Libraries, Bookstores, & More: Coral Gables and Miami, FL
Books and Books Cafe/Courtyard Entry
Books and Books Store
If Belle were able to build her own library, I’d imagined it would look like the beautiful simplicity of Books and Books in Coral Gables, Florida. Named for its grand Mediterranean Revival architecture and style that was commissioned by the developer George Merrick in the 1920s, The City Beautiful as it is called by locals, is known for its large tree lined avenues, green space, ivy-colored mansions, ornate plazas and fountains. Although its proximity to gorgeous beaches and wonderful eateries makes the city of Coral Gables a tourist hotspot, it is its heavy interest in maintaining its historic integrity that brings visitors through a time warp of beauty and splendor, to include such historical sites as the Biltmore Hotel and Venetian Pools, as well as the steadfast elegance of Books and Books, that draws them in.
Books and Books Store
It was a love for books behind the inception of the first Books and Books, which was founded by former law student, Mitchell Kaplan in a small 500 square foot location in Coral Gables in 1982. The mutual love for books rooted in art, architecture, and photography between the store’s creator and patrons of Miami caused significant growth and brought Books and Books to its current location in Coral Gables—a 1927 building that is registered as one of the city’s historic places.
Walking into Books and Books, you are greeted with the eclectic style of Spanish and Italian architectural influence—the white stucco façade and red-tiled-roof, envelops you into the courtyard that acts as seating for the store’s café, which could be entered directly parallel from the entryway, while the left and right-side entrances solidify the square, and serves as a doorway into one of the most gorgeous bookstores my family and I have seen, thus far.
When entering left, you’ll find yourself engulfed in the rustic beauty of what appeared to be oakwood floors and floor to ceiling bookshelves. The shelves themselves along with centered wooden islands, were equipped with thousands of works by a myriad of different authors and artist that would make any book lover feel as though they were being wrapped in a blanket of books, while the sliding ladders lent the store a classic and traditional feel.
For Kids:
Like any great bookstore, Books and Books has a remarkable children’s selection. Continuing with its rustic décor, the children’s section is marked with colorful flooring that brings a sense of liveliness to the room. This area of the store was easily accessible through the right entryway and café entrances, where you’ll find an array of books, stuffies, and educational toys that any child would love.
Bayside Market Place
Things to do With Your Books
Need a good place to unwind with your book? Look no further than the Books and Books Café. Stocked with delicious artisan coffee, baked goods, salads, and light sandwiches and wraps, you can enjoy your book with a meal within the café, or you can simply enjoy your food and book out in the courtyard and soak up some sun. If you prefer something with more depth with your book, you can head over to the bar that is in the courtyard for a glass of beer or wine.
Looking for something a bit savory with a gorgeous view and a bit of shopping too? Then head over to the Bayside Market Place, where you can have your share of countless food and shopping options, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re interested in more Mediterranean fair, head over to El Turco Turkish Food, where you can grab some mezze-style bites in an almost Amazonian- picturesque atmosphere of small eclectic shops.
Miami Children’s Museum
Other Things to See
If you’re still in the mood for literary influenced fun, then try your hands on the hands-on exhibits at the Miami Children’s Museum. There you’ll find yourself engrossed in miniature versions of the best that Miami has to offer; however, if you’re a literary lover like we are, you’ll find that the best exhibit by far is The Hungry Caterpillar, which was inspired by Eric Carle’s world-renowned children’s book of the same name. In the mood for some art? The museum host monthly themed based art. As we were there during Autism Acceptance Month and have two children on the spectrum of our own, we were happy to make our own “emotion monsters,” which is based off the artwork of Autistic artist, Haydn Gardner. If you still have a bit of an art bug restless inside you—then take a walk through the Wynwood Art District, where you’ll find an array of street art and décor.
Up for some suspense and adult fun? Head over to Pembroke Pines and try one of the escape rooms at Nexus Escape Room. If you’re in the mood for casinos and clubs, Pembroke also houses the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
While there are many beaches to visit in the area, the one that my family particularly loves the most is Hollywood Beach, because it is great for families. It’s lined with a walkable boardwalk where you can ride bikes or take a short stroll to the white powdery sand that leads to the cool ocean of the Atlantic. Not in the mood to swim? No problem. Take a stroll up the boardwalk to grab a quick bite of ice cream and just enjoy the view.
Places to Stay : While there are plenty of places to stay within the Coral Gables/Miami area, if you have the chance, stay at the historic Biltmore Hotel. There’s also the Vagabond Hotel, which dates to the 1950s. If you’re looking for beach access, try the contemporary beach inspired rooms of The Goodtime Hotel. If these don’t tickle your fancy, there are plenty of Airbnb and hotel options to choose from.
In short, if ever in the Miami area, head over to The City Beautiful for one of the most beautiful bookstores there is, at Books and Books of Coral Gables.
