Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

I found this little gem in the LA Times. If you are planning on visiting Miami, FL the Vizcaya Museum offers a nice historical element to your trip. It was once the home of the American Industrialist John Deering.

The home turned museum overlooks the Biscayne Bay. Every item in the mansion was handpicked by Mr. Deering himself. The property offers flowing fountains, gracious gardens, and blissful breezes during the summer months. The night tours for the guest cover the grounds and take you into the secret maze-like gardens on the estate. Simply breathtaking! Looking at the photos on the LA Times website make me want to jump on a plane and take the tour while it’s still summer. This is a must see for those touring the Coconut Grove area. It is definitely on my bucket list! It’s a big world and it’s time for you to see it!!! Info: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave.; (305) 250-9133, http://www.vizcayamuseum.org. Open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily except Tuesdays, Christmas and Thanksgiving. $5 audio tours are offered in five languages. A cafe offers coffee, salads and sandwiches. Adults, $15; seniors and students with ID, $10; ages 6-12, $6; under 5, free.