1. The Americas Collection
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 446-5578
Address: 214 Andalusia Ave.
Description: The Americas Collection showcases contemporary Latin American art and was founded in 1991. The gallery attributes its continued success, even during this economic downturn, to their accessibility to both locals and tourists. Exhibitions change once a month—check the website for free opening events and receptions. The space regularly participates in the monthly first Fri’s Coral Gables Gallery Stroll. Felix Angel, Jean Jacques, and Antonia Guzmán are just several of the Latin American artists you’ll find here. There is also a monthly production of serigraphs for younger collectors. Open Mon through Fri from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sat from noon to 5 p.m.
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Address: 169 Madeira Ave.
3. Durban Segnini Gallery
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 774-7740
Address: 3072 SW 38th Ave.
Description: A Venezuelan import, this gallery came to Miami in 1992 after 22 years in Caracas. Contemporary painting and sculpture is the focus with an emphasis on artists who have worked with “abstract expressionism, abstraction, constructivism, and kinetic art.” Open Mon through Fri from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a second location in Wynwood at 2145 NW 2nd Ave.
4. H. Benitez Fine Art Gallery
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (786) 877-1045
Address: 305 Alcazar Ave. Suite 4
Description: Cuban-born artist Humberto Benitez was named 2006 trendsetter by Art Business News magazine and has had his work acquired internationally. His Coral Gables studio is now his home and is involved in charity events and groups. Open Mon through Fri from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5. Jorge M. Sori Fine Art
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 657-3151
Address: 2970 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Description: This gallery focuses on contemporary Latin American art and was founded in 1991. The gallery is proud to have exhibited Latin American masters including Wifredo Lam, Fernando Botero, and Tomas Sanchez, to name a few. Local artists are also on the gallery’s radar and a list of current artisits exhibited is on the website. Open Tues through Fri from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sat by appointment.
6. Klara Chavarria Contemporary Art Gallery And Studio Space
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 282-2116
Address: 2912 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Description: This artist’s work is exhibited internationally and includes public collections in Chicago. A native of Guatemala City, she came to the United States in 1993 and settled in Miami after studying art in Kansas. She is currently working on a public commission project for the City of Miami Beach and is involved in the First Fri gallery walks in Coral Gables. Open Tues through Fri from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
7. Rdz Fine Art
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 720-5172
Address: 37 Merrick Way
Description: A personalized experience is the goal of RDZ Fine Art, where art consultants offer advice to collectors and connoisseurs. The gallery displays a variety of contemporary paintings and photography, many of which are by South Floridian artists. The site also plays host to events and viewings. Open Tues through Thurs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fri from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat from noon to 9 p.m.
8. Actors’ Playhouse At The Miracle Theatre
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 444-9293
Address: 280 Miracle Mile
Description: This professional theater company puts on major productions throughout the year on the mainstage and also has a children’s stage for kid-friendly productions. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
9. New Theatre
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 443-5909
Address: 4120 Laguna St.
Description: This multicultural theater has been around since 1986 and focuses on “works which speak of social/religious/humanistic interests, relevant issues of discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation, the immigrant’s plight, the role of youth in our community, and for stories from the heart and for the soul which celebrate the mosaic that makes up our South Florida community.” The theater highlights the works of developing playwrights providing them with a forum to express their talents.
10. Alhambra Antiques
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 446-1688
Address: 2850 Salzedo St.
Description: One of Miami’s most respected antique shops, Alhambra Antiques is for serious shoppers. The store’s belief in unassuming, French sophistication is reflected in its carefully chosen merchandise. Connections throughout Europe fill the store with 18th- and 19th- century antiques. There are plenty of potential pièce d rèsistance for rooms that may be lacking. Ornate pendulum clocks, crystal chandeliers, and vintage birdcages are guaranteed to impress. There is also a large collection of fine art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, including religious art. Despite the exclusivity of their objects, prices are surprisingly fair.
11. Roque’S Curiosities
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 665-0466
Address: 6550 Bird Rd.
Description: Venture out to Bird Road to find a compelling mix of traditional and obscure antiques. Among the porcelain bowls and lacy lampshades are curiosities such as a gas pumps from the 1940s, a1920s gramophone, and a bronze lion head.
12. Gbs The Beauty Store
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 446-6654
Address: 308 Miracle Mile
Description: This all-purpose beauty store has just about anything for the individual beauty queen. Each location has a salon, so take advantage of purchasing products you’ve “tested,” so to speak. Prices are reasonable and events take place frequently, which offer workshops and samples of incoming products. Additional locations are at 11297 South Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest (305-254-4074); and 18545 West Dixie Hwy., Aventura (305-931-5291).
13. Fifteenth Street Books
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 442-2344
Address: 296 Aragon Ave.
Description: Rare and used books are the specialty at this Coral Gables bookstore, which also houses art and antique gallery Gladioli’s. Special highlights include rare 15th-century books, titles on architecture and design, and a Cuban collection.
14. The Children’S Exchange
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 666-6235
Address: 1415 Sunset Dr.
Description: For those who want to make a few bucks off of hand-me-downs that are in good condition, look no further than The Children’s Exchange. There are a few items they won’t accept: stuffed animals, small toys, undergarments, infant bedding, picture frames, framed art, and anything that’s basically grimy or falling apart. But otherwise, they accept a slew of items for resale including boys and girls clothing, all types of shoes, sportswear, and baby gear. Each consignor is limited to one shopping bag every 2 weeks and items that are not sold within 90 days will be marked down 50 percent for 2 weeks. A handy online service lets the consignor know when and what has been sold.
15. Lowe Museum Store
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 284-3535
Address: 1301 Stanford Dr. at the Lowe Art Museum
Description: The museum store features art, books, stationery, and posters that reflect the rotating exhibitions at the museum. During the holidays, the museum sells seasonal items such as Christmas ornaments and holiday-themed greeting cards. A variety of unique jewelry is also on sale that reflects the culturally diverse exhibit at the museum such as pre-Colombian and Greek replicas.