Donuts have been making a come back for years now. Where once you might have stuck with the Krispy Kreme classic, now there are endless donut shops to choose from. Miami is no exception, so when you get that craving for a round pastry on your visit to Pankey, you have to know where to go.

We’re big on desserts while traveling because they are such a fun diversion from regular habits. And why not try a delightful concoction or baked good that you can’t get anywhere else?

Here are the best donuts in Miami:

Top 4 Miami Donut Spots

1. The Dandee Donut Factory

Dandee does it right, with old-fashioned favorites prepared fresh daily. They have over 50 varieties of handmade donuts complementing an all-day breakfast menu and delightful coffee. Getting there may be a little bit more of a drive if you’re staying on the Key, but take it as an opportunity to explore Miami with a pot of gold at the end of the journey.

2. Mojo Donuts

This place knows how to make an Instagram-worthy donut. Their fried goods are fluffy and luxurious, topped with sugary glaze and creamy icing. They have unique Miami treats such as guava ‘n’ cheese and key lime donuts.

3. Velvet Creme

Velvet Creme is a self-proclaimed donut and coffee company that has a long history in Miami. They’ve been around since 1947 and currently offer a variety of finger-licking good flavors. They are bound to put a smile on your face.

4. The Salty Donut

This establishment may be last on our list, but it is certainly not last in our donut-loving hearts. The Salty Donut attracts large crowds, so be prepared for a wait that is definitely worth it. They provide artisanal donuts in the trendy Wynwood area of Miami. Flavors like nutella and white chocolate tres leches will keep you dreaming of their donuts for months after.

What’s your favorite dessert to try when you visit Miami for a Pankey course? 

The small Florida town of Key Biscayne is home to the Pankey Institute and multiple other interesting businesses. It’s a unique vacation spot, with beautiful beaches and a special community. How much do you know about its fascinating history?

Key Biscayne History for Pankey Buffs

As a barrier island, Key Biscayne is little known to most people who aren’t from the Miami area. Before America was ‘discovered’ and colonized, the Key was home to the Tequesta Indians.

Once Spain got to exploring this side of the planet, Key Biscayne was quickly handed off into the possession of the King of Spain. Much later, Florida became part of the United States and the island was sold for a couple hundred dollars combined to a family and the U.S. government.

The first town on Key Biscayne wasn’t introduced until 1839. Growth was slow at first due to the prevalence of pirates. Over time, a coconut plantation was built, which attracted more people to join the community.

Everything began to change as land was partially donated to the public, shopping centers and schools were built. Divided from the mainland, this island paradise began to gain its name and mansions quickly dotted the scenery. The Village of Key Biscayne was officially incorporated at the start of the 90s.

Since 1991, Key Biscayne has blossomed into a true community and resort spot. It retains a more laid-back spirit due to the distance from the mainland. The population hovers at around 12,000 people, with seven shopping centers and a diverse population. Not to mention some of the best food in Miami at large!

You can learn more about the history of Key Biscayne here and interesting facts about the Village here. It is a wonderful place we are proud to call Pankey’s home.

Do you know any cool facts about the Key’s history? 

Key Biscayne has more to it than meets the eye. Though it’s a small place, it also manages to be a prime vacation destination. Along those lines, one of our favorite spots of all on the Key is the Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz is classy while still being both laid back and accessible. Here’s why you should either stay at or visit this beachside resort:

We Love the Key Biscayne Ritz-Carlton

The Key Biscayne Ritz has three fabulous restaurants to satisfy many different cravings. You can have a quick and easy meal by the water at Dune Burgers on the beach. If you want a more upscale lunch or dinner, head to Cantina Beach for Mexican fare such as tacos and enchiladas. You can then watch the sun set over the beach.

The fanciest of the Ritz’s restaurants has to be Lightkeepers. This swanky oceanfront restaurant offers a pleasing mix of seafood, cheese, and beef. They also have a rum bar and poolside ice cream parlor for a simpler option.

The lobby bar in particular is a Pankey favorite. They have live music and a longtime bartender Geno who has worked there for multiple decades. We sometimes think he knows more Pankey philosophy than almost anyone else on the Key. He also makes the best piña colada in the area.

Between meals and time spent on the beach, head to the Ritz’s 25,000-square-foot spa or their phenomenal fitness center. They provide many luxury experiences designed to make the world fall away completely. You’ll be completely refreshed either before, after, or during a Pankey course.

