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Melissa Puppo

Melissa Puppo

Contributor

Melissa Puppo is a Miami-based lifestyle writer and editor who covers South Florida and beyond. She was previously the managing editor of Fort Lauderdale Illustrated and Aventura Magazine and now contributes to regional and national publications including Time Out Miami, Venice and Byrdie. Always on the hunt for the next best bite, Melissa is a passionate foodie and loves discovering new hotspots around town. You can also catch her writing about hospitality, travel, beauty and wellness.

Time Out has covered the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of local experts since 1968. For more about us, read our editorial guidelines.

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Articles (7)

The best shopping in Miami Beach, from luxe labels to local gems

The best shopping in Miami Beach, from luxe labels to local gems

Miami Beach is more than just stunning beaches and an enticing nightlife scene. The vibrant city is a mecca for world-class cuisine, art, culture, and of course—shopping. Cruise around town, and you’ll find a diverse mix of trendy boutiques selling everything from chic resort wear staples to vintage finds, some housed in Art Deco architectural wonders. There’s no shopping on the beach without a trip (or two!) to popular shopping districts like Lincoln Road, the famous pedestrian-friendly promenade with its eclectic mix of high-end retailers and restaurants, or Sunset Harbor, known for charming and locally owned boutique shops. No matter your style—or price point—consider this your ultimate guide on the best places to go shopping in Miami Beach.

The best haunted houses in Miami for a really good scare

The best haunted houses in Miami for a really good scare

Halloween wouldn't be complete without some spooks, scares and epic Halloween events in Miami. Lucky for Miamians, there are plenty of haunted places and hair-raising experiences to check out around South Florida this time of year. From fully decked-out haunted mansions to a heart-pounding carnival and an entire park overtaken by killer clowns, there's no shortage of frights to subject yourself to in the spirit of Halloween. These haunted houses are for the brave, so find your favorite costume, gather a group of friends and explore our curated guide to the top places around Miami to score your spooky season thrills and chills. RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2023 at Universal Studios Orlando

The best bars in Wynwood, from rooftops to wine gardens and more

The best bars in Wynwood, from rooftops to wine gardens and more

Wynwood is far more than its graffiti-clad warehouse walls that were basically made for taking selfies. This lively arts neighborhood has transformed into a culinary and nightlife wonderland, drawing locals and visitors to revel in its chaos and embrace Miami’s vibrant essence. Whether you're hanging out in a Japanese-style listening room, turning up at a trendy lounge or chilling at a sophisticated cocktail bar, Wynwood boasts an abundance of playful and edgy watering holes that make bar-hopping an absolute blast. Though Wynwood has evolved from its gritty past, these breezy rooftop bars, kooky cocktail nooks and friendly dives play a vital role in preserving the neighborhood's fierce, unpredictable character. To rank Wynwood’s best bars, we considered factors like price, creativity, comfort (A.C. is a non-negotiable in this scorching ’hood) and overall vibe. Get ready, because there’s a little something for everyone on our list of the best bars in Wynwood. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Wynwood

F1 Miami Grand Prix guide to events, food and more

F1 Miami Grand Prix guide to events, food and more

Formula 1® Miami Grand Prix returns to Hard Rock Stadium this May 5 to 7, bringing South Florida racing fans closer to the action once again. Following last year’s success, the F1 World Championship promises a bigger and better event with three days worth of world-class experiences. Expect the same asphalt-burning (3.36 miles worth!) excitement, beginning with a practice round Friday and a qualifying race Saturday, all leading up to the Grand Prix on Sunday. This year’s spectacle features an action-packed weekend of events and performances you don’t want to miss—plus a ton of gastronomical delights. For more information on what you need to know about this year’s F1 Miami Grand Prix, check out the FAQs below. When and where is the F1 Miami Grand Prix 2023? The race takes place over three days on May 5, 6 and 7, 2023. Most of the events, including the race itself, are happening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The official Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix kicks off on Thursday, May 4, with a concert by Latin music’s most iconic duo, Wisin & Yandel, at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.  Is the 2023 Miami Grand Prix sold out? A limited number of tickets is still available to purchase on the official website, and resale options are also available via third-party sellers. Campus passes are also available online now. What food will be available at Hard Rock Stadium during F1 Miami? F1 chose 65 restaurants to participate in this year’s event, which will be a

