Miami Beach--New Years 2006

December 27th to January 3rd 2005/06


Went to Miami again this past month...... Stayed at the Eden Roc Hotel. It's main claim to fame is that many of the stars of yesteryear visited the Eden Roc when they were in Miami Beach. Sinatra, Deano, Lucille Ball and many others were regulars. A great place.... still very nice and comfortable. Currently owned by Marriott yet you wouldn't know it when you visit. The Eden Roc still retains it's own personality and charm of days gone buy. Yet with all of today's modern comforts and expectations and a wonderful staff.

Found some new bars this time. My new favorite South Beach dive bar is Ted's Hideaway..........

A dark, casual spot that is in complete contrast to the normal "club" scene so prevalent around the area.

It's nice just to pull up a bar stool, order up and ice cold beer..... sit back and relax in a casual atmosphere. It's right around the corner from the Opium Garden..... so it gets the spillover crowd from there when the line gets too long.

Also went to Playwrights..... another casual "Irish Pub" type establishment with good beers on tap and plenty of sociable people.

Also visited Coconut Grove a few times..... always a nice experience.... good restaurants, good bars, beautiful women..... It has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to South Beach. So, it's nice to hang out in the grove for a change.

Spent a lot of time on the beach as well. It's always nice to relax in the sun.

Miami was over run with fans for the Orange Bowl game. So, we were surrounded with Penn State fans. Which in itself is not a bad thing. But, when you go to Miami to escape the Midwest, it kind of tough to be surrounded by the people that you have just flown 1200 miles to get away from.

I'm returning to Miami in February. Staying at the Marriott South Beach. (Coincidentally, right across the street from Ted's). Can't wait to get back to the beach, the bars, the scenery and the warm weather.....