Shopping & Services

Whether you’re an amateur cyclist who needs to mend a flat or an expert on the hunt for a custom build, the staff at Brickell Bikes has got you covered. Upon arrival, you’ll meet Nugget — the resident golden-hued French bulldog, who greets you at the door. If Nugget doesn’t sell you on a bike, the impressive showroom will. From simple cruisers to sophisticated road machines, the staff will guide you to the bike of your dreams — or at the very least a bike to cruise you on out of 2020. Owner Robbie Zamora features brands like Bianchi, All-City, and Fyxation. Prices start around $399 and go up — well, as any cyclist will tell you, for custom builds of the sort Zamora describes as “some cool damn bikes,” prices go up as high as you want them to. If you’re not ready to buy, no problem: Brickell Bikes offers hassle-free rentals that are easily booked online. And those looking to socialize with fellow cyclists (at a six-foot distance, of course) should check out Brickell Bike’s social-media pages for info on group rides and Critical Mass activations.

Your four-legged friend doesn’t have to be tall or tan or young or lovely to be treated like royalty at the Dog From Ipanema. Since its founding in 1986, the South Miami salon for dogs (and cats!) has provided a pampering treatment for all who come through its doors, creating a seamlessly enjoyable experience for everyone involved. A standard full grooming will get your dog a bath, a nail trimming, and a thorough cleaning of both ears and anal glands; if you’re in the mood to splurge, you can also have their pearly whites brushed for under $10.

From humble beginnings, the Spot has emerged as South Florida’s number-one, er, spot for the best gentlemen’s haircut experience. The first shop opened in Little Havana in 2001, and the business has since grown to 16 locations — including outlets in Brickell, Doral, Fort Lauderdale and Sunny Isles. An additional three shops (in Coconut Creek, Pembroke Pines Gardens and South Beach) are in the works. But aside from its obvious success, what makes the Spot so special? Well, services run the spectrum, including blade-edging beard service, nose, ear and eyebrow waxing, pedicures and, yes, a good old-fashioned haircut. The shops’ ambiance and staff are always welcoming, too. That may or may not have something to do with the massive “GOD IS GOOD” banner that adorns every location; God has certainly been good to the Spot through the years, and the Spot continues to be good to us.

Finding a good hair stylist is like finding a good partner: You usually have to shop around a bit before settling on “the one.” Save yourself time and frustration by heading straight to this Coral Gables salon, where Gabriel Samra has been offering expertly crafted cuts and color for the past ten years. A welcoming beauty sanctuary, the 4,500-square-foot salon occupies a two-story building where, in addition to precise styling and dazzling color transformations, you can take advantage of a full menu of services including eyebrow design, body waxing, and a variety of nail, lash, and bridal options. Bonus points for Samra’s Instagram videos, which offer a treasure trove of hair maintenance and styling tips.

Founded by Rita Pinto, Vanity Nails Project took New York by storm with its debut location on Manhattan’s Lower East Side following a three-month pop-up in MoMA PS1. The next location for the art-forward luxury salon was a no-brainer, and in 2015, Vanity Projects set up shop in the Design District of Miami. The salon treats manicures as an art form and technicians as artists, as it should: Look no further than Vanity’s Instagram page for proof of its excellence. From intricate designs to loud statement sets, each ‘artist in residence’ conjures up a tantalizing style for every taste. Perfection doesn’t come cheap — a set of middle-tier nail art starts at $100, with detailed designs going for $140 and up — but you get what you pay for at this high-end atelier. Vanity Projects is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. by appointment only.

A tanning salon might not be considered an essential business, but after being locked up at home for most of 2020, can you blame South Floridians for wanting to appeal that ruling? Miami Tan is essential to its customers, who seek a quick and friendly experience in a relaxing environment. Clean beds decked out with South Beach-flavored lighting make things easy on the eyes and body, and there are multiple rooms with a variety of tanning options to choose from. Employees can tell you when the bulbs were last changed, while owner Jack Hays ensures that lockers are available for all customers — and since May, the salon has implemented changes to stay current with Miami-Dade COVID-19 guidelines. The salon is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. In the end, there really isn’t any downside to spending a relaxing hour at Miami Tan. In fact, it’s almost essential.

