LauderBlog
Aug 31: The Calm After
Posted On: August 31, 2006 2:50 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I just came back from Stork’s on Las Olas. I was sipping iced coffee again (and this time, munching on a chocolate chip cookie), enjoying the sunshine. If you read my previous blog, that should tell you all you need to know about our recent “storm.” Ernesto didn’t amount to much, despite all the media’s handwringing. I know the weather-prediction folks did their best. This tropical storm didn’t produce as much wind and rain as a typical South Florida thundershower. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. But the experience has gotten me thinking about how fear sometimes needlessly controls our lives.
After 9/11, some people refused to fly – and still do. After recent hurricanes, some people refused to visit any area where tropical winds can blow. And when a storm brews in the Atlantic, some locals here hightail it to Kansas or some state where they’ll feel “safe.” (Haven’t they ever seen “The Wizard of Oz”?) But I guess nowhere is really totally safe, is it? I lived in San Francisco for more than a year and a half and felt not a single tremor. I moved to Vermont, of all places, and lived through three minor earthquakes. Who could have anticipated that? And remember Y2K? When the millennium rolled around, I was determined to welcome 2000 in grand style. Despite dire Y2K warnings, my then-wife and I traveled to Greece, where we experienced the most extraordinary celebration at midnight on the Acropolis. I’ll never forget it – and I haven’t forgotten how her family begged us not to go.
My point, I guess, is just this: Maybe too many of us let our lives be ruled too often by fear. When a storm is coming, we have to take sensible precautions, of course. Then we should relax. I live in a house that was built in 1947, practically historic by South Florida standards – and it’s been standing within a mile of the sea ever since, without hurricane shutters. I believe it will still be standing long after I move to another home. And so, with Ernesto quietly gone, I plan to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer here. Because the reality is, hurricanes remain a rarity where I live. Despite the media, I have every reason to expect things will stay that way.
After 9/11, some people refused to fly – and still do. After recent hurricanes, some people refused to visit any area where tropical winds can blow. And when a storm brews in the Atlantic, some locals here hightail it to Kansas or some state where they’ll feel “safe.” (Haven’t they ever seen “The Wizard of Oz”?) But I guess nowhere is really totally safe, is it? I lived in San Francisco for more than a year and a half and felt not a single tremor. I moved to Vermont, of all places, and lived through three minor earthquakes. Who could have anticipated that? And remember Y2K? When the millennium rolled around, I was determined to welcome 2000 in grand style. Despite dire Y2K warnings, my then-wife and I traveled to Greece, where we experienced the most extraordinary celebration at midnight on the Acropolis. I’ll never forget it – and I haven’t forgotten how her family begged us not to go.
My point, I guess, is just this: Maybe too many of us let our lives be ruled too often by fear. When a storm is coming, we have to take sensible precautions, of course. Then we should relax. I live in a house that was built in 1947, practically historic by South Florida standards – and it’s been standing within a mile of the sea ever since, without hurricane shutters. I believe it will still be standing long after I move to another home. And so, with Ernesto quietly gone, I plan to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer here. Because the reality is, hurricanes remain a rarity where I live. Despite the media, I have every reason to expect things will stay that way.
RSSAug 28: The Calm Before
Posted On: August 29, 2006 7:44 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
By now, we all know the drill. Yes, there’s a tropical storm on the horizon. Yes, we had all better be prepared, just in case. Fill up the gas tank. Take out extra cash from the ATM. Buy more food and bottled water. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera …. Sigh.
It’s hard for me to get too worked up about it all. The forecasters understandably fret and wring their hands, partly to make sure everyone takes the warnings seriously. (And it doesn’t hurt that approaching storms boost TV ratings, of course. So we tend to get wall-to-wall coverage.) I’ve lived in South Florida long enough to see lots of storms come and lots of storms go. I’m certainly not one to bury my head in the sand – I covered Hurricane Andrew as a newspaper reporter, standing in downtown Miami in an open air parking garage. It was an experience and I’ll never take a big storm for granted. So I go about all the precautions, like anyone else.
