About Me

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He started his career in the family real estate and hotel business in Florida from which his concern for the environment steered him in public life. He has served six Florida governors and two presidents in many positions, including terms as chairman of the Florida Department of Air and Water Pollution Control, and Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Beyond his government service, he helped found 1000 Friends of Florida and has served as both president and chairman of the board of the organization. He currently or has served on the boards of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Geographic Society, Yellowstone National Park, Everglades Foundation and Hope Rural School.

Friday, December 7, 2012



Jupiter Island residents and visitors often ask where they might take children or grandchildren to see something “special” near Jupiter Island, or where they might venture forth to experience the unique landscapes of Florida. There are many superb “adventures” within relatively short, easy drives from Jupiter Island. There are also world-class opportunities at greater distances for those who can spend a day, or perhaps two days, exploring South Florida. I have compiled the following list from my personal experiences, reinforced by the comments of other residents who have also visited these places.

In addition to fixed sites, there are also opportunities for fishing or birding excursions that can be arranged to meet the specific interests of the visitor; for these I have provided an overview and contact information that would be helpful in making suitable arrangements.

The following index lists all the sites included in my compilation. Following that are individual descriptions for each site and trip planning information. Websites are also included as a source of current information and special events. The selections are generally ordered in increasing distance from Jupiter Island Each one has it own merit. Examine them carefully, for while some may seem to perhaps be quite similar, each offers something unique from the others.

Many of these are natural history sites that can be visited in an hour or so and perhaps combined with a local lunch. For the true outdoor adventurer, the all-day canoe trip down the Loxahatchee River offers an unparalleled local experience. For those with more time, airboat tours in the Everglades or lake Okeechobee, or a visit to the wilds of the Big Cypress can be unforgettable experiences.

We leave it to you to explore and enjoy the diverse opportunities that surround Jupiter Island!

INDEX
SECTION I
NATURAL HISTORY SITES

Blowing Rocks Preserve
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Hobe Sound Nature Center
Loxahatchee River Center
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Palm Beach County’s Riverbend Park
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Loggerhead Marine Life Center
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
Barley Barber Swamp
Arthur R. Marshall/Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
GARDENS
          Mounts Botanical Garden
          Fairchild Gardens (in Miami, but worth drive)
         
HISTORICAL MUSEUMS (less than 90 minutes drive)
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar
Richard and Pat Johnson History Museum
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

BLOWING ROCKS PRESERVE
574 South Beach Road, Jupiter Island

Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the 73-acre Blowing Rocks Preserve is an environmental preserve encompassing over a mile of Jupiter Island. The oceanfront portion showcases Blowing Rocks, the largest outcropping of Anastasia limestone on the Florida Coast. Rough seas slam against the cliffs and generate spectacular geysers through the rock fissures, giving the site its name. It’s a great site for photo buffs, but protects your gear from the salt spray! The sandy northern beach supports both nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.
Blowing Rocks was purchased by far-sighted residents of Jupiter Island in 1969 to establish a unique coastal preserve. The Nature Conservancy has removed exotic species and human disruptions to restore the area to reflect what Florida barrier islands looked like a century ago. Visitors glimpse one of our states rarest surviving landscapes – an intact Florida dune habitat with beach sunflower, bay cedar, sea grape and sea oats.
Mrs. Hawley gifted a superb Educational Center, staffed by the Nature Conservancy. It provides interpretive displays and seasonal lecture programs. A boardwalk and short walking trail leads along the shoreline of Hobe Sound.

Directions:  On southern Jupiter Island; bisected by Beach Road. Parking lot on ocean site for beach access, another parking lot opposite on west site for Nature Center and trails along Hobe Sound.