If heaven has a spa, it must look like this: an oceanside oasis full of godsend treatments to counter all of your worries. Spread across 20,000 square feet, Acqualina Spa has some of Miami Beach’s most luxurious amenities: sparkling crystal steam rooms, Himalayan salt walls, refreshing ice fountains, and showers with cool arctic and warm Caribbean mists. Pamper yourself with a sound care massage, cryotherapy facial, or luxury hand and foot treatment, then spend the rest of your day on the sprawling coed oceanfront terrace, complete with a pool, hot tub and sun deck. Don’t leave without browsing the on-site boutique or ordering something from the Acqualina Diet menu. Note that the spa’s health and safety program currently requires all team members and guests to undergo a temperature check and don a face covering upon entering.

In 1993, biomedical engineer Jeanette Acosta was pregnant and struggling to find non-toxic products when she set out to start a no-frills, eco-friendly skin beauty clinic of her own. Tucked into a 1,100-square-foot cozy, comfortable space in the Village of Merrick Park, her one-stop shop, Skintique, focuses on highly specialized organic facials that impart a glow better than any filter. Most popular are the touchless hydrafacial, the Oxygen Vitamin (Red Carpet) facial, and the 24-karat gold collagen and diamond microderm. But don’t stop at your face: Acosta’s team also specializes in chakra alignment, hair removal, and a list of body treatments that will leave your skin tightened and plumped in all the right places. Skintique, which is currently adhering to all COVID-19 safety protocols, opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

While the pandemic has struck a huge blow to many small-business owners, some savvy entrepreneurs have capitalized on a new and exploding market: facemasks. In Miami, the best-face-masks honor has to go to Martha of Miami. Martha has long made a name for herself as the quintessential 305 merch seller, and her masks follow suit. If 2020’s giving you the heebie-jeebies, try Martha’s evil-eye mask to purge all the bad vibes from your life. Or choose from styles covered with mango, piña colada or cafecito designs. There’s even a trademark “Cuban Bred” version, so everyone will know what you’re about, even from six feet away. The Martha of Miami store is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; all masks are $10 or under, with a balaclava-style full face cover available for $14.

We’re not 100 percent clear on the science behind the reasons people decide to get tattoos, but if we had to guess, boredom and alcohol would be at the top of the list. Quarantining during a pandemic has brought both into our lives in a big way, so we can only deduce that Ocho Placas Tattoo Company is seeing an uptick in business. The hometown shop — elevated by the work of co-owners John Vale and Javier Betancourt, along with a cohort of talented designers — is an internationally recognized space with a strong local presence (Vale and Betancourt are also part of Miami’s music, visual arts and culinary scenes). The artists at Ocho Placas go way beyond butterfly tramp stamps and ‘I Love Mom’ tattoos; they’re well-known for their custom designs, no matter how intricate or involved. If you’ve got something in mind, these specialists will help you bring it to life. Not sure what you want? Tell them what you’re into, and they’ll put their talents to work. Check out the Ocho Placas Facebook page to see some examples of recent work, then call or go online to make an appointment. The shop is open from 1 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Pets Kingdom is a cozy little pet store in the suburban hamlet of Miami Springs. What the place lacks in size, it more than makes up for in friendliness and family-like atmosphere. Shop for all your pet supply needs here, including toys, food, cage liners, and — if you’re one of those people whose dog has a bigger closet than your kids — cute pet clothes. While you’re perusing the aisles, you’ll have a chance to meet the most important member of the staff: Mocha the cat, who lives at the store full-time. Pets Kingdom also offers daycare for small, caged animals like lizards and hamsters. And come holiday time, you and Fluffy can snag a picture with Santa at the shop. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Is there a better socially distanced activity than skateboarding? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Fort Lauderdale’s Mad Skate Shop is on a mission to keep the sport alive, even through the pandemic. The store carries plenty of familiar brands like Adidas, Thrasher, and Krooked, and its knowledgeable staff of skaters stands ready to help clueless parents. Is your kid interested in learning how to skate? The shop offers lessons to children as young as 3 at its Skate Spot area at 99 SW 14th Street in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to helping beginners, Mad Skate also supports a team of up-and-comers who are helping keep South Florida’s skateboard scene on the map.