But today it’s sunny and beautiful, with much lower than normal humidity. I was sitting outside at Stork’s a little while ago, on Las Olas, sipping an iced coffee and munching some pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes. No one there was freaking out. I watched tourists, two different times, stop on the nearby bridge to take photos. And so I’m trying to keep all this in perspective. And the last I saw, Ernesto was a tropical storm only, not a hurricane, though it might strengthen. Still, I’ve done everything I can now. So, like everyone, I’ll wait and watch.
I’ll check out some of that non-stop, hyperventilated news coverage from time to time, to keep an eye on the storm track and wind speed. But I’ve also learned that even the best forecasters really can’t tell us much about how strong the storm will be or even exactly where the storm will go. The way I see it is this: Life in what many call “paradise,” here in tropical South Florida, comes with some price. This is it. The waiting and the watching, the preparing … and all the hoping for the best. I’m optimistic. We’ll see if I was right when I write the next blog later this week.
It’s hard for me to get too worked up about it all. The forecasters understandably fret and wring their hands, partly to make sure everyone takes the warnings seriously. (And it doesn’t hurt that approaching storms boost TV ratings, of course. So we tend to get wall-to-wall coverage.) I’ve lived in South Florida long enough to see lots of storms come and lots of storms go. I’m certainly not one to bury my head in the sand – I covered Hurricane Andrew as a newspaper reporter, standing in downtown Miami in an open air parking garage. It was an experience and I’ll never take a big storm for granted. So I go about all the precautions, like anyone else.
But today it’s sunny and beautiful, with much lower than normal humidity. I was sitting outside at Stork’s a little while ago, on Las Olas, sipping an iced coffee and munching some pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes. No one there was freaking out. I watched tourists, two different times, stop on the nearby bridge to take photos. And so I’m trying to keep all this in perspective. And the last I saw, Ernesto was a tropical storm only, not a hurricane, though it might strengthen. Still, I’ve done everything I can now. So, like everyone, I’ll wait and watch.
I’ll check out some of that non-stop, hyperventilated news coverage from time to time, to keep an eye on the storm track and wind speed. But I’ve also learned that even the best forecasters really can’t tell us much about how strong the storm will be or even exactly where the storm will go. The way I see it is this: Life in what many call “paradise,” here in tropical South Florida, comes with some price. This is it. The waiting and the watching, the preparing … and all the hoping for the best. I’m optimistic. We’ll see if I was right when I write the next blog later this week.
Aug 28: Sunday, the Final Morning
Posted On: August 28, 2006 3:55 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
The problem with getaways is that they end. This one did too – and much too soon. Sunday morning dawned as clear and sunlit as the day before, the light twinkling off the sea below our hotel windows. I don’t think either of us wanted to face leaving yet, so we put off dragging out the suitcases.
Instead we ambled downstairs, back to the restaurant that had become our favorite in the Deerfield Beach pier area, Ristorante Luna Rosa. We’d already eaten one dinner and one lunch there, as you may remember from earlier blogs about this backyard vacation. Luna Rosa also serves a great breakfast. This time, we sat in the air-conditioning at a nice table by the windows. It was crowded – actually, kinda crazy. Was this really August, or January? Waiters and waitresses were bustling, customers were lining up, menus were flying back and forth. But we got our order, after a bit of a wait. It was worth it. Gwendolyn’s eggs benedict was just right, and so were my eggs and pancakes, served with real maple syrup, warmed. Excellent.
Before our noon checkout time, we had a chance to explore the pier itself. For just $1, you can take a long walk on a long pier, which was packed this Sunday with people busily fishing. Our jaunt was like a mini-nature tour. We watched a beautiful, broad stingray floating in and out of the pilings below. Pelicans bobbed in the water nearby too, apparently recognizing a good fishing spot when they saw one. Some variety of large fish we didn’t recognize was laying on the pier and clusters of small, pretty birds kept landing on the wooden railings. Neither of us could identify those birds either, but they didn’t appear frightened of people.
