To begin the Redland Riot Tour on US1 in Cutler Ridge, take the

To begin the Redland Riot Tour on US1 in Cutler Ridge, take the Turnpike south,
exit at Caribbean Blvd or SW 211 St, then West to US1. Turn left on US1.
1. US1 South to 224 St, West to Miami Avenue, South to Cauley Square.
2. West to 124 Av, North to 216 St, then West to 127 Av to Burr’s Berry Farm.
3. West to 157 Av, South to 232 St to Anderson's Corner.
4. South to 248 St, West to 160 Av to Knaus Berry Farm.
5. West to 187 Av to Fruit and Spice Park.
6. South to 264 St to Pioneer Guild Hall.
7. South to 280 St, East to 182 Av to R.F. Orchids.
8. South on 187 Av to 344 St, West to 192 Av to Robert Is Here.
9. East to Krome, North to 8th Street to Florida Pioneer Museum.
10. North on 177 Av, right on S. Flagler, go two blocks to Redland Hotel.
Redland Riot Tour © 2005 by Robert A. Burr • www.redlandriot.com
The pioneer era of South Florida was a time of legends and great
Sometimes, we'll do the quick version -- head directly for Burr's for
adventurers. Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad reached Miami
strawberries and jam, to Knaus for the sticky buns and pineapple
in 1896, signaling a boom era that attracted thousands of families.
Enticed by rumors and legends of life in paradise, of balmy
upside-down cake and to Robert Is Here for those exotic fruits,
winters that cured a dozen ailments, of a land where an abundance of
indispensible condiments and special sauces that only Robert offers.
Another nice variation is to begin at Tiffany’s Restaurant for
exotic, delicious fruit was said to fall from trees only to rot on the
brunch on Saturday morning, then work your way north to finish the
ground, a trickle of bold adventurers arrived before 1900. Before the
boom era ended with the great depression in 1929, a steady stream of
families, entrepreneurs and tourists came south to experience subtropical Dade County.
As rural, family-based agricultural enterprises were eventually
squeezed out by expanding residential and commercial districts, much
of the original charm and rustic flavor of the area has faded. Still, if
we take the time to look a bit closer, there are a number of lingering
reminders of our pioneer era. The Redland Riot tour emphasizes a few
remaining historical destinations and encourages us to enjoy the
simple pleasures of the seasonal bounty while helping us to rediscover the rural charm of our recent past.
As the winter season descends on South Florida, as the
strawberries begin to ripen and the fruit stands open to the public, we
always enjoy a drive through the countryside — or what's left of it —
to stock up on goodies and remind ourselves of our rustic heritage.
After many seasons traveling through the area often informally
called "the Redlands" we have jotted down a few notes here to help
those that might have an interest in the same.
There are literally hundreds of fruit stands and farms, orchid
houses, historical buildings and great places to dine or just act like a
tourist in South Florida. The Redland Riot tour touches on a few of
our favorites which can be visited briefly all in one day — or visited
time and again for more in-depth adventures.
Cauley Square, for example, could easily be an all-day destination.
tour browsing around the quaint little shops at Cauley Square.
The Redland Riot tour can be taken at any time, by any number
of people. The best choice may be Saturdays, between January and
April, but many of the fruit stands are open all year with varying
seasonal specialties. Trips on weekdays may find lesser crowds and
shorter lines for the milkshakes and baked goods.
Every time we tour the Redlands, we try to visit a place that’s new
to us. We’ve been going to Coral Castle since we were kids, and a trip
to the Everglades Alligator Farm is a great educational experience.
Here are a few more notable places to see and stop along the way.
The Florida State Farmers Market, with a large variety of fresh
produce, offers samples of local fruits and vegetables just behind the
restaurant, so plan to visit for shopping and a family meal.
The Gold Coast Railroad Museum, at the site of the historic
Richmond Naval Air station (often referred to as the “blimp base”) is
not just for train buffs. The Redland Market Village, along US1 at SW
244th Street is a large collection of fruit stands and a food court.
Fruteria Los Girasoles is a small stand with excellent produce,
The dozens of little shops, almost hidden within a hardwood
hammock just off the beaten path, could keep our attention for many
hours. Likewise, visits to the Fruit and Spice Park or the Antique shops
across the street from the Fruit and Spice Park and the Palm Lodge on
SW 296th Street.
including fresh chilled coconut juice, right out of the nut. The
selection of fresh hot chili peppers is the best around, plus tomatitos,
oranges and other Mexican specialties.
