LauderBlog
Sept 28: Music On
Posted On: September 27, 2006 7:46 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Listen, shhh … Did you just hear something? I did. It sounded a little like, well, like South Florida, I guess. So I couldn’t resist a quick comment or two about the changes on this very website, sunny.org.
For starters, there’s that music now. Five very cool, very tropical channels streaming 24/7/365 – something you can listen to whether or not you’re checking out the latest blog or vacation deals. Just come to this website, click on the music, pick your favorite station and go right on surfing the net. The channels offer programming with names like “ambient sands” and “beach chic” and, I especially love this one, “sax on the beach.” They’re each smooth and sophisticated and just very nice for some background music to work by or eat by or … hmmm, or anything else you might care to do to some hot music.
But to my eye, the site also is more stylish looking too. There’s an introductory video on the home page, which features lots of attractive people in lots of attractive places around greater Fort Lauderdale. And other pages look jazzier and cleaner somehow. Plus you now can read all about our part of the world in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish, which says something about the diversity of travelers who routinely make Broward County their vacation destination.
Naturally, the website still has the madly popular Live WebCam, with its view of the Fort Lauderdale beach. And you can still read about the hotels and attractions and restaurants and all the things there are to enjoy around here. And yes, you can still fill out and RFP for a convention and find out information about our airport or cruise port or whatever else. It’s just that now, doing all that is more fun. Which seems only appropriate for an area that’s no slouch in the fun department. Sax on the beach, anyone?
For starters, there’s that music now. Five very cool, very tropical channels streaming 24/7/365 – something you can listen to whether or not you’re checking out the latest blog or vacation deals. Just come to this website, click on the music, pick your favorite station and go right on surfing the net. The channels offer programming with names like “ambient sands” and “beach chic” and, I especially love this one, “sax on the beach.” They’re each smooth and sophisticated and just very nice for some background music to work by or eat by or … hmmm, or anything else you might care to do to some hot music.
But to my eye, the site also is more stylish looking too. There’s an introductory video on the home page, which features lots of attractive people in lots of attractive places around greater Fort Lauderdale. And other pages look jazzier and cleaner somehow. Plus you now can read all about our part of the world in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish, which says something about the diversity of travelers who routinely make Broward County their vacation destination.
Naturally, the website still has the madly popular Live WebCam, with its view of the Fort Lauderdale beach. And you can still read about the hotels and attractions and restaurants and all the things there are to enjoy around here. And yes, you can still fill out and RFP for a convention and find out information about our airport or cruise port or whatever else. It’s just that now, doing all that is more fun. Which seems only appropriate for an area that’s no slouch in the fun department. Sax on the beach, anyone?
RSSSept 25: Sunshine on Wheels
Posted On: September 25, 2006 9:32 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I see them all the time lately. A spray of yellow and orange, tooling along the roads around Fort Lauderdale. Kinda cute, really, all painted up for the South Florida sun. So I’ve been wondering about these things and now I finally know. They’re called Sun Trolleys, an excellent and very inexpensive way for tourists or locals to hop around town.
As many as 30 people can jump aboard a Sun Trolley. Fares range from free, for a ride to the Tri-Rail station on Broward Boulevard, to 50 cents for a lift to the beach. When I looked into this service, I was amazed how often the trolleys run and to how many places. You can ride up the 17th Street Causeway, from the new Harbor Shops complex north to Beach Place on A1A. Or you can travel along the length of Las Olas Boulevard, past all the upscale shops and on to the beach. Or continue farther north on A1A, past Oakland Park Boulevard and Galt Ocean. There’s even an express bus from downtown Fort Lauderdale to the government offices in Plantation on Broward and University Drive – that one also is free. Some of these trolleys come around as often as every ten minutes.
The Sun Trolleys all are air-conditioned, of course, with bike racks and wheelchair access. And they’re environmentally friendly, using 20 percent biodiesel fuel. For more information, check out their website at www.suntrolley.com, or call 954-761-3543. It really does seem like a great deal and I plan to try one myself before long. I’ll let you know how it is. Meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy watching these vehicles bop around town, looking all warm and welcoming and everything.
