Tucked in a cozy shop on Bird Road, A&M Comics and Books has stood the test of time and technology since the mid-1980s. They say they're the oldest comic book store in Florida and the second-oldest in the nation, and we have no reason to doubt the claim. The store's combination of history and stock is a haven for collectors. A&M continues to open its doors to those interested in reading sketched adventures, collecting statues and figurines, reminiscing about Marvel's past, and debating the latest not-up-to-par take of a comic classic on the silver screen.

It's an especially sad trend that, in a town growing more renowned for its contemporary art scene, local brick-and-mortar places that sell artist tools and supplies are becoming harder to come by. That's why Jerry's Art Supply & Framing Wholesale Club in South Miami should be protected as if it were an endangered manatee. As it's colloquially known, Jerry's is beloved by the local artist community for its fair prices, variety, knowledgeable staff, and discounts for professional artists, art teachers, and art students.

After a vet gave Jake, his Rottweiler, one year to live, JJ Diaz consulted a holistic veterinarian who opened his eyes to the importance of pet nutrition, especially the ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing of dog food. Jake went on to live for another five years, and Diaz wanted to enlighten fellow pet owners. He opened his shop in downtown Miami, stocked it with a variety of dog foods he'd personally researched and vetted, and now happily directs customers to products to alleviate their pet's chronic conditions and skin allergies. The shop offers online ordering and delivery, grooming services, and the convenience of having Diaz carry out any heavy bags of dog food and stow them in your car trunk.

Miami Shores is the closest thing Miami-Dade has to Mayberry, and the Barber Room, a classic old-timey men's groomer, is to the Shores what Floyd the Barber's haircuttery was to the fictional North Carolina hamlet of yore. Owner Eddie Montalvo has been cutting hair since he was 14 and leads a tight-knit crew of barbers who stand ready to shape up fades, tame unruly beards, and offer their haircutting, hot-towel shaves, and scalp treatments to the public seven days a week. Even bald dudes are welcome here — the Barber Room offers free hair replacement consultations with procedures starting at $400.

Ivanka Trump and Sofía Vergara walk into a blow-dry bar. It's not the opening line to a joke but LAHH Salon in Surfside, which caters to celebrities and locals alike. The salon, which is stocked with Oribe and Davines products, offers wash and blow-dry services, haircuts, keratin treatments, and hair extensions. Unlike typical blow-dry bars, LAHH also offers unparalleled color services, including root touch-ups, color correction, balayage, and highlights. In other words, no matter which stylist's chair you land in, there's no bad seat in the house.

During her more than 20 years of experience, aesthetician Sharese Logan has treated some of the most recognized faces in town, including Shakira and more than one Miami Heat basketball player. Whereas some aestheticians slap products on your face, try to upsell you, and don't deign to remove a single blackhead from your clogged nose pores, Logan customizes facials based on the client's needs. No matter your skin type, when you put your face in her expert hands, you're sure to leave with a glow.

No one likes to watch paint dry on their fingernails and toenails. Fortunately, the folks at Bon Bonite Nail Bar & Wax can get you in and out of their Edgewater salon in under an hour. It's not that they're cutting any square-shaped nail corners. They're just really efficient. The nail technicians sit side by side, provide color recommendations, and bring you coffee. The menu of services includes gel manicures and pedicures, acrylics, and trendy aprés nails, but it's the regular ol' mani/pedi price of $19.99 that justifies biweekly returns.

The rules at Oriental Massage & Spa are simple: Lie facedown on the table, and a massage therapist will defy physics to bend your body, mind, and soul back into shape in a session that lasts from 30 to 120 minutes. The massage therapists here are committed to untangling any knots: They'll use their hands, feet, and elbows — even walk on your back — to get the job done. Choose from a menu of 20 massages, ranging from Thai to shiatsu to Swedish, with aromatherapy included in each one.

Bigger isn't always better, but it is in the case of the 70,000-square-foot Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, said to be the largest spa and wellness center on the East Coast. Choose from a variety of massages, skincare, and body treatments that incorporate Western, Eastern, alternative, and aesthetic techniques. Be sure to arrive early for your appointment and plan to stay late to make the most of the spa amenities before and after — including access to steam rooms, infrared saunas, a hydrotherapy circuit, the oceanfront cabana pool, and a grownups-only saltwater pool on the rooftop.

If the dingy, dimly lit tattoo shops on Washington Avenue are the problem, the bright and welcoming Easy Peasy studio on the Upper Eastside is the solution. The artists, who are mostly queer, gender-nonconforming, and/or BIPOC, take pride in their epidermal masterpieces. Owner Julie Frances (@midnight_moonlighttt on Instagram) is transparent about what the artists earn, the commission she makes, and sincerely promises "reasonable pricing." Peruse previous works and contact the artists directly to book via the shop's Instagram page — "all skin tones," "all genders," and "all bodies" are welcome.