Historic Sites in Star Island

"‘You will be seeing unusual accomplishment,’ reads the inscription on the rough-hewn quarried wall. That’s an understatement. There is no greater temple to all that is weird and wacky about South Florida. The legend: a Latvian gets snubbed at the altar. Comes to the USA and settles in Florida. Handcarves, unseen, in the dead of night, a monument to unrequited love."

"‘You will be seeing unusual accomplishment,’ reads the inscription on the rough-hewn quarried wall. That’s an understatement. There is no greater temple to all that is weird and wacky about South Florida."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park offers an opportunity to relax in a serene atmosphere. Also, there are a few beautiful boutiques (The Showroom, First Flight Out, Nikki's Beachouse Boutique) on Commodore Plaza -beach style clothes, cosy decoration, design accessories. Fringed by trees and cafés with terraces, this district has a cool Caribbean vibe going on."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"Located in the neighbourhood of Miami on the Main Highway in Coconut Grove, Plymouth Congregational Church was built in 1917 and is one of the ancient churches in the city. Plymouth Congregational Church is architecture in mission revival style with inspiration from old city church in Mexico and is a part of the US National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The church is well known as a pretty wedding venue among locals."

"As I stand outside and walk into this beautiful old church feelings coming to mind are; beauty, old, history, planning, stories, Spanish, love, unique,… read more ». Rating: 5 based on 5 reviews"

"The building opened in 1925 and became a US National Historic Landmark in 2008.* It’s an impressive landmark. It first started as headquarters for the newspaper Miami News. It now is a contemporary art museum."

"Spanish missionaries and treasure seekers first explored the Florida coast as far back as the 17th century, and the Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach is a fascinating bit of local and international history that dates back centuries before that when it was originally constructed in Spain. Inhabited by monks for nearly seven centuries, in the early 1920s, it was bought by American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, disassembled, shipped to Florida, and reassembled on its current site. It has been open to the public since the mid-’60s, and for those who don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, the best way to experience it is by guided tour."

"Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, this Italian gem is popular with those who do business at the main courthouse as well as those who have business there. La Loggia draws favor for its terrific, home-style pasta dishes and its oft-packed happy hour (one of the only ones on Flagler Street). The beautiful waitstaff darts to and fro, making sure that each table is enjoying its hearty Northern Italian fare."

"La Loggia is a classic Italian restaurant located in the heart of downtown Miami. Its location across the street from the courthouse makes it a popular spot for lunch, dinner or an after-work drink. I heartily recommend the lobster ravioli!"

"For a taste of Europe without having to hop on a plane, look no further than Costa Med in Key Biscayne. Since 2003, this local favorite has been the site of many a celebration. This cozy bistro is known for its exquisite cuisine and diverse wine list—two big requirements for any date night."

"If you’re in search of great Italian food - and a lot of it - then go to Casa Isola in Sunset Harbour. Dinner here is going to be good from the first dish, which should be the pane al prosciutto: a warm little circle of bread with cubes of prosciutto baked in and a parmesan honey butter for smearing. After that, move on to the rigatoni alla vodka or the veal chop parmigiana that arrives plated alongside the deep-fried bone it was once attached to."

"Right along the Sunset Harbour, the well-known Pubbelly has a new edition from a not-so-new face. Chef Jose Mendin opened up his first Italian restaurant with the help of chef Santo Agnello, both of who have long stomped around the kitchens of this vetted neighborhood. The name actually reflects the homeliness of the establishment’s roots."

"Sometimes you know you’re going to love a movie after the very first scene. Dinner can be like that too. At Casa Isola, a new Italian spot in Sunset Harbour, that first scene was the pane al prosciutto: a warm little circle of bread with cubes of prosciutto baked in and a parmesan honey butter for smearing."

"When owner Anthony Bruno moved to Florida, he missed authentic New York-style pizza so much that he decided to make his own. Now, years later, the chain has spread across the Sunshine State and beyond. This spot is known for its cheesy pies, from the most traditional square margherita to modern takes like white pizza and meaty pies decked with pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs."

"If you’re unafraid of the inevitable sugar high, Sugar Factory could be one of the most fun spots to hit with the whole family. Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s more than just sweets to be found here. This shop and restaurant located in South Beach’s Hotel Victor has a huge menu packed with pancakes, waffles, French toast, crepes, sandwiches, pizza, milkshakes, sundaes, and more."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants South Beach. Willy Wonka has nothing on this South Beach sugar emporium. Up front, the bulk bins overflowing with sweets and adorable rubber duckies are sure to lure little ones in, but it’s the brasserie in the back that cinches the deal."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Sugar Factory (@thesugarfactory)"