#FamilyTravel | 2 Day Itinerary of Kid-Friendly Family Fun In Key West, Florida

August 24, 2021SobeSavvy 2 Comments

2 Day Itinerary of Kid-Friendly Family Fun In Key West, Florida | SobeSavvy.com

The Continental United States literally runs out of land at Key West. Mile Marker Zero. The End. Perhaps that kind of geographic location is why this tiny island paradise has an anything goes attitude in a good way. Pirates, rum runners and those seeking to disappear off the grid have always called this 4×2 mile spot of land home. Today however, Key West has become a special destination for those seeking flip flop casual luxury, watersport fun, bars, restaurants or nature lovers.

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I was there with family and friends celebrating my birthday, which we kicked off in Miami. (ICYMI..check out my previous blog post featuring My Top 5 Miami Family Vacation Must Do’s.) Living in Miami for 18 years allowed me countless visits to Key West but it had been over 7 years since my last visit here. So much has changed and thankfully much has stayed the same. Before going, I highly recommend the following websites to help build your itinerary: https://fla-keys.com/key-west/ & https://keywestattractions.org/ & https://www.historictours.com/keywest/

If you didn’t take a photo of a rooster while in Key West, were you really there?!

Day One

The 3 to 4 hour drive down from mainland Miami is part of the fun. US1 South aka Overseas Highway is a gem. Shimmering Atlantic Ocean on one side and the famed Gulf Of Mexico opposite is amazing. Most of the drive is just one lane each way and that forces you to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of it all. The seven mile bridge is one of the most unique experiences anywhere in the world! Upon arrival at our hotel, we dropped of our bags, grabbed a drink by the pool and hit those iconic Key West Streets.

We enjoyed a comfortable 2 night stay at the Hampton Inn Key West on Roosevelt Blvd.

Since this day was my actual birthday, I thought why not do one of the signature Sunset Sails! My #HeighPartyof3 and 2 good friends took a 2 hour sunset sail with Sebago Watersports. Sebago offers a multitude of cruises, watersports and tours. Departing from The Historic Key West Seaport, this was truly a grand way to celebrate another trip around the sun! Open bar, delicious hors d’ouevres and live music set the festive atmosphere. The crew went out of their way to check on its passengers and we had a blast celebrating! We thanked Sebago Watersports for making a great memory for my family and friends.

Fantastic Sunset Sail Memories made while cruising with Sebago Watersports

SobeSavvy Tip: We enjoyed a great happy hour at Onlywood Grill prior to our sunset cruise. They are located right near the Historic Key West Harbor, so we simply walked over after happy hour in plenty of time to check in for the sunset cruise. If your kid loves pizza like ours, then definitely check out this spot!

Happy Hour deliciousness at Onlywood Grill

Day Two

We awoke to a brilliant sunrise and were ready to seize an entire Key West day. Aqua Yoga at the Southernmost Resort was a wonderful way to begin my day. I met up with my girlfriend and we enjoyed an hour of peace in their pool led by an awesome yoga instructor. How unique!

Namaste by the pool for Aqua Yoga in Key West!

While I enjoyed yoga, my husband and daughter went to The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. They had an amazing time seeing dozens of varieties of butterflies, flamingos and birds. It has a education room and also a delightful gift shop. It is a must do for visitors looking to enjoy something different and beautiful!

A visit to The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a Family Fun MUST!

Afterwards, it was time to eat breakfast. Our favorite is Blue Heaven in Bahama Village. This iconic spot has been everything from a bordello to hosting boxing matches refereed by Ernest Hemingway! Luckily since 1992, it has been a restaurant which serves a great breakfast. As always my husband ordered the banana pancakes, I went with a lobster benedict and my now 10 yr old enjoyed a simple but yummy pancake. Resident roosters just make the atmosphere a classic Key West experience. Be sure to save room for their infamous Key Lime Pie!

Who has Key Lime Pie for breakfast?! We do at Blue Heaven

Afterwards, we all made our way to Harry Truman’s Little White House. President Truman spent 11 working vacations here, starting in 1946. He loved the warm winter climate and outdoor activities he could do here. The home still has many of the original furnishings and floorings. It was spacious and airy. Although not yet air conditioned, the design and famous Key West shutters made it bearable indoors during that time. One of his fully restored Presidential Limo’s is also on the property. A great place to tour and so informative. No photos are allowed inside for security reasons but you can purchase some cool souvenirs in the gift shop to remember your visit!

