To SeeToday, Broward County, sandwiched between the upper crust of Palm Beach and spicy Miami, is white-bread land, where grandmas live and people pretend to lead normal lives, basking in the glory of the perpetual sunshine and days much too beautiful to spend lingering long at the desk. Like all of the Gold Coast, the area is relatively newly populated, thanks to its development following Flagler’s railway at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the late 1800s South Florida was virtually an untapped frontier, with only a few dozen Seminole families inhabiting the region. Dania (now Dania Beach) is the oldest incorporated city (circa 1904). Pompano, at the northern end of the county, became the second town to incorporate in 1908. Henry Flagler’s railroad reached Fort Lauderdale in 1896. Once a small pioneer village of 250 residents, the city became the central hub of the county. Incorporated in 1915, the county was named for governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward. It includes popular beachside towns such as Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Wilton Manors. The western reaches of the county weren’t developed for another 50 years, when the Army Corps of Engineers drained the Everglades. Sunrise and Davie being the first to push west, and developers continued westward to build on former swampland, creating family-oriented communities such as Coral Springs and Weston (see Inland: Western Broward County).
Known as America’s Venice thanks to the extensive canal system and rivers criss-crossing the city, Fort Lauderdale was launched to fame by Marilyn Monroe and Where the Boys Are, the happy little film that spawned the spring break frenzy. It was fun while it lasted, but the spring break shenanigans were eventually squelched due to excessive debauchery and replaced with wholesome fun for the whole family.
In addition to a wealth of museums and attractive walking areas, such as Riverwalk along the New River and Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale’s legendary beaches are indeed beautiful. Broward County’s beaches have been recognized with the Blue Wave award, a voluntary program that ensures that beaches are well maintained and regularly tested for dangerous conditions, including rip tides and pollutants, problems that can pose dangers for swimmers.
With nearly 10 million visitors a year and a projected residential growth of 46 percent over the next 20 years, Broward County officials are actively working to meet the demands of increased population and a strong tourism industry. The Broward County Office of Urban Planning projects population growth of almost 1 million in the next 25 years, with all land used by 2015. Planners continue to grapple with infrastructure ramifications, urging development of “smart” cities and urban redevelopment, the protection of beaches and older neighborhoods, and the creation of growth-management strategies and transportation solutions. Such forward thinking will help protect the paradise of south Florida for future generations.
GUIDANCE Contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (954-765-4466 or 1-800-22SUNNY; www.sunny.org), 100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 200, Fort Lauderdale 33301, for more information on the area.
For information about Hollywood contact the Hollywood Office of Tourism (867-672-2468; www.visithollywood.org), 330 N Federal Hwy., Hollywood 33019.
GETTING THERE By air: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (1-866-435-9355; www.broward.org/airport) has easy access to I-95, US 595, I-75, and FL 1, as well as Port Everglades.
By car: I-95 runs north and south and is a good route to take for the areas in the east section of the county, however it is a high-traffic road. Some drivers prefer to pay a few dollars to use the less-traveled Florida Turnpike, which runs north and south more toward the center of the county. I-595 is the major artery carrying traffic between the eastern and western regions of the county. The Sawgrass Expressway is a segment of the Turnpike that runs around the northwestern edge of the county, delivering drivers from the Florida Turnpike to Coral Springs and Weston then southward to Miami and the Keys, also crossing I-595 at the west where it turns into I-75 for those bound to Naples.
By rail: AMTRAK (1-800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com) provides regularly scheduled service to Fort Lauderdale. Beware—I have sat at the station for hours awaiting delayed trains.
There are Tri-Rail Stations (1-800-TRI-RAIL; www.tri-rail.com) throughout the county, mostly paralleling I-95, listed here north to south:
Deerfield Beach station (1300 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach 33442)
Pompano Beach station (3491 N.W. Eighth Ave., Pompano Beach 33064)
Cypress Creek station (6151 N. Andrews Way, Fort Lauderdale 33309)
Fort Lauderdale station (200 S.W. 21st Terrace, Fort Lauderdale 33312)
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at Dania Beach (500 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach 33004)
Sheridan Street station (2900 Sheridan St., Fort Lauderdale 33070)
Hollywood station (3001 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 33021)
By bus: Greyhound Line (954-764-6551, 1-800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com), 515 N.E. Third St., Fort Lauderdale 33301
GETTING AROUND By car: Some savvy residents use the acronym COSBY to help remember the layout of the area and to determine where you are at any given time along I-95: When traveling from north to south, “C,” for Commercial Boulevard, will bring you to the northern sections of Fort Lauderdale, such as Pompano Beach to the east and Coral Springs to the west; “O,” Oakland Boulevard, and “S,” Sunrise Boulevard, will bring you all the way from the Fort Lauderdale beaches to western Broward cities such as Sunrise and Plantation; and “B,” Broward Boulevard, will bring you to the heart of Fort Lauderdale and the Arts and Science District. Finally, use “Y” as a marker for I-595. The city of Hollywood can be reached off I-95 south of the airport from Griffin, Stirling, or Sheridan. Scenic SR A1A runs along the beaches.
By bus: Broward County Transit (954-357-8400; www.broward.org/bct) provides bus service throughout the county.
By streetcar: The complimentary Downtown A&E Trolley Line operates throughout Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District on Friday 5–midnight and Saturday noon–midnight. The route travels from the Arts & Entertainment Garage (opposite the Broward Center for the Performing Arts) through Old Fort Lauderdale Village, Las Olas Boulevard, the Museum of Art, and Stranahan House, with stops along the way.
Holly Trolley (954-980-9777; www.visithollywood.org) operates from Hollywood hotels to its historic downtown and dining, shopping, and beach areas. Regular fare $1 round-trip. Children under 12 ride free. Call or check Web site for schedule; stops every 30 minutes.
By water taxi: A great way to see luxurious homes along the Intracoastal Waterway is on the Water Taxi (954-467-6677; www.watertaxi.com). The route runs from Oakland Park Boulevard to the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. You can also use the water taxi to visit many restaurants, hotels, and attractions located along the waterways of the city. Adults $5 one way, children and seniors $2.50; all-day fare $7. Multiday tickets available at reduced prices. The Water Taxi also offers day trips on Tuesday and Saturday to Miami’s South Beach Art Deco District for only $18.
Call Bradley Executive Limousine (954-370-0505; www.fla-limo.com); Dolphin Limousine Service (954-989-5466; www.dolphin-limo.com); or The Tri-County Airport Express (954-561-8888; www.floridalimo.com) to reserve shuttle service to the airport.
PARKING Fort Lauderdale city parking garages are located at the Arts & Science District, 101 SW Fifth Ave.; Bridgeside Place, 3020 NE 32nd Ave. (near Oakland Park Blvd.); City Park, 150 SE Second St.; and City Hall. Rates differ from coin by the hour to flat rates per entry. Some garages have attendants and some have meters. See www.fortlauderdale.gov for more information.
You’ll find metered parking throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and the beach areas.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS The beach areas and most city parks have rest rooms available to the public at no cost.
VALET Most restaurants and luxury hotels in the beach area offer valet services. Some restaurants and hotels have only mandatory valet parking. Inquire when making reservations.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Several hospitals are located throughout Broward County. Many belong to the Broward Health network (www.browardhealth.org).
Broward General Medical Center (954-355-4400; www.browardhealth.org), 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale 33316.
Memorial Regional Hospital South (954-966-4500) 3600 Washington St., Hollywood 33021.
Imperial Point Medical Center (954-776-8500) 6401 N Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale 33308.
Memorial Regional Hospital (954-987-2000), 3501 Johnson St., Hollywood 33021.
North Broward Medical Center (954-941-8300), 201 E Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach 33064.
Plantation General Hospital (954-587-5010) 401 NW 42nd Ave., Plantation 33317.
Westside Regional Medical Center (954-473-6600), 8201 W Broward Blvd., Plantation 33324.
The flow of beachside communities on the eastern side of the county are the cities most likely to be of interest to travelers and provide a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy from Deerfield Beach to Hollywood.
To SeeThird Avenue Art District (954-763-8982; www.thirdavenueartdistrict.com),505 NE Third Ave., offers tours of artist’s studios by appointment. An annual Artwalk is held the first Saturday of February each year. Broward Art Guild (954-305-1854; www.browardartguild.org), 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. (Located at ArtServe), provides 14 exhibitions per year and encourages local artists to participate. Free.
The Art & Culture Center of Hollywood (954-921-3274; www.artandculturecenter.org), 1650 Harrison St., was founded in 1975 to promote contemporary and innovative artists. Housed in a 1924 Spanish mansion in the heart of downtown Hollywood, it has become the center of this city’s art district and offers theater performances, gallery exhibitions, and classes for children and adults. 10 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat., 12 PM–4 PM Sun. Adults $7; students, seniors, and children 4–13 $4.
Owner Robyn Crosfield’s gorgeous award-winning mosaics are just one of the reasons to stop at Mosaica (954-923-7006; www.emosaica.com), 2020 Hollywood Blvd. I love art glass and found the starfish and showy bowls intriguing. Select from large objets d’art such as Robyn’s mirrors and mosaic-trimmed furniture to small gifts such as the metal art lizards and enameled boxes. Open daily.
Deerfield Beach Historical Society (954-429-0378), 380 E Hillsboro Blvd., oversees several sites from Deerfield Beach’s early days in the 1920s that are now on the National Register of Historic Places. They include the 1920 Old Deerfield School, renovated by the city and open for tours; the 1920 Butler House, now a museum and office for the historical society; the 1926 Deerfield School, today the Deerfield Beach Elementary School; and the 1926 Seaboard Coast Line Railway Station, now serving as the area’s Tri-Rail station. The historical society also manages the 1930 Kester Cottage. Visit and tour the Butler House Museum (fee), built in 1923 by James and Alice Butler, 9 AM–4 PM Mon.–Fri., 10 AM–2 PM the first and third Sat. of the month.
Hillsboro Lighthouse (954-942-2102; www.hillsborolighthouse.org); The Sands Marina, 125 N Riverside. In operation since 1907, the Hillsboro Lighthouse continues to protect ships from running aground along the shoreline near the Hillsboro Inlet. Maintained by the Coast Guard, the lighthouse has occasional tours conducted by the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society. Charter bus tours leave from the Pompano Beach city parking lot. Fee includes one-year membership in the preservation society.
In the heart of Fort Lauderdale sits the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (954-563-5393; www.bonnethouse.org), 900 N Birch Rd., named after the yellow water lily that once grew in the property’s marshland. Once home to Frederic Clay and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, both avid art collectors, the plantation-style home now houses a historical museum and art gallery. Tours are available, with the last tour starting at 2:30. Open year-round 10 AM–4 PM Wed.–Sat., noon–4 PM Sun. As you tour the grounds, you’ll walk under mangrove trees and through fruit groves of avocado, mango, and guava, while Brazilian squirrel monkeys watch you with great interest. Admission to the grounds: $10; admission to the grounds and plantation home: adults $20, seniors 60+ $18, students 6–12 $16, children under six free. Call ahead for tour schedules, as the plantation home may be closed for wedding parties.
King Cromartie House (954-463-4431), 229 SW Second Ave. Built in 1907, the girlhood home of Frank Stranahan’s wife, Ivy Cromartie, has been preserved to offer a glimpse of pioneer life. The home is reminiscent of a grandparent’s bungalow, furnished with period antique furniture and decorated with lace doilies and china dolls. (Also see Stranahan House below) Open 10 AM–4 PM Tues.–Sun. Fee.
Old Dillard Museum (754-322-8828), 1009 NW 4 St. Built in 1924, Fort Lauderdale’s first school for African Americans is now a museum that displays local African American culture and artifacts. Open 11 AM–4 PM Mon.–Fri. Free; donations welcome.
Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum, 1905 New River Inn, 237 SW Second Ave. Originally an inn for Fort Lauderdale’s turn-of-the-20th-century visitors, the renovated building makes a great museum. Located in the Old Fort Lauderdale area, the village is composed of a cluster of historical buildings at the site where Flagler’s railway crossed the New River. Open 10 AM–5 PM Tue.–Fri., noon–5 PM Sat.–Sun. Fee: adults $8, children 6–16 $3, children under 6 free.
The turn-of-the-20th-century (circa 1913) Florida Vernacular–style Stranahan House (954-524-4736; www.stranahanhouse.org), 335 SE Sixth Ave. (corner of Las Olas Blvd.), Fort Lauderdale, is the oldest structure in Broward County. Ohioan Frank Stranahan was Fort Lauderdale’s first postmaster. He married Ivy Julia Cromartie, the area’s first teacher, and soon their house was the center of social events (see King Cromartie House above). It remained their personal residence until her death in 1971. Furnished with antiques and memorabilia from their life, the house is open 1 PM–3 PM every day. Adults $12, children under 12 $7. (See also The Elbo Room in Eating Out, Cap’s Place in Dining and Riverside Hotel in Lodging)
The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum (954-779-7300; www.antiquecarmuseum.org), 1527 SW First Ave. (Packard Ave.), is dedicated to the preservation and history of the Packard Motor Co. The extensive collection includes 22 Packard automobiles dating from 1909 to 1940, such as the 1922 Packard Model 1-16 Sport Phaeton and the 1929 Packard Model 645 Dual Cowl Phaeton previously owned by the Schmidt family of Schmidt Brewing Company. The museum also contains the FDR gallery and library dedicated to the late Franklin D. Roosevelt, and many related automobile memorabilia, including hood ornaments and vintage tools. Open 10 AM–4 PM Mon.–Fri.; 12 PM–3 PM Sat. Donation.
Host to national and international aquatic competitions, the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum & Aquatic Complex (954-462-6536; www.ishof.org), One Hall of Fame Dr., features a 10,000-square-foot museum full of Olympic memorabilia from more than 100 nations. Adults $8, students $4, seniors $6, children under 12 free. Open 9 AM–5 PM daily.
In 1986 the Museum of Art (954-525-5500; www.moafl.org), One E Las Olas Blvd., opened its 65,000-square-foot building designed by renowned American architect Edward Larabee Barnes, after growing from a small storefront space on Las Olas Boulevard (which is now Johnny V’s; see Dining Out) from 1958. Today it has an additional 10,000 square feet and draws crowds from around the world for its permanent art collections and large-scale exhibitions such as Princess Diana, St. Peter and the Vatican, and King Tut. In 2009 and 2010, the museum will show a Norman Rockwell exhibit, photographs of Haitian refugees, and much more. The permanent collection features more than 6,200 various artworks from American impressionist William Glackens, Picasso ceramics, contemporary Cuban art, and CoBrA, one of the country’s largest collections of works by the Northern European artists (Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam). Adults $10, seniors and students $7, children $3. Ticket prices vary for special exhibits. Open 9 AM–5 PM daily.
One of the area’s best-kept secrets, the 256-seat Norma & William Horvitz Auditorium, at the Museum of Art, is home to the Inside Out Theatre Company (954-385-3060; www.insideouttheatre.org), which offers diverse and intelligent productions such as Whose Life Is It, Anyway? and A Year with Frog & Toad, based on the children’s book. (See Performing Arts.)
Plan to spend an entire day at the Museum of Discovery & Science and the five-story Blockbuster 3D IMAX Theater (954-467-6637; www.mods.org), 401 SW Second St. The 52-foot-high Great Gravity Clock greets you as you enter the atrium, and then you can explore living plants and animals at Florida’s Ecoscapes and try several interactive adventures in Gizmo City. The Discovery Center is specifically geared toward little ones younger than six. Theater: Open 10 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat. and noon–6 PM Sun., with extended hours for the IMAX theater on the weekend. Tickets can be purchased separately for the museum or IMAX theater. Museum ticket: adults $9, seniors $8, children 2–12 $7. IMAX and museum ticket: adults $15, seniors $14, children 2–12 $12, children under 2 free.
Fun for fishers awaits at the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum (954-922-4212; www.igfa.org), 300 Gulf Stream Way, with an art gallery, fish gallery, tackle gallery, historical displays, and exciting interactive experiences, including simulated fishing. My brother, an avid angler, took the deep-sea fishing challenge and landed a big virtual marlin! Open 10 AM–6 PM Mon.–Fri., 12 PM–6 PM Sun. Adults $8, children 3–16 and seniors 62+ $5. Parking is free and within walking distance to Outdoor World Bass Pro Shops (see Selective Shopping), where you can pick up rods and reels.
See native wildlife, such as alligators and the Florida panther, up close at the Seminole Okalee Indian Village & Museum (954-797-5466; www.seminoletribe.com), 5716 Seminole Way. Education shows include alligator wrestling and also on display is an excellent collection of Seminole cultural and historical artifacts. Open 9 AM–5 PM Tues.–Sat., 10 AM–5 PM Sun. Adults $10, seniors and children 4–12 $8, children under 4 free.
WILDLIFE VIEWING Thousands upon thousands of live butterflies surround you at Butterfly World (954-977-4400; www.butterflyworld.com), 3600 W Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, an 8,000-square-foot conservatory. The beautiful 10-acre tropical gardens are also home to hummingbirds, lorikeets, and an insectarium. Walk among waterfalls, orchids, and peaceful ponds while you learn about these graceful winged creatures. Open 9 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat., 11 AM–5 PM Sun. Adults $25, children 3–11 $20, children under 2 free.
To DoBICYCLING Take a bike tour of Fort Lauderdale (954-588-9565) along the beach, through historical neighborhoods, and through trendy Las Olas Boulevard. Tours depart from the Tour Hut, 101 S SR A1A (1 block south of Las Olas Blvd.). Small groups ride for about two hours. $30; includes bike rental.
Sail along Millionaire’s Row and the Venice of America on Carrie B. Harbor Tours (954-768-9920; www.carriebcruises.com), 440 North New River Drive East. The one-and-a-half-hour, fully narrated tours go out at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Adults $18, children $10. Check the Web site for coupons.
For more than 60 years, the Jungle Queen Riverboat (954-462-5596; www.junglequeen.com), 801 Seabreeze Blvd. (SR A1A), has cruised along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway for sight-seeing and dinner cruises. Choose from two narrated tours: the three-hour sight-seeing cruise (adults $17, children $13) or the all-you-can-eat barbecue and shrimp dinner cruise (adults $40, children $22).
The Sea Experience (954-394-8732; www.seaxp.com), Bahia Mar Beach Resort, 801 Seabreeze Blvd., offers glass-bottom boat tours for those who want to stay dry. Adults $28, children $15. Snorkeling and scuba diving is also available (see Snorkeling).
Tropical Sailing Catamaran Charters (954-579-8181; www.tropicalsailing.com), 801 Seabreeze Blvd., offers full-moon, stargazing, sight-seeing, wine-tasting, and sunset cruises on the Spirit of Lauderdale catamaran. Three trips daily; rates start at $29.
CARRIAGE TOUR Whether you want a quick tour, or if romance is in the air, a great way to see Las Olas is in a Royal Horse Drawn Carriage (954-971-9820; www.royalcarriagesfl.com). Percheron or Clydesdale horses carry you though Las Olas and the Arts District and along the Fort Lauderdale beach. Rides depart Wed.–Sun. from SE Eighth Ave. and E Las Olas Blvd.
ECOTOUR A full day of ecoadventure awaits at Everglades Day Safari (239-472-1559 or 1-800-472-3069; www.ecosafari.com), Fort Lauderdale, where you’ll be taken on a boat ride through mangroves, a nature walk deep into a cypress swamp, a wildlife drive through the backcountry, and an airboat ride through the Everglades “River of Grass” with Miccosukee natives. Safaris depart Fort Lauderdale at 7:45 AM and return about 5:30 PM. Adults $135, children under 12 $99. Lunch is included.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES Drive go-carts and bumper cars at Boomers (954-921-2416; www.boomersparks.com), 1700 NW First St., Dania. They also have mini golf, arcade games, laser tag, and batting cages. Open 12 PM–11 PM Mon.–Thurs., noon–2 AM Fri., 10 AM–2 AM Sat., 11 AM–11 PM Sun. Admission $24 and up.
Dania Jai Alai (954-920-1511 or 954-426-4330; www.dania-jai-alai.com), 301 E Dania Beach Blvd., Dania. Originating in the Basque region of Spain, the sport found its way into many cultures and is common in Latin America. A wicker basket is attached to a player’s arm, who then uses it to hurl a rubber ball against a three-walled court. The game is much faster than racquetball, with balls reaching speeds of 150 miles per hour. Bets can be placed on players.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (954-327-7625; www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com), One Seminole Way, just off US 441. I call this place the “Seminole’s Revenge,” for the money they rake in from those desperate to win. Compared to Vegas, the gaming area is much more open and the noise level is higher, but you’ll still find the throngs playing slots (no quarters, however—it’s all done with bills and tickets) or gathering at the poker tables. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and you can never tell exactly what time it is inside. The complex has a separate high-stakes bingo hall as well, several restaurants and night clubs, and a hotel.
GHOST TOUR Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tour (954-290-9328; www.fortlauderdaleghosttour.com). The 60- to 90-minute walking tour meets at SE Sixth Avenue and E Las Olas Boulevard and takes you along Las Olas Boulevard and the historical New River. The tour covers a lot of area, so wear comfortable shoes. Adults $15, children 5–10 $10, children under 5 free. Reservations required. No credit cards.
Paddle past unique architecture, historical sites, and unique wildlife with Full Moon Kayak Co. (954-328-5231; www.fullmoonkayak.com). The fully guided and narrated tours operate in both urban and natural settings.
Rent kayaks or canoes at Anne Kolb Nature Center (see Nature Centers) and explore on your own through tidal wetlands, mangrove forests, and out onto the lake.
SNORKELING If you can’t get to the Keys for snorkeling, hop on the Sea Experience (954-394-8732; www.seaxp.com), Bahia Mar Resort, 801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, for a snorkeling tour. Adults $35, children $21, including all gear. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available (see Boat Tours). You can also snorkel right off the beaches in Fort Lauderdale and Dania if you’re willing to swim a bit offshore.
SURFING Hang 10 at Deerfield Beach (see Beaches), where surfing is allowed in select locations. The folks over at Island Water Sports Surf Superstore (see Selective Shopping) offer free surf lessons every Saturday morning at the Deerfield Beach Pier.
WALKING TOURS The arts and culture center of Broward County is in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District (954-468-2540), between SW Seventh Ave. and SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale, where you can stroll along the river from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to the shops on Las Olas Boulevard. The Riverwalk/Espanade Park (954-561-7362; www.goriverwalk.com), 1350 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, is in the heart of the upbeat and thriving area.
Green SpaceBEACHES Wherever you are in Broward County, you can almost always head east and find a beach, though most do not allow dogs (see Canine Beach below). Here are a few of the standouts:
The City of Deerfield Beach (www.deerfield-beach.com) has one of the prettiest, family-friendly beaches in the county. The award-winning “Blue Wave” beach earned this distinction for their clean water and beach conditions, safety, and their conservative efforts. The 1-mile stretch of beach has nine lifeguard towers with lifeguards present every day from 9 to 5. Take your short or long board, as surfing is permitted on the north side of the pier and south of tower #9. Check the Web site for beach conditions and surf cam.
RIVERWALK, FT. LAUDERDALE
courtesy Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau
A quaint little village sits on the beach, a pier for fishers and waves for surfers all combine to make this a popular vacation destination for families looking for quiet time together on the shore.
Fort Lauderdale’s main beach area along SR A1A was once the hot spot for spring break. When the Tonga swimsuit was banned in the 1980s in an attempt to quiet the area, the spring breakers went elsewhere. The beach now beckons a more open-minded audience geared toward an alternative lifestyle. Note the very cool, wavy neon wall that runs along the edge of SR A1A. On the other side of the street, numerous beachfront shops, restaurants, and nightclubs look out on one of the prettiest beaches in Fort Lauderdale.
