Unique Places in Miami

a wonderful look back to Americana, and my family really enjoy coming here over the years.
hope you too will find a new jewel in Miami

The sweeping view of Biscayne Bay at Deering Estate is like a soothing balm on jangled urban nerves. It alone is worth the visit, but this Miami-Dade County park offers much more.

Visitors can tour two historic buildings that were the home to Charles Deering, the wealthy industrialist who was chairman of International Harvester. One, the Richmond Cottage, was originally a hotel in the historic town of Cutler, which disappeared when the railroad passed it by. The other, the 1922 Stone House, is a grand castle-like place. Both buildings lack the furniture and decor of their day, but the spaces and views they offer are stunning.

Don't miss the wine cellar in the Stone House! Hidden behind a false-wall and two bank-safe-like doors is a room that housed 5,000 bottles of champagne, wine and spirits, hidden during the Prohibition. Flooded by a 1945 hurricane, the space has been restored to include hundreds of vintage bottles.

Deering also offers natural wonders, including frequent visits by manatees to its boat basin, and a hardwood hammock, where naturalists lead walks to a Tequesta Indian burial mound.

Hurricane Andrew came ashore near Deering Estate in 1992 and the 16-foot storm surge did millions of dollars of damages to the property. It has all been lovingly restored now.

A must for the nature lover in you. it is at 16701 S. W. 72nd Avenue Miami, FL 33157
visitor information
http://www.deeringestate.com/pages/view-all-information.aspx

At more than 80 years old, the Venetian Pool, a unique Coral Gables treasure ( acity within Miami) , still enchants.

The site originally was a quarry from which city founder and developer George Merrick gathered limestone to construct the early roads and the surrounding Mediterranean Revival style homes. Left with an eyesore, Merrick called on his uncle, Denman Fink, a noted artist, to create a swimming pool appropriate to the Mediterranean theme of the newly minted city.

On Dec. 13, 1924, the Cinderella rock pit made its debut as the Venetian Casino and Pool. It was a breathtaking success, as opulent as a Hollywood set. Aged red brick was shoved at points into the artfully painted and layered stucco to give the structures a worn look. Pecky cypress beams were painted with designs, the towers and loggias were tiled. There were tiled fountains and a tiled fish pond, lush landscaping and a sandy beach. And, of course, in the middle, the vast irregular pool surrounded by massive coral formations.

Today the pool is a favorite place to swim and is also rented out for parties, weddings and receptions. This 820,000-gallon pool is fed by cool spring water and features two waterfalls, coral caves and grottos. And once a week, late at night, after it is drained, the pool is swept out and washed down with fire hoses.


information : 2701 DeSoto Blvd., Coral Gables; 305-460-5306, recorded information: 305-460-5356. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Mondays.

Directions, from MIami inter airport go out on lejeune road (becoming first NW 42 and then SW 42 st) and take right towards Coral Gables,turn right on Valencia ave, to De Soto blvd, left and to pools.

1 more image

I'm always on the look out for a wine tasting hang out. I happened upon this place as I was walking towards the Museum of Art. I rode the inner loop metromover from our hotel and took the Miami Avenue exit. Just a few steps was Kork. The wine selection was small but Cecil, bartender, was friendly and talkative. I wouldn't say he was knowledgeable because he doesn't drink. Great decor! They have wine, beer and cheese. Check their calendar for events.

Located at:
2 South Miami Ave
Miami, Fl 33130

2 more images

Nice little wine shop in Coconut Grove, about 6 miles south of downtown Miami. A good variety of wines to taste by the glass and bottles of wine to purchase.

Located at:
2301 SW 27th Lane
Miami, FL 33133

the charles deering estate is located on biscayne bay in the village of cutler florida. charles deering was the first chairman of the board of the international harvester company. in 1916 deering bought richmond cottage and 444 acres on biscayne bay for his winter retreat. in 1921 he built a spanish style mansion on this site. an interesting site to visit for those interested in florida history, nature, and architecture. for more information see my homestead florida page.
the deering estate is located at 16701 s.w. 72 nd ave. cutler florida.

the coral castle is one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the state of florida. the castle was built by latvian eccentric edward "ed" leedskalnin between 1923 and 1940. the original castle was built in florida city and ed moved it to homestead in 1936. the castle is a collection of massive coral stone sculptures that ed created using simple hand tools. for more information and a virtual tour of the castle see my homestead florida page.
the coral castle is located at 28655 south dixie highway (US 1). in homestead.

Matheson is the oldest state park in Florida.The outdoors is not a popular pursuit in Miami, unless you count lying on the beach and baking your skin or shopping at the mall as outdoor pursuits. For this reason, Matheson is generally uncrowded and usually virtually empty. The few who visit head for the marina area and miss some of the nicest places in this small park. There is a practically secluded lake where swimming isn't allowed but which is great for bird watching and picnicing. Several short trails in the area lead away from the congestion and into small forests. You won't find any mountains or wildlife, but its a good place to get away from it all.

Matheson is located in south miami, off Old Cutler Road.

1 more image

Fort Dallas (William English Plantation)
Lummus Park, 404 NW 3rd Street
Year Built: circa 1844
Architect/Builder: Unknown
This native oolitic limestone building was constructed around 1844 as slave quarters on William English's plantation located near the mouth of the Miami River. The building served as a U .S. Army barracks after Fort Dallas was reestablished here in 1849 and 1855 during the Second and Third Seminole Wars. Moved to Lummus Park in 1925, Fort Dallas is one of only two surviving buildings from Miami's pioneer era, the other being the William Wagner House, also located in Lummus Park.
Fort Dallas (William English Plantation) is significant as a reflection of settlement
and military occupation along the Miami River during the mid-nineteenth century
and for its association with William English, one of Dade County’s early pioneers.
The building is also an outstanding example of early masonry vernacular
architecture and is one of only two buildings from this era to survive.
William English came to the Miami River in 1842 at the close of the Second
Seminole War after purchasing a tract of land from his uncle, Richard Fitzpatrick,
for $16,000. Envisioning a new town here, English laid out the “Village of Miami” on
the south bank of the Miami River and began to sell lots. English also established
his own plantation on the River and sometime prior to 1844 began the
construction of a stone residence and slave quarters. English, however, left Miami
in 1849 to follow the California Gold Rush.