As Milton is heading its way to fabulous Florida to wreak his havoc, here is a tribute to the wonderful state which has become my adopted home.
The elegant Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables has an enormous pool with parrots flying in and around its open courtyard. So lovely.
Fabulous Florida is such due to its glorious sunshine, blue ocean waters, green lakes, and stately homes. Many states could claim those same attributes. What makes Florida exceptional is its untamed quality. Hurricanes, alligators, swamps, everglades, and eccentric characters give this state a feral quality. As a relative newcomer, 32 years, I was not around to experience the state when it was less domesticated. There are glimpses of it to be found here and there, and when found, it is moving.
Below are some of my favorites sites that make Florida special.
Coral Gables
Coral Gables feels like stepping back in time. Established trees form a canopy over many of the streets. The houses are for the most part older and extremely charming. Being there gives a look into Old Florida.
This beauty is undergoing a renovation.
My first visit to Coral Gables was in 1987. My family took a trip to Key West over Christmas, stopping in Miami first to visit a college friend. We were immediately charmed with the area and the Spanish-style house where the family lived. The lush setting was vastly different from Dallas. One thing that stood out was the lack of curbs. The roads are even with the grass. Additionally, their unique street signs, seen above, were set into the grass.
The United Church of Christ across the street from the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables.
Beautiful tiled bench at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Miami
Sometimes I think I don’t like Miami, but when visiting I realize that I love Miami. It is so much fun and such an interesting mix of people and neighborhoods. There are large iguanas found throughout, not so good as they are invasive however exotic they may be. Roosters are a common site roaming through people’s yards. The food scene is excellent as are the beaches, nightlife, and shopping.
Always delicious, Koko in Coconut Grove.
When visiting my son, we love to try new restaurants. Bouchon is one of his favorites. It is set in an old building with a perfect bistro decor within. The food is delicious, of course as it is Thomas Keller’s restaurant. Koko, top photo, is an excellent choice for Mexican.
Last fall a group of us went to see the show at The Faena which I highly recommend. We took a boat ride back to our hotel in the Grove and saw the beautiful night skyline. Such a fun experience.
Fort Lauderdale
One of my favorite places to visit is the Bonnet House. Many people here do not know of it, but it is quite unique making the trip well worthwhile.
(Photo: @bonnethouse)
(Photo: Annie Schlechter)
The Bonnet House reminds me of homes in México in that it is built around a central garden with open air hallways connecting the rooms. It is unconventional because of its unusual mélange of styles. Small monkeys jump from tree to tree in the surrounding acreage. Large swans claim the pond.
Orlando
One activity for our out of town guests is to go out on the airboats. It is so fun to see the cattle, alligators, bald eagles, and roseate spoonbills.
Roseate spoonbills derive their pink color from their diet as do flamingos.
Some of the airboat drivers live off the land which truly gives a glimpse into earlier days in Florida.
The best parts of this state are those that are the least pretentious – the simple pleasures of seeing manatees in the springs or dolphins jumping in a boat’s wake. The wood structure of the Rod and Gun club in the everglades, the homes made of tabby (oyster shells and water) in St. Augustine, and simple cracker homes throughout the state come to mind. There are a host of treasures to see throughout Florida. I have barely scratched the surface. Hopefully Milton will spare this unique region from its destructive fury.
Casa V is continually inspired by the natural beauty of Florida.