February At Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami

A great place of solitude here in South Florida, and in particular Coral Gables is the Fairchild Tropical Garden . These  botanical gardens offer true peace and quiet amongst the hustle and bustle of the city we call home.

Opened in 1938, way before most of us were here this sanctuary offers the following :

Glorious  paths flocked by botanical flora including:

• Succulents
• Flowering Trees
• Cycads
• Palm Trees

Dotted throughout the park are numerous lakes. The water brings many native animal creatures including fish of all types, turtles, majestic birds and iguanas. The Garden has many monthly offerings both to its patrons and the general public. If you are looking for a Valentines Day render- vous jazz singer Kevin Mahogany and the Frost Concert Jazz Band will be performing.

The gardens has  offered various outdoor exhibits including works by Dale Chihuly.

 Presently offerings include an outdoor exhibit by Claude and Francois-Xavier LaLanne . Other amenities include a gift shop, tram ride with tour ( all part of admission price), an outdoor cafe and hours of ultimate tranquility. For further information about opening hours, membership and events click here.

Books and Books- A Landmark Independently Run Book Store in South Florida

In the era of "box" retail stores in South Florida  it is so refreshing to find a "old fashioned" bookstore we all recall from our youth. However... I must tell you that Books and Books is in no way your typical  generations gone by "readery" Books and Books is far from boring. The management team obviously understand  what we are looking for in a place to purchase our books.

Let me fill you in:

There are FIVE locations here in South Florida including:

1. Coral Gables
2. Lincoln Road
3. Bal Harbour Shops
4. Miami International Airport( great idea)

And the newly opened ...Books and Books in the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale.

There are also outlets in Westhampton, New York and on Grand Cayman.

I have had the pleasure of visiting three of these stores locally in South Florida .Fort Lauderdale outlet is next on my list. The units that I have visited all have a great atmosphere of quiet peace, learning and vision. The Coral Gables branch has an open air restaurant in addition to inside cafe. The outside cafe is the ultimate in South Florida living..an  open air concerts on weekends.

The Lincoln Road establishment also offers open air dining in addition to a modern and cool looking store. This store is one of my favs... reading and people watching. For me there is nothing better. The store in Bal Harbour is located on the top level, and the end of the promenade that is lined with flora.

Other exciting attractions include 60 book reviews per month. Management obviously have the inside in this arena. I have listened to Madeline Albright, Emilio Estafan and countless others. They also have many  scheduled monthly meetings, namely the International Books Discussion Group. Here is a link to sign up for their monthly newsletters detailing all events.

Books and Books certainly a place of adventure in South Florida.

Weekend Fun in South Florida

         South Beach Fun

Ah, finally another weekend. And while the rest of the country is contending with the "white stuff" that falls from the heavens we have had a lovely week. Have a look at my facebook post, you will see a map of all.

So if you are looking for activities for this weekend let me keep you updated as to all that is South Florida.

The Adrienne Arts Center

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Tobacco Road

Bank Atlantic Center

Looking for a place to eat? Here is a new Sushi restaurant  that opened this week. If you are looking to feed your soul with good reading Books and Books just opened a branch in The Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale.

For those of us interested in the outdoors here is a list of beaches you might want to spend some time. Finally, if retail therapy is what you need this week have a look  here.

Whatever you decide have a great relaxing weekend.... so much to do ... do little time!

So Why Is Florida Called the Sunshine State?

New Jersey is "The Garden State", Alabama is called The Yellowhammer State. Louisana is nicknamed "The Pelican State" so why is Florida called " The Sunshine State".

Well, just because you asked...

1. Average Number of Days of Sunshine - 300
2. Water Tempertures - 56°F/13°C in the winter to 86°F/30°C in the summer 
3. Total Area - 58,560 Square Miles 
4. Land Area - 54,252 Square Miles 
5. Total Water Area - 4,308 Square Miles 
6. Length North to South - 447 Miles 
7. Width East to West - 361 Miles 
8. Distance from Pensacola to Key West - 792 Miles by Road   
9. Coastline- 1,197 Statute Miles
10. Tidal Shoreline - 2,276 Statute Miles 
11. Beaches - 663 Miles
12. Florida has more than 11,000 miles of rivers, streams & waterways

Twelve great reasons to visit with us in Floirda.

If you are planning in investing in South Florida and require property management we can help you!