Fabulous Florida travel attractions from Jill Podehl: On Worth Avenue, on the enchanting island of Palm Beach, local residents say that if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it. But the great thing about this street is that you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy it. Here, you’ll find some of the most fashionable clothing and accessories shops anywhere, including top luxury brands such as Brioni and Louis Vuitton, alongside fascinating antique and decor shops. You’ll also find the world’s greatest jewelers and perfumeries, as well as unusual treasures, like the wonderful Raptis Rare Books. Also in the mix are art galleries and department stores, along with the landmark Ta-Boo Restaurant, where the Kennedys used to gather. Set back in leafy courtyards are artists’ studios, large bronze statues of children playing, and gourmet food shops. For a great coffee and a breakfast or lunch to-go, pop into Cafe Delamar located on Peruvian Avenue. Better still, go early and grab an outside table. In winter, local historian Rick Rose runs Worth Avenue historic walking tours which take you into the hidden places along Worth Avenue. On these tours, you’ll see the home of Addison Mizner, the visionary who created Worth Avenue a century ago. Behind the home is the gravesite of Johnny Brown, the monkey who always perched on Mizner’s shoulder and who once ran for Mayor of Palm Beach and actually got some votes. See more details on Jill Podehl.
The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful Miami attractions. With 84 acres of land to its name, the garden is completely filled with all manner of tropical flowers, plants, trees, and more. There are different exhibits across the stretch, each themed and climate-managed to create realistic environments. The Wings of the Tropics exhibit is one of the most well-known in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. An impressive 40 exotic butterfly species live here, flying around in a beautiful arc. If that’s not for you, there are 26 other exhibits to check out. You’re spoiled for choice! Wherever you choose to go, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is sure to amaze and awe. The lovely location also offers a great set of guided tours and tram tours if you want a guide on your journey. There are also a few stops for meals and snacks across the garden if you get peckish.
When you think of Miami chances are you think of a sandy beach with the sun shining. Miami Beach is the best area in Miami for soaking up some rays on a sandy beach and it is something of a legend in the city. The beach itself technically outside of the Miami municipality as it is located on an island. Aside from the beaches, the area is also known for its Art Deco district and the odd but beautiful buildings within. But to truly enjoy a vacation you also need a nice place to stay.
Do you need to bath in the sun ? Miami is an amazing place to relax. What can you do in Miami? Jungle Island is a bird sanctuary, wildlife habitat, and botanical garden. Parrots and other exotic birds fly about in tropical forest settings, some of which take part in daily shows. Larger animals, including tigers, baboons, alligators, tortoises, monkeys, and orangutans are also a big part of the attraction. The gardens contain around 2,000 varieties of exotic plants, including heliconias, bananas, orchids, and bromeliads. Jungle Island was affected by Hurricane Irma in the fall of 2017 and is closed for improvements until mid-2018.
Jill Podehl Florida destinations right now: Miami is known for its beaches and South Beach has something for everyone. If you have kids to entertain, South Pointe Park has a playground and splash fountain, and is the ideal setting for a picnic. If you want to escape the crowds for an hour or two, Miami Beach Botanical Garden has 4-1/2 acres filled with subtropical plants, right in the center of South Beach. Wander around the beautiful Art Deco hotels and houses, such as Casa Casuarina, the former home and murder site of fashion designer the late Gianni Versace. Follow the Art Deco District Walking Tour to make sure you do not miss any of these carefully preserved buildings.
New owners William Edgemon and Raymond Moss saw the potential in their purchase and spent the equivalent of 20 million dollars to move the whole structure and rebuilt it in the northern area of Miami. Its life didn’t begin here in Miami, Florida, though – it started out as a building in Spain that served as the living quarters of Cistercian monks, keeping up this purpose for over 700 years. It would fall out of this use after being seized by a revolutionary movement, which repurposed it into a stable and granary. In 1925, William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper magnate, was so impressed by the sheer beauty and wonder of the monastery that he decided to completely purchase it. Each part of it was broken apart into individual stones, packaged into over 11,000 boxes, and sent to Brooklyn, New York. Discover more details at Jill Podehl West Palm Beach.
The great outdoors offers its own myriad of fun possibilities. Get out on the water to experience Greater Miami from a different perspective aboard an airboat tour in the Everglades or on a Millionaire’s Row cruise through Biscayne Bay aboard the Island Queen. Or, you can simply rent a paddleboard or kayak and experience the unique aquatic ecosystems up close. As such, it’s hard to pick the best places in Miami for guests. There’s simply so much to do and enjoy! It’s a tough list, but we’ve put together a selection of some of the very greatest of the greatest that the city has to offer.
