Miami on Thanksgiving

[brown99]

We just found out we have to spend Thanksgiving Day and night in Miami after arriving back from a cruise at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Continental Airline is paying for a hotel, although we wont find out which one until the day we return. What do you recommend we do all day for sight seeing or the beach or where to eat in Miami near the airport? I'm worried a lot of things will be closed for the holiday. I'm hoping they'll allow us to check in to our hotel very early!!! Thanks!

[RuthlessBunny]

Holidays are great in Miami. Lots of folks come down to visit Nana, so you shouldn't have any issues with finding places open and ready for you.

 

Even if your room isn't ready, your hotel should be able to store your bags for you until check in. Most hotels will let you hang out at the pool.

 

You can take public transport or a taxi to Miami Beach. There's an Airport Flyer from MIA. If your hotel has an airport shuttle, you can take it to MIA to pick up the bus.

 

http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/airport_flyer_brochure.pdf

 

The bus takes you to Lincoln Rd. A wonderful pedestrian mall. The weather should be beautiful in November, perfect for strolling, shopping and enjoying a meal al fresco. Try brunch at the Van Dyke Cafe. They do a simple brie, bread and fruit plate that makes you feel so cosmopolitain as you munch it, people watching and sipping Mimosas.

 

Or, if you want to do South Beach, get some provisions at Epicure (check for holiday hours) a chi-chi-foo-foo grocery store, and have a picnic on the beach.

 

You should have no problem enjoying your mini-vacation in Miami.