Finding Peace and Tranquility at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem in Homestead, Florida

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary  is a non-profit nature preserve located in the Redlands area of South Florida. This sanctuary covers 20 acres of land, and it is a beautiful example of the region's natural beauty. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other small animals. Visitors can explore the sanctuary's tropical hardwood hammocks, lush gardens, and historic structures, which offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.

One of the most unique aspects of Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is its focus on nature-based mindfulness experiences. The sanctuary offers a variety of programs and activities designed to help visitors connect with nature and find inner peace. These activities include guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and nature walks. Many visitors find that these activities help them to reduce stress, improve their mental and emotional well-being, and deepen their connection to the natural world.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary also hosts a variety of retreats, gatherings, and events throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty. The sanctuary is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, with its beautiful gardens and historic structures providing a picturesque backdrop for any event.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary also hosts a variety of retreats, gatherings, and events throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty. The sanctuary is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, with its beautiful gardens and historic structures providing a picturesque backdrop for any event.

As a non-profit organization, Patch of Heaven Sanctuary relies on donations and volunteers to maintain and improve the sanctuary. Visitors can support the sanctuary by making a donation, volunteering their time, or participating in one of the sanctuary's fundraising events. By doing so, they can help ensure that this beautiful and peaceful sanctuary remains a natural treasure for generations to come.

Address:

21900 SW 157th Avenue

Miami, FL 33170

Hours: Open to the public Wednesday - Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: 

Adults: $20

Children 12 and under: $10

 

Guided tours are by appointment only. Tours are $35 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

In addition to tours, the Sanctuary hosts special events throughout the year.

Enjoy you trip! 

            Sherri

Rip Van Winkle Gardens (Balinese Style) New Iberia, Louisiana

We stumbled upon this amazing place by accident. My Mother and I  were needing a place to stop and stretch on our way to Biloxi, Mississippi from Arkansas.

We were really excited to see that lodging was available in one of the garden cottages! We were lucky, considering they have limited lodging and it was so last minute!

The Rip Van Winkle Gardens is twenty-five acres of semitropical Balinese style paradise that surrounds the Joseph Jefferson Home. It is crazy how beautiful this tropical garden is in January. Can you imagine what it looks like in the summer!

The land sits atop a salt dome on Lake Peigneur in New Iberia, Louisiana.

The home was built in 1870 by Joseph Jefferson as his winter home.

In 1905, the home and land was sold to John Lyle Bayless, Sr. After the death of John Bayless, his son Jack developed Rip Van Winkle Gardens around the historic home in the late 1950's.

He later donated the home and surrounding land to a private operating foundation and built himself a new home by the lake.

On November 20, 1980 a drilling accident involving the salt mine caused a whirlpool effect pulling some of the Rip Van Winkle garden area and Jacks new house into the mine.

The top of the chimney in the lake is the only visible remains of Jack’s new home. The damage to the Rip van Winkle place had been restored.

The beautiful gates lead up to the Joseph Jefferson House. The cottages are on the right at the end of the drive.

If you stay in one of the cottages, the whole place is yours to enjoy alone after they close at 5 pm.

We walked along the shore of the lake and watched an amazing sunset before returning to our cottage for the night. This is truly a unique place to stay!

Planning your visit:

1. Make reservation well in advance if you want lodging. They only have three cottages to stay in at the gardens.
2. The best thing about staying in one of the cottages is that you have to grounds to yourself after it closes to the public!
3. Go in the spring, summer, or fall time. Although it is beautiful in the winter, there are a lot of bare spots.
4. Be sure and take the tour of the Joseph Jefferson House. It is very interesting! (The tour is free with lodging)
5. Check out their web site here.

Happy Travels!