Miracle Mile - A Window Shopper's Dream

If you love to shop and eat, add Miracle Mile to your list of must see places in the Miami area. It is situated on Coral Way between Douglas and Le June in Coral Gables, Florida.

In 1940 a developer created the name to add flair. The mile comes from the walk down one side and back down the other. It seems like more than a mile today, but what a pleasant walk. Even if the stores are out of your price range, and believe me they very well could be, the window shopping is fun. If you get caught in the rain, like we did, the many colorful awnings can keep you dry.

There are a number of world famous bridal shops as well as jewelry stores, gift shops, stationery stores, European furniture stores, galleries, clothing stores, and much more on this street. The official website ShopCoralGables.com claims over 170 shops and 40 places to eat.

During our walk, we stopped for lunch at John Martin's Irish Pub and Restaurant and had a nice time. The place was huge and yet cozy. I would recommend it, but there are so many choices. There may be someplace else that fits your style.

Parking is not too much trouble as there are meters and angled spots on every inch of the street. I read in a guide book that high prices and competition from other malls draw some of the traffic away from the mile. You not only feel safe here, but could very well feel underdressed at times. During the week your dining clientele includes lots of business men in ties, smartly dressed female executives, and stay-at-home wives with gold cards. I'm not sure how it is at night or on the weekends, but I'm sure that at any time - the better you dress the more courteous your service in both the shops and restaurants.