It’s so funny how sometimes the most beautiful things are hidden in the most unexpected places. During a recent trip to Miami, I was introduced to Cauley Square, a little-hidden gem in South Miami.

According to Wikipedia, Cauley Square Historic Village is one of most notable spots that built up along one of the stops on the Florida East Coast Railroad.

I’m told that in the spring, these wire figures are flush with flowers – our visit was in the early weeks on January, so many of the spring flowers were still hiding in the warmth of the soil.

As you walk along this hidden side street, there are a few quaint shops, restaurants and gardens. Below is a delightful florist which tucks right into the lush background.

These images from the outside wall of the Cauley Square Tea Room. Here they serve afternoon tea and little treats in fancy plates A very delightful experience I’m sure. Sadly, I visited on a Monday and all of the shops and restaurants were closed.

On the bright side, because everything was closed, I was able to get some really great photos of the figures and surrounding gardens without obstruction. 🙂

The elephant ears are beautiful, growing up I had a HUGE bunch of elephant ears growing in my backyard. I always felt so small under that bunch of leaves; I imagined myself surrounded by actual elephants. Oh, the imagination of a child.

I find release in the beauty of my surroundings, the colors are like therapy. Something about walking around these gardens with all the natural beauty, it makes me feel calm and peaceful. It’s like nothing else in the world matters, all of my responsibilities and deadlines fade away allowing me to be completely absorbed in the moment.

Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani

This delightful fountain reminded me of the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Spiders are a interesting creatures and their webs are structural marvels; something so small, offering a near perfect combination of strength and beauty, function and form.

Banyan Trees are pretty cool, not only to their roots grow from the branches, but they are the monsters of the forest, completely growing over trees in the way of their light source. They remind me of these walking trees I saw in Panama. According to the guide, the walking trees can travel up to 20 meters(!) in order to take up an open space in the canopy.

The competition for light is fierce!

So what little gems have you found recently? What spaces give you a sense of calm and joy?