Eucalyptus Gardens, 2430 NE 13th Ave. Wilton Manors, FL 33305
It’s a garden oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Miami and Fort Lauderdale life. Eucalyptus Gardens is a heavenly piece of sprawling property (a few acres, I think) dedicated to making life a little bit better. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived; but once there, I never wanted to leave. It was relaxing, refreshing, charming, enchanting…believe me, I could go on and on with the adjectives.
There are six little shops that make up the gardens and there’s definitely something for everyone. “The Alchemist,” a hip, groovy little coffee shop, makes the best cup of Joe (butter included) that I’ve ever tasted. The “Seed of Life Bistro” makes eating healthy a pleasure, not a pain in the you-know-what, and you won’t be able to have just one sweet treat at “New Day Desserts,” because everything is ridiculously delicious.
I completely adored “Chateau D’vine,” where wine and exceptionally fresh and creative cocktails are the mainstay. I’m particularly found of their Lychee Martini. I lingered a lot at this little lounge, chatting up the owner and her right-hand man (they’re both lively, affable and great conversationalists.) I also hung out with a few new friends and my crew on the perfect gazebo-like patio. We all watched the sun go down, laughed, talked and enjoyed the crisp, fresh air.
If you’re the type of person who wants to know exactly what you’re putting in your body, “The Farm Store” is for you: with organic and homegrown fruits, veggies and products, it supports local farmers and even offers up the yummiest of homemade health juices.
A few paces from the Farmers Market is “Zen Orchids,” where I found a cute little cactus. It reminded me of my beloved hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, so I snatched it up for a mere five dollars. They also sell plants, flowers and Buddha figurines.
The genius behind Eucalyptus Gardens is Deanna Allen, a lovely human being who cares about people and wants them to find peace and happiness in this chaotic world and, at the same time, support small business owners. I talked with her a lot while hanging out in the gardens and she’s not only artistic, she’s inspirational and kind, too. Her project, to bring community and like minded individuals together, is a beautiful blessing that I hope you’ll find the time to try and enjoy.
North of Fort Lauderdale in the quaint little city of Wilton Manors (which is in Broward County.) Not only does the area boast tons of funky shops and cool restaurants, it’s also been dubbed the “Second Gayest City” in the United States. It’s a progressive place to live, work and play; with an amazingly entrepreneurial and community-minded population.
Eucalyptus Gardens is a few blocks off of North Federal Highway and about a mile away from the city’s famed Wilton Drive. They have complimentary valet and open lot parking. Take practical shoes; I made my way around in my last season Miu Miu’s, but I recommend something a little more practical.
The Alchemist: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-6pm
New Day Desserts: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-9pm, Sunday 11:30am-6pm
Seed of Life Bistro: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm, Sunday 11:30pm-6pm
Chateau D’vine: Tuesday-Wednesday 4pm-12am, Thur-Sat 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-8pm
The Farm Store: Tuesday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Zen Orchids: Thursday-Sunday 10am-6pm
www.eucalyptus-gardens.com
IG: @Eucalyptus_Gardens
Twitter: @eucalyptusrain
FB: Eucalyptus Gardens (Farmers Market, Coffee Shop & Vegan Restaurant)
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