The best 4th of July events in Miami to celebrate

The best 4th of July events in Miami to celebrate

What’s a Fourth of July without grilled dogs and an epic fireworks show? Of course, many of us will be starting the day with some quality time at one of the sun-soaked Miami beaches or at a water park in Miami—it’s going to be a hot one this year, folks! From backyard barbecues to rooftop soirees and more, there’s a little bit of everything going on around the city to properly commemorate America’s independence. Below, check out our roundup of the best Fourth of July events in Miami to kick off sweet summertime.  RECOMMENDED: Guide to Fourth of July in Miami

Miami Swim Week 2023: dates, events and everything you need to know

Miami Swim Week 2023: dates, events and everything you need to know

All things sizzling swimwear and even hotter parties will return to the sands of Miami Beach this July for the annual Miami Swim Week. What first began in 2002 as a group of producers hosting runway shows to coincide with Miami’s swimwear trade show has grown into its own spectacle, offering locals and the fashion industry crowd a chance to see what’ll be trending in the upcoming season.  In between scoping out the catwalk and hitting up the after-parties, be sure to make reservations at one of the best restaurants in South Beach, where you might just run into a model or three. Ready to dive into the vibrant world of Miami Swim Week? Here is our definitive guide to the hottest runway shows and exclusive events open to the public that make this annual extravaganza a must-attend.  When is Miami Swim Week?  This year’s shows will take place July 4–10, except for Paraiso, which hosted its shows in June. A few additional events are scheduled following July 10 as part of a post-show lineup—see more below!  Where is Miami Swim Week?  Runway shows and events vary by producer but typically center around hotels, nightclubs and event spaces in South Beach. Check out some of the venues below in our Miami Swim Week guide.  Do you need tickets for Miami Swim Week? While many shows are invitation-only for the press and the fashion industry, some are ticketed and open to the public. Miami Swim Week’s website has a breakdown of what’s available for locals. Some events require you to join Fas

The best Memorial Day events in Miami to do over the long weekend

The best Memorial Day events in Miami to do over the long weekend

The ultimate trifecta of celebration, exhilaration and relaxation, Memorial Day in Miami offers an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. Yes, the annual Air & Sea Show and beach festival remains a marquee event, and if you're willing to brave the crowds, it's a spectacle worth experiencing at least once. But Memorial Day events in Miami span the full weekend (May 27–29), and whether you’re soaking up the sun on South Beach, visiting a new exhibition around town or knocking back a drink (or two!), there’s something for everyone to enjoy a well-deserved day off while saluting our military heroes. Below, we've rounded up some of the best Memorial Day events in Miami to keep on your radar. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Memorial Day in Miami

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Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Miami 2023, including the best deals and events

Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Miami 2023, including the best deals and events

Cut the limes and pour the tequila! Cinco de Mayo lands on a Friday this year (May 5, 2023), so you have an even better reason to celebrate Mexico's unexpected victory over France in the Battle of Puebla. We can’t say for sure why this holiday blew up in the U.S., but we’re down for any party that involves guzzling margs. Whether your plans are solid or still up in the air this May 5, there are plenty of fiestas, tacos and drink specials to take part in—and did we mention the mariachis? Sneak out of work and get to happy hour early this year as Miami pops off with endless tequila shots around town. Here are the best Cinco de Mayo 2023 events in Miami. Photograph: Time Out 1. BOGO tacos at Time Out Market Miami Time Out Market Miami’s fiesta starts promptly at 5pm with drink specials and BOGO tacos from La Santa. (Buy two tacos and enjoy a third one for free.) The celebrations continue with a live mariachi band. RSVP early to secure yourself an oh-so-festive sombrero. 5pm 2. $5 margaritas at Coyo Taco That’s right: This Cinco de Mayo, Coyo Taco launches its $5 margarita, available (blessedly) indefinitely. Each Coyo location will also host its own fiesta ranging from live mariachis in Wynwood to DJ Damaged Goods performing at the South Miami locale. No matter where you celebrate, rest assured the frozen drinks will be flowing. Locations and times vary 3. World record challenge at Cinco De Dade Help break the world record for the most tequila shots taken simultaneously with O