Full confession. I had never been to Deering Estate, never imagining not only the natural and historic treasure it is, but also, the unique events and concerts it stages, eco adventures offered, and fun learning workshops. Think a Valentine’s Day concert with picnic, moonlight kayaking, moonrise photography, the largest prohibition era wine cellar, and much more. After you read this, I’m pretty sure you’ll put a visit there on your “to do” list.

But first, a quick history. In South Miami, Deering Estate, preserves the 1920s era Miami estate of Charles Deering, Chicago industrialist, early preservationist, environmentalist, art collector, philanthropist and first chairman of the International Harvester Company. Nestled along the coast in South Dade, the Deering Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Besides the expansive grounds, the estate is home to The Richmond Hotel – the first hotel between Coconut Grove and Key West which is still preserved complete with a fully stocked kitchen, table set for a dinner party and dresses you would have seen of the grand ladies who stayed here (I coveted one of the blouses).

Beside it is the graceful Mediterranean revival–style Stone House, built by Charles Deering to showcase his valuable art and antique collection, handsome select pieces of which remain on view. One of the not miss areas is the wine vault that was built during Prohibition and at one time housed over 5,000 bottles of wine and liquor, one of the largest in the South.

The annual seafood festival is well known, but there are one or more other wonderful Deering Estate events every month. We just missed the sell out vintage car show, but coming up are Valentines Day offerings, a Spirits Speakeasy and more.

Then there are the soft adventures including new kayak adventures, night hike and campfire, and nature photography. Monthly enjoy Prohibition era cellar series and nature preserve tours.

When you go between October and May bring your binoculars. There are said to be over 170 resident and migratory species, including sightings of rare species such as Mangrove Cuckoo, White crowned pigeon, Black-whiskered Vireo, and Limpkin. Guided bird walks are offered one Saturday a month during those months.

Deering Point (17350 Old Cutler Road  Miami, FL 33157) is located adjacent to the C-100 Canal at the southern point of the Deering Estate property – approximately six blocks from the Deering Estate’s Main Entrance.

The site known as “Deering Point” is a small (3 ½ acres) portion of the Deering South Addition, located adjacent to the C-100 Canal at the southern point of the Deering Estate property.  Deering Point is the only location within 13 miles of downtown Miami that offers free public access to Biscayne Bay for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and fishing.

For more about background on what’s to see and do, check out the videos by clicking here.

Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (no admission after 4PM). Adults: $15; Youth (ages 4-14): $7; Military & senior discounts $2 off on Tuesdays.  Deering Estate Foundation Members: Free. Admission can be purchased in advance or at the gate. You can view videos here. Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue.

Interested in other botanical gardens in Miami (and South Florida) including a new “find”, wetlands in Delray Beach, see below.

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