The Little Black Book: Fort Lauderdale
For all the local crew members looking for something to do on their days off. For the frantic Chefs and Galley Hands desperate for fresh produce. For the Chief Stewardesses seeking fun activities and on-land tourist attractions to recommend to their on board passengers; this is for you. Everything you need to know about Fort Lauderdale.
Located a mere 30 miles from Miami, the picturesque city will blow you away. It’s small town charm and beach orientated lifestyle has tourists and locals getting along swimmingly. With the average winter temperature being 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and 90 in the middle of summer; you’ll enjoy balmy weather all year round.
What to do:
For most Fort Lauderdale is a holiday destination. The city is packed with exciting and educational activities that will entertain both young and old.
Tourists looking for an afternoon tee-off have some of the best golf courses in America right at their doorstep. Grande Oaks Golf Club, best known for being the golf course used for filming 1980’s classic Caddyshack, is a 40 acre wonder just a few miles east of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Colony West Country Club is one of the Top 50 golf clubs in America, according to Golf Digest.
The Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science, as well as the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum will provide an insightful look into Fort Lauderdale’s intriguing history
Apart from the city’s blue-wave sparkling beaches, there are loads of great natural gardens and sanctuaries to enjoy. Fort Lauderdale boasts 300 miles of navigable waterways and the Jungle Queen Riverboat Tour will take you through most of it. You can enjoy a three-hour Middle River tour of Millionaire's Row, Downtown Fort Lauderdale and a bit of the Everglades.
The Flamingo Gardens are a personal favorite. The beautiful jungle type growth makes the gardens, which happen to be one of the oldest natural gardens in the state, a fascinating place to visit.
If you have kids, be sure to take a trip using the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. The unique experience can be used for sight seeing or as a basic mode of travel. Either way it is a tried and tested treat for the tots.
Where to shop:
Any seasoned shopper knows that in order to get the best out of a shopping experience,once must have options; something Fort Lauderdale doesn’t lack. The city is bursting with shopping malls, flea markets, vintage stores and thrift shops.
If you like markets your first port of call should be the Festival Flea Market. The quarter-mile indoor space has an abundance of clothing stalls, boutiques, restaurants, stands selling souvenirs and trinkets, as well as great local food for reasonable prices. Check out the Going Bananas Farmer’s Market and the International Food Court.
Joes Coffee Shop is a quirky spot for eager shoppers too.
Hailed “Florida’s Most Beautiful Mile,” Riverwalk spoils you with fabulous shopping options back dropped by a port that plays home to the most spectacular yachts. Riverwalk has a great selection of both local and international clothing brands for you to browse through.
How to dine:
When looking to eat out, Fort Lauderdale has a little bit of everything. Whether you are craving Italian food, French cuisine, something Asian or good ol’ rustic homestyle cooking; the city has something just for you.
Las Olas Boulevard is where any discerning foodie would start. The playfully named The Royal Pig, offers classic elegance in every dish. Meat and poultry is the establishment's speciality. The menu includes scrumptious burgers, steaks and hearty sandwiches. You can also expect to be treated to your favorite selection of beers and cocktails.
Everybody knows about The Floridian. It’s charmingly rustic and Rachel Rae’s go-to when in the area. The Floridian earns its popularity for its ferocious portions and farm style cooking. Omelettes, oatmeal, buffalo burgers and biscuits can be enjoyed daily.
You can’t leave Fort Lauderdale without trying the Las Olas Lemonade from the trendy Mangos restaurant. One of the city’s hot spots, the atmosphere is buzzing from opening to closing time. With daily live music and a diverse menu; Mangos is a fun night out with friends, guaranteed.
When to party:
Every hours is happy hour in Fort Lauderdale. The warm weather, breathtaking beaches and lovable locals give you so many reasons to smile. If you’re looking for a place to spend your cocktail look no further.
Cheers is as you would imagine it to be,if you’re a fan of the TV show.There is an air of familiarity to the pub. Expect Open Mic Night on Mondays, Karaoke on Thursdays and live music on Fridays. You can enjoy a game of pool or challenge your friends to a round of darts; either way Cheers is a spot you’ll be returning to.
The Elbo Room has been a hot spot since the 1960’s hit Where The Boys Are was filmed there. The watering hole is always bursting with tourists and locals who enjoy live music and the Reverse Happy Hour (9-11pm). The beachside bar boasts an impressive selection of beer, wine and creative cocktails, as well as a gorgeous second floor view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lulu’s Bait Shack runs happy hour from 4-7pm and on Wednesdays you can treat yourself to premium wine for half off from 7pm to midnight. Shooters prides itself on being a ”Gold Coast Must-See” destination and YOLO (You Only Live Once) is the ‘it’ place for young and trendy party goers.
Spending a season in Fort Lauderdale will gift you with fond memories. Whether for business of pleasure; the city is one of the most beautiful in the world, you will be happy you paid it a visit.