Buying a car is supposed to be exciting — but the process is notoriously anxiety-inducing. The beginning and the end are a blast, but the in-between is pure torture. Lexus of Pembroke Pines does its best to make that in-between part manageable so you can actually enjoy one of the bigger purchases of your life. Selection isn’t a problem, as there are well over a thousand cars in the inventory to choose from. Customer service isn’t an issue, either. And the prices can’t be beat: You’ll get the best deal, whether the car you’re looking at is new or used. And if you don’t see what you want, the dealership will find it for you. What more can you ask for? If you want a pleasant car-buying experience, start your search at Lexus of Pembroke Pines. The dealership is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

A friend of ours was a late bloomer when it came to automobiles. After getting her license at 24, she became the ill-informed owner of a beat-up mid-size crossover SUV — and only after the car broke down on I-95 did she realize that an occasional oil change might be necessary for optimum car health. The team at BMA Automotive could easily have hustled this amateur, but as noted in various online reviews, the El Portal mechanic shop is incredibly service-minded, with a trustworthy team helmed by the knowledgeable, professional, and reassuringly friendly Ron. And while the customer is not always right in this line of business (no, those lights flashing on your dashboard are not a suggestion), customers are definitely at the top of the priority list for BMA, which has delivered premium-quality services at reasonable rates to Miami drivers for the past 30 years.

Your filthy car is begging for a wash, but you’re too lazy to DIY it, and the gas station drive-thrus aren’t worth the high prices they charge for soap and water. Hand car washes with great attention to detail are what make the service worth paying for, not some robot arms and a red arrow that tells you when to stop. So before someone leaves a scrawled “Wash Me” note in the dust on your window, take your baby to Karma Car Wash. Karma has perfected the old-fashioned hand car wash and has a pricing scale for every budget. In addition, the experts here will spiff up the interior of your vehicle just as well as the outside. While you wait, settle into one of Karma’s umbrella-covered Adirondack chairs; you’ll soon forget you’re there to get bird poop cleaned off your bumper.

If ever there was a time when CBD was needed, 2020 is it. CBD can be a game-changer for users, but it can take a lot of time and money to find the brand, product and dosage that are right for you. With so many companies trying to cash in on CBD’s popularity, the market is rife with scammers. In contrast, Herbin Living Smoke Shop offers the knowledge and products that will get customers the relief they’re looking for, including its own full-spectrum CBD brand. The shop’s inventory addresses a variety of consumer needs, from glass pipes and vape tools to kava and kratom supplements, and its prices are honest. So skip the gas station snake-oil stuff and make your way to Herbin Living instead; doors open daily at 10 a.m.

With three locations in Miami and more scattered around South Florida, Trulieve has clearly cornered the flower market in these parts. But convenience is just one reason we like the dispensary chain so much. In addition to all the other products in stock, ranging from concentrates and inhalations to tinctures and capsules, Trulieve has helped pioneer the advent of edibles in this state, even setting up a 10,000-square-foot commercial kitchen near Tallahassee. While Miami’s medical customers can shop from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Trulieve’s delivery is also quick and accurate — another plus. And we admit that we’re suckers for the puns on the company’s website and text messaging. Happy Shatterday, indeed!

Like Disney World, but for vaping: That’s the best way to describe the Vape & Smoke Shop location on Biscayne Boulevard. One step inside the store brings a blast of sensations, from the smell of the myriad flavored products to the visuals created by the colorful array of merchandise. A wall of incense and knickknacks draws you in on one side, while candles and hookahs intrigue on the other. Wide varieties of tobacco pipes and vaping tools are available; display cases highlight jars, pipes, and a vast assortment of other items that would look great on your coffee table. The shop also carries several lines of CBD brands. Just about every vaping flavor imaginable is proffered here — but if you don’t see what you want, Vape & Smoke will order it for you. And if you’re just familiarizing yourself with vaping, the staff is happy to answer any questions you might have. Vape & Smoke Shop opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

It’s been a long day, and you just want to unwind and let off some steam — or smoke, preferably in the form of rich fumes emitting from the tip of an expertly rolled cigar. Head to Cigar Cellar of Miami for a complete cigar-centered experience. Like a traditional cigar lounge, the Coral Gables establishment features soft leather recliners for guests to melt into and light up. There’s also a bar within the store so you can enjoy a libation with your smoke. Don’t feel like leaving the house? Cigar Cellar delivers! Order from a wide variety of exquisite cigars online, including a box of ten Padrón maduros for $144. Cigar Cellar also offers an annual membership that includes, among other benefits, your own temperature-controlled locker for the ultimate in cigar storage.