Driving Time:      10 minutes

Hours:       
Beach side, Educational Center and Boardwalk: 9:00 – 4:30 pm

Fees:           Beach access: $2.00 per person  (kids 12 & under free)
                   Hawley Educational Center and sound-side trails:        free

Additional Information:
                   Phone:  561-744-6668

HOBE SOUND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
HOBE SOUND NATURE CENTER

The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge encompasses much of the sand pine scrub community which faces along the western shore of Hobe Sound and overlooks Jupiter Island. The extensive sea grass beds abutting the refuge are an important foraging area for manatees, especially during the winter. The refuge headquarters building and the non-profit Hobe Sound Nature Center are located on the mainland Hobe Sound parcel.
An additional component, including more than a mile of oceanfront beach as well as extensive mangrove communities is found on northern Jupiter Island and accessed at the refuge parking lot at the north end of Beach Road (1.5 miles north of Bridge Road). Visitors may park in the refuge parking area (fee) and walk northward along miles of undeveloped beach looking much as it did when Jonathan Dickinson was shipwrecked there over 400 years ago. The beach is a critically important sea turtle nesting area during the summer season, and supports many migratory shorebirds during the winter months. Fishing is also allowed on the refuge, both on the Jupiter Island beach and in Hobe Sound
The staffed Hobe Sound Nature Center on the mainland features educational exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna of the Hobe Sound refuge as well as live animal displays. It receives more than 100,000 visitors each year. A small gift shop offers educational books and gifts. A short nature trail is nearby.

Directions:  Follow Bridge Road to US1 Highway. Turn left on US#1. Proceed south for two miles. Turn left into parking lot at refuge headquarters sign.

Driving Time: 5 minutes from Bridge Road

Hours:  Refuge – sunrise to sunset, 7 days
              Nature Center - Mon-Sat, 9am – 3pm

Fees: None for mainland refuge area and Nature Center.   Beach parking in Jupiter Island refuge lot is $5.00/day, $12 annual pass.

Additional Information:
                   Refuge Website: http://www.fws.gov/hobesound
Nature Center Website: http://hobesoundnaturecenter.com
Phones: Refuge – (772) 546-6141, Nature Center – (772) 546-2067
 
JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK

            This magnificent state park encompasses more than 10,000 acres and thirteen different native communities. The Loxahatchee River, Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, runs through the park. Ranger-guided tours of the 1930s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson are available year-round. Visitors can enjoy paved and off-road biking, equestrian, and hiking trails. Cabins and both RV and tent camping sites are provided.
          At the Eagles View Equestrian Area, a concessionaire offers horseback rides ($25.00/person for an hour ride, or a wagon ride ($10/person for 45 minute ride)
          At the riverfront picnic area, a park concessionaire offers snacks, rental canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats, as well as a two-hour pontoon boat excursion up the Loxahatchee to Trapper Nelson’s old homestead.
The Elsa Kimbell Nature Center is also located at the riverfront, and provides a fascinating history and interpretation of the park through exhibits and video.

Directions:  From Bridge Road, turn south on US#1. Proceed four miles to state park entrance gate (on right).

Driving Time: 15 minutes.

Hours:        Main gate is open from 8 am until 6 pm.
                    Concessionaire is usually 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Fees:           Park entrance – Car is $6.00 for 2-8 passengers.
Additional Information:
Websites    
JDSP:                   www.floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson/default.cfm
Kimbell Nature Center: www.friendsofjdsp.org
Park Concessionaire:     www.floridaparktours.com

Phones
          Kimbell Center – (561) 745-5551.
Park Concessionaire - (561) 746-1466 for information on times and prices for the river cruise or boat rentals.

THE LOXAHATCHEE RIVER CENTER
805 N. US Hwy # 1, Jupiter

The Loxahatchee River Environmental Center presents the history and environmental value of the Loxahatchee River through a series of displays, interactive exhibits, and captivating live tanks including touch tanks for children. It showcases the Loxahatchee river system from its freshwater reaches through the estuarine zone to its link to the Atlantic at Jupiter Inlet.
The center is designed for all interest levels from school children to long-time residents to seasonal visitors.
The Loxahatchee is among the best preserved rivers in Florida, largely due to local efforts. The headwaters along the Northwest Fork are designated as a federal Wild and Scenic River – the first river in Florida to achieve this recognition.
A small gift shop displays books, clothing, gifts , music, educational items and low-cost jewelry related to the river, nature or environment.

