Why You Should Visit Homestead, Florida

Homestead, Florida gained international recognition when Hurricane Andrew devastated this small community in 1992. More than a decade later, the area has returned stronger than ever. When planning a visit to Miami or the Florida Keys, visit Homestead for these reasons:

Visit Homestead to access two national parks.
Homestead is the gateway to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. The Everglades was the first national park set aside for its biological diversity and is the largest subtropical wilderness within the United States. In the Everglades, the American alligator and American crocodile coexist. Kayak through mangrove tunnels, spot some of the 200 species of birds that migrate through the Everglades or enjoy world-class fishing in Florida Bay. If time is limited, be sure to walk the half-mile Anhinga Trail near the park's entrance for alligator, bird and turtle watching. Due to the 2005 hurricane season, the overnight lodging facilities in the park at Flamingo are indefinitely closed.

Biscayne National Park preserves a portion of the third-largest living coral reef in the world. The park is great for snorkeling and diving in the crystal-blue water and viewing colorful fish. A daily glass bottom boat trip allows visitors to view the massive coral reef and bright fish without getting wet.

Visit Homestead for the thrill of an airboat ride.
Florida City's Everglades Alligator Farm provides the closest airboat ride to the main entrance of Everglades National Park. Airboat rides are not permitted within the park's boundaries. After a visit to Everglades National Park, top it off with a screaming glide aboard an airboat. The Everglades Alligator Farm presents snake and alligator shows (and visitors can touch the appropriate reptile), a nature trail and display of Florida wildlife, including alligators and crocodiles.

Visit Homestead for the rich agriculture.
After a trip to the Everglades and the Alligator Farm, visit Robert Is Here to sip a tart key lime milkshake while browsing the large selection of exotic fruits like mamey, lychee and atemoya. This isn't an ordinary produce stand. Tropical jellies, jams, relishes, chutneys and honey are available, too. Robert has been in business since he was 7-years-old. When people stopped at his stand they asked, "Is Robert here?" Thirty-eight years later, he's still running his stand called Robert Is Here, named because most likely, yes, he is here.

Mexican produce stands and restaurants are plentiful in Homestead. Fresh Mexican lunches and dinners are served up daily at Casita Tejas (27 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead; Tel: 305-248-8224). Visit Homestead's Schnebly Redland's Winery to sample award-winning, tropical fruit wines. The red and white wines are available in carambola, mango, lychee, guava and passion fruit and taste very similar to grape wines.

Homestead and the nearby Redlands are recognized as the country's top producers of agriculture and ornamental plants. One nursery not to miss is R.F. Orchids. The explosion of beautiful orchids is breathtaking and it's tempting to purchase one or two of the orchids as a living souvenir.

The Fruit and Spice Park offers the ultimate, agricultural experience: eating. Operated by the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department, more than 500 species of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts and herbs grow within the park's 35 acres. Visitors can taste the fresh produce at this one-of-a-kind park.

Visit Homestead for the cozy atmosphere.
Krome Avenue runs through Homestead's intimate downtown, lined with independently run shops and restaurants. An outdoor amphitheater and grassy lawn holds special events. ArtSouth of Homestead has converted the former First Baptist Church into an artist gallery and studio. Near the Homestead's downtown is Cauley Square and the Tea Room Restaurant. The Tea Room serves lunches befitting of any lady in a chintz setting, reminiscent of a classic South Florida. Homemade desserts would make grandma jealous.

Homestead is located south of Miami and north of Key Largo. This small, agricultural community is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.