Take a historic tour of Florida’s only Presidential Museum at Harry S. Truman Little White House

If you want an educational overview of Key West, I highly recommend The Old Town Trolley Tour. They offer a 13 stop, Hop on-Hop Off daily tour, which conveniently included a stop at our hotel! We could hop off at a particular stop to explore and once done, simply go back to the trolley stop. This is an awesome way to see the island while leaving your car parked. It is also fully narrated by one of their expert conductors.

Enjoy sightseeing via an Old Town Trolley Tour and learn more about Key West!

Opened in 1934, the Key West Aquarium is a small gem that should not be overlooked. Located adjacent to Mallory Square, this aquarium was one of the first and largest open air aquariums in the nation. Alligators, sharks and a hands on touch tank are all here. Make sure you go for their outdoor tank feeding time. They narrate as you watch HUGE fish battle it out for their lunch being tossed in the water. Great fun for adults and kids alike.

We enjoyed our visit to the Key West Aquarium, an interactive Key West family attraction!

I hope our itinerary gives you some aid in planning your next family vacation to Key West. We can’t wait to return and when we do we will be utilizing the complimentary hospitality support services of OurKeyWest! We had the opportunity to meet Sarah and learned how they provide free concierge services with a locals perspective. We can’t wait to return to see what fun ways we can enjoy more of Key West!

Get your questions answered and find out how to live like a local from OurKeyWest Conceirge

SobeSavvy Tip: Make sure you stop at Bahia Honda State Park on your way back to the mainland. It is a natural wonder. Literally a real life snorkel aquarium in flat crystal clear water. Our daughter LOVED this place. We laid out a blanket and umbrella and frolicked. Perfect way to end our Florida Keys stay.

Fun in the sun at Bahia Honda State Park

We left Key West with fun family memories of sunsets, cruises and food. As always, we will be back!

👀WATCH my YOUTUBE video recap for more highlights from our family visit to Key West!

2 Day Itinerary of Kid-Friendly Family Fun In Key West, Florida

Featuring Key West attractions that are fun for the whole family!

EAT |Lunchtime in Tampa Bay at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants @CHWinery

December 6, 2019SobeSavvy 5 Comments

LUNCHTIME in Tampa Bay at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant | SobeSavvy.com

During our recent family visit to Tampa Bay, we worked up quite an appetite when visiting some of the top family fun attractions. While fast food for lunch can be convenient for some, we wanted quality food and after dining at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants in Orlando last year, we were happy to find a location in Tampa. Known for their upscale dining in a casual setting along with wonderful wines and food pairings, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a dream for food and wine lovers alike.

COCKTAILS & APPETIZERS

Select Cocktails at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | American Mule | SobeSavvy.com

Not a wine lover? No problem. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants has a great selection of cocktails on the menu as well as non-alcoholic beverages. The specialty cocktail that caught my eye was the American Mule made with Tito’s Vodka, lime, simple syrup, ginger beer, mint and candied ginger. Not only did I like the presentation of this cocktail, but I also enjoyed the taste!

APPETIZERS at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | Asian Pork Belly Tostadas | SobeSavvy.com

For appetizers, we had the award-winning Asian Pork Belly Tostadas. You get five of the most divine tostadas that combine so many amazing flavors in one bite. Sharing is caring, but these are so good you may want to order one for yourself.

KIDS MENU

Healthy and Delicious options on the Kids Menu at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant | SobeSavvy.com

While some may think this sounds like a restaurant for adults only let me assure you they are family friendly. Not only do they have a special Kids Menu, but they even have dedicated restroom for families. My kid enjoyed her chicken parmesan and pasta with a side of fresh fruit. She got her some extra cheese to sprinkle on top and was pleased! Prior to her meal arriving to the table, she enjoyed coloring and playing the brain games on the menu while having a favorite of everyone at our table: the pretzel bread. It comes out to the table warm and fresh and just seeing the picture below makes me wish I had some now!