Canine Beach (954-828-7275; www.ci.ftlaud.fl.us/cityparks/canine_beach), Sunrise Boulevard at SR A1A, from the center line of Sunrise Boulevard at A1A north to Lifeguard Stand # 5 (100-yard section of beach). This is the only area beach that allows dogs, and only Fri.–Sun., from 3 PM–7 PM in winter and 5 PM–9 PM in summer. Pet owners must purchase a weekend permit from the park ranger on duty, $7.
Sea turtles nest along the shore at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park (954-923-2833; www.floridastateparks.org/lloydbeach/default.cfm), 6503 N Ocean Dr., and when the hatchlings emerge each fall, there can be up to 10,000 of them headed for the surf! Located just south of Port Everglades, the park is a crucial natural habitat on a shoreline crowded with development, and it’s one of the most pleasant places to enjoy a commercial-free beach studded with trees instead of condos and shops. Enjoy the beaches, walk the nature trail, or bring a kayak and ply the mangrove-lined channels. Dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach. Open 8 AM–sunset daily. Fee.
Hollywood Beach is lined with a “broadwalk,” shops, small restaurants, and vintage hotels. It’s a popular area for biking, and for families and travelers who’d rather not contend with the high-priced glam that characterizes South Beach in Miami.
An oasis in this densely populated area, Fern Forest Nature Center (954-970-0150), 201 Lyons Rd. S, has more than 2 miles of nature trails to wander, including the Cypress Creek boardwalk, which follows the rocky edge of now-dry Cypress Creek, a sad comment on the canalization of the county’s natural waterways. More than 34 species of ferns grow throughout this verdant park. Stop at the nature center first for an overview of the habitats before hitting the trails. Open 8 AM–6 PM daily. Free.
Broward County’s first nature center, Secret Woods Nature Center (954-791-1030), 2701 W FL 84, is hidden in a tangled jungle of mangroves along the New River. The center features interpretive displays and an active beehive; visitors come to enjoy the extensive boardwalk through the mangrove forest, where you can always spot ibises along the waterway. Open 8 AM–6 PM daily. Free.
At West Lake Park, Anne Kolb Nature Center (954-926-2410), 1200 Sheridan St., sits above the south side of an extensive mangrove-lined lagoon, West Lake. Two interpretive trails radiate from the center, which features interpretive displays, rotating art exhibits, and a tall observation tower accessed by elevator. The park features extensive paved biking trails, ecotour operators from a dock next to the nature center, and kayak rentals for you to explore this ecosystem on your own. Open 9 AM–5 PM daily. Fee.
Tradewinds Park (954-968-3880), 3600 Sample Rd., is so packed with activities that you can spend a full day there. Sample Road breaks the park into two sections, North and South. Beyond the traditional pursuits of walking and biking, ball fields and picnicking, there are some very different things to do. At North Tradewinds Park, kids and rail fans will get a blast from the one-eighth life-sized live steam engines running out of Godwin Station, pulling train cars that you can sit on and ride. See the Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad (www.livesteamers.org) schedule for operating times and dates. The 600-plus-acre park also has Tradewinds Stables (954-968-3875), offering guided trail rides ($23) and a farm with barnyard animals. Batting cages are also available ($15 for 30 minutes). In South Tradewinds Park, visit Butterfly World (see Wildlife Viewing), said to be the largest butterfly conservatory in the world. You can also rent canoes and kayaks to ply the chain of lakes, bring your Frisbee to tackle the disc golf course, or slip back along the trails at the southernmost end of the park to find a boardwalk through a primeval pond apple swamp.
Deerfield Island Park (954-360-1320), 1720 Deerfield Island Park Rd., provides an opportunity to “get away from it all” on an island in the Intracoastal Waterway, with 1.3 miles of trails and boardwalks to explore. This day-use park can be accessed only by boat. Free shuttle boats leave at prescheduled times; call ahead for schedule.
Right across the street from the beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (954-564-4521; www.floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch/default.cfm), 3109 E Sunrise Blvd., is the former estate of Chicago attorney Hugh Taylor Birch and protects a coastal hammock in this urban area. Built in 1940, Birch’s home, TerraMar, displays both Mediterranean and art deco styles and serves as the park’s visitors center (open 10 AM–4 PM daily). The quiet park is nestled between the beach and the downtown area, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park also has two nature trails, canoe rentals for plying the waters of a coastal dune lake, and plenty of picnic spots. You can walk over to the beach or picnic along the Intracoastal Waterway. This is one of the best places for in-line skating, with a road that passes under a peaceful canopy of trees and then along the water. Open 8 AM–sunset daily. $4 per vehicle.
Broward County Parks and Recreation (954-357-8100; www.broward.org/parks) lists several natural areas throughout the county. One of my favorites is 1,500-acre West Lake Park (954-926-2410; www.broward.org/parks), 750 Sheridan St., which offers hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities. Canoeists and kayakers can rent or bring their own, and then paddle through mangrove trails and out onto wide-open lakes. Don’t miss the nature exhibit in the main building, where you’ll learn about tidal marshes and local wildlife. The Anne Kolb Nature Center (see Nature Centers) also has a fishing pier and five-story observation tower. Fee.
Despite the road noise from nearby I-95, Easterlin Park (954-938-0610), 1000 NW 38th St., is a pretty little place with camping along a pond and a “designated urban wilderness” where a nature trail winds through the tropical forest and ancient cypresses rise from the edge of a swamp. Playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing round out the experience. Call for camping reservations. Open daily. Fee on weekends and holidays.
LodgingCottages By The Ocean (954-956-8999; www.4rentbythebeach.com), 3309 SE Third St., offers six 1940s Key West–style studio cottages only 2 blocks from the beach and is a member of Superior Small Lodging. The cottages were renovated only a few years ago and include king-sized beds, a barbecue area, and cable television. Nonsmoking; small dogs welcome. Rates $500–1,100 weekly; $1,500–3,500 monthly.
Sands Harbor Resort and Marina (954-942-9100; www.sandsharbor.com), 125 N Riverside Dr. In business for more than 50 years, Sands Harbor was one of the first businesses to settle Pompano Beach, building a yacht basin to serve visitors and residents from Palm Beach to Miami. On the Intra-coastal Waterway near the Hillsboro Inlet, the Sands is convenient to local yacht brokers, dive shops, glass-bottom boat rentals, and snorkel tours. A favorite of fishers and boaters, the resort hosts two annual fishing tournaments, the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo in May and the Pompano Beach Saltwater Slam in June. Accommodations in the tall, balconied waterfront building range from hotel rooms to penthouse apartments. $169 and up.
Courtyard Villas on the Ocean (954-776-1164; www.courtyardvilla.com), 4312 El Mar Dr.This quaint, private inn offers oceanfront rentals at reasonable rates. $125 and up.
High Noon Resort (954-776-1121 or 1-800-382-1265), 4424 El Mar Dr. A fabulous old beachfront hotel with rooms and suites that are perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach getaway. Advance planners may wish to inquire about renting the rare beach house on the property—it’s a great place for a beachfront wedding! $130 and up; $315 and up for the 2 bedroom beach house.
The Atlantic (954-567-8020; www.theatlantichotelfortlauderdale.com), 601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Newly opened in 2004, the Atlantic is a premier luxury offering on Fort Lauderdale’s beach. With sleek styling and spacious rooms decorated with colorful accents and complementary earth tones and black marble baths, the hotel offers the latest amenities, including poolside cabanas and a spa. $269 and up.
Avalon Waterfront Inns, Beach Resort Waterfront Inn (954-564-4341 or 1-800-543-2006; www.waterfrontinns.com), 521 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (SR A1A). This family-owned enterprise is holding strong against the wave of corporate invasion of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The hotel has earned several awards for their attentiveness to customer service and personal approach to business, all of which add up to better experiences for guests. Rather than raze vintage 1950s inns, the approach is to bring them into the future as boutique hotels. The Beach Resort has 59 fully renovated and redecorated rooms with all the modern amenities, such as Internet access, massage services, and conference facilities (for an intimate group of 12). Across the street from the beach (no hotels mar the beachfront on this stretch of A1A), the hotel also offers a pool. $159 and up.
Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center (954-627-6357 or 1-888-802-2442; www.bahiamarhotel.com), 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Access is everything—and this hotel has access to the marina, so if you’ve brought your boat or plan to spend some serious time fishing, boating, or diving, then this could be the best place for you. $169 and up.
Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach (954-524-8733; www.marriott.com), 440 Seabreeze Blvd. It’s hard to beat the ocean views at this hotel in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s “Strip,” where vacationers sun on the beach by day and hike from restaurant to pub by night. If that’s what you’re here for, this (and a few others up and down the street) is the place. $259.
Gallery One Doubletree Guest Suites (954-565-3800; www.doubletreegalleria.com), 2670 E Sunrise Blvd. This lovely hotel, on the Intracoastal Waterway, is within walking distance of the beach and the Galleria Shopping Mall. The rooms are nice, clean, and well cared for. $219 and up.
Embassy Suites (954-527-2700; www.embassysuitesftl.com), 1100 SE 17th St. Off the beaten path (i.e., the beach), this hotel is convenient to the Broward County Convention Center and the Intracoastal Waterway. Its nice yet comfortable atmosphere and interior courtyard and hallways make it a good choice for group events. $259 and up.
The Flamingo (954-561-4658; www.theflamingoresort.com), 2727 Terramar St., Fort Lauderdale 33304, a luxury gay hotel, is in the heart of the gay district only a few blocks from the beach. British West Indies decor includes such details as four-poster beds and crisp clean white-on-white linens. Many of the spacious rooms and suites open through French doors directly into the courtyard, where you’ll find fountains, gardens, and a heated swimming pool. Other amenities include continental breakfast and full concierge service. Rooms and suites $150–370.
Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six (954-525-6666; www.pier66.com), 2301 SE 17th St. Causeway. One of Fort Lauderdale’s most enduring landmarks on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Hyatt maintains the aura of glamour and sophistication the rooftop restaurant has always brought to the hotel. Elegant, well-cared-for rooms. $249 and up.
Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the main roadways, Lago Mar Hotel Resort and Club (954-523-6511 or 1-800-LAGOMAR; www.lagomar.com), 1700 S Ocean Ln., Fort Lauderdale 33316, is located directly on one of the best beaches in the area. Spacious rooms and luxury suites are decorated in tropical splendor. Beds are oh so soft, from the pillow-top mattresses to the sumptuous duvet covers. Amenities include an Olympic-sized pool, a 9,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool set in a tropical paradise, a 500-foot beach with private beach cabanas, an on-site full-service spa, a fitness center, beachfront volleyball, tennis courts, a children’s play area, a giant outdoor chessboard, shuffleboard, putting course, private oceanfront balconies, and other services found at major resorts. Guest rooms, executive suites, and a penthouse with beachfront views $150–755 depending on season. Valet parking is available if you need it, but self-parking is close at hand.
Marriott’s Harbor Beach Resort (954-525-4000 or 1-800-222-6543; www.marriottharborbeach.com), 3030 N Holiday Dr. A longtime Fort Lauderdale hotel, this one has a corner on the beach—literally. It’s located at the end of the public beach, with a wide section it calls its own, providing plenty of fun in the sun for guests. The hotel is large and popular with meeting planners, and its spa is highly regarded. $349.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort (954-568-9431; www.pelicanbeach.com), 2000 N Atlantic Ocean Blvd. Family owned since 1989, the Pelican recently underwent a massive renovation project to create an all-new resort. Freshly redecorated to recall the charm of old Florida, rooms feature French-paneled doors, wrought-iron beds, and colorful, plush linens and upholstery. Most have balconies with ocean views and include coffeepots and Internet access. With a rare beachfront location, the resort also features two pools and a tube ride for the kids. $302 and up includes complimentary breakfast for two.
