#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. 

#180: Villa Vizcaya (Page 605)

Sept. 28, 2016

I love Hearst Castle. So, once I booked this trip to Miami and heard that Villa Vizcaya was known as the "Hearst Castle of the East", I added it to the itinerary!

We started out by touring the house, but I don't have any pictures of that because pictures inside the house are not allowed.  But it. was. A-Mazing!

Villa Vizcaya was completed in 1916 as the winter home of James Deering.

And just as impressive as his 3 story- water front mansion that is all totally open to the air, are his acres and acres of beautifully manicured gardens 

It took approximately 1,000 artisans five years to create this estate and gardens which sit on Biscayne Bay. 

Cost:  $18/adult.  Parking is Free.  Audio tour (which we did) is an additional $5.

Verdict:  No.  We loved it and we're glad we did it.  And I think if you're anywhere within remote driving distance of Miami, you should do it too.  But it still doesn't rank up there with something you HAVE to do before you die. 

#179: The Delano (Page 602)

Sept. 27, 2016

I landed in Fort Lauderdale tonight, hopped in a rental car and headed to Miami.  First stop:  The Delano.  The lobby.... Wow!!

The sushi bar

You walk through the  (as the book says) "30-foot diaphanous white curtains and prepare for your jaw to drop" lobby and then you come to the Bianca restaurant, which is as expensive as you might think, but the atmosphere and ambiance are to die for.  The tables overlook....

This.  A gorgeous pool surrounded by private cabanas.  This "fantasy swimming pool is the cool-pool of choice in South Beach and one of the hotel world's most famous, with classical music piped in underwater and cafe chairs and tables set up in the ankle shallow end."  

And of course cabanas for private massages as well.  

Verdict:  No.  It's beautiful.  The decor is absolutely amazing, breathtaking and something all architecture and/or art-loving people should see and appreciate.  The restaurants, bars and pools are all super cool, eclectic and just draws you in.  You want to spend the day.  You want to spend the night and just soak in the atmosphere.  But no, it's not something you have to do before you die.  Just something worth doing when you're in Miami.