Wolves tour usa summer 2024 - florida - info for visitors
Welcome to sunny South Florida Wolves fans, where the Old Gold will train on the backfields of Chase Stadium before taking on RB Leipzig on August 3rd at 7:30 PM. Gary O’Neil’s squad is anticipated to spend 2 weeks in the heat and humidity training for the upcoming season and where the Wolves run, so does the pack. Here is a guide for things to do, restaurants and establishments to enjoy, and some insight to enjoy your trip to Ft. Lauderdale….. notice I said Ft. Lauderdale, Chase Stadium (Home of Inter Miami) is NOT really in Miami, it’s actually 27 miles away.
Places to STAY and Airport to Fly into:
I know Miami sounds glamorous, but Inter Miami stadium isn’t in Miami. In fact, it is in Ft. Lauderdale, therefore I recommend you fly into Ft. Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport. If you’re flying into Miami, that’s fine, it’s just a longer commute.
As far as staying in South Florida, I’d recommend staying on Ft. Lauderdale Beach or Pompano Beach. Both offer great proximity to the Wolves training, as the team will likely be staying on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Also, there is plenty to do and enjoy. (I have a whole section on Miami below)
Breakfast:
Let’s kick this best of Ft. Lauderdale area off with in order;
GO WATCH THE SUNRISE ON THE BEACH, AND JUMP INTO THE OCEAN! Then you can go to breakfast at one of these great spots (In no particular order)
1) Anne’s Florist (Coffee Bar & Flower Shop)
2) Sandbar Grill
3) House on River (On the River- quaint old Florida Home - Bakery)
4) Angelo’s Bakery Bar
5) Casablanca Cafe
6) The Floridian
7) Goldbergs Bagel
8) Dandy Doughnuts
Lunch:
1) The Downtowner (On the River & nice outdoor dining)
2) South Bar & Kitchen (New Orleans Style food)
3) Bokampers on the water
4) The Foundry (Pompano Beach)
5) Myapapya (Clean Eating- Salads, Smoothies and Such)
Happy Hour: (3-6 PM generally)
1) The Beach House (Great view, Pompano Beach)
2) Shooters (Waterfront dining)
3) Kaluz (Waterfront dining)
4) Moxies (downtown, trendy spot)
5) Oceanic (Great View, Pompano Beach)
Breweries:
1) Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park)
2) Dangerous Minds (Pomapno Beach, Owner’s from Liverpool)
3) Black Flamingo Brewery (Oakland Park)
4) Invasive Species (Ft. Lauderdale)
5) Gulfstream Brewery (Ft. Lauderdale)
Dinner:
1) Houston’s (Steakhouse, waterfront dining)
2) House on the River (American Fair - Trendy cool old Florida Home)
3) Scalapasta (Italian)
4) La Dolce Vita (Italian)
5) Casa Frida (Mexican)
6) El Camino (Mexican)
7) 15th Street Fisheries (Seafood)
8) Dune (High-End, menu changes seasonally - Waterfront dining)
9) 101 Ocean (American Fair - Walkability around the beach, in Lauderdale By The Sea)
10) Caps Place (Have to get there by their quick fairy boat - Al Capone used to hang out there)
11) Canyon or South Bar Kitchen (Same owners- Both New Orleans style with Florida touch)
DAY OFF:
This is where we’ll really have some fun, would advise using Uber on this day.
1) Elbo Room (Legendary dive bar- Bring Cash, no cards accepted)
2) The Easton (Rooftop Pool Bar, overlooking the ocean)
3) Lucky Fish (Pompano Beach on the Pier)
4) Nube (Rooftop Bar & Restaurant - Oceanfront view)
5) Salt 7 (Ft. Lauderdale, casual and chill on the river)
6) The Delmar (rooftop, swanky spot, might want to put on a color or skirt)
7) The Wharf (where the 20-somethings hangout and do shots)
8) YOLO (Where the 50-somethings hangout and sip martinis)
9) Vinos (wine and they make great cocktails back in their speakeasy)
10) Briney’s Irish Pub (Florida Beach style, great prices - Pompano Beach)
THINGS TO DO:
If you’re looking to experience the area away from the beaches and beautiful blue water, here are some additional ideas:
1) Everglades Tour - ride on a fan boat through the fabled Florida Everglades, home to Gators and incredible wildlife and scenery.
2) The Bonnet house on Ft. Lauderdale Beach - step back in to time of the early days of Florida prior to air conditioning to see this beautiful old estate and make sure you have a camera.
3) Gambling at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel, the big guitar offers more than gambling by here is a chance to make back the money from your trip, which now includes a sports book.
4) Paddle Board, Kayak and even surf lessons, all available on Ft. Lauderdale Beach
5) Big Game Fishing trip, go catch a Marlin or maybe a Mahi and reel in a good time.
6) Take a cruise and see the “Venice of United States” with Luxury homes and history by taking the Jungle Queen boat tour.
7) Miami and if you have questions about the “Gateway City” please email me directly at ChristopherLFischer@gmail.com
Miami
Miami, the Gateway City, the Magic City, and the reason you all should be working on your Spanish. So let’s get started with South Beach, a lot has changed over the years on Ocean Drive, and while it is still a hip spot to hang out, take photos, and swim in the turquoise waters, it is quite the commute to get down there from Inter Miami’s Stadium. Miami traffic is rough, and no one uses a turn signal, so I advise taking an Uber. On South Beach, there are great Art Deco-designed buildings and old-school hotels with incredible pools like the Delano, but make sure you stop and go in and have a beverage or meal at the Versace Mansion.
If you want to sample the Cuban culture, pay a visit to Calle Ocho, Yes, Sí that Calle Ocho that Pit Bull made famous in his songs. Be sure to sample the Cuban flavors but know that their coffee is like liquid jet fuel and damn good. You can see how they did it on the Island of Cuba, by seeing the old timers slap the table at Domino Park, or grab a Cuba Libre at Ball and Chain.
If you’re into photography, Vizcaya is more than a museum, the gardens are incredible and this old mega mansion is located right on Biscayne Bay. The pictures here alone with a loved one will make the trip worth it.
If you’re into the old Rat Pack era, when Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis ran Miami, go to the Fountain Bleu, it was the spot in the 50s and their pool is incredible and their night club LIV is legendary, don’t be surprised if David Guetta shows up and performs at 2 AM, he lives around the corner.
If you’re into art, go to Wynwood, it’s hip and there are a bunch of great restaurants, breweries, and bars. You can have a Mojito and walk around to check out the famous graffiti and galleries.
As far as restaurants go, there are so many incredible eateries in Miami, from little stands to 5-star dining. So here is a list of some of the best, and I hope you have a wonderful trip to South Florida.
Miami Restaurants and Things to Do
Yardbird- Southern Food
Stubborn Seed - James Beard Award Winner
Surf Club - Beautiful Outdoor Dining
Carbone- Italian
Sexy Fish - Sushi
Joe’s Stone Crab - legendary - Make a reservation
Prime 112- Steak (NBA Players love this spot)
Prime Fish - Seafood
Zuma- Sushi
Dirty French - French
Versace Mansion - Menu varies but a cool experience
NOBU - Sushi in Eden Rock Hotel
Cote- Miami’s top Korean restaurant (Michelin Star)
Amara at Paraiso - James Beard Award Winner
If you have any questions, you can contact me. - ChristopherLFischer@gmail.com
Or text me at 843-421-9938- Chris Fischer #WolvesAyWe