South Florida Blog by The Desoto

Dade County, located in South Florida, is one of the last remaining places in the US where a myriad of tropical fruits still grow. As a visitor, if you know where to look, you can see them all growing wild, even in the most urban of areas.  However to taste a bounty of these exotic fruits, drive as though you are headed to the Everglades and stop instead at the Redlands.

You will see many working farms which grow everything from avocados to thorny, basketball-sized jackfruits to prickly fuchsia dragon fruits to carambola a.k.a star fruit to zucchinis. These farms survive by selling their produce to local restaurants or by shipping it to Latin American and Asian markets across America.

There are many places to stop along the way and if you can, turn off your A/C and roll down your car window and take in the scent of succulent fruit that hangs in the air as you drive from one wonderful destination to another.

Paradise Farms

This farm grows approximately fifty types of organic vegetables, fruits and herbs. When you visit, you can sit in lounge chairs under the fruit trees. As evening rolls in, the sounds of night animals, including owls, can be heard. Learn about guavas, bananas and sapodilla – maybe even drink some freshly squeezed carambola juice.

Knaus Berry Farm

A place to pick berries and tomatoes among others and sample chocolate shakes, sticky buns, bread sticks, cookies, herb sticks and black bottom pies. Their fresh, homemade strawberry ice cream is to die for!

Fruit & Spice Park

This favorite of South Florida locals offer a unique experience that encompasses all you could ask for.  First, a do-it-yourself tour walking the 37-acre grounds which are divided by country, while reading about each area, and even tasting the fallen fruit. They also have a wonderful two-hour tram tour, offered frequently during the day, where visitors can learn about lady finger bananas, smell the rich aroma of bay rum leaves and citronella grass crushed between your fingers. Throughout your visit, you will be invited to sample several different fruits that are grown in the park- these include exotic grainy custard apples, Jamaican berries that taste like cotton candy and dark sugary taste of the sapodilla,  where you’ll find seasonal fruit tray samples on the gift shop counter.

Burr’s Berry Farm

This family owned 51-year-old strawberry farm is best known for their awesome, fresh homemade strawberry shakes. They also sell other homegrown produce, homemade jams, flowers and honey. Open during the winter growing season only between Christmas and Mother’s Day, you can enjoy your milkshake and ice cream in their quaint covered garden.

Photo by rp-photo

Post by Nuria Almeida

You can rest assured that if South Florida is your destination in December, snowstorms will not ruin your vacation. You can reinvent the usual white, chilly Christmas with the white sunny beaches where you can  make “snow” angels in the sand.

The holidays in Florida are colorful and charming.  The beach community can make a Christmas tree out of tall, majestic palm tree or a pink flamingo. The holiday lights sparkle in the distance as you take a winter swim or just walk in the nippy evening along the town just to enjoy the joyful, festive atmosphere, with coastline stretching in the distance.

In Fort Lauderdale and Miami alike, you can warm your heart by making sure to take in one of the following South Florida annual pastimes:

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

If you want to see Christmas done gitchy style, this is the place. Home to South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree, Santa’s Enchanted Forest’s millions of lights and hundreds of holiday displays. It’s bright, loud and the decorations may have seen one too many seasons but its open thru Jan 8 from 5 pm – midnight each day, making it a dependable blast of holiday spirit any night of the week. Visitors can enjoy the festive Christmas music, and carnival foods and rides and plenty of live entertainment, Miami style.

Christmas on the Beach

This religious variety show extravaganza includes bands, vocalists, dancers and mime artists! Children can meet Grinchy, sing along Christmas carols, and dance to the unique sound of a steel drum band. It takes place at the Hollywood Beach Theater located on Johnston Street and Broadwalk , Hollywood.  For more information, call 954-921-3404.

