BLOG
March 19, 2015
Last month I gave an overview of one of the six unique themed villages scattered throughout Coral Gables, the Florida Pioneer Village (want a bit more history about Gables’ creator George Merrick’s plan for these residential subdivisions? Check this out). Another of the international pockets still in existence today is the Italian Village, bordered by San Antonio Avenue, San Esteban, Segovia Street, and Monserrate Street. Architects Alfred L. Klingbeil, John and Coulton Skinner, R. F. Ware, and Robert Law Weed designed the 17 homes of this village from 1925-1927 in the style of Italian farmhouses. (Check out the lovely villas along Palmarito and Monserrate streets.) Driving through this village, you might find that the homes aren’t all that distinct from the […]
March 14, 2015
If you haven’t been to the zoo in a while, you’re missing out (if you don’t have an excuse such as having kids, feel free to borrow a friend’s for the afternoon. They’ll thank you and you’ll get a trip to the zoo). Zoo Miami is an outstanding community resource, and for family-focused neighborhoods like Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest, the zoo is full of opportunities for kids to play, explore, and learn in a safe, educational outdoor setting—all just a short drive away. Zoo Miami is home to big mammals like lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, gorillas, chimpanzees, African and Asian elephants, zebras, giraffe, hippos, Malayan sun bears, and camels, and smaller, colorful exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, like meerkats, […]
March 6, 2015
It’s not news that when prospective homebuyers search for a new neighborhood to call home, their priorities vary widely depending on their stage of life. But one aspect that affects every decision is the local schools, which is why the Gulliver Academy has been so invaluable to the Pinecrest community. Part of the Gulliver Schools network, an integrated and comprehensive college preparatory program for grades PreK3 through 12, the Academy is one of the most renowned private schools in all of South Florida. Two of their campuses are located in Pinecrest: the first is the Preparatory School, for grades 9 through 12, and the second is called the Montgomery Drive Campus, and teaches grades 5 through 8. The Gulliver mission […]
February 27, 2015
If you haven’t had the opportunity to tour, or at least drive by, the six unique themed villages scattered throughout Coral Gables, you’re in for an architectural treat. When George Merrick created the Gables, one of the country’s first fully planned communities, in 1925, it was inspired primarily by Mediterranean-style architecture. Later, to attract more homebuyers to the area, he envisioned 14 residential subdivisions, each inspired by a distinct international region. Only six were built, and only 80 of the 1,000 planned homes, before the project was derailed in 1928, when Merrick fell into debt. One such village still stands today on Santa Maria Street, south of the Biltmore Hotel and bordering the Riviera Country Club golf course. Architects John […]
February 20, 2015
Palmetto Bay may be known as ‘The Village of Parks,’ but this southern Miami suburb has some solid dining options to offer families and destination foodies alike. Locals have been lining the sidewalk outside the French bakery Delices de France for years, patiently waiting their turn to scoop up its fresh-baked baguettes and buttery croissant. But now there’s a new authentic French player on the scene: Bistro Foly. The online message boards have been lighting up five stars and “best new restaurant” rankings for this cozy traditional French bistro since it opened more than a year ago off Old Cutler Road and SW 168th Street. Reviewers glow over its delicious food, friendly staff (overseen by French owners Catherine de Villada […]
February 12, 2015
Pinecrest Farmers’ Market: Building a community of food lovers The highly desirable Village of Pinecrest is known as one of South Florida’s most beautiful residential areas, with spacious, well-tended yards and single-family homes; strong schools; affluent residents; and easy access to both Downtown Miami and the airport. People regard it as offering an all-around high quality of life. It also is home to one of Miami’s most highly regarded farmers’ markets. Every Sunday (from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; some vendors accept credit cards, others are cash only), the Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market sets up in the parking lot of the lush 20-acre Pinecrest Gardens park. (The park itself is a wonderful amenity for Pinecrest residents, who can take advantage […]
February 5, 2015
When people think of Coral Gables today, many think of stately Mediterranean Revival homes, the Biltmore, the Venetian Pool and Miracle Mile. This being said, anyone that has tried to renovate their home in the City Beautiful tends to think of getting building permits and going in front of the architectural board. As one of the first planned communities in the United States, the reason for this is simple: George Merrick, upon founding the Gables back in 1925, wanted to inspire people with the city’s architecture. This is what he envisioned the villages of Coral Gables (the Dutch South African, the Chinese, the French Normandy, the Florida Pioneer, the French Country, the French City, and the Italian) to do and […]
January 29, 2015
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is often looked at by locals as a place to send houseguests to get them out of your hair for a few hours. While this is true, it’s certainly worth a visit as well. Located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in the Gables, it is a fantastic botanical garden that is internationally recognized by some of the leading horticulturists in the world. It’s also a great source of inspiration for anyone thinking about redoing their yard, as well as a pleasant place to take a walk (and let your kids chase butterflies around for a bit). And while Fairchild is worth stopping by and exploring during any of the cooler months in Miami, there is currently […]
January 22, 2015
The Gables is jam-packed with things to do this month Coral Gables has benefitted immensely from the efforts of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce as well as its Business Improvement District as they continue to support the area’s vibrant dining, shopping and cultural scene, with a focus on the section surrounding Miracle Mile (the half-mile stretch between Le Jeune and Douglas roads). The beautifully landscaped and pedestrian friendly destination offers art galleries, top-notch restaurants, salons/spas, a live theater, and the shopping can’t be beat. It is a major force in making the Gables such a desireable area of Miami to live and work. Every Saturday through March (starting January 17), the Coral Gables Farmer’s Market sets up downtown, on […]