THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Miami

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

THE BETSY HOTEL, MIAMI

Yesterday, I blogged about the wonderful time we had at the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival. This year when we attended ABFF we stayed at The Betsy Hotel, a distinguished historic landmark located in the Art Deco district on South Beach's famed Ocean Drive. This boutique hotel is unlike any other in Miami. The staff was stellar and very attentive especially Ed Ponder, the Director of Guest Services. With its panoramic rooftop ocean views to the exquisite decor and manicured poolside oasis to the divine gourmet cuisine at BLT Steak Restaurant, the Betsy Hotel offered our best Miami experience yet.

The Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive in Miami

Lobby

Lobby Bar

BLT Steak Restaurant

Guest Room

Guest Suite

Guest Suite Bathroom

South Beach

I wouldn't recommend you stay anywhere else...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL...

My husband Todd and I recently returned from one of my favorite vacation destinations - MIAMI. We attended the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival, better known as ABFF, to support our dear friends and the festival founder Jeff Friday and his wife, Nicole.

Founded in 1997, ABFF is dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. The festival originally began as the Acapulco Black Film Festival (for 5 years) and was renamed the American Black Film Festival. The events over the past 10+ years have been held primarily in Miami with a sabbatical in Los Angeles for 2 years.

This vacation is not about rest and relaxation but more like our annual four day party. As I'm typing this, I can hear Will Smith singing in my head, "Welcome to Miami, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah" (thank God you can't hear me sing). I don't remember how many times we've gone to ABFF but each year we see great films by emerging filmmakers, have celebrity sightings and attend fabulous parties as well as take in some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

ABFF Fans attending the Opening Night Film

Festival Opening Night Film: Beasts of the Southern Wild

Will Packer, Rob Hardy, Tim Story and Terrence J during the 'Think Like A Man' Panel Discussion

ABBF Founder Jeff Friday, Will Packer, Malihka Malette, Nicole Friday, Tim Story, Rob Hardy
and Terrence J following the 'Think Like A Man' panel discussion.