LauderBlog
Oct 31: Escaping the Everyday Grind
Posted On: October 31, 2006 1:53 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
We all live such manic lives these days, don’t we? I know mine seems too hectic sometimes, too full of demands. I love my work and I put in a lot of hours. But to keep on an even keel, I need breaks from time to time. So two days away at a great hotel seemed just the thing.
They were. And those two days were even better because the hotel was so close to my home. We stayed at Gallery One Fort Lauderdale, a recently refurbished Doubletree hotel on the Intracoastal Waterway. Gwendolyn and I found it ideal for our getaway. The lobby is open, leading to the charming bar and restaurant and then continuing outside to the deck, where several tables allow guests to eat and drink by the water. There’s also the mini-beach. No kidding. Gallery One features its own patch of sand spread along the Intracoastal, with oversize lounge chairs that make this a great spot to catch rays, sip margaritas and wave to boaters all at once.
The hotel interior is tastefully minimalist. Common areas have spare modern furniture and artworks. Our suite was large, comfortable and welcoming, with a look that seemed almost Asian in its pretty simplicity. From the orchids in black vases to the abstract paintings to the fully equipped kitchen, this was a hotel room I could easily have settled into for two weeks or more. Both of us felt that way. If only we’d had the time and money.
But the time and money we did spend at Gallery One were good investments in rejuvenation. Our balcony overlooked the waterway and we spent hours relaxing there, watching as the yachts arrived for the annual boat show. The weather was sunny and cool – so perfect that we often kept open the sliding glass door to the balcony. On our second night, we decided to take advantage of that balcony for a very private romantic dinner. I’ll tell you all about it later this week. Meantime, I’m going to enjoy some of that vacation afterglow. The only problem is, I wish I was still there.
They were. And those two days were even better because the hotel was so close to my home. We stayed at Gallery One Fort Lauderdale, a recently refurbished Doubletree hotel on the Intracoastal Waterway. Gwendolyn and I found it ideal for our getaway. The lobby is open, leading to the charming bar and restaurant and then continuing outside to the deck, where several tables allow guests to eat and drink by the water. There’s also the mini-beach. No kidding. Gallery One features its own patch of sand spread along the Intracoastal, with oversize lounge chairs that make this a great spot to catch rays, sip margaritas and wave to boaters all at once.
The hotel interior is tastefully minimalist. Common areas have spare modern furniture and artworks. Our suite was large, comfortable and welcoming, with a look that seemed almost Asian in its pretty simplicity. From the orchids in black vases to the abstract paintings to the fully equipped kitchen, this was a hotel room I could easily have settled into for two weeks or more. Both of us felt that way. If only we’d had the time and money.
But the time and money we did spend at Gallery One were good investments in rejuvenation. Our balcony overlooked the waterway and we spent hours relaxing there, watching as the yachts arrived for the annual boat show. The weather was sunny and cool – so perfect that we often kept open the sliding glass door to the balcony. On our second night, we decided to take advantage of that balcony for a very private romantic dinner. I’ll tell you all about it later this week. Meantime, I’m going to enjoy some of that vacation afterglow. The only problem is, I wish I was still there.
RSSOct 27: The Right Place to Be
Posted On: October 27, 2006 9:17 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I just had a great time staying for two nights at a luxury hotel along the Intracoastal Waterway. Only 15 minutes from my home. As the big boat show was ready to begin. This was another of those backyard vacations I love to take every few months, scooting away locally for a couple days to unwind and enjoy my own community as a tourist. But on this trip there was a bonus, as the megayachts and the yacht brokers and the tourist crowds all filtered into the area surrounding Fort Lauderdale beach. It just happened that I had settled into the right spot at the right moment.
The 47th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs through October 30, the world’s largest event of its kind. My girlfriend and I didn’t plan our getaway to coincide with the kickoff. But being there sure was fun for us. Wandering around Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, we ended up hopping into a small boat that floated among yachts the size of battleships. Or so they appeared from the water. Some of these monster vessels actually have helicopters onboard. Not to mention outdoor grills, hot tubs, speedboats and everything else the wildly rich might want.
We could feel the energy in town as tourists and boat industry employees started to fill Fort Lauderdale’s hotels and restaurants and bars. When we stopped in the afternoon on Las Olas for a glass of wine, the bartender automatically asked, “Are you folks here for the boat show?” The assumption seemed to be that everyone is here for the boat show. And maybe everyone is, for all I know. If so, everyone is smart. Because judging by the excitement I felt near the venues on A1A, this event should be a very good time. When just being around the buildup to a show like this is so much fun, the show itself is likely to be something to remember.
