A Taste of Miami with Miami Freelance Writer
Suzy Buckley

Foodie and Shopper

My travel cravings are for walkable sightseeing, mountains, culture, and fresh air. My earliest travel memory is standing sideways at the now-defunct Wonder Spot ("a place where the laws of gravity seem to be repealed!") in Wisconsin Dells, probably around age 5. I don't understand how places like that could just "go out of business" if it was the real deal!

I would spend my perfect day in Miami because it's cosmopolitan, diverse, and has the best weather in the world 10 months of the year. I would stay on Fisher Island.

The activities that can't be missed

1. A beachfront run (or walk) from South Pointe Park to the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, then west on Lincoln Road. It's a great way to get your boundaries, and some much-needed exercise to balance all the Miami debauchery.

2. A long, waterfront lunch with lots of rose wine outside at Smith & Wollensky or La Piaggia, where you can watch the cruise ships go through Government Cut.

3. In-season, a concert by the amazing Miami Symphony Orchestra.

A Taste of Miami with Miami Freelance Writer
My favorite places to eat

1. Champagne and truffle ravioli at Il Gabbiano

2. Grilled salmon with orzo at Mandolin Aegean Bistro

3. Monachina pizza and "Esotica" salad at Fratelli La Bufala

The places you should definitely see

1. Bal Harbour Shops

2. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

3. A Miami sunrise (either because you stayed out late enough, or got up early enough)

A Taste of Miami with Miami Freelance Writer
A Taste of Miami with Miami Freelance Writer
My favorite hidden gems

1. Cap's Place in Lighthouse Point, Florida (a 45-minute drive north of Miami)

2. The Local House restaurant within the Sense Beach House Hotel

3. Azucar on Calle Ocho for the "Willy Cherrino" ice cream

My favorite bars are Casa Tua and Soho Beach House.

The most romantic thing you can do here: I should say something involving the sand and ocean, or a kayak ride around Biscayne Bay, but I prefer a romantic dinner somewhere like Pied a Tierre, Romeo's Café, or Casa Tua.

The place I'm most excited to go next is St. Petersburg, Russia.