Miami Beach Botanical Gardens

 

After Hurricane Irma, pretty much all of the South Florida region has needed a major make over and clean up session. Majority of landscaping and natural fauna was damaged and destroyed. I was amazed at how powerful the "not eye" of the storm was. I mean, thousands of pounds of giant palm trees and mangroves were completely uprooted. I have been wanting to take a walk over to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens for quite some time now, and thought now would be a perfect time. Though, the gardens are not nearly as covered in green perfection as a month ago, the grounds have started undergoing the major clean up. Palm trees have been stilted and down trees, plants and branches have been cleared. The garden remains a wonderful city escape. The oasis is full of butterflies, the sounds of water fountains, and plenty of Florida sun peering through the many floral bushes and palmetto branches that survived the storm. It will only take a short while before new sprouts grow and the natural pruning of the storm will result in more beauty. #floridastrong xo RCN

Faena House

 

Before, I moved to Miami, I often saw pictures of people posting a mythical like place, somewhere in Miami, that presents a giant gold mammoth skeleton enclosed in a giant glass case. The installation art sculpture was set amongst a backdrop of flowing palms and the ocean surf. Where was this place!? The Faena District, located at Collins and 32nd street on Miami Beach, houses penthouse residences, hotels, theatre for entertainment, and multiple bars and restaurants that have an atmosphere giving both Vegas and New York a run for their money. The mix of extravagant luxe and bohemian beach decor surrounds you as you enter the lobby at Faena House and continues to provide a unique and grand ambience as you walk through the main entrance and through to the Tree of Life Bar, Veranda with ocean views, and of course my new friend the Mammoth. Faena District is made up of multiple buildings and spaces within a few blocks of one another, including additional event spaces, another boutique hotel and restaurant, Casa Faena, and future plans to include retail shops. A few weekends ago my girlfriends and I decided we needed a night of Faena adventure.  We dined at Casa Faena for Miami Spice (like restaurant week in many other cities), a small boutique hotel across from the main residences. After dinner and before the continued party, we enjoyed taking more than a few fun snapshots and selfies in the lobby library at the intimate hotel. Like everywhere at Faena House, the space is a a designer's dream. The dim lit room was filled with rich color, eclectic materials, and animalia and tropic pattern and decor. Perfect for a glamorous photo shoot! We headed back over to The Living Room cocktail lounge, found in the basement at Faena House, to dance the night away whilst sipping on some bubbly. Next trip to Faena, we will add a show to our evening itinerary. The whole place is a definite must see and visit when spending time on the Beach! xo RCN

Go To Tulum!

 

Zach and I spent the long weekend in Tulum, Mexico for my girlfriend Roxie, and, her now husband, Michael's wedding. It was truly amazing. Beautiful and special describes everything from Roxie's traditional Mayan wedding ceremony on the beach (no pics allowed, sorry!), to the taco welcome party that started the weekend off with family, friends, laughter, and chorizo tacos under the starry sky. Tulum beams with Mexican culture and colorful character, the perfect place for riding bicycles along the roadside edge. The jungle lined curbside led to bungalows serving sweet mojitos and savory guacamole, and shops offering unique local handmade finds. A must see adventure in Tulum, is the ancient ruins; both magical and rich in history. The laid back vibe is nothing short of relaxing, and the bright ambiance and fashionable beach crowd gives the eye everything desirable. Dare I say, too many perfect snapshot spots to remember the vacay - an Instagramer's dream! We stayed beachside at Coco Tulum (totally recommend!!) and found our favorite dining spot just a four minute walk away, Posada Margherita. Yes, it is an Italian restaurant, but worth the break from traditional Mexican food for one night, because the authentic Italian cuisine is divine. A top 5 pasta pick, of all time - who knew, in Tulum!? And, if you are lucky enough to reserve a spot at Hartwood, make reservations a month in advance. You will also be VERY far from disappointed, and have a chance to savor the fresh local seafood catch of the day . We will be back to Tulum, but for now, we are headed home to the Atlantic! xo RCN

Morada Bay

 

I realize that the last three posts in "Explore", are all spots in Islamorada. I guess that speaks to how much I love it. Morada Bay, is a must stop in the Keys. Even if you are headed all the way down to Key West, it's worth a pull over for lunch at the Beach Cafe.