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants serves warm pretzel bread and butter and it is my kid’s favorite! | SobeSavvy.com

WINE

Try exclusive wines like John Legend’s LVE wines available at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | SobeSavvy.com

Wine lovers like myself would enjoy dining here and discovering a new favorite wine. Handcrafted Wines are what sets this restaurant apart from others. Beside each dish on the menu at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, a wine “bin” number is listed for the suggested pairing. Order it by glass or bottle and feel free to request a taste prior to ordering. Their “no risk policy” allows you to ask for a taste before ordering a glass to challenge you to order something new. Still not sure what to order? The staff is well versed in all of their wines and before you know it you may find yourself in an extended conversation about all things wine and food!

With such a vast variety of wine, choosing one is made simple with Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants “no risk” tasting policy | SobeSavvy.com

LUNCH

White or Red Wine, Salad or Burger..there’s something for everyone on the Lunch Menu at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | SobeSavvy.com

After reviewing the Lunch Menu, which is available daily from 11:00 am until 3:30 pm, we decided to each get something that would pair with a white wine for me and red wine for my husband. He decided on their RoadHouse Burger and pretty much devoured it before I could get a foodie pic..lol. It came with Bourbon👏🏽Bacon👏🏽 Jam👏🏽 y’all so I can’t blame him. It also had triple cheddar cheese and caramelized onion ranch aioli. I managed to get a bite and *correction…he did snap this photo below. His burger did taste as good as it looks!

Feast your eyes on the Roadhouse Burger at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | SobeSavvy.com

I ordered from the Chef Recommendations menu and got the Cilantro Lime & Crispy Shrimp Salad. Again a great choice. Plenty of salad greens dressed with fresh ingredients, a nice portion of shrimp, and an amazing dressing. It was paired with the November wine of the month, a glass of Gewurtztraminer Savignon Blanc. If you like white wines with sweet notes, try this one. Even though it is December now, the wines of the month are available all year long.

Chef’s Recommendation Lunch Menu and Wine Pairing at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | SobeSavvy.com

SobeSavvy Tip: Stop by the Artisan Market for unique wine gifts and wine to go. There is also a tasting room where you can stop in and enjoy wine only if you choose not to stay and dine. Join Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants Wine Club for exclusive membership perks that are incredible and unique. Cheers 🍷!

Handcrafted Wines, Wine Tasting in a Napa Style Tasting Room, Artisan Market, Casual Dining..enjoy it all at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants | SobeSavvy.com

The next time you are in Tampa or any of the cities where Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants are **[as of 2018, there are more than 30 establishments nationwide, found in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia], I hope that you are inspired to stop in for lunch with your family. The Founder & CEO said it best in his statement below as to why you should. Thanks Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants for the Good Food, Good Wine, and Great Memories!

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
4110 W Boy Scout Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
http://www.chwinery.com

Inside Look at LUNCH at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant | SobeSavvy.com

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101 Ways To Have A Family Fun Day in @VisitTampaBay

December 4, 2019SobeSavvy 11 Comments

101 Ways To Have A Family Fun Day in Tampa Bay | SobeSavvy.com

Disclaimer: To facilitate this post, complimentary CityPASS were provided, however the opinions are 100% my own.

Are you planning to travel to Tampa Bay with your family soon? Recently me and my #HeighPartyof3 visited South Florida during the Thanksgiving weekend and took the easy 4 hr drive from Miami to Tampa to spend the day. We did our research by looking on the website VisitTampaBay.com and learned about the Tampa Bay CityPASS. It is a great way for families to see some of the most popular attractions at a 50%+ discount! I definitely found it helpful to not have to stand in line to purchase a ticket. Just walk up, show your Tampa Bay CityPASS and get ready to explore! With so much to see and do I thought I’d share with you 101 WAYS TO HAVE A FAMILY FUN DAY IN TAMPA BAY with the Tampa Bay CityPASS:

1-25 ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa fun with #outandaboutAva | SobeSavvy.com

