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

More Is More At The Wolfsonian

 

I enjoy going to a museum. Depending upon what type, art mostly, I can get very caught up in my surroundings and spend a bit' of time wandering an exhibit. My latest visit was to The Wolfsonian, here in South Beach. I visited with my museum guru cousin, Sara, who works as a Curatorial Associate at a museum in NYC.

This particular visit to the Wolfsonian was in perfect timing, as one of the temporary exhibits, was one I was most interested in seeing, More Is More: An Installation by Christie van der Haak. Literally, this exhibit is eye opening. For any textile and print pattern obsessors out there (like me!), well this is our dream come true! The astounding tapestry and batik inspired pattern work is busy and intricate in the most interesting ways. The colorful and detailed design is displayed by covering the exterior facade of the musuem building, and the interior floors and walls of the lobby. Amazing! Talk about a great spot for some fun Insta photos. The artwork will be on display through June 11th, so catch it if you can! The museum itself is quite manageable, with only a few floors of temporary and permanent collections. It's a perfect stop for a couple hours, if that is all you have to spare.

I'm hoping to be off to The PAMM this weekend for another artful weekend to view some new exhibits I have yet to see on the other side of the bridge. xo RCN

Florida Keys Brewing Co. & Islamorada Beer Co.

 

Zach and I share a very dear friend that recently visited us in Miami. Danny made the short trip from Philly to hang out for a few days and also to run the Miami Half Marathon. We figured since running 13.1 miles can take a lot out of a person, why not help Danny get his groove back after the race by celebrating with some cold beer and sunshine (Z and I sat this race out!). Being that Islamorada is not all that far from Miami, we figured let's all make it a first together, and head south to the Keys to enjoy some local beer after the weekend run. 

Both Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Co. are located in Islamorada. Both places are designed colorfully, stocked with delicious on the spot brewed beers, and full of fun bar games. We went for the beer, though giant life size Jenga can be quite fun, too. Florida Keys Brewing Co. was my favorite of the two stops. And, if you are along for the ride and don't actually enjoy drinking beer, you may at the least enjoy reading the names of the brews, like, Pelican Poop, Iguana Bait, or Rum Smuggler.

I'll be back to the Keys in a couple of months. Any suggestions for other cool places to visit? Please let me know! 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