Shhh, Pillars at New River Sound (954-467-9639; www.pillarshotel.com), 111 N Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale 33304, is a secret! This low-key luxury boutique hotel has 23 rooms and suites located in a tropical paradise right on the Intracoastal Waterway. The fully restored 1938 property was previously a private residence. Tastefully appointed rooms feature 14-foot ceilings with British Colonial and island plantation themes. The cozy library features hundreds of books and videos and even a baby grand piano. There is a heated freshwater pool and a waterfront courtyard with a lush tropical garden, and the beach is nearby. Queen- or king-sized beds in superior rooms and suites $300–700.
Located in Victoria Park, Pineapple Point Guest House & Resort (954-527-0094 or 1-888-844-7295; www.pineapplepoint.com), 315 NE 16th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale 33304, is within walking distance to the trendy Las Olas district and nearby Wilton Manors. The 1930s guest house is comprised of seven Old Florida buildings housing 27 luxury rooms and suites within a tropical garden setting. The resort caters to gay men only, and clothing is optional around the heated pool. Several types of accommodations are available: double and king-sized beds in rooms, bungalows, suites, cottages, one- to four-bedroom villas ($199–679), and a three-story villa with four bedrooms and an elevator ($750–900 depending on season). Suites offer separate living rooms and dining areas along with full kitchens. Amenities include high-speed wireless Internet, refrigerators, cable TV, and VCRs, and there is a swimming pool, a lap pool, and two whirlpools.
Old-world charm and elegance will captivate you at Riverside Hotel (954-467-0671 or 1-800-325-3280; www.riversidehotel.com), 620 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304. Located in the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard district, the city’s oldest hotel (circa 1936) was a favorite of the Du Pont family and later, former President Ronald Reagan and other well-known celebrities. Guest rooms and suites ($125–295) are spread between the original six-story landmark building and a 12-story tower, which caters to executives. Modern amenities include a swimming pool, cable television, data ports, and refrigerators. Over in the Executive Tower you’ll find two-room suites ($600) with oversized Jacuzzi tubs.
Plush towels, designer linens, and spa amenities are just a few details that are offered at The Royal Palms Resort (954-564-6444 or 1-800-237-7256; www.royalpalms.com), 2901 Terramar St., Fort Lauderdale 33304. The clothing-optional resort caters exclusively to gay men. Amenities include a tropical heated pool, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and refrigerators. Queen- or king-sized beds in pool or garden rooms or suites $189–340.
Sheraton Yankee Clipper (1-866-716-8106; www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=664) 321 N. Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33304. The Yankee Clipper has helped define the Fort Lauderdale beach since I was a kid (a long time). Maintaining its popularity as well as its property, the hotel offers distinctive accommodations for business travelers, with easy access to the convention center, airport, and port, and vacationers enjoy the proximity to the beach, shopping, and the marina. $188 and up.
Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport (954-920-3500 or 1-866-716-8106; www.starwoodhotels/sheraton), 1825 Griffin Rd. Convenient to the airport and just a few miles from the beach, the Sheraton is also right next door to the fascinating DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas), where the latest and most unusual items for home and business are displayed in hundreds of designer showrooms. It’s a clean, friendly hotel with meeting space and restaurants. $176 and up.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport (954-920-3300; www.hilton.com), 1870 Griffin Rd. At the Hilton there are finely appointed rooms for business travelers, as well as a few amenities the family might enjoy, including a pool, Web TV, and Nintendo games. Convenient to the airport, DCOTA, and the Dania antiques district. $161 and up.
The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa (954-602-6000 or 1-888-627-9057; www.westin.com/diplomat), 3555 S Ocean Dr. The largest hotel in the county, with 1,000 rooms, this is a bit of an anomaly on Hollywood’s beach. The flashy high-rise came into being with lots of promises to bring revenue and glamour to the city. Some headaches were included, however, such as a problem with beach erosion that makes the towering building look as if it could tumble into the surf at any moment (don’t worry, it probably won’t). But the end result is an undeniably beautiful hotel, with rooms fit for royalty. $419 and up.
Where to EatCap’s Place (954-941-0418; www.capsplace.com), 2765 NE 28th Ct. A National Historic Site, Cap’s Place is a small seafood restaurant afloat in the Intracoastal Waterway, accessible only by boat. (The restaurant provides a motor launch.) Cap’s has been serving dinner to the famous, infamous, and the rest of us since the 1920s, when a few enterprising souls tied a few shacks to a barge and floated them from Miami to this small island, creating a casino and rum-running drop point during Prohibition. Party animals such as Al Capone and Meyer Lansky have passed time at the joint, as have Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, George Harrison, and Mariah Carey. The award-winning dinners of fresh seafood, island chicken, filet mignon, and hearts of palm salad aren’t quite as exciting as the boat ride and historic ambience. Reservations recommended. Open daily at 5:30 Jan.–Apr.; closed Mon. May–Dec. $23 and up.
Joe’s Riverside Grill (954-941-2499; www.joesriversidegrille.com), 125 N Riverside Dr. This award-winning, four-star restaurant has specialized in deliciously prepared fresh local seafood for 10 years as of 2008, with stone crabs a house favorite, but aged beef also highlights the menu. Try the blackened tuna steak, rum peppercorn–marinated tuna, or jerked grouper for some of the best seafood around. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the waterfront location on the Intracoastal Waterway. $16 and up.
Romantico (954-946-9100; www.romanticoristorante.com), 1903 E Atlantic Blvd. Romantico serves a small but exquisite Italian menu that includes memorable pasta dishes, salmon with lemon sauce, and seafood and lobster specials. Live music, open daily. $23 and up.
The beachfront Aruba Beach Cafe (954-776-0001; www.arubabeachcafe.com), right on the beach at Commercial Blvd. and FL A1A, offers Caribbean and West Indian favorites. Lunch, dinner, and a Sunday breakfast buffet are served.
The trendy art deco–inspired Blue Moon Fish Co. (954-267-9888; www.bluemoonfishco.com), 4405 W Tradewinds Ave., is located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway and is known for its Sunday gospel brunch. Lunch and dinner served daily.
Hard to find, but worth the search is By Word of Mouth (954-564-3663; www.bywordofmouthfoods.com), 3200 NE 12th Ave. The restaurant and caterer built its reputation completely by word of mouth more than two decades ago and continues to be one of the best gastronomic delights, always rating high on reviewers’ “best of” lists. Start off your meal with portobello mushrooms with lump crabmeat ($14) or escargots with Pernod crème in pastry shell ($13), and then select an entrée such as shrimp with sweet curry basil ($16), roasted vegetable lasagna with béchamel sauce ($14), or pan-seared grouper with spinach Chardonnay reduction ($17). Finish with one of their specialty cakes, such as Chocolate Orgasm, or our favorite, Carrot Praline ($8). Menu and bakery selections change daily, but if you call a few days in advance, they may make one of their 50 gourmet desserts specifically for your visit. They will also make full-sized cakes for you to take home. (We bring home the Carrot Praline cake too often to mention.) Lunch is served Mon.–Fri. starting at 11 AM; dinner is served Wed.–Sat. starting at 5 PM. (This restaurant’s primary business is catering.)
Cafe Martorano (954-561-2554; www.cafemartorano.com), 3343 E Oakland Blvd., at the corner of FL A1A, is a fantastic restaurant, but please leave the kids at home. This Sopranos-type restaurant feels like you might be in Little Italy instead of a few steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach. During dinner, gangster movies play overhead on flat screens, while disco lights and ’80s music keeps things lively. Be forewarned that your waiter will explain the menu in descriptive detail, but without the benefit of pricing (if you have to ask, then you shouldn’t be here—for those who have to ask, most entrées are $25–65). Our family loves this place for the meatball appetizers (two enormous meatballs with a small salad for $14 are just how our in-laws make them back home). Fresh, authentic ingredients are imported from places such as Tuscany, Salerno, Calabria, Sicily, and Modena. If you want a unique dining experience with a very good chance of seeing celebrities (such as James Gandolfini, Liza Minelli, and Dan Marino), then this is the place. Reservations are not accepted, so expect lines on the weekends and in-season of at least an hour. Open 5 PM daily.
The 1920s Casablanca Cafe (954-764-3500; www.casablancacafeonline.com), 3049 Alhambra St. on Fort Lauderdale Beach, offers a fabulous ocean view in an historic Moroccan-style villa. Menu items from tropical to North African are served nightly (about $20–30). You often find waiters, and sometimes guests, singing along at the downstairs piano bar in the casual atmosphere. Cozy corners can be found upstairs, with the outside deck offering a view of the beach. Valet parking recommended, as street parking is hard to find. And they don’t take reservations, so get there early. Open daily until 1 AM; dinner served until 11 PM.
Charley’s Crab (954-561-4800; www.muer.com), 3000 NE 32nd Ave., is a must for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant overlooks the Intracoastal, so you’ll often see a nice-sized yacht moored at the dock. Eat inside with modern elegance or on the outside terrace. Lunch and dinner are served daily.
Creolina’s (954-524-2003), 209 SW Second St. Chef and owner Mark Sulzinski keeps his Culinary Institute of America diploma posted in the ladies’ room, and while I don’t know what that’s about, his training shines through without the document. He crafts a mean gumbo, serves it up with rice topped with green onions, and calls it an appetizer—add a salad (served with a delicious ginger house dressing) and it’s the perfect meal. Heartier appetites may prefer the crawfish étouffée, all washed down with a couple of bottles of Blackened Voodoo, a rich, dark Dixie beer. $14 and up.
A longtime favorite is the 15th Street Fisheries (954-763-2777; www.15streetfisheries.com), 1900 SE 15th St., a casual seafood restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal. They serve more than 12 fresh fish items for lunch and dinner daily. $19 and up.
French Quarter (954-463-8000), 215 SE Eighth Ave. Let yourself be pampered at this delightful French eatery. Just a block off the beaten path, this is one to find and enjoy for its attention to detail and for its refusal to rush you through a pleasant dining experience. Enter the restaurant and enjoy the cozy, gardenlike atmosphere of lush plants, old brick arches, and sunlit ceilings. The menu, which includes French and continental cuisine with a Cajun–New Orleans twist, brings you oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes, Brie, or pâté to start; French onion soup, gumbo, or vichyssoise; and entrées of quail, beef Wellington, or medallions of veal au citron. This place is warm, friendly, dark, and delicious. $14 and up.
Greek Islands Taverna (954-568-0008), 3300 N Ocean Blvd. While the delicious Greek fare served at this busy spot is popular, the Taverna’s not the place for heady romance: it’s your table is ready, ma’am; eat; and out. Start with saganaki (fried cheese)—don’t skip the salad—and consider an entrée of roast leg of lamb or charbroiled swordfish. Save room for the baklava. Rich! $14 and up.
Hi-Life Café (954-563-1395; www.hilifecafe.com), Plaza 3000, 3000 N Federal Hwy. This cozy, comfortable café and bar, owned by Chuck Smith, has earned a Zagat’s rating as a Top 40 Favorite. Hi-Life boasts a rich wine list with a number of “great value” selections for the modest budget, paired with delicious yet moderately priced entrée selections. Chef Carlos Fernandez creates unique dishes with a French foundation that are inspired by whimsy and tropical flavors. Reservations are recommended. Closed Mon. $17 and up.