1. Feel the rush of a macaw soaring overhead
2. Meet animals and ask questions at the many animal mingles
3. Watch an educational show
4. Get a closer look and connect with wildife
5. Witness a live animal feeding
6. Stay cool & have fun in the water play area
7. Love Penguins? See them swim and play
8. Visit Lorikeet Landing in Asia to get up close and personal with the birds
9. See the Primates swing and play
10. Enjoy strolling thru beautiful tropical wildlife settings
11. Go behind the scenes on an Expedition Africa safari ride
12. Feel the rush of a three-story splashdown on the family water adventure ride: Roaring Springs
13. Not feeling adventurous? Hangout at Lookout Landing to just watch and enjoy the splash
14. Take an #elfie and other fun photo ops throughout ZooTampa
15. Have a stare off contest with an Emu
16. Touch & Feel the skin of a snake..if you dare!
17. Experience unforgettable moments at their seasonal events like Christmas in the Wild
18. Ooh and Ahh over the cute Koala Bears
19. Ride the Tasmanian Tiger coaster
20. Go round and round on the Jungle Carousel
21. When was the last time you saw a Zebra, Giraffe and Elephant all at the same time? So cool!
22. Learn how you can join in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife
23. Upgrade your experience and add on an up-close signature encounter
24. Go shopping at the gift shop
25. Don’t forget to have your photo taken to have as a souvenir

👀WATCH recap video of our fun day at ZooTampa here ⤵️ Learn more at ZooTampa.org

26-50 The Florida Aquarium

Did you watch #outandaboutAva @SobeSavvy IG Takeover at The Florida Aquarium? She had a fin-tastic time! | SobeSavvy.com

26. See thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, alligators, otters, sea turtles and more!
27. Enjoy the Florida Wetlands Trail and see 30 different species of free-flying birds
28. Have amazing close encounters with a colony of penguins when you get a Penguins Backstage Pass
29. Experience visual drama with special sensations in the 4-D Theater
30. Play at The Splash Pad, a rainforest-themed outdoor wet and dry play area
31. Take in terrific views of scenic Tampa Bay
32. Make a reservation to go on an unforgettable Wild Dolphin Cruise and receive 10% off with special savings CityPASS perk
33. Get special VIP access to view exciting creatures
34. Go on a Behind the Scenes Adventure and meet experts to further explore the Aquarium
35. Discover what sea turtles eat
36. Touch a real live jellyfish at the new Moon Bay exhibit
37. Watch a daily dive show
38. Learn about the Aquarium’s vital conservation efforts
39. Dive into another world and make reservations for the Heart of the Sea Swim program, Shark Swim or Dive with the Sharks
40. Enjoy delicious dining at Café Ray or Fins Cantina
41. Journey to Madagascar and view incredible creatures like endangered long-tailed lemurs
42. Kids can crawl inside viewing bubbles for a fun immersive experience
43. Buy an amazing souvenir at the gift shop
44. Stop by Bays and Beaches gallery where touching experiences are offered
45. Do fish sleep? Find out the answer and learn more when you explore The Florida Aquarium
46. Love Seahorses like me? Make sure to visit the Dragons Down Under exhibit
47. Touch and learn about sea creatures who have no backbone in the No Bones Zone
48. Find Nemo aka a clownfish in the Waves of Wonder exhibit
49. Snap a pic with their mascot turtle before you go
50. Go for yourself and experience why The Florida was voted Top 3 Aquarium in North America By USA Today readers

👀WATCH recap video of our fin-tastic time at The Florida Aquarium here ⤵️ Learn more at flaquarium.org

51-75 MOSI

A visit to a museum always makes our must do list when we travel. Here is a look at our visit to MOSI= Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa, FL.| SobeSavvy.com

51. Get hands-on with over 100 fun indoor activities
52. Explore space science in the NASA-funded Mission: Moonbase lunar colony
53. Love Dinosaurs? Then be sure to explore the Dinovations Lab, a Jurasic-themed exhibit
54. See how cool Engineering is
55. Spark your curiosity with Physics
56. Peak into the Human Body and discover a look inside of you
57. Expand your mind by doing lots of STEAM activities
58. Learn about planets and our solar system in the Saunder’s Planetarium
59. Experience how science and technology is used in everyday life
60. Get creative and draw some art
61. See the art exhibit made by CDS Art & Design students
62. Get inspired to become an inventor, astronomer, chemist or engineer
63. Solve brain puzzles
64. Build amazing structures
65. Check out new Space Walk exhibit and learn about the history of Space Travel
66. Use your imagination and innovation in The IdeaZone and have fun making a project
67. Go on an outdoor adventure and climb the Ropes Course
68. Play at the outdoor playground
69. Feel the power of wind in the Hurricane simulator
70. Enjoy free play in an autism-friendly environment
71. See what your hand looks like under a microscope
72. Build a robot
73. Explore optical illusions
74. Touch the future in Connectus
75. Lie on a bed of nails..if you dare!

