Filed under: bar, historic attractions, outdoor recreation, restaurant, top-feature
Beat the Winter Blues at the Venetian Pool
If you’re planning a short trip to South Florida, why not kill two birds with one stone? At the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, you can visit a historic attraction at the same time as working on your tan. Built in 1921, the Venetian Pool is not only a beautiful piece of historic architecture, but also an ideal spot to cool off and go for a swim. Pack your bathing suit and get ready to discover gorgeous Coral Gables, a town that was envisioned by its founding fathers to resemble the striking style of Venice.
Few other places on the National Register of Historic Places are as fun as the Venetian Pool. Located right in the middle of picturesque, serene Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool brings you off the beaten path.
When I first arrived and set eyes on the three-story observation tower, waterfalls, fountains, and sunbathing area, I could hardly believe that this attraction was open to the public. On the weekends it can become crowded with locals, but during the week, it is blissfully quiet and the entire lagoon, coves, and shade from palm trees can be all yours.
Beyond the incredible setting and option to work on your tan, this site also reveals the history of Coral Gables. After paying your entrance fee ($10.50 for adults and $6 for kids) you will pass through a hallway containing historic photographs on your way outside to the pools. These photographs provide the type of history lesson you don’t usually find in museums. Here you can discover how people in the 1920′s lived, how they spent their leisure time, and what they wore. Black and white photographs reveal the bathing suits and hairstyles of the people who sunbathed the days away here in the 1920′s.
The Venetian Pool isn’t only a historic attraction though, it is a destination to enjoy the pleasures of South Florida. The grounds are alive with tropical foliage, beautiful flowers, and vine-covered trellises. While admiring the architecture is a great way to start your visit, no trip to the Venetian Pool would be complete without a dip in the water. A wading pool leads to small coves where local kids might be playing hide and seek. Swimming under a gushing waterfall is incredibly refreshing on a hot day. And did I mention just how romantic this attraction can be? There are plenty of places to sneak out of sight for a kiss or two.
Water cascades over rocks, providing a soothing mist that is often carried by the breeze. If you’re tired of the crowded beaches of Miami, the Venetian Pool is the ultimate tranquil escape. There are areas for sunbathing and a cafe that offers snacks and cold drinks (no coolers or drinks are allowed to be brought in to the pools). The pool is filled with 820,000 gallons of fresh water and is open all year round. From May through September, the pool is open until 7:30 pm, and when this time rolls around, I’m never ready to leave. Arrive early to make the most of your ticket (the pool opens at 11 am Monday through Friday and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday).
After soaking up the sun and the atmosphere of this historic attraction, there is one restaurant in Coral Gables that will keep the tropical vibe going. Ortanique is located on Miracle Mile, and serves tropical, Caribbean-influenced cuisine. You will want to make a reservation in advance at this popular restaurant, and if your table isn’t ready when you arrive, sip on one of their famous mojitos to pass the time. Ortanique is consistently rated one of the top 10 restaurants in Miami, and this former Miami-resident agrees. They specialize in fish, often served with interesting spices and preparations.
Journalists have called the food at Ortanique everything from Nuevo Caribbean to Carib-Asian – but I simply call it delicious. My favorite appetizers include tuna tartare with citrus zest or the tropical mango salad. For an entree, all of the fish dishes are satisfying and served in large portions. I can’t resist the pan seared diver scallops and Key West shrimp served over Jasmine rice with an East Indian curry sauce, but other appealing options include the West Indian bouillabaisse or the mahi mahi marinated in teriyaki and sesame oil.
If you’re intrigued by the flavors and creative combinations available at Ortanique, the restaurant also offers cooking classes. Check out the website for a listing of upcoming classes, or if you’re traveling with a group, arrange for your own cooking course.
This winter, instead of suffering through the harsh snowstorms and dropping temperatures, head to South Florida for a little Caribbean-style heat. A day spent at the Venetian Pool followed by a romantic dinner at Ortanique is sure to beat the winter blues.
Details:
- Venetian Pool. 2701 De Soto Boulevard. Coral Gables, Florida. (map) Entrance fee $10.50 for adults and $6 for kids.
- Ortanique, 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida. (map) Nuevo Caribbean cuisine. Appetizers range from $10 – $15, entrees range from $21 – $34. Excellent wine list and don’t forget to try their famous mojitos.
Photo Credit: Venetian Pools 1 by grahamandsheila on Flickr, Venetian Pools 2 by grahamandsheila on Flickr, mojito by miamism on Flickr.
