Attending Sept. 12th Monday Night Game vs. PATS | Page 3 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Attending Sept. 12th Monday Night Game vs. PATS

I live out in the country so I usually don't get out to the city much even though I work in Richmond, VA. Of course that doesn't compare to South Beach. I figured since I'm coming down for the game I might as well get a little taste of South Beach. When I last came down for a game it was back in 1996 against the Seahawks. It was a fly in Saturday, watch game and fly out Sunday night. So I am looking forward to actually getting out and seeing the town.

The beach sounds good as does the casino. I'm looking for some good snorkling too. I heard Key Largo was pretty good for snorkling. I'm also looking to eat at some new restaurants. Any suggestions would be great too. I am definately open to trying some new food.

If anything, people watching should definately be fun.

I live 10 minutes from the stadium, theres not much to do around here for tourists per say. But as stated already, South Beach, DT Ft. Lauderdale, as youve said, the Keys are nice, even Western Parts of Pembroke Pines are pretty fun. As far as eating, for the sake of irony and good food, I would definitely suggest Shula's restaurant.
 
I really didn't detail beaches but here is some info:

Nikki Beach - on South Beach - hot spot, bad azz females walking all over . . . wear your shades.
John Lloyd - nice little private Beach in Dania. I rather enjoy this spot just to chill and because I'm in Broward
Crandon Park - a non South Beach Miami Favorite . . . Key Biscayne/Va Key area . . . love it out here also

Hotels:

I have come to the point where I use Priceline Make Your own bid for almost everything. There are some good sites out there detailing how to get the best prices. Where you stay makes a world of difference in the price. If you are staying by the airport, you will find some good deals . . . if you are staying on South Beach . . . you will pay an arm and a leg . . . atleast for anything decent. I find the best value is probably on Fort Lauderdale Beach at a 4 star. I think I recall seeing somebody staying at the Westin on Fort Lauderdale Beach for $90 a night for the same nights you will be there. You really can't beat that.
 
I may be coming down for the game with some friends. I'll probably be fighting with Patsie fans all game. Dolphin fans don't seem to know how to "Protect the house"
 
I have a great restaurant for you. Chima's, it's located in las olas blvd in ft lauderdale. 47.00 per person but you can eat all night. They come over with all kinds of steaks , chicken , duck , pork, ribs and an endless salad bar. Best steak house I've ever been to.

Hello FH!

I've been a long time reader of posts on this site. This is my first ever post.

My wife suprised me with tickets to the Monday night opener against the Patriots for our anniversary.

It has been 15 years since I've been to see a Fins game live. I live in VA.

We are coming down Friday Sept 9th, so we will have 3 days prior to the game to do some sight seeing.

I'm looking for any suggestions of fun things to do and see from anyone that either lives in Miami or has visited.
 
Definitely go to the hardrock casino. Great restaurants (Tatu), shops, bands playing and a nice casino. Top of the line.


Hello FH!

I've been a long time reader of posts on this site. This is my first ever post.

My wife suprised me with tickets to the Monday night opener against the Patriots for our anniversary.

It has been 15 years since I've been to see a Fins game live. I live in VA.

We are coming down Friday Sept 9th, so we will have 3 days prior to the game to do some sight seeing.

I'm looking for any suggestions of fun things to do and see from anyone that either lives in Miami or has visited.
 
The steakhouse is Chima . . . and yea they are good as hell. They got a cheaper version called the Knife near the Sawgrass. Rodizio style, you can literally eat yourself into a coma in those places and they give you either 2 bottles of beer or a bottle of wine with dinner.
 
Yea Jetblue is the number one choice for flying out of Richmond. Sucks if you didn't have tickets because they just ended a sale for $64 one ways from RIC to FLL . . . $150 RT after taxes I was getting (I do travel) and that includes a carryon and one bag under the plane. Delta has some $180 RT deals for those dates as well.

As far as things things to do . . . really depends on your age. If you are young and want to hit the clubs, personally I would hit South Beach on Friday Night and then hit the Hard Rock on Saturday night. Enjoy the Beach on Sunday. You probably understand you should get a car rental if you "really" wanna do some sightseeing. The Miami/Metro Zoo is still decent but skip the Seaquarium . . . it sucks, especially for the price. If your are based out of Fort Lauderdale, give Las Olas or Beach Place a try. Key Largo is nice, if you wanted you could also take a day trip down to Key West or even spend a night down there. Plenty of snorkeling and jet skiiing to be done, but you aren't that far from Va Beach being in Richmond, so you can do that when you want if you really wanted to do it.

Shopping I would suggest Aventura or the Sawgrass . . . of course if you got it, you can blow a wad on South Beach on Lincoln Road. Sawgrass Mills is the largest Outlet Mall in the country . . . usually has something for everybody out there. Aventura I believe is the 4th largest mall in the country.