The 47th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs through October 30, the world’s largest event of its kind. My girlfriend and I didn’t plan our getaway to coincide with the kickoff. But being there sure was fun for us. Wandering around Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, we ended up hopping into a small boat that floated among yachts the size of battleships. Or so they appeared from the water. Some of these monster vessels actually have helicopters onboard. Not to mention outdoor grills, hot tubs, speedboats and everything else the wildly rich might want.
We could feel the energy in town as tourists and boat industry employees started to fill Fort Lauderdale’s hotels and restaurants and bars. When we stopped in the afternoon on Las Olas for a glass of wine, the bartender automatically asked, “Are you folks here for the boat show?” The assumption seemed to be that everyone is here for the boat show. And maybe everyone is, for all I know. If so, everyone is smart. Because judging by the excitement I felt near the venues on A1A, this event should be a very good time. When just being around the buildup to a show like this is so much fun, the show itself is likely to be something to remember.
Oct 23: Lots of Yachts
Posted On: October 23, 2006 11:57 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I was down along A1A just yesterday and saw that the beachfront is already preparing. The big annual boat show arrives this week. This is the 47th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is the largest on earth. More than $ 1.6 billion worth of superyachts, yachts, boats and boating stuff will be on display. I’m not quite sure what the technical difference is between a superyacht and a yacht, mind you, but I know that if I have to ask, I can’t afford either one.
Still, it’s lots of fun to gawk at lots of yachts. And superyachts. I was at the show last year, which fans out up and down the beach area, all the way to the convention center. This time, you can catch the usual free shuttles to and from the various sites, of course, but you also can take a boat from the Las Olas Riverfront. However you get there, you should definitely check out the show, which runs October 26 through October 31.
There’s just something very impressive about seeing so many massive vessels of this kind all in one place. Whether you can afford one or not. You walk down pier after pier, with the grand yachts floating side by side by side and other gawkers doing just what you’re doing – trying to act nonchalant when inside our heads we’re all saying, “WOW, look at THAT one!” Mixed among us gawkers are some real owners, buyers, and potential buyers, which makes the whole event all the more entertaining. Because you find yourself thinking, “Hmm, I wonder if she can really afford to buy that?” As for me, I’ve already declared my non-superyacht status very honestly. So there’s no need for any pretenses on my part. No boat shoes or yachting caps necessary to try to impress anyone in the crowd. But don’t be surprised if you overhear me asking some broker whether this or that superyacht comes with an on-deck helicopter. Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?
Still, it’s lots of fun to gawk at lots of yachts. And superyachts. I was at the show last year, which fans out up and down the beach area, all the way to the convention center. This time, you can catch the usual free shuttles to and from the various sites, of course, but you also can take a boat from the Las Olas Riverfront. However you get there, you should definitely check out the show, which runs October 26 through October 31.
There’s just something very impressive about seeing so many massive vessels of this kind all in one place. Whether you can afford one or not. You walk down pier after pier, with the grand yachts floating side by side by side and other gawkers doing just what you’re doing – trying to act nonchalant when inside our heads we’re all saying, “WOW, look at THAT one!” Mixed among us gawkers are some real owners, buyers, and potential buyers, which makes the whole event all the more entertaining. Because you find yourself thinking, “Hmm, I wonder if she can really afford to buy that?” As for me, I’ve already declared my non-superyacht status very honestly. So there’s no need for any pretenses on my part. No boat shoes or yachting caps necessary to try to impress anyone in the crowd. But don’t be surprised if you overhear me asking some broker whether this or that superyacht comes with an on-deck helicopter. Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?
Oct 16: A Harbor of Shops
Posted On: October 16, 2006 10:48 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I just had lunch, sitting outside at a very different kind of harbor. This is not a place for ships. Shops, yes; ships, no. You can find amazing bargains on wine, select from a variety of restaurants, buy stylish clothes or international gifts or supplies for your boat. And though the ships are not here, they’re not far away.