Directions:  Bridge Road to US #1. Turn south and drive to Jupiter, crossing high bridge over Loxahatchee River. Quickly cross over a 2nd low concrete bridge to reach Burt Reynolds Park (a large Palm Beach County boat launching park on both sides of road). Turn left at light to enter Reynolds Park; River Center is just beyond fire station

Driving Time: 20 minutes

Hours:  Tue-Sat: 9am - 4pm

Fees: None. Donations welcome

Additional Information:
Phone:    (561) 743-7123

BUSCH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter

          The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the grounds of the Loxahatchee River District. Funded entirely by donations, the renown center rescues injured or endangered Florida species for rehabilitation and return to the wild. At the sanctuary, a short nature trail and outdoor displays of more than two dozen native wildlife species captivate both young and old.
The Sanctuary maintains an active educational program, including traveling exhibits and presentations, and have made several presentations on Jupiter Island, as well as rehabilitated species found here.

Directions:  Bridge Road west to I-95. Take I-95 south to next exit at Jupiter (exit 87A) At Jupiter exit, go east on Indiantown Road to the third traffic light (Central Blvd.), turn right and go to the next traffic light (Jupiter Park Drive). Turn right and make your first left into the Loxahatchee River District and follow the signs to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.
or
Bridge Road to Us #1. Turn left (south) on US #1.From U.S. Highway 1, go to Indiantown Road in Jupiter, head west to Central Blvd., turn left and go to the first traffic light (Jupiter Park Drive). Turn right and make your first left into the Loxahatchee River District and follow signs to the Sanctuary.

Driving Time: 20 minutes

Hours:        Mon-Sat, 10:00am - 4:30pm

Fees:           None, but donations greatly appreciated

Additional Information:
                   Website:  www.bushwildlife.com
          Phone:     (561) 575-3399

RIVERBEND (BATTLEFIELD) PARK
9060 Indiantown Road, Jupiter

          Located on the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, the 680 acre Riverbend (Battlefield) Park marks the location of a major Seminole encampment and the site of the last major battle of the 3rd Seminole War.
          Developed and managed by Palm Beach County, the passive park has a network of almost 10 miles of hard shell bicycle/walking paths through pine and cypress woodlands - providing easy loops of varying lengths through the tract. The park has restrooms, kiosk, large and small picnic pavilions and office, but no major facilities
          Canoe Outfitters of Florida maintains a concession in the park renting bicycles (Thur-Mon) and kayaks and canoes. The outfitter has been established here for more than 20 years and rents canoes and kayaks for individuals or groups to canoe the federally designated Wild and Scenic River corridor down the Loxahatchee River. Paddlers may either take short out-and-back excursions from Riverbend, or paddle the entire river corridor down into Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The outfitter provides a shuttle service to return paddlers to Riverbend from the state park. The trip is an unguided all-day affair with paddling varying from the twisting, canopied cypress confines of the upper section to open sunlit paddling through open mangrove channels further downstream. The trip, 8.5 miles in length, typically requires 5-6 hours. It is moderately strenuous and not suggested for wholly inexperienced paddlers. A short out-and-back on the Loxahatchee, or the loop route through the restored natural flow-way in Riverbend, is suitable for less skilled paddlers.

Directions:  Bridge Road west to I-95. Take I-95 south to next exit at Jupiter (exit 87A) At Jupiter exit, turn right on Indiantown Road. Proceed 1 mile. Riverbend Park entrance on left.

Driving Time: 20 minutes

Hours: Park - sunrise to sunset. Outfitter – Closed Tue and Wed – otherwise 9-5 weekdays, 8-5 weekends

Fees:  Free; no entrance charge.  For canoe rates, contact outfitter Canoe Outfitters:  www.canoeoutfittersofflorida.com - Phone:   (561) 746-7053
Add’l Information:  Riverbend ParkWebsite: http://pbcgov.com/parks/riverbend Phone:  (561) 966-6617

