Southeast Gables - Coral Gables, FL

Coral Gables and the Southeast Gables area had their birth in the early 1920’s, developed by George Edgar Merrick during the Florida Land Boom. Homes in this district were built from chunks of coral in the picturesque "Mediterranean Revival Style." Originally the city was connected by an electric trolley.

The US Navy trained and based pilots and mechanics in this Miami suburb during WW II. Over the past several decades the Gables has evolved into one of South Florida’s most upscale areas. Coral Gables houses the world-class Biltmore Hotel (with five star spa and golf course) and the main campus of the University of Miami.

Other points of interest within close proximity include the U.M. Lowe Art Museum on Stanford Drive and Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Coral Gables offers cultural events throughout the year including the Great Gables Gallery Stroll on the first Friday of every month.

Diners and clubbers alike flock to Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the center of the action in Coral Gables. On this posh, centralized thoroughfare you will find numerous restaurants, pubs and after-hours hot-spots.

Any list of go-to Miami restaurants isn't complete without at least one Cuban restaurant, and Versailles Restaurant fills this delectable niche admirably. Found on 3555 Southwest 8th Street they serve up some the finest Cuban cuisine in the area. Try some of their chicken fricassee (Fricase de Pollo) with a side of congri (rice and black beans). Before you leave, be sure to order some Cuban flan (custard) with a small but powerful cup of Café Cubano (Cuban Espresso).

Eclectic food-lovers should check out SushiSamba, which serves up Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion-food. You can partake in unusual food combinations while enjoying samba, batacuda drummers and Brazilian DJ’s. They serve up brunch, lunch and dinner for Coral Gables' most energetic socialites. Indulge in truffles, tuna and salmon as you kick back with your friends in this unique atmosphere.

If you seek post-dinner entertainment, then set sail at the Titanic Brewing Company on 5813 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Dubbed "Miami’s Oldest and Finest Brew Pub," they present a non-stop variety of nocturnal diversion. They have 12 unique, signature, house-brews on tap at all times, which function to prep you for a few minutes of karaoke should the desire overtake you. They also invite the locals to flaunt their stuff at the Tuesday night Open Mic & Jazz Jam. Another popular venue is the Open Stage Club on 2325 Galiano Street. This gathering-point is packed with locals who take to the stage to show their talent - anyone can participate while enjoying their favorite cocktail or brew. Open Stage provides a venue for salsa dance lessons, jazz nights, karaoke, Latin parties and a taste of good old American rock and roll.

Southeast Gables residents have many different transportation options. Two MetroRail stations allow for easy boarding for a jaunt to downtown Miami and MetroBus also runs in the neighborhood. Taxis frequent the district - especially Ponce de Leon Boulevard - and can be easily flagged down. Uber also provides services to Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Industrial Section. Public parking in a garage or on the street ranges from $1 to $2 per hour in this area.

Southeast Gables lies 5 miles south of Highway 826, which facilitates access to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. Coral Gables does have some dedicated bicycling lanes which provide for safety. The slow traffic in this section of Miami also allows for safe walking and jogging.

The Southeast Gables area has several parks which are fun for the whole family - including the furry four-footed members. Chapman Field Park at 13601 Deering Bay Drive has 9 acres for you and your leashed canine companions to enjoy. Doggie-bag dispensers and waste-disposal cans are available throughout the complex.

Salvadore Park has a children’s playground, and is also geared for fitness buffs. They have a pool, tennis courts and cater to the 50-plus crowd. The park also hosts annual events during the holidays, such as holiday camps, Easter egg hunts and pictures with Santa.

The cost of living in the Southeast Gables area is very high compared to the rest of Miami, with the average monthly rental rate of a one-bedroom residence listing at $2,308. It costs $2.25 to take MetroBus to downtown Miami and a local pub will charge you in excess of $8 to knock back one of your favorite brews. Gas in this part of town runs 7 percent above the national average.

The upscale shopping district of Coral Gables - like the entertainment district - lies along Ponce de Leon Boulevard. If you want a special gift for the man in your life, check out Artigiano’s on 4212 Laguna Street. They carry 12 different suiting fabrics, 4 shirting fabrics and 6 denim-twill varieties. Their in-house concierge service makes purchasing a suit a refined and personalized experience. They also provide at home fittings and wardrobe consultations for truly customized garb.

Ladies in search of accessories and fine clothing inevitably find themselves drawn to La Mod on 5731 SW 73rd Street. The hallmark of this shopper’s paradise is a huge assortment of the latest fashions and personalized service. Their name-brand selections include tops, bottoms, lingerie, swimwear, handbags, shoes and jewelry.

Many residents of Southeast Gables utilize Publix on 2551 Le Jeune Road for their weekly needs, or head off to the seasonal farmers market on weekends. The Coral Gables Farmers Market can be found in front of city hall on Biltmore Way. The vendors sell fresh organic produce, locally grown fruits, juices and a large selection of baked goods.