OT: Going to Miami
I don't usually make OT posts, but I'm in the midst of scheduling a 4-day vacation to Miami.
If anybody lives in Miami or has visited before, do you have any suggestions of hotels, restaurants, things to see, etc.? Obviously, I plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, so it's not like I need an action-packed four days. But if there's anywhere particularly awesome to visit, I'd appreciate a heads up so I can plan accordingly.
Thanks in advance.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 PM ^
You will soon after commit to the Canes.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^
I'm true blue, man. If I run into Al Golden, it's only to make him an offer he can't refuse.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:40 PM ^
Kick him in the butt for all of us.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:07 PM ^
Kick him in the nuts
January 22nd, 2011 at 5:40 PM ^
Go for the soul dong that hurts most of all
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 PM ^
The Vault
Score
Jamberee
Palace
Vlada
Magnum
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
Not one, not two, not three, but six hot spots. You must be a wild and crazy guy. Thanks!
January 22nd, 2011 at 2:50 PM ^
There will certainly be some swinging in Magnus's bachelor pad tonight.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:20 PM ^
but if you could make time to steal a couple of our recruits back while you're down there that would be nice.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:25 PM ^
I'm looking for a hotel on South Beach, yeah.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:27 PM ^
or probably want to be. Don't forget your banana hanger.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:30 PM ^
Does my banana hanger have to look like the one in your avatar?
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:39 PM ^
If you have to ask...
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
is a great spot for restaurants, bars, and shops. It's not a road you can drive on anymore, purely a pedestrian walkway. I liked it there a lot.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^
My wife still still talks about the BBQ chicken @ Pizza Rustic.
Love Lincoln Road.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:33 PM ^
If your going to be in South Beach you need to check out Joe's Stone Crab for some great eats. Its a classic spot!
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 PM ^
for lunch. At dinner, you'll have to wait at least 2 hours for a table and that's after you've slipped the maitre de a couple hundred.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:15 PM ^
I stayed at the FontaineBleau when I went in May. A little pricey, but worth it if you ask me. If you're going to do it, you gotta do it right. It's got a few bars and restaurants inside, along with LIV, the nightclub all those UNC football players got in trouble for going to. Saw a ton of celebrities too.
January 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 PM ^
Last time I was in South Beach/Miami, I stayed at the Loews Hotel. Great location, great pool, within walking distance of many clubs and things to do, and was generally impressive. I would definitely recommend it.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
If you run into Al Golden , kick drop him for me a la Bruce Lee. Thanks. !
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:41 PM ^
Kick drop = drop kick?
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
the traffic is horrible. Plan accordingly.
January 22nd, 2011 at 4:42 PM ^
When your crossing over to South beach, use the far right lane.
Avoid the US1.
Penny Beer NIght @ The Sandbar in the grove is a sight to behold. ( wednesdays)
Weathers nice hereright now too!
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
Things to do in Miami?..how about a visit to Dallas?
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^
Yeah, maybe I can ask him what he thinks of Blake Countess.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:38 PM ^
Has Countess determined when he is going to (re)announce yet?
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:52 PM ^
Well played. That brought a smile to my face today.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^
Watch Jersey Shore in Miami. Do what they did. GTL baby!
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^
Be sure to eat here at least once. Don't settle for any other venue - this is the place for Stone Crabs. A very unique SoBe experience.
GO BLUE!
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:31 PM ^
I lived on the Beach when I went to law school.
I'd suggest one of two things. If you're younger (physically or mentally) and want to be in the heart of South Beach and walking distance, try the Loews which is where Ocean Drive ends. If you want to be on the Beach, have a nicer hotel but be slightly removed from South Beach proper, try the Eden Roc or Fountainbleu which were both recently redone and are stil about 20 to 25 blocks from South Beach proper but are on the beach, have much nicer pools, slightly less busy beaches and better restaurants in the hotel
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:40 PM ^
I agree.. Loews, Gansevoort, or the W are some of the new properties right on Ocean. They also have a nice Marriott at the beginning of the strip, I think its like 2nd and Ocean? Right on the beach, and kind of in the "quiet'er" part of the blvd of nonstop action. Fontaine and Eden are both nice, but they are a nice drive (or terrible drive in traffic) away from the true South Beach
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:32 PM ^
I love Miami, but only South/North Beach. The actual city can be fun in the right places (Little Havana) but it can also be dangerous- thus not fun.
Go to Lincoln Rd. for sure. It's a closed-street-made-pedestrian-mall that is a lot of fun. There are a lot of shops, art galleries, restaurants and other random things. For food, I definitely recommend Nexxt. It's like a 10x better version of Cheesecake Factory with an even larger menu. Go to The Frieze for dessert. They have really freshly made sorbets and ice creams. The sorbets basically taste like you're eating a frozen more-delicious version of the actual fruit.
Otherwise, try out Bayside, that's a cool place. And if you're into basketball try to get tickets to a Heat game. Heat fan or not, the AAA is a classy arena and a good time (plus, go to Bongo's- great food and drinks right next to the AAA).
Obviously walk down the strip and check out the famous hotels and go clubbing at night. That's what South Beach/Miami is all about isn't it?
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:35 PM ^
If you plan on staying on South Beach, check the hotels out through and through because they have alot of boutique hotels aka OLD hotels with a new coat of paint and room as big as your closet! Trust me though every other place serves 2 for 1 drinks and over priced italian food.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:18 PM ^
Good to know - I'd hate to have a tiny room, just in case I can lure Kim Kardashian back to my hotel.
January 22nd, 2011 at 5:26 PM ^
Kim is in NYC. No worries on that idea. I hear the Dolphin's cheerleaders are hot though.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 PM ^
Will Smith?
January 22nd, 2011 at 2:25 PM ^
Is that an Eva-Mendes-before-she-was-famous sighting at 1:08?
January 22nd, 2011 at 6:43 PM ^
Yes, that is most definitely Eva. Neva Eva forget dat azz.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:38 PM ^
If your looking for a nice night out on the town call this guy. I heard he knows how to party!
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:39 PM ^
In no particular order (with no assumptions about what you'll have available):
* If you've never done so, go watch jai alai somewhere. IIRC the matches are generally rigged, but the food is cheap and the sport itself is entertaining.
* South Beach (obviously)
* Nature-oriented? http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm It's really not that far away. The contrast between it and the metro area will be jarring.
* You don't have much time, but I'll mention it anyway: The drive to Key West is pretty cool and the town itself is interesting as well.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:43 PM ^
On a related note, I will be in Coral Gables for a conference next month. After I stop by to nut punch Golden, any suggestions for things to do in or around Coral Gables?
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:56 PM ^
Coral Gables is actually a quieter suburb in Miami. You'd be best to take a cab (or drive) to South Beach.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:06 PM ^
[all are in downtown Coral Gables]
For Dinner - check out Orantinque on Miracle Mile
For Drinks - check out the cleverly named "The Bar"
For Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch - check out The Gables Diner (amazing cheese grits).
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
Thanks for the recommendations, since I may not have enough time to get to South Beach.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:14 PM ^
Things to do in Coral Gables:
Avoid Ray Lewis.
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:20 PM ^
His reputation while at UMiami is legendary.
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:43 PM ^
go to Red, the steakhouse. As a bonus, its part owned by Charles Oakley, and lots of current and former NBA players hang out there while they are in town. I know this because a friend from high school is a manager there and he has all kinds of great stories.
On a side note, if you see LeBron there, can you kick him in the nutsack for me? Thanks!
January 22nd, 2011 at 5:30 PM ^
Anger management anyone? lol
p.s. Just wanted to thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you liked my avatar.