LOGGERHEAD MARINE LIFE CENTER OF JUNO BEACH
14200 Hwy # 1, Juno Beach

          The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a non-profit education and conservation facility located on the oceanfront in Juno Beach. The superb facility is dedicated to marine conservation, especially sea turtles. It is the only sea turtle “hospital” in SE Florida and includes a state-of-the-art medical facility and rehabilitation program.
Built around a new “green” facility of 12,000 square feet, the Center includes research labs, an outdoor classroom, an indoor exhibit hall, and a large gift shop of many marine-related items including jewelry, apparel and books. An array of outdoor saltwater tanks hold a variety of live sea turtles with staff always present to explain their activities and answer questions.
For children, a nature trail through the dune community and a playground are close by, and the public ocean beach across the street is staffed with lifeguards.

Directions:  Bridge Road to US1. Turn south and proceed to Juno Beach. Loggerhead Marinelife Center is located in Loggerhead Park in Juno Beach, just north of Donald Ross Road on U.S. Highway 1. The park is situated between U.S. 1 and Alt. A1A and has direct beach access.

Driving Time: 25 minutes

Hours: Open 7 days/week, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm M-Sat, 11:00-5:00 Sun

Fees: None, Donations welcome

Additional Information:
                   Website: http://marinelife.org
Phone:  (561) 627-8280

JOHN D. MacARTHUR BEACH STATE PARK
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach

          Located on Singer Island, MacArthur Beach State Park has two miles of undeveloped beach and acres of tidal sea grass flats in Lake Worth.  A long boardwalk spans a tidal lagoon within the park affording close-up views of the mangrove community and beach access. A tram runs across boardwalk to shuttle beach visitors
 The William Kirby Nature Center has aquariums and videos interpreting the barrier island communities. A variety of natural history programs are also hosted here.
Both double and single kayaks may be rented for self-guided or ranger guided tours. The guided tours last 2 hours and are scheduled around high tides; call number below for more details. Kayak rentals were $12/hr or $30/half day at time this was written.
A small gift shop feature ocean/beach related merchandise for both education and fun.

Directions:  Bridge Road to US #1. Turn south on US #1 and proceed to PGA Blvd. intersection with US #1 in North Palm Beach. Turn left onto PGA (Jack Nicklaus Drive) and follow road to MacArthur State Park entrance on left.

Driving Time: 35 minutes

Hours: Park:  Sunset to sundown, 7 day/week
             Nature Center: 9:00am to 5:00 pm daily

Fees: State Park -$5.00/vehicle, max 8 people

Additional Information:
          State Park Website: www.macarthurbeach.org  see “Things to Do for kayak concessionaire information
State Park Phone: (561) 624-6950

FLORIDA OCEANOGRAPHIC COASTAL CENTER
890 N.E. Ocean Blvd. Hutchinson Island, Stuart

          Located on south Hutchinson Island, the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a 57-acre tract housing the non-profit Florida Oceanographic Society’s headquarters and environmental education center. The game fish lagoon is a 750,000-gallon outdoor viewing tank showcasing native fishes of SE Florida’s inshore waters. The center also has touch tanks of stringrays (with barbs safely clipped), and starfish that fascinate all ages. Feeding programs are held several times a day. The Center provides educational programs for thousands of students from the four surrounding counties.
          A one-mile nature trail leads to the Indian River Lagoon; guided walks are held several times each day.

Directions:  US Hwy One north to SE Monterey Road, turn right (east) onto SR-714 E/SE Monterey Road and follow to SE Ocean Blvd., turn right go over bridge and arrive at 890 NE Ocean Blvd.  If you reach NE Doubloon Drive, you've gone too far.

