Stiltsville – Over the Waves and Only in Miami

Renegade, rogue and colorful, Stiltsville was the kind of place that operated just outside of civilization, the grasp of the authorities and the law, and conjured up notions of either illicit fun or illegal debaucheries, depending on your viewpoint. Its very existence is remarkable, considering that the structures sit just above the ocean waves anchored in a sandbar on either wooden stilts or concrete pilings. Located one mile off Cape Florida amongst sand banks on the edge of Biscayne Bay, the beginnings of the village are shrouded in mystery. Some authorities believe the first structure was built in the 1930’s while others say there were structures there 10 years before during the roaring 20’s. The first recorded shack was built by “Crawfish” Eddie Walker on stilts towards the end of prohibition sometime around 1933. Two of Eddie’s fishing buddies built another shack and then, others followed and a “shack village” sprang up over the waves. The first social club, the Calvert Club was built in the late 1930’s and was soon followed by others including the Quarterdeck Club whose membership cost $150 by invitation only and became one of the most popular spots in Miami. Described as a “play palace,” the club hosted many celebrities. Rumors of gambling led authorities to conduct a raid in 1949, however nothing was uncovered. More and more structures were added, including a 150-foot yacht named Jeff which was provided free drinks to women in bikinis and became known as The Bikini Club in the 1960s. It was established and run by a local businessman and scam artist named Harry Churchman, also known as

“Pierre.” The staterooms could be rented and there was even a sundeck for nude sunbathing. In 1965, it was closed after a raid by the Florida Beverage Commission found they were selling liquor without a license.

After decades battling both the authorities, hurricanes and fires, by 2003, there were only 7 structures remaining and efforts to save them because of their uniqueness and varying architectural styles were undertaken by the establishment of the Stiltsville Trust through an agreement with the National Park Service (to which the bottom land on which they rest was deeded as part of Biscayne National Park in 1985). For more information, go to stiltsvilletrust.org.

HOW ABOUT A VISIT to the most southern winery in the United States and trying their signature avocado wine? Yes, wine from avocados. Located in Homestead, Florida, the Schnebly-Redland’s winery, the southernmost winery in the United States, produces a line of exotic tropical fruit wines, which seems exceptionally appropriate given their magical tropical venue. Their wines include vintages made from mango, passionfruit, lychee, coconut and, very uniquely, avocado. And the setting is exquisite and second to none, like a paradise vacation, featuring lush jungle atmosphere and waterfalls while you enjoy a taste of Miami in tiki huts. You can enjoy live music, farm to table food wine and most importantly tropical wine tastings. You can even rent out their private Oasis for your events, which includes overnight accommodations for up to 18 guests. For more information or to book your event, check them out at Schneblywinery.com