Everglades is nice. They have some real solid tours out there. If it is hot as it is right now, you may wanna skip though. The heat, humidity and swamp is a bad combo IMO . . . but it can be fun. Consider a day cruise as well out of Miami.

Most people wanna have Cuban food. You can hit 8th Street . . . Versailles is real popular outside of Calle Ocho. Joe's Stone Crabs is popular on SOBE.

Alot of stuff to do, just depends on what you wanna do.

I make it a play to go to Aventura every time I'm down to get some Phins gear. Last year I went to Sawgrass Mills and got some stuff too. LIDS and Sports Authority have decent gear.
 
I have a great restaurant for you. Chima's it's located in las olas blvd in ft lauderdale. 47.00 per person but you can eat all night. They come over with all kinds of steaks , chicken , duck , pork, ribs , appetizers on every table and unlimited and an endless salad bar. All u can eat Food is excellent Best steak house I've ever been to.
:woot:
 
I am also attending the game, my first game in Miami, I live in Rochester, Ny like 45 minutes from buffalo so Ive seen them play but around horrible buffalo fans, anyways got a daughter with this Cuban woman, long story short we separated and she moved down to Miami with her family, and we agreed on 3 months on 3 months off with baby. I had her all summer so now I'm flying down with her and going with her mother to opening game who I remain good friends with. Given the circumstances I am real excited and wondering if anyone knows what jersey there wearing. I have a white bess, green dansby, orange Marshall and throwback Marino. Thanks in advance guys
 
Hi i've been living here for the past ten years supporting the local economy by blowing money into all of the high-end restaurants, clubs and hot-spots. After all this time, I have become a foodie and can definitely help you with the best places to eat. As far as hotels, you sort of get what you pay for - there are some of the most beautiful hotels in the world down here.

Fort Lauderdale Area (North of the stadium)

Restaurants:

  • Casa D'Angelo (Italian)
  • Kitchenetta (Italian)
  • Eduardo D'San Angel (Mexican Gourmet)
  • Canyon (Southwestern)
  • La Spada's Hoagies (Seriously the best subs you will ever have)
  • Tom Jenkins (Authentic BBQ)
  • Cafe Seville (Mediterranean / Tapas)
  • Greek Islands (Greek)
  • Blue Moon Fish Co. (Seafood)
Nightlife:

  • Yolo (Casual Drink Spot)
  • Vibe (Club)
  • Tarpon Bend (Classic Bar)
  • Living Room @ the W Hotel (High-end club/lounge)
Activities:

  • Beach Place (Ft. Lauderdale Beach)
  • Las Olas Blvd (Shopping, Cafes)

North Miami Beach / Aventura / Sunny Isles / Bal Harbor (Due East/Southeast of Stadium)

Restaurants:

  • Il Mulino NY (High-end Italian)
  • The Palm (Steak & Seafood)
  • Adriana (Peruvian/Asian Fusion)
  • Pilar (Seafood - very reasonably priced & high quality)
  • El Gran Inka (Peruvian)
  • Little Havana (Cuban)
Activities:

  • Aventura Mall
  • Bal Harbor Shops

Other favorites in South Beach, downtown, and Coral Gables:

  • Francesco (Peruvian)
  • Su-Shin Izakaya (Japanese)
  • Nobu (Japanese / Peruvian Fusion $$$)
  • Palme D' Or (French, in Biltmore Hotel $$$)
  • Joe's Stone Crab (Seafood)
  • Azul (Mediterranean, in Mandarin Hotel)
  • Prime 112 (Steak - Mob scene $$$)
Clubs:

  • The Wall (W South Beach)
  • Liv (Fountainbleau)
Stay away from most restaurants on South Beach, usually a rip off with crappy food. PM me if you want more info.
 
I am also attending the game, my first game in Miami, I live in Rochester, Ny like 45 minutes from buffalo so Ive seen them play but around horrible buffalo fans, anyways got a daughter with this Cuban woman, long story short we separated and she moved down to Miami with her family, and we agreed on 3 months on 3 months off with baby. I had her all summer so now I'm flying down with her and going with her mother to opening game who I remain good friends with. Given the circumstances I am real excited and wondering if anyone knows what jersey there wearing. I have a white bess, green dansby, orange Marshall and throwback Marino. Thanks in advance guys

welcome im originally from fairport ny - i'll be rocking my standard fck the pats t-shirt
 
Hello FH!

I've been a long time reader of posts on this site. This is my first ever post.

My wife suprised me with tickets to the Monday night opener against the Patriots for our anniversary.

It has been 15 years since I've been to see a Fins game live. I live in VA.

We are coming down Friday Sept 9th, so we will have 3 days prior to the game to do some sight seeing.

I'm looking for any suggestions of fun things to do and see from anyone that either lives in Miami or has visited.

Hey there, I am also from Va, Chantilly up in Northern Va to be exact, I've lived down here in South Fla for almost 15 years now.

I've got a great game plan for your trip, happy anniversary btw, follow this script precisely and you will have an AMAZING trip!