Christmas on Las Olas

Walk along Las Olas Boulevard and feel the snow melt on your bare shoulders.  Snow is the attraction of this free annual Christmas tradition,
making the highlighted events sledding down a mountain and skating in the artificial ice rink at JM Lexus on the Riverside Lawn.  Take in some holiday movies and visit Santa. As you stroll, sing along with the holiday songs sung by local choirs, the Archbishop McCarthy Jazz Band and the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. You will find Las Olas Boulevard decked out with wonderful seasonal lights and find all the wonderful fashionable shops open late on Tuesday from 5 to 10 p.m. for this holiday celebration.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

Catch a holiday show in Fort Lauderdale complete with thrilling performances from Florida’s version of Cirque Du Soleil, with just as much
dazzling talent. Be mesmerized by the high wire acts, juggling and balancing acts in this wonderful performance with a holiday theme.

Pines Ice Arena

You may have left your cold state, but you know you miss the ice-skating! Rent your skates at this Fort Lauderdale old time ice rink and twirl away on the ice, enjoying some holiday music. Warm up with delicious hot chocolate and watch as others take a turn on the ice. Very family friendly and inexpensive- not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

By Nuria Almeida

On weekends, the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale, is the place to be.  There are a myriad of clubs, bars, shops and restaurants located in the Riverwalk complex. If you are out to enjoy a good meal, with live outdoor entertainment, rest assured the Riverwalk restaurants offer some incredible and fresh seafood.

During the daytime, some restaurants are open and there are water taxis and tour cruises available to enjoy, aside from the lovely, winding path that is known as the Riverwalk.  However, if you find yourself in want of more elaborate evening activities, look no further than just beyond the path.

The Riverwalk area has two main streets running through it- Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. Passing the train-tracks and running down Himmarshee Street is “Himmarshee Village”, home to most of the the Riverwalk nightlife. You can have loud and bright fun at the Escape, a high-tech virtual-reality arcade, or even catch a flick at the multiplex cinema.

Where to Go?

There are also several bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants featured here, which include, among others:

Tarpon Bend Voted Most Popular Happy Hour in the “Best Of” New Times issue by readers and editors; features a good restaurant and great, lively entertainment.
Voodoo Lounge the most exclusive club, more upscale than the other bars, featuring 3 different dance floors, a comedy show, and lots of free parking.
Dicey Riley’s features great bands, good, cold, inexpensive beer, and has no cover charge. It’s a fun and lively place.
America’s Backyard features a large outdoor venue which is great for big groups, an upstairs area with a large balcony and also a traditional indoor club area. Expect lots of dancing to all types of music. Extra large drink servings.  This place goes all out!

In Las Olas

Once you are ready to move on from these, check out the clubs and bars located off 1st Street and Las Olas Blvd. These include:

Art Bar  a dance hip-hop/ reggae/ latin club, always packed with good music and great crowd. There is no cover charge, ladies drink free, and a great DJ.
Off the Hookah  a must go to lounge with a Middle-Eastern themed hoohak lounge with bar. There are awesome belly dancers, hookah,of course and tasty homemade hummus. The DJs are great at getting everyone moving and the bartenders blow fire, making the atmosphere very exciting. Thursday night, ladies drink for free. The drinks are a good size and are not over priced. This place is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
The Brick  a small rock club that features attractive dancers on the bar, shot girls and is always packed.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo by daspader

The Riverwalk is located in Fort Lauderdale, in the downtown historic district. It is a 1.5 mile long brick-lined walkway along the north bank of the New River. Many of the city‘s historical landmarks can be seen along the way.  The path starts near the oldest surviving structure in the city, the lovely pine and oak house known as Stranahan House. This gorgeous stretch of river front has been preserved by the city of Fort Lauderdale, ensuring the quaint park, which houses some interesting nautical ‘art’, is extremely clean and safe, and the outlining buildings, including the renowned Florida Grand Opera House, are showcased.

Take this pleasant stroll along one of the rivers of a network of canals known as the Venice of America, in the warm Florida sunshine, and enjoy a breeze and the view of the marina. It is truly one of the most romantic walks you will take along Florida’s most enchanting mile. The Riverwalk connects two main streets that run through the district- Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. Along these streets, amidst lush tropical landscaping and wide, tree lined walkways link downtown Fort Lauderdale attractions, including the Broward Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival- all within walking distance of one another.

If yachts and mansions float your boat, check out the year-around sightseeing cruise departing three times daily from the New River Docks. The cruise takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway and into Port Everglades, to enjoy the sights of large mansions, celebrity homes in Millionaires Row and massive yachts on the water. Visitors can also see some of the world’s largest cruise ships while in a smooth gliding tour cruise.

