Have you ever stepped into a place that feels like a portal to another era? Believe it or not, Miami has just such a place: Cauley Square, the oldest railroad town in Florida. Just 22 miles south of downtown, this hidden gem feels like a world apart from the city’s fast-paced energy.
But here’s something even more fascinating: Cauley Square hasn’t just survived for over a century; it’s flourished. And it’s all thanks to the vision and determination of Frances Varela, a Latina entrepreneur from Honduras. Under her care, this historic village has become a haven of charm, culture, and history.
It’s Miami’s best-kept secret, and a trip back in time.
Cauley Square is Miami’s Best Kept Secret
Cauley Square Historic Village was founded in 1903 as a workers’ community during the railroad boom led by Henry Flagler. This turn-of-the-century village flourished around Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway, connecting Miami to the Florida Keys.
Back then, Cauley Square was a lively — and rowdy — hub, home to saloons, bordellos, and even a speakeasy during Prohibition. By the late 20th century, Cauley Square was on the brink of being lost to time — or worse, bulldozed for development. It had barely survived the Great Depression and hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, and Wilma. Then, in 2001, a Latina businesswoman, with a background in construction, bought Cauley Square and breathed new life into it.
“I wanted to give back to my community, and protect this little island,” Varela said.
The Woman Behind the Magic
Varela, whose name is synonymous with preservation, transformed the space into a cultural hub where art, history, and community intersect.
“Frances Varela saw the potential Ballard had in Cauley Square and purchased it in 2001. Varela spent a decade beautifying the grounds with lovely gardens, fountains, and walkways,” Caplin News, a publication by Florida International University, explains. “She also restored 25 buildings that are now home to the shops and restaurants, you now see today.”
Under her leadership, Cauley Square has become a sanctuary for small businesses, artisans, and creatives, all while staying true to its roots as a slice of Old Florida. She even built a small chapel in the square’s heart as a gift to her community. Varela invested millions into its restoration, ensuring the wooden cottages, brick pathways, and lush landscapes remain as authentic and inviting as they were over a century ago.
From hosting weddings and quinceañeras, to offering afternoon tea at the beloved Tea Room, Cauley Square is a destination where nostalgia and modern Miami life mix.
“I’ve lived in Miami all my life and I never heard of Cauley Square until a friend told me about this beautiful place and its amazing scenery,” said Rosmeris Palacio, a local resident, told Caplin News. “I fell in love with the greenery and the peace this place offers, which is hard to find in places like Miami where everything is on a constant go.”
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So here’s the big question: When was the last time you escaped Miami’s chaos to find a place that feels like another world? If your answer is “never,” it might be time to visit Cauley Square, and thank the visionary Latina who is making it all possible.
Escaping to Cauley Square
But let’s not forget the peacocks. Yes, peacocks. These flamboyant residents strut around the square like they’re auditioning for their own reality show, adding a touch of whimsy to the historic charm. And while the past is honored here, the present thrives too, with locals and tourists alike flocking to experience this hidden gem.
It’s time to plan your day trip to Cauley Square. Here’s the address for your GPS: 22400 Old Dixie Hwy, Miami, Florida 33170. Shop hours vary by individual small business. Park hours and main shop hours are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the Square’s official website.