Heading to the Miami area? Looking for unique experiences, but don’t want to spend a ton of cash? Well, here are some fun and mostly free things to do!
But first, a bit about the area....
I was visiting one of my oldest besties who lives in Miami and she suggested visiting these places, so all credit to her! We visited two areas – the Miami neighborhood of Coconut Grove, which is south of downtown Miami (more about that in a moment) and Homestead.
The area we visited around Homestead is actually an unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County, Florida known as Redland or The Redlands. It’s about 20 miles southwest of downtown Miami, and it’s pretty rural. It’s home to a lot of agricultural and horse farms and, and it’s where we spent a fun day!
Window Shop in the Grove
Coconut Grove, aka the Grove, is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami. Founded in 1873, it was originally home to artists and intellectuals. During World War I, it became one of the nation’s first naval air stations. Later, it became the home of Pan American Airlines (the Pan Am terminal later became Miami City Hall). Today, it’s a really diverse and vibrant neighborhood with hip restaurants, funky vintage stores, and very cool shops, which we totally explored. And after all that shopping we were parched and stopped at The Spillover for a refreshing prickly pear margarita and some Florida fish dip! Yummm!
Take a Stroll Through the Artist Colony of Cauley Square Historic Village
Located south of Miami in the Redlands area of Homestead (see above), you might miss this little village unless you knew it was there. Named after William Cauley, who built a warehouse alongside the Florida East Coast Railway to accommodate railroad shipping, the depot later included housing to accommodate Cauley’s workers. The worker housing eventually became the home of Cauley Square Historic Village. Today, the quaint little structures include a tea room, restaurants, vintage shops, and even an aviary! It’s a fantastic way to spend an hour or two!
Grab a Smoothie at Robert is Here Fruit Stand
I know, what you’re thinking - a fruit stand? And, what a weird name! Not too far from Cauley Square, Robert is Here is a family run fruit stand that has all sorts of exotic fruits, but it’s actually become a tourist attraction! It was packed, and I mean, packed, the day we visited. Over time, it has added a petting zoo, a play area and picnic tables. But the best part about Robert is Here is the smoothies, which are apparently a thing. Of course, I had to try the Coconut and Lime smoothie. It was a meal in itself! And while a smoothie will set you back about $7, it’s definitely worth it!
Turn Green with Envy at RF Orchids
If you love orchids, then this is the place for you! For 50 years, RF Orchids has specialized in, well, orchids! Also in Redland, it’s free to enter, but if you’re an orchid head, I defy you to leave without picking up a little something.
Go for an Exotic Wine Tasting at Schnebly Redlands Winery
In the mood for a wine tasting of a different sort? How about passion fruit rose? Not exotic enough? Why not try a CAT 2 Hurricane Red, made from avocado and guava? And if you’re all about the brew instead, just walk next door to the Miami Brewing Company, where you can have a cold beer, watch a game or shoot some pool! The brewery and winery, situated in Redland, also host the Lychee Summer Celebration with food trucks, cooking demos, fireworks, art displays and even a charity run! The wine tasting is $12.95 a person, but it’s fun to say you tried avocado wine.
Have you visited any of these places? What was your experience? Tell me all about it on Facebook or in Traveleidoscope’s comment section!
