Destination U.S.A. – South Beach, Florida

There’s nothing more exhilarating than the feeling of travel. It brings out the best in us; we’re able to relax and vacate stress from our hectic lives and spend precious time with our loved ones. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the daily workday monotony while building a surreal adventure. I’m a firm believer in traveling outside of the continental United States (not including Mexico and Canada) because you’re put directly in contact with countries and cultures that are vastly different from what we experience on our home turf. Lifestyle and cuisine are two simple things that can make a trip both life changing and eye opening; providing moments that cannot be taken away or replaced by any means. Unfortunately, though not everyone has the ability or resources to make that big leap. Trips can take time to plan and can be very costly depending on your destination choice. Does that mean you shouldn’t travel at all? Of course not. All you need to do is evaluate your options, and one of them happens to have 50 states and a plethora of wonderful things to explore. You might not make it to your journey overseas, but have no fear the U.S.A. is a great travel option. The first entry in our series Destination U.S.A. focuses on one of the most popular places to go in North America; Miami, Florida.

Lincoln Road Mall

South Beach, is it a bit cliché? Ok, well maybe just a little. Famous for fictional crime boss Tony Montana, television show Miami Vice, Will Smith’s welcome, the Heatles and the Bawse Rick Ross, there’s so much that this beautiful city has to offer. Miami is rich in history. In the early 1900’s entrepreneurs such as John Collins who invested in building a canal and bridge with the hopes of connecting South Beach to the mainland and Carl Fisher who completed the first luxury hotel and Lincoln Road shopping area, were instrumental in engineering the framework of things to come. Combine the mystique of the 1930’s Art Deco architectural movement that gave birth to Miami’s acclaimed building designs, The Jackie Gleason Show of the 1960’s that brought name recognition to a national audience and the Cuban infusion of the 1980’s and you have the roots of what has made Miami what it is today. Also known as Magic City, there are an abundance of attractions and places to visit here. Stroll down Ocean Drive for a beautiful view of the beach and some incredible atmosphere. Head over to the Lincoln Road Mall for some high end shopping, then to Española Way for the exceptional fare. Need more art in your life? Check out the exhibits in the Wolfsonian Museum to satisfy your palette. No matter what time of year you go there’s always something extraordinary to do. Art Basel, Caribbean Carnival, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival; there’s nothing but good times to be had. So if you’re looking for a great getaway with sun, fun, and tons of culture then South Beach, Miami might just be right for you.