the view from my mat

At the age of 16 I decided that I would live in New York City.  Now, nine years later, I’m making exactly that happen.  I would love to drone on and on about how much I’m looking forward to checking out the yoga scene in NYC; or how much the subway system scares me; or what it’s like to move somewhere where you know only 5 people – but those posts will come.

Today, after hearing that my sister and I have been approved for our Park Slope 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 washer, 1 dryer apartment all I can think about is my favorite neighborhood in Miami.  Don’t get me wrong, New York City and Brooklyn, NY are probably two of the most happening, awesome, alive cities on planet earth; but I guess I’ve just got pride for my current town as I prepare to leave it.

And while I do love Brickell (where I currently live) and Wynwood and while many people will tell you that Midtown is the latest and greatest Miami has to offer I know all these hoods are only close seconds to the real gem of Miami.

Because the best part of Miami is the 4 block area where I work.  It doesn’t have a name, it’s off the beaten path and very few tourists find their way over there, but it is by far and away the hottest hood in Miami (and certainly Miami Beach).  If you are looking for it Google Purdy Ave. and you will find it.

The reason these 4 blocks rock my socks?  The people and businesses in that area are many delightful adjectives (including but not limited to: considerate, intelligent, inspiring, motivated, healthy) but they are most of all authentic.  You get far fewer fake boobs and shitty ‘tudes around these folks than you do in a lot of other Miami areas.

So in loving support of a neighborhood I’m proud to have been a part of for over 3 years I’d like to give you (my readers and friends) a list of the establishments that make it one of a kind.

1. Green Monkey: This yoga studio was around long before other businesses caught on and is the place on the beach for power yoga.  The people who sweat at GM are among my favorite in the world and all of the teachers are knowledgable, personable, and unique (each in their own way…duh).  It is my second home in Miami and where I spend a considerable amount of my spare time.
2. Seven Salon: Literally right next door to Green Monkey is the only establishment that I will allow to style my hair.  I’ve never had a bad cut or color and while I do pay for their premium style services, it’s always well worth the dinero I shell out.  If you can book an appointment with Chara, she is awesome!
3. A La Folie: This is an overpriced semi-snobby French coffee shop at the end of Purdy Ave.  I once went in and asked for skim milk in my latte to which the barristo replied in a heavy French accent “We are fruunch, we do not ‘ave skim milk.” Why, then, am I recommending it? I am recommending it because their coffee is dope and they are totally true to what they are: a snobby French coffee shop.  Keep cooking up fattening coffees, gang!
4. JugoFresh: Talk about the hottest thing on the beach – JugoFresh, our local juice bar, nailed it.  These cold pressed juices are among the most sought after beverages in Miami.  Don’t be surprised if a yogi runs you over on their way in the door.  My advice is not to stand in the way of a local when they are in pursuit of their ‘Thai Rico’ or ‘ashram.’
5. lululemon athletica: Ok, I work there; but we’re all about community and we’re super cool peeps to hang out with if you’re in the area!  Stop by, we also have the best workout clothes ever…
6. Flywheel: I never thought I would ever enjoy spinning; but after one session with Aleah (my favorite instructor at their MB location) I was sold. There is no better way to sweat hard in 45 minutes than Flywheel.  For $25 a pop, with shoes, towel and water provided you’re getting your money’s worth.  Plus all the locals love it (and I love them)!  Some of my favorite people usually saddle up right next to me – and there’s a certain masochistic solidarity that comes with killing yourself in a dark spin room (to awesome music) for 45 minutes… what can I say?  Such torture really unites a community.
7. SobeKick: This kickboxing studio is off the beaten path over on West Ave; but no one should ever be afraid to forge their way over.  Whether you want to really, really get your ass kicked with Ella in her abs and butt class or you want to work out some aggression with my fav Kickboxing instructor, Nelson, these guys got it so right!

And that’s just the start.  There’s also Lace, the nail salon that is boss, Blush, one of the coolest boutiques in the area and Footworks, a seriously unbeatable running store all within blocks of each other.  No we don’t have an actual beach, but if you want to rent paddle boards, kayaks or – you know – go water jetpacking – all of that is in our sweet area.  Oh!  And if you want the best food on the beach check out Pubbelly Sushi.

So today if you were to ask me what I’m going to miss about Miami – it would be this block.  In fact I’m heading there now to sweat it out at Green Monkey (and then teach).  And I’m sure NYC to have a lot to offer, but there’s nothing that could replace this area of Miami for me.  I’ll always have a very healthy, very sweaty, very authentic place in my heart for the Purdy Ave. area.

Thanks for everything, gang!  I will miss you when I’m gone.

XO
Heather C