Bienvenidos a Miami! We’re excited to make Miami one of our newest Neighborhood Showroom destinations, the perfect reason to explore this cultural mecca of iconic beaches, architecture, and Cuban food. There’s no one better to turn to for a locals' lay of the land than our own Hosts. Lucky for us, style bloggers Jenny Berger (aka Miami Style Mom) and Geri del Vento are two of them.
“I love to go on long walks and look at the art deco buildings and homes,” Berger said, “You can get so much inspiration from the architecture and vibrant colors everywhere. We also spend a lot of time at the pool.”
Here where Jenny and Geri spend time with their families and friends in Miami, complete with art walks, lively restaurants, and relaxing beaches.
Eat It Up, Miami-Style
Jenny’s go-to for food is Mandolin, a Mediterannean-inspired spot serving delicious dishes that are authentic to the owners’ native villages in Greece and Turkey. “There isn’t one bad thing on the menu,” says Jenny.
For lunch, hit Gregory’s Diner, a stylish “American eatery” on Biscayne Boulevard. Jenny recos the avocado toast or hamburger. The spot is located in the historic Vagabond Hotel in Miami’s MiMo district and serves up an eclectic mix of American-style favorites with a nod to the hotel’s mid-century roots.
On the run? Swing by OTL, located in the center of Miami’s Design District. Jenny loves it “for a quick brunch and for their overnight oats and iced oat latte.”
Last up, Hillstone at Bal Harbour satisfies Jenny’s cravings for spinach and artichoke dip, or a yummy hamburger. Afterward, there’s plenty to see, and places to shop at Bal Harbour Shops. “Miami Design District is nearby and great for window shopping,” she says.
For a night on the town, Geri likes the world-famous Ball and Chain in Little Havana. It’s the spot for live music, dancing, eating, and drinking delicious cocktails.
Papi Steak is great for a date night, says Geri, and for spotting A-listers (Drake and DJ Khaled are fans). They offer an array of kosher-style favorites like latkes, Wagyu pastrami, and chicken schnitzel. For the non-kosher: try the Maine lobster — along with a robust wine list and specialty cocktails.
Get Outside
The Wynwood Art Walk, pop-up art deco exhibits across downtown, and the famous Coconut Grove Arts Festival give visitors a spectacular look at the distinct aesthetic charms of Miami. The architectural styles date back to a different era, with art deco facades and neon lights everywhere you turn.
Of course, you can’t do Miami without heading to Little Havana. All hail the Cuban food. The city has long served as a cultural melting pot, and the food and entertainment scene reflect that.
Geri recommends spending a day exploring Calle Ocho, located at the epicenter of Little Havana. Catch plenty of Cuban history — in the ‘80s, early waves of Cuban refugees moved here to prevent Castro’s government from stealing their family fortunes. They brought with them everything from hand-rolled cigars and cafecitas to souvenir shops and memorial monuments of Cuban heroes. Domino Park is another main fixture of the street where an older generation likes to meet up, drink cortado, and play dominos.
Mix a little snacking with outdoor fun at Knaus Berry Farm. This strawberry farm, founded in 1956, began as a little roadside stand and now features a full menu of pastries and fruit-filled goodies. You can also pick your own strawberries, when they’re in season. Geri swears by their cinnamon rolls.
The Beaches
Two words: South Beach. We always cherish Miami for its year-round beach weather. While northerners are bundled to the noses, Floridians are enjoying some much-needed respite from the heat and humidity.
Winter is a great time to get outdoors, and the beaches are perfect this time of year. The people watching is just an added bonus.