Redland, White, and Blue

It’s easy to miss Redland. Actually, it’s harder to find, even for lifelong Miamians (unless you’re on your way to the Keys without a Tom Tom, take an errant right turn off U.S.1, drive absentmindedly for miles, and stumble across it). Redland is one of South Florida’s last remaining agricultural communities and probably it’s oldest. But if you haven’t yet been to our rural utopia, gotten lost in its groves and plantations, seen horses and other saddled animals on cement roads, and wondered who lives out there — there is a perfect excuse to put aside your city-slick ways. The Redland Heritage Festival will celebrates its 35th year in existence this Saturday and Sunday. The festival highlights the area’s pioneer spirit, and will feature over 20 vendors selling native plants and tropical fruits, and traditional arts and crafts created in Redland. There will also be performances by local musicians, and a live animal show by Natural Selections of South Florida, which focuses on the region’s slimy reptiles. The festival takes place at the Fruit and Spice Park, a destination in itself with 500 varieties of sub-tropical fruits, herbs, spices, vegetables, and nuts that are grown on 39 acres.
Sat., Jan. 15, 10 a.m., 2011