LauderBlog
Nov. 28: Plateful of States
Posted On: November 28, 2006 1:05 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I was driving on I-95 early this morning – a fresh, cool, sunny day – and thinking about license plates. There’s not much else to do when you’re stuck in rush hour traffic at 7:30 a.m. And I was thinking how many out-of-state license plates I’ve been seeing for a few weeks now. And also about how tourists and snowbirds seemed smart enough to stay off the interstate at that time of day. Everywhere I looked there were only Florida plates. For a while. But not long after this, South Carolina rolled by. Followed immediately by Pennsylvania. I guess even snowbirds have places to be in the morning.
But what I was thinking about, while parking in a 65 mph zone and sipping coffee, was how we local residents always talk about the explosion of out-of-state plates this time of year. It’s our way to measure when the northerners have come down here in droves, a window into the busiest part of the tourist season. “Have you seen all the foreign plates?” local folks will ask each other, as if South Florida visitors are from another country. Or maybe another planet. “Wow, it seems early this year.” That’s the inevitable response. Maybe it does get earlier and earlier, the annual tide of refugees from the cold and slush. I’m not sure. I only know that, well yes, the rush seemed early this year.
I began to notice Quebec plates in larger-than-usual numbers maybe two months ago. And Ontario plates. And Michigan. And New York. And Pennsylvania. And Massachusetts. And other “foreign” places. As I’ve said before in these blogs, I’m glad to see you, all you visitors and snowbirds. You add an annual jolt of electricity to South Florida and, whether they’ll admit it or not, most locals recognize and welcome this at some level, I think. But the point I’m making is that we notice when this happens. And it sure already has happened this year and the license plates are one unmistakable sign. When a car of South Carolinians has to brave I-95 during rush hour, they probably aren’t just passing through. They’ve come to live with us for a while.
But what I was thinking about, while parking in a 65 mph zone and sipping coffee, was how we local residents always talk about the explosion of out-of-state plates this time of year. It’s our way to measure when the northerners have come down here in droves, a window into the busiest part of the tourist season. “Have you seen all the foreign plates?” local folks will ask each other, as if South Florida visitors are from another country. Or maybe another planet. “Wow, it seems early this year.” That’s the inevitable response. Maybe it does get earlier and earlier, the annual tide of refugees from the cold and slush. I’m not sure. I only know that, well yes, the rush seemed early this year.
I began to notice Quebec plates in larger-than-usual numbers maybe two months ago. And Ontario plates. And Michigan. And New York. And Pennsylvania. And Massachusetts. And other “foreign” places. As I’ve said before in these blogs, I’m glad to see you, all you visitors and snowbirds. You add an annual jolt of electricity to South Florida and, whether they’ll admit it or not, most locals recognize and welcome this at some level, I think. But the point I’m making is that we notice when this happens. And it sure already has happened this year and the license plates are one unmistakable sign. When a car of South Carolinians has to brave I-95 during rush hour, they probably aren’t just passing through. They’ve come to live with us for a while.
RSSNov 20: Fa-La-La-Las Olas
Posted On: November 20, 2006 10:18 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
The holidays suddenly seem everywhere now, which in South Florida means lots of decorations and shoppers and parties and even glittering boats. No snow. Except once a year on Las Olas.
Next week, November 28, is the big Christmas on Las Olas celebration and I’m already looking forward to it. They’ve been holding holiday festivals on that chic Fort Lauderdale boulevard for the past 41 years and each seems bigger than the last. Not that I was at the first one, mind you. Hey, I was just a kid living in the Midwest. But I’m here now and Christmas on Las Olas is about as close as I can get to feeling that northern holiday glow. There’s always lots of food and beverage, naturally, and fun things for the family to do. But I especially enjoy the snow – well, ok, fake snow. Really, though, these little soapflakes look surprisingly real, even to an ex-Vermont resident like me. I can almost feel a chill when I walk past the machine that sprays them into the air.
Speaking of chill, we’re having one now. And if you’re in New York or Chicago or somewhere up there, I know you’re laughing at me bitterly after reading that last comment. I’m wearing a turtleneck shirt and it’s all of maybe 65 degrees outside. Just a chilly summer day up north. But I had my first fire of the season in my fireplace last night. And I’m getting that holiday feeling, helped by the crisp weather. And all the decorations on A1A and Las Olas and in communities around Broward County, those help too. We’ve also got the Winterfest Boat Parade coming up on December 16, where boats twinkling with holiday lights will glide up the Intracoastal. That’s always fun. But when Christmas on Las Olas rolls around next week, the crowds of people smiling their way into the holidays will really put me in the mood. The snow may be fake, but the spirit is real.