Local celebrity chef Johnny Vinczencz recently opened his own restaurant, Johnny V (954-761-7920; www.johnnyvlasolas.com), 625 E Las Olas Blvd., after working as a sous chef for Dennis Max, a pioneer in South Florida cuisine in the 1980s and ’90s, and then as executive chef for Astor Place in Miami Beach and De La Tierra in Delray Beach (see South Palm Beach County). Gourmets take note: Johnny V creates such appetizers as Jamaican jerk seared fresh tuna; Callaloo Stew; Bammy, aka coconut yucca cakes ($13); roasted garlic clams sautéed with Jamon Serrano red chile corn broth; and JV BBQ “Stix” ($14). Entrées may include fresh corn crusted yellowtail snapper, lemon Boniato mash, roasted corn sauce, and smoked pepper relish ($27); red chile venison chop, venison sausage, a trio of baby baked potatoes, wilted spinach, and blackberry demiglaze ($32); or the famous wild mushroom pancake “short stack” with roasted portobello, balsamic syrup, and sun-dried tomato butter ($11). An extensive selection of more than 40 cheeses is available paired with intricate salads and fresh fruits. Desserts are equally impressive. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
A Broward institution, Lester’s Diner (954-525-5641), 250 FL 84, is open 24/7, offers an extensive menu, and serves breakfast all day. Another location is out west in Sunrise (see Inland: Western Broward County).
A longtime favorite of tourists and locals alike, the Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Dinner Show (954-563-3272; www.maikai.com), 3599 N Federal Hwy., brings the South Seas to life within their Polynesian garden restaurant. Hostesses dressed in sarongs serve exotic tropical drinks, and the Polynesian floor show (adults $11, children under 12 free) makes for a fun evening with family or friends. Dinner served nightly. Expect valet parking as street parking is limited.
River House (954-525-7661; www.ftlauderdaleriverhouse.com), 301 SW Third Ave. Located in a historic home on Fort Lauderdale’s New River in Old Town, River House’s outdoor patio provides a scenic and pleasant dining destination, and the indoor dining and bar are equally charming. The food matches the atmosphere, with fresh flavors spiking traditional favorites such as horseradish-crusted salmon and anise-ginger calamari served in generous portions. Happy hour (all days except Sat.; complimentary sushi); Sun. brunch, reservations recommended. Closed Mon. $19 and up.
You can crack your own crabs at the casual, waterfront Rustic Inn Crab-house (954-584-1637; www.rusticinn.com), 4331 Ravenswood Rd. The steamed garlic blue crabs are served on newspaper-covered tables. Lunch and dinner served daily.
Sage (954-565-2299; www.sagecafe.net), 2378 N Federal Hwy. Delicious country French cuisine is served in a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Meals begin with an olive tapenade that’s irresistible, but don’t spoil your appetite—the real fun is yet to come. Try the mustard-crusted poulet (chicken) or a crêpe for dinner or dessert. Nice selection of wines, reservations recommended. $14 and up.
Shula’s on the Beach (954-355-4000; www.donshula.com), 321 N Atlantic Blvd. (SR A1A). Come here for the lovely setting, lovely view, and the classic menu of aged beef and fresh seafood, presented by chef Chris Gilmore and former Dolphins coach Don Shula, whose successful restaurants now span the nation. While the aged Angus beef is the star here, the house salad—crumbled blue cheese and sugared-walnut vinaigrette over a wedge of iceberg lettuce—is also unforgettable. $19 and up.
Sublime World Vegetarian Cuisine (954-539-9000; www.sublimeveg.com), 1431 N Federal Hwy. Animal-rights activist and dishy bikini babe Pamela Anderson came to town to herald the opening of this upscale vegetarian palace in 2003, and the restaurant seems to have warranted the attention. With its cool stone interior and waterfall wall, Sublime’s atmosphere helps diners feel as good as the guilt-free fare. Like many Sublime dishes, the sundried tomato carpaccio and arugula with black olive tapenade and garlic chips is unique as well as delicious. The raw avocado and organic beet soup is also lovely. Who could miss meat with entrées such as eggplant Parmesan, veggie lasagna, and grilled portobello with Swiss chard, rutabaga, mango, and ginger? $14 and up.
Sushi Rock (954-462-5541) 1515 E Las Olas Blvd. The epitome of cool hides behind this unassuming though colorful facade. Dark, fun, and chic, the restaurant has a small sushi bar, as well as tables. This little bar not far from the sea has a big-city feeling and some of the best Japanese cuisine around. $9 and up.
Casual dockside dining along the New River is at Shirttail Charlie’s (954-463-3474; www.shirttailcharlies.com), 400 SW Third Ave. Pull up your boat and dig into local fresh seafood, alligator, and conch. The waterfront restaurant offers a free after-dinner river cruise, or you can take the boat to and from a performance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (see Performing Arts). Lunch and dinner served daily.
Once a spring break favorite, Shooter’s Waterfront Cafe (954-566-2855; www.shooterscafe.com), 3033 NE 32nd Ave., still attracts a lively crowd. Cigarette boats and luxury yachts line the dock along the Intracoastal Waterway. You can eat in or out, or just hang out at the bar. Open daily until late.
Revitalized downtown Hollywood has an amazing array of international restaurants. For the best Spanish food, there’s La Barraca Tapa Bar & Cafe (954-925-0050), 115 S 20th Ave.; for Irish food and entertainment, there’s O’Hara’s Jazz Cafe & Swing Street Bistro (954-925-2555), 1903 Hollywood Blvd.; Romanian food is served at Transylvania (954-929-0777), 113 S 20th Ave.; and you’ll find good Mediterranean cuisine at Zaraka Restaurant & Lounge (954-966-6669), 715 S 21st Ave.
Celebrating 50 years of goodness in 2006, Jaxson’s old-fashioned ice cream parlor (954-923-4445; www.jaxsonsicecream.com), 128 S Federal Hwy., is a must for any tourist or local. Ice cream and toppings are prepared daily right on the premises. The huge sundaes ($8–11) are almost impossible to finish, but we keep trying. Other cool creations are the old-fashioned banana split ($10), colossal parfaits ($9), and, for parties of four or more, there’s the Kitchen Sink ($10 per person). This amazing sundae is served in an actual kitchen sink and is a creation that you make with the guidance of Jaxson’s own professional soda jerks. For a truly special event, get a dozen of your close friends together and order the Punch Bowl Sundae ($90). Oh, and Jaxson’s also serves excellent salads ($9), burgers ($8), sandwiches ($7–9), wraps ($8), and junior meals ($6). Just make sure to save room for the ice cream!
Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza (954-462-5555; www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com), 2203 S Federal Hwy. (There are several other Anthony’s Coal-Fired restaurant locations in South Florida.) Regulars flock to the various Anthony’s eateries for the thin pizzas with the signature almost-burned tastiness. Baked in 800-degree ovens, the pizzas are the featured items at these popular neighborhood-style restaurants. The well-done pizzas pair nicely with a heaping bowl of Anthony’s fresh green Italian salad. Or go for an arugula salad served atop the pizza. Apart from an array of pizza options, the menu is relatively simple. Other items include focaccia sandwiches, side dishes of broccoli rabe and sausage, and cheesecake for dessert. $17 and up.
Chef’s Palette Café and Grille (954-760-7957), 1650 SE 17th St. Feeling like a guinea pig? Have no fear. Chef’s Palette is the laboratory restaurant of the culinary division of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Students prepare and present meals, serving the public gourmet cuisine for a song. Reservations recommended. Closed Sun. and Mon. $12 and up.
Croissan’ Time (954-565-8555), Sunrise Square, 1201 N Federal Hwy. After driving by this place for months, I finally got a tip that this little pastry shop served up some of the finest French pastry around. The tip proved true. Open for more than 20 years, the shop turns out baguettes, croissant, and breads throughout the day, as well as a wide variety of fine pastries. Eat in the shop or grab a prepared dish of pâté, beef burgundy, or any number of gourmet meals to eat at home. $7 and up.
Downtowner Saloon (954-463-9800), 408 S Andrews Ave. This casual restaurant and bar, on the waterfront under the New River Bridge and tucked behind the county jail, offers sandwiches, seafood, and steak. $9 and up.
Since 1938, The Elbo Room (954-463-4615; www.elboroom.com), 241 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, has been the area’s number-one watering hole. World War II sailors came here in the 1940s, and then spring breakers dominated the scene during the later part of the century when the movie Where the Boys Are, with Connie Frances and George Hamilton, made Fort Lauderdale Beach spring break central. Today people 21 and older stop by for a drink and to check out tiny bikinis and a bit of history.
The Floridian (954-463-4041), 1410 E Las Olas Blvd. This friendly, bustling place on trendy Las Olas is a great place to catch a late-night snack or early-early breakfast. Open 24/7. $7 and up.
Pizza Fusion (954-358-5353; www.pizzafusion.com), 1013 N Federal Hwy. (Franchises in several other Florida towns and across the country.) Pizza Fusion is a totally unique Green Restaurant—they even invited me to have a book party to announce my latest book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living (Alpha Books 2007)! The food and the business philosophy at these relaxed and informal restaurants revolve around an earth-friendly attitude. The buildings are furnished with recycled and reused tables, floors are environmentally friendly, ovens vent heat for reuse either as heat or for water, delivery vehicles are hybrid cars, ingredients include organic vegetables. Along with oval pizzas, the fare includes sandwiches, breadsticks with olive tapenade, wraps and salads—some with an exotic flair. The Pacific Rim salad features organic greens, fresh mandarin oranges, red cabbage, cucumbers, snow peas, baby corn, and water chestnuts. The Greek pizza includes kalamata olives, feta cheese, artichoke hearts and fresh basil. For those with precise dining preferences, plenty of items on the menu are labeled as vegan, gluten-free, or organic. $14 and up.
AUTHOR TRISH RILEY SIGNING BOOKS AT PIZZA FUSION, FT. LAUDERDALE
At Stork’s Las Olas (954-522-4670; www.storkscafe.com), 1109 E Las Olas Blvd., Jim Stork offers 13 different varieties of coffee beans, breakfast pastries, garden salads and sandwiches, mousses, and cakes, tortes, and pies—by the slice, or take home a whole one. All bakery items are made fresh daily, from scratch, using top-notch ingredients.
Tom Jenkins Bar-B-Q (954-522-5046; www.tomjenkinsbbq.com), 1236 S Federal Hwy. Jenkins’s own down-home hot and spicy barbecue sauce comes slathered on chicken, ribs, beef, or pork straight off the fiery, constantly rotating rotisserie just off the small, picnic table–filled dining area. Collard greens, hush puppies, and sweet potato pie round out the meal. Take-out is available, or buy the sauce by the bottle and (try to) make your own. Closed Sun. and Mon. $7 and up.
Universe Café (954-920-3774; www.universecafe.net), 1925 Hollywood Blvd., offers salads ($6 and up) and sandwiches, crab cakes, and more. Open daily for breakfast and lunch with live music on the weekends.
Fresh gourmet coffee, cappuccinos, iced lattes, macchiato, chai tea, fruit smoothies, and an assortment of desserts can be found at Java Boys (954-564-8828), 2230 Wilton Dr. Not for everyone, the mostly male hangout bears the rainbow flag and has buff nude photos on the walls. Bring your laptop to make use of their Wi-Fi hookup.
EntertainmentFine or casual dining, shopping, art galleries, and all sorts of entertainment from dancing to movies can be found along the Las Olas Riverfront (954-522-6556; www.riverfrontfl.com), 300 SW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is held the first Sunday each month. A parking garage is on SW First Avenue, meters and valet parking available as well.
DINNER SHOW Mai-Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Dinner Show (see Dining Out), Fort Lauderdale, authentically re-creates a Polynesian village, complete with tiki torches, thatch roof, and wooden plank entrance.
See a show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (954-462-0222; www.browardcenter.org), 201 SW Fifth Ave. Overlooking the New River and Riverwalk Arts District, the state-of-the-art complex showcases Broadway productions and the Florida Grand Opera (1-800-741-1010; www.fgo.org).
All the productions at the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre (954-763-6882; www.flct.org), 640 N Andrews Ave., are performed by children ranging in age from 6 to 18, and the technicians and backstage crew are also younger than 18. Come see what these talented youngsters can do at shows such as Aladdin’s Lamp and Les Miserables School Edition. Drama classes and camps are also available. Adults $18, children under 12 $15.
