CocoWalk, Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida

Miami Florida is a large metropolitan area made up of little regions within the city. Coconut Grove is one area of Miami, just east of Coral Gables and West of Biscayne Bay. The township was formed in 1925; however, individuals were in the Coconut Grove area as early as 1825 when the first Cape Florida lighthouse was opened. Coconut Grove certainly has a long history, but it is the present that is important.

Coconut Grove is home to the CocoWalk. The CocoWalk is a shopping center unlike most. It is an outdoor shopping mall with numerous buildings and beautiful grounds.

It has been referred to as a bayside village with eclectic tastes. The shops and boutiques are filled with high fashion clothing, accessories, and much more.

Restaurants line the walk, as well as numerous types of entertainment. Some have considered CocoWalk to be a window shoppers "paradise.'' Sidewalk cafes line the streets for tourists and residents who want to soak up the world around them. Bars and other nightlife activities ensure that everyone can have fun even after the shops close.

As an outdoor mall there are less shops than you might find in the Bayside Marketplace, a location in downtown Miami. In fact at CocoWalk there are less than forty shops to explore. The retail stores include Azul Boutique, Artway 66, Baby Gap, Coco Cigar, Edward Beiner, FYE Music, GAP, Goldiamor Jewelry, Koko and Palenki, Kouture One, Maui Nix, and Palm Produce. Also on the property are Saverio Di Ricci, Sparkle Plenty, Sportive, Victoria's Secret, and White House/ Black Market.

For your dining needs there is Bice Bistro, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Chili's, Coco Gelato, Crazy Pianos, The Cheesecake Factory, Fat Tuesday, Full Bodied Wine and Spa, Hooters, International Quesadilla, Los Ranchos Steakhouse, Pommes and Pane Cafe, and Yogurbella.

For entertainment AMC theaters and soon to come Muvico Premium Theater offer the latest movies on screen. Live entertainment such as bands can be found within the mall or at some of the bars at CocoWalk. Events during the year will change. For example you have holiday events for Christmas, St. Patrick's Day and Fourth of July.

There are also events surrounding basketball teams, stores, and restaurants. For guests it is important to look up what events might be coming during the month of their visit to see if anything exciting is going to happen. Artwalks, football events, and even children's events can be found at CocoWalk.

CocoWalk is a block from the water and beaches in Miami. It is also not the only place for tourists to have fun if they are visiting Miami. In Miami there is the Villa Vizcaya which was built in 1916. This villa is extraordinary in its architecture. It is also open to the public. For someone who wants to soak up a bit of culture heading to this house before spending a night on the town in CocoWalk is worthwhile. Miami is also home to the Barnacle Historic State Park. This park offers more outdoor fun.