I thought about doing one large photo dump… but I thought I’d spare your computer the heart attack of loading my 500 photos and split it into two posts.
I’m really not posting 500 photos though, promise.
If you haven’t been around here in awhile, I was gone last week on a trip to Miami Beach Florida, then boarded a cruise ship to the Bahamas with my friend and fellow blogger, Sarah.
Our two days in Miami kind of ended up being only one day… we took a red-eye to get there Friday night our time, and ended up in Miami Saturday afternoon. We got our rental car, almost got killed driving on their scary highways (honestly, Florida residents, do all people drive like maniacs there?!), drove around to not find any street parking near the hotel at all, dragging our bags like the tourists that we were from the parking garage a million blocks away, and arrived at our hotel. We then did a little shopping, got some food, took a nap, got some more food, then watched the Seahawks game. At some point, we fell asleep and didn’t wake up until 2pm the next day. Yeah, seriously.
Then this happened. Holy yum. French fried french toast with strawberries and condensed milk syrup. Be still my heart, I happily ate the whole thing.
Oh and then this happened too. In Seattle, we have Ride the Ducks, but I found that Miami had the “Pirate Duck Tours” which sounded much more festive. So we took that to see the sights, which was pretty fun honestly.
Holocaust Memorial
Elizabeth Taylor’s former home
…And next door, this abandoned mansion, formerly owned by a woman who left it to 14 cats. When the last of her cats died, they then used it as a set for the Addams Family movies
We also did a little more shopping, ate some good Bolivian food, walked through the World Erotic Art Museum (thanks for the tip, Kati Rose! I have a great picture sitting on the, um, “throne”.), and picked up the most delicious cookies from Insomnia Cookies. Go there if you’re in Miami and have a cookie for me.
And, that was Miami in a nutshell. It was a quick trip, and while it was fun, the weather definitely could have been warmer, the people could have been nicer, and I probably won’t be running back anytime soon. What can I say, I like Seattle. ;)
On a slightly (okay, totally) unrelated note, my friends from HurryOut, a new Seattle event calendar app for iPhone, are hosting a launch party the week after next, February 3rd from 6:30-9pm in downtown Seattle. They’ve offered up 5 tickets to local readers if you’re able to join us! No following or funny business required, just enter the Rafflecopter form below with the best email address to contact you at on Monday and I’ll contact you then if you won. ;)
Oh, and be sure to check out Sarah’s trip recap that she posted yesterday too. She has some super fun photos, I especially love her animal shots and one of the stories surrounding it… I’ll let you read that there though. ;)
And tell me… do you like doing “touristy” things on vacation, or do you prefer to explore a city on your own? I’m super curious – I usually fall in the latter group!
Looks like an amazing (albeit short) stop in Miami, Jenn and Sarah! Both of you look good!
Aw, thanks so much Jae! It was very short, but I feel like I got a good feel for the city regardless!
How beautiful does your trip look?! Also, I’m loving your hat in that picture- is it a recent purchase? Perfect for a cruise around Miami!
Heather | Style Prescription
It’s from 2 years ago at Target, but they seem to bring it back every summer, just in different band colors! I love it, I take it on every sunny vacation!
In answer to your question: YES, everyone in Florida drives like a maniac, especially in Miami! Looks like fun :)
HA! I was so curious – thanks for answering that Samantha!
I’m glad you’re back but I’m really glad you had so much fun! I’ve been to Miami a few times but when I was really young so don’t remember much. Looking forward to the rest of the recap :)
Thanks Kels! I’m glad to be back – as much fun as it was, there’s nothing like home!
Glad you’re back! I was just telling Sarah that I went on the EXACT same pirate tour with the same tour guide! Was Usher’s yacht still there right when you went into the water?
Oooh I don’t know! There were definitely some mega yachts but I can’t remember if they said it belonged to Usher!
Glad you had a good trip! I’ve been to Miami once but I like other parts of Florida much better. :)
Good to know – what other parts of Florida do you like better?
Fun! We have our very own Ride the Ducks in SF too. :) I’ve only been to Miami with the fam a LONG time ago. Definitely don’t remember much about it.
Have you ever been on the Ride the Ducks? It’s definitely fun, but you get a lot of funny looks while riding them. It always seems like it would be fun, but I’ve never done taken the tour here in SEA!