👀WATCH this video for a recap of our experience at MOSI ⤵️ For more info, visit mosi.org

76-100 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay| Christmas Town

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Christmas Town was such a great way to kick off the holiday season with my #HeighPartyof3 family | SobeSavvy.com

76. Start a new family tradition and see why USA Today voted it as 10Best Theme Park Holiday Event
77. See millions of twinkling lights
78. Hop aboard the Sing-Along Train and jam to your favorite Christmas Carols
79. Watch a spectacular holiday show like Christmas on Ice
80. Visit with Santa and take photos with him and his elves
81. Meet & Greet with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends
82. Drink a festive beverage or eat a culinary treat at the Christmas Town Village (our kid loved the churros)
83. Experience the thrill of rides and roller coasters at night
84. Shop for the perfect holiday gifts
85. Explore the new Merry Mint Lane and get up close to animals
86. Take a photo with a Peppermint Pal
87. Make plans to enjoy special holiday dining and savor a selection of seasonal offerings
88. Take advantage of the many photo ops in front of Christmas trees, light displays and festive decor
89. Meet the Sugar Plum and Ice Princesses
90. Journey through Luminosity Lane, a beautiful tunnel filled with Christmas lights
91. Got a girl who loves pink? Then make sure you visit Flamingo Way to see the festive flamingos and palm trees decorated in twinkling pink lights
92. Choose holiday upgrades like priority access, holiday samplers and special dining offers to upgrade your experience
93. Enjoy a live band and vocal performances at The Most Wonderful Time show
94. Visit Sesame Street Safari to join Elmo and friends as they learn the meaning of Christmas in Elmo’s Christmas wish
95. See Christmas lights choreographed to seasonal music at Carol Of The Bells light show
96. Watch an elephant dance or an alligator relax
97. Twirl yoursrlf in faux snow
98. Meet the Poinsettia Princess
99. Enjoy extended hours in the park for more festive fun
100. Before you go, make the most of your visit by adding the Busch Gardens app to your smart phone

👀WATCH this video for a recap of our experience at Busch Gardens Christmas Town (open every night from Nov 16 2019 – Jan 6. 2020 ⤵️ For more info, visit BuschGardensTampa.com

101 Get a Tampa Bay CityPASS

“Spend Less and Experience More” by purchasing a Tampa Bay CityPASS! You get access to a total of FIVE attractions and can save 50% or more on admission. Visit the 4 on my list plus the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and you can choose either MOSI or the Chihuly Collection Presented By The Morean Arts Center. You make one simple purchase to get the CityPASS which is valid for 9 days. My favorite perk is that you can skip most lines and just show your CityPASS. There are also more special savings,coupons and discounts inside the CityPASS also. Here are two easy ways to purchase:

Ask for CityPASS at any attraction
Buy mobile tickets now at citypass.com | (888) 330-5008

I hope you enjoyed this list of 101 WAYS TO HAVE A FAMILY FUN DAY IN TAMPA BAY. We are already making plans to Visit Tampa Bay again and experience more sun, fun and culture found in this city. Thanks for reading!

***Have you been to Tampa Bay before? Share your travel memory of Tampa in the comments below.

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SobeSavvy.com presents ~A Parent’s Survival Guide to #SouthBeach, #Miami #FL|#FamilyTravel

May 23, 2017SobeSavvy 9 Comments

Disclaimer: This is a Non-Sponsored post. We moved from South Beach in 2015 after living there for 18 years and thought we’d create this fun guide as ex-locals for families who may be considering travelling to South Beach, Fl but not sure if it is kid-friendly.

It’s always fun to get away, especially for Mother’s Day weekend where I can relax , relate and release with my loves. Last year, we hit LA, where we did alot of site-seeing, dining at The Grove and I even attended a Blogger Babes Event for Brit Week. This year, I wanted a slower vacay, someplace where I didn’t have to plan anything and we could just play in the sand. We decided the perfect place to go was our daughter’s birthplace! So we packed our bags and the #HeighPartyof3 were off on another adventure. This time it was RDU ➡MIA!✈

Miami, particularly South Beach is well known for it’s party scene and that is well warranted. My husband and I called it home for almost 18 years so we know the quiet side fo South Beach also {Yes, there is an actual quiet residential side but only tell your best friends} There is much more to South Beach than bottle service. Families are plentiful and so are family friendly hotels, restaurants and more!

