By Craig Davis, craigslegztravels.com
As New Year’s celebrations go, the Year of the Fire Horse being recognized in many Asian cultures in 2026 is something special.
The rare zodiac pairing in the Chinese lunar calendar, combining the horse with the element of fire, occurs only once every 60 years (most recently in 1966).
The best place to catch the vibe in South Florida is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, which has a special exhibit recognizing the event through May 31.
Our visit on Feb. 17, which marked the first new moon of the lunar calendar and commenced the 15-day Spring Festival in China, provided insight into the occasion and how the Asian calendar differs from the solar calendar used in Europe and North America.
The Morikami Museum display features horse-themed art, including paintings, prints, and sculptures, highlighting the Japanese zodiac’s seventh sign, symbolizing liveliness, intelligence, and freedom.
Morikami Gardens is the legacy of a Japanese farming experiment
True to the venue, Morikami’s tribute to the Year of the Fire Horse is altogether Zen — peaceful, calm, minimalist.
The popular Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a unique Florida roadside attraction, the legacy of a failed attempt to create a colony of Japanese farmers in undeveloped Palm Beach County in the early 1900’s. The Yamato colony experiment unraveled quickly and most of the farmers abandoned the effort.
The exception was Sukeji Morikami, who would adopt the name George, stuck it out and not only succeeded in farming but became one of the richest men in the county in his time through investing in real estate when land was dirt cheap. He became a U.S. citizen and never returned to his native Japan.
Morikami donated much of his land to Palm Beach County, including the 16-acre site of the Japanese gardens attraction, before his death in 1976 at age 89.
George Morikami was born in 1886, which I learned was a Year of the Fire Dog in the lunar calendar, associated with strong, loyal energy. In the 60-year sexagenary cycle, it is classified as a Yang Fire element year, often considered a time for grounded action. All of which certainly fits George Morikami.
Morikami Japanese Gardens reflects a variety of historical styles from across Japan, thoughtfully arranged to form one harmonious landscape spread over 16 acres. (Craig Davis, craigslegztravels.com)Year of Fire Horse is time for purposeful action
His outlook about life and the land is expressed in a yellowed newspaper article from the last year of his life, which quote him as saying, “It is simple. The land is all around me. I eat fresh fruits and vegetables I grow myself. No meat. I eat when I’m hungry, day or night.”
That is in sharp contrast to the Year of the Fire Horse, which I found best explained by astrologer Letao Wang in the New York Post: “The new year is the year to take action and start galloping.”
According to Wang, the shift from last year’s quiet ‘Snake’ energy to this year’s ‘Horse’ represents a move “about speed and momentum.”
Coincidentally, as we crossed the bridge at the beginning of the mile-long walking path around the lake at Morikami Gardens, a security guard called us over to point out a black snake lounging on the shore below.
There is plenty of horse energy to be found in Palm Beach County at the National Polo Center and the Wellington International Equestrian Center.
More horseplay from Craigslegz Travels:
Wellington’s elite equestrian scene isn’t only for the rich
Sunday afternoon polo is an entertaining cheap date in Wellington
George Morikami was part of a Japanese farming colony in Palm Beach County in the early 1900s. He donated the land that became Morikami Gardens. (Craig Davis, craigslegztravels.com)Morikami Gardens promotes serenity and art
Morikami Gardens is better suited to contemplating bold action in the Year of the Fire Horse or any other. There are numerous benches overlooking the lake and gardens to pause and ponder.
The setting embraces serenity now and always as one wanders through the bamboo grove, a procession of gardens —among them, the early and late rock gardens, the modern romantic garden — and continuing past Ishidoro Stone Lantern, the Heavenly Dragon Waterfall, Turtle Island and the George Morikami memorial. There is even a contemplation pavilion.
The bonsai garden is the premier attraction at Morikami.
When visiting Morikami Gardens, be sure to leave time for a pass through the museum, which in early 2026 (through April 5) has two other eye-catching exhibits in addition to the Year of the Horse.
Take Akari: Bamboo features the illuminated bamboo by artist Akihiro Mashimo. In Japan, Take Akari or Bamboo Light festivals have become a cultural phenomenon.
The other exhibit, Light as Air, showcases the work of Mariko Kusumoto, who utilizes tsumami zaiku, the ancient art of folding and pinching fabric to replicate complex organic formations including aquatic gardens and bamboo forests.
Details on visiting Morikami Gardens
Morikami Gardens and Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is: Adults (18+), $18; Seniors (65+), $16; Students (with ID), $14; Military (with ID), $16; Children (6-17), $12; Children (5 & under): Free.
Old Key Lime House is a quintessential Florida waterfront bar and restaurant with an unabashed allegiance to the Florida Gators that serves a splendid array of sea fare and comfort food. (Craig Davis, craigslegztravels.com)Iconic dining in Palm Beach County
After Morikami Gardens, we headed to another iconic spot in Palm Beach County for dinner.
The Old Key Lime House claims the distinction of the oldest waterfront restaurant in Florida, in operation since 1889 on the Intracoastal Waterway in Lantana. Our table was on the dock over the Intracoastal.
These were two very different cultural experiences. There is nothing subtle or Zen about the Old Key Lime House, which is a quintessential Florida beach bar. Painted gaudy green with kitschy Florida décor inside and out, it promotes raucous fun, maintains unabashed allegiance to the Florida Gators, offers prime sunset viewing and serves a splendid array of sea fare and comfort food.
The most unusual item on the menu, the Wayne-O Sandwich: Grilled salmon on a fried goat cheese wheel, topped with onion confit and served with horseradish aioli. It is the namesake of Wayne Cordero, owner of the restaurant and live up to its reputation.
Naturally, you can’t leave the Old Key Lime House without sampling the key lime pie touted as “just like grandma made it.”
Old Key Lime House is at 300 E Ocean Ave, Lantana, FL 33462. They don’t take reservations.
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