As many as 30 people can jump aboard a Sun Trolley. Fares range from free, for a ride to the Tri-Rail station on Broward Boulevard, to 50 cents for a lift to the beach. When I looked into this service, I was amazed how often the trolleys run and to how many places. You can ride up the 17th Street Causeway, from the new Harbor Shops complex north to Beach Place on A1A. Or you can travel along the length of Las Olas Boulevard, past all the upscale shops and on to the beach. Or continue farther north on A1A, past Oakland Park Boulevard and Galt Ocean. There’s even an express bus from downtown Fort Lauderdale to the government offices in Plantation on Broward and University Drive – that one also is free. Some of these trolleys come around as often as every ten minutes.
The Sun Trolleys all are air-conditioned, of course, with bike racks and wheelchair access. And they’re environmentally friendly, using 20 percent biodiesel fuel. For more information, check out their website at www.suntrolley.com, or call 954-761-3543. It really does seem like a great deal and I plan to try one myself before long. I’ll let you know how it is. Meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy watching these vehicles bop around town, looking all warm and welcoming and everything.
Sept. 21: Alfresco
Posted On: September 21, 2006 1:17 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I’m a big fan of eating outdoors. Alfresco – “in the fresh air.” I was doing it again this morning. I went to the Fort Lauderdale beach, worked out on the free outdoor equipment at the Fit Trail on South Beach, took a nice walk and then enjoyed breakfast. It’s a day of clear skies here, with the blue taking on that autumn intensity we begin to see about now in South Florida. That was when it suddenly dawned on me, during my seaside breakfast. “Wow, I eat outdoors a lot. Like, really a lot.”
Even during the summer months, I seem to eat at least one meal alfresco several times a week. Maybe breakfast, maybe lunch, maybe dinner. Or maybe even just a nice coffee and dessert or something. But to me, one of the great things about living in this part of the world is the chance to enjoy being outdoors year round. The weather is rarely much of an issue, unless you wilt in the sunshine and warmth. I happen to love it.
I remember living in Vermont for 14 years. There, eating outside was a distinct treat, something one could plan to do … oh, perhaps during the summer and very early fall months. On the good days. Even in San Francisco, where I lived for more than a year and a half, the weather often was not ideal for sitting at an outdoor café. But there aren’t many days in Fort Lauderdale when I can’t find a great spot for comfortable fresh-air eating. For me, that’s as true in the August heat as in the January chill. Given a choice, I’ll pick a table outside almost any time. Luckily in South Florida, that’s nearly every day of the year
Even during the summer months, I seem to eat at least one meal alfresco several times a week. Maybe breakfast, maybe lunch, maybe dinner. Or maybe even just a nice coffee and dessert or something. But to me, one of the great things about living in this part of the world is the chance to enjoy being outdoors year round. The weather is rarely much of an issue, unless you wilt in the sunshine and warmth. I happen to love it.
I remember living in Vermont for 14 years. There, eating outside was a distinct treat, something one could plan to do … oh, perhaps during the summer and very early fall months. On the good days. Even in San Francisco, where I lived for more than a year and a half, the weather often was not ideal for sitting at an outdoor café. But there aren’t many days in Fort Lauderdale when I can’t find a great spot for comfortable fresh-air eating. For me, that’s as true in the August heat as in the January chill. Given a choice, I’ll pick a table outside almost any time. Luckily in South Florida, that’s nearly every day of the year
Sept. 21: Alfresco
Posted On: September 21, 2006 1:17 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I’m a big fan of eating outdoors. Alfresco – “in the fresh air.” I was doing it again this morning. I went to the Fort Lauderdale beach, worked out on the free outdoor equipment at the Fit Trail on South Beach, took a nice walk and then enjoyed breakfast. It’s a day of clear skies here, with the blue taking on that autumn intensity we begin to see about now in South Florida. That was when it suddenly dawned on me, during my seaside breakfast. “Wow, I eat outdoors a lot. Like, really a lot.”
Even during the summer months, I seem to eat at least one meal alfresco several times a week. Maybe breakfast, maybe lunch, maybe dinner. Or maybe even just a nice coffee and dessert or something. But to me, one of the great things about living in this part of the world is the chance to enjoy being outdoors year round. The weather is rarely much of an issue, unless you wilt in the sunshine and warmth. I happen to love it.
I remember living in Vermont for 14 years. There, eating outside was a distinct treat, something one could plan to do … oh, perhaps during the summer and very early fall months. On the good days. Even in San Francisco, where I lived for more than a year and a half, the weather often was not ideal for sitting at an outdoor café. But there aren’t many days in Fort Lauderdale when I can’t find a great spot for comfortable fresh-air eating. For me, that’s as true in the August heat as in the January chill. Given a choice, I’ll pick a table outside almost any time. Luckily in South Florida, that’s nearly every day of the year
Even during the summer months, I seem to eat at least one meal alfresco several times a week. Maybe breakfast, maybe lunch, maybe dinner. Or maybe even just a nice coffee and dessert or something. But to me, one of the great things about living in this part of the world is the chance to enjoy being outdoors year round. The weather is rarely much of an issue, unless you wilt in the sunshine and warmth. I happen to love it.
