Skip to main content

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.


๐Ÿ›ฃ️ 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.

  • ๐Ÿจ Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport
    ๐Ÿ“ 2020 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
    ๐Ÿ…ฟ️ Self Parking: $42


✈️ Saturday – 2/15/25

Flight to Miami + Spa Time

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

  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Departed DCA: 6:05 AM

  • ๐Ÿ›ฌ Arrived at MIA: 9:03 AM

๐Ÿš— Turo Rental – 2023 Hyundai Palisade
Picked up from Terminal D garage. Lockbox/key process was smooth and convenient.

๐Ÿง–‍♀️ 10:15 AM Spa Appointment
๐Ÿ“ Trump International Beach Resort, Sunny Isles Beach
๐Ÿ’ฒ $10 Valet Parking for spa guests (bring ID)

๐Ÿ›’ Grocery Stop
๐Ÿ“ Publix – 6876 Collins Ave, Miami Beach (pickup option available)

๐Ÿ›️ 4:00 PM Hotel Check-In
๐Ÿ“ Z Ocean Hotel, Classico – A Sonesta Collection
Valet parking at 1437 Collins Ave

๐ŸŽถ Evening Entertainment
Live music at The Front Porch Cafรฉ
๐Ÿ“ 1458 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach (Thurs–Sun, 7–10 PM)


๐ŸŒด Sunday – 2/16/25

Brunch & Attractions

๐Ÿญ 11:00 AM – The Sugar Factory
๐Ÿ“ 507 Espaรฑola Way (7-min walk from hotel)

Family-Friendly Options:

  • ๐Ÿฌ Miami Seaquarium – $33, Open 10–5

  • ๐Ÿฆœ Jungle Island – Open 9:30–5

  • ๐Ÿ˜ Zoo Miami – $26, Small Safari Cycles available


๐Ÿž️ Monday – 2/17/25

Off-Roading & Local Flavor

๐Ÿ›ป 12:00 PM – Big Dave’s ATV & Everglades Tour
๐Ÿ“ 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.

๐Ÿ›️ Afternoon Stroll
Explored the Lincoln Rd Shopping District

๐Ÿ” Grabbed a bite at Cheeseburger Baby — classic burger joint and only a 5-minute walk from the hotel


๐ŸŽจ Tuesday – 2/18/25

BBQ & Art Immersion

๐Ÿฝ️ Lunch: Hometown BBQ
๐Ÿ“ 1200 NW 22nd St — slow-cooked, bold flavors, totally worth the stop.

๐Ÿ–ผ️ 1:00 PM – Superblue Miami
๐Ÿ“ 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.


๐Ÿ›ซ Wednesday – 2/19/25

Return Travel Day

  • 7:00 AM: Arrived at MIA

  • 9:00 AM: Returned Turo car

  • ๐Ÿ›ซ Departed MIA: 9:26 AM

  • ๐Ÿ›ฌ Arrived at DCA: 12:09 PM

  • ๐Ÿก Home by 2:30 PM, feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running


๐Ÿ’ผ 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. ๐Ÿ˜‰


Katelyn Mayer
๐Ÿ“ PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA
Real Estate Agent | PA Bonded Notary Public

๐Ÿ“ง katelynm359@gmail.com
๐ŸŒ kmayer.ironvalleyrealestate.com
๐Ÿ“ฑ 717-446-1640 | ☎️ Office: 717-563-0008
๐Ÿข 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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rental Options in East York & Red Lion

Discover a wide range of rental homes tailored to fit various lifestyles and budgets in East York and nearby Red Lion. Whether you're searching for a cozy one-bedroom apartment or a spacious three-bedroom townhome, there's something here for everyone. ๐Ÿ“ East York Springett’s Apartments ๐Ÿ“ 50 Eisenhower Dr, York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom level apartments ๐Ÿ”— manorcommunities.com Suburban Park Apartments ๐Ÿ“ 2685 Carnegie Rd, East York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom apartments ๐Ÿ”— liveatsuburbanpark.com Fallbrook Flats ๐Ÿ“ 3889 E Market St, York, PA 17402 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments ๐Ÿ”— jcmliving.com The Apartments at Waterford ๐Ÿ“ 200 Governors Pl, York, PA 17402 Modern layouts with 1- to 3-bedroom options ๐Ÿ”— waterford.theapartmentgallery.com Hillside Apartments ๐Ÿ“ 1927 Queenswood Dr, York, PA 17403 1- and 2-bedroom apartments ๐Ÿ”— theapartmentgallery.com/hillside-apartments East Breeze Apartments ๐Ÿ“ 21-23 S Northern Way, York, PA 17402 1- and 2-bedroom apartments ...

How to Obtain a Pennsylvania Driver’s License (For Foreign Nationals)

Whether you're a resident foreign national or visiting from another country, here is the updated step-by-step process to get your PA driver’s license or legally drive in Pennsylvania. Driving in PA as a Visitor from Another Country Check if your country has a Driver License Foreign Reciprocity Agreement with Pennsylvania. If yes , you may be able to convert your foreign license without taking the knowledge or road tests . If no , you are legally permitted to drive in PA for up to 30 days using your valid foreign driver’s license before you need to get a PA license. Step 1: Study the PA Driver’s Manual Review the manual carefully to prepare for the knowledge test. Language options and a study app are available to assist you. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Get a Driver's License | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Step 2: Complete Form DL-180 This form is a physician certification verifying your physical ability to drive. You must have it filled out by a licensed physician. Available ...

Understanding Property Tax Disbursement From Escrow: What Every Homeowner Should Know

  By Katelyn Mayer, Realtor If you’re a homeowner—or thinking about becoming one—understanding how property taxes are paid can save you stress and help you manage your budget better. One of the most common questions I get from clients is: “How does my lender pay my property taxes, and what is this escrow thing all about?” Let’s break it down. What Is an Escrow Account? When you buy a home with a mortgage, your lender often requires an escrow account. This is basically a special savings account that holds money collected each month from you to pay for certain expenses—most commonly, property taxes and homeowners insurance. Instead of paying your tax bill in one lump sum once or twice a year, your lender collects a bit every month and pays the taxing authority on your behalf. This system can make budgeting easier, so you don’t have to worry about coming up with thousands of dollars all at once. How Does It Work? Let’s say your annual property tax bill is $6,000. Your lender wi...