Though only incorporated into Miami in 1925, Coconut Grove is actually the oldest residential neighborhood in the city, with roots that can be traced back to a lighthouse service in the 1820s and estates that were founded by Bahamian aristocrats and New England business leaders in the 1870s. As with much of South Florida, Coconut Grove's period of fastest growth came after the arrival of the railroad at the turn of the century turned the area into a favorite destination for the wealthy and, today, this seaside neighborhood of beautiful gardens and grandiose Mediterranean Revival homes is still a preferred locale for the rich and famous. Given its perennially warm weather and beachfront access to Biscayne Bay, 'The Grove', as it is often called, is home to a number of water sports and yachting enthusiasts as well as individuals who live its easy access to the Keys and the Atlantic Ocean. As a vibrant part of the overall Miami area, this community of approximately 19,000 is also known for the high standard of living afforded by its cafe culture, which draws on cuisines from the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, as well as a mixture of art venues that provide the city with street performances and shows throughout the year. Of particular note are the Goombay Festival, a 'carnaval' that celebrates Bahamian and Caribbean culture, the King Mango Strut, a mock bowl parade that is held in December, and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. A number of natural sights also entertain the Grove's residents, including the Kampong, a flowering park that is integrated into the National Tropical Botanic Garden, and the Barnacle Historic State Park, a forest of tropical hardwood hammocks on the shote of Biscayne Bay. No matter what aspect of Greater Miami's relaxed lifestyle and beautiful climate they find the most pleasing, however, anyone who chooses to make Coconut Grove a seasonal or yearlong home is guaranteed to find a neighborhood they can enjoy for years to come.