#185: The Breakers (Page 606; Listed as Palm Beach and The Breakers in the 2nd Ed, pt 754)

Oct. 1, 2016

This picture was taken with my cell phone on the pitch black.  And it STILL looks this opulent if that gives you any indication into just how impressive this place is!

The iconic fountain that is the centerpiece of the grounds in front of the hotel.

I mean even the bathrooms are picture-worthy.

The hallways leading to the ballrooms.

The main lobby.  And yes, they're real.

And if you can't afford the $600/night room, then at the very least, you need to go to the Italian restaurant and order the S'more pie for dessert.  It's delish!

Verdict:  Yes.  Unlike some of the other over the top, awesome hotels I've been to, several of which are in the book, this one didn't have that "stuffy" feel.  Yes, there were plenty of "rich" people and yes, our car was the only non-cadilac, non-mercedes, non-cadillac, non-maserati in the place (it's $30 to valet park btw, unless you get it validated by a shop or restaurant), but yet, it didn't feel pretentious and I didn't feel intimidated.  The staff was all super nice and friendly, there were families there and it was just a really, really nice place to be.  The location was great, the property was great, the food was great.  Everything about this place was great.  I highly recommend!

#184: Joe's Stone Crab (Page 603; 2nd Ed pg 751)

Oct. 1, 2016

I was looking forward to checking out Joe's Stone Crab for dinner to check out Miami Beach's #1 crab institution.  BUT.... it is only open seasonally.  Boo!  I arrived two weeks early :(

The outside dining area

The view from the gates - this place is huge!

Verdict: No.  Okay, granted, I didn't actually eat here since it was closed, but I saw it, got a good handle of the place from looking around and, being from Maryland, have been to many a crab feast and crab institution, so I feel like I have a grasp of the experience.  The neighborhood (South Beach!) is fun, the history is cool (family-run and first opened in 1913) and the crabs are fresh.  So, if you're in Miami and are a crab-lover and/or just like to "join the crowd" and be a part of an institution, then check it out.  But otherwise, I think you're safe to die without eating here ;)

#183: Everglades National Park (Page 599; 2nd Ed pg 748)

Oct. 1, 2016

Everglades National Park is the largest protected wetlands in the United States.

Right before the entrance to the Everglades is the Everglades Alligator Farm, where we saw tons of alligators, snakes, birds and more. 

They have an alligator show (is this guy nuts or what??!!)

I am slightly less crazy.

Alligator faring was licensed by the State of Florida in the 1980's as a way to ensure the survival of the American Alligator.  In the 1950's, it was nearly extinct because of all the illegal poaching to satisfy the demands for hides used in high fashion items.  Commercial alligator farming supplied the market with a legal source of high quality hides and meat, which has allowed populations in the wilde to rebound.

But we did go out on a pontoon boat ride (which was AWESOME) and saw several in the wild as well and that was really cool.  It was like we were on a safari.

Verdict:  Yes.  This was super cool and definitely worth doing.  The Everglades encompasses 1.5 million acres which includes wetlands, areas for pontoon boat rides, hiking and more.  Depending on what you do, the price will vary.  There is plenty you can do for free.  The Alligator Farm and Airboat ride that we did was $27 for adults, but $2 off coupons are easy to find, so we paid $25/adult. 

#182: Little Palm Island (Page 601; Listed as The Florida Keys in the 2nd Ed, pg 749)

Oct. 1, 2016

Here is the aerial view of Little Palm Island, a secluded, private island in the Keys.

In order to get there, you have to have a reservation at their restaurant or to spend the night in one of their bungalows.  And if you do, then you come here to Little Torch Key and board their private ship, 

the Woodson.

We were the only three guests on the ship, so we had a private boat ride over to the island.

Our first glimpses of the island and its private bungalows. 

So, if you're ever wondering what paradise on a private island looks like, here you go....

Welcome to Little Palm Island.

The pool

Outdoor seating area

The restaurant. 

Isn't she a beaut?

Docked and ready to return back to Little Torch Key

Our last glimpse at LPI from the Woodson.... a little taste of the South Pacific.

Verdict:  No.  You don't need to do this before you die, especially if spending $1200 for a night gives you high blood pressure.  Other options:  Book a reservation at the restaurant (there is only one) and go for Breakfast (~$30/person), Lunch (~$50/person) or Dinner (~$100/person).  This place is perfect for a 2-3 day romantic getaway - an Anniversary or something along those lines.  But honestly, I'm more of a down-to-earth - go go go type of person, so after a day or two here, I'd be going stir crazy.  BUT, if you 1) have the money and 2) are looking for the ultimate in seclusion and privacy with all the pampering perks of having somebody cook for you, clean for you, serve you, offer you spa treatments, etc., then this place is definitely for you!

#181: Key West (Page 600; Listed as The Florida Keys in the 2nd Ed, pg 749)

Sept. 28, 2016

We arrived today in Key West.  We flew into Fort Lauderdale last night and spent the night in Miami. This morning, after driving the 113-mile, 42-bridge "ocean-skimming highway that tethers 51 of the 822 Florida keys to the mainland", we arrived in Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States.

And after checking in to our hotel, we quickly made our way downtown.

After walking around, bopping into shops, all unique and charming and one-of-a-kind, we made our way to Mallory Square, where we had heard was THE place to watch the sunset. And, as you can see from the throng gathered, we're not the only ones who heard that!

And it didn't disappoint. 

Verdict:  I'm undecided.  The friend I'm with says it's cool, but not a "must do."  She says "there's nothing amazing; it's not like Hawaii."  But so far, I'm really digging it.  I like the vibe.  I like the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly people, the yummy restaurants and the water.  We're here for three nights, so I'm looking forward to exploring as much as I can.