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The Little Gift Shop & Café

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Photo by Kevin Miller

Bonnet House has an ultimate goal of ensuring our guests the “Ultimate Guest Experience.”  Like any business, our goal is to offer our guests an experience that they will remember and talk about while making wonderful memories which will put a smile on their faces long after they leave us when reflecting their visit at Bonnet House.

When calculating what will make Bonnet House fulfil this objective, it was simple, seize all five senses of the human configuration. Address each sense with a commitment of achieving total customer satisfaction. I would like to think we are there or extremely close.

There are five human senses that were needed to be addressed: Touch – Sight – Hearing – Smell – Taste. First, touch – running your hands over the railing of Welcome Center Bridge anticipating a pleasant experience that welcomes you to the second sense of sight, the beautiful Bonnet House complimented by its orchids and natural gardens. The tour through the home communicates the story and history of the home embracing the sense of hearing. After the tour, a tram ride that greets you to the sense of sight and also smell, enjoying the natural ambiance of the property.  These are four senses which leads us to the last, taste.

Bonnet House proudly presents The Little Café, sense number five, taste.  After many years of discussions and plans that were put aside due to lack of funds, The Little Café is now a reality thanks to so many generous supporters. 

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 was our official opening day. We listened to our guests’ request for food and now our guests can enjoy a diverse menu which will appeal to those very hungry or to those who just wish to enjoy something light.  Either way, we will deliver.  Our menu ranges from breakfast muffins to lunch sandwiches, wraps, tuna and chicken salad with crackers including fresh fruit to mention a few items.  Let us not forget our ice cream, Fruitique, which proved itself to be a success. Our guests convene on our new patio under our blue and yellow umbrellas enjoying the many fruit flavors we have to offer.  The ambience is so peaceful and relaxing, come join us for breakfast, snacks and/or lunch.

Bonnet House is very excited about this new venture.  Please join us for a bite, we welcome our guests, members and volunteers to come and enjoy a peaceful lunch surrounded by the splendor of Bonnet House.

Accompanying the café, an orchid sales area presenting potted orchids are for sale. Not only can you tour, shop and eat you can pick an orchid display to take home and enjoy.

Let us not forget the gift shop.  Every day we are welcoming new inventory. Stop by and take a look, you will be pleasantly surprised of the diverse inventory all complimenting Bonnet House’s history. We have been mentioned on Trip Advisor by our guests very favorably as being eclectic and affordable, something for everyone.

We at Bonnet House are so proud of the transformation of the gift shop and the new addition of our café and orchid shop. Thank you to everyone who supported both financially and emotionally to this success.

Bonnet House Hosts New Workshops For 2019

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As the new year gets into full gear, Bonnet House is excited to begin our 2019 workshops! Join us for our watercolor, calligraphy, watercolor, basket weaving, and acrylic workshops, and expand your knowledge like you never thought possible.

Beginning on January 8th, Bonnet House will be hosting a workshop designed to help you perfect the art of calligraphy. This workshop will start with the basics, and become more complex as the weeks progress. These classes can be enjoyed by any skill-level, and are perfect for improving penmanship. To learn more and register, click here.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is also thrilled to have fine artist and watercolorist, Karen Eskesen, teach our six week watercolor workshop. By drawing inspiration from our beautiful estate and lush garden, you’ll learn how to master the traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing. To learn more and register for this workshop, visit this link.

On Wednesday, January 30th, Bonnet House will host a basket weaving workshop where guests will have the opportunity to create an artistic basket from natural minerals found locally. This fun-filled day will include an introduction to basketry and a walk around the property to identify the materials used. To learn more about this workshop and register, click here.

Also beginning in January, fine artist, Nia Nakis will be teaching a six-week acrylic workshop. This workshop includes basic principles of acrylic painting and time to paint in the gardens. This class is currently full, so if you have interest in any of our other 2019 workshops, be sure to sign up as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out!

Bonnet House is incredibly proud to host so many wonderful workshops. We are passionate about educating the local community, and ensuring that the beauty of Bonnet House is preserved and appreciated for generations to come. If you’d like to sign up for any of these events, but aren’t sure which one is right for you, check out our events calendar , and explore all the exciting classes and workshops we have to offer this year!

Bonnet House Starts 2019 With Exciting Concert Series

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The new year is officially upon us, and that means Bonnet House will be hosting a new set of concert series to kick off 2019! Beginning in January, Bonnet House is proud to present “Concerts Under The Stars” and “Veranda Sessions.” Both concert series will be sure to bring joy and positivity to all as we start 2019.