After our pier walk, we reluctantly headed back to the room and, yep, dragged out those suitcases. We checked out promptly at noon and drove off as I looked a bit enviously at the many people walking back and forth from the beach and the restaurants and the shops. I didn’t want to go home. But the great thing about a backyard vacation is, you’re never very far away when you want to do it again. We will. Soon.
Instead we ambled downstairs, back to the restaurant that had become our favorite in the Deerfield Beach pier area, Ristorante Luna Rosa. We’d already eaten one dinner and one lunch there, as you may remember from earlier blogs about this backyard vacation. Luna Rosa also serves a great breakfast. This time, we sat in the air-conditioning at a nice table by the windows. It was crowded – actually, kinda crazy. Was this really August, or January? Waiters and waitresses were bustling, customers were lining up, menus were flying back and forth. But we got our order, after a bit of a wait. It was worth it. Gwendolyn’s eggs benedict was just right, and so were my eggs and pancakes, served with real maple syrup, warmed. Excellent.
Before our noon checkout time, we had a chance to explore the pier itself. For just $1, you can take a long walk on a long pier, which was packed this Sunday with people busily fishing. Our jaunt was like a mini-nature tour. We watched a beautiful, broad stingray floating in and out of the pilings below. Pelicans bobbed in the water nearby too, apparently recognizing a good fishing spot when they saw one. Some variety of large fish we didn’t recognize was laying on the pier and clusters of small, pretty birds kept landing on the wooden railings. Neither of us could identify those birds either, but they didn’t appear frightened of people.
After our pier walk, we reluctantly headed back to the room and, yep, dragged out those suitcases. We checked out promptly at noon and drove off as I looked a bit enviously at the many people walking back and forth from the beach and the restaurants and the shops. I didn’t want to go home. But the great thing about a backyard vacation is, you’re never very far away when you want to do it again. We will. Soon.
Aug 24: Saturday, the Second Night
Posted On: August 24, 2006 12:51 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
We were refreshed by our lunch followed by that relaxation time in our hotel room. This was the second day of our backyard vacation in Deerfield Beach, less than half an hour from our homes. We stayed at the Howard Johnson Plaza Resort, which is directly on the beach – and nothing like the HoJo hotels I remember from the past. The common areas were more upscale, the room comfortable and quiet, with a beautiful pool overlooking the sea and some excellent bars and restaurants as part of the complex.
So, now late in the afternoon, we were ready for a dip in that lovely pool. It was hot and sunny but that didn’t matter once we got into the water. Gwendolyn and I splashed around at the deep end, laughing like kids and generally having a swell time. After our swim, we dried off in the shade and then got ready for our evening. Cocktails in the room, sliding door open to the ocean breeze. A short walk along the ocean, then on to a wonderful meal at The Whale’s Rib. Just a block from the hotel, this is one of those real fish-and-oyster joints that are more Old Florida than new. And charming because of that. I had the grilled dolphin dinner and she ordered a dolphin sandwich. Tender, juicy fish, properly cooked and served with unusual fries.
I seem to also recall a stop for ice cream after our meal. Yes, I admit it – at Ben and Jerry’s, no less. (Is there anywhere else for a former Vermonter like me?) And then, that amazing moonlight swim. The sky was clear above and to the east. To the west, darts of lightning and low rumbling thunder. And an amber-white moon, just a bit past full, glistening down from overhead and washed across the waves. We waded out into the dark sea, just the two of us, and it felt very private and almost surreal somehow. There was something so beautiful about the moment, holding each other in the black water, pushed by the swells and bathed in the gleam of the moon and the lightning and … All I know is, it didn’t matter that I was so close to home. It doesn’t get much better than this.