Treat yourself and loved ones to a scrumptious meal in one of the many restaurants right on the river or  hop on a water taxi and experience the marina’s fisheries across the way.  You can even become part of the Riverwalk landmark by purchasing a personalized, engraved signature brick.

The Riverwalk is the perfect place to unwind, fall in love or just have a truly unique experience. Even waiting for the various draw bridges along the way to be raised and lowered is a marvel. It is enjoyable anytime of the year, however if you are a music enthusiast, visit in February and dance to the Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival outdoor concerts.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo by Christopher Gosselin

One of the best remembered moments of any Florida vacation is snorkeling in warm, clear water, surrounded by beautiful, wild native aquatic wildlife. Though visitors can take a boat to the various gorgeous reefs in the area, some of the most memorable snorkeling outings can shore dives- places where you can touch the bottom and stand or be close enough to tread back to shore easily.

If you are a confident swimmer and can float, snorkeling can be fun, simple fun for all ages, and has the added benefit of providing an escape from the heat. Get your hands on a mask, fins and snorkel and visit some favorite Broward snorkeling locations.

Vista Park Reef

At about 100 yards wide and about 75 yards from shore, off of Vista Park in Fort Lauderdale, this reef is large enough that visitors can easily spend two hours there and not see everything. Teeming with life, the vibrant, sometimes three foot tall corals are everywhere, including some impressive stag horn corals. Marine life here is diverse. With rocks and crevices, this reef has plenty of hiding spots for Lobsters, Black Margate, Spadefish, various Snapper, Angelfish, Damsels, Wrasses, Parrotfish, Nurse Sharks and even small Stingray. It is one of the best reefs available so close to shore. The depth of the reef is anywhere from 10 to 18 feet. To get there, swim out from the park’s beach access.

Hollywood North Beach Park

These reef ledges are located about 175 yards from the shore, and are separated by sand patches. Visitors can swim out to them by starting from the lifeguard tower near the beach entrance. They are easy to miss, but worth the patience needed to find them. This reef is a tropical wonder and a variety of fish, barracudas, tarpon, snook and nurse sharks, among others, can be enjoyed close up. The ledges are in about 15 feet deep.

Yankee Clipper Rocks

Off of the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel (formerly known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel), the Yankee Clipper Rocks reef is made up of a myriad of ledges, holes and blocks. Visitors can park at the at the south end of the public beach near the hotel. The reef is about 75 feet from shore and only about 10 feet deep. However, because this is a rocky area, snorkelers must bring a dive flag to swim out. The colorful reef is made up of soft corals and seawhips and many types of tropical fish and large invertebrates abound. It is a truly wondrous underwater world.

Safety tips:

• Snorkeling requires good weather conditions. Avoid windy days or after heavy rains as this ensures poor visibility in murky water.
• Do not snorkel alone and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay away from rocks when there are waves.
• High tide, especially as it comes in, is the best time.
• Do not step or stand on living coral or worm reefs and do not touch any marine life.

Photo by Spolster

Post by Nuria Almeida

Though memories of places seen and loved are wonderful, sometimes a picture is needed to capture the magic or uniqueness of a place. Mere words just don’t cut it when describing the sunshine state to those who have never visited. So grab your camera and check out these must-photograph locations in lovely, eclectic South Florida.

Romantic Shots

Virginia Key Beach Park

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this pristine beach and park offers a myriad of photo ops. Originally only accessible by boat, this park was the only Dade County public beach for the “exclusive use of Negroes”. It was closed from 1982 to 2008 and now stands as a beacon of the multicultural harmony present in Miami. Featuring an antique carousel and a large meadow, this park provides a beautiful, natural backdrop for those romantic moments you want to capture.

Botanical Gardens

There are few places that can match the character, textures, and mysticism which makes up the great gardens, exotic flowers and plants of the areas botanical gardens. There are many, however the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and the Kampong Gardens in Coconut Grove both have free entrances and provide you and your beloved with the atmosphere required for shots that will be wall-worthy.

