Community Information

A few weeks ago, I shared information about Pinecrest’s Gulliver Academy. For this post, I wanted to turn to my own alma mater, Westminster Christian School, in Palmetto Bay. I consider it to be a wonderful place for a child to learn—if it is a fit for your family’s religious beliefs and education budget—in fact, my own children are currently enrolled. This highly regarded institution was founded in 1961 and is a private, college-preparatory Christian school for grades PreK3 through 12. The WCS mission is threefold: To empower learners, to prepare hearts, and to inspire young people to serve faithfully as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. It shapes its academic program from a Biblical worldview and is committed to providing a […]

The season comes to a close again at the end of April, and with it, the windows for fresh-picked berries and locally sourced stone crabs. But you still have a few weeks to visit some of Miami’s most cherished institutions before the summer heat dials up to extreme. These three outposts are well worth the drive. Just a short drive to Homestead takes you to the family owned and operated Knaus Berry Farm. As someone who spent 7th & 8th grades at Redlands Jr. High (across the street) and skipped many a class to grab a milk shake and cinnamon roll, it’s hard to believe how Knaus has changed from that quaint roadside fruit stand to the celebrated bakery and […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Pinecrest is a great neighborhood famous for its oversized lots, great schools and its tree-lined streets. And the Village of Pinecrest wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for Pinecrest Gardens. The crown jewel of Pinecrest’s amazing park system, the Gardens started life back in 1936 as Parrot Jungle. Back then it was little more than a nature trail through a natural Hammock where Franz Scherr’s birds could ‘fly free.’ The 20 acre park at the corner of Red Road and Killian Drive has changed a lot over the last 79 years. It remained the home of Parrot Jungle until 2003 when they moved to Watson Island, just after the Village of Pinecrest purchased the property with the […]