I remember living in Vermont for 14 years. There, eating outside was a distinct treat, something one could plan to do … oh, perhaps during the summer and very early fall months. On the good days. Even in San Francisco, where I lived for more than a year and a half, the weather often was not ideal for sitting at an outdoor café. But there aren’t many days in Fort Lauderdale when I can’t find a great spot for comfortable fresh-air eating. For me, that’s as true in the August heat as in the January chill. Given a choice, I’ll pick a table outside almost any time. Luckily in South Florida, that’s nearly every day of the year
Sept 18: It's All Greek to Me
Posted On: September 18, 2006 3:05 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Among the countries I love most, Greece is toward the very top of the list. I’ve been there a few times, including Athens for the Millennium celebration at the Acropolis. I find the Greek people warm and very alive, full of joy and passion and sensuality. And I love their food. Luckily, there are some excellent Greek restaurants in greater Fort Lauderdale, where I can experience some of that passion and that food. I tried a new place recently and loved it – one of the best in town, I think. This new local spot is called Thira, in Hallandale Beach. It’s a large restaurant with décor I can only characterize as a kind of upscale-rustic, if that makes any sense. It’s pretty and pleasant and looks like a nice restaurant you might find in the Greek islands.
Three of us decided on a whim to check out Thira’s food on a Friday night. Two of the three had visited Greece. Three of the three were very impressed with Thira. We started with several appetizers, including grape leaves and a refreshing Greek salad. When they cleared the plates, there wasn’t much left of the appetizers. For my entree, I ordered a typical lemon chicken, cooked and served on the bone, with potatoes and beans. It was juicy, tender and just shouted Greece to me. One of the others at our table tried a moussaka that might be the best I’ve tasted, in or out of Greece. It had a more subtle flavor than I’ve had before, cooked and served in something like a souffle dish. Excellent.
Thira is at 100 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach. The phone is 954-454-9676. If you want a taste of Greece in South Florida, this is a good place to start. Just don’t go breaking any plates or whatever. Thira is authentic, but there are limits.
Three of us decided on a whim to check out Thira’s food on a Friday night. Two of the three had visited Greece. Three of the three were very impressed with Thira. We started with several appetizers, including grape leaves and a refreshing Greek salad. When they cleared the plates, there wasn’t much left of the appetizers. For my entree, I ordered a typical lemon chicken, cooked and served on the bone, with potatoes and beans. It was juicy, tender and just shouted Greece to me. One of the others at our table tried a moussaka that might be the best I’ve tasted, in or out of Greece. It had a more subtle flavor than I’ve had before, cooked and served in something like a souffle dish. Excellent.
Thira is at 100 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach. The phone is 954-454-9676. If you want a taste of Greece in South Florida, this is a good place to start. Just don’t go breaking any plates or whatever. Thira is authentic, but there are limits.
Sept 14: A Seasonal Adjustment
Posted On: September 14, 2006 10:31 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I spent a beautiful sunny morning on the Fort Lauderdale beach today. It was great – pure sunshine, comfortable humidity, blue waves rolling in to shore. I stood in the shade of a large tree for a long time, just appreciating it all. Then I took a good brisk walk north to the Bonnet House. Heading back down A1A, I passed a huge busload of tourists, speaking some foreign language and taking pictures like mad. It looked like one of those tours where the driver says, “And here we have the world-famous Fort Lauderdale beach, where you’ll have 15 minutes to take photos and go shopping.” But it did get me looking around. So on my drive home, I noticed another gaggle of obvious tourists. These people were armed with video cameras and they were videotaping everything in sight. Then, to top it all off, on the 17th Street Causeway bridge I had to pass some guy driving about 5 mph, maybe, because he and his family or whoever were busy soaking up the view. Think, by any chance, they were tourists?
Well, ok fine – if you’re really coming back this soon, in large numbers, I say welcome. It’s nice to see so many smiling faces again. As a resident, I know how much we need you and, honestly, there’s a different feeling to the place when you’re around. You add a charge of energy and diversity that’s missing when there aren’t quite as many visitors on our streets. But now? Already?