Interesting Architecture

On Biscayne Bay’s shallow seagrass beds, all that remain of Miami’s 1930′s prohibition era are seven rickety fishing and boat shacks built on stilts in the mudflats, which were used by fishermen, gamblers, and partiers through the decades. Protected by the Stiltsville Trust, these marvelous stilt houses were originally twenty more buildings -since lost to hurricanes. Visitors can boat around these former fishing sheds for a closer view, or view it from the southeastern tip of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne through a camera viewfinder, and take some amazing shots of this bygone era.

Panorama

If wide expanses of space make up your dream photo album, check out these options:

Miami Design District

Within the Miami Design District exist many historical hotels whose rooftops provide a unique view of Miami from all directions. Take your camera to the top of one of these, and capture a view above Miami you usually only see in magazines. The trick to obtaining access is either by taking a tour with the cultural center (highly recommended)or by sweet talking your way in.

MacArthur Causeway

For amazing skyline shots, stop on the MacArthur Causeway (which connects Downtown, Miami, Florida and South Beach, Miami Beach via Biscayne Bay. Of particular interest is the beach side of the causeway, right under the bridge. Here you can capture the magical Miami skyline, beautiful in both day and night. Not for those with panic tendencies, since it is very dusty, dirty and dark.

Incredible Sunsets

If the oranges, reds and purples of a dream sunset float your boat, there is plenty of opportunities to catch one at:

• Crandon Park the beach adjacent to the Seaquarium, during the “fall” months, provides the richest hues.
• Cape Florida State Park for the dramatic sunset.
• For those amazing Everglades sunsets, hop on I-75 and head into the middle of Big Cypress.

Photo from VirginiaKeyBeachPark.net

Article by Nuria Almeida

Venturing away from the popular beaches and Fort Lauderdale and Miami locations, visitors can find several unique towns set firmly in local traditions.

Fort Lauderdale Area

Davie

West of Fort Lauderdale, you can visit the western town of Davie, where resident cowboys on horseback tie their horses to a hitching posts outside of businesses and can ride-thru with a horse. A sight to behold, it feels a little like going back in time. Featuring steer-wrestling, bull-riding and calf-roping, the the Jackpot Rodeo is as close to Texas as you can get without visiting. If you would like to try your hand at being a cowboy, take in some horseback riding and explore miles of trails in the surrounding beautiful parks.

• Visitor Information

Dania Beach

South of the Fort Laudedale Airport, the little town of Dania Beach sits quietly, but prominently. If you are a treasure hunter, make sure to make your way to Antique Row. A one-block area features more than 150 antique shops, all specializing in different types of antiques. They reside in old, original structures, a treat in itself. After, take a ride on the Dania Beach Hurricane, located at 1760 NW 1st Street Dania Beach, an old wooden roller coaster. The track is 3,200 feet long, rises up a 10-story lift and has a 95-foot first drop at 60 mph. Once the dip is over, nearby, you can cool your heels at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, located at 128 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach. This wonderful, 55 year old landmark features an old time Ice Cream Parlor and restaurant. You can enjoy a huge candy shop and the largest ice cream sundaes you can imagine.

• Visitor Information

Miami Area

Little Havana

South of downtown Miami, is the town of Little Havana, a.k.a Calle Ocho. This town of old proud beauty is truly the Cuban soul of Miami. Friendly people abound, some with classic Cuban Guaveras, sitting in porches of original bungalows made of native coral limestone. Visitors have their choice of restaurants and cafes, which offer mouth-watering food and Cuban coffee or ‘cafecito’. A leisurely stroll through the colorful neighborhood takes up to a little more than an hour. Along the way, visitors can enjoy art galleries and shops. Sit in the historical Domino Park, where older Cuban men play dominos and absorb the Cuban atmosphere. If you like Cuban cigars, Little Havanna has some good places to buy at wholesale prices.

• Visitor Information

Little Haiti

North of Downtown Miami, in a section of town once known as Lemon City, is Little Haiti. It is the center of Haitian culture in Miami. Sample island heritage at the Caribbean Marketplace, an award-winning, colorful building inspired by the Iron Marketplace of Port-au-Prince. Within the marketplace, two dozen shops offer Caribbean arts and crafts, African-inspired clothing and exotic food and drink. Stroll or drive by roadside fruit and vegetable stands and even some voodoo shops. To get a true taste of the culture, visit during the West Indian Celebration in June.

