Sunday, October 16, 2016

Two Things You Have to do in Miami

The Little Magpie Miami Photo Diary 12 

Hello, and welcome to my Miami photo diary part two! For the second part of our stay we stayed at the wonderful National Hotel, which has the longest infinity-edge pool in Miami beach and a bloody wonderful view across Miami. As well as that, it sits right on the beautiful South Beach, so you have that ready and waiting for you when you fancy a beach day. Plus the interiors aren't all to bad to look at either; I left with some lovely memories and a burning desire to own a gramophone. Oh my goodness, also, make sure and catch one of the cabaret nights! It's one of the most things I've done in a long time.

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Look at that SEA. So, my first must-see is The Fairchild Botanical Gardens, which have been open to the public since right back in 1938. They weren't the kind of thing I expected at all from Miami, so I think the surprise aspect definitely added to it, but they're just so peaceful and beautiful to walk around. As well as lots of rare tropical plants and flowers (how wonderful is the pink one above?) they also have a huge big beautiful butterfly house, which was a real highlight for my butterfly loving self. Have a little look for yourself...

Side note: you can rent the gardens out for weddings, which I think would possibly just be the best thing in the entire world. 

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Beautiful, aren't they? My next must-see, or must-visit, is Wynwood Arts District. It's filled to the brim with incredible murals and graffiti that cover every wall, and is home to the famous Wynwood Walls; an outdoor exhibit created by some of the most renowned street artists in the world. Seriously, whether you're into your grafitti and your murals or not, it's definitely worth a visit. We had a really in-depth guided tour with Miami's Best Graffiti Guide, run by Pedro and Ryan (spot Pedro in the rucksack below) which was amazing as you get to discover a little bit more about the story behind each piece and the artist that created them. If you're going to head there then I'd definitely recommend letting them take you round! After that we stopped off at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar for some lunch, which you have to do - and get some ceviche while you're at it. Oh, and a homemade lemonade. Deelish.

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How friggin incredible is this carved-into-the-concrete mural? I don't want to say it puts my stickmen drawings to shame, but...

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And there we have it! If you missed my other Miami posts, fear not, check um out here!

Miami: A Week in Outfits | REVOLVE in Miami | Miami in Photos

Amy 

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I was a guest of both the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, which has lots of useful information on places to stay and things to do in Miami (miamiandbeaches.com) and of Thomas Cook Airlines, flying direct from Manchester Airport. Flights from Manchester to Miami start from £379.98 in economy and £619.98 in premium economy. Prices are subject to availability and valid for travel between May and June 2016. For further details and to book, visit thomascookairlines.com