Why We Love Coral Gables
Founded by George Merrick during the 1920s and incorporated in 1925, Coral Gables or “The Gables” is one of Miami’s oldest planned communities. Famous for its Mediterranean-styled architecture, beautiful homes and pristinely manicured lawns, Coral Gables is referred to by many as the “City Beautiful.” And there is no question as to what makes the city of Coral Gables so beautiful. The moniker is due to the elegant residential areas lined by gorgeous tree canopies and vegetation. The city is punctuated by historic landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel, where Esther Williams and other notables from a bygone era once frolicked.
While Coral Gables might be best known as home to the prestigious University of Miami, the city offers much more to boast about. Coral Gables is also home to many historical landmarks, including the largest tropical botanical garden in the United States, Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Commonly called Fairchild, the site is frequently used as a backdrop for traveling art installations from the likes of Fernando Botero, Roy Lichtenstein and Dale Chihuly, among others. Coral Gables also has the only swimming pool to be found on the National Historic Register, The Venetian Pool . The city’s Venetian Pool is an 820,000-gallon spring-fed grotto swimming pool with underground caves. The pool was built of native coral rock and is an awe-inspiring sight to behold by both residents and visitors alike.
Another attractive feature that makes the “City Beautiful” is its vast amount of immaculate landscaping and tree canopies. In fact, more than 50,000 trees shade the city’s 13.3 square miles and line the city’s bike paths and walking trails. The city also has 22 parks and 33 public tennis courts, as well as two public golf courses. Coral Gables is home to 36 miles of pristine waterways and contains multiple boating facilities in order for its residents to take full advantage of its abundance of water.
Famous for its grand Miracle Mile, Coral Gables replicates a European Old World style setting with its outdoor cafes and specialty boutiques. Apart from Miracle Mile, residents and visitors of Coral Gables turn to the Village of Merrick Park for luxury shopping. Merrick Park is a place where fashion and style come to life in an outdoor setting complete with fountains, lush tropical foliage and a serene garden. Merrick Park is home to such world class boutiques as Tiffany’s, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci and Hugo Boss as well as the elite department stores Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
