopping at Mizner Park.
This was Starbucks stop #17 during a 4-day period. I found this precious romper at a boutique called Shusha at Mizner Park and immediately changed out of my strappy Lululemon top and into its comfortable and backless design. My skin was grateful.
And before we ended our amazing weekend getaway, we bought matching Alex and Ani “friendship” bangles, among a copious amount of other things.
Is it too soon to go back?! Christina, you need like at least 12 birthdays a year.
I'm loving both of your bathing suits!! Is the second on a Triangl and if so, do you love it? I've never been to Miami but I've heard that it's so, so, so much fun. Thanks for sharing your trip!
I'm loving both of your bathing suits!! Is the second on a Triangl and if so, do you love it? I've never been to Miami but I've heard that it's so, so, so much fun. Thanks for sharing your trip!
xoxo,
Meghan
Southern Belle Secrets
Thanks, Meghan! It is absolutely a Triangl, and I LOVE it. So comfy, and I don't think I've ever received so many compliments on a swimsuit before.