Don't Stop - the Florida road trip section UPDATED 3/16 - Page 34 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Friday 18 December – part three: there’s nothing more to do here...
We made it back to the car and then headed for Vizcaya, which was one place I wanted to see while we were here. It was built in 1916, as the winter retreat for millionaire industrialist James Deering. He wanted to replicate a 16th century Italianate estate and he did a great job of it. It’s a shame in a way that we had been to the Flagler Museum earlier in our trip, as I think, to a certain extent, that affected my enjoyment of the place, as that was much nicer. This whole building is really suffering, with it obviously needing maintenance and indeed we saw a lot of that going on. You could see why they needed to charge so much for entry here ($15 per person), as it’s obviously a lot of work to keep it in a good shape.
Despite that, it’s a wonderful place to come to and I can see why it’s the number one attraction in Miami. All the rooms are reminiscent of European rooms and the guest rooms were specific styles. Sadly, you couldn’t take any photos inside, which was a real shame.
There was what we guessed to be a wedding rehearsal going on in the main courtyard. They really did look funny in there. I would’ve been so self conscious doing that with lots of visitors going around them.
We did briefly go into the gardens to get some photos, but the rain was starting to come down heavily again, so we ended up having to retreat. It was a shame, as the photos of it that I had seen in my guidebook looked pretty special, but the rain was getting silly by now.
We headed back to the car a bit miserable by now, because of the weather. There was no way that we were going to go out on a boat trip in this weather and there were no attractions that I could see that were inside, so we decided to leave earlier than we had planned to. At least it would mean we would be driving down to Key West in the light, which was something. That would prove to be a good move...
The drive down towards the Keys and the end of the Florida mainland was pretty dull.
Once we got to the Keys road, at least we could see how far it was to Key West by the mile markers, which was neat.
One of the mile markers – with me in shot taking the photo!
Ahh seeing your highway signs brings back memories. My family used to vacation in Islamorada in the Keys! I understand many of the things I remember are now gone--restaurants and such!
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I was so inspired by the Biltmore Hotel that I went on their website to look up rooms. While the Everglades Suite is $4K a night, they have some very nice rooms for as low as $159.00/night. I am inspired to look into a long weekend trip.
I did the same thing. Many of our vacations are inspired by pools since my dd is such a water nut. In fact, that's how our WDW trip started.
Going to the keys is one of my dreams, so I can't wait for this part of your trip.
Also Cheryl, have you and Mark ever visited the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina? It is absolutely gorgeous and has a winery also. It would be right down your alley!
Going to the keys is one of my dreams, so I can't wait for this part of your trip.
Also Cheryl, have you and Mark ever visited the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina? It is absolutely gorgeous and has a winery also. It would be right down your alley!
Jill
: we haven't, but it's a great suggestion. I'll have to keep it in mind if we ever head that way...
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Ah the road to the Keys, know it very well... at least its gotten better over the last few years... Your next installment title has me a little worried.
Vizcaya looks beautiful, but I would have loved to have seen some pictures from the inside. And this rain is just downright pesky now! Can't wait to see the Keys.
Sorry the rain wrecked your plans. Vizcaya looks lovely. I agree it's weird that there was a couple having a rehearsal amid a bunch of tourists. I'm assuming it will be more private for their actual ceremony! Your teaser isn't encouraging, but I hope at least the weather gets better!
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Sorry the trip to the Keys wasn't too thrilling!
: we haven't, but it's a great suggestion. I'll have to keep it in mind if we ever head that way... 
Disney Magic - Oct 2015
Can't wait to see the Keys.
Deb
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