Community Information

  If you read the real estate coverage of the Miami Herald with any regularity, you have probably taken note of the big development plans on the horizon for the historically quiet suburb of Coral Gables.   Among the 16 proposed and approved new, high-density projects announced for the highly desirable enclave are the Mediterranean Village at Ponce Circle, a million square feet of hotel, condos and shopping across 6.7 acres south of the Mile on Ponce de Leon Boulevard; 33 Alhambra, a proposed 16-story residential tower to be built on the block behind the historic Coral Gables Elementary School; and the Collection Residences, a 10-story building with 270 luxury condos and 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.   This […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The neighborhoods of South Miami have so much to offer, including great educational options for families of all different learning preferences and budgets. While the residential enclaves of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay offer outstanding private academies (check out my previous posts on the Gulliver Academy and Westminster Christian), there are many respectable public and Magnet schools in the area as well, like these three highly regarded elementary schools.  David Fairchild Elementary School, located at 5757 SW 45th Street, is home to students from the surrounding South Miami, Coral Gables and Schenley Park neighborhoods. It offers half-day Pre-K, kindergarten and first-grade programs as well as full-day grades 2 through 5 and has a total enrollment of about 620 children. With cheery […]

Miami is pulsing with energy – and heat – this time of year, and there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and into the action. In fact, if you’re thinking of moving to the area or relocating to a different neighborhood, it’s a great way to explore your options. Whether you’re a fan of water sports or more comfortable getting into gear on land, there is an activity for you in across Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest. Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Matheson Hammock The calm waters of Matheson Hammock Park’s manmade tidal pool is the perfect place to test your balance with this challenging water sport. Then, once you’re ready to go, there are plenty of inlets and canals […]

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 […]