GMCVB Vacation Planner 2012 : Page-80

disassembled and transported here from Spain by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, then reassembled stone by stone, renamed the Ancient Spanish Monastery and opened to the public. An unmatched setting for photo shoots and special events, the functioning Episcopal church hosts numerous weddings. In Coral Gables, visit the graceful house after which the Mediterranean-style city was named. Once the boyhood home of developer George E. Merrick, the coral-rock house on Coral Way has been preserved for all to enjoy. Coral Gables Merrick House was built in 1899 as a wood-frame structure. The characteristic gables were added around 1907. The house has been restored to its 1920s’ appearance and is filled with Merrick’s art, furniture and personal treasures. In Coconut Grove, the iconic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens displays a priceless collection of furnishings and decorative arts spanning 2,000 years of North American, European and Asian history. All are housed in a grand bayside estate, built by industrialist James Deering during the Gilded Age, set amid 10 acres of formal gardens and hardwood hammocks. Each year, Vizcaya welcomes 185,000 visitors with tours in 10 languages. The landmark has appeared in countless movies, television shows, commercials and magazines, and has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, and the Summit of the Americas. Miamians commemorate important occasions like weddings, commitment ceremonies, quinceañeras and galas. James’ older brother, Charles Deering, built the more casual Deering Estate at Cutler, 11 miles down the bay. Off the tourist track, visitors find authentic local events here, like the SoBay Festival of the visual arts in February, Moonlight & Music Valentine’s Day concert, eclectic Spring Kayaking ‡ Snorkeling ‡ Hiking Biking ‡ Canoeing ‡ Bird Watching Everglades Exploration ‡ And More... 4000 Crandon Boulevard Key Biscayne, FL Phone: 305-365-3018 Fax: 305-365-3039 www.MiamiEcoAdventures.org EcoAdventures@MiamiDade.gov To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-365-6706. 80 AMAZING ATTRACTIONS Roberto Adrian

Miami-Dade Parks Eco-Adventures
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