Dog-friendly vacations abound these days and we love the idea of girlfriends getting together with their pampered pooches. Dog ownership is an interest that can help you make new friends or strengthen the friendships you have. Getaway Girl Casey Wohl is back with some ideas for a girls and dogs vacation in sunny Miami. Enjoy.

by Casey Wohl

My girlfriends and I were so excited to arrive at Miami’s new Epic Hotel for a Girls Getaway with our dogs. Liz brought Stella (a Cocker Spaniel/Shih Tzu mix) and I brought Zoe (my Weimeraner). Emily also joined us minus a dog. Upon arrival, the dogs were thrilled to find the room stocked with toys, their own beds, bottled water, food, snacks and water bowls. Zoe and I quickly found a grassy area that was located just beyond the bridge a minute from the hotel. Each time we passed the bridge, there was a different modeling photo shoot taking place, and each time, Zoe was asked to be in the photos. I think she has a solid future as a dog model now that she has perfected her “looks.”

With the dogs comfortably situated in the hotel room, the two-legged girls headed to the pool for some R&R. The Epic has two pools and several cabana options. Guests can even get a massage in a private cabana poolside. They also offer some uniquely designed (and comfortable) pool furniture. Very nice!

Later we drove to South Beach’s Lincoln Road, known to be a great hangout and dog-friendly. We found Zeke’s Roadhouse where they offer more than 200 beers each at $4. Don’t expect a menu or table service. You must go inside to see what they offer and to place your order. They do provide outdoor seating so you can people watch (note the sunglasses at night fashion trend) while you enjoy a unique brew. Liz and Emily (and even Stella) enjoyed a Philippine beer, San Mig Light…very tasty! We also tried on clothes at BCBG Max Azria.  Zoe didn’t see anything in her color and none of their shoes came in sets of four, so we left empty handed.

Later that evening, we took in the nightlife at Skybar at the Shore Club in South Beach. Unlike many of the SoBe clubs, Skybar offers a relaxed outdoor and indoor atmosphere for guests. It was very chill, but still full of the Miami scene. At 4 a.m., we headed home to order late-night pizza. The next day we ventured to the Spa 101 grand opening at Hilton Bentley. After our hand massage and exfoliation, we joined a group of friends for dinner at China Grill. As we sat down, the girls ordered two bottles of champagne to celebrate the evening. Liz and I split the Riceless Tuna Roll and Dragon Roll…both were amazing! We caught a cab to The Mondrian for a few drinks at their Sunset Lounge, then it was off to Mynt for a late night (or early morning) of dancing the night away.

The next day, we ventured to the outdoor shopping area called CoCoWalk and found a haven at Full Bodied Wine & Spa for some terrific spa treatments. Teresa gave me one of the best massages I have ever received (thank you), and Liz got her hair cut while she sipped some light and crispy wine. Co-founder Emile told us the concept behind Full Bodied is “all about the grape.” They even use grape-based treatment products. What a great place to come with the girls and indulge in two of our favorites…wine and spa!  We window shopped our way through CoCoWalk where girls can easily spend the day here checking out the great shopping, cozy cafes and wonderful restaurant options.

We loved our dinner experience and the upbeat atmosphere at Historia Romana (where Italians go for Italian), just one of the restaurants located along Espanola Way. I felt like I was in Spain with the al fresco seating and white lights hanging across the carless street. Historia Romana features a live band (I just had to join them and play the cowbell), singing waiters, people dancing in the street, and a “Roman-esque” host for your evening fun. After dinner, we walked off our pasta with some boutique shopping along Espanola Way as the stores are all open until at least 11:00 p.m. After our fill of shopping, we ended the evening with one last cocktail at Segafredo on Lincoln Road where people watching and random magicians are more than entertaining.

With shopping, nightlife, food, spas and culture galore, no matter what you are looking for during your next girls getaway, chances are you can find it in Florida’s hottest hot spot, which we all know as Miami!

Casey Wohl, The Getaway Girl™, is the author of the Girls Getaway Guide travel book series. Her third book, the Girls Getaway Guide to Nashville: Leave Your Baggage at Home™ will be published in Summer 2009.  For more information, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.