STAY

Hubby planned a long Mothers day weekend getaway for us and chose to stay at the Loews Hotel Miami Beach. This large upscale hotel has been newly renovated. The grounds, pool area and guest rooms have undergone a major makeover. We had a great view from our partial ocean view double room.

An already good hotel/resort is even better. They cater to kids like no other. Check out this dedicated kids area on the beach!

The new expanded pool area is very attractive and I even made a new friend as she was floating by !

My daughter was offered the use of a “house” IPAD during breakfast. Every restaurant including pool or beachside has a kids menu. They even have a kids club where youngsters can day camp with all sorts of organized activities! We spent the days in the pool or beach. Both were stellar. Loews is a excellent choice for families.

Also at the Loews is the renowned Exhale Spa. Hubby surprised me with an hour long “Fusion Massage”. Peaceful and zen, the spa was a great refuge for me/mommy time on Mother’s Day weekend.

EAT

*Breakfast:

Whether a guest of the hotel or not, The breakfast buffet inside Preston’s at the Loews is an amazing way to start your day.

You get a myriad of fresh farm to table choices for one price. They also have great kids and a la carte menu choices to be enjoyed indoors or out on their beautiful terrace overlooking the lush pool area. In case you missed it, check out my review of Preston’s >>>here. 🍴

South Beach also has a Starbucks on every corner {almost} so you will never be far from their standard breakfast choices. For a real authentic Cuban Coffee breakfast experience check out David’s Cafe on Alton and 10th street. Cafe Con Leche and a pastelito is a great way to start the day the Miami way !

*Lunch:

Lolo’s Surf Cantina

After sand, sun and fun on Saturday afternoon we went to Lolo’s Surf Cantina for lunch. REAL Authentic Mexican food {No cans of Velveeta here!}.Tacos and Sangria ruled the day. Located just steps from the sand on Ocean and 1st street it’s is the perfect spot for lunch on a beach day. Check out my full review >>here🍴

Being a recent former resident of the “residential area” of South beach has it’s advantages. To avoid alot of tourist traps, we revisited a few other of our local favorites which are overlooked {thankfully} by the throngs of visitors.

Lincoln Road is one of those rare areas where the local and tourist mix is about 50/50. It operates as a sort of main street.Restaurants, art galleries, movie and performing arts theatres are all present on this beautiful almost mile long pedestrian thoroughfare. My daughter has always been head over heels about frolicking on Lincoln Road.

Stopping by “The Frieze” ice cream shop was one of our favorites {and still is !}

Epicure Market Hot Bar
This is an iconic gourmet market on Alton and Lincoln Road that specializes in upscale quality choices. It’s full of local snowbirds and a few tourists in the know. They have an awesome hot bar and a cute little cafe where you can sit and enjoy your lunch. For more info, check out Epicure>>here.

* Happy Hour

Semilla

This unassuming yet stylish bistro has an awesome happy hour Mon thru Sat 5-8pm. Oysters on the Half Shell, Kobe beef sliders and Shrimp Tempura just to name a few. Prosecco and specialty craft cocktail at discount prices. You can sit inside or out on the sidewalk. Low key and local. We love Semilla..and so does #outandaboutAva, who knows how to eat Florida Stone Crabs like a pro.

Doraku (everyday)

With outposts in Hawaii and Atlanta, Doraku has been in South Beach for 10 yrs now. They offer a superb sushi happy hour every day. Located on the Western end of Lincoln Road by the movies, Doraku has been a mainstay in a fickle town where restaurants come and go pretty quickly. Solid choice for sushi and cocktails while shopping on Lincoln Road. Their Lychee Martini is awesome. Order one.Or two.

Monty’s
One of my favorites after work spots used to Monty’s. Kinda hard to describe this place. It is a very casual {think shorts, tank tops and flip flops}Key West-ish kinda vibe. They are mainly a seafood/raw bar spot but they also have a more structured menu that you can order from a menu with one of the waitstaff. There is usually a carribbean type band performing and there is also a small pool for those who want to cool off. Located on the Miami Beach Marina ,you can pull up in your boat and just walk up the steps to some fun.