Competitive prices and great selection on booze — what more could we ask for from a locally owned liquor store, especially in 2020? The price and selection at Big Game Liquors are much like what you’ll find at the big boxes, but the small team here is well-versed in what they stock, making shopping here a breeze even if you aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for. The compact space features nicely stocked shelves that are organized by spirit with a vast array of options. What makes Big Game stand out even more? There’s an app! Available on Apple or Android, the Big Game Liquors app allows customers to place orders for easy pick-up or delivery, browse dozens of cocktail recipes, create a list of “favorites,” and even peruse lists of top sellers and staff picks. Hooray for the little guy! Hooray for Big Game!

Before his death last November, Walter Mercado left us one final gift: a horoscope with New Year’s Eve rituals designed to help us live our best lives in 2020. Goodness knows what Walter would say if he were still here to ride out this dumpster-fire-on-a-roller-coaster of a year with us. The kind, encouraging words of everyone’s favorite cape-wearing astrologer, imparted over a 50-year career, will remain with us forever, as will his legacy. Not just in the bathroom at Stephen’s Deli in Hialeah, either, but in our hearts. Everything Walter gave, he gave con mucho, mucho amor.

Part of the thrill of antique shopping comes from never knowing what you’re going to find and marveling at unexpected oddities. Like a book written by a Revolutionary War chaplain. Or a pre-World War I sawtooth bayonet. Or something called a womb chair, which is supposed to be one of the most comfortable things you’ll ever sit on. Antique Mall Y’All is an antique aficionado’s dream. Come for the vintage perfume or jewelry, stay for a conversation about antique vs. modern furniture with Shelley Stanczyk, who opened the store in 1998 after a career as a schoolteacher and administrator. A self-professed lover of all things beautiful, Stanczyk turned her passion for collecting antiques into a business. With merchandise from over 170 dealers and Stanczyk’s eye for the charming and authentic, you’re sure to find something wonderful. Choose your own adventure from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

You may or may not be aware of a massive Hialeah sex shop with a facade that for years was painted in flames. Caliente Adult Superstore recently got an all-new paint job, with murals reminiscent of what you’d see in Wynwood — but inside, you’ll find all of the same naughty magic. If you’re looking to up your lingerie game and are fond of the studded, the strappy, the lacy, or the teeny-tiny, look no further. Caliente appears to have every conceivable piece of lingerie out there — probably some you didn’t even know existed. When you walk through the doors, corsets, boy shorts, thongs, body stockings, costumes and pasties are on the left. Blowjob underwear, jockstraps, briefs, G-strings, and slings are on the right. Women’s lingerie ranges in size from small to 4X. Caliente is the X-rated version of a candy store, so spend some time browsing the toys and DVD collection if you’re so inclined; doors are open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Shopping for a new swimsuit is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be dispiriting. Founded by Jamaican-American model Jessica Wong in 2018, XhaleSwim is designed to make wearers feel comfortable and sexy, whether they’re on display at the beach or in an inflatable pool in the backyard. Each piece is handmade in Miami by a local seamstress and doubled-lined, making every swimsuit completely reversible. The brand’s string bikinis, lace-up one-pieces, and high-neck maillots are available in sizes XS to XXL. Wong’s mission is for her customers to relax and lose the cover-up — and in these suits, you’ll want to show off.

