South Beach Recap

I was lucky to go on a little girls trip to Florida this past weekend.  The universe seemed to be plotting against us but we did finally make it!! First a few weeks ago I had received an email that my return flight was straight up canceled.  But I was able to rebook from the Miami airport (was originally Fort Lauderdale).  Then we received notice on the eve of our flight that it was delayed two hours, fine, we were still going to be there in plenty of time, but then there was a security breach at the airport and the entire US departures area was on lockdown so we ended up being about 6 hours delayed in total.

We finally rolled in mid-afternoon.  We were staying at the Marseilles Hotel in South Beach.  It was a little old (although most of the SB hotels seemed to be of a similar vintage) but it had a great lobby, pool, and beach area.  I was staying with two other friends and we got the option for a room with three beds so that was a nice feature too.

As soon as we dropped off our bags, we went out the back through the pool and onto the beach.

I love to be on a beach!!

We walked down to the Art Deco District in search of a drink and snack.  We chose the Carlyle, which is the hotel front filmed for The Birdcage.

Happy Hour Margaritas and snacks.

So pretty when we were leaving.

I picked up this fun bucket hat and a large beer at Walgreens on our way home. 

We had dinnerreservations at Gianni's Restaurant in the former Versace Mansion.  This is such a scene - very opulent settings, so many interesting people to watch, and the food was delicious too!  I would recommend this place if you want an experience.

We had an elevated view of the main dining room which was perfect for people watching since everyone wants a photo by the pool.

I ordered the Cacio e Pepe pasta and it was served out of a wheel of cheese, it was so delicious.  And so was my salad and coconut sorbet.

On Friday morning we walked down to Joe and the Juice for a coffee and juice.

Sitting by the pool for a few minutes.

Collins Ave. view from our hotel.

We went shopping at The Shops at Merrick Park, which was kind of far, but it was the nearest regular Nordstrom, plus a Cole Haas, Anthropologie, and other stores. We all managed to buy something.  Then we grabbed a quick lunch before heading back.

And then it was beach time.  The water was so warm and it was fun to swim in the Atlantic Ocean in November!

The other girls went upstairs to start getting ready and I sat in the courtyard with a drink for a few minutes.

Our dinner that night was at Carbone. Everything about this meal was exquisite! The place was so cozy, the music was perfect (oldies mix), the service was impeccable, and the food was amazing.  The best garlic bread I've ever had, and lobster ravioli for my main course.  I would highly recommend this restaurant if you're in town, we were lucky to get reservations. 

We stopped in at Versace Mansion for a drink and more people watching.

The next day we headed to the Keys, I'll have that recap tomorrow.