Well, ok fine – if you’re really coming back this soon, in large numbers, I say welcome. It’s nice to see so many smiling faces again. As a resident, I know how much we need you and, honestly, there’s a different feeling to the place when you’re around. You add a charge of energy and diversity that’s missing when there aren’t quite as many visitors on our streets. But now? Already?
Sept 12: Movin' Out
Posted On: September 12, 2006 10:21 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
So, this past weekend I made the big move. Yeah, you know the one.
I finally moved out of my parents’ house!
After 9 months out of school, I assume that now you can call me a full-blown ADULT. Yup, paying my own bills and everything, thank you very much. Don’t get me wrong, I put it off as long as I could, but as we all know…after living on your own for an extended period of time it’s hard to go back to life with the fam.
And that brings me to where I am now. I’ve ventured out of my Coral Springs cocoon and nestled myself in the more southern city of Dania Beach (in a nice new townhouse, might I add).
Sure, there’s a downside to all of this. No more free place to stay, no more free home-cooked meals, no more saving money for this very coming-of-age event. But where there’s negative, there’s always positive. And there are lots.
One positive is…I get to learn about a whole new area. I’ve pretty much got Coral Springs down with the 20 years I’ve had to explore. But down here, now this is a place I don’t know too much about. Sure, I hear about different things from different people…check out this, you should see that…but now it’s actually in MY backyard.
As a matter of fact, the townhouse into which I moved is right across the street from IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. Not only that, Outdoor World, Bass Pro Shops, and Islamorada Fish Co. are all right there in the same complex. And if I don’t find enough to do in Dania Beach, I’ve got Hollywood, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale just a hop, skip, and a jump away. And that brings me to another positive about moving on down here…
The nightlife, of course! Now I’m only minutes away from downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the old stompin’ grounds on the weekends for my friends and I. And during the day, now I’m right down the road from the beach! I couldn’t ask for more.
I’ll let you know how it goes as I get acclimated. I’ll even let you in on some of the local hidden treasures I find as I explore my new surroundings. But for now, all I know is…I like where I’m at and I like what I see.
I finally moved out of my parents’ house!
After 9 months out of school, I assume that now you can call me a full-blown ADULT. Yup, paying my own bills and everything, thank you very much. Don’t get me wrong, I put it off as long as I could, but as we all know…after living on your own for an extended period of time it’s hard to go back to life with the fam.
And that brings me to where I am now. I’ve ventured out of my Coral Springs cocoon and nestled myself in the more southern city of Dania Beach (in a nice new townhouse, might I add).
Sure, there’s a downside to all of this. No more free place to stay, no more free home-cooked meals, no more saving money for this very coming-of-age event. But where there’s negative, there’s always positive. And there are lots.
One positive is…I get to learn about a whole new area. I’ve pretty much got Coral Springs down with the 20 years I’ve had to explore. But down here, now this is a place I don’t know too much about. Sure, I hear about different things from different people…check out this, you should see that…but now it’s actually in MY backyard.
As a matter of fact, the townhouse into which I moved is right across the street from IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. Not only that, Outdoor World, Bass Pro Shops, and Islamorada Fish Co. are all right there in the same complex. And if I don’t find enough to do in Dania Beach, I’ve got Hollywood, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale just a hop, skip, and a jump away. And that brings me to another positive about moving on down here…
The nightlife, of course! Now I’m only minutes away from downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the old stompin’ grounds on the weekends for my friends and I. And during the day, now I’m right down the road from the beach! I couldn’t ask for more.
I’ll let you know how it goes as I get acclimated. I’ll even let you in on some of the local hidden treasures I find as I explore my new surroundings. But for now, all I know is…I like where I’m at and I like what I see.
Sept 11: September Song
Posted On: September 11, 2006 5:23 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I don’t understand it. But I like it. September is well upon us now and the weather is noticeably changing. It seems less humid, more pleasant – even if you’re not sitting around the water somewhere. The same has happened each September the past few years. I thought our planet was melting. Isn’t that what all the experts say? Hey, I have no doubt there’s some form of global warming, but I can only tell you honestly what I experience. And what I experience is a September that feels much cooler than normal.
