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intervalworld.com
INTERVAL WORLD
■
Issue 2, 2019
35
VISIT THE HISTORICAL SITES OF COCONUT GROVE
AND CORAL GABLES
WHERE TO GO:
Nestled in Coconut Grove,
The Kampong
is a
former residence of botanist and plant explorer David Fairchild, and
the only National Tropical Botanical Garden site outside of Hawaii.
Discover exotic fruit plants and flowering trees, from peanut butter fruit
to royal poinciana to over 50 varieties of mango. Take a self-guided
tour of the 9-acre estate (guided excursions are also available from
September through June; reservations are required for both), and enjoy
a picnic overlooking Biscayne Bay. A National Historic Landmark,
The
Biltmore Hotel
is a Coral Gables institution. The vision of George
Merrick, founder of the City Beautiful, the Biltmore was one of the
most famous hotels of its time, hosting the likes of Ginger Rogers and
Franklin D. Roosevelt — even Al Capone. Opened in 1926, the hotel
has served various functions over the years, including an Army hospital
during World War II. Today, it’s a top attraction: Spend the day loung-
ing by the pool (cabana reservations required), splurging on the lavish
Sunday brunch buffet at Fontana, or playing a round at the 18-hole
Biltmore Golf Course.
WHERE TO EAT:
Enjoy views of neighboring Peacock Park, and
get your fill of twice-fried chicken paired with marinated watermelon,
guava miso, and cucumber at chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s
Glass and
Vine
in Coconut Grove — the sophomore eatery of Miami’s first-ever
Food Network’s
Chopped
champion. Indulge in Caribbean fine dining
at
Ortanique on the Mile
, on Coral Gables’ famed Miracle Mile, with
a rum-marinated Niman Ranch pork chop finished with a tropical fruit
flambé.
WHERE TO SHOP:
A Coconut Grove staple for more than a
half-century,
The Maya Hatcha
on Grand Avenue is the go-to for
unique finds, such as water buffalo sandals and Indian kurtas. With
stores across South Florida, including Coconut Grove (just around the
corner from The Maya Hatcha on Main Highway) and Coral Gables (a
block north of Miracle Mile on Aragon Avenue),
Books & Books
is a
book-lover’s dream come true. Browse the selection of new releases,
literary classics, and local favorites, and take home a paperback or
two. And enjoy one of the many author discussions and book-signing
events — especially in November during the Miami Book Fair.
South Florida
has so much to offer that
planning a trip can be daunting. Not to worry —
Interval International is headquartered in Miami.
So, if you’re thinking about what to do on your
next retreat, allow our local expert to plot the
can’t-miss attractions of the area’s must-visit
neighborhoods.
BY LAURIE GALLARDO