The
Historic Wray Home
Back in the day Floyd and Jane Wray
had their weekend getaway home on the property. Built in the 1930s,
the house sits on the highest elevation known as Pine Island Hammock (a
hammock is an island of trees). The house was originally a summer home,
where Jane’s mother lived. The Wrays used this home as a getaway (their
primary residence was in Hollywood, only a two hour buggy ride
away) and frequently entertained guests here. Today, the home has been
turned into a museum portraying the history of the Everglades, the Seminole
Indians and Broward County.
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The inside of the house has some of the Wrays’ original furnishings and some artifacts that are authentic to the period have been added to replicate the décor of the times. The effect is very charming and lots of fun to see. The dining room furniture belonged to the Wrays and is in remarkably good condition.
In the kitchen is a stove that used kerosene fuel and an icebox that had a top compartment for a block of ice.A butter churn sits on top of the icebox. There was very little cooking done here because most of the food was barbecued in the big barbecue house built in the back.
There's a
sewing area, where Mrs. Wray made her clothes (alas! the Fashion Mall
had not yet been built). 
The
bedrooms are preserved in the simple style of the day and the house is
full of archival articles and history about the Wrays and Broward County.
It's a wonderful and interesting learning experience that really gives
visitors an insight of what old time Florida was like before high-rises
and strip malls dominated the landscape.
The Gift
Shop
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And
first but not least (and didn't make a mistake writing that) is the Nature’s
World Gift Store. I say first, because you have to actually
walk through the gift shop to get your tickets to enter the property.
Clever! And if you’re a Flamingo Fanatic and gift shop junkie like me,
you’ll be “oohing” and “ahhing” and reaching for your credit cards. To
their credit, the folks here have established a beautiful shop
with everything from children’s books to fruit shipping to a plethora
of very affordable to upper-end flamingo souvenirs. Tropical pattern teddy
bears, ceramic parrot vases are just a few of the many unusual items you’ll
find along with jewelry, tee-shirts, dresses and home accessories. Fruit
shipping is offered here too, and you can share the delicious Florida
citrus with friends and 
family
around the world.
All that
site seeing make you hungry? You're in luck. The food is great here, too.
We sampled the hamburger and fries (good lo’ American cuisine) at the
Gator Grill. The burgers were made fresh and were tasty and hot. The
menu also includes, salads, sandwiches, soft drinks and desserts. Service
was friendly and fast.
Flamingo
Gardens will leave you with a good feeling that will make you want to
come back again and again to enjoy the beauty, history and lushness of
this treasured tropical paradise.
Read about the recent Holdiay Crafts Fair >>
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There's
always something new and interesting going on at Flamingo Gardens, so
it's a good idea to check back frequently and find out what new events
are coming up. Below are some dates to make note of:
ADMISSION
Adults:
$12 - Children: $6 (Ages 4-11) - (Ages 3 and under free)
Senior (65+) Student AAA Member Armed Service Exceptions: 20% Off (with
ID)Tram
Tour: $3.00 Adults · $2.00 Children (4-11) · Ages 3 and
under FREE
Group Rates
and Discounts Available
HOURS:
OPEN 7 DAYS 9:30AM - 5:30PM
Closed Mondays June 1 - October 1
(954) 473-2955
For more information on Flamingo Gardens please visit their website Flamingo Gardens.