So, now late in the afternoon, we were ready for a dip in that lovely pool. It was hot and sunny but that didn’t matter once we got into the water. Gwendolyn and I splashed around at the deep end, laughing like kids and generally having a swell time. After our swim, we dried off in the shade and then got ready for our evening. Cocktails in the room, sliding door open to the ocean breeze. A short walk along the ocean, then on to a wonderful meal at The Whale’s Rib. Just a block from the hotel, this is one of those real fish-and-oyster joints that are more Old Florida than new. And charming because of that. I had the grilled dolphin dinner and she ordered a dolphin sandwich. Tender, juicy fish, properly cooked and served with unusual fries.
I seem to also recall a stop for ice cream after our meal. Yes, I admit it – at Ben and Jerry’s, no less. (Is there anywhere else for a former Vermonter like me?) And then, that amazing moonlight swim. The sky was clear above and to the east. To the west, darts of lightning and low rumbling thunder. And an amber-white moon, just a bit past full, glistening down from overhead and washed across the waves. We waded out into the dark sea, just the two of us, and it felt very private and almost surreal somehow. There was something so beautiful about the moment, holding each other in the black water, pushed by the swells and bathed in the gleam of the moon and the lightning and … All I know is, it didn’t matter that I was so close to home. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Aug 22: Saturday, Day Two
Posted On: August 22, 2006 3:12 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
There’s nothing quite like opening your curtains in the morning, only to see a broad sun-soaked vista of the ocean. That was our first view looking outside our hotel room on Saturday morning, as Gwendolyn and I began the second day of our close-to-home getaway. It would be a thoroughly relaxing and delightful day, start to finish.
Why is it that many of us get so hungry when we’re on vacation? Eating is often among the highlights, for some reason. On Saturday, we wandered downstairs and drifted along the beachfront, scouting out some funky place for breakfast. We were starved and soon found a seaside cafeteria beside the Deerfield Beach pier. For $10, we had a fast, tasty meal. Blueberry pancakes for her, bacon and scrambled eggs for me.
Before our backyard vacation, I hadn’t known this part of Broward’s beach at all. So after breakfast, we took a little tour of the nearby stores, including a serious surfer shop. I didn’t quite find the kind of hat I was looking for, but some of the many choices made us laugh. Then we walked the brick path that winds along the beach for well over a mile, pausing at one of the small boardwalks built out over the sand. We picked a shady spot to just watch the many people sunbathing and swimming for a while. I was amazed at the August crowds.
This day-away was too full to cover the whole thing in one blog. So for now I’m going to just say that the rest of our afternoon included frozen margaritas in an open-air bar freshened by seabreezes, followed by some down time to chill in our room, which brought us to (what else?) lunch! The previous night’s dinner was so good that we returned to Ristorante Luna Rosa, finding a nice beachside table. We split a caesar salad and turkey club sandwich, with the food and setting just as memorable as the night before. And after lunch … Well, the rest of our Saturday, including our moonlight ocean swim, will have to wait until next time. As I said, this was a full, and delightful, day.
Why is it that many of us get so hungry when we’re on vacation? Eating is often among the highlights, for some reason. On Saturday, we wandered downstairs and drifted along the beachfront, scouting out some funky place for breakfast. We were starved and soon found a seaside cafeteria beside the Deerfield Beach pier. For $10, we had a fast, tasty meal. Blueberry pancakes for her, bacon and scrambled eggs for me.
Before our backyard vacation, I hadn’t known this part of Broward’s beach at all. So after breakfast, we took a little tour of the nearby stores, including a serious surfer shop. I didn’t quite find the kind of hat I was looking for, but some of the many choices made us laugh. Then we walked the brick path that winds along the beach for well over a mile, pausing at one of the small boardwalks built out over the sand. We picked a shady spot to just watch the many people sunbathing and swimming for a while. I was amazed at the August crowds.