My first trip to Islamorada, we were unable to eat and visit Morada Bay because the Netflix television show Bloodlines was being filmed. Ever since then, my friend Danny has me hooked  and I am really obsessed. Link to check it out, HERE. The second visit was a success, and I was able to watch the sunset with a ridiculously large cocktail in hand.

The white sand is soft and powdery while the palms above swaying with the breeze perfect the island soundtrack. The Beach Cafe salad is my favorite, with seared Ahi Tuna. Zach loved the Mahi-Mahi tacos. You can't go wrong with fresh fish. And if you forgot your suntan lotion, there is a quaint beach shop located in a parked vintage airstream trailer right beside the cafe. I had to pick up an extra Sun Bum key lime lip balm, just because. We have already decided our next visit to Morada Bay will be for the Full Moon Party! xo RCN

Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada

 

Zach surprised me for my 30th birthday. I am not surprised he planned a beautiful getaway for us, but I was surprised about what he planned. I LOVED it.

Islamorada in the Florida Keys is less than two hours from our home in South Beach, which is a perfect distance for a night away. Zach arranged with my girlfriend about watching Ethel for the night. THANK YOU Col!! Colleen, her husband Steve, and sweet boy Hudson, joined us for brunch at Yardbird on my birthday morning before we ventured off to The Keys. Also, a surprise! Oh, and Yardbird is one of the best restaurants in SOBE. Check it out HERE. The Eggs Benedict and pretty much everything else on the menu is to die for.

We checked into Cheeca Lodge early afternoon with champagne in hand and more awaiting in the room - good move Z. I slipped on my new favorite swimsuit from PacSun and we headed out paddle boarding on the still ocean. Kayaking, snorkeling, fishing excursions, golfing etc. are all available at the resort. They even have clear canoes! We spent majority of the afternoon just chilling by the water sipping on daiquiris and munching on Grouper ceviche, yum! Early evening, we took a quick trip off the resort to Morada Bay (very close to Cheeca) to see the sunset on the bay. Upon return to Cheeca, we ordered take out from Nikai, the sushi restaurant on property, and ate dinner at the tiki bar right off the beach. The sushi was wonderful. I love a unique roll option, which they had! My favorite rolls were the Big Kahuna: tuna & avocado topped with lobster salad, pineapple ginger glaze & toasted macadamia, and the Dirty Vegas: tempura shrimp & escolar tartar topped with spicy hamachi, sweet chili garlic sauce, tempura crunchies & black sesame seeds. So, so good!

The backdrop and beauty of Cheeca is perfect for a romantic and celebratory weekend in both daylight and darkness. The long dock is a perfect little stroll under the stars before bedtime. We closed off the night with a toast on our private balcony. I will never forget my 30th birthday or Cheeca Lodge. We will be back! xo RCN 

Wynwood Wandering

 

There are many things to enjoy in Wynwood. A stroll around the neighborhood is never dull. Numerous amounts of street art and graffiti surround your every move. Right in the heart of Wynwood, Panther Coffee, is a great spot to begin your explorations. Grab a delicious Miami famous cold brew, and begin your adventuring. My wandering usually ranges from popping in a few of the art galleries along 2nd Ave, stopping in for a peek at the adorable and well merchandised Frangipani, and searching Plant The Future for new and inspiring terrariums. A walk through the Wynwood Walls is always on the agenda, as well. The gated in art statement (art park), full of commissioned graffiti and street art, allows for the continuous discovery of new and international artists. If visiting Wynwood on a Saturday, I highly recommend trying a tropical flavored popsicle from the Farmers Market (only on Saturdays 11am-6pm) and shopping the street vendors with local artisan jewelry, prints, soaps and more. The best way to finish off any visit, is to settle in at Wynwood Kitchen And Bar, Wynwood Diner, The Butcher Shop, or Joey's Italian Cafe. All are great places to end the wandering and relax with a cocktail in hand. Your next visit to Miami must definitely include a visit to this artistic community, covered in the color and vibrance that well represents the city of Miami. Don't forget your camera! xo RCN