SMARTEN UP AND WIND DOWN: EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE COMBINE LEARNING WITH LEISURE

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – What do deck shoes, protective headphones, a sand wedge, camera, wetsuit and a butcher's block have in common? All can be part of an engaging and enriching vacation experience in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Travelers increasingly combine learning with leisure, and Greater Fort Lauderdale offers visitors a variety of participatory learning opportunities, whether this means studying a fascinating native culture or pursuing a personal hobby.

Looking to explore the destination and take to the water? Work the jib aboard the deck of a sailboat, practice equalizing your air pressure underwater, learn how to fly above the waves, or take snapshots of Florida wildlife while coasting in an airboat. Landlubbers can learn flambé techniques from a renowned chef, improve their killer slice on the golf course, or camp under the stars in an authentic Seminole Indian Chickee hut. A sampling of Greater Fort Lauderdale learning excursions include:

Alligators, Panthers and Boars…Oh My!
From the Everglades in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts an impressive variety of natural wildlife habitats. Because of easy accessibility to each of these distinct ecosystems, visitors can gain a full perspective on the wildlife that calls this destination home. To see alligators, wild boars and maybe even the endangered Florida Panther, an airboat excursion in Sawgrass Recreation Park is ideal. Tickets for adults are $19.50 and for more information, visit www.evergladestours.com. 

Want to witness one of nature's miracles? The Museum of Discovery and Science offers "Moonlit Sea Turtle Walks" during early summer months that allow guests to witness endangered sea turtles nesting their eggs along the beach. Cost is $16 per person; www.mods.org. And Anne Kolb Nature Center allows visitors to watch hatchlings be released; (954) 926-2480.

Live Like a Seminole Indian
The Seminole Indians of Greater Fort Lauderdale proudly present the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, the most comprehensive museum on this native peoples' culture and history. Beyond displaying rare artifacts, showing films about the tribe and welcoming guests into an authentic traditional Seminole village, the Tribe invites those who wish to live like a Seminole to an authentic experience. During the "Spend a Day with a Seminole" overnight program, visitors embark on a Swamp Buggy eco-tour, enjoy campfire storytelling at Billie Swamp Safari and sleep in an authentic Chickee hut. And this authentic experience comes with an affordable price tag of $181.70, based upon double occupancy. For more information visit www.semtribe.com/safari.

All Hands on Deck to "Sail with the Stars"
For travelers looking for the thrills of the high seas, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced level sailors. Out on the open water with Blue Water Sailing School, vacationers have the opportunity to learn the basics about sailing and its terminology, take advanced courses that teach Catamaran sailing and passage making and, for those looking to "sail with the stars," celestial navigation. Basic courses begin at $1,565. For more information, visit www.bluewatersailingschool.com.

Bring Your Notebook 50 Feet Under
As one of the few continental U.S. destinations that offer open water scuba and snorkeling instruction, Greater Fort Lauderdale invites travelers to explore its natural three-tiered reef system and more than 175 dive sites.  South Florida Diving Headquarters (www.southfloridadiving.com) offers specialty classes in night diving and underwater photography, as well as open water certification courses at $395 per person, which include equipment, textbooks and pool and open water dives.

Like, Totally Educational: (Kite) Surfing Lessons
Raising the bar, or in this case the board, visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale can discover a new spine-tingling way to enjoy the Blue Wave Beaches: kite surfing. Combining kite flying, wakeboarding and windsurfing, this increasingly popular sport works perfectly with the destination's docile waves and tropical breezes. The Fort Lauderdale Kite Surfing School welcomes those who wish to try this sport with year-round classes for those of all skill levels; instructions begin at $95. Visit www.fortlauderdalekitesurfing.com.

If You Can Take the Heat Get Into the Kitchen
Have a flair for gastronomy? Cooking classes with hot local chefs provide instruction on not only classic methods but also insight into local Floribbean cuisine. One of Greater Fort Lauderdale's most well-respected chefs, Chef Jean-Pierre, offers classes at his acclaimed Jean-Pierre's Cooking School, where students can learn both beginner and advanced techniques in addition to classes about specialty topics such as wine pairings, sauces and romantic dinners. A five-class series costs $285. For more information, visit www.chefjeanpierre.com. Chef Dean James Max of 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa also offers a monthly cooking class in the hotel kitchen for $75, where he shares techniques, recipes and a few secret tips. For more information, visit www.3030ocean.com. 

Brush Up Before You Hit the Links
Greater Fort Lauderdale is known for its varying styles of golf courses. With public, private and resort golfing options, visitors have plenty of places to sweeten their swing before teeing it up. One of the area's premier golf schools, the Manny Zerman Golf School at the Diplomat Country Club & Spa, offers private lessons for $110 an hour and 1-5 day golf schools at the club's practice facilities and  top-rated par 72 Joe Lee designed course.  Visit www.diplomatresort.com/spa_golf/golf. 

Dancing with Greater Fort Lauderdale's Salsa Stars
Greater Fort Lauderdale clears space on their dance floors and invites visitors to show their Latin flare during Salsa lessons. Having a strong Latin community, Greater Fort Lauderdale has some of the best teachers in the business and, at venues such as Goldcoast Ballroom, dancers can take a variety of salsa classes. While those who have two left feet might start in the beginner classes there are also advance classes that teach both traditional and New York styles. After classes, dancers can enjoy a Latin themed party where they can also show off their new moves. For more information about Goldcoast Ballroom please visit www.goldcoastballroom.com.  Group classes cost $10. For a less formal class, Spice Resto-Lounge in Downtown Hollywood offers free Salsa classes every Monday night at 7pm. Visit www.spiceresto-lounge.com or call (954) 923-3888.

Fall the Victim to the Game of Love
Cultivating two of the greatest female tennis players ever – Chris Evert and Jennifer Capriati – Greater Fort Lauderdale is a natural destination for those who love tennis. And for those who want to follow in their famous footsteps, they can train at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, a public tennis center named for Chris' father who was her mentor on these same courts. Visitors can enjoy private and group lessons for all skill levels, and socialize with other tennis fans or future 'tennis partners' on the courts during the center's Friday night drop-in session which includes mixed doubles and round-robin tournaments. Lessons cost $48 per hour.  www.ci.ftlaud.fl.us/tennis/jetc.htm

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03/2009