One of the few stores in the Design District to offer original designs, Simonett features a ready-to-wear line by founder and creative director Simonett Pereira. Her pieces are eclectic without being trendy, and entirely wearable for the modern woman, whose tastes range — in non-pandemic times — from sleek business wear to edgy evening outfits. Pereira also gives space to similar up-and-coming local and visiting designers, raising money for causes with special collections. And despite its upscale location, Simonett is defined by relative affordability. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

When you step inside the cool, minimalist environs of BASE Superstore in Wynwood, it’s hard to imagine that this pioneer of “curated retailing” celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2019. The brainchild of Bruce Canella and co-founder Steven Giles, the hoppin’ menswear spot spent 20-plus years on Lincoln Road before moving to its Second Avenue digs, where it continues to maintain its quality, selection and general awesomeness. On a typical day, the store boasts accessories like Comme Des Garçons wallets (starting at $89), top-notch Lady White tees ($55 and up) and the latest Birkenstock footwear ($44.95 and up). There are plenty of quirky things to complement the garb, too, including Superplastic toys ($75 and up), skateboards by guest artists, and even BASE’s own handcrafted fragrance line ($75 for a 4 oz. bottle). With its longevity and an unwavering knack for keeping it fresh, BASE is looking sharper than ever in 2020.

Miami is often referred to as the “sixth borough” thanks to the sheer number of New Yorkers who call the Magic City home — part-time, at least. But while Rees Escobar and Steven Sanz’s Design District boutique may wink at the Big Apple, make no mistake: This shop is all 305. Lower East Coast specializes in highly coveted and hard-to-find streetwear brands, including local labels like Stray Rats and its own in-house brand, and designers such as Delicate Porcelain, Bedlam, and Marni. Prices range wildly from $30 to upwards of $1,000, but rest assured, it’s all high quality. LEC also carries a variety of publications, from photo books to Japanese fashion magazines and progressive zines.

In the Before Times, dry cleaning was a necessity for the modern professional urban dweller. And while the service isn’t in such high demand these days — no one knows what kind of pants you’re wearing on Zoom, or if you’re wearing pants at all — its purveyors are waiting patiently for life to once again involve clothing that needs their services. In Miami, we look to the DryCleaning Factory and its owner, Rafa Riefkohl, whose likeness adorns the company’s vans (though Riefkohl notes that the caricature was “16 years and 60 pounds ago”). A lot of dry cleaners offer pickup and delivery service, but the DryCleaning Factory makes it the centerpiece of its business model. Service routes cover most of the office buildings, apartments and condos from Brickell to Edgewater going north and from downtown to Coconut Grove heading west. Riefkohl, who’s seen a lot of changes in the city in the company’s 16 years, says it’s been a great ride.

Lauren Arkin-Malacsina’s L.A. Boudoir Miami is the product of a longtime passion: She developed an eye for quality vintage early on, and eventually turned her collection into a business. Arkin-Malacsina currently operates L.A. Boudoir — formerly a Biscayne Boulevard storefront — from her home. And while the move was pre-pandemic, she says the decision has helped her beloved business stay afloat. L.A. Boudoir offers vintage styles for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and special items like perfume atomizers, flasks, and cigarette holders. Not in the market for special-occasion styling right now? You can still browse the website and dream of the places you’d go — and the heads you’d turn — in a 1980s-style sequined cocktail dress or a 1950s-inspired strapless evening gown. And if you’re looking to spice things up during stay-at-home times, L.A. Boudoir’s lingerie will transform you into the poutiest of pinups.

Since the mid-1980s, Miami Twice has been the Magic City’s best-known, tried-and-true vintage store. The place is a wonderland of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from nearly every decade of the 20th Century. Whenever mass gatherings come back, here’s where you’ll find the perfect slinky flapper dress for that 1920s theme party, or fingerless gloves and leg warmers for a flashy ’80s get-together. Visitors can find pinup dresses and other retro delights any day of the week except Sundays, when Miami Twice is closed. In October, the owners turn the store into the stuff Halloween dreams are made of — a great reason to skip the chains and shop local.

Jewelry maker Kathe Cuervo has been crafting with sterling silver for years. After selling her handmade jewelry online and at select local shops and craft markets, the Colombian artisan opened her first brick-and-mortar in early 2020 at the Upper Buena Vista open-air shopping mall. In its sweet corner location, the Kathe Cuervo Store highlights row after row of silver rings, turquoise beaded bracelets, necklaces, earrings — the works. In addition to her unique jewelry, Cuervo sells an eclectic mix of goods such as nail polish from Deco Miami, another local small business, and stationery, coffee mugs, and small houseplants. When you meet the petite, dark-haired Colombian, who is frequently at the shop with her husband and young son, you’ll feel right at home; her demeanor is as warm and inviting as her store’s decor. Despite the global pandemic, Cuervo continues to sell her jewelry online, and the Upper Buena Vista store remains open with adjusted hours.

