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A Miami Escape: How This Realtor Recharges While Staying Organized

By Katelyn Mayer, PA & MD REALTOR®

Sometimes the best way to stay sharp in business is to give yourself space to relax and refocus. As someone juggling real estate, supply chain management, notary work, and continued education, I’ve learned how powerful intentional planning can be — not just for my clients, but in life, too.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I mapped out a winter getaway to sunny Miami, with just the right balance of structure and spontaneity. Whether you're a fellow busy professional or just planning your next recharge, this itinerary might inspire your next escape.

🛣️ Friday – 2/14/25

Drive & Overnight Stay in Arlington, VA

We kicked things off with a 2-hour drive from Central PA and an overnight stay near the airport to make our early morning flight smoother.

  • 🏨 Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
    📍 2020 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
    🅿️ Self Parking: $42

✈️ Saturday – 2/15/25

Flight to Miami + Spa Time

  • 4:00 AM: Parked at Reagan National Terminal 2 Garage

  • 🛫 Departed DCA: 6:05 AM

  • 🛬 Arrived at MIA: 9:03 AM

🚗 Turo Rental – 2023 Hyundai Palisade
Picked up from Terminal D garage. Lockbox/key process was smooth and convenient.

🧖‍♀️ 10:15 AM Spa Appointment
📍 Trump International Beach Resort, Sunny Isles Beach
💲 $10 Valet Parking for spa guests (bring ID)

🛒 Grocery Stop
📍 Publix – 6876 Collins Ave, Miami Beach (pickup option available)

🛏️ 4:00 PM Hotel Check-In
📍 Z Ocean Hotel, Classico – A Sonesta Collection
Valet parking at 1437 Collins Ave

🎶 Evening Entertainment
Live music at The Front Porch Café
📍 1458 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach (Thurs–Sun, 7–10 PM)

🌴 Sunday – 2/16/25

Brunch & Attractions

🍭 11:00 AM – The Sugar Factory
📍 507 Española Way (7-min walk from hotel)

Family-Friendly Options:

  • 🐬 Miami Seaquarium – $33, Open 10–5

  • 🦜 Jungle Island – Open 9:30–5

  • 🐘 Zoo Miami – $26, Small Safari Cycles available

🏞️ Monday – 2/17/25

Off-Roading & Local Flavor

🛻 12:00 PM – Big Dave’s ATV & Everglades Tour
📍 12425 SW 177th Ave (about 1-hour drive)
This adrenaline-filled tour through rugged Everglades terrain gave us a new appreciation for Florida’s landscape. Highly recommended if you want something adventurous and off the beaten path.

🛍️ Afternoon Stroll
Explored the Lincoln Rd Shopping District

🍔 Grabbed a bite at Cheeseburger Baby — classic burger joint and only a 5-minute walk from the hotel

🎨 Tuesday – 2/18/25

BBQ & Art Immersion

🍽️ Lunch: Hometown BBQ
📍 1200 NW 22nd St — slow-cooked, bold flavors, totally worth the stop.

🖼️ 1:00 PM – Superblue Miami
📍 1101 NW 23rd St
A fully immersive art experience that plays with light, space, and imagination — this was a must-see on the trip. Pre-booked for 2/18 at 1:00 PM, and we’re so glad we did.

🛫 Wednesday – 2/19/25

Return Travel Day

  • 7:00 AM: Arrived at MIA

  • 9:00 AM: Returned Turo car

  • 🛫 Departed MIA: 9:26 AM

  • 🛬 Arrived at DCA: 12:09 PM

  • 🏡 Home by 2:30 PM, feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running

💼 Why This Realtor Plans Like a Pro

Even when I’m out of the office, I bring the same structured mindset I use for closings, timelines, and market analysis. Because whether you're relocating, investing, or chasing sunshine, good planning turns chaos into confidence.

Let me take the stress out of real estate — just like I do for my vacations. 😉

Katelyn Mayer
📍 PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA
Real Estate Agent | PA Bonded Notary Public

📧 katelynm359@gmail.com
🌐 kmayer.ironvalleyrealestate.com
📱 717-446-1640 | ☎️ Office: 717-563-0008
🏢 121 Towne Square Dr. Suite 203, Hershey, PA 17033

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

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