The Key Biscayne Ritz-Carlton will be the site of the 2019 Pankey annual meeting, so there’s a significant chance you’ll have sand in your toes and a margarita or daiquiri in your hand before long.

Do you have a favorite place to stay while you’re at Pankey? 

We don’t always want to take an Uber across the Rickenbacker Causeway into Miami for a day out. If you’re visiting Key Biscayne before or after a Pankey CE course, why not explore more of the island and get to know this beautiful vacation destination?

You can walk the entire length of the Key – from Calusa Park to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – in under an hour if you’re particularly industrious. It’s a fascinating, self-contained place that manages to distinguish itself from the intensity of Miami. It’s also a lush location for beach lounging, ocean wildlife sightseeing, unique food, golfing, and relaxation.

So what’s the best way to see Key Biscayne? By foot can be a bit too exhausting, so why not try a bike …

Exploring the Key by Bike

Key Biscayne is officially a ‘bike friendly’ community. Because it’s such a small area, cars are less of a disturbance. You can now pick up a bike all over the Key for a refreshing ride about town. Just download the Lime bike share app on either Google Play or the App Store and get to pedaling.

Lime bikes are much more convenient than most public bike systems since they have no official docking station you have to show up at. Use the app to search for a bike nearby and you’re good to go.

After multiple days of learning at the Pankey Institute, a bike ride outside is just what most us need to digest it all. Cover some serious distance and stop at our favorite food spots along your path. Wind through neighborhoods with buildings old and new, extravagant mansions and humble family homes. Catch a glimpse of the bay and inhale a whiff of salt air.

When you’re ready for a rest, you can park your bike wherever you want to end up.

What’s your favorite way to sightsee? 

When you come to Key Biscayne and Miami, you should treat yourself in as many ways as you can. From the moment your plane sets down, it’s time to embrace the Miami spirit of indulgence and fun. The best way to do this is by shopping ’til you drop.

One of the most common questions we hear all the time is: Where is the best shopping in Miami? It’s not an easy question to answer. Miami has the kind of fashion, jewelry, and beauty scenes that celebrities are known to wander.

Still, we’ve managed to narrow down the list to a few fun locales. These excursions may lighten your wallet or may have your jaw dropping at the decadence. Either way, you won’t be bored!

Luxurious and Indulgent Shopping the Miami Way

1. Bal Harbour Shops

This beautiful open-air shopping mall in Miami Beach requires mental preparation for the shopaholic. Designer boutiques are the norm at Bal Harbour, where the air oozes exclusivity. Wander this super high end, exquisite mall and settle in for a long meal at one of the restuarants. It’s truly an unmissable experience.

2. Miami Design District

Fashion fiends will swoon over this trendy shopping location. It’s a hotspot for flagship stores from top designers and becomes an even more enriching visit when you witness the thought provoking art and sculptures around the area.

3. Coconut Grove Boutiques

Coconut Grove is a region of Miami known for its quirky boutiques. Here, you definitely won’t be overwhelmed by pricey displays or high fashion. It’s a much more approachable shopping experience. Peruse the central business district for an hour or two of casual fun.

All in all, Miami is a prime destination for shopping, which makes a great low-key activity. How do you indulge yourself on trips? We’d love to hear from you!

Everyone who heads to Miami expects to try world-class cuisine from all over Latin America. But did you know Miami is also a fantastic place to sample delightful European dishes? In particular, the area boasts a wealth of French restaurants you won’t want to pass up.

If you’re unfamiliar with French food, it’s usually rich, flavorful, unique, and satisfying. Think coq au vin, bouillabaisse, hearty soups, delicate seafood, croissants and crepes. Here are our top four favorite spots:

4 French Must-Try Restaurants in Miami & Key Biscayne

1. La Boulangerie 

For giant, flaky, out-of-this-world croissants, you have to visit La Boulangerie on Key Biscayne. This is hands-down one of the best breakfasts in the area. The service is fast, the fresh orange juice is to die for, and it’s extremely convenient for Pankey participants. Make sure to get there as early as possible before they run out of the most coveted treats!

2. Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant

Appreciate a traditional French meal in an atmosphere that screams Miami Beach. This quaint and cozy dining experience serves up the classics: foie gras, escargots, charcuterie, savory crepes, fresh mussels in white wine and cream, quiche lorraine and more.

3. A La Folie Cafe

Refined without breaking the bank, A La Folie is known for its extremely yummy crepes. Relax over a meal that will transport you to France in the best way possible. Sweet and savory are right at your fingertips.