Talk about high-pressure shopping: You want to impress the one who’s stolen your heart, look good in those everlasting photographs, and rock social media on your big day. But what you have in mind can be very different from what’s out there — and the fairy tale can only work if it starts with you saying yes to the dress. Snag a private appointment at Ever After in Coconut Grove, where Camille Russler and her team will show you a good time and an array of high-quality dream gowns from designers Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, and Zuhair Murad. And don’t worry if it’s not a perfect fit from the get-go: Whether you choose modern, vintage short, or mermaid, this bridal boutique’s atelier will custom-tailor your find to your unique needs, body, and style to reflect all that’s special about you.

A bright red neon sign advertising a SEXY SHOP draws the eye to an otherwise nondescript shopping center off West 49th Street in Hialeah. This tiny but mighty store is efficiently packed with goodies that lubricate, vibrate, penetrate, castigate, and otherwise titillate. If you’re thinking you’d rather buy your unmentionables online, think again: The Sexy Box provides a comforting, intimate shopping experience with a knowing staff ready to help. If you’re a shy first-timer who’s never been to a sex shop in person, there are plenty of racks of crotchless panties to hide your red cheeks behind. And if you’re a pro, the paddles, ball gags, and spreader bars are to the right at the front of the shop. Bonus points for cleanliness, great customer service, pretty lingerie (including plus sizes), and eye-poppingly large dildos and butt plugs. We’re especially fond of the abuela-like employee who patiently talked us through some of the baddest toys in the place, totally sin pena. Get your Sexy on from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

You can go westbound on the Dolphin Expressway until you reach that familiar blue-and-yellow building to pick out ready-to-assemble Scandinavian furniture, but where’s the thrill in that? Since 2006, Eclectica has provided Miami-area furniture shoppers with a vintage mid-century alternative. The warehouse, located deep in west Kendall, is open by appointment only, but in it you’ll find a treasure trove of lovingly revamped pieces that look like they came straight out of Mad Men. From rich, earth-toned tapestries to geometric vases and industrial lamps, owner Katrina Cristobal has amassed quite the collection of knickknacks to make your home decor stand out. The shop also sells on Etsy for more convenient shopping from home.

A signature Ahol Sniffs Glue wall mural greets customers outside the aptly named Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique. Inside, the shop has the feel of a modern boutique, where you can grab an espresso from the on-site café and sip while you peruse the artfully arranged display of furniture, books, shoes, handbags, clothes, and jewelry. Styles range from casual wear to work attire to designer togs, and baskets full of sale items contain bonus finds like summer dresses, comfy T-shirts, and bralettes. Happily, spending here goes further than your own closet: The thrift shop operates as a work program for women to learn about retail operations, marketing, sales, and customer service, and proceeds benefit the Lotus House Women’s Shelter, which works to end homelessness in Miami-Dade. Visit the store from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

What will you do on your first post-pandemic day of freedom? Head to a water park? Jump around in a ball pit? Lick a doorknob, just ’cause? What about a day at…the mall? Not the upscale “retail centers” with their overpriced boutiques and white-tablecloth dining. When you’ve got an afternoon to blow window-shopping, you want the true mall experience — and in the Before Times, Dolphin was the malliest mall in all of Miami. It’s got stores you can actually afford to spend money in, an honest-to-god food court, and perhaps the best people-watching in Dade County. While many shops are currently closed because of the coronavirus, Dolphin reports that over half of its retailers are open for business. And by the time the pandemic is over, a regular day at the mall will feel like the ultimate treat. Walking around mask-free, teriyaki chicken sample in hand, eavesdropping on strangers — sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?

Open since 1987 under owner Mike Coen, Musicians Discount Center has easily become the go-to for beginners and pros alike looking for new and used instruments and gear. The shop, conveniently located on U.S. 1 in Cutler Bay, also sports a humble collection of used and new records for vinyl fans to dig through. Other services include band instrument rentals, instrument repairs, and music lessons, which have transitioned to virtual Zoom sessions during the pandemic. Open Monday through Saturday.

