When Solomon Merrick moved his family from New England to a plot of land southwest of Miami in 1898, he had no idea that his son, George, would become the founder of one of America's most fabled cities. When the senior Merrick died in 1911, George, who was working in New York, returned to the Miami area, establishing a major citrus and produce farm on his family's land. Then he entered the booming Miami real estate market of the early 1920s, finally embarking on the building of a city. The story of Coral Gables is also the story of George Merrick, and the photographs in this volume evoke poignant memories of the City Beautiful's storied past. Images in this book include views of early Coral Way and Miracle Mile, Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the Coliseum, beloved restaurants and clubs, the Venetian Pool, the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables High School, the trolleys, the University of Miami, and some of the people who brought Coral Gables to life and helped make it a great city. When Solomon Merrick moved his family from New England to a plot of land southwest of Miami in 1898, he had no idea that his son, George, would become the founder of one of America's most fabled cities. When the senior Merrick died in 1911, George, who was working in New York, returned to the Miami area, establishing a major citrus and produce farm on his family's land. Then he entered the booming Miami real estate market of the early 1920s, finally embarking on the building of a city. The story of Coral Gables is also the story of George Merrick, and the photographs in this volume evoke poignant memories of the City Beautiful's storied past. Images in this book include views of early Coral Way and Miracle Mile, Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the Coliseum, beloved restaurants and clubs, the Venetian Pool, the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables High School, the trolleys, the University of Miami, and some of the people who brought Coral Gables to life and helped make it a great city.

The story of developers selling off the Sunshine State is as old as the first railroad tracks laid across the peninsula. But seldom do we hear about the men who actually built a better Florida. In George Merrick, Son of the South Wind, South Florida historian Arva Moore Parks recounts George Merrick's quest to distinguish himself from the legions of developers who sought only profit. Helping to create the land boom of the 1920s, Merrick transformed his family's citrus grove just outside of Miami into one of the finest planned communities: the "master suburb" of Coral Gables. With a team of architects and city planners, he built homes for the growing middle class in the Mediterranean Style using local stone, and he invested in public infrastructure by designing and building parks and pools, trolley lines and waterways. He pledged land for a library and the university that would become the University of Miami. Hailed in national publications as a visionary, Merrick was green before green, a New Urbanist before the movement even had a name. As Coral Gables and Merrick prospered, he reinvested in education, affordable housing, and other progressive causes. But the Great Depression ravaged Miami, and Merrick's idealism cost him his fortune. He died with an estate worth less than $400. With unprecedented access to the Merrick family and mining a treasure trove of Merrick’s personal letters, documents, speeches, and manuscripts, Parks presents the remarkable story of George Merrick and the development of one of the nation’s most iconic planned cities.

A guide to traveling in Miami and the Florida Keys that provides information on the region's historical landmarks, popular attractions, nightlife, restaurants, hotels, shops, and activities, with detailed maps and complete walking and driving tours.

A guide to traveling in Miami and the Florida Keys that provides information on the region's historical landmarks, popular attractions, nightlife, restaurants, hotels, shops, and activities, with detailed maps and complete walking and driving tours.

Welcome to the Sunshine State! Millions of people from around the world visit Florida each year, and it's not hard to see why. From its magical theme parks and nature trails to sun-kissed beaches and sizzling nightlife - Florida has got it all! Whatever your dream trip to Florida includes, this travel guide has got you covered. Take the new lightweight Florida travel book wherever you go. Inside the pages of DK Eyewitness Florida, you'll find: - Our pick of Florida's must-sees, top experiences and hidden gems. - The best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay. - Detailed maps and walks to make navigating the state easy.Easy-to-follow itineraries. - Expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe. - Color-coded chapters to every part of Florida, from the Gold Coast to the Gulf Coast, Orlando to the Florida Keys. Get ready to discover the best of Florida - your journey starts now! Visit the Mission Control Room at the Kennedy Space Center, take an airboat ride in the swamps of the Everglades and see gators in action. Discover the historic Coral Gables and the laid-back islands of the Keys. This guide to Florida will ensure your trip is unforgettable! See Florida come to life in spectacular detail with photographs on practically every page and hand-drawn illustrations that place you inside the state's iconic buildings and neighborhoods. From the historic towns of the northern Panhandle to the food, culture and nightlife of urban chic Miami, this guidebook breaks up Florida into easily navigable adventures, with expert local knowledge, trusted travel advice and comprehensive maps. More journeys to take! DK Eyewitness is the most up-to-date travel guide series following the COVID-19 outbreak. Each guide includes expert-led insights into the world's most famous countries and cities, things to do, and places to stay. Want the best of Miami in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Miami and the Keys.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Florida will lead you straight to the best attractions the Sunshine State has to offer. Explore the state's history, architecture, wildlife, beaches, and scenic walks. This in-depth guidebook covers all the major cities and sights, from Miami Beach and the Florida Keys to the Everglades, the Gulf Coast, and more. It provides the insider travel tips you need, whether you are making the most of the nightlife or discovering historic towns. Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Florida. + Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. + Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights. + Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums. + Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. + Area maps marked with sights and restaurants. + Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. + Suggested day trips and itineraries to explore beyond the cities and towns. + Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Florida truly shows you this state as no one else can.