NSS: Miami Beach

whitak24 · 02-23-2005, 02:24 AM

i'm excited, because a couple friends and i decided that we really needed a vacation somewhere with sunshine and beaches, and so we booked tickets to miami beach for next weekend (thursday-monday). we're staying at the Casablanca on the Ocean hotel, which is right on the oceanfront. it's just going to be a few days of relaxing with nothing in particular to do.

even better, because we got everything pretty cheap, the trip is only costing us about $350 each.

it will just be nice to get away. i'm dealing with my breakup with my girlfriend, one of my friends has a ton of family stress [her dad was paralyzed about a year ago] and school stress [she's graduating with her masters this spring], while my other friend graduated in december but can't find a job so she's probably going to have to move back to california with her parents. so it will be a good time for us all to relax and hopefully forget about all the problems.

Kim · 02-23-2005, 06:50 AM

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, but your trip sounds fantastic! Have a time!

ialsohaveadream · 02-23-2005, 08:17 AM

Welcome to south FL! It's 80 degrees in February!

Seriously, enjoy. I live right nearby and I haven't been down to Miami in years.

eSDee · 02-23-2005, 09:41 AM

Dude whitak, I didn't know you and your old lady broke up I'm sorry to hear that

I am glad that you are gonna get out there and have some fun I can't imagine the pressure you must have in law school. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of the hot mommas for your Got Apex brothers (and sisters)!

whitak24 · 02-23-2005, 11:18 AM

thanks for the condolances guys. it definitely sucks, and it's been a tough couple of weeks. but i will try to bring back pics of hot bikini chicks for all you sick bastards here

ufcrusher · 02-23-2005, 12:48 PM

Sorry to hear about the lady troubles.....but frankly given the fact that most relationships dont withstand law school, I am not that surprised. (One of those lovely factoids that the professors at different schools alert you to shortly after starting class :rolleyes" )

Now if you had only booked your ticket for a little later, we could have met up. I'll be returning to my Florida abode for a week in the beginning of March (9th) for a friends wedding and to see family.

I would suggest taking a day trip down the keys. I would personally plan on going to Pennekamp underwater national park on Key Largo. I believe its at mile marker 103 and its well worth the time and money. You have two options, unless you are a certified diver in which case you have a third. Option 1, is the glass bottom boat tour which takes you out on the reef. Obviously, you dont get wet but you also are limited to seeing things as a result of being in the boat. Option 2, is to go snorkeling. Option 3, is diving. Either of those options are loads of fun. These are considered to be THE only living tropical reef in the US. They have full rental equipment at the park and even rent wetsuits for the colder months. The official website is www.pennekamppark.com and should give you all the information you need. I have been going to Pennekamp since the early 80's and always loved it.

The other benefit of going to Pennekamp is that its a short drive from where you will be staying as Key Largo is basically the uppermost key. (I never count key biscayne)
One hint is to take Card Sound Rd which bypasses a large portion of US 1 and will save you time. Its well worth paying the price of the toll bridge. The road used to have tons of shantys built along it as well as a few buisnesses and other ramshackle places, which added an interesting flavor. Unfortunately, when Hurricane Andrew hit shore, most of the shantys and other buildings were destroyed. As time goes on, more and more places are returning though so its not as barren as it was right after the storm. Another neat feature of going on card sound road is that you will be driving through a crocodile preserve and there is supposedly a chance that you will see one. (Although in the 25+ years that I remember using that road I have never seen one)

A good restaurant to eat in after going to Pennekamp is called Sundowners....its on the other side of US1 just up the road from the park.

If you have the time and or desire, you can go further down in the keys. On Islamorada you have the Holiday Isle Beach Resort which has the Tiki bar in which Cocktail was filmed. I have gone deep sea fishing out of here as well as parasailing....but I never stayed there. Also on Islamorada is Cheeca Lodge....which is an amazing hotel/resort. Cheeca lodge is known for their salt water lagoon stocked with fish. Basically it was a circular path several feet deep and 10 feet wide that contained marine fish including rays and sharks. A pathway crossed over the lagoon and it was an amazing site. When I was last there, the lagoon was being redone but is once again listed on their websites as being a highlight. Additionally, they had an area that was seperated from the sea by a retaining wall that was stocked with native species of fish in which you could snorkel, which I thought was an interesting idea. This is a great place to stay the night. I have gone snorkeling, parasailing, jetskiing, and fishing through the resort.

Unless you are planning on spending the night, Islamorada is probably the farthest you would want to go for a day trip. However, if you do want to get a hotel somewhere in the Keys, you can continue down US1. Reasons to go further down the keys including crossing the seven mile bridge, driving through the key deer area, and hitting key west. Obviously, Key west is the farthest south you can get in the US. Duval street is a fun place to party and there are plenty of other activities to keep yourself busy if you arent in the mood to drink 24hrs/day. (fishing, snorkeling, diving, sun bathing, jet skiing, seeing the conch homes, etc.)

