We figured we should really get to some of the “cooler” spots in and around south Florida while we were down there… We may not be the go-out-at-night-and-stay-up-late people, but some places are just cool, regardless of what time of day you’re there.

We needed to head to Miami anyway for an appointment, as we figured as long as we were already making the drive we should really go check out South Beach. It had been quite awhile since we’d been down there, and if nothing else, the people watching is always good. And the funky Art Deco hotels and buildings on Ocean Drive are fun as well.

After tooling around on South Beach for awhile, we went into Miami to Calle Ocho, home of “the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world,” Versailles. Also my FAVORITE restaurant in the planet. I have so many memories of going there when I was a kid, my entire life, really, and it holds a super special place in my heart.

Lunch was delicious, of course, and as always, I left feeling like I was stuffed to the gills. Oh, and with Cuban coffee in hand. That’s almost mandatory.

We drove home the “long” way, via Brickell Ave. in downtown Miami. Driving through those super tall buildings with the backdrop of Biscayne Bay is always spectacular.

A few days later, we decided to go to another one of the “hardship” spots in south Florida – Palm Beach. We parked in West Palm and drooled over boats in the marina, and walked across the bridge to the island. Getting stuck by the opening drawbridge over the Intracoastal is always fun. Not exactly what we’re used to in the mountains.

Palm Beach is home to beautiful buildings (right down to the banks!), a gorgeous beach, and Worth Ave., which is home to some of the most exclusive shopping in the world. Oh. And the cars. Lamborghinis, Porsches, Aston Martins, Rolls Royces….. The list goes on. SO many hot cars.

By the time we made it back around to the west side of the Intracoastal, we were hungry. Lunch was at EJ Bradley’s, an old favorite. At which we were accompanied by the most random bunch of birds….