I have! ;-) It is a little silly, but we didn’t care too much because when we went, the sponsor had managed to bring on a keg. Alcohol is normally not allowed though. lol
HA, that’s awesome! I think I would have liked our tour much more if it had been “spiked” ;)
OH MY GOODNESS, that french toast looks sooooo good. It’s always my go-to at breakfast spots, but that one looks especially mouth-watering.
I’m glad you guys had such a good time! Miami sounds like a cool city, and I’m sure you didn’t mind getting away from the cold Seattle weather :)
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
Oh my gosh it was so good! I told Sarah I could hear my arteries clogging (this one was deep fried after all!) but no cares, so good.
I definitely didn’t mind, though I wish it had been a hair warmer! The wind is much more forceful there then it is here, and it did rain a bit! Guess I just can’t escape it ;)
Miami is definitely not the first place I would want to travel in Florida but for a cruise it’s where a lot of people end up. I’ve been there twice and was not impressed either time. I love that you took a tour, that sounds like the best way to see the sites and your hat is so cute!
Thanks Heather! Yeah, Miami is not my #1 choice for traveling in Florida if I go again. We were actually hoping to fit Orlando in but realized it was too far away from the Port to make work. Maybe next time!
Love seeing those houses, such an interesting story behind the addams family house too!
I know right? I got a little excited about it, I had about 10 different photos of it from different angles… :P
I don’t have an iphone, but a party sounds fun! Your pictures from the trip are gorgeous, makes me a little jealous!
Thanks Kristie! And good luck – would love to hang with you again! :)
I loooove your pictures! I’ve been to Florida a few times but never reached Miami. Maybe one day. And to answer your question. I usually do a mix of both. I love getting lost & finding cool & fun little restaurants or shops you wouldn’t have found otherwise. I also always google for local things to do instead of the typical tourist thing. But if you’re visiting for example Rio, you just HAVE to visit the Redeemer, super touristy, but so worth it!.
xo http://www.naomiinwonderland.com
I like your take on traveling to new places – I always try to do a little bit of that too. Generally will use Yelp to find the restaurants, sightsee on foot, and then do one or two touristy things to see the famous stuff. :)
I’m so jealous.
I NEED WARM WEATHER.
Me too. It honestly wasn’t warm enough for me, need warmer weather!
Love your blog! I found it on Twitter when someone posted your article on responding to brand email inquiries, which was super accurate btw! I’m thinking of getting a “real” camera for my blog, can I ask you which one you use? Your images are on point!
Chelsea
Chowing Down by the Bay
First of all – thank you, and so glad you liked the post!
And, secondly, of course! These were taken with a Canon 70D, which I just upgraded to after 5 years with a T1i. Depending on what you use now, I’d recommend starting with Canon’s Rebel DSLR line (or Nikon, if that’s more of your thing, I won’t judge :P), getting some good glass (nifty fifty which is about $100 and the 35mm which I shoot with almost always but is a little steeper at $600) and then upgrading later if you are really enjoying the photos and have a need. I actually have been meaning to do a post on what’s in my camera bag, but haven’t had time to shoot the photos for it yet! I could blab on for days about this, but I’ll wrap it up and say you can always email me if you have any more questions! ;)
I have never been to Miami, but I’d sure love to visit at least once. I would agree with you on exploring the city by yourself…however, I do throw in a few ‘touristy’ things as well. :)
I think it’s a good idea to have some balance. Hope you get to see Miami soon! :)
I’m glad you enjoyed the suggestion of the museum! I have a picture on the “throne” too and I just look at it and laugh. Oh my goodness why’d you have to bring up Insomnia cookies! Now I want one again. Those were so delicious. I agree about Miami in general. While I had fun and enjoyed it, I’m glad I went – but I don’t know if it will be on the top of my list for must visit again places.
Ha, me too, it still cracks me up. Sorry to bring up Insomnia Cookies, but I had to. They were so good! And yeah, Miami = not my favorite, but not terrible either. I could never get down with dressing how the young women seem to dress there. No wayyy.
I am with you on not understanding how the girls dressed down there. I spent our entire trip just being amazed at the outfits. Especially when they went out clubbing. I would die in those heels walking, let alone dancing.
I know right? So crazy!