Photo by Wes Skiles
Winter in South Florida is blessed with walks on the beach, and the occasional dip in the ocean, but springtime begs for roadtrips up the center of peninsula in search of swimming holes, and farm-fresh produce. Here are a few of our favorites spots:
- Wakulla Springs, near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world.
- Silver Glen Springs; located in Ocala National Forest, the drop-dead gorgeous surroundings and crystal clear water will blow you away.
- Juniper Springs features sparkling water under palms and oaks in the Ocala National Forest.
- Wekiwa Springs: The springs at this 7,000-acre park 20 minutes north of Orlando are so popular they often have to turn people away on the weekends.
- Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can legally get up close and personal with our aquatic sweethearts, the manatees.
So whether you're home shopping in Miami Beach, or taking a break from spring cleaning to put your current home on the market, consider plugging one or more of these into your GPS, or better yet, pull out that old map, and discover Florida.
And keep in mind, Miami is breaking its record of almost 13,000 houses sold in 2015, says the Miami Board of Realtors. That's about 21 homes sold per day, one per hour. Now is a good time to buy and sell.
Here are our top picks for the month of April:
CONDO: Exceptional tree-top retreat...
Architectural Digest meets Coastal Living. Exceptional tree top retreat. If a unique home is your desire this remarkable residence in the Helen Mar, the Grande Dame of Deco Buildings, will satisfy. No detail has been overlooked in this light filled 1 bedroom/2 bath + den. Designer fixtures & appliances throughout. Custom concrete floors. 10' ceilings. Artfully designed to be sympathetic to the original era and still include all the modern world requires. An exceptional apartment in an exquisite location.
Ask: $499,000. Click here for photos and more details
CONDO: The Bentley Bay...
Live at the luxurious Bentley Bay. 1 + Den. Unique and rare floor plan. Lowest priced unit in the building. Unit features expansive oversized private balcony with direct bay views, 987 SqFt living space with walk in closets, full size washer /dryer. Sp a-like master bath suite. Subzero & Miele Appliances, Marble tile throughout, comes turn-key and tastefully furnished with relaxing design elements. Full-service building features gym, pool, spa, sauna, steam room, valet & more.
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Ask: $700,000. Click here for photos and more details
CONDO: SoBe townhouse...
Very rare 3 bedroom townhouse condo in South Beach the perfect art deco renovation, 2 apts combined into one, ample street parking. Hurricane impact windows. Perfect for a family, bachelor or couple. Washer/dryer in unit.
Murano Grande is one of the finest, full service, white glove buildings in the posh South of Fifth neighborhood. The resort-style amenities include concierge services, gym, spa, fantastic bay front pool, restaurant, and tennis courts. Residence 1905 is a beautifully maintained 2 beds 2 baths, with clean lines, lots of light, and a terrace with sensational views of South Beach and the ocean. To top it all off, you can walk to the hottest restaurants, the marina, South Pointe Park and the beach.
CONDO: Golf course views...
11.5 foot ceilings & floor-to-ceiling windows transform this 2bd/2+1ba condo into a contemporary loft accented by wide open views of the Miami Beach Golf Course & Miami skyline. This luxurious apartment in the heart of SOBE features bamboo hardwood floors, open floorplan ideal for entertaining, newly renovated Ann Sacks baths & lush wraparound balcony. Full service boutique building w/24hr doorman, security, rooftop pool, gym & Zen garden. Walking distance to the Beach & all that Lincoln Road has to offer.
Ask: $1,500,000. Click here for photos and more details
HOME: Waterfront Mediterranean...
Spectacular new Mediterranean waterfront home, completely rebuilt from top to bottom. Features elegant foyer, living/dining room with wide bay views, state-of-the-art kitchen, soaring ceilings, fine marble and Brazilian wood floors throughout, onyx bathro oms, master suite plus veranda on the second floor with the most amazing bay views, stunning patio area with huge pool and large dock.
