insider Holiday Destinations
THANKSGIVING with sun, surf and sand a unique way to experience your holday
South Beach has been ranked as one of the top five most beautiful beaches in the world.
W
e are finishing our Thanksgiving meal, the best by far I’ve ever had. Juicy, crab-stuffed turkey medallions, bathed in a tropical sweet pineapple sauce, served with spicy steamy weather, organic sun rays, locally grown palm trees, beach with white sugary powder-like sand and, a side of the thirsty blue ocean, all in South Beach, FL. As soon as we stepped out of the airport, a warm and welcoming breeze shook our hands hello. What a pleasant surprise after the cold and windy DC weather earlier this morning. Although a bit tired from two-hour flight, we are eager to put our jackets away and hit South Beach. It is the most beautiful, diverse and welcoming beach in the United States. There is nowhere else you will see a famous bikini model and a homeless person lounging on the beach next to each other.
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Or a group of backpackers listening Reggae music from a a boom box while watching a photo-shoot for a sports calendar. All it takes is one look at the hypnotic state of the ocean, insolent seagulls trying to steal food from the beach crowd, blinding white sand and of course, the generous and warming sun.
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I really enjoy the true culture and spirituality this place has to offer during an ordinary holiday time making this an extraordinary experience.
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By Olga Rusal
The above coombination makes me forget the cold and bleak November back in DC. This is an experience I won’t forget or can compare to our usual Thanksgiving break. I think it’s time for a Piña Colada and a dip in the ocean.
B
esides the picture perfect beach, one of the places I always go to is the Lincoln Road. While all the tourists rush to Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road is one of the places where locals like to hang out. I’ve also noticed that it is quiet different from any other time of the year. I love it here during this time of year. I am not tripping over tourists and I really enjoy the true culture and spirituality this place has to offer during an ordinary holiday time making this an extraordinary experience. Streets are less busy, crowds are more diverse. The aroma in the air is stronger and so much more tempting. Lincoln road is the best place to enjoy
Holiday Destinations insider people watching. Of course, I am eager to see the usual suspects: Mr. Clucky (a pet rooster) and his owner taking a bike ride, a unicyclist in a skin colored tight lycra suit, the patriotic duo (a Chihuahua and its owner dressed up in red white and blue from head to toe or from head to paw), and the three Great Danes owner, who is barely noticeable behind his dogs due to his height. Infact, I am never sure who is taking whom for a walk. South Beach is packed with its hidden gems and unique experiences. Every time I am here, I always discover a new one. This time around, it’s the best turkey medallions stuffed with crab meat and bathed in a pineapple sauce.
Favorite hot spots in
South Beach The Parrot Cafe on 8th and Ocean. Even
though this is a tourist attraction, I have never experienced anything so outlandish. Latin pop music 24/7 and leopard dressed bartenders take turns dancing on the bar. This place always has something new to offer. Delano on 18th and Collins. The very first step I take into that extraordinary hotel and lounge, I always fell like I am walking into paradise. Everything in here is white and sleek. The white sushi bar, the 18 foot tall sheer white curtains, white arm chairs, white furry blankets on the furniture, the white french double doors leading to the pool area. The Fox Cafe on 5th and Ocean. It is the best live guitar music I’ve ever heard. Add a few tasty strawberry mojitos, a dancing girl dressed in white to accompany the music and my evening is complete.
Vibrant Ocean Drive at Night
Pasha’s on Lincoln Road. I never skip this restaurant because of the best freshly squeezed tangerine juice and a spicy salmon paella wrap. It is a tradition of mine for an early lunch after a much anticipated flight.
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