The concerts will start on Thursday, January 17th with the first concert in our popular “Concerts Under The Stars” series on our beautiful veranda. Don’t miss out on the finest musicians in South Florida as they showcase their unique talents under the starry skies of South Florida. Initially conceived as a community outreach program, this concert series has blossomed into one of Bonnet House’s most anticipated, successful, and treasured programs over the last 23 years.

Our series will begin with a dazzling performance by the University of Miami Frost Opera Theater from 6:30-8:00pm. The season will continue through the winter and spring with presentations on February 21st by the Michael Masci Trio, followed by the Lynn University String Quartet on March 14th, and culminates with a performance by the Dillard Jazz Ensemble on April 4th. Individual tickets for the concerts start at $40 per performance for members and $45 for non-members. Wine and cheese will also be included in the price of admission.

On the evening of Thursday, February 7th, Bonnet house will begin hosting “The Veranda Sessions,” a raw, creative musical experience on the Bonnet House Veranda. In this first session, guests will enjoy the unique musical stylings of SOSOS . Displaying a diverse balance of talent and brewing up catchy tunes, SOSOS captivates audiences with their smart melodies and lush vocal harmonies. Basing most of their music around acoustic root instruments, SOSOS strays from the usual and generates their own brand of energy that our guests are sure to enjoy.

The Veranda Sessions continue on March 28th with the Daniel Bennett Group, New York’s avant garde jazz trio. World-renowned Saxophonist Daniel Bennett has been hailed as one of the most original and unpredictable musical voices of his generation, and has performed his
award-winning compositions across the globe. But it’s not just jazz that the Daniel Bennett Group has perfected. By attending Bonnet House’s Veranda Sessions, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of modern jazz, fused with elements of surf rock and avant-pop. Both sessions take place from 6:30-9:30pm and include complimentary wine and beer. Tickets are $30 per concert.

Bonnet House is incredibly proud to host such extraordinarily talented groups and individuals. We encourage any and all interested persons to attend these concert series, and experience what has been called “quite possibly the best entertainment deal in town.” To see our calendar of events and to purchase tickets to our concert series, click here .

Enriching Outdoor Educational Programs For Students At Bonnet House

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Over the years, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens has been dedicated to preserving Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett’s unique historic estate. Through enjoyable and enriching cultural experiences, our aim has always been to connect today’s community with the Bartletts’ architectural, artistic, and environmental legacy. Part of preserving and propagating this legacy involves creating enjoyable learning opportunities for individuals of all ages.

While Bonnet House offers tours and classes geared towards the needs and interests of most adults, we also offer a variety of educational programs for children and young adults. At Bonnet House, we are committed to helping children and young adults learn and grow throughout the school year. Because of this passion, we have created 5 interdisciplinary community-based programs designed to enrich classroom curriculum, meet Florida core standards, reinforce character education and offer FCAT activities. All of the programs offered at Bonnet House are tailored to various grade levels and interests to ensure that students of all ages can benefit.

For arts and history, Bonnet House offers a variety of programs designed to acquaint students with the ecology, history, design and preservation of the Bonnet House estate. “Images And Impressions of The Bonnet House,” “An Old South Florida Portrait,” and “Time Travel At Bonnet House – A Multicultural Past” teach students about the various cultures and individuals that impacted Bonnet House and its grounds over the years. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the ecology, math, and the importance of preserving the natural environment. To register for any of these classes, click here

To cover science and mathematics, Bonnet House offers plenty of hands-on activities that are designed to enhance students’ learning by applying math and science concepts to real-world situations. “Birch Bonnet Barrier Island Beat About,” “An Eco Here And An Eco There,” and “The Last Egret” will bring students’ textbooks to life through the observation of various native and exotic species, discussions of environmental issues and participation in hands-on activities and experiments. Each tour will also include important information about the historical and cultural importance of the estate. To register for any of these classes, click here.

Bonnet House allows a maximum of 60 students per day, but multiple days can be booked throughout the school year. Fees are due before or on the day of the program (in the form of a check or cash). Bonnet House requires the classroom teachers to be present, and we would prefer there to be one chaperone for every ten students. If you’re interested in scheduling a tour for your students, contact Linda Schaller with our education Department at (954) 703-2606 or [email protected] . We hope to see you and your students soon!

Planning An Unforgettable Wedding & Reception At Bonnet House

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If you are searching for a truly unique place to get married and/or host your wedding reception, look no further than Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Bonnet House is an outdoor, garden setting that embodies old-world charm and understated elegance.With it’s stunning natural beauty, and proximity to downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Bonnet House estate is considered one of the most beautiful places to host a destination wedding or reception in South Florida.

