Coconut Grove is an eclectic blend of Key West bohemianism and chic sophistication. Over the years, The Grove has acquired an artsy feel while retaining a small-town atmosphere. Everything of interest—from designer clothing stores to art galleries and cigar stores—is located within a four-block radius. The Grove caters to a range of tastes. My recent trip had me sipping beer next to bikers one day, then indulging in a luxury spa treatment the next.

Prepared for a shop-a-thon, my first stop was the set piece of the Grove, CocoWalk, an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complex. The stores at CocoWalk are a blend of privately owned boutiques and national names. Azul Boutique sells trendy women’s fashions, including dresses, pants and tops, along with fabulous accessories. Sparkle Plenty is a whimsical gift shop that carries the best greeting cards I’ve seen in a while. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, others are tres chic and embellished with faux stones and feathers. I stocked up on both.

Celebrity optician Edward Beiner has a store in CocoWalk, in case you want the same eye and sunglasses as Alicia Keys, Felicity Huffman or Sigourney Weaver. Koko & Palenki Shoes offers the latest styles from the most wanted designers. Palm Produce stocks Florida-inspired resort wear. National stores include Baby GAP, Victoria’s Secret and White House/Black Market – a personal favorite. 
 
There’s a variety of dining options at CocoWalk including Cheesecake Factory, Bice Italian Bistro, Pommes & Pane Café and Los Ranchos Steakhouse. My friend and I decided on Café TuTu Tango. Serving food with an international fare, Café TuTu Tango’s décor resembles that of a Spanish artist’s loft – right down to the two easels where visiting artists create original artwork. Paintings are then offered for sale and hung on the walls to be admired. TuTu Tango has a unique dining premise: everything is served tapas style and meant to be shared. A friend and I dug into the Warm Baked Crabmeat and Artichoke Dip, Seared Tuna Sliders, Mango Duck Quesadilla and Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls – muy delicioso
 
After the stores close, CocoWalk comes alive with nightlife at venues including Coyote Ugly, Vision Nightclub and Apple’s Martini Bar Lounge. I found that there’s a party going on at Coyote Ugly at just about any time of the day or night, where weekday happy hours run from 4-7 p.m. and late night happy hours, Sunday through Wednesday, from midnight to 3 a.m. They really have a blast with theme nights. Tuesday is Latina Heat, Wednesday is College night (nearby U of Miami) and Thursdays are Bike Night, with two-for-one bottled beers. When I was there, bike night attendees ran the gamut from hardcore, Harley-wearing pros to preppy, part-time bikers and white-collar wannabes. No matter, a great time was had by all.
 
For a dance-hungry crowd, Vision Nightclub has hip hop and Latin DJs spin non-stop. On the other hand, Apple’s Martini Bar and Lounge is a sophisticated alternative, with a mellower atmosphere and a laundry list of martini choices.
 
CocoWalk hosts special events all year long, including their annual, must-attend Halloween Bash, with a live DJ, adult costume competition and special guest stars. Visit the CocoWalk website for a full schedule of other events throughout the year.
The two-story spa also features a steam room and outdoor spa with waterfall that overlooks Biscayne Bay, so arrive early or plan to stay on after your treatment.
      
Later that afternoon, I checked into the Grove Isle Resort & Spa, a six-minute drive from downtown Coconut Grove on its own private island. The clandestine enclave is bordered by Biscayne Bay and was a welcome oasis for this weary shopper. My Bay Suite room greeted me with an elevated bedroom area with a large window displaying an uninterrupted view of the bay.
 
Next day, I took myself down to the resorts’ SpaTerre, where I booked a signature Volcanic Earth Clay Spa Ritual. After my therapist, Carlos, slathered me in a volcanic clay body mask, he went on to a relaxing Balinese foot massage and followed it up with a Balinese full body massage. The two-story spa also features a steam room and outdoor spa with waterfall that overlooks Biscayne Bay, so arrive early or plan to stay on after your treatment. And check out the spa shop. On the way out, I bought SpaTerre’s Coco-mango body lotion – to die for.
 
Aside from CocoWalk, Coconut Grove also features a mélange of shops along its three main streets: Grande Avenue, Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. Be sure to check out the This n’ That Thrift Shop on Commodore for upscale resale, and The Shoe Store on Grand Avenue where shoes are priced from $3.99 up. No kidding.
 
I managed to go from morning to night in Coconut Grove and still not explore everything I wanted to see. If you haven’t already visited Coconut Grove, here’s my advice: plan to spend at least two days in the area and then book time at SpaTerre. You’ll need it.