William Brickell and his young wife Mary, moved to southern Florida from Cleveland in 1871. He opened a trading post and post office on the south bank of the Miami River near Fort Dallas. Business thrived and the Brickells acquired large plots of land stretching from Coconut Grove to the Miami River. Their neighbor Julia Tuttle, also originally from Cleveland, is often referred to as the "Mother of Miami." She too owned vast plots of land and managed to persuade Henry M. Flagler, the railroad and hotel resort magnate, to expand his railways to Florida.
The founding of the Florida East Coast Railway and the ensuing development of the area put Miami on the map. The Brickells as well as Julia Tuttle, contributed big parcels of their land to Flagler's enterprises. After the death of William, Mary Brickell became an accomplished business woman and one of the young city's first real estate developers and managers.
A few years ago, her name and entrepreneurial spirit were honoured by the construction of Mary Brickell Village, situated just south of downtown Miami at 900 South Miami Avenue. What makes the place special is that it's not just another small shopping mall, but the village atmosphere has been maintained and recreated. The efforts make for a very charming and cozy place with only a few excellent resturants, bars and upmarket retailers. It feels even more like an island from another time because of the impressive highrises of Miami's financial district which surround and cast their shadows over the place.
Shops and restaurants are grouped in a two story structure around pretty courtyards, decorated with fountains, benches and flowers. Restaurants include a Rosa Mexicana and an Oceanaire for excellent sea food. A great selection of Martinis can be enjoyed at Blue Martini and more and more retailers are being drawn to the mall, among them Humidor,Vertigo and Sowinsky Jewelers.
The arts are not neglected and are present in the form of Amparo Garzon's gallery, which invites to stay, enjoy a coffee and a chat as well as contemplate the latest creations of the Realismo Magico painter. She also exhibits other young South American painters, sculpturs and photographers whom she sponsors.
There is meter parking as well as valet parking available, but the village is also easy to reach without a car. The Metromover's 10th Street Station is just a few steps away. It's good to enjoy the place whilst it's still comparatively quiet and unknown and reminsce over a Martini about Miami's history and the enterprising Mary Brickell without whom it never would have happened.
Inka Piegsa-Quischotte - Since two years I am a full time travel and lifestyle writer and blogger. I published several articles and blogs on ...
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