Holiday Celebrations at Historic Deering Estate
/Although comparably new, South Florida really does have rich history. Some of it is right under our noses and the Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay is just waiting for you to discover it with open arms.
This gem 444-acre property at water’s edge just north of SW 168th Street is celebrated and protected. Longest serving Deering Estate Foundation Board Member Peter England explains, “The Deering Estate was rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew to its original glory. Today it stands as proud as a historic landmark, a park, a passive park, an artist colony, event venue and we have a prime archeological site holding remains that are more than 10,000-years old.”
The Deering brothers were early Miami settlers who brought with them a level of sophistication and culture. It was James Deering, who resided at Vizcaya (Museum & Gardens) and Charles Deering who lived at Deering Estate. Even though Vizcaya is more well known, Deering Estate certainly is no less important.
Every year, the Deering Estate hosts a huge number of events. The most famous is the Deering Seafood Festival that is open to the public. All these events are wonderful and bring culture and community closer together. They also cost money. Fundraising is required to fill in the gaps and the Foundation always finds a way to make fundraising fun.
On December 8th, the Deering Estate Foundation held its annual Mistletoe and Martinis fundraiser, a holiday event that brings out the best in our community. This year’s theme was Alice in Wonderland and it brought out around 500 people to celebrate and give cheer.
All dressed up for Wonderland at the Deering Estate
One of their artist-in-residence is renowned Cuban-American interior designer, Alfredo Brito. With more than 34 years of experience, with numerous honors and important awards, Brito turned the interiors of the historic Richmond Cottage and Brick House into jaw-dropping Wonderland holiday scenes.
The mostly outdoor event had local restaurants and specialty drinks serving their specialties to the event donors. Long-time vendor and Board member, Eric Haas had his famous Sports Grill sliders on hand and explained, “This event is about our Deering friends and our community. We welcome the public to enjoy this amazing Estate throughout the year, but tonight is cozier and more intimate, with our Deering family. The costumes, decorations, art, the food… you just can’t say enough about tonight!”
Pamela Mullins, Courtney Reeder and Walter Flores with Golden Rule Seafood
Golden Rule Seafood, one of the Deering Estate’s longest supporters, was there to serve their ceviche delicacy. They are deeply rooted with Deering Estate, having helped create and participate in each and every of the 17 Deering Seafood Festivals. The next is on April 24th, 2024.
Johnny Neill, owner of Whitley Neill Gin serving up their best
Johnny Neill, owner of Whitley Neill Gin, an 8th generation London distillery since 1762, was excited to be at the event, “This is our first time here and I’m loving it! This is a very friendly crowd at the stunning Deering Estate and we are honored to be here with our partners at Zyr Vodka.”
Zyr Vodka in the house with David Katz at the helm
The next-door Zyr Vodka station served up Moscow Mules and other vodka drinks. Company owner David Katz and his wife Lindsey are Palmetto Bay residents and love supporting the Deering Estate.
The impressive local vendor list included: True Food, Delicious Catering, Catering by Les, Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden, Platea, Rodbenders, SAWA, Divieto, Catalina’s Bake Shop, Joe’s Stone Crab, Popin’ Corn, Tipsee Chix Potions and Tikiz Shaved Ice.
No matter what you celebrate, I do wish you joy in this holiday season. I look forward to continuing to serve you up the best local stories, real estate news and highlight wonderful people in our community in 2024 and beyond.