Notable homes include the Kosel Homestead on SW 256 St, the
Walton Home on SW 187th Ave, the Lingren House on SW 137th
Avenue, the Cooper Residence on SW 248th Street, the McMinnHorne House on NE 12th Street in Homestead, the Merrit House
in historic Homestead are destinations worthy of greater exploration
than a six hour tour might permit.
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Cauley Square
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SW 224th Street and US1, Miami, FL
When Flagler’s railroad reached Goulds in 1903, William Cauley
could easily pack his tomatoes and ship them north on a daily basis.
This millionaire farmer and businessman developed a series of
warehouses and offices, a bar and grill and residences within a ten
acre plot along side the railroad tracks. Many of the small wooden
homes still standing were hand built by pioneers of South Dade in the
early 1900’s.
Today, they are converted into small shops full of antiques, crafts
and specialty items, plus galleries and eateries as well.
The Tea Room is a perennial favorite. Enjoy lunch here with
friends in a delightful atmosphere and treat yourself to great soups,
hearty specialties of the house and superb desserts.
The main building, with Unicorn Creations and the Lighthouse
Antiques and Gift Emporium, is surrounded by small garden shops.
Ruby’s Place is a full service beauty salon; local crafters and their
the Tea Room at (1) Cauley Square is a popular destination for lunch
and afternoon tea set amongst lush landscaping in a shady hammock
products are featured at O’Sew Crafty; Shadow Hawk Creations offers
native American and Western accessories, just to name a few.
Cauley Square features live music on the weekends, as well as
pony and carriage rides. Park your car in a shady spot and walk
around. You’ll be delighted with the rustic setting and friendly
atmosphere as an appropriate start to your tour down south.
Cauley Square features fountains and open courtyard with flamingoes
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Burr’s Berry Farm
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12741 SW 216th St, Miami, FL
The Burr family came to Dade county just after the railroad
reached the newly formed city of Miami in 1896. Richard Hudson
Burr and eldest son R.H. Burr, jr. settled in Little River. Son Edward
DeVere Burr and family settled in Arch Creek, while youngest son
Raymond Young Burr came to Goulds.
Along with another pioneer clan, the Bush family, the Burrs once
operated a packing house on Old Dixie Highway, shipping fruit and
vegetables to cold northern cities throughout the winters.
Charles Young Burr was born on this 45 acre property in 1922. A
recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star from service in WWII,
Charles Burr will forever be known in these parts as the Strawberry
King, a fitting moniker for a man who’s passion was the production of
the best strawberries in South Florida. He planted his first crop of
berries in 1960 and the rest, as they say, is history.
Charlie enjoyed flying his piper cub around the redlands and the
old landing strip at the Burr farm is still found on many maps and
charts of the area. He passed away in 2001, but the legacy of the
Strawberry King lives on as customers eagerly await the opening of the
stand soon after Christmas each year.
Even as expanding residential areas have surrounded and engulfed
the rural property over the years, the Burr farm remains largely
unchanged since SW 127th Avenue became known as Burr Road.
Uncle Charlie could often be found delivering fresh berries to the
Publix grocery store in Coral Gables, a great convenience for us city
dwellers, but nothing compares to a trip down south to say hello in
person and enjoy the best of the best strawberries in South Dade.
Under the direction of Charles’ grandson Jeffrey Miller, this very
popular berry farm and fruit stand still dispenses thousands of quarts of
berries and a plethora of milkshakes to locals and tourists each season.
Aunt Mary Idena still produces her outstanding homemade jellies
and jams, from mulberry and guava (a century-old family favorite) to
seedless strawberry jam. You’ll also find a selection of fresh tomatoes,
green beans and other seasonal specialties at the stand.
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Anderson’s Corner
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15700 SW 232nd Steet, Miami, FL
Anderson’s Corner is the last remaining general store from the pioneer
era in Miami-Dade County. The photo above, from the Jean Taylor
collection of the archives of the Historical Museum of South Florida,
was taken in 1911. The photo below was taken in 2004.
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The original setlement south of Cutler, Anderson's Corner is now
closed, but the building still remains in nearly the original condition.
The owners intend to re-open this historical landmark, so keep an eye
out for progress.
The years between 1910 and 1920 saw Dade County's population
quadruple in size. The landscape was quickly evolving from deserted
wetland swamps to rows of fields as rudimentary roads and auspicious
homesteaders found their way south. Draining the lowlands provided
ample opportunities for agricultural endeavors and it was not long
before extensive development was underway.
Because transportation between disparate settlements throughout
the county was difficult, general stores provided a level of
convenience to residents in outlaying areas, including many farmers.
Anderson's Corner is the last of these pioneer-era commercial
properties still standing in Miami-Dade county.
Will Anderson came from Indiana in the early days of the
twentieth century to join his friend and hunting companion Charles
Grossman, the first settler in the area. Silver Palm was known for its
extensive pinelands and plentiful game. Anderson soon established a
homesteaded just east of his friend and just south of the Perrine land
grant.
For some time, Anderson operated a commisary car for the Drake
Lumber Company, providing staples and necessities for workers in
remote lumber camps. In 1911, he established the William Anderson
General Merchandise Store which sold a myriad of items to residents
and businesses. With living quarters on the second floor, Anderson's
Corner was strategically located across from the Silver Palm School at
the intersection of two well-built roads -- much easier to reach than
the town of Cutler, some 15 miles away.
After serving as a general store until the 1930s, it was converted
into apartments. Finally condemned in 1975, a reprieve was granted
for rehabilition. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in
1977, the site bacame a local historic site in october 1981. The
rehabilitation was completed in 1985.
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Knaus Berry Farm
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15980 SW 248th Street, Miami, FL Phone: 305-247-0668
They’re not Quakers and they’re not Amish, as many people
long lines and great produce, plus fresh baked goods worth waiting for
at (4) Knaus Berry Farm
believe, they’re Mennonites. They do produce some of the finest fresh
produce and baked goods money can buy in South Florida.
Knaus Berry Farm enjoys a reputation for outstanding organic
produce and fresh flowers, fruit flavored milkshakes and homemade
ice cream. But the one item that causes those long lines to form out
front in the morning and last until they close at sundown is their
world famous sticky buns.
A little patience pays off as you work your way to the counter for
a chance at the warm cinnamon pecan buns.
Also notable are the herb bread sticks, honey wheat bread,
cheesecake, pineapple upside down cake and the brownies. Don’t
bother waiting until you get home — resign yourself to enjoying the
fresh baked goods right out of the oven, even if it means spoiling your
next scheduled meal.
Redland Farm Life School
Across the street from Knaus, the original Redland Farm Life
School was constructed in 1916 on land donated by William
Anderson.
Dr. Hyram Byrd was the impetus for consolidating the one room
schools in Goulds, Eureka, Modello, Princeton, Murray Hill, Silver
Palm and Redland into this one modern educational facility.
For the first time, area children were transported to school by bus.
The original L-shaped building contained classrooms for grades
one through twelve, indoor bathrooms, electric lighting and cloak
rooms. The auditorium, also built in 1916 seated three hundred
people and was the pride of the school.
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Fruit and Spice Park
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24801 Redland Road (SW 187th Ave) Miami, FL Phone: 305-247-5727
the gift shop of the (4) Fruit and Spice Park (above) is a recreation of
the original Redland one room school house, where unusual fruits and
spices (below) are available for tastings
Truly a unique source of wonder and amazement, the Fruit and
Spice Park is more than 30 acres of tropical delight, with over 500
varieties of herbs, nuts, spices and unusual fruits.
The main entrance building and gift shop is a re-creation of the
original Redland one-room school house that served a dozen pioneer
families and the children of railroad employees. The gift shop includes
exotic and wonderful jellies, canned preserves, aromatic teas, unusual
seeds, cold fruit juices, plus an amazing collection of books ranging
from cookery to plant propagation.
In 1944, the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department
established the Fruit & Spice Park, the only garden park of its kind in
the United States, on 32 acres of fertile farmland in the area known as
the Redlands, 35 miles south of Miami.
Among the park's many services are classes and tours of various
fruit and vegetable-growing regions, including farm tours and fruit
safaris, plus expert gardening and botanical advice.
The Fruit and Spice Park plays an important role in the
introduction of new crops to the public, and of providing new germ
plasm for nurseries, farms and backyard growers. The park has an
active exchange program with botanical gardens and parks in Central
American, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Every January, more than 15,000 people flock to the annual
Redland Natural Arts Festival at the park, where local artisans, artists,
From Jackfruit and Black Sapote to Snake Fingers and Wax Jambu, a
quick tour will reveal many bizarre but edible delicacies at this world
famous garden
and gardeners display and sell their crafts. A like number of
participants attend the annual Asian-American Arts Festival, held in
March, to experience the culture and food of more than 40 Asian
nations. This festival has helped to bring many new and unusual
vegetables and fruits to the South Florida market.
Also of interest in the Park is one of the original coral rock
buildings constructed in South Florida in 1912. This structure
exemplifies early pioneer life in south Miami-Dade County.
The official name of the property is Preston B. Bird and Mary
Heinlein Fruit and Spice Park Botanical Garaden and Fruit Shop.
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Kosel Homestead
the (5) Kosel House was build in 1905 of Dade County pine
Built of Dade County pine in 1905, this historic pioneer home
still sits on the edge of an avocado grove planted at the turn of the
last century. The home has had additions over the years, but the
original wooden structure still remains intact.
George Kosel migrated to South Florida from New York around
the time Redland was formed in 1898, establishing one of the first
homesteads in the newly emerging settlement.
His 160 acre Jungle Grove, established in 1902, produced
strawberries, oranges, mangos, grapefruit and a large variety of
avocados.
George married Maria Gazzam, another pioneer homesteader and
had two children, George Kosel, Jr and Bodil Kosel Lowe. Bodil still
lives on the homestead and maintains the avocado groves. Please
respect privacy by merely observing the property from the road. A
historic marker near the road tells a brief history of the homestead.
Pioneer Guild Hall
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26400 Redland Road (SW 187th ave), Miami FL
In 1907, the women of Redland formed the Pioneer Guild. Their
motto was “to do the most good in the most places for social, church
and civic purposes.”
The land was donated by John Bauer, who also built an Episcopal
Church and a general store at this intersection.
Pioneer families hosted teas, barbecues and parties to raise funds
to build the hall.
This wooden structure, built in 1912, contained a stage and dance
floor and soon became the center of social activity in Redland. During
the summer, volunteers taught children art, dancing and etiquette.
Pioneer Guild Hall is the last remaining building found at this
important historic crossroad of Redland Road and Bauer Drive, SW
264th Street.
(6) Pioneer Guild Hall is the last remaining structure at this historic
intersection of Redland and Bauer roads
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RF Orchids
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28100 SW 182nd Avenue, Miami, FL Phone: 305-245-4570
a visit to (7) R.F. Orchids is a delightful experience
Bob Fuchs is a third generation orchid grower and his highly
respected operation, RF Orchids is one of the finest in the South.
Here you will find thousands of exotic orchids growing in a
hammock like setting accented
with gazebos, ponds, tiki huts and
lush landscaping.
The orchids are everywhere,
with many of the finest on display
at the entrance. Take your time
looking around and don’t be afraid
to ask questions of the staff.
They’re always winning awards
for outstanding work in orchid
breeding and growing. It’s easy to
see why when you visit the many
greenhouses. Bob often gives
personal tours of the property, so
call ahead and find out if he might be available when you visit.
With an enviable private collection of hybrids, Bob is world
renown as an expert. He also leads fantastic travel tours to exotic
destinations such as Indonesia and Thailand for orchid fanatics.
Don’t miss the chance to take home a few great orchids. The
prices are quite reasonable and the variety is outstanding.
Walton House
the Walton House, styled like an English cottage, was built in 1919
and restored in 1985, including a rare plant garden
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Unlike any other home of the Redland pioneer era, the Walton
house, built with wooden frame and stucco in 1919, features a large
gable roof that imitates the signature thatched roof of similar English
structures.
W.K. Walton started with four acres of avocados here, beginning
the first commercial nursery of its kind in South Florida. The home
and rare plant garden were restored in 1985. Please don't disturb the
residents.
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Robert Is Here
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19200 SW 344th St. Homestead, FL 33034 Phone: 305-246-1592
He started out with a little card table, a few cucumbers and a sign
proclaiming “Robert Is Here” and now, more than 40 years later, the
world has beat a path to his door. You can’t get to the southern
entrance of Everglades National Park without passing this world
famous roadside attraction. Stopping here to admire the cornucopia of
genuine Florida goodies is a right of passage for those that make the
trek from down the street or half way around the world.
The tropical fruit milkshakes, the flavored honeys, the incredible
selection of jams and jellies, the completely unique and original
sauces, the fresh produce, the most extensive selection of exotic fruits
and vegetables... is all here. Perhaps a bit overwhelming at first, take
your time browsing the shelves to appreciate the depth and breadth of
Robert’s copious offerings, then load up on all your favorites.
(9) Robert is still here... after more than 40 years at this location,
Robert continues to offer the finest collection of exotic fruit, specialties
and condiments in the known universe
below: out back of the fruit stand, Robert features his own little zoo of
sorts, including large amazon parrots, iguanas and tortoises
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Florida Pioneer Museum
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826 North Krome Drive, Homestead, FL 33030 Phone: 305-246-9531
Just north of the Farmer’s Market on Krome, an early 20th-century
East Coast Railway agent’s house features turn-of-the-century
memorabilia and fascinating records of pioneer life. There is also an
antique train car and a 100 year old train station in the rear.
The museum is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from
noon to 5pm.
Historic Redland Hotel
the (9) Florida Pioneer Museum includes a rail car and train station
South Flagler Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030 Phone: 305-246-1904
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When this property was built in 1904, Homestead was an
emerging settlement — a new frontier for farmers and adventurers.
The advent of the railroad, and later US1, caused a boom in the 1920s
until the dawn of the great depression in 1929.
This historic inn, recently awarded for the outstanding job of
restoring the property, offers all the charm and authentic atmosphere
of by-gone days and stands as a living archive of Homestead’s past.
The rooms are nicely appointed and the bar and reception area are
spacious and decorated appropriately in the pioneer period.
The restaurant is currently closed.
(10) the historic Redland Inn won awards for excellence in restoration
and features a wonderful historic theme atmosphere.
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Historic Downtown Homestead
Since 1913, Homestead has been the epicenter of rural life in
South Dade. In spite of a history of booms and busts, the area has
managed to retain all the rustic charm of centuries past in the Pioneer
Park section by Krome and Mowry.
The area is well known as a pedestrian friendly shopping zone
where antique dealers and boutiques are weaved among fine eateries,
specialty shops and art galleries. Several parks offer pleasant resting
places; cobblestone streets and crosswalks invite strolling around.
Within Pioneer Park on N. 2nd Street, a historic library building
dedicated to the memory of Ms. Lily Lawrence Bows offers a superb
example of century-old oolite rock construction, a stark contrast to
other homes in the newly modern neighborhood.
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Dining Suggestions
After a day of touring down south, consider mixing up the
itinerary with a visit to one of many great eateries in the area.
El Taco Toro may be the best, authentic Mexican restaurant in
historic Homestead, just one block west of the Redland Inn at the
corner of Mowry and Krome. You might be surprised to discover that
many patrons bring their own beer or liquor to this restaurant, which
is encouraged. Absolutely everything is superb. Try the piñada plate of
four great appetizers and the sumptuous chile relleño, or perhaps the
fajitas. For dessert, their favorite is tres leches cake. 1 South Krome,
Homestead, FL 33030. Phone: 305-245-8182.
Shivers BBQ restaurant has a long history of serving home-style
meals to regular folks. The Shiver family has roots in the community
more than a century old and they're still quite active in civic affairs.
The rustic old log cabin at SW 280th Street and US1 offers a great
catfish dinner, in addition to famous ribs, chicken and all the fixings.
28001 S Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL. 305-248-2272
At Black Point Marina (SW 87 Ave at 248 Street), the Pirates Den
waterfront restaurant offers live music on weekend evenings. They're
well known for their fresh gator tail, conch fritters, calamari, dolphin
nuggets and fried shrimp. The house specialty is Baked Dolphin
Parmesan. 24775 SW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33032. Phone: 305-2583918
Tiffany's Cottage Dining, located in the shade of two large
banyan trees, is a victorian style cottage restaurant. The specialty is
breakfast all week and brunch on the weekends. Lunches are also
served, featuring salads and sandwiches. The quiches and home-made
deserts are favorites. They're closed for dinner, but available for private
parties in the evenings. 22 N.E. 15th Street, Homestead, FL 33030.
Phone: 305-246-0022.
The Capri Restaurant has been serving locals with fine Italian
meals since the 1950s. From pizza and lasagna to mussels and
yellowtail snapper française, the fare here is consistent and moderately
priced. 935 N. Krome Avenue, Florida City, FL. Phone: 305-247-1544
The Keys Seafood Restaurant is located at the end of the
Turnpike, just south of Palm Avenue on US1 in Florida City. Here you'll
find great seafood fresh from the Florida Keys at reasonable prices. The
stone crabs, conch fritters, coconut shrimp, scallops and fried conch
are notable, but the standout items might be the lobster reuben, key
lime mahi and whiskey peppercorn snapper. Phone: 305-247-9456
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