A bike tour through Grove history

Last Saturday a group when on a bike trip through the Grove to learn about the history and vegetation of the Grove. The tour was guided by Frank W. Schena, Urban Naturalist from Royal Palm Tours of Miami. The weather sunny covered by clear clouds mixed cool winds.

The tour began at Peacock Park at the site of the Bay View Inn (1882) later its name was changed to The Peacock Inn. Coconut Grove roots date back to 1870 with approximately 82 residents. 

Everyone was fascinated to learn the past history of the Grove and about its vast sub-tropical vegetation. The majority of the riders were not from the Grove. Rafael Gutierrez, Coconut Grove artist and realtor was the only Grove resident present.

The story was told about the shocking news Northerners “bird nesters” heard when they returned to Coconut Grove for their winter stay about how “their town” had being absorbed by the City of Miami over the summer in 1925.

Most riders asked isn’t Coconut Grove its own city. The tour guide asked Rafael for an answer, he said, “The entire group of registered voters in the City of Miami will need to approved the separation through a ballot, that’s not going to happen.” Riding through the trail of vegetation at the Barnacle is breath taking; at the start it gives the feeling one is about to embark on a long trail, but it's actually short. The trip ended at the The Kampong, the former home of Dr. David Fairchild and currently home to many native and non-native plans.
The Coconut Grove Bike Tours take place every couple of weeks on a Saturday morning, details here.

Story and photos by Rafael Gutierrez