Sometimes you just need a vacation to free your mind…so that’s what I did! I spent a few days in Miami and although surrounded by some Spring Breakers, it was one of the most relaxing trips I’ve ever taken there. The main agenda for this trip was to relax. I spent my time at the rooftop pool, a day in a cabana bed on the beach, and hit a few restaurants. Here’s a recap of where I stayed and a few restaurants I visited.
President Hotel
When I researched a hotel for my getaway, I wanted a convenient location, a good price, and a rooftop pool, and President Hotel delivered. The hotel is located on Collins Ave, one block from the beach (Ocean Drive), and close to nearby restaurants. The room was clean, and the staff was amazing. Henry at the front desk was great and helped with stowing bags when I checked out, and Elliott the pool guy, was hospitable and kind. From laying out your towel on the chair, setting up the umbrella, and checking in periodically to see if there was anything I needed.
Little Hen Midtown Miami
A college classmate shared the cutest reel on Instagram of Little Hen and after watching it, I added brunch to the top of my agenda. I was so proactive with my reservation that I tried to book my reservation the week I booked my hotel, but they only post reservations about a month in advance. Everything from the accent pillows, framed menu card, floral details everywhere, and the food and cocktails (I had the cotton candy cocktail and rose-infused sangria, and chicken and waffles for my entree). I can’t wait to go back again and try the rose petal pancakes.
Limonada Bar + Brunch
My best friend found Limonada Bar+Brunch and she found a South Beach gem! They’re located on Washington Ave, just a block from my hotel, and I loved the decor. We originally planned to check out Limonada for happy hour and small bites, and I’m so glad we stayed for dinner. We had the wings, coconut shrimp, Caesar salad and Penne alla Vodka with shrimp. And we couldn’t pass up on bottomless mimosas!
Thanks Miami for the relaxing getaway…until next time. Now where to next?
One of my last social outings was to Boordy Vineyards. When it comes to safe socially -distant activities during the pandemic, besides driveway dates and shopping in masks, one of the best ones I’ve come up with so far is a day at Boordy. My close friend and I planned a fall day at the winery weeks in advance, but the weather kept getting in the way. It all worked out because we finally got a beautiful fall Sunday and the weather, charcuterie, and wine were perfect.
Socially-Distanced Lawn Area
The lawn area is set up with tables properly distanced and with a maximum of 6 people per table. Masks are required when interacting with Boordy staff and when away from the table. Boordy opened at noon for lawn tables and the first wine flight reservation (there is a second at 2 p.m.). We got there at 11:30 a.m. since lawn tables are first-come, first-serve, I wanted to snag a table for after our tasting. We placed our charcuterie snacks and a blanket on a table, then headed to the tent for our 12 p.m. wine flight reservation.
Wine Flights
One thing I really liked about Boordy is that you had to make a reservation for a wine flight tasting. That way they can control how many people are under the tent and have adequate time to sanitize before the next tasting. We scanned a QR code to view the wine flight options, and the wine was delivered to our table contact-less in a wine flight carrier. After our tasting, which was self-guided, we had the opportunity to order wine from our table during our 90-minute reservation.
Another Sunday at Boordy
I ended up going back the following weekend with some girlfriends. We were craving some face to face time, and an outdoor tasting met all of our comfort levels. The only hiccup this time was the weather. It was a chillier Fall day with the chance of afternoon rain. Unlike the week before, we didn’t grab a lawn table to hang out after. But, we were able to hang out under the heated tented. Our 90-minute reservation opened up to the opportunity of 4 hours since there weren’t any tasting reservations at 2 p.m.
So we nibbled on some snacks, sipped wine, and had a round table discussion about our 2020 blessings. This year has been like no other, but there are so many things to be grateful for…and I’m grateful for my amazing girl gang (and their appreciation for wine)!
Thanks for reading along!
Xo,
* COVID-19 Disclosure – Myself and the parties photographed take necessary precautions and wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Typically on the last Saturday in October, I am all excited and living my best life at homecoming. It’s the one time of year I can pretend I’m in college again and reconnect with all my college friends at University of Maryland. But clearly, this year is a little different.
It’s kind of funny, I didn’t go to any of my high school reunions, but it seems like every year I go to homecoming it’s a mini school/college reunion. I get to see all of my classmates and friends, reaching all the way back to college orientation.
Every year homecoming just brings back all the feels. From driving down Route 1, seeing the iconic “M” as I enter the campus, and seeing my old dorm and stomping grounds. Route 1 looks a little different now, to all my Terps, I know we’re still missing Wawa, Santé Fe, and Lupo’s, BUT there’s still Cornerstone! And the reason I go back is to connect with friends, go down good ole memory lane, and to tailgate, of course. And confession, it’s barely about the football game to me…I’ve probably been to two or three of the homecoming games. I am there just for the social aspect (food, drinks, laughter, pictures, and memories).
It’s been 13 years (I know crazy right) since I graduated and shockingly homecoming became more of a big thing for me after I graduated. From decking out in my Maryland gear, tailgating before and through the game, and going back to my relive my college days with all of my friends I made at UMD. To my fellow Terps…hang in there hopefully there will be some normalcy next year. To all my readers who are feeling the absence of homecoming…I sympathize with you, let’s all stay safe and healthy, and hopefully, we’ll have the homecomings we once had soon.
This week I went to the office to clear out my cubicle as our office prepares to create shared workspaces. Like many others, it was mid-March when I started working remotely and everything changed. There’s just something about living through a pandemic, working full-time, and being a Black woman during a time of racial tension and injustice. At the end of the day, it’s just a lot.
Last year I shared a few of my favorite things…and I figured it was time for part 2. I’ve added links below so these can become your new favorites too! Everything a good pink lip, the perfect pair of sunglasses, and my everyday go to’s!
I spent my last weekend before the quarantine was set in place (and the world shut down) with the best two women in my life, mom and my sister, at Lady Camellia’s for high tea.