But now, South Florida’s version of autumn seems to begin settling in soon after the calendar flips past August. You can feel it when getting into a car parked outside – hey, I can touch the steering wheel before starting the AC. You can feel it when walking around the neighborhood – wow, I’m not getting so sweaty. You can notice it when going to a restaurant with your friends – gee, wanna sit outside instead? I’m no meteorologist, believe me, so I can offer no scientific explanation. But honestly, there’s been a detectable change in the September comfort level and I’m not the only local who’s aware of it.
I’m not exactly stoking up my fireplace yet – though last year, I had my first fire a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. Maybe there’s something peculiar afoot here. Perhaps in 100 years, the polar icecaps will feature tiki bars that serve drinks with little umbrellas and South Florida will have to build ski slopes. Fort Lauderdale restaurants will offer fondue and warm brandy to take the chill off after a long day of climbing glaciers. Maybe.
For the moment, though, it’s just a lot more comfortable around here in September than it used to be. That’s all I know. So I’m going to get outside on this sunny, enjoyable afternoon. And who knows, perhaps I might wander over to one of our local sporting goods shops to see the latest climbing gear. I figure, why wait til the last minute? Prices will only go higher once every South Florida tourist wants a new pair of crampons.
But now, South Florida’s version of autumn seems to begin settling in soon after the calendar flips past August. You can feel it when getting into a car parked outside – hey, I can touch the steering wheel before starting the AC. You can feel it when walking around the neighborhood – wow, I’m not getting so sweaty. You can notice it when going to a restaurant with your friends – gee, wanna sit outside instead? I’m no meteorologist, believe me, so I can offer no scientific explanation. But honestly, there’s been a detectable change in the September comfort level and I’m not the only local who’s aware of it.
I’m not exactly stoking up my fireplace yet – though last year, I had my first fire a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. Maybe there’s something peculiar afoot here. Perhaps in 100 years, the polar icecaps will feature tiki bars that serve drinks with little umbrellas and South Florida will have to build ski slopes. Fort Lauderdale restaurants will offer fondue and warm brandy to take the chill off after a long day of climbing glaciers. Maybe.
For the moment, though, it’s just a lot more comfortable around here in September than it used to be. That’s all I know. So I’m going to get outside on this sunny, enjoyable afternoon. And who knows, perhaps I might wander over to one of our local sporting goods shops to see the latest climbing gear. I figure, why wait til the last minute? Prices will only go higher once every South Florida tourist wants a new pair of crampons.
Sept 8: On the Broadwalk, Part Two
Posted On: September 8, 2006 12:01 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
We left off our visit to the Hollywood Broadwalk after my long southward stroll along the renovated path. I was getting hungry by now, shortly after 9 a.m. You may recall that I’d walked completely beyond the upgraded area, south of Indiana Street, so that I stood near the point where Hollywood’s past and future meet. I wanted to go back to the future, thank you.
So I wandered north again until I came to a nice section of outdoor cafes serving breakfast, lined up one after another. I picked a place on a pleasant corner, where I could look out easily at the new Broadwalk and the sea. And then I just relaxed over coffee with eggs, toast and home fries. About $3, including tax. The Broadwalk may be going upscale but there are still plenty of places to eat inexpensively. I had a lovely time, taking in all the action around me. On the sand, some young women were playing volleyball. Inline skaters, runners, bicyclists were scooting along on this sunny Saturday, enjoying the beautiful pathway. I also overheard some woman chatting on her cell phone nearby, making the cardinal tourist mistake in Hollywood, the mispronunciation that tells every local you’re not familiar with these parts. “Oh, we’re just sitting having something to eat on the Boardwalk,” she said. No, ma’am, we’re not in Atlantic City. Around here, it’s the Broadwalk.
After breakfast, I continued north, appreciating the new sights all over again. The wavy seawall runs beside the beach, the widened Broadwalk with its brick walking area and attractive bike path. And all those new palm trees. I couldn’t get over how many tall palms Hollywood had planted. I noticed Superior Small Lodging signs on many of the small hotels which have been spruced up too on the Broadwalk. And an increasing number of upscale restaurants including Sugar Reef, my favorite café for a taste of the Caribbean.
Yes, it’s definitely changing. Right before I returned to my car, I noticed an attractive woman crooning a jazzy number at an outdoor restaurant. I remembered her from a Fort Lauderdale nightclub I used to frequent. She’s a good singer, with a repertoire of sophisticated music. Now here she was on a Saturday morning, on the Hollywood Broadwalk, belting it out. That told me something. It told me that even now, before all the renovations are done, this isn’t the same funky Broadwalk of the past. And it told me, hey, maybe I should start hanging out here more often.