Driving Time:  30 minutes

Hours: Mon- Sat, 10am to 5 pm, Sun, 12noon to 4pm

Fees: Admission: Adults - $10.00, Children 3-12 - $5.00, <3 free.="free." span="span">

Additional Information:
                   Website:  www.floridaocean.org
Phone:  (772) 225-0505

BARLEY BARBER SWAMP
Seminole Inn, 15885 SW Warfield Blvd. Indiantown

Barley Barber Swamp is a stunning 400-acre cypress swamp located on the grounds of Florida Power and Light’s Indiantown power generation facility. A 5800’ boardwalk makes a loop through the swamp, bringing visitors close to some of the largest cypress trees remaining in Florida.
Because of post-911 concerns, the popular swamp is now only open to guided tours hosted by the Treasured Lands Foundation. These tours are only available from October through May. The tours are free of charge, but require pre-registration. Tours last about 3 hours and are conducted twice daily from Wednesday through Sundays.  Visitors must assemble at the Seminole Inn in Indiantown (directions below), and are then transported by tour guides to Barley Barber. Visitors must have a photo ID.
The Seminole Inn welcomes Barley Barber visitors to their dining room for lunch from 11am-3pm on Tue-Sat and dinner from 5pm-8:30pm on Fri and Sat nights from October until March. Please call number below to confirm restaurant hours and schedule.  Advance dining reservations not required.  Call 772-597-3777 to make your reservations.

Directions:  From Bridge Road; continue westward across US# 1 and proceed to junction of Bridge Road (SR   ) with the Kanner Highway (SR76) approximately 8 miles west. Turn left onto Kanner Highway and continue 15 miles to intersection with the Beeline Highway (Hwy 710). Note that the Beeline crosses above the Kanner Highway at this junction such that a left turn and then curve back to right are required to access the Beeline Highway and the immediate bridge over the St. Lucie Canal. After crossing the canal, the Beeline Highway is renamed Warfield Blvd. in Indiantown. The Seminole Inn is located on right about 1 mile beyond the high bridge over the St. Lucie canal.

Driving Time:  Driving time is about 40 minutes; visitors are expected to arrive 30 minutes before departure so plan for about an hour and 15 minutes from Jupiter Island

Hours: Between October and May, Wed through Sundays at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm

Fees: None - Additional Information:  Website: www.barleybarber.org
                   Tour Info and reservations phone: (772) 597-3777

LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach

          The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 220 square miles of Everglades habitat and is the northernmost remaining portion of the Everglades. Home to more than 33,000 alligators, the refuge, a mosaic of wetland habitats, also supports a vast diversity of wading birds and waterfowl during the winter months. More than 250,000 people visit each year.
          The refuge visitor center has exhibits and information and a boardwalk trail nearby. Walking paths also extend along the grass levee adjacent to the Everglade marsh. Guided tours and audiovisual programs are also provided at the Visitor Center and are listed in their newsletter on the refuge website      
          The refuge outfitter, Canoe the Everglades, provides rental canoes for guided or unguided paddling along a 5.5-mile trail marked with interpretive signs.

Directions:  Bridge Road to I-95, south to Glades Road, head west to 441, then south two miles.  Turn right onto Lee Road and enter refuge headquarters area.

Driving Time:  Approximately one hour

Hours:        Refuge – Dawn to dusk
Visitor Center – From Nov-April the center is open 9am-4pm 7days/wk. During summer (May-Oct.) it is closed on Mon. and Tue.

Fees:           Refuge entrance fee - $5.00 per vehicle

Additional Information:
                   Refuge Website: www.fws.gov/loxahatchee
Phone:   Visitor Center (561) 734-8303
                   Outfitter Website: http://canoetheeverglades.com
                   Phone             Outfitter  (561) 733-0192
         

JUPITER INLET LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM
500 Captain Armours Way, Jupiter

          Completed in 1860, the Jupiter lighthouse towers 105 feet above the almost 50 foot Indian shell midden upon which it was constructed. Still operational today, the beacon can be seen 25 miles at sea.
The Jupiter Lighthouse Historical Society has restored the lighthouse and manages the site. In addition to providing the spectacular guided climbing tours of the lighthouse, with its breathtaking views over the Loxahatchee River and Atlantic, the Society also maintains a superb local history museum on site including a relocated and restored 1892 pioneer Jupiter home. Located on the shore of the Loxahatchee with views out the inlet, the shaded grounds offer a pleasant view of the waterway activity.
The Society also maintains a lighthouse/history related gift shop with books, clothing, memorabilia and snacks.
Special private group tours and evening climbs of the light can be arranged.
Children less than 48” tall may not climb lighthouse. Cameras are welcome in lighthouse but not museum. No camera tripods in lighthouse due to challenge of circular stair and priceless irreplaceable glass Fresnel lens. Allow 2 hours for museum visit and lighthouse climb.

