THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN WYNWOOD

By Patricia Azze

Cutting-edge Wynwood is one giant art installation. Most famous for its towering outdoor murals, Miami’s arts and entertainment district also displays its creative vibe on the walls of scores of art galleries. And hungry or thirsty visitors won’t have to settle –Wynwood’s innovative bent extends to the dishes and drinks served in its hip restaurants and bars.

MUST-SEE WYNWOOD STREET ART & GALLERIES

When in Wynwood, it’s all about the art. What was once a manufacturing and warehouse district has transformed over the past decade or so into a world-class art destination.

Start at the Wynwood Walls, the outdoor art exhibition that has been an iconic attraction ever since it opened in 2009. Its outdoor space is dedicated to some of the world’s most renowned graffiti and street artists.

Wynwood Walls features more artists than ever, and its eye-catching murals rotate frequently.

Looking to dive deeper into the art scene? Learn about the different types of graffiti, the history of this once-maligned movement and the artists behind it at the Museum of Graffiti.

Later, head to the Bakehouse Art Complex, a community art space that was founded in 1985. It’s housed in an Art Deco building that began its life as a bakery. Visit from noon to

5 p.m. daily to see the work of more than 100 artists, from painters to performance artists, who work in the onsite studios.

Another must-see is The Margulies Collection at The Warehouse, a nonprofit art institution that’s open to the public from late October through April. It features works by some of the most prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. In the past, it has included pieces by Joan Miro, Willem de Kooning and Jasper Johns. The 50,000-square-foot space also houses educational programs and special exhibitions.

For an even more intimate – and fun – way to get to know the area’s art scene, sign up for a tour with Wynwood Tours. Rest your tired legs and zip around the area on the ever-popular Graffiti Golf Cart Tour. Various tours are offered, including small group tours, private tours and – for those with artistic leanings – the hands-on Wynwood Graffiti Experience.

WYNWOOD’S TOP BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Wynwood’s foodie scene is just about as exciting as the art scene, making it the perfect place to start your day (Panther Coffee, anyone?) or to fuel up between rounds of galleryhopping and mural-gazing.

A food hall set in industrial digs, 1-800-Lucky houses seven vendors offering Asian specialties, including poke, sushi, bubble tea and Vietnamese sandwiches.

After dark, the food hall is transformed into a nightlife and karaoke hotspot.

Stock up on Miami’s most popular artisan bread and pastries at Zak The Baker. Zak Stern, who’s somewhat of a local celebrity, runs this bakery and deli serving kosher food and baked goods every day except Saturday.

Zak’s isn’t the only must-stop for those with a carb craving. With delicious spots like The Salty (over-the-top donuts) and Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop (Key lime pie and much more) drawing repeat customers for their signature treats, Wynwood is a dessertlover’s paradise.

Getting thirsty? Sample seasonal beers at Wynwood Brewing Company, which was Miami’s first craft production brewery, or Cerveceria La Tropical, which serves classic Cuban beers in a beautiful garden setting.

Event Spaces In Wynwood

Home to multiuse venues and event spaces aplenty, Wynwood is always buzzing with cutting-edge happenings.

Mana Wynwood, a 30-acre multiuse campus that houses both a convention center and an event space, hosts events ranging from music festivals to large industry events and technology showcases.

A serene oasis, The Sacred Space Miami has flexible indoor space surrounded by a tropical garden and guava grove – perfect for wellness gatherings, social happenings and educational programs.