Miami-Dade County's garden of earthly delights is certainly Fairchild Tropical Garden, consisting of 83 acres filled with outstanding examples of tropical and subtropical horticulture acquired from around the world. It is heaven for plant and flower lovers; a living laboratory for scientists; and a classroom beyond compare for students.
Fairchild Tropical Garden was established in 1938 by botanist Dr. David Fairchild and Col. Robert H. Montgomery, an enthusiastic amateur plant collector. The complex's gardens were designed by William Lyman Phillips.
Permanent collections abound and some of the most intriguing include the Arid Gardens, which houses a stunning array of cactus and succulents; and the bamboo collection, with more than 20 varieties of the graceful reedy plant. Children enjoy the Learning Garden, where they can get their hands dirty as they learn about how plants grow.
Exhibits of rare and endangered plants and shrubs of the Bahama Islands are here too, as is the Chachi House, a rainforest dwelling as found in the forests of northern Ecuador. For those who simply wish to enjoy a nice stroll in beautiful surroundings, visit the tranquil Sunken Gardens, the 560-foot vine pergola, and the McLamore Arboretum. Maps and diagrams are available for self-guided walking tours and daily tram tours start every day on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and 4:00 p.m. on weekends. Guided walking tours are offered mid-November through late April.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, there's a steady diet of outstanding special events and programs, including concerts, plant sales, and moonlight tours.
The Garden Shop, located near the main entrance, offers a wonderful array of books on plants, gardening accessories, and the perfect souvenir for your green-thumbed friends back home.
Greater
Miami is comprised of a diverse assortment of distinctive neighborhoods,
each with its own unique collection of attractions and hotels. Miami and the
Beaches offer an immense selection of distinctive lodging that can suit any
personality or budget. From the lavish hotels that line the streets of South
Beach ....more
Swissotel Chicago Hotel compares well with the 209 hotels in the city. An
excellent location. Delight in unrecorded piano Monday - Friday. In Chicago,
Overlooking Lake Michigan Swissotel Chicago can be found at 323 E. Wacker
Dr. Quaint and comfortable guestrooms .... more