• Visitor Information

Photo by JMazzolaa

Post by Nuria Almeida

When you visit lovely South Florida, you probably only expect to find lots of sand. After all, the sunshine state is known mostly for its wonderful beaches. However, often overlooked are the miles upon miles of exhilarating hiking trails, leading to breathtaking vistas and plenty of fresh air. If part of your vacation or stay-cation goal is to restore your soul via some much needed quiet reflective time, take time to walk the best three trails in South Florida.

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Boasting coral reefs and shipwrecks over its 173,000 acres, Biscayne National park also has an impressive hiking trail on the enchanting Elliot Key island. The parks only hiking trail,the 7-mile Spite Trail contained within the island, has dense mangroves and beautiful hardwood hammocks. You can reach a remote beach at the isle’s north end when you complete the shaded trail, and along the way, enjoy listening to and seeing the endangered Schaus swallowtail, see large, prehistoric-looking, endangered plants, and a plethora of blue butterflies that will, without a doubt, make you feel like a kid again. Elliot Key island can only be reached by water and once there, you can enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming and wildlife watching. Biscayne National Park is located at 9700 SW 328 Street, Homestead. For more visitor, permit, hunting season and map information, call 305-230-1100 or visit their website.

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Though the Everglades National Park has numerous paved trails on the main 38 mile road from Homestead to Flamingo, there are trails off the beaten path that are not paved and are in fact hidden jewels. A great example are the Pineland trails which provide 43 miles of hiking along old fire roads cutting through pinelands, prairie and hardwood hammocks. The main trail offers the most peaceful hiking you can imagine. However, be on alert, as hikers have been known to see within the wilderness many panthers, bears and rattlesnakes. The Everglades National Park is located at 40001 State Road 9336,Homestead. For more visitor, permit, hunting season and map information, call 305-242-7700 or visit
their website.

BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE

The Fire Prairie Trail is 2.5 miles of large open space in Big Cypress National Preserve country. It can be accessed via the wild Turner River Road, which stretches from Tamiami Trail to Alligator Alley. Before you reach the actual trail, your eyes will feast on a bounty of reptiles and amphibians along the way. Alligators abound on this road. When you see a canal lined with ferns and a road surrounded by cypress trees, you have reached Fire Prairie Trail. After a little while of hiking, the trail opens up and you will find yourself hiking along miles of prairie land. Deer, bears and bobcat are some of the wilderness you may see from afar. Big Cypress National Preserve is located at 33100 Tamiami Trail, East Ochopee. For more visitor, permit, hunting season and map information, call 239-695-1201, or visit their website.

SAFETY

Because these are true wilderness hikes, be sure to take along plenty of water and bug spray; also wear appropriate footwear and clothing. If you hike during the various hunting seasons, make sure to wear hunter’s orange.

Photo by butler.corey

Post by Nuria Almeida

If you find yourself in South Florida during the last weekend in October, there are a variety of Halloween activities to enjoy. From child-friendly to adult fare, there is something ‘spooky’ for everyone.

FOR LITTLE ONES

Halloween Spooktacular

Costume contest and trick or treating. Weston Town Center at 1675 Market Street, Weston.October 30. Registration starting at 5:30 pm for ages 3-10.954-349-5900.

Zoo Boo

Costumed kids, ages 12 and under, can trick-or-treat, take part in costume contests, witness special performances. Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street,Miami. October 30,11:00 am-4:00 pm. 305-255-5551.

Halloween on the Mile

This family-friendly family event features trick-or-treating, a kiddie and doggie costume contest, live performances, spooky storytelling, and Halloween-themed photo booth.Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.October 31,4:00 pm- 7:00

Jungle Island Spooktacular

Trick-or-treat, enjoy animal shows and enter the costume contest. Jungle Island at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail,Miami. October 30,10:00 am-5:00 pm. 305-400-7000.