Socially relevant and thought-provoking theater is presented at the Inside Out Theatre Company at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale (see Museums). Tickets $30, with discounts for students and museum members.
The Art & Culture Center of Hollywood (see Art Galleries), in the heart of downtown Hollywood, has professional dance and theatrical performances, gallery exhibitions, and classes for children and adults. The Center hosts the annual Ocean Dance, free performances on Hollywood Beach at Johnson Street in December. The Art & Culture Center also manages the programs at The Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center (954-921-3274; www.artandculturecenter.org), 1770 Monroe St., where dance performances are presented. Adults $25, seniors $23, members and students $20.
Selective ShoppingGreat vintage, antique, and consignment furniture and accessories can be found at Beachcomber Consignments (954-630-0911), 3042 N Federal Hwy.; Decades Design Group (954-564-0454), N Federal Hwy.; and June Sharp Antiques and New Trends (954-565-8165), 3000 N Federal Hwy.
Flagler Antiques (954-463-0994; www.flaglerantiques.com), 720 N Flagler Dr., specializes in art nouveau and art deco French antiques.
For the best in midcentury and atomic modern, check out Space Modern (954-564-6100; www.space-modern.com), 2335 NE 26th St., or Art Modern (954-567-9502), 2673 N Federal Hwy. (which has a second location in Wilton Manors).
Victoria’s Attic (954-463-6774), Gateway Plaza, 1928 E Sunrise Blvd. Proprietor David Fernan has an eclectic collection of consignment furniture from Victorian to midcentury modern, and he’ll try to find whatever you’re looking for if it’s not already among the goods packed wall to wall in his shop. A narrow path winds through the showroom so you can see it all, but his overflow has found another home, Victoria’s Attic is in the Gateway Plaza, which has several interesting shops, restaurants, and an offbeat movie theater. Open 12 PM–6 PM Sun.–Thurs., 12 PM–10 PM Fri.–Sat.
You’ll find lots of fun and funky items at 50’s, 60’s, 70’s Living (954-767-8000; www.50s60s70sliving.com), 2207 Wilton Dr.; Modern Rage (954-328-6834), 2205 N Dixie Hwy.; and Nostagia Modern (954-537-5533), 2097 Wilton Dr.
For those looking for country decor, make sure to stop into nearby Shabby Cottage Chic (954-564-2740), 2415 N Dixie Hwy.
If your dog is really your child, take him over to Central Bark Doggy Day Care and Boutique (954-568-DOGS; www.centralbarkusa.com), 3699 N Dixie Hwy., where your canine is treated like one of the family. For only $23 you can drop off your pooch for an entire day, so you can enjoy local attractions or do some shopping. For an extra fee the Doggie Salon will have your best friend groomed and gorgeous upon your return. This haven for dogs also offers doggie birthday parties! Make sure to check out their extensive boutique shop. Updated shots and behavior assessment required. The advance application can be downloaded from the Internet.
Open since 1999, The Bone Appetite Bakery (954-565-3343), 3045 N Federal Hwy., offers healthy treats for both dogs and cats. Bring your pets along so they can pick out their own treats, or have a gift basket made up to bring home. Pet-related gifts are also available.
Groovy and funky things can be found at Jezebel (954-761-7881), 1980 E Sunrise Blvd., which also offers excellent vintage clothing.
Along Las Olas Boulevard (www.lasolasboulevard.com) you’ll want to stop by several shops. In 1917 the charming area was just a dirt road that brought visitors to the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. Now it is lined with quaint boutiques, art galleries, bistros, and cafés. At Bijou and Color (954-600-7349), 701-B E Las Olas Blvd., you can select one of their signature pieces of jewelry crafted from natural gemstones found all over the world, or design one yourself with the assistance of their talented in-house design team. Needlepoint Originals (954-463-1955; www.needlepoint-originals.com), 702 E Las Olas Blvd., features hand-painted needlepoint canvases designed by the very talented Joan Bancel, along with adaptations inspired by the works of modern masters.
Sometimes you find the unexpected in unusual places—that’s the fun in exploring. Such a place is at Outrageous Framing (954-537-9320; www.outrageousframing.com), 3020 N Federal Hwy. The small gallery is one of the best in the area for quality custom picture framing, including museum-quality work. While framing is their forte, this shop is also an excellent place for unique gifts and accessories. Check out the showcase with exquisite handmade purses and hair accessories fashioned by local artisans.
Styline (954-523-3375; www.stylinefurniture.com), 116 SE 6 Ave., just south of Broward Blvd., offers an eclectic and unique selection of European furnishings. Call for hours or appointment.
Whole Foods Market (954-565-5655), 2000 N Federal Hwy., is the place to go for all your natural grocery needs. The full hot and cold salad bar, juice bar, and café make this a great place for lunch or a quick and easy dinner. Two other stores are located inland: 810 University Dr., Coral Springs (954-753-8000), and 7720 Peters Rd., Plantation (954-236-0600).
Intricate masks, musical instruments, and large pieces of hand-carved furniture from the Far East take center stage at Chantik Imports (954-920-6009), 1911 Hollywood Blvd.
Spend a day in downtown Hollywood browsing the many shops in the Downtown Hollywood Art and Design District (www.downtownhollywood.com), encompassing the blocks from 20th Avenue to Young Circle on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, where the streets are packed with boutiques, galleries, bistros, and sideway cafés.
Hollywood Mama (954-929-8886), 2037 Tyler St., offers a great deal of hip and happening inventory. From trendy T-shirts to elegant evening dresses, you’ll be sure to find a unique and glamorous wardrobe to celebrate the diva in you.
With art directly imported from Africa, Indaba Gallery (954-920-2029; www.indaba.com), 2029 Harrison St., offers a unique selection of stone and wood sculptures, handwoven baskets and beadwork, and beautiful batiks. Open daily.
Step into the mystic at The Jeweled Castle (954-920-2424; www.thejeweledcastle.com), 1920 Hollywood Blvd., an otherworldly realm of crystals, gargoyles, Egyptian art, New Age books and music, and an on-site tarot reader. Open daily.
If your little one is a pint-sized canine, then head over to Teacups Puppies & Boutique (954-985-8848), 8991 Taft St., which specializes in canine couture and luxury items for your teeny-weenie pooch. Here you’ll find designer dog carriers, bows and collars studded with Swarovski crystals, and sumptuous dog beds.
Trader John’s Book & Record Exchange (954-922-2466), 1907 Hollywood Blvd., a densely packed bookstore selling used titles covering every subject you can think of; antiquarian books sold as well. Open daily 10 AM–10 PM.
MALLS AND OUTLETS The Festival Marketplace (954-979-4555; www.festivalfleamarket.com), 2900 W Sample Rd., Pompano, is a welcome retreat from the South Florida heat. The indoor, air-conditioned flea market is home to more than 600 vendors that feature new merchandise at reduced prices. Open daily. Valet parking available.
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (954-564-1036), 2414 E Sunrise Blvd. Home to the finest department chains, the Galleria is a shopping destination for those seeking pricey gifts from trusted names. Shops include Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Burdines-Macy’s, and Dillard’s. Open 10 AM–9 PM Mon.–Sat., noon–6 PM Sun.
FARMER’S MARKETS For more than 70 years, Mack’s Groves (1-800-327-3525; www.macksgroves.com), 1180 N Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, has been a local favorite for Florida-grown naval oranges, pink seedless grapefruit, tangerines, honey bells, and even beefsteak tomatoes. In 1954 Ed and Frankie Vrana purchased the roadside business, and rather than change the name, they decided to keep Mack’s Groves in honor of Mr. Mack, who had already operated the successful business for 20 years. And you don’t mess with success! Now run by the fourth generation of Vranas, the business still offers fresh Indian River fruits and gift baskets with fruit, nuts, jams, and candy. Shipping is available within the United States and to most areas of Europe.
Organics by Josh (Harrison St. at the Broadwalk), This fabulous organic market, on an outdoor terrace facing the beach, offers a wide range of fresh organic fruits and vegetables gathered from local and global sources. Open 10 AM–6 PM Sun.
Outdoors enthusiasts should head to Outdoor World Bass Pro Shops (954-929-7710; www.basspro.com), 200 Gulf Stream Way, where they’ll find fishing, boating, and camping supplies in a 160,000-square-foot showroom. Make sure to check out the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum next door (see Museums).
Surf’s up at Island Water Sports Surf Superstore (954-427-4929 or 1-800-873-0375; www.islandwatersports.com), 1985 NE Second St., where you can get all you need in surf or skate products. Free surf lessons are given every Saturday morning at the Deerfield Beach Pier. All equipment is provided; just bring your towel. Call the store to sign up. Open 9 AM–8 PM Mon.–Sat. and 9 AM–6 PM Sun. Check out the surf on the Web cam or call the Surf Report line at 954-421-4102.
Head to Peter Glenn (www.peterglenn.com) for fine sporting attire, wakeboards, kayaks, and camping gear. But don’t be surprised to see lots of ski wear and mountaineering equipment: South Florida has one of the largest ski clubs in the nation. Since 1958 the Vermont-based store has offered excellence in outdoor wear and equipment. There are two Fort Lauderdale locations: 2901 W Oakland Park Blvd. (954-484-3606) and 1771 E Sunrise Blvd. (954-467-7872).
Special EventsWeekly Events: Pompano Beach Green Market Time, Flagler Ave. and NE First St. Local vendors offer fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and more. Proceeds benefit the Pompano Beach Historical Society. Open 8 AM–2 PM Sat. Oct.–May.
Josh’s Organic Market (see Selective Shopping), 10 AM–5 PM Sun., Hollywood Beach.
SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch (954-828-5985; www.fortlauderdale.gov), downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Riverwalk. Held the first Sunday of every month from 11 AM to 2 PM, this is a nice opportunity for a peaceful and pleasant stroll along the waterfront, with three or four jazz bands set up along the way, in the gazebo, in the amphitheater, and on the green. In between the stages are booths offering signature dishes and drinks from several area restaurants, although some prefer to bring a picnic and blanket or chairs to enjoy the easygoing festivities. Free admission; fee for food booths.
Second and Fourth Friday of the month: Broadwalk Friday Fest (954-924-2980), Hollywood Beach. Listen to live jazz along Hollywood’s signature 2.5-mile “Broadwalk” from 7 AM to 10 PM. Free.
January: The Country Chili Cookoff (954-764-7642), held at C. B. Smith Park, Pembroke Pines, features country music with celebrity singers along with a competitive chili cook-off.
Florida Renaissance Festival Quiet Waters Park (954-776-1642; www.ren-fest.com), 401 Powerline Rd. Each year the Florida Renaissance Festival comes to Broward County for five consecutive weekends of medieval history come to life. Ladies and lords, fairies, magicians, jesters, and jousters gather in full medieval regalia to play out the past for the entertainment of thousands of fascinated fans. Join a game of human chess, dine on food fit for a king, and learn the ropes of master falconers in the birds of prey exhibit. Twelve stages provide continuous entertainment. You can also learn how to make period crafts and buy the handiwork of artisans.
The Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts (954-480-4433), NE Second St. and Pioneer Park, Deerfield Beach, has been going strong for nearly three decades and features more than 100 juried artists.
One of the top art festivals in the nation, the Las Olas Art Fair (954-472-3755), Fort Lauderdale, features the best in art, music, and food.
February: The best jazz acts in the country converge at the Annual Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival (954-523-1004), Riverwalk Park, downtown Fort Lauderdale.
More than 300 tribes celebrate Native American culture at the Annual Seminole Tribal Fair (954-797-5551), One Seminole Way, Hollywood, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The cultural event has been running for more than 35 years.
All ye lords and ladies head over to the Florida Renaissance Festival (954-776-1642; www.ren-fest.com) for jousting knights, fanciful fairies, and maids spreading merriment. Located at Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach, for six weekends from February to mid-March.