*Dinner

Grillfish

One of the oldest restaurants in South Beach has to be Grillfish. My husband/boyfriend at the time and I used to go here almost weekly since we moved to Miami in 1996. It is the rare place that caters to tourist and locals alike with competent service and an inviting atmosphere of no pretense. At it’s core it is a fish house. The way that they grill fish is simple. They let fish, be fish. Open flame, a few oils and spices and serve. Some whole fish, some fillets. All incredibly fresh and presented the way fish should. Great cocktails and great mgmt {shout out to our fav manager Darcy}make the perfect reason why this place has stood the test of time. You can sit at the bar to eat or a table. Just go here.
Bar Collins at Loews

Another great choice to stop in whether a guest or not. Huge wall screen showing sports and comfy sofas where you can order elevated bar food like their amazing soft shell crab in Korean Soft Buns. Excellent choice. So late night or early evening this is a good place to “pre game” an evening on the town.

*Sunday Brunch

Terazza at Shore Club

Mothers day in Miami. That means every place with electricity and a stove is advertising for a “Mothers Day Brunch”. Thankfully hubby already knew one of my fav brunch spots (that SobeSavvy.com had a chance to review before..ICYMI see here) and made a reservation at Terraza. Located at The Shore Club Hotel, Terraza offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a gourmet all inclusive brunch. For roughly 2 hours, guest enjoy unlimited mimosas, sangria and flutes of prosecco and one incredible brunch food choices. Oysters, shrimp and Crab cakes in a beautiful setting on their expansive terrace.

Great place to spend the afternoon with my family and some great friends.

Tip: If you fly into MIA and you plan to stay on South Beach, no car or parking woes necessary. Taxis are flat rate and you also can opt for Uber or Lyft your way to the beach. Once there you can use Swoop or our fave Freebee,

..as well as the South Beach Local bus or Trolley your way around. But if you do opt for a car, all the major car rental companies have a outpost in Miami Beach.

Only rent a car if you plan on traveling to other parts of Miami, otherwise save yourself alot of parking meter grief. South Beach is truly for walking, biking or running!

Our weekend back “home” came to an end much too quick. My daughter was born here and resided for almost the first 4 yrs of her life. Miami is a special place. We’ll always be back. Until next time..kisses or as we used to say in Miami..Besitos!

#Beyonce Slays #Miami ! @FormationWT #FormationWorldTour @MarlinsPark

April 28, 2016SobeSavvy 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for Parkwood Enterainment and Photo Edit: Leslie Heigh for SobeSavvy.com

Miami, Florida… Welcome to The Formation Tour http://share.glide.me/lovely/o633iv9i

On April 27, THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR kicked off its North American concert leg in Miami, Florida at Marlins Park to a sold out stadium. Following her release of her visual album Lemonade, BEYONCÉ wowed fans in Miami by performing 35 songs featuring her hits both old and new. THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR, promoted by Live Nation, presented by American Express and produced by Parkwood Entertainment is the most visually creative concert I have ever seen.

That visual album may be a poetic musical tribute to the strength and spiritual power of the black woman but people of all ages, shades and sexuality categories filled the stadium.
Beyhive members came dressed in all black, or donned lemon yellow outfits. Some even wore IVY PARK apparel, the new activewear brand co-founded by Beyoncé.

THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR is BEYONCÉ’s first solo tour since her ambitious Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2013. The sold-out tour spanning two years and five continents thrilled nearly two million fans and was hailed by critics worldwide. During the summer of 2014, BEYONCÉ and JAY Z launched the six-week ON THE RUN Tour (if you missed my review of that amazing tour, see here), playing major stadiums in the US. They ended the tour in Paris, France in September 2014 with two additional dates that were filmed for an HBO Special that was nominated for an Emmy Award.

DJ Khaled along with surprise performances by Lil Wayne, Future, Rick Ross, Yo gotti , 2chainz and Miami’s own Trick Daddy warmed up a crowd that needed no warming up. They were here to see their Queen. The energy was palpable. Anticipation was high. As she appeared center stage on what I think has to be the most massive tour set ever created the crowd lost their collective minds.

For those of you planning to go to The Formation World Tour, here is a bit of what you will experience:

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

Beyonce and her dancers get in “Formation” …I promise you won’t be “Sorry” ! The performances are “Flawless” !

