Wynwood Daytrip

By Megan Ann Harmon7/27/2010

Wynwood is full of surprises. Already known for its art scene, you can’t help but notice the amazing graffiti art as you walk around, and the architecture in this area features historic buildings with bright and vibrant colors (so take plenty of pictures). The area is roughly divided by I-395 to the south, I-195 to the north, I-95 to the west and Biscayne Boulevard to the east. With street parking and walking a must in this neighborhood, you’ll appreciate the impressive antique and vintage shops Wynwood has to offer, if only as an excuse to escape the Miami heat. Welcome to a world of eclectic shopping á la air conditioning in an exciting Miami art district.

Your Schedule:

9:30 a.m. Coffee at Morgan’s
28 NE 29th Street, Miami, 33132; Website: themorgansrestaurant.com

Begin the morning at this adorable 1930’s home converted into a modern-day restaurant. It’s a great meeting place. You can sit outside on the porch (don’t worry, they have fans) and enjoy your coffee and bite to eat ($12) before you set out for day of shopping.

10:15 a.m. / Tricycle
166 NW 29th Street, Miami, 33127; Website: tricyclemiami.com

Walk in, and you feel like you’ve stepped into the 1950’s home of your dreams. Focusing on furniture from the 1950’s and 60’s and really beautiful accent pieces, you’ll pretty much want to make yourself at home. Meet Mariella, one of the co-owners, who will be more than happy to walk you through the store and share information about the lovely items she and her partner have gathered. And, do not be surprised to find her in a vintage outfit that you will also want take home with you.

11:15 a.m. / Las Tias
2834 North Miami Avenue, Miami, 33127; Website: lastias.com

Las Tias focuses on upscale resale. It is a treat to walk through their store. It is full of fun furniture and bright accessories! They have everything from hip earrings to vintage dresses, plush sofas to mirrored nightstands. You will definitely find something you like in here.

12:15 p.m. / Berber Designs
2622 North Miami Avenue, Miami, 33127; Website: berbertrading.com

Welcome to Morocco. This store has beautiful Moroccan furniture and décor including elaborate hand-carved wood headboards and bright beautiful chaise lounges. It is so visually pleasing that it is hard to pull yourself away. You can find gorgeous fabrics by the yard, or tea glasses for $10. It is a very zen place to sit and relax among all of the Moroccan glory.
(Note: You’ll find Shepard Fairey graffiti if you walk from Las Tias to Berber Designs.)

12:45 p.m. / Lost and Found
185 NW 36th Street, Miami, 33127; Website: thelostandfoundsaloon-miami.com

I was lost, but now… Trust me, if you have not been here, you have to try this place. It is very nondescript from the outside, but walk inside and you have entered a Southwestern haven. I recommend sitting at a table in the room with the dessert mural and eating anything you want. Prices range from $10 - $15, and if you make it there between 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., you get ‘Giddy Up Hour’ prices, which are really generous ($6 for my favorite Chipotle Black Bean Burger). Oh, and before you leave, do yourself a favor and order the cookie, a la mode. They do this up right. After eating it you will probably consider moving to the southwest. Except then you’ll remember that we have Lost and Found in our own backyard. It’s a good day.

2 p.m. / Vintage Charity Shop
2401 North Miami Avenue, Miami, 33127; Website: givegoodworks.org

You will be completely drawn in by the colorful exterior of this store and totally taken by surprise at how much this little hole-in-the-wall can hold! You will find many ordinary items and many more eccentric ones. It is kind of like a vintage maze; and you will have a fun time finding your way through it all. The best part is that the Vintage Charity Shop donates proceeds to needy families. Drop an item off or buy one to take home (every bit helps).

3 p.m./ The Lotus House
203 NW 36th Street, Miami, 33127; Website: lotushouseshelter.org

This is a fun stop, and if you find something and buy it, you will feel good knowing that all proceeds benefit the Lotus Women’s Shelter. This is purely a consignment shop, but you can find some cute vases, extravagant hats, and a lot of things that are pink.

4 p.m. / Imagine
3252 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, 33137; Website: imaginegiftsco.com

So, this isn’t an ‘antique’ or ‘vintage’ shop, but it is a green store that focuses on selling items that are recycled, green, imaginative, and local. You can find really great gifts and really inspiring cards for every occasion. It is definitely worth the stop.

5 p.m. / Drinks at The Cheese Course
3451 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, 33137; Website: thecheesecourse.com

Wind down your daytrip and relish your purchases while sipping on some fine wine. Here they have a great selection of wines and you can sit outside and get a view of the new Midtown Park. Or sit inside and enjoy the vases of red roses and amazing aroma from the wine and cheese. You might not be hungry after your mind-blowing lunch at Lost and Found, but don’t let that stop you from at least trying some of these delicious cheeses and buying some for later ($30-$40).