Next week, November 28, is the big Christmas on Las Olas celebration and I’m already looking forward to it. They’ve been holding holiday festivals on that chic Fort Lauderdale boulevard for the past 41 years and each seems bigger than the last. Not that I was at the first one, mind you. Hey, I was just a kid living in the Midwest. But I’m here now and Christmas on Las Olas is about as close as I can get to feeling that northern holiday glow. There’s always lots of food and beverage, naturally, and fun things for the family to do. But I especially enjoy the snow – well, ok, fake snow. Really, though, these little soapflakes look surprisingly real, even to an ex-Vermont resident like me. I can almost feel a chill when I walk past the machine that sprays them into the air.
Speaking of chill, we’re having one now. And if you’re in New York or Chicago or somewhere up there, I know you’re laughing at me bitterly after reading that last comment. I’m wearing a turtleneck shirt and it’s all of maybe 65 degrees outside. Just a chilly summer day up north. But I had my first fire of the season in my fireplace last night. And I’m getting that holiday feeling, helped by the crisp weather. And all the decorations on A1A and Las Olas and in communities around Broward County, those help too. We’ve also got the Winterfest Boat Parade coming up on December 16, where boats twinkling with holiday lights will glide up the Intracoastal. That’s always fun. But when Christmas on Las Olas rolls around next week, the crowds of people smiling their way into the holidays will really put me in the mood. The snow may be fake, but the spirit is real.
Nov 17: Deck the Malls
Posted On: November 17, 2006 2:01 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I may not be big on most department stores but I love upscale malls. That’s especially true at the holidays. So after recently discovering the new Macy’s at Fort Lauderdale’s Galleria Mall (and realizing I do like this department store), I made my way toward the food court. Hmm, maybe some ice cream. The delightful Galleria has long been one of my favorite places to shop. Since the mall’s major redesign in the past couple years, it’s more fun to hang out there than ever. From now through the new year, I’ll visit the Galleria especially often.
It was nice to see the giant holiday wreaths suspended far overhead and the beautiful 3-level tree, reminders that the season really is upon us already. The holiday tunes were playing too and the mall was buzzing. “I’m here and it’s really, really busy,” I heard someone say into her cellphone. It really was really, really busy. I’m not sure if this was seasonal shopping yet, but people drifted into stores and seemed to buy things. I drifted too – into Teavana, where you can get nearly anything involving tea. And into the Godiva chocolate store and Banana Republic, Gap and Neiman Marcus and wherever else. I can’t even remember them all. I was looking more than buying but I was enjoying the early holiday browse.
Once I got to the food court on the lower level, I headed straight for some mint chocolate chip gelato. The Galleria food court, with an Italian piazza theme, feels pleasant and open. And it offers a broad variety of quick meals, from Italian to Chinese to sandwiches. To gelato. What I’ve tasted there is a distinct cut above normal food court fare. If you have time for fine dining, the mall also has several high-quality restaurants such as The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Blue Martini and the new P.F. Chang’s. They’ve helped make the Galleria into more than just a mall. It’s become a destination too. As a longtime Galleria fan, that’s a nice thing to see. During the holidays or any time of year.
It was nice to see the giant holiday wreaths suspended far overhead and the beautiful 3-level tree, reminders that the season really is upon us already. The holiday tunes were playing too and the mall was buzzing. “I’m here and it’s really, really busy,” I heard someone say into her cellphone. It really was really, really busy. I’m not sure if this was seasonal shopping yet, but people drifted into stores and seemed to buy things. I drifted too – into Teavana, where you can get nearly anything involving tea. And into the Godiva chocolate store and Banana Republic, Gap and Neiman Marcus and wherever else. I can’t even remember them all. I was looking more than buying but I was enjoying the early holiday browse.