Located in the center of sunny Fort Lauderdale, the beauty of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens can be enjoyed year-round. Our pristine estate spans 35 acres and offers a variety of exquisite settings for weddings, ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners of any size.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a unique combination of the grandeur of the past with modern amenities, including a private parking lot, to ensure that the needs of any and all guests are accommodated.  Bonnet House is available for rentals during morning and evening hours, and guests have the exclusive use of the tree lined allee, outdoor terrace, veranda lawn, hibiscus garden, and inner courtyard. Bonnet House’s rental fee includes the venue only, although the estate works with many pre-approved caterers and vendors to suit every budget and design goal. To help with the decision making process, we have compiled a list of preferred vendors with extensive experience on the property. Please note that Bonnet House does not have air-conditioned banquet halls, however an air-conditioned bridal room is available for use by the bride bridal party. The renting party is also responsible for all services including catering, tables, chairs, staging, etc.

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering, or a grand and lavish affair, Bonnet House will set the scene for romance and timeless memories. If you’re planning a wedding, or looking for wedding reception ideas in South Florida, you can fill out the form here, or contact David Wooden [email protected] to set up a tour!

Newly added Behind the Scenes Tours

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Visitors will participate in a VIP experience at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens beginning Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 2pm. Bonnet House will be offering new Behind the Scenes – Private Living Quarters Tours. Take a sneak peek inside normally-closed areas of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett’s private living quarters. Tours are led by our seasoned Bonnet House docents and will be offered the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm – 3pm for only $20 per person. Visitors will enjoy rooms not seen on our other tours.

The tour is offered in groups of 10 to allow for questions and discussion. Limited reservations available, pre-registration required. Please note, the ability to climb stairs is necessary to fully participate in the tour.  A video presentation at ground level will accommodate those guests unable to climb stairs.

Visit us at https://bonnethouse.org/hours-fees/ or contact Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or [email protected].

Corporate Events and Meetings

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Bonnet House offers a beautiful and unique setting for corporate affairs and cocktail receptions. Beginning with the first impression at the main entrance, your guests will experience a night to remember.  Become inspired by the innovative architecture, rich history, original artwork, and lush gardens.  Experience the beauty and history of our facilities that combine the grandeur of the past with amenities of today.  In compliment to the natural vegetation, the grounds contain a Desert Garden composed of arid plantings, a hibiscus garden, and the main courtyard planted with tropical vegetation.  Bonnet House is a unique space for events, with open areas appropriate for any meeting.

Located in the center of Fort Lauderdale, Bonnet House is a culturally and historically rich venue with modern amenities and a private parking lot, making it a choice destination to accommodate any event.  Bonnet House limits the number of private events. Dates are reserved based on availability when accompanied by your rental deposit.

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For additional information or give us a call at (954) 703-2608.

Price Range: $1,000 – $5,500
Use of Estate for Photography: Yes
Preferred Caterers: Yes
Renters Insurance Required: Yes
Membership Required: Yes
On the Water: Yes
Tented Area: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Onsite Parking: Yes
Transportation from Parking Lot: Yes
Capacity: Up to 350
 

Corporate-Event-Rates

Cool Saturdays Summer Special at Bonnet House

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Start your summer at half the price at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Saturdays are cool at Bonnet House beginning Saturday, July 6 through Saturday, September 21 on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Visitors can explore the whimsical house where fish sculptures rise in the air, shells have their own museum and shady nature trails invite you to search for playful monkeys in the trees and majestic swans in the fresh water lakes. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under from 9am to 4pm on these days. To kick off this summer special, visitors will have the opportunity to feast on their food of choice from a bevy of food trucks that will be onsite for everyone to enjoy from 10am – 3pm.

Specific dates are July 6 & 20, August 3 & 17 and September 7 & 21. Tour admission is always free for Bonnet House members. Visit BonnetHouse.org for updated information and additional summer events including Viva 500 Best in Show Series featuring works from local artists inspired by 500 years of Florida history.

Cool Saturdays Summer Special!CoolSaturdays2013PatronMail

 

Bonnet House Begins its 2013 Lecture Series

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Bonnet House Museum & Gardens begins its 2013 Lecture Series Monday, January 14th with a morning lecture from 10am – 11:30am.  The first of three lectures is “Broward Stories of Diversity and Change: A Musical Journey” with oral historian and jazz singer Dr. Kitty Oliver. The second lecture is scheduled for Monday, February 11th from 6:00pm-7:30pm with descendant of south Florida’s first barefoot mailman, archaeologist and author Harvey Oyer on “The Adventures of Charlie Pierce: The Last Egret”. The third and final lecture is with Dr. Michele Williams on health and healing titled “Medical Paradigms in Old and New Worlds” on Monday, March 4th from 6pm to 7:30pm.

The cost is free for members and $5 for non-members.To reserve your seat, please contact Linda Schaller at 954-703-2606 or [email protected].