{"id":1791,"date":"2013-09-24T15:43:27","date_gmt":"2013-09-24T19:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~travelwriting\/?page_id=1791"},"modified":"2013-12-18T13:50:38","modified_gmt":"2013-12-18T17:50:38","slug":"homestead-big-city-amenities-small-town-atmosphere","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=1791","title":{"rendered":"Homestead: Big city amenities, but charming, small-town atmosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted September 24, 2013<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By MORGAN GOLUMBUK<\/p>\n

HOMESTEAD, Fla. \u2013 Her mouth dripping with juice from sweet, wine-colored fruit fresh from a Jabuticaba tree, University of Miami student Chelsea Harrington swallowed the sugary mouthful before speaking: \u201cThis place is awesome!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her destination of choice was the Fruit & Spice Park just north of here, where she had spent the morning roaming the winding paths in search of ripe fruit. Anything that has fallen from the trees here is fair game and Chelsea has been taking advantage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m supposed to go to lunch soon at this place my parents keep raving about,\u201d she said bashfully. \u201cBut I\u2019m seriously stuffed!\u201d<\/p>\n

And Chelsea\u2019s not the only one discovering Homestead\u2019s charms. Located 30 miles southwest of Miami, Homestead is the perfect weekend — or even single day — trip for South Florida residents or visitors. The southern hospitality and off-the-beaten-path vibe are a welcome respite from fast-paced life in Miami. To put it simply, it\u2019s a little slice of down-home heaven.<\/p>\n

Incorporated in 1913, Homestead is nestled between two national parks: Everglades National Park to the west and Biscayne National Park to the east. Both parks are wildlife treasure troves with plenty to see and do and in close proximity to downtown historic Homestead.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The entrance to Everglades National Park is just a few miles southwest of Homestead.<\/p><\/div>\n

To the west: Everglades National Park. This subtropical wilderness — the largest in the United States — was established to protect a fragile ecosystem, which is home to great egrets, water moccasins, alligators and many other freshwater inhabitants.<\/p>\n

A glimpse of some of these inhabitants is possible thanks to places like Everglades Alligator Farm near the park. With airboat rides every hour, this attraction gives guests a chance to see Everglades wildlife in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n

Pointing eagerly into the distance, 10-year-old Florida vacationer Ben Janaway exclaimed, \u201cI see one!\u201d Ben holds his bright orange protective headphones over his ears and yells again: \u201cLook at that gator!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lo and behold, a true Florida alligator. Slithering a mere 20 feet from the boat\u2019s edge, the eight-foot gator regarded its onlookers warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s coming!\u201d said Ben, with excitement, nearly teetering over the side of the boat for a better look. \u201cIt\u2019s like he\u2019s coming to see us!\u201d<\/p>\n

While one would be ill-advised to go toe-to-toe with a gator, the Everglades Alligator Farm gets its guests as close as possible to the swampy action.<\/p>\n

On the other side of Homestead is Biscayne National Park. A much less swampy alternative to the Everglades, this park is an underwater exploration destination. From snorkeling to diving to canoeing, places like Biscayne Bay offer a multitude of activities for the ocean-bound voyager.<\/p>\n

Last, but not least, in the wildlife category is Monkey Jungle. Home to nearly 400 primates, this attraction is the only protected habitat for endangered primates that is open for exploration by the general public. Most of these primates run free on a 30-acre reserve, and an adoption program is available for guests who want to help maintain the best possible care of a little furry friend.<\/p>\n

But the opportunities to monkey around don\u2019t stop there. The Homestead-Miami Speedway is the perfect place to keep the adrenaline ball rolling. On the first Friday of every month, guests can take their car down to the speedway and burn rubber on an actual NASCAR track, legally competing against friends on the track\u2019s one-eighth mile pit road.<\/p>\n

A Christmas-tree starting device and laser timing system ensure real-time performance results and a truly authentic NASCAR feel. Though a pit crew isn\u2019t included, participants are encouraged to bring their families and friends along to spectate…they\u2019ll have a bird\u2019s eye view from elevated Pit Road cabanas.<\/p>\n

Along with its wildlife and need for speed, South Florida culture also has deeply embedded Homestead roots. ArtSouth, a professional artist community, is the working place of nearly 40 studio artists whose art is featured in the campus\u2019s three galleries. An open house is held on the second Saturday of every month, where art-loving guests get to experience exhibitions from Everglades artists in residence.<\/p>\n

History buffs and conspiracy theorists alike can find solace at Coral Castle, a colossal historical and cultural monument built in the 1940s by just one man. The story of Edward Leedskalnin and his broken-hearted tribute to a lost love is shrouded in mystery and the source of much speculation in the South Florida community.<\/p>\n

Coral Castle features a nine-ton gate that moves with just a touch of a finger, considered a scientific enigma to some and a supernatural phenomenon to others. The romantic story behind the monument speaks to a simpler time … a truly fitting Homestead attraction.<\/p>\n

After an action-packed day, Homestead provides many multi-varied options for dining. Locals speak highly of Chefs On The Run, a quaintly small yet culturally diverse restaurant with famed mofongo, a fried plantain-based Puerto Rican dish filled with succulent churrasco or chicken.<\/p>\n

Other food favorites include The Whistle Stop Restaurant & Bar, a comfort food haven specializing in plates piled high with fiery wings, homestyle chicken and dumplings and \u201cNot Your Momma\u2019s Meat Loaf\u201d. Located in the Hotel Redland, it\u2019s the ideal spot for some \u201cstick-to-your-ribs\u201d southern food in a cozy, inviting location.<\/p>\n

