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Your sojourn in search of local places that are underappreciated and/or underused continues now in downtown Fort Lauderdale. You had started off at the 17th Street Causeway bridge, large and imposing and underappreciated for sure. Then you had continued on to Colee Hammock Park on SE 15th Avenue, off Las Olas, a concealed little jewel of a park with charming ambiance and views that are very South Florida.
Now it’s time to head to our last stop – a place so little known it has no name. So I’ll call it, “the courtyard.” I was just there a couple of hours ago and had it to myself. Just about any hour of the day or evening when I walk by, few if any people are enjoying this lovely space. Sometimes a couple of employees from nearby buildings are eating a quick lunch. Yet this place seems made for a romantic cityside meal with a glass of wine or espresso.
First, how to find it: The courtyard is on the south side of the 800 block on Las Olas, nestled snugly between two stores. On the east is Joe Picasso’s, a pottery painting studio and café. On the west is Moda Mario, which sells European clothing for men. This courtyard always reminds me of Venice, the kind of interior spot away from the canals that you find when wandering that extraordinary Italian city. Ok, the buildings surrounding the Fort Lauderdale courtyard are newer. A lot newer. Still, there’s a pleasant relaxing feel to this hideaway.
It’s public and it’s free but I sometimes think pedestrians aren’t sure what to make of it. Today, I watched a couple with ice cream cones stop, admire the courtyard, then look around as if they didn’t know whether they were allowed to sit down or not. Then, they left.
For the record, you are allowed to sit down. And you should. There’s a graceful iron gate at each end of the long narrow courtyard. Inside, you’ll find red brick pavers, large potted bushes, stone benches. But best of all are the fountains. There are five pretty seahorse fountains that each drip pleasantly into their own tiny ponds. Sitting on one of the stone benches beside the fountains, you hear the constant trickle softly underneath the sounds of the city around you. Toss a few pennies into one of the fountains and make a wish, if you want. Others have before you. It’s a great escape, this hidden courtyard, accessible and certainly underappreciated.
The courtyard is located among countless restaurants on Las Olas, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to get some takeout. Or just go to Joe Picasso’s next door, where they sell paninis and salads and coffee and wine and beer and more. Then sit down, relax and enjoy. Stay as long as you like, whether you’re alone or with your partner. No one is likely to bother you. As for me, I’ll keep looking for more underappreciated spots around greater Fort Lauderdale and tell you as I stumble upon them. And if you find some of these places yourself, please post a comment and tell.
Now it’s time to head to our last stop – a place so little known it has no name. So I’ll call it, “the courtyard.” I was just there a couple of hours ago and had it to myself. Just about any hour of the day or evening when I walk by, few if any people are enjoying this lovely space. Sometimes a couple of employees from nearby buildings are eating a quick lunch. Yet this place seems made for a romantic cityside meal with a glass of wine or espresso.
First, how to find it: The courtyard is on the south side of the 800 block on Las Olas, nestled snugly between two stores. On the east is Joe Picasso’s, a pottery painting studio and café. On the west is Moda Mario, which sells European clothing for men. This courtyard always reminds me of Venice, the kind of interior spot away from the canals that you find when wandering that extraordinary Italian city. Ok, the buildings surrounding the Fort Lauderdale courtyard are newer. A lot newer. Still, there’s a pleasant relaxing feel to this hideaway.
It’s public and it’s free but I sometimes think pedestrians aren’t sure what to make of it. Today, I watched a couple with ice cream cones stop, admire the courtyard, then look around as if they didn’t know whether they were allowed to sit down or not. Then, they left.
For the record, you are allowed to sit down. And you should. There’s a graceful iron gate at each end of the long narrow courtyard. Inside, you’ll find red brick pavers, large potted bushes, stone benches. But best of all are the fountains. There are five pretty seahorse fountains that each drip pleasantly into their own tiny ponds. Sitting on one of the stone benches beside the fountains, you hear the constant trickle softly underneath the sounds of the city around you. Toss a few pennies into one of the fountains and make a wish, if you want. Others have before you. It’s a great escape, this hidden courtyard, accessible and certainly underappreciated.
The courtyard is located among countless restaurants on Las Olas, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to get some takeout. Or just go to Joe Picasso’s next door, where they sell paninis and salads and coffee and wine and beer and more. Then sit down, relax and enjoy. Stay as long as you like, whether you’re alone or with your partner. No one is likely to bother you. As for me, I’ll keep looking for more underappreciated spots around greater Fort Lauderdale and tell you as I stumble upon them. And if you find some of these places yourself, please post a comment and tell.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 5:17 PM
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