To Begin the Redland Riot Tour on US1 in Cutler Ridge, Take the Turnpike South, Exit at Caribbean Blvd Or SW 211 St, Then West to US1
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To begin the Redland Riot Tour on US1 in Cutler Ridge, take the Turnpike south, exit at Caribbean Blvd or SW 211 St, then West to US1. Turn left on US1. 1. US1 South to 224 St, West to Miami Avenue, South to Cauley Square. 2. West to 124 Av, North to 216 St, then West to 127 Av to Burr’s Berry Farm. 3. West to 157 Av, South to 232 St to Anderson's Corner. 4. South to 248 St, West to 160 Av to Knaus Berry Farm. 5. West to 187 Av to Fruit and Spice Park. 6. South to 264 St to Pioneer Guild Hall. 7. South to 280 St, East to 182 Av to R.F. Orchids. 8. South on 187 Av to 344 St, West to 192 Av to Robert Is Here. 9. East to Krome, North to 8th Street to Florida Pioneer Museum. 10. North on 177 Av, right on S. Flagler, go two blocks to Redland Hotel. Redland Riot Tour © 2005 by Robert A. Burr • www.redlandriot.com The pioneer era of South Florida was a time of legends and great Sometimes, we'll do the quick version -- head directly for Burr's for adventurers. Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad reached Miami strawberries and jam, to Knaus for the sticky buns and pineapple in 1896, signaling a boom era that attracted thousands of families. upside-down cake and to Robert Is Here for those exotic fruits, Enticed by rumors and legends of life in paradise, of balmy indispensible condiments and special sauces that only Robert offers. winters that cured a dozen ailments, of a land where an abundance of Another nice variation is to begin at Tiffany’s Restaurant for exotic, delicious fruit was said to fall from trees only to rot on the brunch on Saturday morning, then work your way north to finish the ground, a trickle of bold adventurers arrived before 1900. Before the tour browsing around the quaint little shops at Cauley Square. boom era ended with the great depression in 1929, a steady stream of The Redland Riot tour can be taken at any time, by any number families, entrepreneurs and tourists came south to experience sub- of people. The best choice may be Saturdays, between January and tropical Dade County. April, but many of the fruit stands are open all year with varying As rural, family-based agricultural enterprises were eventually seasonal specialties. Trips on weekdays may find lesser crowds and squeezed out by expanding residential and commercial districts, much shorter lines for the milkshakes and baked goods. of the original charm and rustic flavor of the area has faded. Still, if Every time we tour the Redlands, we try to visit a place that’s new we take the time to look a bit closer, there are a number of lingering to us. We’ve been going to Coral Castle since we were kids, and a trip reminders of our pioneer era. The Redland Riot tour emphasizes a few to the Everglades Alligator Farm is a great educational experience. remaining historical destinations and encourages us to enjoy the Here are a few more notable places to see and stop along the way. simple pleasures of the seasonal bounty while helping us to re- The Florida State Farmers Market, with a large variety of fresh discover the rural charm of our recent past. produce, offers samples of local fruits and vegetables just behind the As the winter season descends on South Florida, as the restaurant, so plan to visit for shopping and a family meal. strawberries begin to ripen and the fruit stands open to the public, we The Gold Coast Railroad Museum, at the site of the historic always enjoy a drive through the countryside — or what's left of it — Richmond Naval Air station (often referred to as the “blimp base”) is to stock up on goodies and remind ourselves of our rustic heritage. not just for train buffs. The Redland Market Village, along US1 at SW After many seasons traveling through the area often informally 244th Street is a large collection of fruit stands and a food court. called "the Redlands" we have jotted down a few notes here to help Fruteria Los Girasoles is a small stand with excellent produce, those that might have an interest in the same. including fresh chilled coconut juice, right out of the nut. The There are literally hundreds of fruit stands and farms, orchid selection of fresh hot chili peppers is the best around, plus tomatitos, houses, historical buildings and great places to dine or just act like a oranges and other Mexican specialties. tourist in South Florida. The Redland Riot tour touches on a few of Notable homes include the Kosel Homestead on SW 256 St, the our favorites which can be visited