FOR OLDER KIDS

Haunted Nights Return of the Swamp Witch

This chilling night event is for children over 11 years and over. Zombies abound in the haunted house and the grounds. Flamingo Gardens at 3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie. October 28 and 29 from 7:00 pm -9:00 pm. Call 954-473-2955.

The Village of Horrors.

Listen to gruesome true stories told firsthand, walk through a haunted house and a panic zone. Not for the faint of heart. War Memorial Auditorium at 800 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale. October 29,7:00 pm-12:00 am. 954-828-5380.

House of Horror Amusement Park

The largest haunted house in South Florida also features carnival rides, kiddie rides, carnival acts, and musical performances. You can’t tell what is lurking about until its too late! Miami International Mal(East Side Lot)1455 NW 107th Ave, Doral. October 29, 30,31, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am. 305-639-6000.

FOR THE GROWN-UPS

Halloween Parties

Options abound at the hotel and casino. You can take part in dance parties, costume contests, and music with an adult flavor. Cover charges range from free to $30 and up. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. October 29, 30, 31, times vary. 954-585-5112.

Vampires & Vixens Party at Vibe Las Olas

Become a vampire for a night and join the party. Vibe at 301 E. Las OLas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. October 29, from 10:00 pm to closing. 954.713.7313 and for table reservations 954-326-0848.

Halloween Spookover

Sleep over at a spooky, historical landmark Deering Estate and take part in a paranormal investigation, night hike through the dark grounds and listen to ghost stories. To see past ghost sightings at the estate, visit www.spookover.com. Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami. October 28, 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.305-235-1668,ext. 233.

PUMPKIN PICKING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Little Farm Pumpkin Patch

Visit Little Farm in Homestead for a gorgeous pumpkin patch, pony rides, a petting farm, scarecrow kits and harvest decorations. Farm at 13401 S.W. 224 Street, Goulds. October 28, 29,31, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.305- 258-3186

Photo by DN images

Article by Nuria Almeida

About 20 miles southwest of Downtown Miami, the unincorporated agricultural community of the Redlands sits quietly on the east of the Everglades. A diamond in the rough for those who like to explore the road less traveled, this region showcases the bountiful tropical harvests of South Florida.

Because this region is not a part of any municipality, regular maps of Miami do not reflect it. There are a only two maps to help the adventurous reach the area:

• The Historic Redland Tropical Trail guide featuring nine tourist stops.
• The Redland Riot Road Rallye Tour guide, primarily featuring the annual scavenger hunt auto tour by the same name.

The Redlands, so called after the red clay that dominates the area, is home to fertile land nourished by the pure water from the Biscayne Aquifer. This geological wonder’s rich soil produces a variety of succulent fruit and vegetables harvested by many farms, some of which date back to early settlers.

As you drive through, with tractors and other farming vehicles in your rear-view mirror, you will see wild peacocks roam freely and abundantly in what is also a Wild Bird Sanctuary. Among the local farms, many u-pick’em fields can be enjoyed.

Schnebly Redland’s Winery

A recent unusual and growing attraction in this region is the Schnebly Redland’s Winery. Started five years ago, this winery has an environmental twist and may become, as it matures, as popular a destination as the California wine country.

Unlike other wineries which boast using only the very best and most pristine ingredients, the Schnebly Redland’s Winery makes their delectable wine out of second quality fruit which the local farmers are unable to sell. By utilizing this fruit, the winery helps reduce unnecessary waste and simultaneously helps sustain local agriculture.

The winery produces what can only be described as exquisite aromatic potions from juicy tropical wonders such as lychees, avocados, guava and mangoes. As visitors sit in front of the uniquely designed bar and sip the first taste from their wine glasses, there is a moment of quiet appreciation, broken only by the involuntary vocal delight most cannot contain.

The colorful elixirs made there serve as the crowning touch to the winery’s Caribbean feel, complete with tiki huts, palm trees, high ceilings and a waterfall.

If you are a fan of the unexpected, the Redlands will provide to your heart’s desire. In the busy metropolis that is Miami, popular and sometimes overcrowded, the relatively unknown Redlands provide a rewarding alternative.

Post by Nuria Almeida