Coral Gables Tourist Attractions
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South-west of the city centre is the suburb - now not quite so select as it originally was - of Coral Gables, laid out in Mediterranean style by George Merrick from 1926 onwards to the design of his father, with extensive parks and sports grounds.It is bordered by Calle Ocho to the north, Sunset Drive to the south, Le Jeune Road to the east and Red Road to the west.Notable features are City Hall, the Miracle Mile, the Colonnade Building, the Venetian Pool (a swimming pool in a quarry of coral limestone) and Coral Way, with Coral Gables House (1907). A striking architectural feature is the former Biltmore Hotel, designed by George Merrick in the 1920s. The Lowe Art Museum of the University of Miami has collections of the arts and crafts of the Pueblo and Navajo Indians, American painting and old masters of the Renaissance and Baroque (the Kress Collection).
Lowe Art Museum
The Lowe Art Museum of the University of Miami features a large and diverse collection ranging from the arts and crafts of the Pueblo and Navajo Indians to American painting to old masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods (the Kress Collection).The total collection consists of more than 6000 pieces with one highlight being the Alfred I Barton collection of Southwestern Native American weaving. There are also galleries with art from Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
Biltmore Hotel
A landmark in Coral Gables, the Biltmore is a luxurious hotel with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1926. The 315-foot bell tower was modeled after the Giralda bell tower at the Seville Cathedral in Spain. One of the famous guests to stay here is Al Capone, who ran a speakeasy out of his suite. More recently, the Summit of the Americas was held here, hosting 34 Latin American leaders and President Bill Clinton.
Venetian Pool
The 22,000 square foot Venetian Pool at the Biltmore Hotel is billed as the "largest hotel pool in the Continental United States." It holds over 600,000 gallons of water and has a number of different sections including a kid's area, aquatic fitness zone, and a waterfall.
Miami - Florida Grand Opera
The Florida Grand Opera performs new works each season at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County or the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The opera has a reputation for engaging young artists who are making the transition to professional careers in the arts, with the Young Artists Studio.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
The 83-acre Fairchild Tropical Garden has an extensive collection of rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees and vines. The site also offers programs in environmental education, conservation and horticulture.
Village of Merrick Park
The Village of Merrick Park is a shopping destination with world-class shops, a garden, fountains, and tropical foliage. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes.
Coral Gables International Festival of Folk Arts (closed)
NO LONGER IN OPERATION.A festival of folk art and storytelling which takes place annually in November.
