Golf, Eat, Stay and Play in Coral Gables, Florida

DEC

Golf, Eat, Stay and Play in Coral Gables, Florida

Florida has been considered a golfer's paradise since the opening in 1923 of the Coral Gables Granada, Florida's first completed golf course. Since then, the Granada has enjoyed a reputation for being a quick play of 9- holes and offering 3,000 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. The huge Banyan trees at Granada have been known to swallow a golf ball or two, but there are no water hazard's which is great for the higher handicapped players, and the wide 9-hole course is considered more fun than anything. Today, it is the oldest continually operating golf course in Florida, featuring open, tree-lined fairways with small, elevated Bermuda grass greens that are the perfect location for players looking for a relaxing round of golf amid beautiful scenery. (305) 460-5367

The architecture of the city of Coral Gables, Florida is acutely Mediterranean, and was the brain child of George Merrick, who could visualize it becoming an international city serving as a gateway to the Americas. Not only is Coral Gables a beautiful and thriving multi-cultural community, it also serves as a cultural and economic gateway to the Latin America region.

Coral Gables is home to 22 beautiful parks, two golf courses, and 33 public tennis courts. The city is literally embellished with historical landmarks, and is home to the largest tropical botanical garden in the continental United States with 83 acres of exotic plants and tropical flowers with hidden trails that wind around eleven lakes. Rain forest displays, wild undergrowth, ferns and orchids sit among a natural preserve at the outskirts of Coral Gables, and it offers something for everyone. www.ftg.org

A lavish spring-fed grotto swimming pool, built in 1923, and made of native coral rock with underwater caves and surrounded by two waterfalls is a focal point of the city, and tree-lined bike paths are enjoyed by locals and visitors. The cities walking trails offer some of the most breath taking scenery in Florida, so much so that you get caught up in the sights, and literally forget that you are actually exercising.

The Biltmore Hotel is one of Coral Gables most prized possessions and it is a Historical landmark. The grand four-diamond, four-star hotel and golf resort rises above the city of Coral Gables, commanding to be taken in by its exquisite beauty. The adjoining Biltmore Golf Course is a rare golf course simply because it is both challenging for the experienced golfer and playable for the novice. It is well-run and maintained, and above all, affordable. The hotel's palatial tower stands proudly above the Coral Gables skyline and is rich with history that dates back to the roaring twenties. The wealthy are mesmerized by the luxurious style of the hotel, and it has played host to everyone from royalty to movie stars. Guests have included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and Bing Crosby, and they have all enjoyed the many amenities of the hotel from the championship 18-hole golf course to the tennis facilities, and a first class spa along with a fitness center, and the largest hotel swimming pool in the continental United States. www.biltmorehotel.com/

Whatever your taste or pleasure, Coral Gables offers it. From golf and tennis to shopping and art, you will find a treasure trove of things to do. Coral Gables is renowned for art galleries, and is well known as an art lover's paradise as the city is home to dozens of fine art galleries. On Gables Gallery Nights, a favorite event among locals, more than 4,000 people walk or ride the trolleys downtown to Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Aragon Avenue to admire works by local, national, and international artists. Coral Gables, Fine Art

Restaurants

Coral Gables is well-known for its one of a kind restaurants, and with more than 40 great places to choose from, and all within walking distance of the downtown area; the hardest decision will be which one to try first. Depending on your mood, there are casual outdoor lunch style eateries, as well as elegant, top-rated restaurants for fine dining.

Les Halles
A Parisian style restaurant serving French food from master chef Anthony Bourdain who hosted the Travel Channel's "No Reservations" and authored the best selling cookbook "Kitchen Confidential". Located in the downtown district of Coral Gables, it is a favorite dining spot for anyone wanting a casual meal. http://www.leshalles.net/

Gables Diner
Versatility is this restaurants specialty with everything from breakfast and brunch to dinner and happy hour. The menu is quite extensive and the prices will not leave you broke. This is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet flare. The eatery is located on Galiano Street in the downtown area of Coral Gables. http://www.gablesdiner.com/index.html

Travel

Visitors can ride the new vintage-style, hybrid electric trolleys, a free way to rest tired feet for a bit, and cruise around the shopping and entertainment destinations in downtown Coral Gables. The trolleys are air-conditioned and have wide windows on all sides to give passengers a panoramic view of the City sights. Coral Gables, Trolley

TAGS: biltmore hotel bourdain coral gables florida golf granada golf les halles sunny vacation

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Golf, Eat, Stay and Play in Coral Gables, Florida

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