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Get the Feeling of the Latin Beat on your next Florida Key rental
They're back. They are those friendly colorful birds at Parrot Jungle, Miami's oldest attraction. The
natural theme park reopened in 2003 with paths through 20 acres of newly planted rain forest, gardens,
talking parrots, pink flamingoes, such tropical wildlife kinkajous, as well as reptiles, and exotic
insects. Animals and birds take to the stage for shows throughout the day. Stand still long enough to
have your photo snapped with a parrot walking on your head or an anaconda slithering across your shoulder.
The entire park - rain forest, boulders, birds and all - moved 15 minutes east of the airport to Watson
Island and is easily reached from I-95 by taking I-395 (MacArthur Causeway) toward Miami Beach on your
next Florida Key rental. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission ranges from $19 to $24, plus $6 for parking.
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail; 305-2-JUNGLE; www.parrotjungle.com.
Exercise your brain - in your next Florida Key rental make your
best moves on an interactive hands-on station at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Sidney Samole Chess Museum.
Located five minutes north of Metro zoo, the building looks like a castle and showcases rare chess sets,
trophies, chess art, books and memorabilia. There's even the original table and chairs on which Bobby
Fischer played Boris Spassky in Iceland in 1972 in one of the game's most historic matches. This year's
acquisitions include 15 chess sets dating from 1500 B.C. to A.D. 1700. Test your skills against other U.S.
Chess Federation members during chess tournaments held the second Sunday of every month. The museum is open
from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. No Florida Key rental is
complete without visiting these attractions. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. 13755 S.W. 119th
Ave.; 786-242-4255; www.excaliburelectronics.com/uschf.html
Commune with nature is mandatory in a Florida Key rental - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is 83 acres of
man-made lakes surrounded by tropical palms, native and rare fruit trees, vine-covered pergolas, cactus
gardens and plants from around the world. Narrated 40-minute tram tours - and guided walking tours from
November to April - provide a history and description of the lush plantings. Don't miss the orchids and
ferns in the Windows to the Tropics conservatory. The Jean duPont Shehan Visitor Center houses a gift shop,
bookstore and library. Plant society events, evening concerts and festivals are held throughout the year.
The garden and Garden Cafe, located 30 minutes south of downtown Miami in Coral Gables, are open daily from
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Make some time, in your next Florida Key rental, to pay a visit too. Admission
ranges from $5 to $10 or by donation on the first Wednesday of each month. 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral
Gables; 305-667-1651; www.fairchildgarden.org.
Miami's sub-tropical climate supports a wide variety of exotic plants. You can see, taste and learn about
more than 500 varieties of exotic and subtropical fruits, nuts, spices and herbs. Stroll the winding paths
of the 32-acre Fruit and Spice Park on your own or with a guide in your next Florida Key rental. There's
an original 1912 coral rock building and a small but comprehensive gift shop packed with cookbooks, plant
books, spices, seeds, and dried and canned fruits. Located in Homestead 45 minutes south of the Miami
airport, and 90 minutes from your Florida Key rental, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults and $1.50 for children. The park also presents weekend festivals and special
events. 24801 S.W. 187 Ave., Homestead; 305-247-5727; www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/parks/Parks/fruit_spice.htm.
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