Once I got to the food court on the lower level, I headed straight for some mint chocolate chip gelato. The Galleria food court, with an Italian piazza theme, feels pleasant and open. And it offers a broad variety of quick meals, from Italian to Chinese to sandwiches. To gelato. What I’ve tasted there is a distinct cut above normal food court fare. If you have time for fine dining, the mall also has several high-quality restaurants such as The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Blue Martini and the new P.F. Chang’s. They’ve helped make the Galleria into more than just a mall. It’s become a destination too. As a longtime Galleria fan, that’s a nice thing to see. During the holidays or any time of year.
Nov 14: Macy's Makeover
Posted On: November 14, 2006 3:27 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I’m not really that big on department stores. True, I still like the old concept of being able to buy everything you want at one location. But I often have a hard time finding exactly what I’m looking for among the welter of stuff that I could care less about. So I was curious to see Macy’s since its big opening about a week ago at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. The space had been empty for a year, quiet as a tomb. Now it’s very much alive again. And last weekend, it was hopping busy.
The first thing I noticed was how light and pleasant it appears. You get that designer-white feeling from the polished tile floor, which is highly buffed to reflect the overhead lights. The general look is upscale and modern, a department store for the 21st Century. It feels easy to navigate and well laid out. And many of the departments within Macy’s are huge. But I wanted to find out just what they were selling and if I liked any of it.
It turns out that Macy’s is very well-stocked, by my standards anyway. I spent a lot of time wandering through the men’s department. There is a wide variety of merchandise at many price levels, from very low to relatively high. I found myself unable to resist trying on jeans and asking a salesman about a pair of shoes. I wanted to purchase dozens of items I saw, whether I could afford them or not. I took this as a sign that Macy’s is worth returning to next time I shop. I also appreciated all the sales. Everywhere I looked there was another markdown sign. Here, 20 percent. There, 40 percent. I honestly like the new store and I will go back often, I suspect. But I also wanted to wander into the mall to see what’s going on at the Galleria for the holidays. Later this week, I’ll tell you what I found there.
The first thing I noticed was how light and pleasant it appears. You get that designer-white feeling from the polished tile floor, which is highly buffed to reflect the overhead lights. The general look is upscale and modern, a department store for the 21st Century. It feels easy to navigate and well laid out. And many of the departments within Macy’s are huge. But I wanted to find out just what they were selling and if I liked any of it.
It turns out that Macy’s is very well-stocked, by my standards anyway. I spent a lot of time wandering through the men’s department. There is a wide variety of merchandise at many price levels, from very low to relatively high. I found myself unable to resist trying on jeans and asking a salesman about a pair of shoes. I wanted to purchase dozens of items I saw, whether I could afford them or not. I took this as a sign that Macy’s is worth returning to next time I shop. I also appreciated all the sales. Everywhere I looked there was another markdown sign. Here, 20 percent. There, 40 percent. I honestly like the new store and I will go back often, I suspect. But I also wanted to wander into the mall to see what’s going on at the Galleria for the holidays. Later this week, I’ll tell you what I found there.
Nov 14: Macy's Makeover
Posted On: November 14, 2006 3:13 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I’m not really that big on department stores. True, I still like the old concept of being able to buy everything you want at one location. But I often have a hard time finding exactly what I’m looking for among the welter of stuff that I could care less about. So I was curious to see Macy’s since its big opening about a week ago at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. The space had been empty for a year, quiet as a tomb. Now it’s very much alive again. And last weekend, it was hopping busy.
The first thing I noticed was how light and pleasant it appears. You get that designer-white feeling from the polished tile floor, which is highly buffed to reflect the overhead lights. The general look is upscale and modern, a department store for the 21st Century. It feels easy to navigate and well laid out. And many of the departments within Macy’s are huge. But I wanted to find out just what they were selling and if I liked any of it.
It turns out that Macy’s is very well-stocked, by my standards anyway. I spent a lot of time wandering through the men’s department. There is a wide variety of merchandise at many price levels, from very low to relatively high. I found myself unable to resist trying on jeans and asking a salesman about a pair of shoes. I wanted to purchase dozens of items I saw, whether I could afford them or not. I took this as a sign that Macy’s is worth returning to next time I shop. I also appreciated all the sales. Everywhere I looked there was another markdown sign. Here, 20 percent. There, 40 percent. I honestly like the new store and I will go back often, I suspect. But I also wanted to wander into the mall to see what’s going on at the Galleria for the holidays. Later this week, I’ll tell you what I found there.