This day-away was too full to cover the whole thing in one blog. So for now I’m going to just say that the rest of our afternoon included frozen margaritas in an open-air bar freshened by seabreezes, followed by some down time to chill in our room, which brought us to (what else?) lunch! The previous night’s dinner was so good that we returned to Ristorante Luna Rosa, finding a nice beachside table. We split a caesar salad and turkey club sandwich, with the food and setting just as memorable as the night before. And after lunch … Well, the rest of our Saturday, including our moonlight ocean swim, will have to wait until next time. As I said, this was a full, and delightful, day.
Aug 17: Friday, The First Night
Posted On: August 22, 2006 3:09 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I got there first – in time for an early cocktail. But not the extra dry martini I had anticipated. It was sultry and very tropical-looking outside our oceanfront hotel in Deerfield Beach last weekend. A similarly sultry, tropical drink seemed appropriate, so I sipped on a Planter’s Punch at the outdoor bar and enjoyed the sea breezes as I waited.
You’ll recall that on Friday, Gwendolyn and I were just starting our two-night backyard vacation at a hotel less than half an hour from both our homes. She had to work a bit later than I did, so I checked in before her and went for that cocktail. Walking around this beachy area for the first time, I realized what I’d been missing in Deerfield all these years – it’s a resort packed into a few square blocks on A1A just north of Hillsboro Boulevard. Terrific restaurants, shops, hotels. And a great beach, one of the very best Blue Wave beaches in Broward.
When Gwendolyn arrived, we opened the sliding door on our oceanside room, poured ourselves a drink (yep, another one for me … I was on vacation) and just tried to soak in some of the lively atmosphere below. The brick walkway was full of tourists and locals strolling and laughing. I hadn’t expected so much activity in August. Before too long, we felt hungry and decided to try for an outside table at Ristorante Luna Rosa. Good decision. We ate one meal there on all three days away. This is real Italian, cooked wonderfully and served in a postcard setting. I went for pomodoro pasta, she had a delicious piece of salmon served in a light sauce.
After a long dinner, we joined all those strolling folks along the palm tree-lined walkway, holding hands in what was a not-quite-full moon. We found the weather pleasant for a South Florida summer, still sultry yes, but sensuous and clear, cooled by a persistent breeze. I didn’t feel like I was anywhere near home, quite honestly. I couldn’t have been more relaxed if we’d flown to Tahiti. And I’m not sure that our Friday evening could have been any more delightful there than it was in Deerfield Beach. I was already looking forward to Saturday.
You’ll recall that on Friday, Gwendolyn and I were just starting our two-night backyard vacation at a hotel less than half an hour from both our homes. She had to work a bit later than I did, so I checked in before her and went for that cocktail. Walking around this beachy area for the first time, I realized what I’d been missing in Deerfield all these years – it’s a resort packed into a few square blocks on A1A just north of Hillsboro Boulevard. Terrific restaurants, shops, hotels. And a great beach, one of the very best Blue Wave beaches in Broward.
When Gwendolyn arrived, we opened the sliding door on our oceanside room, poured ourselves a drink (yep, another one for me … I was on vacation) and just tried to soak in some of the lively atmosphere below. The brick walkway was full of tourists and locals strolling and laughing. I hadn’t expected so much activity in August. Before too long, we felt hungry and decided to try for an outside table at Ristorante Luna Rosa. Good decision. We ate one meal there on all three days away. This is real Italian, cooked wonderfully and served in a postcard setting. I went for pomodoro pasta, she had a delicious piece of salmon served in a light sauce.
After a long dinner, we joined all those strolling folks along the palm tree-lined walkway, holding hands in what was a not-quite-full moon. We found the weather pleasant for a South Florida summer, still sultry yes, but sensuous and clear, cooled by a persistent breeze. I didn’t feel like I was anywhere near home, quite honestly. I couldn’t have been more relaxed if we’d flown to Tahiti. And I’m not sure that our Friday evening could have been any more delightful there than it was in Deerfield Beach. I was already looking forward to Saturday.