Hope thats a good enough overview. Another option would be to head up to Ft. Lauderdale (Beach place and Riverwalk are good night places)....you can go discount shopping crazy at Sawgrass Mills mall, which specializes in outlet type stores......you can go to the new Hard Rock Hotel/casino. (I havent been yet, but from what I am told its the new "IT" place to be). Lots of other places to head to if you dont mind long drives and/or want to people watch/shop.

nickel · 02-23-2005, 01:25 PM

HAVE FUN whitak!!!! the beach, the eyecandy, the parties....

ok, it's official: i am jealous.

DarkFury · 02-23-2005, 01:42 PM

Dayuum... I'm envious. I wish I could go...

Pretty girls on the beach in Miami...

Oh so fine!!!!

whitak24 · 02-23-2005, 02:03 PM

hey crusher, i don't know if we're going to have a car while we're down there, so i'm not sure if we'll be getting out of miami much. if we do, i'll definitely try to get to pennekamp. it sounds like a sweet place.

usedillusion · 02-23-2005, 02:27 PM

one guy and two girls shackin' up in miami beach? schwing!

Nija · 02-23-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usedillusion

one guy and two girls shackin' up in miami beach? schwing!

Threesome!

Remember to wrap it up, and to liberally apply the ky

And if you don't bring us back pictures, you will be beaten.

ufcrusher · 02-23-2005, 06:00 PM

Not that I have much experience with rental cars down there (as the only times I have needed one were when my/my family's car(s) were in the shop) but the last time I rented one in July 01, it was surprisingly cheap. I would definitely look into getting one, even if it was just for part of your trip.

ialsohaveadream · 02-23-2005, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eSDeeLoco

Dude whitak, I didn't know you and your old lady broke up I'm sorry to hear that

I am glad that you are gonna get out there and have some fun I can't imagine the pressure you must have in law school. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of the hot mommas for your Got Apex brothers (and sisters)!

Damn my ADD...I didn't even catch that whitak had broken up with the missus! Whitak, my condolences. I feel your pain.

If you get a Cuban bartender in Miami, make sure to ask for the "Cuba libre....FUERTE!" Just trust me on this one.

02-23-2005, 02:24 AM	#1
whitak24 easily amused Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: my office Posts: 9,781	NSS: Miami Beach i'm excited, because a couple friends and i decided that we really needed a vacation somewhere with sunshine and beaches, and so we booked tickets to miami beach for next weekend (thursday-monday). we're staying at the Casablanca on the Ocean hotel, which is right on the oceanfront. it's just going to be a few days of relaxing with nothing in particular to do. even better, because we got everything pretty cheap, the trip is only costing us about $350 each. it will just be nice to get away. i'm dealing with my breakup with my girlfriend, one of my friends has a ton of family stress [her dad was paralyzed about a year ago] and school stress [she's graduating with her masters this spring], while my other friend graduated in december but can't find a job so she's probably going to have to move back to california with her parents. so it will be a good time for us all to relax and hopefully forget about all the problems.

02-23-2005, 06:50 AM	#2
Kim Eternally Ensign Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Utah Posts: 4,573	I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, but your trip sounds fantastic! Have a time! __________________ Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you'll be a mile from them, and you'll have their shoes. --Jack Handey Deep Thoughts

02-23-2005, 08:17 AM	#3
ialsohaveadream Fleet Admiral Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: FL Posts: 8,077	Welcome to south FL! It's 80 degrees in February! Seriously, enjoy. I live right nearby and I haven't been down to Miami in years. __________________ Web log

02-23-2005, 09:41 AM	#4
eSDee Old Skooler Numba 1 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Diego Posts: 10,063	Dude whitak, I didn't know you and your old lady broke up I'm sorry to hear that I am glad that you are gonna get out there and have some fun I can't imagine the pressure you must have in law school. Make sure you take plenty of pictures of the hot mommas for your Got Apex brothers (and sisters)! __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3 days ~ Willie Nelson 3 days I dread to see arrive 3 days I hate to be alive 3 days filled with tears and sorrow yesterday today and tomorrow

