Things to Do in South Florida
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33437 (561) 732-3684 / north of Atlantic Ave. and south of Boynton Beach Blvd. on the west side of SR 7/Route 441 – look for brown sign) located within the northernmost part of the legendary Florida Everglades, is the only remnant of the northern Everglades. The 147,392-acre Refuge consists mostly of the saw grass marsh that is so characteristic of the Everglades environment, and is one of the few places where lucky observers might see a magnificent bird, the endangered snail kite, searching for food.
While the Refuge and the Marshall Foundation are separate entities, the organizations often work together on restoration and public outreach projects. Numerous Marshall Foundation events have been hosted at the Refuge and the Foundation is extremely supportive of the vital role the Refuge plays in preserving the Everglades ecosystem and educating Florida’s future environmental stewards. The inviting public-use areas at the Refuge provide viewing opportunities for a large variety of wetland flora and fauna.
Currently under construction at the Refuge is a brand-new, state-of-the-art administration and Visitor Center, due to be completed in 2008. This $4 million structure will include 11,846 square feet of office and exhibit space. Among the planned displays are a virtual airboat ride, a “night sounds of the Everglades” exhibit and a life-sized alligator hole that visitors will be invited to explore.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (1801 N. Ocean Blvd (A1A), Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 338-1473 – Located in Red Reef Park on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Twenty acres of Boca Raton's Red Reef park have been reserved specifically for a nature center and the preservation of a natural plant association known as a tropical hammock. The marine and estuarine location, and the diversity of native vegetation communities found within Red Reef Park, also include the coastal dune, a sabal palm hammock and mangrove wetlands.
Interesting faunal species include a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Rare and endangered species such as the manatee, the brown pelican, the osprey and sea turtles can often be observed on or from the facility. Coastal relics like a shell midden from the Pre-Columbian Indians and Pond Apple trees from the original freshwater body (known as the Spanish River) can be seen. A cannon and anchors have also been found on the shore of Red Reef Park. All these assets give Gumbo Limbo a unique blend of living history.
Seawater is pumped directly into our large outdoor aquariums filled with sea turtles, sharks and sting rays as well as representatives of our native marine fauna. The Nature Center includes interpretive displays and visual presentations. There is a butterfly garden, a 40-foot high observation tower and an elevated boardwalk through the hammock and mangrove communities offer unique opportunities for environmental education.
D aggerwing Nature Center – (Located in South County Regional Park in western Boca Raton: Yamato Rd west past SR 7/Rt 441, right on Cain Blvd, right on Park Access Rd)-Closed Mon, Tues-Fri 1:00-4:30, Sat 8:15-4:30, Sun 1:00-4:30 Closed on county holidays, Sundays prior to Monday holidays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day/ Boardwalk open daily - Sunrise to Sunset (561) 629-8760
Brand new exhibit hall with live animals and interactive exhibits. Elevated boardwalk has two 1/3 mile trails that go through the swamp to view the abundant plant and animal life (from the walkway and an observation tower) including osprey, woodpeckers, butterflies, endangered wood storks, alligators and bromeliads. Don’t miss the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly fluttering through the trees. Benches are available for those who need to rest. An absolute charm! Call for Special Program Schedules. The Nature Center has terrific nature programs and night walks.
Green Cay Nature Center – (Hagen Ranch Rd: north of Atlantic Ave & Lake Ida Rd / south of Woolbright Rd. on the east side of the road (561) 966-7000) - is the county's newest nature center that overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk featuring interpretive signs about the habitat. The Nature Center includes a lecture hall, gift shop, and live animals in an extensive exhibit room that highlights wetland attributes. Come for a visit and find that there's something for everyone at this fantastic new facility!
Visit our live animals in their life-like homes and explore the interactive exhibits as you learn about south Florida and its water resources. Also, stop by the mini-theater where nature videos are played periodically during the day.
The Wakodahatchee Wetlands – (north of Atlantic Ave & Lake Ida Rd / south of Woolbright Rd. on the east side of the road (561) 493-6000) - has attracted an abundant variety of wildlife including turtles, frogs, alligators and birds. More than 140 different species of birds have been spotted at the site. These species thrive in the various wetland zones found at Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The zones were designed for a mixture of habitat types. A three-quarter mile boardwalk winds through three of the wetland's ponds, allowing visitors the opportunity to read interpretive signs and learn about water purification, wetlands ecology, natural history, and the interdependence of people and their environment. Wetlands provide us with a variety of important environmental functions.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446 (561) 495-0233 / www.morikami.org – A MUST SEE! Named for George Morikami, the park honors the Yamato Colony, a Japanese farming settlement of the early 1900s while celebrating the living culture of Japan. A tranquil oasis of pine forests, nature trails, lakes and fish ponds, waterfalls, tranquil gardens, pagodas, rock gardens, an authentic Tea House and bridges.
The Museum features changing exhibits of traditional and modern Japanese culture as well as permanent historic collections. The Cornell Café offers delicious Japanese lunches on a raised terrace overlooking the gardens. A library and Museum Store is housed in the building.
Season festivals: Family games and crafts at Japanese New Year in January; taiko drums, arts & crafts and plants at February’s Hatsume Fair; Traditional Japanese Children’s Day in April; lantern-floating at August’s Bon Festival.
American Orchid Society (16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach, FL 33445 (561) 404-2000 / www.aos.org – World headquarters of the AOS, lush gardens weave through 3.5 acres and a magnificent 4,000 Sq. ft. greenhouse loaded with orchids of all colors, shapes, sized and fragrances. Free lobby art exhibits that change monthly. AAA calls it a gem! $10 adults / Children 12 and under are FREE. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Take Powerline/Jog Road north from Boca to Delray Beach. Located next to Morikami.