March: Las Olas Art Fair II (954-472-3755), Fort Lauderdale. A second dose of the January show, where you’ll find national and local artists, such as the wildlife color photography of South Florida native Mark J. Thomas (www.blueiceberg.com).
April: The Florida Gay Rodeo Association’s (FGRA) Sunshine Stampede Rodeo (954-680-3555; www.fgra.org/stampede/), Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4271 Davie Rd., Davie. The Florida Gay Rodeo Association has hosted the first ever IGRA-sanctioned rodeo in Florida since 2005.
Air and Sea Show (www.nationalsalute.com), an estimated 4 million people crowd onto Fort Lauderdale’s beaches to watch this two-day military air show. Free.
April Pompano Beach Seafood Festival (954-570-7785; www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com), Atlantic Blvd. and SR A1A. Relax beachside for a few hours or a few days to the sounds of classic rock (performed by national vintage bands and cover shows, including local retro-rockers the Low Tides). Also enjoy games, crafts, and more seafood than you can imagine from several area restaurants. This is a nice spring festival—don’t forget your beach gear and chairs.
Ocean Fest Dive & Adventure Sports Expo (954-839-8516; www.oceanfest.com), Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. This festival offers scuba and snorkel instruction, more than 200 dive-related exhibits, an underwater treasure hunt, an underwater music festival, shore diving, and prizes.
May: Continuous live Cajun zydeco music, creole food, and lots of crawfish can be found at the Cajun Zydeco Festival (954-771-7117; www.cajunfest.com), Quiet Waters Park, 401 S Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach.
The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (954-764-7642) is always a busy event. The largest boat show in the world covers six sites around Fort Lauderdale, with more than 1,600 vessels and 60 super yachts.
June: Mango Festival (954-421-0069; www.deerfield-beach.com), Westside Park, Deerfield Beach. This fun festival celebrates the beautiful ripe mango and the multicultural population that enjoys the delicious fruit throughout the tropics. With more than 100 vendors, visitors can enjoy mango jellies and shakes while listening to rhythm and blues, gospel, hip-hop, and poetry and perusing arts and crafts. The weekend festival kicks off with a Saturday-morning parade.
National Week of the Ocean Festival (954-462-5573; www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org), not just a single event, National Week of the Ocean is a banner under which many ocean-related activities are joined to help raise awareness of the seas. During this week a school fair is held to showcase student projects, community beach and waterway cleanups are held, and special events are held at area attractions and retailers, including a marine fair at the IGFA Hall of Fame Museum (www.igfa.org; 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach 33004). Price varies by event.
Oceanwatch Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup (954-467-1366; www.oceanwatch.org). Hundreds of divers and beach walkers pitch in to clean up Broward and Palm Beach County beaches and reefs. The total take since 1989 is more than 24 tons of trash. Call for the beach and dive location where you can join the fun. Free.
September: Hollywood Beach Clam Bake (954-924-2980; www.hollywoodbeachclambake.com), Hollywood Broadwalk. This all-American celebration, which takes place in August and September, includes sand castle displays and a contest as well as a treasure hunt on the Broadwalk. Free admission.
October: Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) (954-760-9898; www.fliff.com), Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE Sixth St. Film screenings of more than 100 movies are shown at FLIFF’s home, Cinema Paradiso, and in theaters from Boca Raton to Miami.
November: Pompano Park Racing in Pompano Beach is home to the annual Broward County Fair (954-922-2224; www.browardcountyfair.com), where you’ll find lots of midway rides and exhibits.
Hollywood Jazz Festival (954-424-4440 or 1-877-877-7677; www.southfloridajazz.org), Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe St. This weekend festival features national jazz performers. The South Florida JAZZ is dedicated to promoting the American art of jazz by providing educational programs, opportunities for local musicians to share their talents, and a venue for national performers.
December: You have to see the Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade (954-767-0686; www.winterfestparade.com) at least once in your lifetime. The quality event is often televised, but seeing it in person is a unique and unforgettable experience. The boat parade travels from the Port Everglades to Lake Santa Barbara, and many hotels offer packages so you can view the show from your room.
Ocean Dance (954-921-3274; www.artandculturecenter.org/oceandance) is performed free of charge on Hollywood Beach the last few days of the month.
The western reaches of Broward County remained virtually untouched until the 1950s and ’60s, with Sunrise and Davie as the first to be incorporated. Plantation was originally developed with 1-acre “long lots” where produce and fruit trees could be grown to support the rapidly expanding beachside areas. Then, several family-oriented communities, such as Coral Springs and Weston, stretched the edge of the Everglades west as developers created “planned neighborhoods.” The expansion continued through the 1990s, when environmental efforts halted any further expansion into the Everglades.
To SeeART GALLERY The Coral Springs Center for the Arts (954-344-5999; www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com), 2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs, is a performing-arts facility and a museum of fine art. Private meeting rooms and catering are available.
AUTOMOBILES Local car clubs converge at a local shopping mall parking lot for one of the largest collection of vintage hot rods and late-model suped-up cars and tricked-out rides each Friday night at the Tower Shops on University Drive, Davie, just south of US 595.
HOCKEY The Florida Panthers take to the ice at the BankAtlantic Center (954-835-8000; www.bankatlanticcenter.com), 2555 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise, which is also a main venue for concerts and family shows.
The hands-on Young at Art Children’s Museum (954-424-0085; www.youngatartmuseum.org), 11584 West State Rd. 84, provides a variety of activities to expand your child’s mind and release some of that expressive energy. At Global Village you’ll dig for artifacts, visit an African village, and learn about origami. In EarthWorks you’ll climb aboard a giant recycling truck and learn about resource management. Kenny’s Closet takes you through the psychedelic world of international artist Kenny Scharf, where works of art are lit by black lights and your child can create her own pop art masterpiece. A special gallery, Playspace for Toddlers, allows the little ones to explore movement and hands-on activities specific to their age level. Open year-round 10 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat., noon–5 PM Sun. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Adults and children $8, children under two free.
The hands-on, interactive My Jewish Discovery Place Children’s Museum (954-792-6700; www.sorefjcc.org), 6501 W Sunrise Blvd., is full of Jewish culture and history. You’ll discover how to cook a festive holiday meal in Home for the Holidays; blast off in Discovery Station, complete with NASA jumpsuits; dress up as a doctor or ambulance driver at Hadassah Hospital; and write your wishes and prayers on the stone replica of Jerusalem’s Western Wall. Open 12 PM–4 PM Tues.–Thurs. Admission $5.
RODEO Since 1986 the Five Star Davie Rodeo (954-384-7075; www.fivestarrodeo.com), Davie Arena, Davie, has featured championship barrel racing, bronco riding, team roping, steer wrestling, and bull riding.
STARGAZING Learn about the sky at Buehler Planetarium and Observatory (954-201-6681; www.iloveplanets.com), Broward Community College, Central Campus, 3501 SW Davie Rd., Davie. The state-of-the-art planetarium provides interesting shows about legends of Native Americans, New World explorers, galaxies, Egyptian lore, and even a solar experience through a magic rocket. The observatory houses 20 telescopes for celestial viewing, including the 16-inch LX200 telescope. Call for schedule. Fee.
To DoECOTOURS For a quick ecotrip, the Everglades Holiday Park (954-434-8111 or 1-800-226-2244; www.evergladesholidaypark.com), 21940 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, offers one-hour guided tours on airboats, or rent a fishing boat and explore a bit of the Everglades on your own. Adults $20, kids $10; includes one-hour airboat ride followed by a 15-minute alligator show. Fishing guides and gear are also available. A Florida fishing license (required) can be bought on-site. Check the Web site for coupons.
Sawgrass Recreation Park (954-389-0202 or 1-800-424-7262; www.evergladestours.com), US 27 (2 miles north of I-75), Fort Lauderdale, features an 18th-century Native American village, alligator wrestling, birds of prey, and airboat rides. Open daily, with guided airboat tours 9 AM–5 PM. Adults $20, children $10.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES “Kids can do what they wanna do” at Wannado City (954-838-7100 or 1-888-926-6236; www.wannadocity.com), Sawgrass Mills Mall, 12801 W Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise. The indoor theme park takes children’s museums and supersizes them with America’s first indoor role-playing venue, which allows kids to participate in tons of different careers. Open daily. Adults $7, children $30, children under two free.
SKATE AND BIKE PARKS The 333.3-meter concrete track at the Brian Piccolo Velodrome (954-437-2626; www.broward.org/parks), 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, has a maximum banking of 28 degrees. It is open for public use for $3–4, depending on time of day. Bikes are available for rent for an additional fee. The free criterium course adjacent to the velodrome is used by cyclists and in-line speed skaters.
TRAIL RIDING The Bar-B-Ranch (954-424-1060; www.bar-b-ranch.com), 1300 Peaceful Ridge Rd., Davie, is Broward County’s oldest and largest public riding stable. Equestrians of all ages and experience levels can ride ponies or horses on scenic trails. Lessons are also available. Open 9 AM–5 PM daily.
WATER PARK Splash around at Paradise Cove (954-357-8115), C. B. Smith Park, 900 N Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, where you’ll find two interactive water playgrounds, water slides, and a tube ride. Open daily 9:30 AM–5:20 PM May–Labor Day; weekends only Apr., Sept., and Oct. Admission $8.50.
Green SpaceBOTANTICAL GARDENS The 60-acre Flamingo Gardens & Wray Botanical Collection (954-473-2955; www.flamingogardens.org), 3750 S Flamingo Rd., Fort Lauderdale, is a unique not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary. Take a tour through a citrus grove and a 200-year-old hammock, check out the bird of prey center and free flight aviary, and see alligators and pink flamingos. Open 9:30 AM–5 PM daily; closed Mon. during the hot summer months. Adults $17, children 4–11 $11, children under 4 free. Discounts available for seniors, students, AAA members, and armed service personnel.
Coral Springs was recently listed as one of the top 10 cities for dogs. Dr. Paul’s Pet Care Center Dog Park (954-752-1879; www.toppetcare.com), 2915 Sport-splex, is a spacious 2-acre dog park that allows enough room for all breeds to run, play, and socialize unleashed. Agility equipment, a wading pool, and a track that wraps around the perimeter of the park offer even more opportunities for exercise. Sit on a bench and observe your pooch from under a canopy of trees or at one of the shaded picnic tables. A separate play area for small dogs and puppies ensures a safe area where the little ones won’t get run over by the larger breeds. The nonprofit organization holds the annual Dog Day Run & Kids Dog Show along with a Gala Auction each March (see Special Events).
Happy Tails Dog Park (954-452-2510), 6600 SW 16th St. at Seminole Park, is the place for the annual Doggie-Palooza Dog Expo (see Special Events). Dog-related events, vendors, and demonstrations by Police K-9s. Dogs of all sizes are welcome to mix and mingle, but they must have current inoculations.
Markham Park (see Parks below) provides a special section for canine pals to play in water pools and other toys while their people rest on nearby benches.
NATURE CENTER Go bird-watching and look for wildlife as you walk along boardwalks at Fern Forest Nature Center (954-970-0150), 201 Lyons Rd. S, Coconut Creek. Broward County Parks and Recreation (954-357-8100; www.broward.org/parks) offers several natural and family recreational areas throughout the county.
At Tree Tops Park (954-370-3750), 3900 SW 100th Ave., off Nob Hill Rd., you can rent a canoe and paddle the ponds, fish in the ponds and wetlands, have a picnic, or take the kids to the playground and Safety Town. It’s a great site for wildlife watching, with several miles of paved and unpaved paths winding through beautiful live oak hammocks, along open flatwoods ponds, and out into adjoining Pine Island Ridge Natural Area, an archaeological site where the Miccosukee had a large village prior to the Second Seminole War. Open 8 AM–sunset daily. Fee on weekends and holidays.
