Traverse West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach and just after the bend in the road, there’s a hidden gem where gardens, statues and and gorgeous open-air courtyard of this historic building are enough to get anyone’s creative juices flowing.
It’s the Ancient Spanish Monastery which was dismantled stone by stone in 1925, transported to the United States then re-constructed at its current location in 1952.
The result is a gorgeous, inspiring location filled with statue-filled manicured garden pathways with benches for reflecting, writing, drawing or painting. The open-air courtyard with flowing fountains, stately columns and welcoming archways are perfect for meandering through. The grounds easily transport visitors to old-world Spain, so much so if you sit quietly, the once-inhabiting monks’ presence can almost be felt.
The Ancient Spanish Monastery is located at 16711 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach. (305) 945-1461, www.spanishmonastery.com