In Coral Gables, Florida there exists a segment of city streets known as the Miracle Mile. With European-style outdoor cafes and noteworthy international retailers, this downtown area is recognized by both locals and tourists as a place to go for a true tropical shopping experience. More than shopping, the Miracle Mile is also home to art galleries and over three-dozen spas and beauty shops.
Located only four miles from the Miami International Airport, the Miracle Mile is a section of Coral Way that runs between Douglas Road and LeJeune Road. Coral Way is the primary east-west street through Coral Gable's central business district. Originally the Miracle Mile extended from Aragon Avenue to Andalusia Avenue (north-south). In November 2007, the area was expanded, making Giralda Avenue the northern boundary.
Developed in the 1920's, the downtown commercial district was designed by George Merrick. He often boasted that every business in Coral Gables was less than a "two-block walk''. Miracle Mile was one of the first planned communities in the United States.
In July of 1997, several business owners, city officials and concerned citizens incorporated the Miracle Mile association or BID (Business Improvement District). This group works on issues that affect all of the businesses in the Miracle Mile. More than just event planning, the BID also works with the city to design parking areas and garner funds for improvements, such as resuming the historic trolley service. Shut down when automobiles became popular, the trolley was reintroduced as a resolution to the area's parking congestion. One of the business initiatives for the BID group is to make sure Coral Gables is known as a pedestrian-friendly destination.
Today at the Miracle Mile you can shop, dine, enjoy a play or movie all within walking distance and when you need a break, you can jump on the free trolley.
The exact number of shops and restaurants fluctuate by whim or season so an accurate count is impossible. Almost two hundred stores and eighty food establishments exist at any given time. Retail possibilities include specialty stores, big name-brand retailers, designer stores and a surprising number of bridal shops and bookstores.
While visiting the Miracle Mile you can take a leisurely stroll and window shop, sit with a cup of coffee at one of the coffeehouses and people watch, or initiate an ambitious plan of attack and do some serious shopping.
The Miracle Mile is a diner's paradise whether you are in the mood for casual or gourmet selections. Dining options include local cuisine, chain restaurants, or international specialties. The international alternatives are impressive. Mexican, Peruvian, Irish, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Caribbean, South American, Greek, German, French. American food choices include pizza and sub shops, steakhouses, as well as coffee shops that serve breakfast twenty-four hours a day. Wine, chocolate and designer coffees are well-represented in the specialty shops.
Some of the restaurants, bakeries and coffeehouses are open from early morning to very late night. The retail stores keep more traditional mall hours. During some special events the retail stores may extend their hours, but it's better to call ahead and ask.
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