Happy Monday, friends! The sunshine state of mind is still with me, even after being home for several days. Or perhaps I’ve found myself settling into the summertime state of mind a little early? Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer, after all.
This is by no means a definitive guide to Miami Beach as our main goal for the trip was to kickback, relax and (over)indulge. Think of it more as a mini Miami Beach travel guide – a compilation of the most share-worthy spots we tried around the colorful beach town.
We stayed at The Confidante (formerly known at The Thompson) and the pool setup couldn’t have been more picturesque. I spent the mornings posted up poolside reading Jen Sincero’s You Are A Badass (more on that to come soon!) while simultaneously soaking up every ounce of Vitamin D that was humanly possible.
The pool was relatively quiet on account of the fact that we came in on the tail end of the holiday weekend, but for us, it was just what the doctor ordered.
Would you believe me if I said I brought this swan in my carry-on bag? My priorities are in check, clearly.
After getting settled, scoping out the pool and a quick jaunt down to the beach, we decided to venture over to Soho Beach House for dinner and drinks at Cecconi’s (pronounced che-coneys), which is the restaurant attached to the hotel. It was only a few blocks over so we were able to walk – which I loved!
We had the most amazing server, ever. I still can’t quite pinpoint what it was about him, other than the fact that he made us feel as if we were the only two in the entire restaurant. Simply put, his energy was infectious (and don’t even get me started on his accent). If you ever find yourself at Cecconi’s, ask for Alex S. We had such a great experience that we went back the next night, too! Imagine my excitement when we were seated at one of his tables again.
What we ordered (…on both occasions. Don’t judge, we just know what we like.): A bottle of Villa Pereire rosé, market cheese plate and accompaniments, calamari fritti, new york steak, grilled romaine with parmesan and margherita pizza.
The amazing team at Marion in Miami (about 15 minutes from our hotel, in the Brickell area) hosted us for dinner on our third (and last) night and it was truly an experience. We found ourselves seated on a quaint patio surrounded by lush greens. 
We decided to start with a cheese plate (I told you, creatures of habit) and much to my surprise, they brought out an entire cheese cart. A cheese CART! At that point, all bets were off.
It was such a special touch to be able to handpick our choice of cheeses right there at the table and I ended up learning a thing or two about what it is that I love about each cheese. I wanted to say, I’ll take the whole kit and caboodle, but I refrained. 
What we ordered (more like what didn’t we order): Le bubbly, Marion mule, a grande pimm’s cup, all the cheese (duh), lobster tagliatelle, bucatini cacio e pepe and a whipped dessert with fresh raspberries (which I can’t remember the name of for the life of me!) The desserts actually came out on a cart, too, and you could grab the one that caught your eye (read: stomach) from there.
It shouldn’t go unmentioned that the service was exceptional and the homemade pasta…to die for.
I shared my outfit of the night over on Snapchat (jessicazimlich), which just so happened to be a little white dress (on sale for $65 now and it has pockets! Fringe sandals here) and it immediately sent a handful of people into a tizzy thinking Pete and I were eloping! I assured everyone that wasn’t the case, but it did get us thinking about what we’re wanting to do as far as a wedding goes (ya know, 6 months after our engagement) and if all goes well, I’ll have more to share on that front soon!
After dinner, we met up with my friend Jetter for post-dinner drinks at Area 31 (also in Brickell), a rooftop bar with amazing views of downtown Miami.
When we weren’t filling our stomachs, we alternated between walking up and down the beach and enjoying beers under striped umbrellas, as one does in Miami Beach.
A few last minutes tidbits:
- Gratuity is already added to meals, which is something that doesn’t happen here in the Midwest. Honestly, it made things easy.
- Every restaurant we encountered in the Miami Beach area was connected to a hotel (even the Subway down the street!) – so don’t be afraid to venture in and peek around the different hotels to see what they’re offering!
- Uber was cheaper there than it is here in Kansas City! And you know the exact amount you’re going to pay upfront. We took an uber from the airport to the hotel (about a 17 minute drive) and it was less than $20.
We didn’t get to all the spots I had hoped to, but all the more reason to plan a trip back, right?
SHOP MY MIAMI BEACH ESSENTIALS (AND PACKING LIST):
It looks you had such a relaxing time! Glad you enjoyed yourself, and I’ll be putting Miami Beach on the list for when I finally find myself state side. x
It couldn’t have come at a better time 🙂 Yes, do! I hope you are doing well, Amy.
I need to go to Miami TODAY! Great photos, Jess!
YESSSS…and I need to go back with you! Thanks girlfriend 🙂
Your whole trip looked picture perfect! With just the right amount of chill, relaxation, food, and drinks…. ! I’m completely jealous and itching for our upcoming trips this year…
If by chill you mean me rolling around the floor of the hotel trying to deflate that damn swan after a few beers, then yes…so chill lolz. I should have had Pete video that. I’m thinking I’ll just leave that bad boy aired up for our trip home from the lake! So so excited 🙂
Ahhhh your trip looked AMAZING! And this is so random (but I’m sure you know me enough by now to know I’d swoon over this) but I LOVE that dining scene with the marble tables!! so pretty!!
It’s so so so good that you took the time to relax and put your “chill” hat on- writing/photographing travel guides are fun and awesome but sometimes it’s so much better being able to relax and enjoy yourself. Looks like you had a great trip!!
And I’m off to check that book out now 🙂
You would be in heaven at Cecconi’s! It’s evening brighter during the day (we went in the evening both times). The littles details around the restaurant gave it such character. I agree! I think I had such high expectations for what I wanted to get out of the trip but after day 1 I decided to just let it ride and chill out.
Let me know what you think of the book! It gave me a much needed kick in the pants 😉
This is making me crave the beach! Looks like you had a lovely trip! 🙂
I’m already plotting ways to get back down there! The water does wonders for the soul 🙂
These pictures and your snaps have me longing for a beach getaway! Also, I’m in LOVE with that suit! Glad you guys had a great time 🙂
Thanks girlfriend!! It was a much needed getaway 🙂
Sounds like such an amazing time! Still DYIIINGGG over that cheese cart, though! And also that you brought the swan in your carry-on. You don’t mess around when it comes to #floatiesonfleek 😉 #flyingfloaties (Ok, ok, I’m done with the floatie hashtags…for now haha)
It was life-changing, let me tell ya. I’m trying to figure out how to get one of those in our apartment! I really don’t 😉 That thing took me forever to deflate…but I suppose it was worth it!
This sounds amazing! I have been dying to go to Miami Beach.
You must! The water is so blue 🙂
YOUR TRIP looked incredible!!! Let’s go back!!!!!
I’m game 😉
Okay, I’m officially convinced to book a weekend getaway in Miami. I’m super jealous that you got to see LoJett 🙂
Such a fun post, friend!
Doooo itttt! You won’t regret it. It was so great to catch up with her! I hope you’re having a great week 🙂
Such an amazing trip! That patio at Marion looks so cute, and I’m obsessed with those fringe sandals!
I can’t wait to go back and visit a few other places we didn’t make it to! It was the cutest and the fact that the food was amazing made it that much better. Wearing the sandals now! So comfortable. Happy Thursday, Jenn! p/s your Instagrams (and quirky captions) make my day 🙂