4 Days in South Beach

What a great spot to shake off a bit of the winter cold. Blue water, sunny skies, temps in the 70's - what more could a weary winter warrior from the northern climes want in February?

Located on the beach just south of 5th street with an art deco style exterior and large by South Beach standards rooms, the South Beach Marriott is a terrific choice for a home-away-from-home in sunny south Florida.  It's easy walking distance from the heart of the art deco district and the fun of Ocean Drive's night life but far enough to provide a quiet, relaxing atmosphere when you're ready to just chill.  Nicely appointed rooms, a great outdoor bar/cafe overlooking the pool and ocean, and friendly attentive staff made for an excellent stay.

Along with a great hotel its important to have great things to do, and South Beach is stocked full.  First, there's the water.  On this trip we took an afternoon to do some fishing, but sailing, sight seeing tours, and diving are all among the water based fun to be had from Miami down to Key Biscayne.  After dark the fun moves from the water to the strip.  Great restaurants abound: local favorite Grillfish grills fresh fish to order in their open kitchen and serves an amazing whole red snapper; national chains like Fogo de Chao and Ruth's Chris live up to their reputations as beef lover's paradise; numerous restaurants line Ocean Blvd and offer al fresco dining throughout the year.  If your in the mood for more casual fare, head to Lucky Strike lanes and enjoy the upscale bowling and billiards and enjoy the food along with a full assorment of adult beverages.

For after dinner fun, Mango's is an experience you don't want to miss.  Fresh made mojito's compliment the bikini and fish-net clad young ladies who serve them while you enjoy the stage show of young, athletic dancers who tango and salsa the night away giving way occassionally to the Michael Jackson impersonator.  With this and the myriad of other night life spots to sample, don't be surprised when you wander back to your room and the clock reads 4:30AM.

And certainly not least is the beach.  When the weather starts to warm up, the sights, sounds and smells of the beach from salt air and suntan lotion to bikinis and volleyball, South Beach has something for everyone who enjoys relaxing in the sun on a white sand beach with the gentle sound of waves inexorably calling you to unwind.

South Beach awaits

Next up is a 4 day trip to South Beach.  Staying at the Marriott South Beach for meetings, plus
an afternoon on the water fishing and an evening at the lanes.  Can't wait to be back in the warm weather, just wishing it was a month or two from now and I'd haul my dive gear along.

Really starting to get the itch now - been 3 months since I've been underwater and probably another month till my first dive trip of the year.  You can see a few of my pics at:  Here's Your Shot Photography

Winter in Scottsdale

Sunny days in the mid 60's perfect for golf; cool, crisp evenings with a sky full of stars.  It's no wonder people flock from all over to enjoy the mild winters of central Arizona.

Just spent 3 nights at the Scottsdale Marriott @ McDowell Mountains.  The hotel sits in a great location near the McDowell mountains in north Scottsdale.  The unexpected Mediterranean style, all-suite hotel is adjacent
to the TPC Scottsdale Champions course and close to several other world class courses like The Boulders and Grayhawk. A great complimentary rate at the TPC was all our group needed to set aside an afternoon for a great round of golf in the desert.  Between the scenery and wild-life you could be forgiven for asking
for a cart just to spend a few hours driving around the course.

The expansive lobby hosts great dining in the Zambra Grille and the well provisioned Agave bar, both of which open onto a partially covered patio that overlooks the pool as well as the TPC Champions course.
The Zambra staff were courteous and attentive and the food was very good, with the salmon garnering great reviews. 

Many of the spacious 2 room suites have a private balcony or patio and boast spectacular views of the mountains and the golf course.  Settling into my room after check-in, I opened the door to my patio and was
delighted by over 2 dozen gambel's quail roaming the open terrace below.  The sitting room holds a couch and chair for relaxing, a mini-fridge and a work table and chair along with a flat screen tv.  Another flat screen in the bedroom and a separate tub and shower in the bathroom round out the suite.

While there are many choices for accomodations in and around Scottsdale, the Marriott at McDowell Mountains has become my favorite home-away-from-home in the area.

Superbowl Sunday

Not that we need much of an excuse to throw a party, but the Superbowl certainly gives us one.  Making the Bobby Flay wings from "Throw Down" along with a bunch of other munchies while root on the Pack to dispose of the despised team from Pittsburgh!!!

Of course, libations are a necessity, and margaritas are the drink of the day.  Patron tequila and our favorite mix from Jimmy Buffet will have everyone in high spirits.

Signed, Cheesehead for a day!

Valley of the Sun for work and fun

I've traveled to the Phoenix area often over the last 10 years and look forward to each trip.  Headed out for work next week, I'll enjoy the Southwest cuisine, the nightlife of Old Town Scottsdale, and an afternoon of golf at the TPC while enjoying the outstanding service and staff of the Scottsdale Marriott @ McDowell Mountains.  There probably won't be any side trips this time, but the area makes a great base for exploring Arizona.  Tuscon and Saguaro National Park beckon to the south, the enchantments of Sedona call from the North while local sights such as Taliesin West and the Botanical Gardens make the Valley of the Sun a great get away.

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