Aug 16: Everybody in the Pool!
Posted On: August 16, 2006 11:22 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Now that you’ve gotten a good grasp on what the Intracoastal has to offer, I’m back to give you yet another option to keep your cool in these scorching months.
I’ve come to realize lately that we Floridians commonly possess something that many others around the country do not – the swimming pool. Growing up as a naïve little pup, my way of thinking was: you have a house, you have a pool. Plain and simple. Now I see that’s not the case.
Lucky for you out-of-staters, friendly as we are in Florida, we extend our plethora of pools outside the home and straight to you.
Community pools are pretty much necessity in the Sunshine State, and we have plenty of them. From aquatic complexes to YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs to JCCs, even parks and high schools…all around the county, a pool is never far away no matter where you stay.
I know that as a kid it was virtually impossible to get me out of the water, and going in the pool was number one on my list of summer activities. I’m sure this sentiment extends to most kids out there, so hitting up the pool on those hotter days is a great activity for families.
There was one pool (other than my own) that I remember frequenting as a little girl and it was one of my favorites. I grew up in Coral Springs, up in northern Broward County, and there was (and still is) a place called Cypress Park Pool where I spent a lot of my time. It had the essentials that make up a good pool: diving board, slide, lanes for racing…it had it all.
So consider checking it out on your next trip, or even if you’re looking for something new to do in the area in which you already live. If not Cypress Park pool, there are tons of others available.
And if I haven’t made you feel cooler already just by reading this, then jump, dive, bellyflop, cannonball, slide…anything…into the nearest pool. But do it soon, it’s getting hot out there.
I’ve come to realize lately that we Floridians commonly possess something that many others around the country do not – the swimming pool. Growing up as a naïve little pup, my way of thinking was: you have a house, you have a pool. Plain and simple. Now I see that’s not the case.
Lucky for you out-of-staters, friendly as we are in Florida, we extend our plethora of pools outside the home and straight to you.
Community pools are pretty much necessity in the Sunshine State, and we have plenty of them. From aquatic complexes to YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs to JCCs, even parks and high schools…all around the county, a pool is never far away no matter where you stay.
I know that as a kid it was virtually impossible to get me out of the water, and going in the pool was number one on my list of summer activities. I’m sure this sentiment extends to most kids out there, so hitting up the pool on those hotter days is a great activity for families.
There was one pool (other than my own) that I remember frequenting as a little girl and it was one of my favorites. I grew up in Coral Springs, up in northern Broward County, and there was (and still is) a place called Cypress Park Pool where I spent a lot of my time. It had the essentials that make up a good pool: diving board, slide, lanes for racing…it had it all.
So consider checking it out on your next trip, or even if you’re looking for something new to do in the area in which you already live. If not Cypress Park pool, there are tons of others available.
And if I haven’t made you feel cooler already just by reading this, then jump, dive, bellyflop, cannonball, slide…anything…into the nearest pool. But do it soon, it’s getting hot out there.
Aug 14: Far From Home, At Home
Posted On: August 14, 2006 9:10 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I’m back from my weekend local getaway. Local, but I felt like I was 1,000 miles from home. And in the process I “discovered” a section of Broward beach that I didn’t know at all – though clearly many other folks have been well aware of that area for a long time. Honestly, the throng was so large this sunny August weekend that it looked like a January crowd.
Gwendolyn and I ended up at a nice seaside hotel in Deerfield Beach. Our room looked out on the Atlantic from the sixth floor and the Atlantic seemed close enough to look back at us. Our hotel was maybe 100 yards from the edge of the ocean. The beach itself is also exceptionally nice, with a beautiful winding brick-paver walkway, pretty benches and small boardwalks extending out over the sand. There’s a raised grassy berm filled with coconut palm trees that runs the length of the beach, reminding me a bit of places I’ve visited in Mexico or Croatia.