OK, my first piece of advice for you is to SKIP SOUTH BEACH COMPLETELY!!! Sorry for the excessive caps, but I really wanted to drive that point home. South Beach is an over rated, over priced tourist trap. I enjoy the nightlife and do the club thing on a semi-regular basis and the only time I ever go to south beach is when my family/friends come from out of town and want to go there. The main reason most people go to south beach is so they can tell their friends that they went there. Skip it.

If you want to enjoy the nature side of Florida (beaches, fishing, snorkeling, diving, amazing weather, etc) there is no better place than the Florida Keys. You know how Miami/Ft Lauderdale feels "tropical" compared to most other parts of the country? Well, the Florida Keys seems tropical compared to Miami/Ft Lauderdale. You will see different plants, fish, birds, colors of the ocean than you will see most anywhere else in Florida.

Here's the plan:

As soon as you get your rental car, set the GPS for Islamorada Florida. It takes about an hour and a half from Ft Laud airport, about an hour from Miami airport. Islamorada is known as "The Sportfishing Capital of the World", you can get all sorts of fishing charters if you like. It is also home to John Pennekamp Park, which has some of the best snorkeling and diving that you can find anywhere in the world. Before you get down here, call The Cheeca Lodge (an amazing resort and spa) and make a reservation for Friday and Saturday, the concierge will be able to direct you towards any activity you would like, trust me you will want to stay two nights. At least one of those nights MAKE SURE to go for dinner at Ziggy & Maddog's, which is only about a mile from the resort. In case you are wondering, yes, that is the same "Maddog" of Miami Dolphins fame. The late and great Jim Mandich was a co-owner of the restaurant, and his family are still owners. Make sure you try the onion rings and the truffle mac and cheese, just trust me, and whatever steak on the menu suits you.

Bright and early Sunday, hit the road and set your GPS for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. It is very close to the stadium, it has a HUGE *** casino, great shopping, great restaurants (try Cafe Martarrano for some great Italian food), all manner of bars and nightclubs and there are always a TON of hot chicks walking around. Also, as an added bonus, Sunday at the pool area is always a great time!

If you follow these instructions to the letter I guarantee you will have the best Florida trip of your life!

Also, I will be at the game as well, hit me up with a pm and we can get together for some tailgating.
 
Hey there, I am also from Va, Chantilly up in Northern Va to be exact, I've lived down here in South Fla for almost 15 years now.

I've got a great game plan for your trip, happy anniversary btw, follow this script precisely and you will have an AMAZING trip!

OK, my first piece of advice for you is to SKIP SOUTH BEACH COMPLETELY!!! Sorry for the excessive caps, but I really wanted to drive that point home. South Beach is an over rated, over priced tourist trap. I enjoy the nightlife and do the club thing on a semi-regular basis and the only time I ever go to south beach is when my family/friends come from out of town and want to go there. The main reason most people go to south beach is so they can tell their friends that they went there. Skip it.

If you want to enjoy the nature side of Florida (beaches, fishing, snorkeling, diving, amazing weather, etc) there is no better place than the Florida Keys. You know how Miami/Ft Lauderdale feels "tropical" compared to most other parts of the country? Well, the Florida Keys seems tropical compared to Miami/Ft Lauderdale. You will see different plants, fish, birds, colors of the ocean than you will see most anywhere else in Florida.

Here's the plan:

As soon as you get your rental car, set the GPS for Islamorada Florida. It takes about an hour and a half from Ft Laud airport, about an hour from Miami airport. Islamorada is known as "The Sportfishing Capital of the World", you can get all sorts of fishing charters if you like. It is also home to John Pennekamp Park, which has some of the best snorkeling and diving that you can find anywhere in the world. Before you get down here, call The Cheeca Lodge (an amazing resort and spa) and make a reservation for Friday and Saturday, the concierge will be able to direct you towards any activity you would like, trust me you will want to stay two nights. At least one of those nights MAKE SURE to go for dinner at Ziggy & Maddog's, which is only about a mile from the resort. In case you are wondering, yes, that is the same "Maddog" of Miami Dolphins fame. The late and great Jim Mandich was a co-owner of the restaurant, and his family are still owners. Make sure you try the onion rings and the truffle mac and cheese, just trust me, and whatever steak on the menu suits you.

Bright and early Sunday, hit the road and set your GPS for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. It is very close to the stadium, it has a HUGE *** casino, great shopping, great restaurants (try Cafe Martarrano for some great Italian food), all manner of bars and nightclubs and there are always a TON of hot chicks walking around. Also, as an added bonus, Sunday at the pool area is always a great time!

If you follow these instructions to the letter I guarantee you will have the best Florida trip of your life!

Also, I will be at the game as well, hit me up with a pm and we can get together for some tailgating.

I just want to thank everyone for all of their posts. I'm taking great notes and will get this trip planned. Hopefully I'll get to see some of you at the game.
 
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