CORAL GABLES FLORIDA
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Locals refer to their town as "The Gables".
HISTORY OF CORAL GABLES FLORIDA
The Gables was one of the first planned communities in America. It has strict architectural and zoning regulations.
The city was developed by George Merrick during the Florida land boom of the 1920s.
The city's architecture is almost entirely Mediterranean Revival Style.
By 1926, the city covered 10,000 acres and had brought in over $150 million in sales with over $100 million spent on development.
Merrick designed the downtown commercial district to be only four blocks wide and more than two miles long. The main artery bisected the business district.He was proud to say that every business in town was less than a two-block walk. The city used to have an old electric trolley system, and today it has a modern trolley bus that runs down Ponce de León Boulevard.
Merrick donated 240 acres for the University of Miami. The university is just west of U.S.-1 about 2 miles south of downtown.
Today The Gables has about 42,000 people.
The Gables is a pedestrian-friendly community with many upscale retailers and restaurants along Coral Way, known as the "Miracle Mile".The photograph to the right is the heart of the downtown area near Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
It has about 140 restaurants, and many famous stores including Nordstrom's. The town is located only 4 miles south of Miami International Airport.
It is one of the most beautiful towns in Florida. Among its beautiful and historic landmarks are the Venetian Pool, Douglas Entrance, the Biltmore Hotel and hundreds of fine residences.
A wonderful photographic history is available at Coral Gables at Amazon.com
CORAL GABLES FLORIDA HOTELS
There are many places to stay in The Gables and the surrounding area. I'll just focus on a couple of them.
- Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Tel: 305-445-8066 Ext. 4306. This is a fantastic historic hotel originally built by George Merrick and lovingly restored a few years ago. It includes a golf course, restaurants, spas, tennis courts, and is a place you should try at least once.
- Old Grove House, 4104 Ventura Avenue, Miami, Fl. Tel: 305-666-5450. This is a private home in west Coconut Grove, within a short drive of The Gables and Coconut Grove. Book this B&B or others now! Click Here
CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA RESTAURANTS
There are at least 140 restaurants in the area, so I will focus on only a few that I know personally.
- Maroosh., 223 Valencia Avenue. Tel: 305-476-9800. This fine little Mediterranean restaurant is my favorite.
- Houstons. 210 Miracle Mile. Tel: 305-529-0141. Fine dining in the heart of town at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Miracle Mile.
- Las Culebrinas. 4700 W Flagler St. Tel: 305-445-2337. Some of the best Cuban food in town, which is saying a lot in Miami.
CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA ATTRACTIONS
- Venetian Pool. 2701 De Soto Boulevard. Tel: 305-460-5306. Owned by the City, this pool is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is a spring fed swimming pool that used to be the quarry used to build much of Coral Gables.
- University of Miami. Just visit the campus and look at the beautiful buildings and landscaping. More info at the University of Miami at Coral Gables.
Southeast Florida Art Festivals
Southeast Florida Heritage Sites
Southeast Florida Tourist Attractions
Contact Vanessa Gonzalez at Property Options International Real Estate for information on residential real estate in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Miami.
HOW TO FIND CORAL GABLES FLORIDA
If you are on I-95, Exit 1-B, follow SW 3rd Avenue that becomes SW 22nd Street that becomes Coral Way. Follow it into the heart of town.
If you are on SR-826, take the LeJeune Road exit. Go south to Miracle Mile (Coral Way).
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