Jill Podehl Florida attractions 2024
Fabulous Florida destinations by Jill Podehl: Henry Flagler not only created Palm Beach but many other important Florida landmarks as well, such as the Overseas Railroad to Key West, which was, alas, wiped out in a long-ago hurricane. As you drive up to the 1902 Georgian/Mediterranean mansion he called Whitehall, you’ll know instantly that this is no ordinary museum. Upon completion of Whitehall, the New York Herald promptly called it the grandest mansion in the world. Indeed, with a telephone system, electric lighting, central heating, and 22 bathrooms, it was possibly the most technologically advanced home anywhere at the time. Today, you can wander through the grand hall, kitchens, parlors, and studies that Henry Flagler wandered through, as well as the hallways where the art he collected on his travels is still displayed. His splendid home also became the first museum in Florida. In addition to Flagler’s own art collection, important revolving exhibits feature renowned painters, sculptors, craftspeople, and photographers. The Flagler Museum is truly a home and a museum for the ages. Guided tours are available, and afterward, be sure to pay a visit to the museum’s delightful café. Better still, opt for their wonderful afternoon tea experience in the garden, available in the winter months. Read more info at Jill Podehl.
The Ancient Spanish Monastery is famous in Miami for being one of the country’s best examples of historic religious buildings. It was built in 1133 in the northern region of Spain, where it was named The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels. It was a home for many Cistercian monks for over a whopping seven centuries. During the First Carlist War, the monastery was seized and turned into a stable and granary. But in 1925, William Randolph Hearst, who had fallen in love with the monastery’s building and history, decided to purchase it for himself. The monastery was slowly dismantled, each stone placed in 11,000 or so crates to be shipped to America. It was a long time before the monastery was eventually rebuilt – in fact, it was after Hearst’s death! It was set up as a tourist attraction 25 or so years after its original purchase.
With a hint of 1930’s nostalgia, the beautifully restored buildings within the Art Deco District have a lot to offer on a relaxed day in the Miami beach area. Looking out to see, (a lot of them located front Ocean Drive) the pastel painted buildings pose a great place to stop for lunch of an evening meal. With its neon signs and canopy covered dining areas, the Art Deco District truly comes in its own after dark. But to truly enjoy a vacation you also need a nice place to stay.
Do you want to enjoy the blue sky and the warm sun ? Miami is a fabulous destination to relax. What can you see in Miami? The Coral Castle is the result of one man’s 28 years of carving, using his own home-made tools. This incredible creation, made of limestone, was built by Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951. He kept his methods private and would not allow anyone to watch him work, leaving many people to wonder how he did it. Today, you can tour the property and see the most famous structure, a giant stone gate, which opens effortlessly with the touch of a finger, as well as carvings that include stone tables and chairs, unique figures, and other pieces.
Top rated Florida destinations from Jill Podehl: At its southern extremes, the Miami area turns agricultural and natural in Homestead, tropical fruit capital and home to a grand new auto-racing speedway. Homestead is also gateway to two extraordinary national parks. Biscayne National Park introduces a world accessible by boat, a world best seen through a snorkel mask. A 40-mile road takes you through Everglades National Park and its subtle beauty, to Flamingo, where a modest lodge and scores of water and land adventure await. East of town, along Tamiami Trail, lies another Everglades access. Nearby, the Miccosukee Indian tribe attracts visitors with a modern casino and a cultural attraction that includes airboat rides to old-style clan camps.
While you’re here, check out the Art Deco Museum or go for a walking tour, which spans about 90 minutes, through the neighborhood, led by the Miami Design Preservation League. You’ll be able to learn more about the finer details of each architectural decision, ranging from the floors to the facades, in a more in-depth, crash-course-type way. It’s undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Miami! The Ancient Spanish Monastery, known originally by the rather long name “The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels”, dates back centuries to the year 1133. Read extra info at Jill Podehl West Palm Beach.
History and architecture buffs will want to explore Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a romantic Italianate villa overlooking Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. It was once the winter home of wealthy industrialist James Deering. In Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is a one-of-a-kind natural swimming pool set in a coral rock quarry. Miami is a city renowned for its beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife scene, great cuisine, and cultural merging.