Miami New Times - Best Of (2007)
Best Tour Guide
Robert Burr
www.greatgables.com
www.redlandriot.com

Robert Burr was born and raised in the county of Dade. His family came here in 1876, and traces of his ancestors' hard work can be found from Arch Creek Park to Burr's Berry Farm. As you might expect from a seventh generation member of a pioneering family, he knows the nooks and crannies of this city like the back of his hand.

On any given weekend Burr is leading one of the many walking and driving tours he's created. He has introduced thousands to the pleasures of the Redland and Coral Gables through his ever-popular Redland Riot tour, as well as his Coral Gables Wine Walk, Gallery Stroll, and Pub Crawl. He's done this in person by leading the procession, although the front-and-center position isn't necessarily his favorite.

"I really don't want everyone to go with me, per se. In the Gables, we're doing a wine walk tonight. And people will call and say, 'Oh no, it's already sold out.' And I reply 'It's so easy to do a wine walk with your friends!' I ultimately hope to set an example for how to organize your own ambling adventure," explains the affable, silver-haired gent.

Burr has single-handedly reinvented the concept of locals discovering Miami on their own. His comprehensive Websites offer print-it-yourself maps that highlight hidden gems in neighborhoods that people usually just drive through.

The Gables tours focus on the area's rich dining and boozing prospects, and the Redland Riot Tour (and recently added Redland Riot Road Rallye) leads groups of explorers into the still-lush corners of Miami's rapidly developing back yard.

Exploring the Redland is a Burr family tradition. "When I was a kid, when they said, 'Hop in the station wagon, we're going to the Redlands.' That meant we'd get to go see Uncle Charlie at Burr's Farm and get some strawberries," Burr recalls. "One of the simple pleasures in life was going to u-pick fields. Someday it's going to be ancient history to pick your own strawberries."

The U-Picks are disappearing and the farmland is being converted into little boxes made of ticky-tacky that all look just the same. But thanks to the efforts of Robert Burr, urbanites seeking a weekend getaway will continue to discover the pastoral pleasures of unique treasures like the Robert is Here produce stand, Schnebly Winery, historic Cauley Square and Knaus Berry Farm's rustic bakery, thereby preserving what's left of Miami's verdant past.

Miami New Times - Best Of (2005)
Best Tour
Rob's Redland Riot
305-443-7973
www.redlandriot.com

Sunday morning. Rapidly approaching afternoon. Head south for delicious countryside delicacies on self-guided Redland Riot Tour. Print booklet from Website, crank up music. Cruise through area's fruity, tropical history in purple haze -- past quaint, funky Cauley Square. Turn tunes up louder; sing joyfully. Visit Knaus Berry Farm; feast on delicious, oven-fresh, sticky-sweet buns. Profusely thank German Baptist farmers -- praise their heavenly munchables. Stop, stretch, stock up on fruit jelly and fresh veggies at Burr's Berry Farm. Quinch thirst at Robert Is Here fruit stand. Stare goofily at animals while slurping fresh-fruit milkshake. E-mail friends about bus being spacious and comfortable. No loud, rickety airboats. No shady tour guides grasping; no money-grubbing at all. Just sweet relaxation. Down-home treats. Amazing key lime milkshake. A clear view of the glory found in South Miami-Dade. From list check off having blast.