The first thing I noticed was how light and pleasant it appears. You get that designer-white feeling from the polished tile floor, which is highly buffed to reflect the overhead lights. The general look is upscale and modern, a department store for the 21st Century. It feels easy to navigate and well laid out. And many of the departments within Macy’s are huge. But I wanted to find out just what they were selling and if I liked any of it.
It turns out that Macy’s is very well-stocked, by my standards anyway. I spent a lot of time wandering through the men’s department. There is a wide variety of merchandise at many price levels, from very low to relatively high. I found myself unable to resist trying on jeans and asking a salesman about a pair of shoes. I wanted to purchase dozens of items I saw, whether I could afford them or not. I took this as a sign that Macy’s is worth returning to next time I shop. I also appreciated all the sales. Everywhere I looked there was another markdown sign. Here, 20 percent. There, 40 percent. I honestly like the new store and I will go back often, I suspect. But I also wanted to wander into the mall to see what’s going on at the Galleria for the holidays. Later this week, I’ll tell you what I found there.
Nov 10: New November
Posted On: November 10, 2006 2:45 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I’m just back from the Fort Lauderdale beach and everything there felt bustling and new somehow. I hadn’t sensed this same atmosphere since early last spring. There were more people, including many tourists now. (Snow white bodies spread along the beach in clusters are one giveaway.) My favorite breakfast place was crowded to the point that sharing tables was becoming an issue, as it often is during the busiest winter months. There were more cars, more cops. Even a more obvious aroma of sunscreen scenting the air as I ambled along the sidewalk.
The wave seawall was getting a spruce-up and new businesses were setting up shop and construction of major new luxury hotels was getting well along. There was fresh paint on some of the buildings and seasonal beachfront spots that offer watersports were re-opening. There is a new life, a new energy that begins each year sometime around Thanksgiving. I was just surprised to find it so suddenly apparent this morning.
The summer months have their own special charm, as I’ve written about in these blogs before. There’s a more relaxed pace that makes for a welcome change after the busiest part of the tourist season. It’s a time to sit in the shade by the water and sip iced coffee and chat with the waiters. But I’m really ready for the burst of activity that cooler weather brings to South Florida. And this morning I could see that the burst is bursting already. I suspect it really is a little earlier than usual. The recent weird northern weather may have driven visitors and snowbirds here ahead of schedule. I’m not sure. But I do know that the pleasant hubbub was back. And that I was looking forward to sharing my breakfast table with strangers again.
The wave seawall was getting a spruce-up and new businesses were setting up shop and construction of major new luxury hotels was getting well along. There was fresh paint on some of the buildings and seasonal beachfront spots that offer watersports were re-opening. There is a new life, a new energy that begins each year sometime around Thanksgiving. I was just surprised to find it so suddenly apparent this morning.
The summer months have their own special charm, as I’ve written about in these blogs before. There’s a more relaxed pace that makes for a welcome change after the busiest part of the tourist season. It’s a time to sit in the shade by the water and sip iced coffee and chat with the waiters. But I’m really ready for the burst of activity that cooler weather brings to South Florida. And this morning I could see that the burst is bursting already. I suspect it really is a little earlier than usual. The recent weird northern weather may have driven visitors and snowbirds here ahead of schedule. I’m not sure. But I do know that the pleasant hubbub was back. And that I was looking forward to sharing my breakfast table with strangers again.
Nov. 6: Convertible Climate
Posted On: November 6, 2006 1:53 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I have wanted a convertible car my whole life. For a variety of reasons, I never got one. Until now. It’s a PT Cruiser, beautiful blue with a black top and Sirius radio so I can cruise with great tunes and I’m just lovin’ it! If ever I’ve lived in a place made for convertibles, South Florida is it. I’ve always thought those tourists who rent convertibles when visiting the Fort Lauderdale area are the smart ones. If you’re coming here on vacation or business, you really ought to consider it. Because I can tell you, from firsthand experience now, that there’s nothing like it.
On one of my first days with the top down, I took a long drive up A1A. It just seemed the place to go when in a convertible. The sun was out full and attractive people were walking everywhere and I could hear a cascade of sounds from cafes along the beach mixing with Jimmy Buffett playing on my car stereo. And I was sort of two-fingering the steering wheel and looking out at a sea not that different in color from my car. And I felt as though I must have been grinning ear to ear and it was all I could do to keep myself from waving to people. As if to say to them, “Hi, you don’t know me but you probably like my car because it’s new and shiny and beautiful. And I’ll bet you want a ride, don’t you?” That’s how I felt. Convertibles tend to have this effect on people.
