Girls Gone South

The Magic City

Hollywood, FL 33019

January 2026

 

Best Weekend Ever”

 

It’s the weekend after a record 14 day Christmas and New Year’s holiday break and I find myself back at it for a Bridesmaid Reunion for my best friend’s post 15-year anniversary celebration. She’s dubbed us the Traveling Bridesmaids and is wielding her Bridezilla mic to summon us from around the world to a whirlwind weekend in not-quite Miami. 6 of the 9 of us ladies in waiting respond to the siren call for solo weekend sans kids, husbands and cares.

 

3:45pm

Hop in an Uber to LGA for a 5:40pm flight to MIA. Only 30 minutes from Bushwick, Brooklyn allowing me to get in a full workday from 6am-3pm.

 

4:45pm

Breeze through security with TSA Pre-check and head to the Delta Lounge—a remodeled treat at LGA. Free Prosecco as I await one NY friend’s arrival.

 

5:45pm

Flight is delayed. We dally on the runway until 6:45pm and don’t touch down until 8:45pm due to turbulence. The 80 degree heat is a welcome respite though. And yes, I’m gonna say it: Welcome to Miami!!! Bienvenido a Miami!!!

 

10pm

A $30 Uber deposits us at the nation’s newly dubbed best steakhouse in the country: Sunny’s. It’s an upscale outdoor party scene under the palms, with the young set dressed in their best minis. We arrive at our prime center table under the leafy banyan tree and greet the other bridesmaids who are already 3 rounds of cocktails in. The apps arrive and we enjoy the tasty salads, awesome oversized Hawaiian buns browned with fresh butter and Black Sea salt, followed by the cheapest 2 steaks and bottle of red on the menu, which are succulent, spiced and just the right amount of rare. Truly a treat and a toast to the NYTimes right-on review. The other ladies enjoyed the king crab ravioli but it was too creamy for my taste and myself and the vegetarian at the table scarfed down the perfectly al dente and less creamy Cacio e Pepe.

 

12am

Head back to our accommodations with our hostess with mostess at the almost-penthouse unit in the condo/AirBnB at Sian Ocean Residences. We have a corner unit with a balcony overlooking the bay in one direction and a prime ocean and pool view in the other.

 

10am

Roll out of bed and cross the street to Patagonia market for the best cafe con leche and a handful of handmade empanadas. We then head to the nearby Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and walk along the paved beachside bike and walking path peppered with bars, boutiques, beach wares and of course Senior Frogs and Margaritaville. We snag a few free pina colada shots from the street hawkers but other than that stay sober.

 

4pm

Drive to the Bayside shops to board the Thriller—a themepark style 45-minute boat tour that makes waves as you rock around the bay with a guided tour of celebrity mansions (J. Lo, Will Smith) and private islands (Oprah’s). Be ready to get wet and wild. No wonder they take your tourist pic BEFORE boarding (a package of 6 photos with frame available afterward for $25). No trip to Disney World necessary—better than Splash Mountain.

 

5pm

Tour the shops overlooking the lively Pier 5 and park yourself at any of the waterfront tables along the food court and order one of the best Cuban sandwiches for a perfectly toasted treat from Sanguich. Order a drink from the neighboring bar and they will bring it straight to your table. Beware the drink size! We *mistakenly* order 2 Medium Margaritas and end up with two humongous vats garnished with baby’s breath and supersized straws that serendipitously served 6 drinks each for $30 a pop. Ends up perfect for the bridal party pre-game.

 

9pm

Take a tour of the Wynwood Walls at night. Partake of the interactive outdoor sculpture park and accompanying galleries before they lock the gates at 10pm. Arrive earlier for the Saturday night scene with music and bar cart service.

 

10:30pm

Wander through Wynwood and see the abundance of street art, sculptures and party buses. We arrive on time for our reservation at the Bib Gourmand awardee newbie, Ghee. A fantastical Indian fusion restaurant that will spoil you for Indian food forever. Opt for the tasting menu for a family-sized portion of the chefs greatest hits including starters of Papaya Salad, Momo (mushroom dumplings) and mains of Saag Paneer and a Chicken Tikka Masala to die for—a bargain of $65 per person—or go a la cart as we did for additional coveted dishes such as the Duck Biryani. Don’t forget to order the spicy Ghost Pepper Cheddar Naan and our choice of the evening as a group of solo gals: Garlic Naan. The wine and cocktail program also do not disappoint. Befitting a Michelin striving chef, select from the well appointed wine list with a surprising Indian Chenin Blanc that pairs perfectly with the spices on the menu. Skip the cardamom cake dessert and opt for another bottle of wine. We will be back.

 

12:30am

The club scene on the street is hopping to we head for a cocktail at Dirty Rabbit. The black ruffled skirts and crop tops lining the sidewalk in front of the velvet rope belie the scene inside. With the line still too long, we abort mission and Uber it back to Hollywood Beach for a bottle of wine by moonlight out of plastic cups on the sand. Best weekend ever. Traveling Bridesmaid or not, can’t wait ‘til next time!!