The Harbor Shops is on Cordova Road, just south of the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. Port Everglades is walking distance and the airport is a short taxi ride. Part of what makes this shopping center different is obvious as you enter. There’s the large circular fountain, with a tall mast serving as a flagpole, and the Main-Street-meets-beachfront style of architecture. Nautical is a definite theme and several stores cater to the boating crowd. But there’s also La Kasbah, a gift shop whose Moroccan owners spend weeks in Morocco every year handpicking the colorful items that fill their store. Another shop nearby, Essentials, offers distinctive jewelry, clothing and more. There’s a new Publix at the Harbor Shops and, a few doors away, Total Wine. I’ve written about this huge wine store before, but let me remind you that Total Wine has more than 8,000 wines, 2,000 spirits and 1,000 microbrew or imported beers. And their prices are unbeatable. If you’re a wine lover, this store alone is worth the trip.
But there’s no reason to leave hungry. You can go to one restaurant that specializes in chicken, or another that does steak (a seafood house is coming soon). Then there’s Angelo’s Pizza and Pasta, a family-friendly Italian restaurant with excellent, inexpensive food. Everything is cooked to order and tastes like it. There’s also Coco Asian Bistro & Bar, featuring Thai cuisine and a serene atmosphere. I’ve peeked inside but haven’t eaten here yet. I will soon since it has received wonderful reviews. Today I returned to a popular lunch spot, Camille’s Sidewalk Café – just some Tuscan tomato soup and a bottle of water for me. So if you are heading to and from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, or Port Everglades, the Harbor Shops offers a nearby fresh option for shopping and dining.
The Harbor Shops is on Cordova Road, just south of the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. Port Everglades is walking distance and the airport is a short taxi ride. Part of what makes this shopping center different is obvious as you enter. There’s the large circular fountain, with a tall mast serving as a flagpole, and the Main-Street-meets-beachfront style of architecture. Nautical is a definite theme and several stores cater to the boating crowd. But there’s also La Kasbah, a gift shop whose Moroccan owners spend weeks in Morocco every year handpicking the colorful items that fill their store. Another shop nearby, Essentials, offers distinctive jewelry, clothing and more. There’s a new Publix at the Harbor Shops and, a few doors away, Total Wine. I’ve written about this huge wine store before, but let me remind you that Total Wine has more than 8,000 wines, 2,000 spirits and 1,000 microbrew or imported beers. And their prices are unbeatable. If you’re a wine lover, this store alone is worth the trip.
But there’s no reason to leave hungry. You can go to one restaurant that specializes in chicken, or another that does steak (a seafood house is coming soon). Then there’s Angelo’s Pizza and Pasta, a family-friendly Italian restaurant with excellent, inexpensive food. Everything is cooked to order and tastes like it. There’s also Coco Asian Bistro & Bar, featuring Thai cuisine and a serene atmosphere. I’ve peeked inside but haven’t eaten here yet. I will soon since it has received wonderful reviews. Today I returned to a popular lunch spot, Camille’s Sidewalk Café – just some Tuscan tomato soup and a bottle of water for me. So if you are heading to and from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, or Port Everglades, the Harbor Shops offers a nearby fresh option for shopping and dining.
Oct 12: Swimming with Seagulls
Posted On: October 12, 2006 10:44 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
It’s tempting to say my morning was for the birds, but that would give you the wrong impression. It’s more like my morning was with the birds. An excellent morning, actually, swimming among seagulls – and a smattering of pelicans as well. There was even a large black bird flying nearby that I took for a cormorant, though I wasn’t sure. I arrived at the sea a little after 8:30 a.m., as sunshine sprayed through pillowy blue and white cloudbanks. The seagulls already were clustering along the shore, doing their seagull thing. Mostly standing around staring. As I waded into the ocean, they scattered and disappeared. Briefly.
I was alone off my small section of the Fort Lauderdale beach, swimming enthusiastically at times, floating lazily at others, taking in the view of sunshine and panoramic clouds. Then the seagulls returned. All of them, and more. For some reason, they were especially active today. Squawking and flapping in groups, they darted along the shoreline, fought over fish, swooped low above my head and then bobbed in the waves very close to me. They came and went so often that I actually began to feel as if we really were swimming together somehow. Or maybe they were only hungry enough to ignore me as if I were just part of the seascape. Some pelicans ignored me too, skimming the water in their own search for something that resembled breakfast.
I stayed in the ocean for more than a half hour, I’m sure, enjoying the company of my morning acquaintances and feeling the persistent light breeze as it dried and cooled my face. It all felt very peaceful out there to me, paddling with the birds as the tide came in slowly and the waves built and gently crashed for a short time before the sea cycled back flat again. This morning was one of those little moments when I had to stop and think to myself, “Ah, this is why I live in Fort Lauderdale.”