A former University of Florida agricultural experimentation farm, Plantation Heritage Park (954-791-1025), 1100 S Fig Tree Ln., offers picnicking under the trees, fishing in its ponds, a large playground, and the Anne Kolb Memorial Trail, a 0.25-mile loop through representative native plant communities. Open 8 AM–7:30 PM daily. Fee on weekends and holidays.
Covering more than 650 acres along the edge of the Everglades, Markham Park (954-389-2000), 16001 W SR 84, offers a variety of pursuits, including a mountain bike trail, model airplane field, biking and jogging path, swimming pool complex with misters, target range, picnic shelters, rental canoes to ply the lakes, and nature and equestrian trails. The park also has an 86-site campground for RVs and tents, and a 3-acre dog park for your favorite canine. Open daily; hours vary by season. Free.
A wonderland of oversize ferns surrounds you on the 0.5-mile boardwalk through Tall Cypress Natural Area (954-357-8100), Turtle Run Blvd., north of Sample Rd. Birders, bring binoculars to watch for downy woodpeckers.
The 20-acre Doris Davis Foreman Wilderness Area (954-357-8100), Park-side Dr., south of Loxahatchee Rd., has a beautiful 0.5-mile nature trail through a tropical forest and cypress swamp, with a long boardwalk as a major feature. Open 8 AM–6 PM daily. Free.
Tiny Woodmont Natural Area (954-357-8100), NW 80th Ave., 0.2 mile north of McNab Rd., is a 22-acre patch of pine flatwoods, the last undeveloped land in Tamarac, with a 0.4-mile walking trail great for birding. Open 8 AM–6 PM daily. Free.
WILD PLACES Visible from the Sawgrass Expressway and I-75 North, the Everglades Conservation Area consists of natural sawgrass marshes broken into three impoundment areas that provide water for the people of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Public access is off ramps along the Sawgrass Expressway and through the Francis S. Taylor WMA, with boat launches off I-75, and public use is primarily for fishing along canal banks or from small craft.
Lodging Plantation Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (954-472-5600), 1701 N University Dr., is ideally situated for the business traveler, but it makes for a great central location for vacation travelers as well. Deluxe accommodations or suites have complimentary Wi-Fi hookups, on-site guest laundry, and a fitness center—those are just a few of the perks. A complimentary shuttle service is provided to local attractions and shopping areas. This hotel is especially friendly to pets, with complimentary pet treats, a welcome letter from the General Manager’s dog or cat, and information on local pet-friendly restaurants, specialty shops, dog parks, and boarding. Litter boxes, pet pads, and walking services can also be arranged. And when the maid comes to turn down your bed, a small treat will be left for your pet as well. Rooms $109–189; suites about $40 more.
Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Weston (954-343-2225; www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllwc-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-weston/), 2000 N Commerce Pkwy. If business or family connections deem your Fort Lauderdale stay should be in the far western suburb city of Weston, Courtyard promises to take good care of you in this green hotel. $189 and up.
Where to Eat Well-behaved dogs are welcome outside at Gold Coast Grill (954-255-3474; www.goldcoastseafoodgrill.com), 2752 N University Dr., in The Walk. Seafood is their specialty, with dishes such as almond-crusted mahimahi ($20), Dijon tomato horseradish crusted salmon ($20), and orange-honey glazed Chilean sea bass ($24). For landlubbers there’s the 8-ounce center cut filet ($20), mustard crumb stuffed chicken ($19), and Missouri smoked baby back ribs ($19). Lunch is served Mon.–Fri.; dinner nightly.
Since 1986, Larry’s Ice Cream Parlor (954-752-0497), 749 University Dr., has been the local favorite of middle school kids and their parents. We moved to South Florida in 1987, and it took no time at all for my kids to find it, often caught sneaking across the street to spend their allowance. Lunch sandwiches are available, but let’s face it—we are all going there for the ice cream. Even though larger stores have been built up around it, the family-friendly shop is still the same after all these years. Shakes, malts, sundaes, and such are under $6. Open daily until 6 PM.
Rosey Baby Crawfish & Cajun House (954-749-5627; www.roseybaby.com), 4587 N University Dr. This little strip-mall pub offers unusual fare—crawfish fresh from New Orleans—and music to match. Locals love it, and it’s a nice suburban relief from the glitzy, touristy places. Late-night live music and food. $11 and up.
The Grapevine (954-475-1357; www.grapevinegourmet.com), Plantation Community Plaza, 256 S. University Dr., Plantation 33324. This family-owned gourmet shop is a food lover’s paradise. With deliciously prepared items for lunch or dinner or to take home for later, the Grapevine also offers fine wines to accompany the meal, as well as the rare ingredients that make the dishes so special. $$.
PLANTATION, VIGNETTO’S RESTAURANT
Trish Riley
TURTLE KRAWLS MUSEUM, KEY WEST
Trish Riley
Vignetto’s Italian Grill (954-915-0806), 1633 S University Dr. A friendly Italian eatery tucked into the corner of one of South Florida’s ubiquitous strip malls, this unassuming restaurant serves reliably delicious lunch and dinner in overflowing dishes. I’m fond of the egglant rollatini, spaghettini marinara, and huge house salad. Excellent choice anytime. $12 and up.
Lester’s Diner (954-525-5641), 1399 NW 136th Ave., is your best bet for a great meal near the Sawgrass Mills Mall. Open 24/7, they offer an extensive menu at reasonable prices that will make everyone happy, with breakfast served all day. A huge selection of pies, cakes, and pastries are baked on the premises daily and are displayed in a case just as you walk in the door. Yum! There is another location east toward the airport (see Oceanside: Eastern Broward County).
Poppy’s Pizza South (954-474-0671), 8373 W Sunrise Blvd., is known more for their take-out pizza than anything else. For 25 years, the family-owned business has offered patrons great pizza ($6–15) and Italian dinners ($6–15). Open daily for lunch and dinner. You won’t find a better sandwich shop anywhere in Sunrise than Sharpie’s Hoagies (954-845-0999), 13101 W Sunrise Blvd., in the Sawgrass Commons Shopping Plaza. Sandwiches and salad platters are made fast to your specifications in this sports-themed eatery. Locals line up during the lunch hour, yet they still manage to get everyone back to work on time. Sandwiches are served hot or cold for $5–9. Open daily for lunch until early dinner.
Udipi (954-748-5660) 2100 N University Dr. South Indian vegetarian cuisine served on the buffet for a rich yet inexpensive lunch topped with mango lassie to drink. Very popular authentic restaurant, always filled with appreciative India natives. Daily lunch buffet and dinner 5:30-10 PM. $7 and up.
Chinatown (954-473-8770; www.chinatown-davie.com), 8934 SR 84. Chinese and Japanese specials, including a fresh sushi bar, are offered at this delicious neighborhood restaurant, located in a deceiving strip mall. I love the sashimi; the Yummy Roll (a wild concoction of crab, shrimp, masago, and avocado with crunchy tempura flakes); the avocado salad, with an unusual blend of seasonings and sauce; the Kamikaze salad, with seafood and cucumber in a spicy mustard sauce; the fresh, clear soups; and the fried banana dessert. Owner Sue Chan works around the clock (with an occasional catnap in the back) to serve and satisfy her customers. $10 and up.
The Cheese Course (954-384-8183; www.thecheesecourse.com), 1679 Market St. A delightful selection of cheese plates and sandwiches. Open 10 AM–8 PM Sun.–Thurs., 10 AM–11 PM Fri.–Sat. $10 and up.
Pei Wei (954-398-7330; www.peiwei.com), 4517 Weston Rd. The best fast food on the market—Asian treats quick and cheap. $10 and up.
EntertainmentThe Coral Springs Center for the Arts (954-344-5999; www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com), 855 Coral Springs Dr., features several national touring theatrical and musical performances for the western county’s residents, along with an excellent fine arts museum.
Dedicated to contemporary and original works, the Mosaic Theatre (954-577-8243; www.mosaictheatre.com), 12200 W Broward Blvd., is a welcome addition to the western county’s cultural experience. Professional shows Thurs.–Sat. evenings, with matinees on the weekends. Adults $35, seniors $29, students $15.
Selective ShoppingJ.C.’s Collectibles (954-648-5611), 6870 Stirling Rd. (enter from inside the Birdcage Bar & Restaurant) and 6761 W Sunrise Blvd., Bay 2, Plantation, offers antique car and racing collectibles.
Accent on Country (954-755-3939), 11530 W Sample Rd., a cute country-themed store, has a huge display of Dept 56 villages. The ever-changing displays and lovely ladies have kept me coming back for nearly two decades. If you can’t find it here, you don’t need it. Watch for guest appearances of collectibles artisans, such as Jim Shore.
A Nose for Clothes (954-753-0202; www.anoseforclothes.com), 28080 University Dr., sets the trend with the newest, latest, and greatest fashion finds. The owner travels the world (and the New York garment district) looking for unique contemporary designer fashions that are fun, chic, and wearable for women of all ages. Boutique wear is in both the original designer look as well as the less-expensive version. You’ll find items here that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you long for turquoise, terracotta, and the other earthy colors of the Southwest and Mexico, then head into Southwest Sensations (954-341-8111; www.southwestsensations.com), 7467 W Sample Rd. This piece of heaven stands out with an extensive array of pottery, accessories, and furniture. Owner Ben Fritti or any of his staff will be happy to assist you while you browse through the well-laid-out studio.
Take Fluffy or Spot to Three Dog Bakery (954-424-3223), 236 S University Dr. (across from the Broward Mall), for the world’s best all-natural dog treats. The large pastry case displays more than 100 fresh baked treats. The shop also has a neat collection of doggie boutique wear. Leashed dogs are welcome. Open daily.
For a quick bite, organic produce, gourmet cheeses, natural groceries, or vitamins, Whole Foods Market (954-236-0600), 7720 Peters Rd., is the place to go, with other locations in Coral Springs (954-753-8000), 810 University Dr., and Fort Lauderdale (954-565-5655), 2000 N Federal Hwy.
By the mid-1800s, before there were roads or railways, people began to make their way south, settling up and down the coast of South Florida. With mail delivery only as far south as Palm Beach, the U.S. Postal Service soon needed a way to deliver mail to the pioneers along the stretch of coastline between Lake Worth and Biscayne Bay. So in 1885 they enlisted a few young men to carry the mail along the only solid path—the beach. Since it was steaming hot and impossible to travel through the sand with any speed, the mail carriers soon went barefoot and walked along the edge in the surf, and the legendary “Barefoot Mailman” was born. Starting by boat in Palm City (now Palm Beach), mailmen were brought as far as the Boynton Beach Inlet and then ventured forth on foot along the 80 miles of coastline to Miami, which was then known as Lemon City. The entire 136-mile round-trip took six days to complete by trudging along the beach by foot and an additional 56 miles by small boats, which they had secretly stashed along the shores. With only one day to rest, the carrier started his exhausting expedition all over again by Monday morning. As for the wages, carriers were paid $175 every three months. The service came to an end when one of the mailmen was killed en route, probably by an alligator while crossing the Hillsboro Inlet, which he had to swim because someone had used his boat, leaving it on the wrong side of the inlet. A memorial statue of the “Barefoot Mailman,” Ed Hamilton, stands at the Hillsboro Lighthouse.
MALLS AND OUTLETS Broward Mall (954-473-8100; www.browardmall.com), 8000 W Broward Blvd. Shop the Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Bur-dines-Macy’s, and Sears at this centrally located shopping mall. Open 10 AM–9 PM Mon.–Sat. and 11 AM–6 PM Sun.
The king, queen, and kingdom of shopping is out west at the Sawgrass Mills Mall (954-846-2300; www.sawgrassmillsmall.com), 12801 W Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise. The mile-long mall has more than 300 name-brand stores, outlets, and restaurants. Open daily.
Special EventsJanuary: Doggie-Palooza Dog Expo (954-452-2510), Happy Tails Dog Park, 6600 SW 16th St., at Seminole Park. Dog contests, adoptions, vendors, and working dog demonstrations.