But, above all, Homestead is famous for its Mexican food. Restaurants like El Puerto De Vallarta, Rosita\u2019s and Casita Tejas top the city\u2019s culinary hierarchy and satisfy a South Floridian\u2019s need for some south-of-the-border flavor. The seafood at El Puerto De Vallarta is out of this world, with entr\u00e9es like the shrimp enchiladas that would have anyone\u2019s mouth watering. Rosita\u2019s, the low-budget option, provides fresh chips and salsa reminiscent of a day in Cabo. And no Homestead stay would be complete without some thick, delicious guacamole from Casita Tejas.<\/p>\n

Another main draw of the Homestead wine-and-dine scene is Schnebly Redland\u2019s Winery. Specializing in tropical wines, this winery\/brewery provides tours and tastings of their unique facilities and libations, as well as a scenic backdrop for birthday parties and weddings.<\/p>\n

In true South Florida fashion, Schnebly\u2019s wines are an ambrosial trip to the tropics, with ingredients and fragrances ranging from lychees to mangos to coconut. Bottles are available for purchase so that guests can take a little bit of Homestead sweetness back to their own hometowns. Tours of the 96-acre park are available, where guests can get a closer look at the exotic tropical fruits and gourmet vegetables that are grown and marketed fresh through the Schnebly\u2019s produce company, Fresh King, Inc.<\/p>\n

An oft-overlooked spot between Miami and The Florida Keys, Homestead is the place to go for a southern getaway. Unbeknownst to most South Floridians, culture, flora and fauna thrive only 30 miles from Miami\u2019s hectic atmosphere. From rare fruits to endangered wildlife to exotic cuisine, Homestead is truly a small-town city with big-time appeal.<\/p>\n

If You Go<\/strong><\/p>\n

Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Take Florida route 874 south, following signs for toll road\/Homestead. Merge onto Florida route 821 toll south. Take exit 1 for U.S. 1 north toward Florida City. Turn right onto U.S. 1\/NE 1st<\/sup> Avenue and continue to follow U.S. 1.<\/p>\n

Attractions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fruit & Spice Park \u2013 305-247-5727 – www.fruitandspicepark.org
\n<\/a>24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead, Fla. 33031<\/p>\n

Everglades National Park \u2013 www.nps.gov\/ever\/
\n<\/a>40001 State Hwy. 9336, Homestead, Fla. 33034<\/p>\n

Biscayne National Park \u2013 www.nps.gov\/bisc\/
\n<\/a>9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, Fla. 33033<\/p>\n

Everglades Alligator Farm \u2013 305-247-2628 – www.everglades.com
\n<\/a>40351 SW 192nd Ave., Homestead, Fla. 33034<\/p>\n

Monkey Jungle \u2013 305-235-1611 – www.monkeyjungle.com
\n<\/a>4805 SW 216th St., Miami, Fla. 33170<\/p>\n

Homestead-Miami Speedway \u2013 305-230-5000 – www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com
\n<\/a>1 Speedway Blvd., Homestead, Fla. 33035<\/p>\n

ArtSouth \u2013 305-247-9406 – www.artsouthhomestead.org
\n<\/a>240 Krome Ave., Homestead, Fla. 33030<\/p>\n

Coral Castle \u2013 305-248-6345 – www.coralcastle.com
\n<\/a>28655 S. Dixie Hwy., Homestead, Fla. 33033<\/p>\n

Dining<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chefs On The Run \u2013 305-245-0085 – www.chefsontheruninhomestead.com
\n<\/a>10 E. Mowry Dr., Homestead, Fla. 33030<\/p>\n

The Whistle Stop Restaurant & Bar \u2013 305-246-1904 – www.hotelredland.com
\n<\/a>5 S. Flagler Ave., Homestead, Fla. 33030<\/p>\n

Shiver\u2019s Bar-B-Q \u2013 305-248-2272 – www.shiversbbq.com
\n<\/a>28001 S Dixie Hwy., Homestead, Fla. 33033<\/p>\n

Mario\u2019s Family Restaurant \u2013 305-247-2470 – www.marioscubancuisine.com
\n<\/a>1090 N Homestead Blvd., Homestead, Fla. 33030<\/p>\n

El Puerto De Vallarta \u2013 305-257-5012
\n24811 S. Dixie Hwy., Homestead, Fla. 33032<\/p>\n

Rosita\u2019s \u2013 305-246-3114
\n199 W Palm Dr., Florida City, Fla. 33034<\/p>\n

Casita Tejas Mexican Restaurant \u2013 305-248-8224 – www.casitatejas.com
\n<\/a>27 Krome Ave., Homestead, Fla. 33030<\/p>\n

Schnebly Redland\u2019s Winery \u2013 305-242-1224 – www.schneblywinery.com
\n<\/a>30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead, Fla. 33030<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Posted September 24, 2013 By MORGAN GOLUMBUK HOMESTEAD, Fla. \u2013 Her mouth dripping with juice from sweet, wine-colored fruit fresh from a Jabuticaba tree, University of Miami student Chelsea Harrington swallowed the sugary mouthful before speaking: \u201cThis place is awesome!\u201d … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":65,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"sidebar-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1791","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1791"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2522,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1791\/revisions\/2522"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/65"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}