Directions:  From Bridge Road. Two choices: Drive south on Beach Road to Jupiter. Approaching US #1 traffic light, turn left into Lighthouse Park and proceed to museum parking lot. Other option: Bridge Road to US #1. Turn south (left) on US #1 and drive to Jupiter. At traffic light intersection with Alt. A1A/Bridge Road (also called SR 811/702), turn left. Turn right in one block into Lighthouse Park.

Driving Time: 15 minutes

Hours: Jan-Apr: open 7 days. May-Dec:  Tue-Sun.
Hours 10am-5pm. Lighthouse tours throughout day weather permitting; last tour at 4:00pm.

Fees: Admission: $9.00 adults, $5.00 children ages 6-18. Under 5 are free (see note on height limit for climbing light)

Additional Information:
                   Website: www.jupiterlighthouse.org - Phone: (561) 747-8380



HOUSE OF REFUGE MUSEUM AT GILBERTS BAR
301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart

          Built in 1876, the House of Refuge Museum is the oldest structure in Martin County and the last remaining of ten such buildings once built along the Florida East Coast. Originally staffed by the United States Lifesaving Service, they were designed as refuges for shipwrecked sailors during the era when sailing vessels plied the treacherous coast and shipwrecks were not uncommon. The stations had no real rescue capabilities, only a keeper who could guide survivors reaching shore to these few refuges along the then largely undeveloped east coast.
Today it is owned by Martin County, and is managed and operated by the operated by the Martin County Historical Society. It has been restored to display historical lifesaving equipment and the Keepers Quarters as they would have appeared in 1904. Both self-guided or guided group tours are available.
A small gift shop has artwork, gifts, books, and souvenirs.
           
Directions:  North on US Hwy One to Indian Street in Stuart.  Follow Indian Street to East Ocean Blvd.  Turn right on East Ocean Boulevard, and continue east across two bridges to reach Hutchinson Island. Turn right on MacArthur Boulevard from East Ocean Boulevard (at the Marriott Indian River Plantation Resort).  Follow the road south approximately 1.2 miles to the House of Refuge on your left.

Driving Time:  30 Minutes

Hours: 10am-4pm, Mon-Sat. 1pm-4pm Sun. Closed major holidays.

Fees: Adults - $6.00, children (5-12) $3.00, under 5 free.

Additional Information:
                   Website: http://www.houseofrefugefl.org/index.htm
Phone:  (772) 225-1961 ext. 110
 
RICHARD AND PAT JOHNSON HISTORY MUSEUM
300 No. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach

          The Museum is housed in the historic 1916 Palm Beach County courthouse, restored at a cost of more than $18 million by Palm Beach County and opened as the Richard and Pat Johnson Museum in 2008.
          The Museum houses both a People gallery and a Place gallery; The People Gallery traces residents from the pre-Columbian inhabitants through pioneers settlers to recent families utilizing kiosks, displays, and videos. The Place gallery showcases Palm Beach County’s unique history, natural resources and growth.
          The Museum also includes a Rotating Exhibits Gallery highlighted noteworthy moments of Palm Beach County history.
          The Museum also houses the offices of the Palm Beach County Historical Society, which maintains a very extensive collection of historical material, including more than one million photographs.

Directions:  Bridge Road to I-95. South on I-95 to the Palm Beach Lakes Blvd exit.  Exit East on Palm Beach Lakes. Proceed to Dixie Hwy (US #1). Turn right (south) on Dixie Hwy.  Go to 3rd Street: turn left. The Johnson History Museum (in old Courthouse) is on the southeast corner of Dixie Hwy and 3rd Street. P arking Lot on left.

Driving Time: 45 min.

Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tue-Sat.