So I was just soaking up the sunshine as I continued north on A1A, listening to this same satellite station called Margaritaville. And I swear, the music stopped and a sound bite came on: “Hi! This is Jimmy Buffett, cruisin’ on A1A and listening to Margaritaville.” Life can be like this with the top down, I've found, just a little beautifully surreal, all sunshine and music and even a celebrity guest appearance every now and then.
On one of my first days with the top down, I took a long drive up A1A. It just seemed the place to go when in a convertible. The sun was out full and attractive people were walking everywhere and I could hear a cascade of sounds from cafes along the beach mixing with Jimmy Buffett playing on my car stereo. And I was sort of two-fingering the steering wheel and looking out at a sea not that different in color from my car. And I felt as though I must have been grinning ear to ear and it was all I could do to keep myself from waving to people. As if to say to them, “Hi, you don’t know me but you probably like my car because it’s new and shiny and beautiful. And I’ll bet you want a ride, don’t you?” That’s how I felt. Convertibles tend to have this effect on people.
So I was just soaking up the sunshine as I continued north on A1A, listening to this same satellite station called Margaritaville. And I swear, the music stopped and a sound bite came on: “Hi! This is Jimmy Buffett, cruisin’ on A1A and listening to Margaritaville.” Life can be like this with the top down, I've found, just a little beautifully surreal, all sunshine and music and even a celebrity guest appearance every now and then.
Nov 2: Romance for Two
Posted On: November 2, 2006 1:55 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I always love a quiet, romantic dinner for two. In the 17 years I’ve lived in greater Fort Lauderdale, believe me, I’ve found lots of places to savor this experience with someone special. Whether at a sidewalk café downtown, or by the water or in west Broward somewhere, there is no shortage of excellent restaurants offering just the right atmosphere and that little corner table tucked in back. But last week, on my latest “backyard vacation” a few miles from my house, I enjoyed an even more exclusive meal for two. Dinner was on the balcony of my suite at the GalleryOne Doubletree, a lovely upscale hotel along the Intracoastal. Whenever I’ve had the chance to sample this sort of extravagance before, it’s always seemed the ultimate in romantic dining. This time was no different. At the newly renovated GalleryOne overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, just west of the Sunrise Boulevard bridge, our balcony turned a simple meal into something extraordinary.
It began with take-out. Some excellent Italian from nearby Franco & Vinny’s, a local place I wrote about in a June blog. Gwendolyn and I were hungry following an afternoon of sipping wine and gawking at yachts. So we ordered too much food, of course: mozzarella and tomato appetizer, stuffed eggplant, ziti with zucchini. Two salads came with the order. We returned to the suite, poured a nice cabernet and began nibbling on the appetizer, settling into a leisurely meal.
Could any dining room be more exclusive? Just one very private outdoor table in an ideal setting. Massive yachts and small boats drifting quietly past, their passengers probably unaware of us above them. The two of us, talking, laughing. Smiling a lot. Then, yes, maybe a little more pasta and definitely more wine, please. All on a comfortable evening just right for shirtsleeves. Before wrapping up the leftovers to store in our suite’s refrigerator, we just sat there for quite a while. I’m not sure what Gwendolyn was thinking, but as for me … well, I was trying not to think of anything at all. I was still too busy smiling.
It began with take-out. Some excellent Italian from nearby Franco & Vinny’s, a local place I wrote about in a June blog. Gwendolyn and I were hungry following an afternoon of sipping wine and gawking at yachts. So we ordered too much food, of course: mozzarella and tomato appetizer, stuffed eggplant, ziti with zucchini. Two salads came with the order. We returned to the suite, poured a nice cabernet and began nibbling on the appetizer, settling into a leisurely meal.
Could any dining room be more exclusive? Just one very private outdoor table in an ideal setting. Massive yachts and small boats drifting quietly past, their passengers probably unaware of us above them. The two of us, talking, laughing. Smiling a lot. Then, yes, maybe a little more pasta and definitely more wine, please. All on a comfortable evening just right for shirtsleeves. Before wrapping up the leftovers to store in our suite’s refrigerator, we just sat there for quite a while. I’m not sure what Gwendolyn was thinking, but as for me … well, I was trying not to think of anything at all. I was still too busy smiling.
