South Beach

We have returned to South Beach, Florida, after our last cruise two years ago when Bruce first ran with Raven.  This time, we are going on another cruise so we decided to schedule time in South Beach again so Bruce could run with Raven a second time.  We noticed now that on Raven's website you can see that Bruce (or "Permission", as he's known by Raven) is on Raven's map of people from all over the world who have run with him.  We lived in Boise then, so that's where "Permission" is marked. The beach is gorgeous here, as usual.  Above, Bruce is standing at the guard station where Raven begins all his runs.  We were checking things out today as we did our own little walking tour of the Art Deco area of South Beach.

Sometimes they have old cars out front that match the building.

And sometimes there is a business named after the district.

I can just imagine all the parties going on in the 1930's in these beautiful buildings. They have really preserved them with very little change.  Although, I know Starbucks did not exist back then.  An art deco Starbucks.

Our hotel, called the SLS Hotel, is also quite unique.  The hotel we stayed in two years ago was the National Hotel right on the beach which was very art deco.   

Our current hotel is a block away, also on the beach, but not exactly art deco. We don't know how to describe it except it is like being in our favorite Boise restaurant, Barbacoa Grill. It's even more elegant than the National Hotel. Here is the concierge area

and some other decor. 

The elevators give you the illusion that there are people in it. 

Our room is wonderful, to say the least, with a view of the beach. 

They provide lots of snacks and beverages.   And white robes. 

There are two pools.

So basically, not a lot to complain about.  Last night, we went out for Mexican food on Espanola Way which is like a little Mexico area. 

We know that there probably won't be Mexican food on the cruise and we also know, from our past visit, that the Mexician food here is good

and so are the drinks.  I had two.

There is no shortage of drinks in South Beach, however.  Everywhere you turn, they are promoting some other outragious drink.

How about a lollipop for a stir stick for your drink from the Sugar Factory?

Another restaurant/shopping area is the Lincoln Road Mall. (It's a street with no cars with shops and restaurants that goes on for many blocks)  We had breakfast there at a wonderful French restaurant called Paul's with fresh squeezed orange juice that was as sweet as can be.

I had a vegetable omelet but you could choose what you wanted in your omelet.

We remembered this place from our last visit and had to return.  The pastries were abundant but we are pacing ourselves since we are soon beginning a cruise.  I have gone 16,000 steps already today and we haven't even gone out to dinner yet. The three main eating areas; Espanola Way, Lincoln Road Mall, and Ocean Drive (the art deco main street) are all within walking distance from our hotel.  This spot is ideal for a stop over in Miami Beach's South Beach and for taking a run with Raven.  South Beach, we will be back.