Flamingo Gardens

Before we left Florida I wanted to go to Flamingo Gardens. I read that is was a wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden, two things that I love. A little history of how the gardens became a public attraction.

Floyd and Jane Wray came to Florida in 1925 purchasing 320 acres of everglade land. Through much work and imagination they turned the wet land into a working citrus grove. In 1927 Floyd Wray and his business partner Frank Stirling founded Flamingo Groves and planted their first citrus tree in February. Eventually the grove grew to 2000 acres with over 60 varieties of citrus trees and a testing laboratory. During the 1930's, the botanical gardens received plants and seeds from the federal government for test planting. They showcased rare tropical fruit, flowering trees and shrubs.

The Wray's opened the gardens to the public. They built a weekend home atop the Live Oak hammock in the groves. Tours of the citrus groves and botanical gardens, as well as the fruit shipping area, were given daily. It is said that there were nesting Flamingos on the property when it was bought and Mrs. Wray introduced Peacocks to the gardens in the 1940's to the delight of the visitors. Of course alligators were indigenous to the area, and in the 1960's an exhibit was introduced. The property now is about 60 acres and a historical landmark.

So here is a little sampling of our visit...

This guy is about 6 foot long

Small grove still present, now with Mango trees instead of citrus

Flamingos

One of the many peacocks. They were everywhere and beautiful.

This guy was showing us his feathers

I've never seen a white Flamingo

This guy has some serious tooth alignment issues

"The Iguana said to the Flamingo"

The Wray house

Jane and Floyd Wray

Japanese garden

Whooty who

Bald Eagle

Some type of Fig tree

The bird whisperer

It was a hot but fun day. Hope you enjoyed the visit as much as us! If ever in the area it is a nice little day out.

Tammy and Bailey Rose come to visit

My sister and niece planned a visit for the end of May first part of June. I was so excited that they were getting to come for a visit. "A little girl at Christmas" David said. Up until this time I was working a lot of overtime, gotta get it while I can. Thankfully I was able to work my schedule to be off the whole time they would be here. We had only made plans to go to Key West on the Sunday they were here. Other than that we were day to day planning. The only thing Tammy requested was "seafood"! We picked them up on May 28th and spent that night planning our Friday. We decided to go to Miami, catch a hop on-hop off bus and visit South Beach. David and I had been wanting to go to the Art Deco area before we left so this worked out great. So glad we did the bus thing, the traffic was horrible. 

Tammy and Bailey

Roasting in the sun waiting for the departure

Holocaust Memorial 

Love the detail

After a few hours on the bus we hopped off for some lunch and ground exploring. It was getting hot! David had already scoped out a place to eat over on Ocean Dr. so we just had to get back over that way. We enjoyed patio seating at The Clevelander Hotel; the sites and food were fantastic!

After people watching, eating and resting up, we walked across the street to the beach. 

Time to head toward a bus pick up spot. We decided to walk to the next to the last stop...12 blocks away! Actually it was not to bad, just hot. We got to see more of the Art Deco buildings along the way so that was a plus.

Um...did I say we saw buildings?

Looking for a cool place to wait for the bus

After an hour wait the bus finally came. Back to Miami to get something cold and icy to drink (etoh free). 

                                     Saturday was a beach day.

Tammy flapping her wings

Bailey calling for help

Sunday was get up early and head to Key West. David and I had already visited Key West but we had the girls with us so we did not get a chance to walk around much. An old school friend of Tammy's lives there and we were going to meet up with her to explore some. 

 Tammy and Bailey posing.

Tammy and Susan catching up

Susan took us on a food tour! First stop was at Conch Republic Seafood Company.
We had Royal Red shrimp and large Key West shrimp. They were to die for!

Stop #2 was back at Eat It Raw Half Shell Raw Bar

Tammy and Susan enjoyed some oysters on the half shell

Found my Cabana Boy!

Sponge monster

This was a cool hot sauce tasting bar.

Inside Capt. Tony's you can leave a car tag, dollar bill or your bra!

Beautiful St. Paul Church

Stop #3 Kermit's Key Lime Pie

I got the traditional slice of pie. David had to try the chocolate dipped pie.

Cleaning and cutting their catch.

The fish circling the boat as the guy is cleaning and cutting the fish.

My Cabana Boy fisherman!

Beautiful sunset

Our last stop for dinner. If ever in Key Largo it is a must stop off.

The food was amazing and quick!

Monday was our last good weather day so we spent it at the beach. Tuesday was cloudy so we went shopping. We took them to the Sawgrass Mall. I thought Bailey was going to have to buy a new suitcase to get her goods home! We had a great time and wore David out!!

My $380 boots I got for $85!!

Sad that Wednesday is here, their week is over and I have to go back to work. We had a great time and I'm excited that soon I will be closer for more visits since my next contract will be in Myrtle Beach, SC.