You will be reminded who “Run the World”, why Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter is a global icon and a favorite artist to many ( at least she is “Mine”) and that dancing to “Baby Boy” is good for the soul!

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

“Hold Up”..I know many of you have started a “Countdown” to when Queen B comes to your town so I am keeping the specific details of the tour between “Me, Myself and I”. That way there are no spoilers “Runnin’” thru your mind “All Night”.

“Don’t Hurt Yourself” or “Ring the Alarm” when you bear witness to Beyonce being a “Naughty Girl” live in concert.
She is indeed an “Independent Woman”, a “Diva” who proudly announces when she is “Feeling Myself”.

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

“Yonce” continues to go thru her repetoire of hits such as “7/11” ,
“Drunk in Love” ,“Rocket”, “Daddy Lessons”. She invited 2 women up on the stage to perform “Single Ladies” alongside her. The crowd went “Crazy in Love” for all the “Bootylicious” dance moves!

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

Miami heat continued to rise during her red hot performances of “Naughty Girl”
, “Party”, “Blow”, “Nasty Girl”,
“Sweet Dreams /Beautiful Nightmare”.
The audience was given the opportunity to pay tribute to Prince while singing along to “Purple Rain”. With lighters, well cell phones in the air, people were singing and swaying side to side under the purple glow of love. That is what music does. It unifies people. That is what Beyonce wants for us all to get in Formation and love one another.

The final set is where we in attendance got to witness a miracle.( ok, I guess I will give one spoiler). Some say Jesus walked on water, well Beyonce danced on it while singing “Freedom” , “Survivor” (Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams was there sitting nearby in the beehive) ,“End of Time, “Grown Woman” and “Halo”.
Her set list really showcased all her vocal talents and amazing choreography.

Beyonce thank you for allowing us to be apart of your dream. You shared that as a little girl you wanted to entertain and sell out stadiums. Well you are doing that and more while still remaining humble. You have not only stopped the world, you are changing the world thru your art. This tour is one not to be missed! For complete tour and ticketing information, visit http://www.livenation.com and http://www.beyonce.com

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#SobeSavvy in #Bimini #Bahamas ! My #BiminiBliss #Daycation #Travel Recap ~ @RWBimini @abcrentalsbimini @PortEverglades Inaugural #Cruise

October 19, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On Thursday, October 14, 2014, my family and I took one of the inaugural cruises on the Bimini Superfast Ship from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. http://rwbimini.com/bimini-superfast

They only had service from Miami prior to adding a Port Everglades cruise on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We parked the car at the garage adjacent to terminal 21 where it was docked. Check in was efficient and fast. Ship was new, clean and modern. Left on time at 9am. After breakfast and enjoying some dance music entertainment on the upper deck, we arrived at Bimini after a 2.5 hour voyage. We caught the beach club tram. Passengers have the option of staying at the beach or casino all day, but we opted to see the island instead. Since golf carts are the preferred mode of island transportation here, we planned to take one inorder to explore. There are various companies/operators that had carts lined up at the beach club. Most of these carts looked alike.. except one. It was a Rolls Royce golf cart. Imagine that. A Rolls ! It was owned by a company named ABC Cart Rentals. http://instagram.com/abcrentalsbimini or https://www.facebook.com/abcrentals.bimini. This rental was in great condition and fun to drive. After a quick tutorial on the cart, we were off to see Bimini.

We were hungry and a friend of mine in Miami advised me that her aunt owned the famous Edith’s Pizza. Off we went up Kings Highway. Edith’s Pizza is not made like the average pizza. She uses Bimini Bread as the dough. We had her famous Lobster Pizza. It was out of this world good. Set on the water, my daughter went conch shell hunting while we waited for our order. Of course we had a Kalik Beer to accompany it. Perfect lunch. Afterwards we took the Rolls Royce into Alice Town. We checked out Radio Beach and wandered around the shops in the area. We headed back to the Resorts World Resort for some fun in the pool. It was too windy for the ocean but we enjoyed a snow cone at the beach bar. Afterwards, It was time to turn over our keys to the Rolls and head back to the ship.

All in all, a wonderful day trip to the Bahamas. Bimini is a slice of paradise . Make sure you get yourself a piece.

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