Eclectic Trips

When my husband and i first moved to Miami our absolute favorite thing to do was to go to Lincoln Road, South Beach’s beautiful pedestrian mall on Sundays. Sundays are the Farmer’s Market, and every other week during the Winter, there is a great antique market. Interestingly enough, six years later, it’s still one of my favorite Sunday activities- brunch and a long stroll on Lincoln. Lincoln road is about 14 blocks in length, has a nice variety of stores, restaurants, cafes, gelato places, and great people watching. Since we moved to Miami 6 years ago, Lincoln has changed somewhat, but not significantly. Most of the shops and restaurants that were here then, are still here, of course some have gone out of business, and were replaced by different successors, but largely the layout and the feel of Lincoln remains unchanged. The last block of Lincoln Road, between Lenox and Alton avenue has undergone massive renovations over the past year, and has turned into a very  posh block with high end retailers like Y-3 and  the ever-so-chic Taschen.  It’s very pretty and polished, but fits well with the rest of Lincoln Road- just feels more fresh.  On Sunday you will see lots of people walking their dogs, families with strollers, pretty girls walking by and cute guys skating around. If you are lucky, you might see “Clucky the rooster”- a Miami icon, this white rooster rides on the front of the wheel of a bicycle of a guy wearing overalls. Quite the dynamic duo those two. Lincoln road is as popular with locals as it is with Miami visitors, and for that reason you need to be a discerning consumer, and try to eat at places that don’t pass out flyers as you walk by. Some noteworthy places are  Doraku Sushi - very cozy and cute, though sometimes a bit loud, with innovative sushi and wasabi bloody marys are just awesome. Quattro- very chic Italian eatery, gorgeously designed and perfectly delicious, a lot of ingredients being flown directly from Italy. The service is great, the crowd is either rich or gorgeous, or both- this is definitely the “see and be seen” type of establishment. One of our personal favorites- “Books & Books”-a great outdoor casual restaurant that grew out of a tiny 3 table cofee place in a book store. At some point they added about 10 tables outside, and a small menu, and now it’s a full-fledged delicious restaurant with tons of seating, usually pretty packed- especially the weekends in season. They have many great vegan specials, use organic and local ingredients whenever possible, and everything here is oh-so-fresh.

After our lovely traditional Sunday brunch at “Books” a leisurely stroll and farmer’s market buys. The farmer’s market is nothing too special- there are a few stands here and there, and only a few vendors with fruit and flowers. My two favorite ones are the fruit guy and the flower guy right on the corner of Meridian. Can’t beat the prices from both these vendors, and if you go later in the day- around five, the prices get slashed even further. The fruit and veggies are fresh, some organic, and there are some exotic fruits like passion fruit or guava, that smell amazing! The flower guy has some really nice selection of flowers, always different, he is knowledgeable about his flowers, and the flowers usually last a while.

If you are ever in Miami on a Sunday, Lincoln road is definitely the place to check out.

Flower vendor on Lincoln Road

Farmer's market

Wynwood Walls art

On the second Saturday of every month, is the famous Wynwood Art walk. Most galleries have opening receptions, special events and serve wine and beer. Sometimes there are bands playing outside, and light installations are exhibited on the streets. The crowds that fill the streets are  eclectic, mostly younger generation, though you see older people here and there. Lots of students and ubiquitous hipsters, artsy folk of all sorts, and those just here for the free booze.

Outside of Joey's restaurantLight installationLight installation

Wynwood is Miami’s up and coming art neighborhood. Though it looks pretty desolate during the day, there are dozens of art galleries spread throughout the district. It’s best to print up a map online, and strategize your gallery visits during the regular gallery hours, though during the art walk I prefer to just follow the crowds. Galleries are many and very eclectic, specializing  mostly in contemporary art. The exhibitions change often, so I won’t discuss what is presented in any particular gallery, you best follow your instinct here. The distric is filled with large scale graffitied walls and murals, that are pretty awesome. They are called wynwood walls and are located all over Wynwood. Walking from gallery to gallery and stopping over to listen to some music on the street, or party like backyard scenarios that are present in some galleries  is a very fun way to pass the evening. Go early – around 7,  and stay awhile discovering this homegrown fun night that keeps evolving.

Street art

Live music on the street

Of course after all the art and the wine one ought to get hungry, and Wynwood has some fantastic dining options. Joey’s, my personal favorite is a  lovely, authentic, inexpensive Italian with a wood burning oven and great pizza. They always have tons of great specials, and offer half orders of their yummy pastas. The wine list is comprised of a lot of excellent budget choices, plenty of options by the glass here as well. Joey’s gets packed during the art walk, so reservation is a must. But even with your reservation prepare to wait up to an hour. If you can snag a seat by the tiny bar, order a pizza and some wine while you wait.

Cafeina is a newcomer to Wynwood, it’s an art gallery slash tapas bar slash lounge. The space is really nicely done, with a chill vibe and nice music. Tehir garden is great as well, as are the fancy signature cocktails a lot of which are made with coffee ( you get the whole C reference I am sure)

Art in Wynwood

Bardot is the last stop on the list. After the art and the food you need the drinks. That’s just how it goes- so make a night of it. Bardot is a pretty magical place- a bar, lounge, live music venue with rotating art and painfully posh decor. Keeping up with the whole speakeasy vibe the entrance to the venue is in the very well lit, but nonetheless back alley. Rock rules here, as do eclectic electroselections an really good oldies. The decor is comprised of chic velvet couches, incerdibly well curated vintage gems, complete with vases, books, gorgeous ashtrays and all kinds of eye candy. The crowd is painfully hip, young, drunk, dancing and totally feelin it here. Love Bardot- my favorite bar in all of Miami.

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