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A Week in Miami

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 22:38:16 GMT

Sun, Fun & Food

Miami is always a good idea, especially when you have a week to explore its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning scenery. Our recent trip to Miami was filled with memorable experiences, from indulging in local delicacies to dancing the night away. Here’s a recap of our fantastic Miami adventures.

Day 1: Breakfast Bliss, Artistic Adventures, and Mind-Bending Fun

We kicked off our Miami adventure with a visit to Café Smood . This chic café offers a range of healthy and delicious options, but the highlight for us was their Folded Eggs. Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, they were the perfect way to start our day. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff made us feel right at home.

After a hearty breakfast, we headed to Wynwood Walls. This open-air museum features large-scale murals by some of the world's best-known street artists. We spent hours admiring the vibrant artwork and even got to try our hand at graffiti in a designated area. It's a fun, interactive experience that unleashes your inner artist. Get your tickets [here] .

Our day of artistic exploration didn't end there. We made our way to the Paradox Experience, a museum offering mind-bending exhibits that play tricks on your perception. We had a blast taking photos and trying to wrap our heads around the optical illusions. It’s a great place for all ages and provides endless photo opportunities. Explore more [here] .

Day 2: Taste of Little Havana

Little Havana is the heart and soul of Miami's Cuban community. We joined a food and walking tour that took us through this vibrant neighborhood. We sampled delicious Cuban dishes, watched locals play dominos at Domino Park, and soaked in the lively atmosphere. Our favorite dish was the Cubano and mojito from Cubata.

Day 3: Celebrity Mansions and South Beach Food Delights

A trip to Miami wouldn't be complete without a boat tour. We embarked on a one-hour cruise around the Bay to see the stunning celebrity mansions. It was a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. Plus, it's BYOB, so we enjoyed our favorite drinks while soaking in the views. Book your tour [here] .

Day 4: Salsa Lessons & Mojito's at Mango's Tropical Café

For a fabulous date night, we headed to Mango’s Tropical Café for salsa lessons and mojitos. The two-hour session included both salsa and bachata lessons, and we got to catch a live show downstairs afterward. It was a fun, energetic evening that had us dancing and laughing all night. Join the fun [here] .

Day 5: Sunset Cruise on Biscayne Bay

We wrapped up our Miami trip with a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay with Captain Jose and Teamtikifish. The views were breathtaking, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a busy week. We’re already planning a night fishing excursion with them for our next trip. Follow Captain Jose on Instagram .

Miami offered us a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Each day was filled with unique experiences that left us with unforgettable memories. If you’re planning a trip to Miami, be sure to check out these spots for an amazing time!

Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Hiking - Sedona

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:47:02 GMT

A novice hiker's review of Sedona Trails - Bell Rock & Airport Loop

Whether you're considering a one mile out and back hike or a longer trek through nature, let me share my unfiltered experience hiking two of Sedona’s vortex trails as a self-proclaimed advanced novice hiker.

I classify myself as advanced novice hiker with a reasonable endurance level. What does that mean in real life? I've hiked many a paved Missouri trail with minor elevation. I could carry a lively conversation without having to watch every step and make it back with minimal effort. In addition, I walk outdoors or on a treadmill and ride my Peloton bike at least 4-5x a week. Not bad, right? Keep reading…

HIKING BASICS – this is a good place to start a self-evaluation of your hiking prowess!

Out and back - distance from trailhead and back – how far can you go?
Hiking levels
Novice - someone new to hiking or with very little experience
Advanced Novice - has some hiking experience but may have not experienced a range of terrains and elevations
Moderate - hikes on a regular basis with duration of half-day or longer

With two and half days in Sedona, my friends and I fit in two morning hikes. Mid-September in Arizona can be warm to downright hot, so we started early. I recommend arriving at the trailhead no later than 7 a.m. to secure parking and avoid the crowds.

BELL ROCK CLIMB – part of the iconic Red Rocks of Sedona and one of Sedona’s vortex sites.

Bell Rock went from "easy" to "requiring rock climbing skills" very quickly. Hikers would call this "scrambling." Thankfully we met tourists along the way that helped (aka pushed) us up the steep rocky inclines. One person below pushed us up by our bums while another person above lent an arm to pull us up. We needed the assistance twice on the way up to the top.

On the way back down, we were able to return the favor to another group of tourists that were having difficulty making their way down. At points, we literally had to slide on our bums down the smooth rock.

As they say, what goes up must come down!

Distance: 0.8 mile out and back

Elevation: 800 feet

Average time: 30-60 minutes; it took us almost 2 hours.

Parking: Available; go early to secure a spot.

AIRPORT LOOP – offers serene views from the overlook and is another spot to experience one of the four Sedona vortexes.

From quiet meditation and tai chi to sounds bowls and shamans, the overlook at the Airport Loop trailhead conjured serene vortex vibes.

