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 Its
wide tree-lined boulevards, winding roadways, and green space characterize
Coral Gables, "The City Beautiful." Planned in the late
1920s, this affluent city's design blends color and detail with
Mediterranean Revival style. Coral Gables' enduring charm recalls
George E. Merrick's vision of beauty. Merrick developed a gracious
suburb that combined monumental buildings, ornate plazas, and fountains
with "villages" of houses built in Colonial, French, Dutch,
South African and Chinese styles. Design queens will linger over
the beautiful architecture and exquisite landscaping, scrupulously
maintained by the nation's most stringent zoning codes.
Coral Gables City Hall, decorated with interesting interior murals,
the Country Club of Coral Gables Historic District, whose entrance
is marked with two fountains, and the Venetian Pool, a local attraction
carved out of spring-fed coral rock quarry, are all exquisite Coral
Gables sites worth a visit. Fairchild Tropical Gardens is a world-class
260-acre botanical garden featuring tropical foliage from around
the world. The stunning Biltmore Hotel is the City's showplace,
a grand and lovingly restored 1920s era resort that features the
largest swimming pool in the U.S. Other landmarks include the University
of Miami and its on-campus Lowe Art Museum, the Gusman Concert Hall,
and the Bill Cosford Cinema and the Ring Theater.
Miracle Mile, the stretch of Coral Way between LeJeune Road and
Douglas Road, is home to fine boutiques and specialty stores with
the hottest new styles in everything from casual to couture fashion,
bridal gowns and accessories and elegant home furnishings. Downtown
Coral Gables is also noted for fine art galleries and events that
bring in thousands of people to view the works of local and international
artists.
Coral Gables also has a selection of highly rated dining establishments
with a variety of cuisines that roam all over the map. Never unduly
loud, Coral Gables gently winds down after-hours as a mellower
mood takes over. Energy is redirected to quieter pursuits — live
music
in an art café, smooth jazz in a supper club or a film in
one of the city's three art cinemas.
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