BGG Getaway: Miami

We can’t be everywhere. In fact, we’re working so much these days that we can’t be anywhere. So, we’ve entrusted our Miami getaway into the capable hands of Ashley and Carolyn of The Lazy Travelers. They’re New York City-based and are therefore lucky enough to be able to fly regularly to Miami throughout fall/winter/spring. They also have to return to NYC afterward, which is effing freezing, whereas LA is 75 and sunny year-round (she said smugly). For us, then, Miami might be more of a once-a-season kinda trip, so we’re glad to have The Lazy Travelers’ advice to help us make it count. Note: We did a little searching, and round-trip tickets to Miami are only $200 in October. Without further ado, here are The Lazy Travelers: 

We admit it. We’re overly obsessed with the fall. We love our riding boots and chunky sweaters and pumpkin spiced lattes. Sundresses and floppy hats, you were sooo two weeks ago. Except that…eventually those orange leaves are going to disappear and we’ll have to trade in our wellies for our Uggs (ugghhh). In no time, we’ll be apologizing to our flip flops for ever wishing they could go into storage, and that’s when a trip somewhere warm will be a serious necessity.  When this happens, you can look for us in Miami.

How to get around: Rent a car – Miami’s public transportation system is spotty at best and varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. Make a reservation in advance with one of the many agencies located within the Miami Airport, request a convertible, bring big sunglasses, and put your hair in a ponytail.  Try Priceline for the best deals on rentals. 

Where to sleep: The Townhouse Hotel – In the winter months, mid-week rates for this South Beach hotel fall around $200/night (weekend goes up to around $300). Because of its central location in South Beach, you can literally walk anywhere you’d need to go, and rooms at the Townhouse are minimalistic and clean. If you ask us, for a weekend getaway, you don’t need much else. 

** TIP: If the Townhouse isn’t your style, check out other local boutique hotels, like the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club.  Also, apartment rentals are always an option via Airbnb for those who want to live like a local. 

Where to wine: Bin No. 18 – Bin No. 18 is a wine & beer loft. If you need more convincing than that, they have daily specials and a cheese menu to boot. Pretty much our idea of heaven on a budget.

Where to dine: Oliver’s Bistro – On a breezy day, pull up a chair under the orange umbrellas at Oliver’s for a light dinner and friendly ambiance. The laid-back atmosphere (and the lower-priced but still yum food) may just have you making a brunch reservation on your way out.  

Where to people watch: Lincoln Road Mall – This outdoor mall is home to a variety of shops (high-end and otherwise), but we recommend settling down at one of the restaurants and people-watching. Our favorite game: “the next guy that walks by is your future husband.” Hours of entertainment. 

Where to actually spend your dough: Miami = shopping gold. Unfortunately, the big shopping destinations, like Bal Harbour, are extremely high-end. Still, worth a visit (even if it’s just to drool at the window displays). If you’re craving some shopping on a rainy day, try the more reasonably priced, and indoor, Aventura Mall.

Where to splurge: Prime 112 – If you’re budgeting for a splurge and would rather it be at a restaurant than Bal Harbour, this is the place to go. And if you’re not up for the dinner crowd, try lunch. It’s the best way to experience the food without experiencing the prices.  

Where to sunbathe: Virginia Key on Key Biscayne – A little off the beaten track, this is a nice reprieve from the bar-lined beaches along Ocean Drive. It’s the perfect place to go to get away from the scene of Miami without needing to venture too far. 

Where to channel your Cuban roots: If you’re anything like us, Cuba has been on your travel bucket-list since that fateful day you first saw Dirty Dancing Two. Luckily, Miami is the next best thing to Havana. We recommend Sergio’s in Coral Gables for your morning coffee and a hearty breakfast and Versailles Cuban Restaurant in Little Havana for seriously authentic to-die-for Cuban fare.

Where to live vicariously: When you've had enough of the beach, take a drive past Star Island and check out the views of the mansions along the bay. If you're dying to get a little glimpse of Gloria Estefan at home (what is this, 1998?), you can take a boat or Jet Ski tour around the bay, but prices start around $100 per person.

What to Pack: 

If you're like us -- normally inclined to wear mostly man-repellent outfits -- packing for Miami may be a bit difficult. This is not the place to be modest. Or stylish, really.  How do you know if you're appropriately dressed for a night out in Miami? If you saw the same outfit on one of the women who frequents Maestros looking for 'company.' Kidding. Kinda. Here are our less extreme picks: 

1. ASOS Bandeau Color Block Dress with Cut Out Side, $45.74 
2. Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch, $143
3. Snake Black Perspex Platform Court Shoes, $145
4. NARS Night Series Palette, $55
5. Cul-de-Sac Convertible Satchel Tote, $23.98
6. Cris Notti Pink Diamonds Sleep Mask, $16
7. Forever 21 Round Sunglasses, $5.80
8. Christian Dior Printed Silk-Twill Scarf, $120
9. Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, $11.90
10. Shredded Knit Tank, $28
11. AE Denim Cutoff Short, $36.50 
12. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17
13. Abbie Sliding Triangle Top, $20
14. Women’s Classic Metallic Flip-Flop, $5
15. Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15