In the heart of Fort Lauderdale sits Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, which has announced the return of its VIP Upstairs/Downstairs Tours of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett’s historic main house. Located within the 35-acre subtropical estate, these small-group tours reveal newly refurbished sections of the family’s living quarters that are typically closed to the public, including exclusive access to rooms not shown on other Bonnet House tours. The estate, constructed in 1920, was the winter retreat for the Birch and Bartlett family.
© Courtesy of J. Christopher Gernert
Docent-led tours take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month through May 29. Tickets are $40 per person, and each group is limited to 10 participants to ensure an intimate, informative experience. Pre-registration is required and attendees should be able to climb stairs. Register through the museum’s group and specialty tours page.
© Courtesy of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens combines art, architecture, history and ecology on one of the region’s last remaining native barrier island habitats. Visitors can step back into life on a beachfront estate during the 1930s and 1940s while exploring the historic house and its collections. The property also features an on-site nature trail well suited for families, along with self-guided tours, educational programs, special events, workshops and classes. Guests can pause for refreshments at the Bonnet House Café during their visit.