Coming up:
• January 21: The Villages
Did you know that City of Coral Gables Founder George Merrick planned 14 international-themed villages for Coral Gables, but only seven were built? You will be amazed at the architectural styles from around the world that exist right here in our own backyard.
• February 18: Salt and a Peppering of History in South Miami
Join us for this bike tour through the City of South Miami with a focus on historic places and green spaces and a final stop at the Salty Donut for a sugary snack provided by Dade Heritage.
• March 17: Living with Water Tour
South Florida is vulnerable to storm surges, king tides, and potential sea level rise, and Coral Gables is preparing for the time when we may see more water more often. Our tour guides from Miami-Dade County and the City of Coral Gables will lead us to see some of the most vulnerable locations in Coral Gables, where we will learn how we can manage flooding from tides, storms, and other water events in the future.
• April 21: Bike and BBQ/Gables Cycle Day
Join us for the most popular bike tour of the year: a ride to Matheson Hammock Park and a picnic at the historic pavilion. This tour leaves from the Coral Gables Youth Center (405 University Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33134). Presented in partnership with the City of Coral Gables and Dade Heritage Trust. *This is a long ride (11.5 miles) and is not recommended for small children.
• May 19: Literally Coral Gables
It’s no fiction, the literary history of Coral Gables includes bookshops, libraries and even a few writers. Mitch Kaplan, the owner of Books & Books, will lead the first edition of this novel tour of the written word in Coral Gables.
• June 16: Royal Poinciana Fiesta
Celebrate the magnificent Flame Tree on this tour of our best Royal Poincianas in full flower. Presented with the Tropical Flowering Tree Society as part of the annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta festival. Presented in partnership with the Dade Heritage Trust
• July 21: Cool Canopies Tour
Enjoy a leisurely ride down some of Gables’ shadiest streets! On this tour, guided by a local expert, you will learn about the lush treescape that makes Coral Gables the “City Beautiful”. We will still be able to enjoy the Royal Poincianas in full bloom! ¡Qué bonitas!
• August 18: Arboretum and Palmetum Tour – UM
We will ride to the Gifford Arboretum, a botanical garden located on the UM Campus, where we will view some of the over 500 species of trees and palms. This is the perfect shady destination for an August bicycle ride.
• September 15: Tour of Parks/Gables Cycle Day
On this tour, we will be traveling into space. Open space. The founders of Coral Gables knew that people wanted safe, beautiful places to be outside and to get close to nature. Come with us to visit some of the oldest and newest spaces in the City.
• October 20 Pinewood Cemetery (John Swain)
Join us as we take a ghoulish tour through the Pinewood cemetery, the oldest cemetery south of the Miami River and the final resting place of many of Dade County’s earliest pioneer settlers. This spooky cemetery features original tombstones and unmarked graves from early Florida pioneer times amidst a beautiful pine rock land habitat. Zombie attire encouraged!
• November 17: Trek to Girl Scouts Camp Mahachee on Old Cutler Road
We will take advantage of cooler weather to take this long ride to Camp Mahachee, a Girl Scout Camp in a beautiful hammock near Matheson Hammock and Fairchild Garden. Our guide will take us on a tour of the property and share the history and the plans for the wonderful property.
• December 15: Homes for the Holiday (Chris Rupp)
Get into the spirit! On this ride, we visit the Gables’ most festive holiday decorations, including Merrick Park, Biltmore Way, Coral Gables Methodist Church, and the Coral Gables Merrick House.