Drew Kern
August 28, 2015
Of infamous Coral Gables city planner George Merrick’s seven themed villages, the French Normandy village showcases some truly historic and elegant period architecture. (Previous posts have featured the Florida Pioneer Village, the Italian Village, the French City Village, the Chinese Village, and the Dutch South African Village.) One of three enclaves designed to reflect various eras of French architecture, the Normandy homes (also sometimes called the French Provincial section) were based on a 15th-century French village. Miami architects John and Coulton Skinner, who also were responsible for bringing the Florida Pioneer and Italian villages to life, constructed the 11 homes that belong to the French Normandy neighborhood in 1926 and 1927. The grouping is bound by LeJeune Road, […]
August 21, 2015
Newcomers to Florida and Miami often are concerned about the brutal summer months and wonder how locals survive the heat. In other regions of the state, I imagine July and August seem to drag on forever, but luckily in Miami and its surrounding suburbs, there is no shortage of ways to keep busy—and cool—when you’re maxed out on beach time. I previously wrote about some of the area’s best museums and estates and great pools; today I am sharing three more amazing attractions that provide a welcome break from the sun and sand. The Planetarium at the Miami Science Museum Planetariums, in my opinion, get little appreciation nowadays, but they offer a truly unique learning experience for kids […]
August 7, 2015
The greater Miami area is a diverse and high-energy place, offering something for every taste and interest. Attending a special festival or event, whether it’s a onetime event or an annual tradition, is a great way to take in the local flavor and get a feel for whether a certain area is a good fit for you and your family. Whether you have your sights set on one of the city’s family-friendly southern suburbs or are still exploring your options, these cool August events are a great way to experience the signature Miami magic. For Football Enthusiasts: The Miami Dolphins Friday Night Festival & Scrimmage When: Friday, August 7 Where: Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium What: Get […]
July 31, 2015
Though we can’t control the climate of the place we choose to live, buyers often want to know if a prospective neighborhood has amenities and cultural offerings to help keep busy when the weather is less than perfect. I previously wrote about some of the area’s best pools—but some days you need a break from swimming, or boating, in the sun. Luckily, Miami has plenty of other ways to beat the heat, whether it’s spending the afternoon at a museum or strolling the shady perimeters of a historic estate. The Coral Gables Museum This neighborhood cultural hub, which also serves as the City Beautiful’s official visitors’ center, puts on a full roster of events both on the museum […]
July 21, 2015
As a parent, I understand the importance of having access to solid summer-camp options. It’s especially nice when a town has several more specialized programs, too, for kids with focused interests. The family-friendly neighborhoods of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay offer many great options, many of which are already under way for the season—in which case, you can always stop by for a preview and make plans for next year. Most area schools provide summer programming for their students, too, so check with your child’s institution to see what’s on offer. Camp Palmetto Bay The Village of Palmetto Bay runs the 8-week multidisciplinary Camp Palmetto Bay in June and July, which takes advantage of local attractions to keep kids engaged […]
July 13, 2015
Think you’ve tried the best Miami has to offer when it comes to restaurants and bars? With so many options and the never-ending cycle of openings and closings, many of our city’s best culinary delights get lost in the shadow of celebrity chefs and flashy upscale eateries. Here I suggest four establishments to add to your must-try list, if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting them already. For Wine Lovers: Happy Wine Though this modest Mom-and-pop wine shop in Calle Ocho (there is a second, fancier location in Coconut Grove) has been recognized for its caliber as a place to buy wine, it’s also a local favorite spot for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. Stop by to test […]
June 29, 2015
To say it’s hot in the summer in Miami is an understatement. But enjoying perfect weather for nine out of twelve months a year is well worth enduring even the sweltering days of June, July, and August. Plus, it’s easy to beat the heat at these three beautiful and refreshing Miami pools. The Biltmore The 23,000-square-foot pool at the landmark Coral Gables hotel is the stuff of aquatic dreams. Treat yourself to a stay or reserve a private cabana to enjoy a full day of lounging by the legendary oasis, where Hollywood’s original Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller, was once a lifeguard and full-fledged water shows drew thousands of spectators every Sunday. The Venetian This fantastic public facility in Coral […]
June 16, 2015
If you’ve been following my posts on George Merrick’s six whimsical themed villages of Coral Gables, this marks the fifth installment of the series. (Check out previous posts on the Florida Pioneer Village, the Italian Village, the French City Village, and the Chinese Village.) The Dutch South African Village was an interesting architectural project. Aside from its origination as part of Merrick’s already visionary concept for bringing diverse design influences into the City Beautiful, this village’s particular focus is on the homes of Dutch colonists who settled in South Africa in the 17th century (which is just a little more obscure of a reference point than, say, the Italian or Chinese village). Designed by the well-known Palm Beach architect Marion […]
June 8, 2015
One of Coral Gables’ most alluring characteristics as a neighborhood is that it has its own thriving, highly regarded restaurant scene. There is no better opportunity to sample the local flavors and get a feel for the neighborhood’s unique foodie fervor than during Coral Gables Restaurant Week. This year, the 8th installment of the annual tradition kicks off on June 4, with Taste of the Gables, a ticketed food-and-drink-sampling event taking place at the Westin Colonnade Hotel. The official promotion window for Restaurant Week then begins June 8 and runs through June 28 (so…it’s actually three weeks long, which is a good thing, because that gives you more time to try more spots). No matter your preferred cuisine or dining […]