Miami ~ South Beach & The Florida Keys

So, I'll be honest. I am still in mourning today. I returned home from one of the best vacations I've ever had this past Tuesday and I am STILL not over it. I am trying to readjust to the "real-world" but am struggling to get back into a familiar routine. Let me tell you why it's been such a difficult transition home...

On Tuesday June 14th, my Mom, Dad, Andy and I headed out to Dulles Airport bright and early to catch a flight to Fort Lauderdale. We arrived around 10:30am in Florida, got our rental car, and headed straight for the beach! We had a nice beach-side lunch and then headed south to Miami. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach. AMAZING! I was so impressed with all of the accommodations and the staff. In the past, when I've visited "upscale" resorts or dined at "5-star" restaurants, I have sometimes been disappointed and wondered what the hoopla was all about. This was not the case at all with our stay at the Ritz Carlton. We stayed for 2 nights and were waited on hand in foot. Free drinks and juices by the pool, dinner's comp'd for minor inconveniences, free bottles of champagne, and a friendly smile everywhere you turn! We spent our days in Miami by the pool and beach and then Andy and I headed out to see the town. The first night, we walked up and down Lincoln Road to see the shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The second night, we were lucky enough to find a small dive bar that happened to be Ladies Night... so I drank for free! We had a great visit in South Beach! Short but sweet...

On the Beach at Fort Lauderdale

The Ritz Carlton ~ South Beach

Lunch Poolside with the Family

South Beach, Miami with Andrew

On Thursday, we drove south on Route 1 to head to Key West for the final 5 days of our vacation. In Key West, we stayed on a private island just off the coast of the main island. Sunset Key Island, our home away from home for the week, was only accessible via boat. There are no cars on the island itself, only golf carts. It was the most peaceful place on earth! There are only about 30 cottages for rent on the island and we were fortunate enough to have an ocean front cottage with the best view on the island!

Our Mint Green Cottage on the Beach

Sunset Key Island from the Boat

We enjoyed soaking up the Floridian sun on the private beach and by our beautiful oasis of a pool during the hot, humid days...

watched the sunset off our cottage balcony in the evenings...

and then took the boat across the water to Key West to catch dinner and drinks in the evening. Andy and I checked out Duval Street a few nights and had a great time with our frozen drinks & making new friends. What a fun place Key West is! Here's a few more glimpes of our fabulous vacation and some reasons why it's so hard to say goodbye too...

Lunch at Jimmy Buffet's Original Margaritaville

Mom & I getting our Key Lime Pie, a Key West must!

Dad & I after our Conch Trolley Tour of Key West

Andy and I out latenight on Duval Street

Swimming to Cuba!

The Family out to Dinner

This amazing vacation would never have been possible without my absolutely INCREDIBLE parents! My Dad does the best job planning out memorable and fun vacations for all of us! Thanks for letting Andy and I tag along :) I love you both!