As I sit in my room looking out the window, I am absolutely bewildered by what I see: it is raining — in January! Last time I checked, the weatherman associated January weather (in Illinois) with snow. Even though it is raining outside, this doesn’t mean it is the type of rain where you want to jump in puddles or be comfortably wet in. No, this is freezing rain — the absolute worse type of seasonal forecast anyone could ask for.
As it continues to rain in this 33 degrees weather, I can’t help but imagine Florida and the sunny beaches that always seem so welcoming. Whether you like to travel to Panama City Beach (PCB) for spring break or go to lavish Palm Beach for shopping galore, Florida has something for every winter-bred person who is in desperate need of escape from the cold.
Since my dad is from Miami Beach, I have grown accustomed to calling the southern-most mainland of Florida my stomping grounds for holiday vacations. Unfortunately, many people associate Miami with the stereotypical image of bikini clad bodies rollerblading throughout South Beach, reality television shows and swanky bars (I personally think of Dexter), however, there is much more than meets the eye in this booming metropolis.
As some of you may know, Miami boasts several man-made islands (many of which are home to celebrities and professional sports players alike); however, one of these islands is particularly special. Fisher Island, once the private island-estate for the American tycoon family, the Vanderbilts, is now a residential island as well as a small hotel. In order to visit this little paradise with a picturesque view of Miami and the ocean, you must take a quick ferry ride. I promise, it is worth it!
Visiting Fisher Island allows any non-Floridian the perfect balance in experiencing Miami lifestyle; the energy of Miami is still in view, and you can enjoy the relaxation of pristine beaches. While I personally love visiting Fisher Island, it doesn’t matter where you go in Florida, just get there fast before the weather in Illinois gets even worse!