So I wandered north again until I came to a nice section of outdoor cafes serving breakfast, lined up one after another. I picked a place on a pleasant corner, where I could look out easily at the new Broadwalk and the sea. And then I just relaxed over coffee with eggs, toast and home fries. About $3, including tax. The Broadwalk may be going upscale but there are still plenty of places to eat inexpensively. I had a lovely time, taking in all the action around me. On the sand, some young women were playing volleyball. Inline skaters, runners, bicyclists were scooting along on this sunny Saturday, enjoying the beautiful pathway. I also overheard some woman chatting on her cell phone nearby, making the cardinal tourist mistake in Hollywood, the mispronunciation that tells every local you’re not familiar with these parts. “Oh, we’re just sitting having something to eat on the Boardwalk,” she said. No, ma’am, we’re not in Atlantic City. Around here, it’s the Broadwalk.
After breakfast, I continued north, appreciating the new sights all over again. The wavy seawall runs beside the beach, the widened Broadwalk with its brick walking area and attractive bike path. And all those new palm trees. I couldn’t get over how many tall palms Hollywood had planted. I noticed Superior Small Lodging signs on many of the small hotels which have been spruced up too on the Broadwalk. And an increasing number of upscale restaurants including Sugar Reef, my favorite café for a taste of the Caribbean.
Yes, it’s definitely changing. Right before I returned to my car, I noticed an attractive woman crooning a jazzy number at an outdoor restaurant. I remembered her from a Fort Lauderdale nightclub I used to frequent. She’s a good singer, with a repertoire of sophisticated music. Now here she was on a Saturday morning, on the Hollywood Broadwalk, belting it out. That told me something. It told me that even now, before all the renovations are done, this isn’t the same funky Broadwalk of the past. And it told me, hey, maybe I should start hanging out here more often.
Sept 5: On the Broadwalk
Posted On: September 5, 2006 12:48 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
On a sunny morning over the Labor Day weekend, I took a walk from Hollywood’s past to its future. Or really the other way around, and then back … or – uhm, you’ll see what I mean. Because I went to the Broadwalk for the first time in probably two years. It is, in many ways, a different place from the beachside walkway I knew.
I’d been to the Broadwalk many times over the years, usually with friends. Things are changing. It’s called the Broadwalk Renovation, starting at the north end of the walk and heading south a long ways, ending now about Indiana Street. I was amazed. I remembered a cement path that looked like a narrow street running along the sand. Now the Broadwalk is, well, broader, with bricks paving the wide walking area that adjoins a pretty bike path, which is made of sandy concrete embedded with seashells. They’ve added a wavy seawall – a low, sand-colored, more earthy than the Lauderdale wall. At each major entrance to the beach itself, the wall rises in a decorative flourish. Hollywood also has planted many dozens of tall palm trees on the beach near the Broadwalk, and added large planters on the sand, which no doubt will soon be filled with tropical foliage.
The Broadwalk is still a work in progress, something that was obvious on my long walk along it from just below Sheridan Street by the Marriott Hotel. I headed south and the beautiful new walk kept heading south with me: past the venerable Nick’s, past the Hollywood bandshell, and on and on. Until the new palm trees and the planters and the bricks and the wall stopped. It was weird, as if I literally was walking back in time, to the old Broadwalk. That remaining section too will be renovated as work continues in the coming months.
I’ll tell you about the rest of my surprising Broadwalk morning later this week. Let’s just say I wasn’t ready to leave this new-old part of Hollywood yet.
I’d been to the Broadwalk many times over the years, usually with friends. Things are changing. It’s called the Broadwalk Renovation, starting at the north end of the walk and heading south a long ways, ending now about Indiana Street. I was amazed. I remembered a cement path that looked like a narrow street running along the sand. Now the Broadwalk is, well, broader, with bricks paving the wide walking area that adjoins a pretty bike path, which is made of sandy concrete embedded with seashells. They’ve added a wavy seawall – a low, sand-colored, more earthy than the Lauderdale wall. At each major entrance to the beach itself, the wall rises in a decorative flourish. Hollywood also has planted many dozens of tall palm trees on the beach near the Broadwalk, and added large planters on the sand, which no doubt will soon be filled with tropical foliage.
The Broadwalk is still a work in progress, something that was obvious on my long walk along it from just below Sheridan Street by the Marriott Hotel. I headed south and the beautiful new walk kept heading south with me: past the venerable Nick’s, past the Hollywood bandshell, and on and on. