Moonlight Escapades
Everyone’s heard the phrase Moon Over Miami. The song was written in 1935, followed by a rag-tag 1941 musical comedy starring Betty Grable and Don Ameche. The moon is still rising over Miami on a regular basis, and women are still coming to town trying to snag rich husbands (the movie’s plot and the source of much general wackiness on the part of its characters).
Nowadays, however, the full moon inspires more than silly cat-and-mouse games of romance. Outdoor concerts, moonlight garden tours, bike rides and kayak and canoe trips are just a few of the ongoing events that happen when the moon is over Miami. Now that I’ve been to one, I can’t wait to go check out the others.
I spent a truly enjoyable evening under the stars at The Barnacle in Coconut Grove. The Barnacle holds the distinction of being the oldest Miami home still standing in the same location. Built in 1891, this lovely wooden house constructed by Commodore Ralph Munroe has withstood the test of time and is one of the city’s hidden gems. Thanks to a patch of native hammock buffering it from the hustle and bustle of downtown Coconut Grove, The Barnacle really feels like a place frozen in time. A gently sloping lawn stretches down toward the bay. The original boat house sits a few feet from the water’s edge. Nearby, a large pole barn gets used for old-fashioned square dances, which take place several times a year in an effort to re-create some of the Victorian-era fun of the Barnacle’s heyday.
This was my first Barnacle Under Moonlight concert. I watched crowds of locals toting beach chairs and picnic baskets to grassy spots on the lawn. The smart ones got there early and secured seats with decent views of the stage. I spread out my blanket, stretched my legs and got ready for the concert to start. A nice lady next to me offered a taste of her spiced pecans. I’d had no time to prepare my own picnic, so I gladly accepted. Officially, there is a no-alcohol rule in the park, but let’s just say I saw more than a few folks discreetly breaking the rules on this gorgeous starry night.
I sat back and enjoyed the breeze off the bay while the Alhambra Orchestra entertained the crowd with a lively selection of American show tunes and classical favorites. Back behind the stage, groups of kids ran around with glow sticks and chased each other on the grass. As night came on, everyone oohed and aahhed when they saw the rust-colored moon popping up through the banyan trees. This was the night of a lunar eclipse, so everyone made sure to watch the moon as it rose over Biscayne Bay, slowly losing the earth’s shadow and then glowing brightly over the water.
The crowd was happy, enjoying the perfect night and singing along to ‘My Favorite Things’ and ‘Edelweiss’ from the Sound of Music. Parents periodically vacated their lawn chairs to check on the kids playing on the back lawn. I made a mental note to bring some gourmet picnic food with me the next time around. The spiced pecans tided me over for a while, but I was craving a nice glass of Pinot Noir and some more substantial nibble food than the Snickers bar I grabbed on my way out the door.
The entire time I was at the concert, I had this giddy sort of vacation feeling. It was obvious – not for the first time – how truly magical Miami can be. This perfect moonlit night was mine to enjoy – the live music, a comfy blanket under the stars, a soft bay breeze and the pleasure of being in a big international city but sensing how it must have felt to have lived here a century ago.
MORE MOONLIGHT ADVENTURES
May 2
Barnacle Under Moonlight - Billington & Gonzalez
Concert featuring the classical guitar and flute of Billington & Gonzalez under the moonlit skies of South Florida. Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends. No pets or alcohol. Admission is $5; free for 9 and under. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/
May 2
Deering Estate - Moonlight Canoe Excursion
Canoeists will enjoy the moonlit beauty of Biscayne Bay as they make their way to Chicken Key Island. 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Note: Trips are weather-dependent. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (305) 235-1668, ext. 242 for reservations.
www.deeringestate.com
May 31
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Enjoy North Beach from a whole new perspective in a single or double kayak on the water. This evening adventure includes an Argentine-style parrillada after the tour. All credit cards accepted. Please call for reservations and departure times.
http://www.gonorthbeach.com/
October 26
Hunters Moon
See the stars at this family event, which features a campfire, tour of the park, music and refreshments. Bring your telescope and blanket. Admission $10; children under 12 are free. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
www.fruitandspicepark.org
Moonlight Garden Tours (will resume Fall 2007)
Explore Vizcaya’s breathtaking gardens under the full moon with Volunteer Guides answering your questions. Enjoy live music in the Courtyard of the main house. 6:30 p.m.
http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/
Nowadays, however, the full moon inspires more than silly cat-and-mouse games of romance. Outdoor concerts, moonlight garden tours, bike rides and kayak and canoe trips are just a few of the ongoing events that happen when the moon is over Miami. Now that I’ve been to one, I can’t wait to go check out the others.
