The ideal location of East Ridge at Cutler Bay makes day tripping easy for residents.
Each month, group outings are organized by the life plan community’s Lifestyle Department. Residents visit some of South Florida’s treasures. Driving, getting lost or parking are eliminated as the community’s transportation services are provided.
Many favorite attractions enjoyed by East Ridge residents are nearly right around the corner. Here are a few of area’s opportunities that East Ridge residents visit:
ZooMiami—It’s always fun to see ZooMiami, www.zoomiami.org This wonderful zoo has 2,000 wildlife exhibits and 1,200 plants viewed from walkways. Several East Ridge residents are loyal volunteers at Zoo Miami and enjoying welcoming their neighbors. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is next door to the zoo and a restored train depot welcomes visitors who enjoy railroad age exhibits.
Knaus Berry Farm—Located in Homestead, Knaus Berry Farm knausberryfarm.com is only open from November through April to coincide with the Redland’s area growing season. Formerly, a small family operated roadside market, today Knaus Berry Farm is a favorite destination. It’s known for delicious homemade pies, ice cream and cinnamon rolls. Residents love visiting Knaus for fresh vegetables and strawberry shakes and its tranquil setting.
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center–While East Ridge has its Lifestyle Center and professional auditorium, the nearby South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center www.mosscenter.org also offers wonderful cultural events. There is an excellent calendar of cultural events including theater, dance and music throughout the season.
Monkey Jungle–For zoo-lovers, Monkey Jungle, www.monkeyjungle.com offers the unusual experience of walking in human cages through a 30-acre home while above and around you, more than 400 primates run free.
Biltmore Hotel—One may not consider the Biltmore Hotel www.biltmorehotel.com a destination, but this famed historic hotel offers free Sunday tours of its grounds to relive Florida in the 20’s and hear stories about the “City Beautiful.” This is South Florida’s only hotel that is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
As soon as the weather cools, the proximity of national parks to East Ridge is also enjoyed by residents. The Homestead Visitor Center for Everglades National Park www.nps.gov/ever is only 30 minutes away from East Ridge. Everglades National Park spans across 1.5 million acres. Visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities including tram and boat tours and ranger led programs. Biscayne National Park www.nps.gov/bisc is close as well. This park protects one the most extensive coral reef tracts in the world; the longest stretch of mangrove forest on the east coast; clear, shallow waters of Biscayne Bay; the northern most Florida Keys and 10,000 years of human history. East Ridge residents enjoy park outings and usually take a picnic lunch sent along by the East Ridge’s chefs.
Key Largo & Islamorada—Residents enjoy the proximity to the Florida Keys for day tripping. It’s a short drive south to Key Largo, uppermost in the island chain, where bike trails parallel Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad bridges, historically documented at the Pigeon Key museum. They also may head to Islamorada’s and may visit an interactive marine show at Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea. They usually have lunch along the way at many of the restaurants known for fresh seafood, conch chowder and genuine key lime pie.
Location is always cited as a reason when selecting a retirement residence,” said Pamela Mills, Sales and Marketing Director for East Ridge. “People often prefer living in areas where they know. One of the many advantages of South Florida is there are endless opportunities for exploring that are perfect for all ages. It’s fun being a tourist seeing what we have available that people come from across the globe to visit.”