Fees: Free

Additional Information:
                   Website: www.historicalsocietypbc.org
Phone:  (561) 832-4146

HENRY MORRISON FLAGLER MUSEUM
One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach

          Henry Flagler, a partner in Standard Oil, used his vast fortune to construct the railroad down the Florida East Coast and a series of destination resorts along the route. He built the Breakers Hotel and Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach, and his personal winter home known as Whitehall. Built in 1902 as a wedding present for his wife, it set the benchmark for Palm Beach mansions. Restored by his granddaughter, this Gilded Age Mansion encompasses 60,000 square feet and 75 rooms. The mansion is indeed breathtaking, and houses fascinating exhibits of Flagler and his works in Florida. One of his private rail cars is displayed on the grounds, restored to the elegance of the era.

Directions:  Bridge Road to I-95. Take I-95 south to Okeechobee Blvd. (Exit 70) in West Palm Beach. Exit east on Okeechobee Blvd. Continue east about 3 miles, crossing bridge across Lake Worth to enter Palm Beach. Okeechobee becomes Royal Palm Way. Turn left onto Cocoanut Row at first traffic light in Palm Beach. Continue north on Cocoanut Row about ½ mile to reach museum parking lot on left.

Driving Time:  45 min.

Hours: Tue-Sat; 10-5pm, Sun 12-5pm

Fees: Adult $18.00, Youth (13-17 years –with adult) $10.00
          Child (6-12 years – with adult) $3.00, Child (under 6) Free.
         Reserved groups of 20 or more $14.00/person

Additional Information:
                   Website:  www.flaglermuseum.us
                   Phone:    (561) 655-2833

 MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN
559 No. Military Trail, West Palm Beach

          The oldest and largest public botanical garden in either Palm Beach or Martin counties, the Mounts Botanical Garden. Covering about 14 acres, it includes over 2000 species of tropical and subtropical plants from six continents, grouped into 18 plant collections. Native Florida species and fruit trees are also within the garden.
          A Garden Shop includes a good collection of horticultural materials.
          The Garden hosts a variety of gardening seminars, as well as plant sales in April and November. These plant sales have been very popular with Island residents for many years, as a large number of local growers offer a vast array of colorful and unusual plants adapted to our environment.
          Visit the website for a calendar of scheduled events.

Directions:  Bridge Road to I-95.  Take I-95 South to Southern Blvd.  Exit west to Military Trail, then go north on Military Trail 1/2 mile to Mounts Botanical Garden (on your left, across from Palm Beach International Airport).

Driving Time:  45 min

Hours: Mon-Sat; 8:30-4:00pm, Sun; noon- 4:00pm.  Closed holidays.

Fees: $5.00 admission suggested

Additional Information:  Website: www.mounts.org
                                         Phone:  561-233-1757

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables

          An all-day adventure including a two- plus hour drive to South Miami, but for serious gardeners a not-to-be-missed experience! One of the premier conservation and educational gardens in the world.
          Walking the entire garden requires at least two hours. A narrated tram tours through the extensive garden is part of admission fee. These last about 45 minutes.  A free shuttle also transports visitors between key areas of the garden. A variety of guided walking tours are also available.
         
Directions:  To avoid coastal traffic en route to Maimi, it is suggested that the Forida Turnpike (toll) be used. Take Bridge Road to I-95. Take I-95 South to Jupiter (next exit on I-95). Exit West and immediately reach turnpike entrance on left. Take Florida turnpike south. Proceed to end in Miami. At end of turnpike, merge onto I-95 south. Take I-95 south to US 1 (S. Dixie Hwy.) Go south on US 1 to SW 42nd Ave. (LeJeune Rd.). Turn left on SW 42nd Ave., and drive south to roundabout. Enter roundabout and take 2nd right onto Old Cutler Rd. Drive 2 miles on Old Cutler Road. Fairchild entrance will be on your left. 

Driving Time:  2.5-3 Hours

Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm

Fees: Adults: $25.00, Seniors (>65): $18.00, Children 6-17: $12.00, Children<6: free="free" span="span">

Additional Information:
                   Website:  www.fairchildgarden.org
          Phone:  (305) 667-1651