If you follow me on social media (Instagram + Snapchat: coreyiel), you would have seen that I went to Miami for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Though I planned this trip to celebrate another year of life, I also celebrated a job offer that I received right before leaving for this trip. Isn’t it funny how life works? I’m still working in Fashion PR but I’m moving up a position at a new company, and I’m so excited to start in 1 week!
Anyways.. back to why we’re here today. I took a month-long blogging break and I really missed you guys! It was only right that I document my adventures to create a Miami Travel Guide and bring some fresh new content for you guys. Read on for my must visit spots in Miami..
Stay
Hotel Croydon Miami Beach – For our stay in Miami, the boy and I chose Hotel Croydon. It was in the perfect location, close to the beach and shopping, but far enough from the noise and crowds. If you’ve ever been to Miami Beach, then you know that certain parts of Collins ave is a scene. It’s great for when you want to go out and have a good time but not so much for sleep and relaxation. Hotel Croydon is on Collins but further up near Mid Beach. I loved that it was only a $2-$3 Uber ride to and from South Beach.
The staff at Hotel Croydon was very friendly during our stay. The hotel had a happy hour from 7-8pm where guests could choose from a menu of cocktails free of charge. There was also a nice sized pool in front of the hotel and a chill area on the rooftop with a beautiful view. The Queen room was simple, modern and clean and reasonably priced. I would 100% stay there again.
Eat
Yardbird – It was recommended by several friends that I hit up YardBird while I was in MIA and it did not disappoint. I actually ended up going here twice; once for lunch and once for brunch. They are known for their fried chicken, so don’t miss out on that. But what I could not stop talking about were their biscuits. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that turn out to be the best. I even ordered 1 to go the second time we went back.
Must try: Biscuits, Maple Glazed Donuts, Chicken Biscuits, lemonade and the Watermelon Sling cocktail
The Grill at Bar Harbour – I LOVE Hillstone restaurants. Back in New Orleans, Houston’s was my number 1 favorite restaurant. I found out that they’re owned by Hillstone, and now I search for one wherever I go. I’m so happy there’s two in New York. While in Miami, I had the brilliant idea of checking to see if there was one close by and there was! The Grill at Bal Harbour is located inside the Bal Harbour Shops. It is casual high-end dining and they had a lot of my favorite dishes from Houston’s and Hillstone’s menus. I ended up getting the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes!
Must try: Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes & the Lemon Drop cocktail
Ladurée – For dessert I had to find my favorite sweet treat: macarons! I love Ladurée. They are a little pricy so I only go on special occasions in NYC. My birthday seemed like the perfect occasion to get a couple of macarons while in Miami.
Must try: Vanilla macarons
Jules Kitchen – This is where we had our first meal after landing in Miami. We wanted something light while we waited to check into our hotel. I had the grilled chicken wrap and it was so good! This was just something quick, easy and delicious.
Must try: Grilled Chicken Wrap, Lemonade
Shop
Lincoln Road Mall – If you’re looking to pick up some basics, hit up Lincoln Road Mall. Lincoln Road Mall is an outdoor mall with lots of eateries and staple stores like H&M, Nike, Steve Madden and Forever 21. I didn’t bring a swimsuit with me, so I stopped by Forever21 to pick up a cute little floral one.
Luxury Shopping
Bal Harbour – We headed to Bal Harbour to check out the shops, which is also an outdoor mall but it is filled with every luxury store you can think of. Think Gucci, Saint Laurent, Etro, SAKS, etc. Go here to treat yourself while on vacation.
Miami Design District – Somehow we ended up at another luxury retail area, the Miami Design District. Here you can find a bunch of luxury fashion stores such as Chanel, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton to name a few. This is less of a mall and more of a general luxury area, kind of like Rodeo Drive in LA. Go here if you’re feeling spendy.
Relax
Miami Beach – You can’t go to Miami without hitting up the beach. If you’re looking for a party vibe, go to South Beach, where there is tons of foot traffic. If you’re looking for something more chill, go up to Mid or North Beach.
Transportation
Uber – We were so surprised by how cheap Uber was in Miami. We spent less than $5 for most of the trips we took around Miami Beach. It was insane. We definitely made the right decision by not renting a car.
I really enjoyed my birthday trip and can’t wait to travel more this year. I plan to start taking weekend trips to cities close around New York. I’m thinking Chicago next, but I’m open to suggestions. Stay tuned..
xx
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