It’s not just the sound of water that can be quite relaxing, it’s also looking at water. According to Elizabeth Bernstein of the Wall Street Journal, “Neuroscientists say that spending time near oceans, lakes, rivers and other blue spaces can provide a range of benefits including reducing anxiety, easing mental fatigue and rejuvenating us.”
Bonnet House offers several opportunities for respite, reflection, and rejuvenation.
Just steps away from the Bonnet House Welcome Center, you’re immersed in a natural Florida mangrove swamp surrounded by water from the Intracoastal waterway. You’ll see fish, water birds, crabs, and maybe even a manatee.
On the east side of the house, you see the Bonnet Slough, a pond of fresh water covered by Bonnet Lilies (spatterdock). Sitting on the Chickee Bridge, you can enjoy the water views and observe turtles, Alligator gar fish, anhinga, and green heron. Or maybe you’ll hear and/or see a common gallinule.
A short walk up the beach path offers views of the wonderful Fort Lauderdale beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
Other water viewing opportunities include the Courtyard Fountain where you can enjoy the sound of water from the tiered fountain in the center or the Orchid Display House Fountain enjoyed from inside the Shell Museum Complex.
Contemplating Frederic Bartlett’s three ceiling murals also provide the calming properties of viewing water. Even the blue walls around the courtyard viewed from one of Mr. Bartlett’s yellow benches is another rejuvenating opportunity.
At Bonnet House, we preserve the art, history, and nature of Bonnet house, providing inspiration and respite for all. Water, tranquility, inspiration, and respite await you on a visit to Bonnet House. Plan your visit today.