This little pocket of greater Fort Lauderdale also is home to some wonderful restaurants and charming shops. It seemed so weird to me, really – I’ve lived in Broward since 1989 and have driven right past this area several times without stopping. I didn’t know what I was missing. To get there, take Hillsboro Boulevard east until you reach A1A, then make a left on that coastal road to head north. When the pavement makes a little S-jog around some stores a couple blocks later, just find yourself a parking spot and walk around. You’re there.
For the next few blogs, I’m going to be telling you about some of the special things this section of Deerfield offers, including a couple of the restaurants we both loved. And some of the memorable things we did, such as our romantic moonlight swim in the sea. All of it just part of our backyard vacation – a great way to cool down and relax and escape during the summer for a while, right here at home.
Gwendolyn and I ended up at a nice seaside hotel in Deerfield Beach. Our room looked out on the Atlantic from the sixth floor and the Atlantic seemed close enough to look back at us. Our hotel was maybe 100 yards from the edge of the ocean. The beach itself is also exceptionally nice, with a beautiful winding brick-paver walkway, pretty benches and small boardwalks extending out over the sand. There’s a raised grassy berm filled with coconut palm trees that runs the length of the beach, reminding me a bit of places I’ve visited in Mexico or Croatia.
This little pocket of greater Fort Lauderdale also is home to some wonderful restaurants and charming shops. It seemed so weird to me, really – I’ve lived in Broward since 1989 and have driven right past this area several times without stopping. I didn’t know what I was missing. To get there, take Hillsboro Boulevard east until you reach A1A, then make a left on that coastal road to head north. When the pavement makes a little S-jog around some stores a couple blocks later, just find yourself a parking spot and walk around. You’re there.
For the next few blogs, I’m going to be telling you about some of the special things this section of Deerfield offers, including a couple of the restaurants we both loved. And some of the memorable things we did, such as our romantic moonlight swim in the sea. All of it just part of our backyard vacation – a great way to cool down and relax and escape during the summer for a while, right here at home.
Aug 11: Another Backyard Vacay
Posted On: August 11, 2006 11:31 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Several weeks ago, my girlfriend and I went on the most excellent getaway. Minutes from our homes. Though I love traveling anywhere, I’m also a big believer in backyard vacations. There’s something so relaxing, so comfortable about packing a bag, driving less than half an hour and settling into a nice hotel for a few days of R&R. Of course, that’s easy for me to say, living where I do. Little imagination is required for me to see the possibilities for a non-traveling trip.
In June, we managed to find a whole week to set aside for an escape by the sea. Today, we’re off again, this time for the weekend. But we’re still going to unwind oceanside. And the great thing is, nothing is planned. I love that. There are sure to be some swims, in the Atlantic and in the pool by the Atlantic. There are sure to be some full moon strolls, enjoying the night seabreezes. It’s all romantic stuff and that’s great with me. I have no problem admitting that, more than many guys, I enjoy holding hands by candlelight or moonlight.
But beyond the swimming and nightstrolling, who knows? In a backyard vacation, I feel free to do or not do anything at all. There’s no pressure to see the sights or soak up everything worth tasting or drinking or doing in an area. It’s just time to kick off your shoes and smile for a while.
Serious foodie that she is, Gwendolyn will want to seek out some good restaurants for dinner. I’m with her on that one – nothing like a fine meal when you have time to savor the experience. Semi-serious cocktail aficionado that I am, I’ll want to seek out some good bar for an extra dry vodka martini. She probably won’t have a problem with that. So until next time, I can only hope your weekend is as good as mine will be. I’d tell you I’m heading off for a great mini-vacation but the truth is, I’m already there.
