Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIBISCUS, PALM & STAR ISLANDS
Floating off the edge of the A1A, in the heart of Biscayne Bay (and posh exclusivity),
Hibiscus Island
,
Palm Island
and
Star Island
are little floating Primrose Hills. There
aren't many famous people living here - just wealthy ones - although Star Island is home
to Gloria Estefan and for a short time Al Capone lived (and died) on Palm Island. In the
1970s and '80s a mansion on Star Island was the headquarters of the Ethiopian Zion Cop-
tic Church, a Rastafari sect eventually convicted of smuggling large amounts of
marijuana into the US. That incident prompted a media circus that focused on both the
indictments and neighborly disputes between the long-haired, bearded white Rastas and
their aristocratic Star Island neighbors, who complained about the fog of cannabis smoke
constantly emanating from the EZCC's compound.
Today the drives for the islands are guarded by a security booth, but the roads are pub-
lic, so if you ask politely and don't look sketchy, you can get in. Star Island is little more
than one elliptical road lined with royal palms, sculpted ficus hedges and fancy gates
guarding houses you can't see.
Greater Miami - South
Fairchild Tropical Garden
GARDENS
h
7:30am-4:30pm;
pc
)
If you need to escape Miami's madness, consider a green day in the country's largest trop-
ical botanical garden. A butterfly grove, jungle biospheres, and gentle vistas of marsh and
keys habitats, plus frequent art installations from folks like Roy Lichtenstein, are all stun-
ning. In addition to easy-to-follow, self-guided walking tours, a free 40-minute tram tours
the entire park on the hour from 10am to 3pm. Located 5 miles south of Coral Gables.
Deering Estate at Cutler
LANDMARK
14yr $12/7;
h
10am-5pm;
pc
)
The Deering estate is sort of 'Vizcaya lite,' which makes sense as it was built by Charles,
brother of James Deering (of Vizcaya fame). The 150-acre grounds are awash with tropical
