A tranquil lily pond, complete with a variety from the Amazon.
I have always wondered what was behind the intriguing gates of The Kampong, located in Coconut Grove, Florida. About four years ago, it became possible to visit the site, which was the home of David Fairchild and his wife Marian Bell (daughter of Alexander Graham Bell).
For a glimpse into the storied life of this famous botanist and explorer, a visit to The Kampong offers a lovely way to spend a morning. You can combine appreciation of tropical plants, history or architecture with an easy hour-long tour of the grounds and home. After the tour, you are free to wander the multi-acre oasis on your own, and continue exploring the indigenous hammock, man-made boat slip or just sit at “The Point” and contemplate beautiful Biscayne Bay.
Your guide will explain the many plants, show you the mini-museum, located where Dr. Fairchild worked and wrote many of his books, and take you through the beautifully designed Indonesian-themed home. For those familiar with his namesake Fairchild Tropical Gardens, you will feel like you are in a mini-version of that paradise.
Dr. Fairchild introduced more than 30,000 plants to the US, including flowering cherries (famous in Washington DC), mangos, soybeans, bamboos and more. He worked for the USDA (Department of Agriculture) as head of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction and was active with the National Geographic Society.
The Kampong is the only mainland member of The National Tropical Botanical Garden and depends on donations to perpetuate the site and its many scientific and educational programs.
Tips to Enhance Your Visit
Open for guided tours September through June, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with tours at 10:30 and 12:30 ($20 per person). I found the on-line registration impossible to complete (seemed to be a glitch in the system) and finalized arrangements by phone. When we arrived, we were not on the list, but the gracious docent was unfazed and allowed us to join the group.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early, when you do, staff will direct you to nearby parking. You are free to bring a picnic and extend your enjoyment of the grounds. In any case, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your own water. Walking is easy and the tour is fine for children and mobile elderly.
The Kampong is located at 4013 S. Douglas Road in Coconut Grove
www.kampong.ntbg.org 305-442-7169
Sign on Douglas Road, outside the brightly colored Asian-inspired gates.
Approaching the home’s main entrance. A worker carries tables to set-up for an evening wedding.
A sample of Diana’s whimsical, artistic journaling.
I blog in the very straightforward way I know best. From my background in communications, I love to write and take photos. And my earlier years of travel journaling in small leather-bound books, provided a very natural transition to blogging.
But for those of you who are more artistically oriented, I have the perfect suggestion. Have you ever explored journaling through art?
I know of a talented and very creative lady – Diana Gessler, who can show you the way.
An illustrator and travel journalist, she has authored five books (Very California, Very Charleston, Very New Orleans, Very Washington DC , and The Sampoerna Legacy ), Diana also holds workshops around the country to help channel that artistic drive. Her work is enchanting and her books make delightful gifts.
Check out her website, to see what she’s up to and where she will be next. Have fun and happy journaling.
Art and images of controversial Chinese dissident/artist Ai Weiwei. Perez Art Museum Miami.
A few months ago, Miami stepped up in the art world with the opening of the long-anticipated Perez Art Museum Miami. Known as the PAMM, it is a museum of modern and contemporary art befitting a very young, progressive city. It also lends itself to featuring prominent artists throughout the Americas – not a bad fit for a city sometimes known as the capital of Latin America.
Modern art is not generally my cup of tea, but this museum is a great experience however your tastes run. First of all, the building itself is beautifully put together to marry the interior with its spectacular, sparkling, bay-side setting. Columns of live greenery hang from the rafters and the views are never hidden, but seem to be celebrated. Ample outside terraces overlook nearby park areas and the soon-to-be finished Frost Museum of Science.
Parking was easy ($2 an hour), and an elevator was handy for those who can’t take advantage of the wide staircases leading to the entrance. The on-site Verde Restaurant provides much better than expected, trendy fare and has become a destination on its own.
The highlight for me was the work of the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who has been a star in the art world and a thorn in the side of the Chinese government. Currently not allowed to leave China, he was also the creative genius behind the iconic Birds Nest Stadium at the Beijing Olympics. His sculpture and photography reveal interesting insights and social commentary.
Much of contemporary art is created to deliver a message and make a person think about things a little differently and our day at PAMM did not disappoint.
Just the Facts:
Closed Monday; open Tuesday through Sunday 10AM-6PM; Thursday til 9PM. On the third Thursday of the month, the Verde Restaurant offers a happy hour from 6-9PM.
At this time, second Saturdays from 1-4PM are free. Adults are $12, Seniors (62+) and students are $8; children under 6 and active Military (with ID) are always free.
If you don’t want to drive, you can take the downtown Metromover to the Museum Park Station of the Biscayne Blvd. Trolley
For exhibit info and event schedules, visit www.pamm.org and for more about the Verde Restaurant www.pamm.org/dining
It’s pretty chilly inside – so bring a jacket or wrap.
Surroundings as part of art? Just one of the beautiful views from the new Perez Art Museum Miami (looking through some of the hundreds of bicycles re-purposed as sculpture). The facility has 120,000 ‘ interior area and another 80,000’ of terraces and exterior space.
Great Italian dinner at Dolce at The Gale. Four of us shared entrees for a great tasting menu. Then we paid a visit to The Cabaret South Beach for drinks and an eclectic mix of entertainment by the talented staff, including Larry on piano singing Sinatra and Buffet; a cellist from the South Beach Chamber Ensemble; a beat-boxing bartender; some great jazz singing waiters and a few off-color jokes.
Bonus – a beautiful night for walking, temp in the 70s.
Facts:
Dolce Italian 1690 Collins
The Cabaret 233 12th St. (Between Collins & Washington)