I was alone off my small section of the Fort Lauderdale beach, swimming enthusiastically at times, floating lazily at others, taking in the view of sunshine and panoramic clouds. Then the seagulls returned. All of them, and more. For some reason, they were especially active today. Squawking and flapping in groups, they darted along the shoreline, fought over fish, swooped low above my head and then bobbed in the waves very close to me. They came and went so often that I actually began to feel as if we really were swimming together somehow. Or maybe they were only hungry enough to ignore me as if I were just part of the seascape. Some pelicans ignored me too, skimming the water in their own search for something that resembled breakfast.
I stayed in the ocean for more than a half hour, I’m sure, enjoying the company of my morning acquaintances and feeling the persistent light breeze as it dried and cooled my face. It all felt very peaceful out there to me, paddling with the birds as the tide came in slowly and the waves built and gently crashed for a short time before the sea cycled back flat again. This morning was one of those little moments when I had to stop and think to myself, “Ah, this is why I live in Fort Lauderdale.”
Oct 10: Autumn in...South Florida?
Posted On: October 10, 2006 12:04 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
The wonderful old song, “Autumn in New York,” is going through my head this morning. I’ve spent some amazing weeks in New York City during the fall and I always love it there. I even decorated my home this weekend for Halloween. The Indian corn and ceramic pumpkins and gold and red and orange silk leaves are all out, bringing a bit of that northern autumn feeling into my Fort Lauderdale house. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, whether living in Michigan or California or Vermont.
Or South Florida. Because we do have our own very distinct autumn too. And you can feel people responding to the subtle changes and coming more alive after the summer’s heat. The longer I live here, the more obvious the seasonal shift to autumn seems to me. It’s not just that there is less rain, with lower temperatures and humidity. The air also feels clearer and fresher. The sky is a richer blue. People seem to have a bit more bounce in their step somehow. Everyone can sense that we’re nudging into our best time of year in South Florida, the months when you don’t need to sit by the sea to enjoy an outdoor café.
Last night, for the first time in a long while, I sipped my evening cocktail in my back yard, watching the starlings and blue jays and mockingbirds splash around my bird bath. It was delightful. And I’m finding that it’s pleasant once again to take runs near my house rather than always heading to the beach. I’ve been thinking about turning off the AC and opening the windows. And I’m eyeing my longsleeve shirts in the closet. That’s the Fort Lauderdale version of early fall. The song still had it right about that autumn feeling: “It’s good to live it again.”
Or South Florida. Because we do have our own very distinct autumn too. And you can feel people responding to the subtle changes and coming more alive after the summer’s heat. The longer I live here, the more obvious the seasonal shift to autumn seems to me. It’s not just that there is less rain, with lower temperatures and humidity. The air also feels clearer and fresher. The sky is a richer blue. People seem to have a bit more bounce in their step somehow. Everyone can sense that we’re nudging into our best time of year in South Florida, the months when you don’t need to sit by the sea to enjoy an outdoor café.
Last night, for the first time in a long while, I sipped my evening cocktail in my back yard, watching the starlings and blue jays and mockingbirds splash around my bird bath. It was delightful. And I’m finding that it’s pleasant once again to take runs near my house rather than always heading to the beach. I’ve been thinking about turning off the AC and opening the windows. And I’m eyeing my longsleeve shirts in the closet. That’s the Fort Lauderdale version of early fall. The song still had it right about that autumn feeling: “It’s good to live it again.”
Oct 9: Hollywood, Harrison and Hip
Posted On: October 9, 2006 12:03 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
You have to get out of your car and walk to really see all the changes happening. But they’re there, all right. In Hollywood, on Harrison Street, it’s hip. My girlfriend, Gwendolyn, and I dropped by the other night for dinner, followed by a nice walkaround and a little shop browsing. We both were impressed. We first noticed all the major renovation going on in Young Circle, of course, which is becoming a landscaped ArtsPark, with a sculpture garden, performance stage, plazas and water features. Hollywood Boulevard retains its laidback ambience, with some excellent clubs and cafes and shops. But Harrison Street? It’s now coming into its own.
We began our Harrison experience with a fabulous meal at Sushi Blues Café – really, we both raved. The atmosphere inside the large restaurant is tastefully chic, but prices are incredibly reasonable. We each started with their honey ginger carrot soup and shared a salad with a great wasabi bleu cheese dressing. Then we split gyoza dumplings and a spicy tuna roll. And sake. The bill was just under $30. We plan to return there for dinner. Soon.