briefly all in one day — or visited Walton Home on SW 187th Ave, the Lingren House on SW 137th time and again for more in-depth adventures. Avenue, the Cooper Residence on SW 248th Street, the McMinn- Cauley Square, for example, could easily be an all-day destination. Horne House on NE 12th Street in Homestead, the Merrit House The dozens of little shops, almost hidden within a hardwood across the street from the Fruit and Spice Park and the Palm Lodge on hammock just off the beaten path, could keep our attention for many SW 296th Street. hours. Likewise, visits to the Fruit and Spice Park or the Antique shops in historic Homestead are destinations worthy of greater exploration than a six hour tour might permit. 2 3 Cauley Square 1 SW 224th Street and US1, Miami, FL When Flagler’s railroad reached Goulds in 1903, William Cauley could easily pack his tomatoes and ship them north on a daily basis. This millionaire farmer and businessman developed a series of warehouses and offices, a bar and grill and residences within a ten acre plot along side the railroad tracks. Many of the small wooden homes still standing were hand built by pioneers of South Dade in the early 1900’s. Today, they are converted into small shops full of antiques, crafts and specialty items, plus galleries and eateries as well. The Tea Room is a perennial favorite. Enjoy lunch here with friends in a delightful atmosphere and treat yourself to great soups, hearty specialties of the house and superb desserts. The main building, with Unicorn Creations and the Lighthouse Antiques and Gift Emporium, is surrounded by small garden shops. Ruby’s Place is a full service beauty salon; local crafters and their the Tea Room at (1) Cauley Square is a popular destination for lunch products are featured at O’Sew Crafty; Shadow Hawk Creations offers and afternoon tea set amongst lush landscaping in a shady hammock native American and Western accessories, just to name a few. Cauley Square features live music on the weekends, as well as pony and carriage rides. Park your car in a shady spot and walk around. You’ll be delighted with the rustic setting and friendly atmosphere as an appropriate start to your tour down south. Cauley Square features fountains and open courtyard with flamingoes 4 5 Burr’s Berry Farm 2 12741 SW 216th St, Miami, FL The Burr family came to Dade county just after the railroad reached the newly formed city of Miami in 1896. Richard Hudson Burr and eldest son R.H. Burr, jr. settled in Little River. Son Edward DeVere Burr and family settled in Arch Creek, while youngest son Raymond Young Burr came to Goulds. Along with another pioneer clan, the Bush family, the Burrs once operated a packing house on Old Dixie Highway, shipping fruit and vegetables to cold northern cities throughout the winters. Charles Young Burr was born on this 45 acre property in 1922. A recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star from service in WWII, Charles Burr will forever be known in these parts as the Strawberry King, a fitting moniker for a man who’s passion was the production of the best strawberries in South Florida. He planted his first crop of berries in 1960 and the rest, as they say, is history. Charlie enjoyed flying his piper cub around the redlands and the old landing strip at the Burr farm is still found on many maps and charts of the area. He passed away in 2001, but the legacy of the Strawberry King lives on as customers eagerly await the opening of the stand soon after Christmas each year. Even as expanding residential areas have surrounded and engulfed the rural property over the years, the Burr farm remains largely unchanged since SW 127th Avenue became known as Burr Road. Uncle Charlie could often be found delivering fresh berries to the Publix grocery store in Coral Gables, a great convenience for us city dwellers, but nothing compares to a trip down south to say hello in person and enjoy the best of the best strawberries in South Dade. Under the direction of Charles’ grandson Jeffrey Miller, this very popular berry farm and fruit stand still dispenses thousands of quarts of berries and a plethora of milkshakes to locals and tourists each season. Aunt Mary Idena still produces her outstanding homemade jellies and jams, from mulberry and guava (a century-old family favorite) to seedless strawberry jam. You’ll also find a selection of fresh tomatoes, green beans and other seasonal specialties at the stand. 6 7 Anderson’s Corner 3 15700 SW 232nd Steet, Miami, FL The original setlement south of Cutler, Anderson's Corner is now closed, but the building still remains in nearly the original condition.