David KrisoIf anyone lives on the east coast, they ought to be happy. Whether they live in the northeast, the mid-Atlantic region, or in the southeastern states, they’d be more than excited. Whether families, young adults, or middle-aged, they would all be happy. It’s winter! The snow really fell on the east coast. Some states got totally blanketed with snow. Some got hit with sleet, ice, and frozen rain. With the winter weather being at its worst, there cannot be a better time to think of a time and place when weather will be at its very best. Why can’t people think that way? Has anyone had visions of South Florida dancing through their heads? Has anyone given any thought to soaking up the sun’s rays and forgetting about what winter was all about? Now is the time to do so. South Florida is a destination in the making.
South Florida cannot be a more exciting place to be. When the calendar strikes May, one can imagine how many people will be hitting the skies and the rails to head for Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. Believe it or not, at this given time, South Florida is a dream destination for countless thousands. Where does one start when it comes to such a massive region? It all starts with an idea. Here’s a good start. It all begins with an Amtrak ticket. Amtrak’s Silver Meteor travels from New York City to Miami, covering the route in under twenty-four (24) hours. Here’s where the trip gets interesting. Why would Amtrak’s Silver Meteor be the ideal way to travel to South Florida? There’s a cut and dry incentive. Passengers who purchase a sleeping car berth ticket get their onboard dining included. Passengers who choose to travel in coach class pay for dining separately. Apparently, the choice is clear, agreed?
Miami is a beautiful city. When the sun rises, its skyline shimmers like a set of wine glasses. However, it is vital that travelers not let the name “Miami” gain their attention too quickly. Amtrak’s Miami station is not located anywhere near downtown Miami. It’s located north of Miami International Airport, a decent driving distance from downtown. If anyone is looking for the ideal destination, it would be Hollywood. Like Miami, Hollywood’s Amtrak Station is a fully Amtrak staffed facility. It is just ten (10) minutes away from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Baggage assistance is also provided. Even better, unlike the airlines, Amtrak allows up to four (4) checked pieces of luggage per person, and up to two (2) carry-on items per person (not including purses and laptops). The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino makes a great home base for anyone staying in the Miami area. It’s a destination within itself. If lounging by its massive swimming pool and spending a night or two of gambling are the intention, let it be. The Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Resort is also ten (10) minutes away. Further, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hollywood Beach and Hollywood Beach Marriott are within the same time frame. The beach lies just outside their door.
The beaches in Hollywood are the utmost picturesque. Hollywood Beach has a beach walk ideal for rollerblading and jogging. The ocean is just steps away from the hotels that line the beachfront. The one beach that does have a high popularity level and draws a great crowd is iconic Haulover Beach. Haulover Beach is the largest clothing-optional (nude) beach on the Atlantic Coast. Unlike its New Jersey counterpart, Sandy Hook’s Gunnison Beach, Haulover is much bigger. Like Gunnison Beach, Haulover Beach does have rip tides. Beach goers are advised to stay alert of the life guards’ warnings. Should rip tides be an issue, there’s always the opportunity to get a game of beach volleyball going or toss the Frisbee back and forth. Like Sandy Hook’s Gunnison Beach, Haulover Beach is family-oriented. Youngsters are welcome. There’s never a day without them digging trenches, constructing sand forts, and sandcastles. Whether it’s about soaking up rays and waves, mixing and mingling with the crowds, or striking up friendly conversations, it’s all good. Haulover Beach is known for ‘baring’ fond memories for all.
What else in South Florida can be experienced besides Miami Beach and Hollywood? Sports fans don’t have to look far. The Miami Marlins play at Loan Depot Park near downtown Miami. The Miami Dolphins play at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, nearest to Hollywood. The Florida Panthers play at Amerant Bank Arena in the Ft. Lauderdale suburb of Sunrise. The Miami Heat play at the Kaseya Center on the waterfront of downtown Miami. For those into botany and nature, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is approximately twenty (20) minutes from downtown Miami and roughly forty (40) minutes from Hollywood. Railroad buffs must not miss out on the South Florida Railway Museum in Deerfield Beach, north of Ft. Lauderdale. Deerfield Beach is approximately thirty-five (35) minutes from Hollywood. In all honesty, there is no need to stay in downtown Miami. South Florida’s TriRail commuter railroad conveniently connects South Florida cities including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami International Airport. South Florida is well connected, making any stay a walk in the park.
The first day of Spring is just two months away. Looking outside the window, the blinding snow storms of winter are the only obstacle in the way. The depressing, lifeless feeling of winter will be around for just a tiny bit longer. Come the month of May, the desire of traveling to South Florida will be hot on the minds of all travelers. Not only will South Florida be on the minds of adults, but all ages, including youngsters. Whether by air or by rail, South Florida is the destination to pack the bags. It’s a late Spring destination with much to offer for all walks of life. If taking the train is of preference, Amtrak is the way to go. Amtrak is luggage-friendly! The Silver Meteor holds the ticket. For those looking for nightlife, world-class entertainment, and letting loose, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the perfect home base. Should enjoying life in the birthday suit, soaking up the waves, and strolling the surf the way Mother Nature intended, Haulover Beach is calling. If professional sports or nature are sure to please, both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale share both worlds. In South Florida, water sports and golf are also calling. Whatever the warmth of late Spring brings to mind, South Florida is the right destination to enjoy the world without snow. Snow, sleet, and ice shouldn’t cause anyone to become obsessed with being trapped indoors. It’s the sunny nature of South Florida that will surely thaw the freezing cold sensations wearing on the vulnerable minds of travelers. Whatever definition winter brings to mind, South Florida has every antonym to counteract it.