What followed that - the Airport Loop trail - proved to be the complete opposite. All Trails described this hike to be "very pretty but very rocky." My friends and I felt like Billy goats clinging onto the side of the mountain trail that was perpetually uphill with very little keeping us from careening down the side. Occasional vertigo and fear of heights be damned! If I could do it, I bet you can, too. And if you were wondering about snakes and cactus, we only heard one rattler and no one fell into a prickly pear.

Distance: 3.79 miles out and back

Elevation: 689 feet

Average time: 2.5 hours; we completed in about four hours.

Parking: the very small lot near the trailhead was already full at 6 a.m. We parked at the airport and walked about a mile to reach the trailhead.

PRACTICAL TIPS

If you're a beginner like me, hike with friends. The more the merrier. Friends serve as cheerleaders when you don’t think you can take another step, lookouts when nature calls and comedic relief to distract you from checking the distance hiked and distance remaining.
Plan. Use an app like All Trails to review the hike specs and peruse the reviews. Buyer beware - I swear many of the comments were written by pro-hikers so know thy self (fitness level, fears, patience level).
Bring snacks and plenty of water. I was starting to lose steam about halfway through the Airport Loop hike and now understand why trail mix IS trail mix!
Wear good socks and hiking boots! The Timberland Euro Waterproof Hiker Boots were a lifesaver – great grip, fits true to size and surely saved me from twisting my ankles on several occasions. Hiking socks and a strategically placed Band-Aid will save you from blisters.

And lastly, enjoy the scenery! "The best view comes after the hardest climb." ~Anonymous

Weekend Itinerary - NYC

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:27:39 GMT

A culinary and cultural weekend in New York City

New York City holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, but three things truly stand out: the food, the walkability, and the art. NYC is a veritable foodie paradise, offering an endless array of culinary delights from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems in every neighborhood. It's a city where you can walk for miles, stumbling upon incredible eats and world-class art. This itinerary captures all these elements, creating a perfect weekend filled with unforgettable flavors, scenic strolls, and artistic treasures. Join me as I share my ultimate guide to experiencing the best of New York City in just three days.

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Discoveries

Midday Arrival and Check-in

We touched down in the heart of the Big Apple just in time for a midday check-in at the stylish Moxy NYC Downtown . Nestled in the vibrant Financial District, the hotel offers a perfect blend of chic design and modern comfort, setting the tone for our weekend adventure.

Lunch at Kuu Ramen

With our bags settled, we ventured out to find a cozy spot for lunch and stumbled upon Kuu Ramen . This quaint ramen shop, located conveniently close to our hotel, served up a steaming bowl of deliciousness that warmed our souls and fueled our excitement for the day ahead.

Afternoon at the 911 Memorial and Museum

After lunch, we took a solemn walk to the 911 Memorial and Museum . The experience was profoundly moving, offering a poignant reminder of the city's resilience and the strength of its community.

Dinner at Mari

As the day wound down, we treated ourselves to an exquisite dining experience at the Michelin-starred Mari . The highlight of the evening was the charcoal grilled trout, served in a delicate rice wine cream with yuja soy milk and white asparagus. It was a culinary masterpiece that left us eagerly anticipating the rest of our gastronomic journey.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Gourmet Delights

Morning Walk to Best Bagel & Coffee

Our second day began with a leisurely stroll to Best Bagel & Coffee . The route took us through the iconic Fifth Avenue, with a quick detour to admire the serene beauty of Washington Square Park. It was the perfect way to start our morning in NYC.

Afternoon at The Met

We spent the afternoon immersed in art and history at The Met . The highlight was the Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion exhibition, sponsored by TikTok. Featuring over 200 garments and accessories spanning four centuries, the exhibition beautifully connected themes of nature and fashion, offering a feast for the eyes and the imagination.

Dinner at Cote Korean Steakhouse

Dinner was an unforgettable experience at Cote Korean Steakhouse , the world's only Michelin-starred Korean tabletop grill restaurant. The flavors were bold and the atmosphere vibrant, making it a standout meal of our trip.

Dessert Crawl

Our sweet tooth led us on a dessert crawl, starting with creative confections at Spot Dessert Bar , followed by a creamy treat from Beard Papa's . We wrapped up the night with a classic New York slice from Joe's Pizza , satisfying our late-night cravings.

Day 3: Final Tastes and Farewell

Breakfast at Broadway Bagel

Our final day in the city began with a hearty breakfast at Broadway Bagel . The bagels were fresh, chewy, and just what we needed to start our day on a high note.

Lunch Omakase at Sushi W

For our last meal in NYC, we opted for an omakase lunch at Sushi W . Each piece of sushi was a delicate work of art, a fitting finale to our culinary journey.

Our weekend in New York City was a perfect blend of culture and cuisine, offering unforgettable experiences and flavors at every turn. From the moving exhibits at the 911 Memorial to the exquisite dishes at Michelin-starred restaurants, our trip was a testament to the vibrant and diverse spirit of NYC. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or simply looking to explore one of the world's greatest cities, this itinerary offers something special for everyone.