South Beach Parking Part II
by HotSpotJ
Yes, we all hate parking in South Beach, but I've been finding great spots lately even in the afternoon and evenings on the weekends.... my latest find is a garage on the 1000 block of Collins, on the East side of the street. I came in after a Marlins game on a Friday night and found plenty of spaces.... and the price was $15 flat, MUCH cheaper than valet!!!!! I was so happy after getting the car out 3 days later that I took a pic of the garage. Valet wouldve hit me for about $25 a day plus tips. Just little tips like this make Hotspots that much better. Save a few hundered on your flight, save 50 or so on parking, maybe 50 more on your room, next thing you know you've got maybe $500 extra to spend on a VIP bottle service, or a meal in S & W or Joes, or some shopping. We're still in the George Bush economy, you have to be smart with your money these days!
What you need for a decadent Miami Beach holiday
by sue_stone
I took a HUGE suitcase to Miami...It was less than half full on the way over, but considerable fuller on the way back! Basically I shopped...though not as much as I wanted to. What I am trying to say is that with plenty of large shopping malls around, you may want to travel with a bigger bag than usual in case you shop a little.
I tried not to be too embarrassed about having such a big bag, figuring that many Americans also travel with large suitcases so I wouldn't stand out too much. And the taxi's have large boots. Oh, and the baggage allowance to/from the USA is usually more generous than to European ports. You will definitely need your sunglasses - bright sun reflecting of
white Deco buildings is a recipe for glare! And it is much cooler to
check out the talent from behind your shades.
You don't need to bring anything too dressy to wear as Miami is fairly
casual...in fact the less you wear the better!
If you are going to go on an Air Boat ride in the Everglades I would
recommend taking a warm top as it can get cold when you are flying
across the 'sea of grass'. We were in Miami in early spring and it was hot and sunny, as it is most
of the year, so make sure you pack the sunscreen.
If you are heading to the Everglades (particularly in summer) you will
want to take some insect repellent with you. You may also want to use it
in the evening in general as there are mosquitoes around.
Also, if you are going to go on an Air Boat ride, pack some ear plugs, as the fan is VERY noisy! Pack your camera if you are into Art Deco, crazily modified cars, girls
with hoola-hoops in shop windows, just to name a few of the photo
opportunities that you will encounter! Many of the hotels in South Beach provide beach towels for guest use -
saves you having to bring your own, leaving you valuable suitcase space
for shopping.
Remember to bring a selection of bikini's and wedge heeled shoes for
walking too and from the beach.
Take a trip to the WESTERN...
by FrequentFly
Take a trip to the WESTERN side of the state, some of the most beautiful areas around and such a dramatic chage from Dade/Broward/Palm Beach Counties. You'll hardly believe that you're in the same state!
1220 Bar at The Tides
by sue_stone about 1220 Bar
The 1220 Bar is located in the lobby of the Tides Hotel, on Ocean Drive in South Beach. This stylish cocktail bar runs along one edge of the 1220 Restaurant, and continues outside, at the front of the hotel.
Sitting outside of an evening at the 1220 Bar is one of THE things to do in South Beach. Relaxing on a comfortable sofa or at a table, sipping a delicious cocktail and watching the beautiful people parade by is a must do!
They have a full cocktail menu of intriguing concoctions, along with the usual selection, plus a few wines by the glass (and bottle of course). You can order food as well and make a night of it.
Alex sampled a couple of their Mojito's and declared them the best he's ever had, which was backed up by the waiters claims that they make the BEST Mojito in Miami. I sipped on my Margherita and just soaked up the atmosphere. Anything from a bikini to an evening gown seems to be appropriate for this bar
The Abbey.
by richiecdisc about The Abbey.
Though this funky dive is well off the beaten path and nothing like the rest of South Beach, it is nonetheless an institution and a favorite of local bar workers who generally know the best place to throw back a few. The chuch pew seating is your first clue that you're in for a unique evening. Oh, and in addition to their excellent by South Florida selection of import and micro brews, they also brew a few of their own. The house lineup includes a masterful Russian Imperial Stout of deep dark stature, served tastfully in a goblet. Monk's attire to casual.