
This past Christmas instead of buying gifts to each other for under the tree we decided to treat ourselves to a family vacation to Florida: destination cities Orlando and Miami. My kids (Ryan, 19 and Emily, 16) are die-hard Harry Potter fans and wanted to first and foremost hit the parks and studios. Just a heads up, if you are not a lineup or crowd person, avoid travelling to Disney/Universal parks the week between Christmas and New Years. However, if you are blessed with a lot of patience and willing to commit to long waits for Magical thrills and virtual experiences, absolutely go for it!
To be honest, I am NOT a lineup person at all. But it was well-worthwhile for me this trip, why? Because of the quality time spent in the 2-4 hour per ride lineups just chatting with my hubby and kids. That may seem strange, but it’s family time we get less and less of these days as my teen/young adult kids get older, more independent and start having their own lives with friends. So for that motherly perspective and reason, I was more than happy for the 4 of us to be confined to lineups with each other for hours on end! How’s that for turning lemons into lemonade?!
After the parks in Orlando, we drove down to Miami and I wanted to share with you our walking food tour in South Beach Miami with Miami Culinary Tours where we experienced delicious Columbian, Cuban, Mediterranean and Italian tastes Miami style.
The tour was also a wonderful way to experience the South Beach vibes while learning about the history and Art Deco in the area.
One of our stops was Larissa on the Beach the renowned Cuban restaurant by Gloria Estevan and Emilio Estevan. Because we had the restaurant all to ourselves, we really appreciated how the interior decor spectacularly brings Miami to the indoors.
This sculpture held high in the ceiling like a chandelier is an artistic representation of actual instruments used by musicians like Ricky Martin, Shikira and Gloria Estefan herself.
The dish we sampled at Larios was a delicious Beef Picadillo with Malanga Chips and Mojo (garlic) sauce. Absolutely tasty!
We continued our walking tour heading North on the happening strip of South Beach known as Collins Avenue to take in some more Art Deco. This building is The Villa Casa Casuarina now a boutique hotel previously the home of the late Gianni Versace where he was tragically gunned down. The iconic Breakwater Hotel is a legendary Art Deco piece in the heart of Miami Beach, not only a popular hotel but a destination for rooftop fashion photoshoots due to the remarkable natural lighting.
Other tastes along the way included:
Passion Fruit Ceviche with Beef & Potato Empanada – Boliver Restaurant
Authentic Italian Pistachio Gelato – Milani Gelateria
After the tour ended, we rested our satiated pallets and stomachs in preparation for our evening dining experience at the must try and famous Joe’s Stone Crab . There’s a good reason why guests are willing to line up on a first come first serve basis for 2 hour waits at the no-reservation restaurant. I kid you not, I observed around 100+ people on the wait list happily & patiently milling about the bar, lounge area which is vast enough in size to accommodate all the eagerly waiting guests.
These amazing experiences in Florida with my fam jam made crowds and waiting in lineups worthwhile – from the 2-4 hours spent in lineups for Avatar and Harry Potter to Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami!
Larissa
I love your positive attitude about waiting in the line with the family! That’s definitely a great way to look at things. I usually use that time to talk to friends as well, or to people-watch. I’m also a huge fan of the single-rider lines on certain rides. I figure I’m not going to be talking to my party on the ride anyway, so we might as well hit up those single-rider lines. That way we were able to go on some rides a couple of times! As for Miami, I’ve always wanted to go – and now I want to go even more. I love Cuban food, and what’s a more perfect place to go enjoy some than Larios on the Beach!
Harmony, Momma To Go
I thought we were going to Miami in March, but now its looking like not. I do love Miami! Anyway, what a special trip for you and your teenagers. I love that they are still into Harry Potter and want to hang with mom!
Sandy
Hi – oh sorry you may not get to go this time. Hopefully soon! Yes, I love that there’s still “kid” in my son & daughter. They grow up so fast!
Margaret
What a great Christmas present for your kids. We too prefer experiences rather than presents.
Sandy
Yes especially as the kids get older, it’s really more about spending time together than buying gifts! It’s a great gift for me to spend time with them!
Lauren
Sounds like a great trip! And the food is making me hungry looking at it lol!
Lauren
Sandy
Thanks, Lauren! It was a great trip indeed!
KD
Yummy! Thanks for all the great suggestions. I live in Tampa and go to Orlando frequently. Most def have to add these to my list!
Sandy
We wanted to stop by Tampa too, but we decided to drive the other way to Miami from Orlando. Next time!
Patricia G.
Sounds like a good time had by all! The food looks delicious too. I especially love seafood and empanadas. I officially tasted those when I was with my family on a recent trip we made.
Sandy
Thanks Patricia! Aren’t they just yummy?!
Suzanne
Looks like you had an amazing experience! I love food tours. 🙂
Sandy
Thanks Suzanne! Walking tours are a great way to discover and learn!
Jeff Honeywood
I’ve never been to Miami, but this really makes me want to go. I’m getting a little too old for the crazy party scene, but that food is right up my alley. Eventually, I want my food blog to include more traveling and Miami is definitely on the list.
sarah camille
What a fun family trip! It sounds like you all had a blast, and family time together like that is so special. 🙂
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat.
Looks like a fun trip! I like the idea of taking a trip instead of buying gifts because we (and most of our extended family) are getting to the point where nobody needs anything and we don’t know what to buy for each other. This would be a fun thing to do instead of searching for gifts!
Pilar
OMG! you made the best decision when by going on a family vacation to Florida! all your pictures are amazing, I really want to go! 😀
xoxo, Pilar
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Jessica Wagner
We are trying to plan a trip in May, I wonder how the lines are then? I am like you and get rather impatient lol. Although it will also be a once in a lifetime type visit with my sisters! So, worth the wait! XO
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Jessica
This sounds like a wonderful trip! I love the warm weather and finding local eateries!
Jessica Bradshaw
Oh my gosh! That sounds amazing. I love resort food so much. Love the photos!
Rhonda
Looks like this ended up being an amazing trip for you!!! I have never visited Miami but it’s definitely on my list of places to go.