02-23-2005, 12:48 PM	#6
ufcrusher Admiral Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boca Raton, FL: By way of: Poway, CA; Gainesville, Fl; Penn Valley, Pa. Posts: 5,680	Sorry to hear about the lady troubles.....but frankly given the fact that most relationships dont withstand law school, I am not that surprised. (One of those lovely factoids that the professors at different schools alert you to shortly after starting class :rolleyes" ) Now if you had only booked your ticket for a little later, we could have met up. I'll be returning to my Florida abode for a week in the beginning of March (9th) for a friends wedding and to see family. I would suggest taking a day trip down the keys. I would personally plan on going to Pennekamp underwater national park on Key Largo. I believe its at mile marker 103 and its well worth the time and money. You have two options, unless you are a certified diver in which case you have a third. Option 1, is the glass bottom boat tour which takes you out on the reef. Obviously, you dont get wet but you also are limited to seeing things as a result of being in the boat. Option 2, is to go snorkeling. Option 3, is diving. Either of those options are loads of fun. These are considered to be THE only living tropical reef in the US. They have full rental equipment at the park and even rent wetsuits for the colder months. The official website is www.pennekamppark.com and should give you all the information you need. I have been going to Pennekamp since the early 80's and always loved it. The other benefit of going to Pennekamp is that its a short drive from where you will be staying as Key Largo is basically the uppermost key. (I never count key biscayne) One hint is to take Card Sound Rd which bypasses a large portion of US 1 and will save you time. Its well worth paying the price of the toll bridge. The road used to have tons of shantys built along it as well as a few buisnesses and other ramshackle places, which added an interesting flavor. Unfortunately, when Hurricane Andrew hit shore, most of the shantys and other buildings were destroyed. As time goes on, more and more places are returning though so its not as barren as it was right after the storm. Another neat feature of going on card sound road is that you will be driving through a crocodile preserve and there is supposedly a chance that you will see one. (Although in the 25+ years that I remember using that road I have never seen one) A good restaurant to eat in after going to Pennekamp is called Sundowners....its on the other side of US1 just up the road from the park. If you have the time and or desire, you can go further down in the keys. On Islamorada you have the Holiday Isle Beach Resort which has the Tiki bar in which Cocktail was filmed. I have gone deep sea fishing out of here as well as parasailing....but I never stayed there. Also on Islamorada is Cheeca Lodge....which is an amazing hotel/resort. Cheeca lodge is known for their salt water lagoon stocked with fish. Basically it was a circular path several feet deep and 10 feet wide that contained marine fish including rays and sharks. A pathway crossed over the lagoon and it was an amazing site. When I was last there, the lagoon was being redone but is once again listed on their websites as being a highlight. Additionally, they had an area that was seperated from the sea by a retaining wall that was stocked with native species of fish in which you could snorkel, which I thought was an interesting idea. This is a great place to stay the night. I have gone snorkeling, parasailing, jetskiing, and fishing through the resort. Unless you are planning on spending the night, Islamorada is probably the farthest you would want to go for a day trip. However, if you do want to get a hotel somewhere in the Keys, you can continue down US1. Reasons to go further down the keys including crossing the seven mile bridge, driving through the key deer area, and hitting key west. Obviously, Key west is the farthest south you can get in the US. Duval street is a fun place to party and there are plenty of other activities to keep yourself busy if you arent in the mood to drink 24hrs/day. (fishing, snorkeling, diving, sun bathing, jet skiing, seeing the conch homes, etc.) Hope thats a good enough overview. Another option would be to head up to Ft. Lauderdale (Beach place and Riverwalk are good night places)....you can go discount shopping crazy at Sawgrass Mills mall, which specializes in outlet type stores......you can go to the new Hard Rock Hotel/casino. (I havent been yet, but from what I am told its the new "IT" place to be). Lots of other places to head to if you dont mind long drives and/or want to people watch/shop. __________________ Welcome my son, welcome to the machine...Where have you been? It's alright we know where you've been....

02-23-2005, 11:18 AM	#5
whitak24 easily amused Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: my office Posts: 9,781	thanks for the condolances guys. it definitely sucks, and it's been a tough couple of weeks. but i will try to bring back pics of hot bikini chicks for all you sick bastards here

02-23-2005, 01:25 PM	#7
nickel Vice Chairwoman, Joint Chieftess of Staff Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jeterville, NYY Posts: 17,786	HAVE FUN whitak!!!! the beach, the eyecandy, the parties.... ok, it's official: i am jealous. __________________ click me

02-23-2005, 01:42 PM	#8
DarkFury Secretary of the Navy Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Chillin' N Da 'Hood Posts: 34,997	Dayuum... I'm envious. I wish I could go... Pretty girls on the beach in Miami... Oh so fine!!!! __________________ DarkFury's Pimptopia - Don't Hate the Playa, Hate the Game! Home of the Original OG Pimp (accept NO imitations)

02-23-2005, 02:03 PM	#9
whitak24 easily amused Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: my office Posts: 9,781	hey crusher, i don't know if we're going to have a car while we're down there, so i'm not sure if we'll be getting out of miami much. if we do, i'll definitely try to get to pennekamp. it sounds like a sweet place.

02-23-2005, 02:27 PM	#10
usedillusion Lieutenant Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Jungle. Welcome. Posts: 461	one guy and two girls shackin' up in miami beach? schwing! __________________ and the pickles....

02-23-2005, 06:00 PM	#12
ufcrusher Admiral Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Boca Raton, FL: By way of: Poway, CA; Gainesville, Fl; Penn Valley, Pa. Posts: 5,680	Not that I have much experience with rental cars down there (as the only times I have needed one were when my/my family's car(s) were in the shop) but the last time I rented one in July 01, it was surprisingly cheap. I would definitely look into getting one, even if it was just for part of your trip.

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