Life in Coconut Grove - Day 150 - Miami Coconut Grove, FL

Except for four days in Miami Beach for the boat show, we have been at Coconut Grove since February 10.  That's a total of 14 days at the Grove Isle Marina.  Today, we signed up for an additional seven days, which will make stay in Coconut Grove a total of 21 days; the same amount of time we spent in Sarasota. 

Why you may ask?  The answers starts with Grove Isle, the nicest marina that we have visited to date.  The Grove Isle Marina is part of a gated community on an island on Biscayne Bay about 300 yards offshore.  It is reached by a bridge that leads to a security station staffed by people who are dead serious about security.  You cannot get on the island without a pass or authorization from a resident.  Everybody is photographed along with their vehicle.

Bridge as viewed from Grove Isle

Security station as viewed from the bridge

Grove Isle consists of three 18 story condominiums and a first class hotel.  The grounds are spectacular with a beautiful entry road, landscaped pathways, 12 tennis courts, a barbecue area, a beach and seating areas around the property.

Entry drive. The tennis courts are hidden on the lefthand side.

The Grove Isle Hotel and Spa includes a four star restaurant, spa, workout room, heated pool and seating areas.  Rooms cost around $400 per night.

Gibraltar Restaurant (note the fire pit)

Fire pit at the restaurant

Located about a mile north of Grove Isle and a quick dingy ride is the Fresh Market, a store that Whole Foods could learn a few things from.  The prepared foods are unbelievable.  Great selection and great recipes.  Note: They stopped me from taking photos.

Fresh Market has been the source of most of our meals and is a welcome change from eating in restaurants.

Then there's the town of Coconut Grove and its charming downtown.

The Cocowalk with a 12 screen theatre, restaurants and upscale shops

Johnny Rockets with outside seating and rock music

One of many restaurants with outdoor seating

Mayfair Hotel

And Kodi continues to make new friends.

Kodi charming three young ladies in the theatre lobby

And we continue to discover more history.  Yesterday, while walking downtown, we discovered The Barnacle, the oldest home in Dade County.  Today it's a historic park.

The Barnacle

View from the Barnacle looking out on Biscayne Bay

And, of course, the weather continues to be nothing short of spectacular.  Over 30 days of warm temperatures (80s during the day, 70s at night) and sunny skies.  We haven't seen rain since Key West.

Walks at night with Kodi are nothing short of magical.  From the beautifully lit walkway around the island we get a view of the downtown Miami high rises, Biscayne Bay, Key Biscayne and the high rises around downtown Coconut Grove.

Written by Les.