4. Brasserie Central

This Parisian-style brasserie in Coral Gables is perfect for sipping cafe au lait and diving into a luxurious dessert. Try our favorites: the Belgian waffle with chantilly and chocolate or the crisp apple tart.

Please run, do not walk to each of these fantastic purveyors of all things French. If you try one out, let us know what you thought! Miami never ceases to amaze us with its international flavor.

Pankey just so happens to be located on a beautiful island off the coast of Miami: Key Biscayne. For many, the Key is an ideal tropical escape. It’s small enough to walk around on foot, but large enough to accommodate many cuisine and activity options.

There are gorgeous beaches, world-class restaurants, stunning mansions, and luxury resorts spread along a five mile stretch of palm-tree dotted land. Connected to mainland Miami by the Rickenbacker Causeway, you’ll feel yourself entering a different world as you leave congested city streets for the laid back island vibe.

We’ve already given you some ideas for the best Cuban food to sample while you’re attending a CE course at Pankey. Now, we’ve put together a simple guide you can take advantage of to get the most out of your trip.

3 Things to Do in Key Biscayne

1. Go to the Beach

When we say go to the beach, there really are a hundred different ways you could do this on Key Biscayne alone. One of the best is to extend your stay at Pankey into a mini-vacation and book a room at the local Ritz-Carlton. They have a delightful beach to lounge on for a relaxing getaway.

2. Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

This state park is gorgeous and fascinating, along with having a great beach. You can explore the historic lighthouse and learn more about the area’s thriving wildlife. You can also go kayaking, snorkel, hike, and much more.

3. Shop in the Sunshine

There are multiple locations on Key Biscayne to shop for upscale clothing or unique items. On top of that, stores tend to be nestled right next to incredible restaurants like Origins Asian Bistro. Key Colony Plaza is one example of the intimate, classy shopping centers scattered around the island.

What do you love about traveling for CE courses? Please leave your thoughts in the comments! 

New to the Key? Interested in expanding your culinary oeuvre? If you’re attending a Pankey course, you should add Cuban to your list of must-try Key Biscayne cuisine. 

Luckily, just across the street from the Pankey Institute is a small (but recently renovated & expanded) walk-up restaurant called ‘Oasis Cafe.’ Ordering at this local’s favorite can seem intimidating at first to those unfamiliar with Cuban cuisine, but it is actually a great experience.

The cafe is such a local institution it doesn’t have a sign, so we created a map to help you find it!

The food isn’t fancy, but it is real cuban food! You probably can’t go wrong with any selection, so it’s worthwhile to simply see what’s cooking today or ask for recommendations from the Oasis staff.

On the other hand, you could try out some of our favorites:

Pankey Favorites – Cuban Food at The Oasis Cafe

1. The Cuban Sandwich

This sandwich is not like other sandwiches. You either love it or your hate it. Cuban sandwiches are legendary for their salty-savory expansion on the traditional ‘ham and cheese.’ Trust us, they are on a whole new level.

Cuban sandwiches are filled with three different types of meat: ham, roasted pork, and salami. Pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese add depth to the flavor profile. Everything is then squeezed between flaky, soft Cuban bread (a delight in its own right).

2. Cafe Con Leche or a Cortadito

Coffee with milk? It sounds simple, but a true cafe con leche from a Cuban establishment is a very specific type of drink made with strong cuban espresso. Despite not actually being food or ‘cuisine,’ cafe con leche is an essential part of a Cuban-inspired meal. If you like your coffee stronger, ask for a Cortadito.  Think of it as a smaller, more intense cappuccino. Get it the way the locals like it: “con azucar” (with sugar).

3. Empanadas

Empanadas are a savory pastry usually made with beef. They are universally adored for their reasonably doughy, deliciously fried exterior and flavorful insides. You won’t be able to stop at just one, we promise. They are filling, moist, and perfect for an on-the-go lunch.

4. Guava & Cheese Pastelitos

Think of fruity cheesecake filling in a warm, flaky, fresh-baked pastry. Its a delicious, authentic cuban pastry with a unique, islands flavor.  There are other flavors and even savory versions with meat, but we recommend you just ask for a “Guava & Cheese”.

5. Sweet Fried Plantains

“Maduros” as they are called are a delicious treat, often included with a meal as a side dish. Plaintains look like large bananas, but have a different flavor and texture.  Even if you don’t like bananas, you may like Maduros, which are fried (but not breaded). The sugars in the fruit are caramelized, and many like them slightly burnt.

How important is a satisfying local food scene to you when taking CE? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!