SOAK UP CULTURE HERE – Originally created as a winter home for American businessman James Deering, the stunning, turn-of-the-century villa known as Vizcaya is now a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum. Just moments from Downtown Miami, the Italian estate features expansive bayfront gardens, an exceptional art collection, rotating cultural events and plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops to warrant return visits.
SWIM HERE – A world-class aquatic facility in Coral Gables, The Venetian Pool is among the city’s most beloved summer attractions for locals and tourists alike. Created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, the pool features historic lookout towers, waterfalls, cave-like grottos and views over the City Beautiful. Though it may sound wasteful, the 820,000 gallon pool is filled and drained daily in the spring and summer, fed with spring water from an underground aquifer.
EAT, SHOP & STROLL HERE – The popular, pedestrian-friendly streets of Giralda Plaza boast restaurants, bars, cafes, live music and art installations galore. On Sundays from 12-5, the plaza comes alive with unique products and treats by local artists and craftsmen. AND HERE – Miracle Mile & Downtown Coral Gables is considered the epicenter of dining, shopping and culture in South Florida. High-end shops, salons, restaurants, art galleries and a theatre can all be found here.
STOP & SMELL THE ROSES HERE – The 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the perfect place to while away a day in Coral Gables, featuring an extensive collection of rare tropical plants, flowers, vines and trees in a breathtaking setting. Its biggest claim to fame is it’s palm and cycad collections, which are widely considered the greatest in the world and nationally recognized by the American Public Gardens Association. The garden also plays host to numerous events throughout the year, including the International Chocolate, Mango and Orchid festivals.
BUY A NEW BOOK HERE – Set in a historic Spanish building with a romantic courtyard, Books & Books is the kind of place that inspires—and encourages—lingering. The locally owned, independent bookstore (which boasts two other South Florida locations) was founded by local book lover Mitchell Kaplan in the 1980s and is credited with putting South Florida on the literary map. Stop by for a new book and make an afternoon of it with a stop in the shop’s charming cafe.
LIVE HERE – 451 Hardee Road in Coral Gables, represented by Justin Fealy, is a gem in the City Beautiful, just moments from top restaurants, shopping and attractions. The light-infused, four-bedroom, three-bathroom, single-story residence sits on a large lot with expansive living and family rooms, an entertainer’s kitchen and backyard with a large pool surrounded by palms and greenery. OR HERE – The only new, fully completed condominium offering in Coral Gables, Merrick Manor features masterfully designed, turnkey residences ranging from spacious one-bedrooms to expansive four-bedroom penthouses. Neighboring The Shops at Merrick Park, Merrick Manor offers full-service living, with 24-hour concierge and valet, as well as exceptional amenity spaces designed by the award-winning Interiors by Steven G. Represented by The Agency Collective, Merrick Manor features a resort-style saline pool and summer kitchen, residents’ lounge, state-of-the-art fitness studio and ground-floor boutique shopping and dining.