In a year as unpredictable as this one, we often long for the comfort of familiarity, and at a time when travel is extremely limited, we might turn to books to help us journey to faraway places. Miami’s favorite bookstore didn’t leave us hanging on either front when everything shut down. If there was any doubt of Books & Books’ status as a local staple, the bookstore proved itself more than ever during the quarantine, continuing to fulfill orders online so we could fill our lonely days with reading, and keeping us connected to the literary community through its Virtual Author Series, which featured interviews with everyone from Carl Hiaasen to Edwidge Danticat to Madeleine Albright. Now that stores have reopened, we can once again enjoy the flagship location and all of its offshoots in person. Plus, the outdoor (and social distance-friendly) café at the store’s center in Coral Gables is still one of the best places to grab coffee or lunch while you dive into one of your new books.

In a world glutted with Marvel Studios superhero movies, it’s easy for the general public to forget where all those larger-than-life characters came from: the pages of comic books. If you’re looking to bone up on the origins of some of your favorite on-screen gods and monsters, there’s no better place to do it than the Miami Korka Comics location. The shop has a wide selection of new single issues and back issues, plus shelves upon shelves of trade paperbacks and graphic novels for any superfan trying to build a collection. New issues of Marvel, DC, and independent comic lines like Valiant and Image are all available weekly on Korka’s well-organized shelves. And if books aren’t your thing, there’s also a large assortment of Funko Pops, action figures, T-shirts, busts, and other collectibles, from the smallest Spider-Man figure to a Juggernaut statue as big as a medium-size dog. Korka also hosts tournaments for games like Magic the Gathering and the occasional book signing with writers and artists from Marvel and DC Comics. If you’re into geek culture in Miami, Korka Comics is your one-stop shop. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Jerry’s Art Supply in South Miami offers a sweet deal for artists who are constantly purchasing supplies, or for beginners looking to dabble in the arts: a year-long, $25 membership program that includes access to exclusive wholesale prices, flash sales, and discounted custom framing. The store also offers online shopping with next-day delivery or curbside pickup, as well as limited in-person shopping Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. With all of Jerry’s options, Miamians have no excuse for not getting creative.

The world as we know it is crumbling around us…but during these trying times, we’ve come to realize that there’s one thing that makes us truly happy, and that’s plants. There’s something reaffirming about watching your own personal jungle thrive while everything else goes to hell in a handbasket — and Casaplanta wants to help you keep the growing going. The family-owned and -operated oasis offers quality customer service and a wide variety of plants and accessories ranging from tropical palms and shrubs to flowers, pots, and garden accents. Even better? Casaplanta’s online plant delivery service lets new plant parents deck out their living rooms without leaving the house (delivery limited to Miami-Dade County). The garden center also offers curbside pickup and walk-in business at limited capacity. Shop all things green Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether you’re after a special gift, a way to show your affection, or something to liven up your home, Rose Coloured has you covered. Art historian Sara Darling’s shop in Little River marries fine art and flowers, so in addition to enchanting fresh and dried blooms, you can peruse the work of local artists and a sweet collection of cards and special gifts. Rose Coloured also delivers all over Miami-Dade or Broward, runs workshops, and creates floral displays for weddings and other events. Searching for the perfect petals? Select and custom-build your own florals from an eight-foot-long stem bar offering a weekly curated selection or ask the in-house design team to create a one-of-a-kind showstopper to fit your style and budget. Rose Coloured is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

One of the silver linings of 2020 was the number of people who, finding themselves suddenly working from home, decided to foster and adopt pets in need. If you’re looking to add a furry member to your own family, foster-based rescue Dachshund Rescue South Florida has been carefully matching dogs to their perfect humans for more than ten years. The rescue is completely volunteer-run and donation-funded, but that hasn’t stopped it from helping nearly 300 dogs find their forever homes this year alone. Though they mostly take in doxies and dachshund mixes, they won’t turn away any dog in need and have been known to take on cases that other shelters or rescues might assume are lost causes, from dogs with severe medical conditions to sweet senior dogs (who are often the most difficult to find homes for). DRSF keeps its dedicated community updated via Facebook and Instagram, filling their pages with stories of dogs in need, dogs making progress toward recovery, and dogs celebrating their new beginnings.