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Miami Shopping

So Many Stores, So Little Time...

by Casey Gillespie
photographs: Joseph Brown

Bayside Marketplace
If you are in the mood for a little light shopping and sightseeing then Bayside Marketplace is the spot for you. Sandwiched between Biscayne Bay and busy downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is located on 16 waterfront acres and is one of South Florida's top attractions for easy to please tourists. Known for its international flavor, Bayside boasts more than 100 specialty shops, an assortment of dining experiences, live entertainment daily and boat tours around the famous Star Island.

There isn't a huge selection of stores to choose from, but you will find comfort in anchor stores such as the Gap, Victoria's Secret, The Sharper Image and the Disney Store. You will also find a variety of smaller boutiques for all those forget-me-not presents for everyone back home. If eats are what you are in search of check out one of Bayside's unique dining venue's like Lombardi's Ristorante or Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. We highly recommend enjoying a cocktail and some live music at one of the outdoor cafés or getting your groove on with the folks at the Hard Rock Café.

Oh, and in case you are in town for a concert or game at the American Airlines Arena, Bayside features a pedestrian bridge link to the Arena for a little pre- or post-show shopping, dining and fun.

What's the address again
401 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 577-3344

When is it open
Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 
Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Where do I park
Covered parking is available, but for those of you who like to be pampered valet parking is available behind the Hard Rock Cafe. 

Aventura Mall

If it is the homogenized American mega-mall you are in search of then Aventura Mall is your one stop shopping euphoria. Complete with 6 department stores (Bloomingdale's, Burdines, JC Penny, Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Sears) and 250 specialty shops ranging from Banana Republic and BeBe to Betsey Johnson and Coach. Good news ladies, there are 19 shoes stores in Aventura Mall (not including the bigger department stores) - lucky for you there are also two Starbucks and a Gloria Jean's Coffees to keep you going. And guys, don't worry we didn't forget about you - there are many great stores to get what you need for the home like Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn.
Once you've worked up an appetite, take a stroll over to the "Treats" food court, which boasts delightful eateries and quick service (located on the upper level). Or maybe you'll want to make a night of it and choose from one of the cool restaurants such as Cheesecake Factory, Bella Luna or Rosalia's and then catch a movie at the AMC Aventura 24 Theater. 
There is always something extracurricular going on at this shopper's paradise. Whatever it is you're looking for - an art exhibit, a live show for the kids or the indoor farmer's market on Saturdays and Sundays - you will find the best and biggest selection at Aventura mall.

STORE DIRECTORY

What's the address again
19501 Biscayne Blvd.
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 935-1110

When is it open
Monday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.

Where do I park
The mall has plenty of covered and open parking - and it's free!

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is in South Miami just between Coral Gables and Miami Beach. Located in the midst of the South Miami suburbs and frightfully close to the University of Miami, the area is more of a bohemian, family-oriented or second date kind of gathering spot. But don't be fooled by its quaintness, you are sure to find a slew of roudy college kids close by (probably at Fat Tuesday). Coconut Grove is a great shopping choice if the skies are clear and the weather is nice. Tip: Traffic in the Grove can be hellish on the weekends so choose your arrival and departure times carefully. 

CocoWalk

This Mediterranean-style, open-air complex combines 38 shops with restaurants, outdoor cafés and a sixteen-screen movie theater. Again, look for the good ol' American stand-by stores: Gap, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret and Express. The best part about CocoWalk is the way it comes alive at night as people flock to Cheesecake Factory, Café TuTu Tango, Fat Tuesday and the ever-popular Hooters. Shops stay open late and the fun-filled Streets of Mayfair are just steps away.

STORE DIRECTORY

What's the address again
3015 Grand Ave.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 444-0777

When is it open?
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Where do I park
There are parking garages at CocoWalk or there is metered street parking.

Streets of Mayfair

Like the rest of the Grove, the 2 1/2 blocks of shopping and dining that make up the Streets of Mayfair are very pedestrian-friendly. It's a quirky, sophisticated mix of upscale boutiques, restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs that caters to locals and tourists alike seven days a week.

Choosing where to dine might be a problem - with so many great options it really is hard to decide. Two favorites are Chiyo's Japanese Restaurant where patrons can enjoy a sushi bar and outside balcony seating and La Fontaine Bistro, which offers turn-of-the-century French cuisine and live entertainment each night by the promenade fountain.

