The People's Guide is Curbed Miami's tour of neighborhoods led by our most loyal readers, favorite bloggers, and other luminaries of our choosing. Today, we welcome Coconut Grove resident and police commander Manuel Morales, the man keeping Grove residents and frequenters safe.
Tell us something we don't know about Coconut Grove:
Morales: In 2015, the grove was the safest neighborhood in the City of Miami with the highest overall crime reduction and the fewest reported crimes.
Hidden gem:
Wainwright Park - Tucked away in the north grove very close to Vizcaya, it offers breathtaking views of the bay and it's usually not very crowded. I suggest you ride a bike there because there is not a lot of parking. That's the way we like it.
Favorite pizza joint:
Harry's pizzeria - the new kid on the block is tough to beat.
Best overall restaurant:
Green Street - Can't beat the weekend brunch.
Best park:
Kennedy Park - This is a great open space along Bayshore Drive with plenty of room for residents and visitors to engage in outdoor activities. Plus, it has a rubberized walking trail - easy on the joints.
One thing you wish you could change or is in need of change:
I would like to see a Grove trolley that would help us to cut down on vehicular traffic.
What differentiates the Grove from the rest of Miami?
It's a great place to raise a family because it is safe, beautiful, and close to everything with a classic Miami feel.
Is it a good place for kids?
The Grove is great for kids. I am not only fortunate enough to be the Grove police commander, but I am also a Grovite. As a father of four boys, I know they enjoy the open spaces. I like the accessibility to great dining options and the abundance of family friendly events.
What is the biggest change in the Grove over the last few years?
The rebound of our Grove Business Improvement District - the Grove is alive with new businesses, crowds of shoppers and families enjoying our great restaurants and unbeatable atmosphere.
Favorite annual event:
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is a world-renowned event that offers the best in art and entertainment.
Will Coconut Grove repeat as Curbed Cup champion in 2016?
Are you seriously asking? Of course, in 2016 the Grove will only get better!
--
This is the largest condo on one floor in Miami, occupying the entire floor of the North Tower. This 11,000 sq. ft. unit offers a perfectly designed interior by Nick Luac...
Elegant 13,889 sq ft (LA) Mediterranean style estate, located on prestigious Edgewater Dr., boasts 180 ft water frontage, private dock and deep 80 ft inlet slip with no b...
Direct bay front Tropical Modern residence walking distance to Coconut Grove re-designed by architect Cesar Molina. Entertainer’s paradise, in 24 hour Anchorage guard gat...
The most beautiful gardens in all of So. Florida,an architectural marvel on Leafy Way.This ultra-private walled-in residential enclave,spanning 2.88 acres,offers both an ...
Spectacular Modern Max Strang masterpiece boasts open Bay Views & A1A 2017 Award of Excellence. Commanding 112 waterfront ft, the all-new concrete, steel & glass aerie un...
Location, Location, Location. This Spectacular tropical Modern home design by famed architect Ceasar Molina is to be completed 1st quarter 2021. This Entertainer’s parad...
Completely rebuilt with custom chic modern design by Carmen Alcaraz Gomes of CG1 Design. This waterfront home is nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the guard-gated communit...
The perfect pairing of the Hamptons + the Grove! Refreshed to absolute perfection and enveloped by a lush, 36,652 SF lot, this Grand residence with guest house evokes a c...
No expense was spared on this beautiful custom-built modern home, designed by famed architect Jorge Hernandez for a prime location with 100 feet of frontage directly on B...
MAGNIFICENT TWO STORY PENTHOUSE IN THE HEART OF COCONUT GROVE. Originally Decorated by International renowned interior designer & featured in Architectural Digest. This c...
Walled & gated impeccable 1-story home offering 9,323 SF of interior living ideally situated on 1.1 acres tucked away in the highly-sought-after South Coconut Grove neigh...
Designed by Walter DeGarmo, one of Miami's most historically significant architects, circa 1929, restored, maintained and updated to the highest standards of the 21st cen...
Rarely available home in the exclusive gated community of Camp Biscayne; nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove. Currently under construction, now is the time to be a part...
Gated bayfront jewel with panoramic views of the grove and Key Biscayne located off S Bayshore Dr in Coconut Grove.Lush plantings embellish the European style courtyard w...
The Nicest Penthouse in Miami, at this distinct contemporary building with luxury amenities like 5 pools, spa, fitness center, club room, library, residents lounge, child...