While in Miami this week I got to spend an entire day in one of my favorite places, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Fairchild has over 80 acres of beautifully maintained land that serves as a home to all types of trees, plants, flowers and animals. It is one of the most magnificent places I have ever seen. When my parents first moved to Miami four years ago it was the first organization they joined as members.
This week we were able to see a whole new group of sculptures being featured in the garden by a Japaneses artist named Yayoi Kusama. The sculptures were large, brightly colored and an incredibly stunning addition to the garden.
One of the most wonderful aspects of visiting Fairchild is that you see the garden is a favorite place for people of all ages. You see young families with children, couples, and groups of seniors all delighting in the same space (a rarity). The garden also offers a 40 minute tram ride around the grounds where the driver informs you about several species growing on the 80 acre space as well as the history of the garden. I have done the tram ride twice and each time I learn several new, fun facts.
Fairchild encourages its visitors to walk all over the property and get up close with its wide array of living species. The grounds also have a cafe, a smoothie bar (with smoothies made exclusively from the fruit that grows in the garden), a nature conservatory, a tropical fruit center, education and performance spaces as well as one of the most beautiful wedding sites I have ever seen (not going to lie, I've thought about it).
If you make a trip to Miami, visiting Fairchild is an absolute must. If you live in Miami, be sure to stay on top of all the special events hosted at the garden. Beginning January 22nd they are hosting their 4th annual chocolate festival! Need I say more?