If it's action you are in the market for then be sure to stop into the Grove's hottest club, Iguana Cantina. Fat Kats, which is part of Iguana's, is open until 5 a.m. for pool and drinks. Or, if you are looking to impress stop into Martini Bar, a hip upscale lounge on the third floor of Iguana's. They serve up live jazz, blues, and swing music until 5 a.m. as well. And, if you are going to be out all night, might as well grab a bite at the legendary News Café (this is the sister restaurant to the original on South Beach) before you head home - don't worry they are open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday and until 2 a.m. the rest of the week.

What's the address again
2911 Grand Ave.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 448-1700

When is it open
Sunday -Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. (may vary)

Where do I park
There is covered parking 24 hours a day as well as valet and metered self-parking.

The Shops at Sunset Place

Located smack dab in the middle of the former Bakery Center, Sunset Place's Mediterranean themed over-the-top architecture (think giant man-made banyan trees, majestic waterfalls and cascading fountains) will make you feel like a kid at Disney World again - especially when the nightly laser-light show begins. The Shops are within walking distance from several major hotels as well as the Metrorail.

The center features many diverse dining options to satisfy almost every mood and palate including Madame Tings (Pan Asian), Johnny Rockets, Dan Marino's Town Tavern and Tout Sweet Candy Café. Oh, but there's more, because if you came to shop, then you came to the right place. With three stories of fantastic stores like Niketown, Virgin Megastore, Barnes & Noble Superstore, A/X Armani Exchange, Origins, Pottery Barn, Brookstone, and Urban Outfitters you are sure to leave a satisfied (and possibly broke) customer. And don't forget about the AMC 24 and IMAX Theaters for all your movie-viewing pleasures.

What's the address again
5701 Sunset Dr.
South Miami, FL 33143 
(305) 663-0873

When is it open
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Where do I park
There is plenty of covered parking for you and all your friends.

The Village of Merrick Park

Mere minutes from Miami Beach and downtown, the Village of Merrick Park is Miami's latest addition to its menu of shopping delights. Nestled in the perfectly manicured city of Coral Gables, the shopping development is strategically located to compliment the city's rich architectural splendor and exquisite landscaping. If Coral Gables itself is any indication of what to expect from Merrick Park then it is important to know this city is one of the nation's most affluent communities with a greater percentage of young millionaire households under the age of 45 than any other community in the U.S. With that said, it is no surprise that the Village of Merrick Park caters to a clientele that appreciates style, substance and can afford the best. Fine shopping, couture fashions, dining, offices, and residences are all clustered around a breathtaking urban garden that is sure to become a magnet for both residents and visitors alike.

Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom have moved in and taken residence in the Village of Merrick Park as have many other couture boutiques - Hugo Boss, Burberry, Sonia Rykiel, Artefacto and Gucci to name a few. You'll also want to check out Elemis Day Spa, which is located conveniently in the shopping multiplex as well. Enjoy a five-star meal at the Palm Restaurant or Pescado, or if you are looking for something a bit more relaxed, Café Ibiza and Via Quadronno add a more relaxed flair to Merrick Park. However you choose to spend your day at here, the manicured lawns, winding paths and garden are sure to make it a brilliant escape from the ordinary.

STORE DIRECTORY

What's the address again
358 Avenue San Lorenzo
Coral Gables, Florida 33146
(305) 529-0200

When is it open
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.

Where do I park
The parking structures at the Village of Merrick Park were designed to make your shopping and dining experience a breeze. You can easily access the shops from the multi-level parking garage or feel free to choose from one of the four valet stations and park the sophisticated way.

The Shops at Bal Harbour

Home to many internationally renowned stores - Gucci, Christain Dior, Bvlgari, Escada, Hermes, Gianni Versace, Tiffany & Co to name a few - and nestled in a lush tropical garden setting, WWD recently ranked the Bal Harbour Shops as the most productive shopping center in the U.S. (based on average sales per square foot). Some 37 years ago, when owner/developer Stanley Whitman opened the first ever all luxury fashion center in Bal Harbour cynics predicted the designer mall's swift demise. Instead, Whitman produced a shopping hall of fame drawing the most famous names in fashion from around the world, becoming the industry's benchmark for luxury retailing.

The Bal Harbour Shops offers a variety of salons and spas to choose from including the much talked about (and celebrity-attracting) Jose Eber salon. The Bal Harbour Bistro and Carpaccio are among the best places in Miami for "ladies to lunch" and a terrific place to people watch. Keep an eye peeled when visiting this South Florida destination - you can never be quite sure whom you will run into here. 

STORE DIRECTORY

What's the address again
9700 Collins Avenue
Bal Harbour, FL 33154, USA 
(305) 866-0311

When is it open
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.

Where do I park
The Shops at Bal Harbour offer plenty of parking in its multi-level parking garage as well as open-air parking.

 

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