In June, we managed to find a whole week to set aside for an escape by the sea. Today, we’re off again, this time for the weekend. But we’re still going to unwind oceanside. And the great thing is, nothing is planned. I love that. There are sure to be some swims, in the Atlantic and in the pool by the Atlantic. There are sure to be some full moon strolls, enjoying the night seabreezes. It’s all romantic stuff and that’s great with me. I have no problem admitting that, more than many guys, I enjoy holding hands by candlelight or moonlight.
But beyond the swimming and nightstrolling, who knows? In a backyard vacation, I feel free to do or not do anything at all. There’s no pressure to see the sights or soak up everything worth tasting or drinking or doing in an area. It’s just time to kick off your shoes and smile for a while.
Serious foodie that she is, Gwendolyn will want to seek out some good restaurants for dinner. I’m with her on that one – nothing like a fine meal when you have time to savor the experience. Semi-serious cocktail aficionado that I am, I’ll want to seek out some good bar for an extra dry vodka martini. She probably won’t have a problem with that. So until next time, I can only hope your weekend is as good as mine will be. I’d tell you I’m heading off for a great mini-vacation but the truth is, I’m already there.
Aug 8: The Humanity Project
Posted On: August 8, 2006 6:39 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
It’s easy to become transfixed by the surface of South Florida. Beautiful ocean, beautiful homes, beautiful people. It’s a chic, glamorous, sexy part of the world. But there’s another side to greater Fort Lauderdale that few visitors see. This area is home to hundreds of non-profit groups, and thousands of volunteers and donors, working in a wide variety of ways to give something back to this lovely community. There is a humanitarian spirit, below the surface, that lends a depth and generosity to life in South Florida. Some owners of those massive Intracoastal mansions give millions to charities and some of those gorgeous folks sipping chardonnay at sidewalk cafés spend their days teaching handicapped kids to walk.
There are so many fundraisers and volunteers and financial donors that the major South Florida newspapers devote considerable space to covering these efforts. One of those recent fundraisers, held at a delightful Las Olas shop called Plush Couture, was to benefit a new non-profit called The Humanity Project. I am the founder and president of this group, which has a cutting-edge website at www.thehumanityproject.com.
The Humanity Project teaches that the ancient advice to “know thyself” may still be the best way to improve our day-to-day lives. Our website provides a kind of high-tech instruction manual, through compelling personal stories, so readers understand why it’s so important to know yourself, how to do that and why this can also improve society as a whole. An ambitious mission, for sure, but we’ve created some unique ways to connect with web-surfers, including a new multi-media storytelling form I call “a webtale.” Click through our website’s “A Human Drama” and you’ll see what I mean. So yes, we’re joining the many groups doing many positive things in South Florida, and like them, seeking members and donors. I feel sure we’ll find people who want to help us. Greater Fort Lauderdale is much more than jet skis, beach umbrellas and wine bars. There’s a genuine heart to this place, not obvious but beating all the time – just below the surface.
There are so many fundraisers and volunteers and financial donors that the major South Florida newspapers devote considerable space to covering these efforts. One of those recent fundraisers, held at a delightful Las Olas shop called Plush Couture, was to benefit a new non-profit called The Humanity Project. I am the founder and president of this group, which has a cutting-edge website at www.thehumanityproject.com.
The Humanity Project teaches that the ancient advice to “know thyself” may still be the best way to improve our day-to-day lives. Our website provides a kind of high-tech instruction manual, through compelling personal stories, so readers understand why it’s so important to know yourself, how to do that and why this can also improve society as a whole. An ambitious mission, for sure, but we’ve created some unique ways to connect with web-surfers, including a new multi-media storytelling form I call “a webtale.” Click through our website’s “A Human Drama” and you’ll see what I mean. So yes, we’re joining the many groups doing many positive things in South Florida, and like them, seeking members and donors. I feel sure we’ll find people who want to help us. Greater Fort Lauderdale is much more than jet skis, beach umbrellas and wine bars. There’s a genuine heart to this place, not obvious but beating all the time – just below the surface.