After the meal, we wandered into an unusual art gallery called Heart Studio, which features unique pieces by Carlos Augusto Pereira and is very much in the mold of the new Harrison Street. Cool, artsy, with a bit of an attitude. All up and down Harrison, dance studios and art studios and art galleries are appearing. The work is far from finished, but you can feel the changes sweeping over this formerly underused street. It’s coming alive, one ballet class and glazed pot at a time, and turning into a place that is, well … very hip, man.
We began our Harrison experience with a fabulous meal at Sushi Blues Café – really, we both raved. The atmosphere inside the large restaurant is tastefully chic, but prices are incredibly reasonable. We each started with their honey ginger carrot soup and shared a salad with a great wasabi bleu cheese dressing. Then we split gyoza dumplings and a spicy tuna roll. And sake. The bill was just under $30. We plan to return there for dinner. Soon.
After the meal, we wandered into an unusual art gallery called Heart Studio, which features unique pieces by Carlos Augusto Pereira and is very much in the mold of the new Harrison Street. Cool, artsy, with a bit of an attitude. All up and down Harrison, dance studios and art studios and art galleries are appearing. The work is far from finished, but you can feel the changes sweeping over this formerly underused street. It’s coming alive, one ballet class and glazed pot at a time, and turning into a place that is, well … very hip, man.
Oct 5: Sunny and the Super Bowl
Posted On: October 5, 2006 8:53 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Well, we’re into the football season now and both my teams are perfect. Perfectly bad, at least so far. I root for the Detroit Lions, who lost their first four games in impressive fashion. I also follow my hometown team, the Dolphins, who squeaked out one thin win in four seasonstarters. Still, South Florida fans have reason to smile because the Super Bowl will be right here in town this year. I probably can’t find tickets to the game but it’s sure a terrific excuse to party heavily in early February.
On the other hand, one of you reading this blog can win two great tickets to the game – and some fairly cool additional perks to go with it. Like four nights (Feb. 1-5) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, close to the Super Bowl site at Dolphin Stadium. Round trip air fare from anywhere in the continental U.S. A five day car rental from Dollar. Oh yeah – and two tickets to Taste of the NFL, “the Super Bowl party with a purpose,” as it’s called.
Your shot at earning the lifelong gratitude of some lucky friend or relative (you might even consider taking your spouse to the game) awaits you on this website. Click on the “Win” icon up near the top of the homepage. That will bring you to a brief entry form to fill out to “Get in the Big Game.” It’s pretty basic stuff, mostly your name, address, and email. Then tell the website folks how you heard about sunny.org and click. That’s it, you’re entered.
If you’re very confident, you might want to immediately start buying new clothes for your once-in-a-lifetime sports extravaganza. The big game will be played on February 4, 2007, so you’ve only got four months to accumulate a wardrobe befitting the Super Bowl VIP you’re destined to become. Remember, South Florida is a pretty hip place and in February the eyes of the world will be on it. And on you, baby. So get seriously outfitted for celebrity mingling. You’ll want to look great for your photo op with Diddy.
On the other hand, one of you reading this blog can win two great tickets to the game – and some fairly cool additional perks to go with it. Like four nights (Feb. 1-5) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, close to the Super Bowl site at Dolphin Stadium. Round trip air fare from anywhere in the continental U.S. A five day car rental from Dollar. Oh yeah – and two tickets to Taste of the NFL, “the Super Bowl party with a purpose,” as it’s called.
Your shot at earning the lifelong gratitude of some lucky friend or relative (you might even consider taking your spouse to the game) awaits you on this website. Click on the “Win” icon up near the top of the homepage. That will bring you to a brief entry form to fill out to “Get in the Big Game.” It’s pretty basic stuff, mostly your name, address, and email. Then tell the website folks how you heard about sunny.org and click. That’s it, you’re entered.
If you’re very confident, you might want to immediately start buying new clothes for your once-in-a-lifetime sports extravaganza. The big game will be played on February 4, 2007, so you’ve only got four months to accumulate a wardrobe befitting the Super Bowl VIP you’re destined to become. Remember, South Florida is a pretty hip place and in February the eyes of the world will be on it. And on you, baby. So get seriously outfitted for celebrity mingling. You’ll want to look great for your photo op with Diddy.
