A Wren Says

While I was in Aventura, Florida staying at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, I had to find some way to spend my time. I considered taking an uber down to the Dior Café, but ultimately I chose to see as much as I could within walking distance of the hotel this is what I did.

Visit Aventura Mall

The biggest draw within walking distance of the property for me was the Aventura Mall, a haven for luxury shopping. I got there early, before the stores were really open and got myself a matcha and pan de bono and the Imperial Moto Café. I was lured by the biker décor. The matcha latte was grassy and not my taste, but the pane de bono had me craving more. I wonder if I had gone to the original location if I would have had a better drink.

I then went on an extensive window-shopping journey, too timid to walk inside all of the luxury stores, knowing full well I wouldn’t be buying anything. I admired the displays and wondered what the experience inside would be like. Then I went on my sniffing tour, including smelling Fefe, the Dolce & Gabbana fragrance for dogs. I would definitely want my dog to smell like that. I also want to smell like that. I got myself a pack of masks to give myself my own in room facial and chocolates from Laderach. Though I tried to see as much as I could, I wish I had taken the time to visit a sit-down restaurant. If I were to visit the area again, I would still have much more left to see.  

Eat at Pura Vida

The “TikTok girlies” had me convinced that a smoothie at Pura Vida was a must once you head to Miami. I was sure to oblige. I took the walk there from the hotel. After walking circles in the Chuck E Cheese parking lot, I finally realized that Google Maps was telling me to walk down a parking lot strip into an alley way.

Luckily it was bright daylight on a busy day. Otherwise, I never would have taken the chance to try the blue Coco Azul smoothie. I also ordered the Spicy Tuna wrap, which was not spicy, at all. The meal was filling but did not live up to the hype.

Walk the Don Soffer Exercise Trail

Really, the Don Soffer Exercise trail is a glorified sidewalk tracing around a 3 mile path. There were birds galore and people to watch. It was a good way to see more of the area for free. And by see more of the area, I mean look at all of the developments, golf courses, and park benches.

Night time beach walk

Did you even go to Miami if you didn’t go to the beach at least once once? Even though it was already dark, we took an Uber to the Sunny Isles beach to feel the said between our toes. We were far from the only ones there. The shore was full of people, largely high schoolers, enjoying their time. Though some were still throwing frisbees around in the darkness, there was little to do other than sit have deep, meaningful conversations in the ocean breeze or casually stroll. There was no way I was going to get into the water without being able to see what was there.  

Here are some other things I did while in town:

Sweat

Coming from further north, I thought my trip down south was going to be a light winter reprieve. No. While it was not summer time hot, my body wasn’t used to the humidity. And after walking around all day long, I was exhausted and dehydrated. Be sure to drink your water.

Binge watch

With any hotel stay, I truly enjoy watching as much trash TV as possible. But this time I switched it up and watched a bunch of YouTube. I got stuck on this Epicurious series and started taking notes. Also, this was a recovery activity for me, because I was after all, exhausted.

Get bitten by mosquitos

It was February but it seems that biting insects don’t understand or live by time my human understanding of time. I believe that winter months should be free from mosquitos. But alas, if you are sensitive to insect bites, you might want to consider wearing bug spray. Trust me, pants and long sleeves won’t be enough to save you. My own weekend bite count was at 5.

You don’t have to do these last three activities. But if you do take a visit to Aventura or Miami, let me know what you get up to. I just may add it to my own must-do list.