I spent a truly enjoyable evening under the stars at The Barnacle in Coconut Grove. The Barnacle holds the distinction of being the oldest Miami home still standing in the same location. Built in 1891, this lovely wooden house constructed by Commodore Ralph Munroe has withstood the test of time and is one of the city’s hidden gems. Thanks to a patch of native hammock buffering it from the hustle and bustle of downtown Coconut Grove, The Barnacle really feels like a place frozen in time. A gently sloping lawn stretches down toward the bay. The original boat house sits a few feet from the water’s edge. Nearby, a large pole barn gets used for old-fashioned square dances, which take place several times a year in an effort to re-create some of the Victorian-era fun of the Barnacle’s heyday.
This was my first Barnacle Under Moonlight concert. I watched crowds of locals toting beach chairs and picnic baskets to grassy spots on the lawn. The smart ones got there early and secured seats with decent views of the stage. I spread out my blanket, stretched my legs and got ready for the concert to start. A nice lady next to me offered a taste of her spiced pecans. I’d had no time to prepare my own picnic, so I gladly accepted. Officially, there is a no-alcohol rule in the park, but let’s just say I saw more than a few folks discreetly breaking the rules on this gorgeous starry night.
I sat back and enjoyed the breeze off the bay while the Alhambra Orchestra entertained the crowd with a lively selection of American show tunes and classical favorites. Back behind the stage, groups of kids ran around with glow sticks and chased each other on the grass. As night came on, everyone oohed and aahhed when they saw the rust-colored moon popping up through the banyan trees. This was the night of a lunar eclipse, so everyone made sure to watch the moon as it rose over Biscayne Bay, slowly losing the earth’s shadow and then glowing brightly over the water.
The crowd was happy, enjoying the perfect night and singing along to ‘My Favorite Things’ and ‘Edelweiss’ from the Sound of Music. Parents periodically vacated their lawn chairs to check on the kids playing on the back lawn. I made a mental note to bring some gourmet picnic food with me the next time around. The spiced pecans tided me over for a while, but I was craving a nice glass of Pinot Noir and some more substantial nibble food than the Snickers bar I grabbed on my way out the door.
The entire time I was at the concert, I had this giddy sort of vacation feeling. It was obvious – not for the first time – how truly magical Miami can be. This perfect moonlit night was mine to enjoy – the live music, a comfy blanket under the stars, a soft bay breeze and the pleasure of being in a big international city but sensing how it must have felt to have lived here a century ago.
MORE MOONLIGHT ADVENTURES
May 2
Barnacle Under Moonlight - Billington & Gonzalez
Concert featuring the classical guitar and flute of Billington & Gonzalez under the moonlit skies of South Florida. Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends. No pets or alcohol. Admission is $5; free for 9 and under. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle/
May 2
Deering Estate - Moonlight Canoe Excursion
Canoeists will enjoy the moonlit beauty of Biscayne Bay as they make their way to Chicken Key Island. 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Note: Trips are weather-dependent. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call (305) 235-1668, ext. 242 for reservations.
www.deeringestate.com
May 31
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Enjoy North Beach from a whole new perspective in a single or double kayak on the water. This evening adventure includes an Argentine-style parrillada after the tour. All credit cards accepted. Please call for reservations and departure times.
http://www.gonorthbeach.com/
October 26
Hunters Moon
See the stars at this family event, which features a campfire, tour of the park, music and refreshments. Bring your telescope and blanket. Admission $10; children under 12 are free. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
www.fruitandspicepark.org
Moonlight Garden Tours (will resume Fall 2007)
Explore Vizcaya’s breathtaking gardens under the full moon with Volunteer Guides answering your questions. Enjoy live music in the Courtyard of the main house. 6:30 p.m.
http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/
posted by Carolyn Keating at
7:36 AM
|
1 comments
