Open since 1928, Shell Lumber and Hardware long ago cemented its reputation as the go-to destination for South Floridians' home-improvement needs. Over the years, this family-run business has expanded to rival other big chains without ever losing the feel of a mom-and-pop shop unafraid to lend a helping (and knowledgeable) hand. There's a wide range of quality products here — everything from building materials to tools to paints to lumber to moulding and exotic hardwoods — but Shell has survived amid a sea of Home Depots and Lowe's owing to its quality customer service and unwavering hometown feel. Note to weekend reno warriors: Shell is closed on Sundays.

A good mall is a centralized location for a wide variety of stores. But a great mall supplies all the consumer goods one's heart could ever desire. With more than 300 retailers, Aventura Mall is a great mall — to the point where leaving empty-handed often feels like Mission Impossible. High-end designers? Gucci, Valentino — check! A spot for local sneakerheads? Kick Essentials — check! Fast fashion? There's a two-story Zara — check! Even if you felt like you've lapped the mall enough times to know its blueprint by heart, new stores are constantly added to the roster, including the popular women's boutique Aritzia (which opened this past spring) and new athleisure brands Vuori and Alo Yoga (coming soon). With sit-down and fast-casual restaurants, such as Toku Modern Asian, Pubbelly Sushi, Motek (and its street-food offshoot Yalla Motek), "shopping till you drop" is no longer a worry. Be sure to check out the Aventura Slide Tower before you leave — no trip to Aventura Mall is complete without a 93-foot glide down German conceptual artist Carsten Höller's steel-and-glass structure. (Editor's note: The slide is closed for the summer, but a spokesperson for the mall assures us it will reopen in November.)

The older we get, the more we appreciate the relics that have stood the test of time. For more than 50 years, nautical-themed Stone Age Antiques has saved the curious items that some might consider "old" or "garbage" from landfills and presented them for the consideration of the eagle-eyed collectors who brave the packed aisles at the rustic store. Iron cannons from the 18th Century, old portholes, and weathered anchors are just a few of the items in this maze of rare finds. Proprietor Milton Stone has long understood that time is the only thing separating one man's trash from another man's antique.

Buying new furniture is a lot like clubbing in your 30s: exciting in theory but tiring, expensive, and overrated in practice. But purchasing that new loveseat or bed frame is no longer a chore thanks to local chain Rana Furniture and its nine outposts across Dade and Broward counties. Whether shopping at the store or online, Rana's prices are transparent and its inventory is varied. With Rana's low monthly payments and options for every budget, Miamians don't have to choose between buying their home and furnishing it.

This past spring, fashion-forward friends Dani Klaric´ and Sara Fedz opened a brick-and-mortar vintage thrift store, Peachtree Revival, in Midtown. The whimsical wallpaper, black-and-white vinyl flooring, and giant mirrors entice selfies among a trove of vintage and secondhand finds—from slip dresses to Y2K jeans, belts, bags, boots, and one-of-a-kind accessories. Every Saturday, the shop's garment conveyor belt and curvilinear clothing rack are restocked with new drops. If you're unsure how to pull off that floofy skirt, staff members are on hand for style counseling.

Little River Flea is a convenient and sustainable solution for those looking to avoid Gen Z's scorn and wean off fast-fashion retailers. The roving vintage pop-up market has emerged at various locales around town, including the Selina Hotel's Miami River and MiMo locations, Casa Florida, and the Future of Cities Climate + Innovation Hub in Little Haiti. Little River Flea founder Meghan Alexander vets vendors that include small, sustainable, and primarily women-owned businesses that offer vintage fashion, vinyl, handmade jewelry, and crafts.

A cheap shot glass or refrigerator magnet from the Miami International Airport terminal shops is no way to pay respect to South Florida's lush subtropical vibes. Opt for an authentic (and biodegradable) souvenir at Robert Is Here, a family-owned fruit stand dating back to 1959. There's live music, a petting farm, and drool-worthy fresh smoothies and milkshakes on the premises. And if you're looking for an easy-to-ship item to send to friends and family in faraway locales, consider the heaping bags of citrus (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines), exotic fruit (dragonfruit, jackfruit, guanabana), or the myriad jars filled with pickles, preserves, marinades, and marmalades. Bear in mind that Robert Is Here ships nationally for travelers leery of toting produce in their carry-on.

The year is 1984: The Miami Dolphins were en route to the Super Bowl for what will turn out to be the last time in four decades (and counting), and Richard's Gems and Jewelry opened downtown with various fine diamonds and precious jewels. For nearly 40 years, Richard's display cases have stocked enough ice and bling to make any dweeb walk out with swagger. With fair (yet less negotiable) prices, Richard's is the ideal spot for all your sparkly accessories.

With seven locations scattered across greater Miami from Sweetwater to Pembroke Park, King Cash Pawn has established itself as pawn-shop royalty. Over the years, the growing chain has made a name for itself across Miami-Dade by providing fair evaluations and fast cash. Whether you're buying or selling, the self-proclaimed friendliest pawn shop in town offers a safe, no-pressure environment at every store, but the Opa-Locka shop stands out for customer service.

When the Hearts & Stars Gala took over the Design District's Jungle Plaza with caviar, martinis, craps tables, and a live performance by Wyclef Jean in March of this year, it was not only a good time but a good time for a good cause. Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) has assisted nearly 14,000 underserved children across South Florida since its inception in 2010. With more than 20 programs, including back-to-school drives, Halloween parties, and an adopt-a-meal initiative that serves families of children receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, LLF offers multiple opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.