RSS
Well, I went to Christmas on Las Olas this week and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Everyone was in a great mood – even when six Rockettes showed up in full costume to make a bouncy announcement to the crowd and then left without dancing a step. Oh well. Most of us just laughed and moved on to soak up the festive atmosphere on the street, including all the gorgeous lights that will be on display every night through the New Year. The next afternoon, I went back to Las Olas for coffee at my favorite mid-day place. Stork’s, a relaxing spot if ever there was one. And as usual, about three or four groups of tourists stopped there to take photos. It never fails. Nearly every time I go to Stork’s, visitors to greater Fort Lauderdale can’t resist pausing at this café to take pictures.
I’m not sure you’ll find this image of Stork’s on a postcard sold along the beach. But it really is a lovely view of one of Fort Lauderdale’s many graceful canals. And so watching the tourists take pictures on Wednesday afternoon, I suddenly thought about the many other visitors who don’t stumble on that particular photo op. That’s why I’m going to tell you about it now. And from time to time, I’ll point out some other excellent places to snap photographs that you won’t find on a postcard rack somewhere. It’s wonderful to bring home that classic wide shot of the Fort Lauderdale beach. But why not capture some of the less obvious beauty too?
So let’s start this occasional tour of local photo opportunities by explaining why Stork’s is so appealing. The building itself is unusual – a European style that suggests Italy and glasses of Chianti with friends. There’s a comfortable, broad patio overlooking the canal, which is just west of SE 12th Avenue on Las Olas. A small footbridge crosses the canal and gives pedestrians a vantage point on the quiet scene. I often see the walkers suddenly pause and can almost hear them thinking, "Wow, this would be a terrific picture!" So they pose with their brother Bobby or their Aunt Myrtle or whoever. Sometimes they shoot close-ups of the red and purple bougainvillea that grow on each side of the water. There’s even an Italian gondola moored there, with rides available to the public. In the background, palm trees remind tourists they’re in Fort Lauderdale, not Venice. It’s a charming view of one little nook of this city. But you almost have to be on foot to recognize that charm. Bring your camera and check it out, maybe while on a nice long walk along Las Olas to see all those holiday decorations. If you happen to see me sitting at Stork’s, wave in my direction. I’ll give you a big smile for that photo.
I’m not sure you’ll find this image of Stork’s on a postcard sold along the beach. But it really is a lovely view of one of Fort Lauderdale’s many graceful canals. And so watching the tourists take pictures on Wednesday afternoon, I suddenly thought about the many other visitors who don’t stumble on that particular photo op. That’s why I’m going to tell you about it now. And from time to time, I’ll point out some other excellent places to snap photographs that you won’t find on a postcard rack somewhere. It’s wonderful to bring home that classic wide shot of the Fort Lauderdale beach. But why not capture some of the less obvious beauty too?
So let’s start this occasional tour of local photo opportunities by explaining why Stork’s is so appealing. The building itself is unusual – a European style that suggests Italy and glasses of Chianti with friends. There’s a comfortable, broad patio overlooking the canal, which is just west of SE 12th Avenue on Las Olas. A small footbridge crosses the canal and gives pedestrians a vantage point on the quiet scene. I often see the walkers suddenly pause and can almost hear them thinking, "Wow, this would be a terrific picture!" So they pose with their brother Bobby or their Aunt Myrtle or whoever. Sometimes they shoot close-ups of the red and purple bougainvillea that grow on each side of the water. There’s even an Italian gondola moored there, with rides available to the public. In the background, palm trees remind tourists they’re in Fort Lauderdale, not Venice. It’s a charming view of one little nook of this city. But you almost have to be on foot to recognize that charm. Bring your camera and check it out, maybe while on a nice long walk along Las Olas to see all those holiday decorations. If you happen to see me sitting at Stork’s, wave in my direction. I’ll give you a big smile for that photo.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 12:00 PM
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home