Exploring Miami outside of its iconic tropical beaches

makes for a great challenge!

 

Un Dia in Miami could be the name of a Neruda poem or a 007 movie, but it’s just the amount of time I spent in Miami, a day. Miami is one of my favorite cities; it gives me a taste of the Caribbean but just closer. But, I’ll be honest, the only reason why I am here is because tickets were $54, It’s low season and Skiplagged has been good to me.

Soon upon landing, I pick up my rental; I rent from Turo, a car sharing company, like an  Airbnb, but for cars. It’s much cheaper than a rental; insurance is already included into your final price. So, there are no hidden costs. Good for me, cause I have no hidden money, you know.

My first stop is the Vizcayne Museum and Gardens,  formally know as Villa Vizcaya, owned by James Deering, heir to Deering Harvester Company, it was his Winter Estate (I want to see what his summer home was like).  Tickets are $18.00 – which I think is a bit to expensive to just look through someone’s home. But, I paid it.

It is as luxurious as it is grand. Architecture influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance; all the rooms had their own personality and influenced by a different culture. It was nice to explore the interior,  But honestly, My favorite part was just to sit outside on the steps, take in the sights of the ruins and feel the ocean breeze. It feels like  Deja Vu, as though, I’ve been here before.

My next stop is Nusret Gökçe aka “Salt Bae, restaurant,  Nusr-et. The setting is Miami rustic; it feels sexy yet approachable – like a good date.  It’s trying to impress you with just the right amount of charm, intensity, conversation and a tad bit of arrogance you can indulge in.  It’s a great set up trying to impress you because it’s a pricey $$$ date that expects you to put out…cash.   For some, it could be a great lunch spot, for others, it could only be for special occasions. As for me, it was a quick stop.  I grabbed a glass of champagne – Brut- and the “Meat Sushi” appetizer.  Delicious for what it was but with resplendent presentation. They prepare it right at your seat and even finish it off with his signature “flick of the wrist” move.

I made a quick drive by through Wynwood – which I don’t recommend. No one drives by Wynwood- you need to experience it –  see the art, soak up the energy, explore.

In my case, I have been here before, so that is all I could so AND I was getting so tired.  I flew through the Wynwood Marketplace (it’s really a flea market) they keep open four days a week and found a local photographer to take my picture. I DID NOT realize my outfit was not hitting and I’m still upset. Not only that, I was so hot, tired, look at the shirt, it was a bit more fitted when I arrived. A crude reminder that Miami is HUMID – H-U-M-I-D.

For my last stop, I hit Broward county  Randy’s – a local Haitian restaurant with a Poisson Gros Sel that had me speechless, mainly because I was scarfing it down. Sorry, no pictures because As soon as I enter, I eat.

The next day greets me with rain, a sad farewell before I fly back. Tis was a good, quick trip. But next time, I am def hitting the beach – that will always make my visits to MIA great.

Happy Sunday!