The Botanical Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is south of Miami, 62 miles from Roseaire. As the name suggests, it's a very tropical garden that has more than 300 species of palms and cycads on 83 acres of land and ponds with plants and trees that bloom all year round.

It's was named in 1938 after his founder David Fairchild (1869-1954), who travelled all over the world to bring new species to the U.S. and who settled in Miami when he retired. Among other things he brought the cherry trees that now grace Washington DC every spring.

In spite of what's been said, the palm trees are not the most
exciting part of the Garden -they are rather dull and, unless one is a botanist, no much to see. You're free to dissent of course. 

However, the Garden has a nice rain forest which is worth visiting and is the largest one in open air in the US. 

Once you arrive, it's recommended to start the tour with a ride on the tram (it's free with the admission) so that you get a general view in less than half an hour. The tram driver is knowledgeable and gives a good talk on the Fairchild history, conservation, anecdotes  numbers and details of the best specimens. After the ride, walk through the quarter of the Garden that is to the west of the tram's starting point. This area is the most green and beautiful -and plenty of shaded places. In the so called "Low Lands" -to the east- most of the path is rather barren and the sun is merciless.

Also free with the admission is the latest and most popular exhibit, the Wings of the Tropic, a butterfly conservatory where you'll be surrounded by specimens of a number of colorful species typical of rain forests in Central America. 

Practical Tips:

Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33156

Distance from Roseaire: 62 miles. About 1 hour 30 minutes.  Map

Visit Duration: Two to three hours. More if you really want to walk.

Traffic: 

- Avoid the rush hours when going to and returning. Miami city has lots of traffic.

- You can take I95 or the turnpike. Same distance and in the last 10 miles before Miami they merge into I95. Then I95 ends as well. Old Cutler Road is a very nice drive with big trees covering it like a tunnel. Check Google for traffic conditions.

Hours and Admission

- Every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Closed: Christmas Day,
- Parking is free.

- Admission for adults is $25 in 2016 and $18 for seniors 65+. 

Lunch

- There are two coffee shops one near the main entrance and another one next to the butterflies. They have tables with sunshades outdoors and have affordable prices for a sandwich and soda. Beware -the sandwich size is half the regular size you would expect.

- If you bring a pack lunch, no food or drinks are allowed in. However, outside the Garden across the main entrance there is a parking lot for the Matheson Park in which there are tables under old oak trees.

Links:

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. Official Site

Combos:

- If you want to see as many places as you can during your stay at Roseaire, you can also go 5 miles further south -10 minutes- and visit Deering Estate. Map

- The nicest church in the area is Epiphany. Modern but well built, with an interesting design for the interior. It's just 2.5 miles from the Garden -6 minutes- Map

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

A must see in Miami

It's the best place for a relaxed excursion day. It's the nicest old building in South Florida and walking its Gardens and the bay view are worth the trip.

Built up by Mr. James Deering (Maine, 1859-1925) -the founder of Deering-Harvester Company- as his winter stays in mild South Florida were more and more frequent due to his anemia. He bought 180 acres of bay front land, designed and built the estate after his admired Italian villas. The planning and construction of Vizcaya lasted over a decade, from 1910 to 1922. James Deering died on September 18 aboard the SS City of Paris ocean liner returning from France. He never saw the destruction of his beloved estate by the 1926 hurricane.

In 1935 Vizcaya is opened again by his brother Charles (James was a bachelor) as a privately owned museum.  Short after the same year it's closed again due to the damage caused by yet another hurricane. in 1945, 130 Acres of the Vizcaya property are conveyed to Mercy Hospital and the by then Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine -the Our Lady of Charity Shrine, La Salle School, St. Kieran church are later built on this land. In 1945 James Deering’s heirs convey the Vizcaya Village to Dade County to support the ambience and operation of Vizcaya as a museum.

Charles had another Estate, farther South that can also be visited- Deering Estate, but it is less magnificent. 

Practical Tips:

Address: 

3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Distance from Roseaire: 58 mi. Around 1 hour with light traffic. Map.

Visit Duration: Two hours including a guided tour inside the house. Three hours with lunch.

Traffic

- Avoid rush hours getting there and returning back from there. Miami city has a lot of traffic.

- You can take I95 or the turnpike. Same distance and in the last 10 mi they merge into I95. Consult Google Maps for traffic and incidences.

Hours and Admission

- Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Closed: Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, - Parking is free.

- Admittance for adults is $18 in 2016. $12 for seniors 62+.

Lunch

- The coffee shop is nice and has affordable prices for a sandwich and soda.

Links: 

- Vizcaya website: Click Here

- Photo Album: Click Here

Combos
- You may want to find a prayer place. South of Vizcaya, St Kieran has a quiet Adoration Chapel with the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed daily from 8am to 7am. Free Parking.
Address: 3605 South Miami Avenue. Miami, Florida  33133. Map
- If you prefer a Pilgrimage, Our Lady of Charity (Cuba patroness) is a National Shrine and it's also next door: 3609 South Miami Avenue. Miami, Florida  33133. Map It has an Adoration Chapel as well, but it's a bit busy with many people getting in and out. Free Parking.

What's this Blog about

Hi 
If you are spending one or two weeks at Roseaire and you are new to South Florida, welcome to the Sunshine State!

I'm going to gather here some suggestions that you may find useful for an excursion day or a few hours of free time in your tight schedule.

Comments out of your practical experience will be appreciated.
Trolls beware -I will delete your comments with no further explanations.

Lucky Eyes
-  "My eyes are lucky they can see amazing things everywhere!"