Thursday, March 14, 2013

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Sitting at the southern end of Key Biscayne is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. A big park, it is known for its great beach and natural surroundings on Biscayne Bay. But perhaps it is most famous for the Cape Florida Light, a lighthouse built in 1825 and the oldest remaining structure in Miami. I went there recently to get a tour of the lighthouse, and to my surprise, there was also historical reenactments, it being Cape Florida Heritage Day, sponsored by Dade Heritage Trust. I recommend everyone check out the lighthouse and lightkeepers grounds, they provide a great view of Biscayne Bay and can take you back in time to an isolated yet beautiful slice of Florida life. Pictures are below!

View from the top of the lighthouse

Looking out over the park

The actual light!

Biscayne Bay, in all her glory


188 years of Miami history!


Historical actors playing the sweet sounds of the dulcimer

The rare Miami fireplace



Wax makers

When nature calls...



Monday, February 4, 2013

The Barnacle Historic State Park

I went to the Barnacle Historic State Park back in December, which is the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Built by Coconut Grove pioneer Commodore Ralph M. Munroe, the house and the property take you back over 100 years, to a time when Miami was still a frontier. I don't want to post too much about it, because there is a tour and I think everyone should take it, to learn more about a very interesting time in Miami's history, and one of the most important figures in the development of the city. If you want to know more about Ralph M. Munroe, and the early days of Coconut Grove, visit: http://scholar.library.miami.edu/commodoreMunroe/

Better yet, visit the place! Here are some pictures:

The Barnacle and its great lawn


Replica ship

Ralph Munroe was a true commodore, and one of the founders of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club

Christmas time at the Barnacle


Not all the appliances date back to the building of the house, but they are still dated


Built on a hill, the house actually came with it's own small cellar, for herbs I believe

Family dinner at the Munroe's.

A child's bedroom, before there was Xbox

The house is built in a way to capture the breeze of the sea, and let air circulate throughout.


The boathouse


A replica of one of the Commodore's ships

Way out there, in the distance, if you are here in person, you can see Stiltsville





Porch life

Million dollar view

Old fashioned doorbell instructions

A chair fit for a king


This is your final warning








The road leading to the Barnacle



Outside the park