Boca Raton Museum of Art (501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 392-2500 - One of South Florida's finest cultural attractions, the Boca Raton Museum of Art presents changing exhibitions of national and international importance, and a wide range of educational programs, lectures, gallery tours, and studio art classes. The Museum's permanent collection includes a superb assembly of modern masters including works by Degas, Matisse, Modigliani and Picasso; important American and European modern and contemporary works by artists ranging from Louise Nevelson to Andy Warhol; an outstanding photography collection; and important collections of Pre-Columbian and African art. The Sculpture Garden is a must see!
Norton Museum of Art (1451 South Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 832-5196 / www.norton.org
Currently the largest art museum in Florida. The Norton Museum's permanent collection consists of over 5,000 works concentrated in European, American, Chinese, Contemporary art, and Photography. In its latest expansion the Norton Museum's new Gail and Melvin Nessel Wing opened to the public on March 8, 2003. Named for Museum benefactors Gail and Melvin Nessel, the Nessel Wing includes fourteen new galleries, an elegant enclosed courtyard that accommodates a variety of educational and social events, and a glass ceiling installation commissioned from Dale Chihuly.
The Norton Museum of Art announces an extraordinary gift of art from Mrs. George T. (Valerie) Delacorte consisting of more than 65 objects including Old Master, and 19th-and 20th-century paintings, sculpture and works on paper including artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt, Ferdinand Bol, Adriaen Hanneman, Giambattista Tiepolo, J.-B.-C. Corot, Joaquin Sorolla, and Modigliani. This is a transformational gift, making the Norton Museum’s collection of Old Master paintings one of the largest and most important in Florida. The remainder of the collection of European art includes excellent examples by artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder, Joos van Cleve the Elder, Giovanni Bezzi (called Il Nosadella), Valerio Castello, Luca Giordano, and Alessandro Magnasco.
The highly distinguished collection of Chinese art is a perennial favorite with Museum visitors. Many of the Chinese works of art were selected by the Museum's founder, R.H. Norton, with an eye to acquiring the best examples from the most important periods in China's long history.
The Museum’s impressive collection of late 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, sculpture, prints, and drawings is one of the strengths and delights of the permanent collection. The Contemporary art collection contains approximately 400 objects from 1970 to the present. Paintings, sculpture, works on paper and glass are all represented. The collection contains works by artists such as Duane Hanson, Deborah Butterfield, Jose Bedia and Alison Saar.
The Museum’s exhibition and acquisition programs reflect this remarkable acceptance of the photographic medium with a collection that has grown to more than 2,200 photographs in the last decade. As a result, outstanding photography exhibitions of all genres—from the 19th century to the newest digital works—are available year-round.
Anne Norton Sculpture Gardens - 253 Barcelona Rd, W. Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 832-5328 / www.ansg.org
I-95 North to Okeechobee Blvd then east to South Flagler Dr. Go ½ mile to NW corner of Barcelona Rd.
The Sculpture Gardens, Historic Home and Artist Studio of Ann Norton who worked in bronze, stone and wood for over four decades. The gardens hold monumental sculptures that were built over a period of fifteen years.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (900 North Birch Rd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 563-5393 / www.bonnethouse.org
I-95 south to Sunrise Blvd. Travel east to North Birch Rd. (one block west of the ocean), turn right.
Whimsical and unconventional. Not to be missed as you will not see a residence like this elsewhere. Designed and built by Frederic Clay Bartlett, Bonnet House is one of the few complete homes and studios of two American artists open to the public. Throughout the main house are murals on the ceilings, faux marble on the walls and floors, and balustrades that are actually paintings. Fish sculptures rise in the air and shells have their own room. The Bartletts’ eclectic collections are on display from antique china to turn-of-the-century carousel animals. The art studio consists of unfinished work by Mr. Bartlett. The gallery shows off Mrs. Bartlett’s natural flare for the creative in her portraits of friends and her still lifes.
The property consists of 35 acres of a pristine barrier island ecosystem that make up Bonnet House. See one of the finest orchid collections in the U.S., watch the playful monkeys, the majestic swans and wading birds, foxes and an occasional manatee.
Flagler Museum (Cocoanut Row and Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL (561) 655-2833 / www.flaglermuseum.us
Henry Flagler’s winter retreat wedding gift to his wife, Whitehall is a 55-room Beaux Arts estate and Florida’s first museum. It was completed in 1902 and was used by the Flagler’s until Henry’s death in 1913. The estate became a public museum in 1960. The rooms reflect styles such as Louis XIV, Louis XV and Italian Renaissance as well as elements of earlier Western cultures and we melded with the latest American technology. Nineteenth century American innovations such as steel beam construction and cast plaster ceilings allowed workers to complete the Whitehall in only 18 months. Indoor plumbing, central heat and electric lighting made Whitehall a new benchmark of gracious living. The estate also houses Henry Flagler’s private railcar, No. 91.
Three-hour docent led tours twice daily at 11:00am and 2:00pm. A narrated audio tour is also available. During the fall and winter visitors may explore the changing exhibit gallery that features temporary exhibits on topics related to Florida history and America’s Gilded Age. There are also permanent exhibits on the history of Flagler’s life and career, and an extensive lace collection. The fixed-price lunch is wonderful and the restaurant is beautiful. A self-serve café is also available.
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday from noon-5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
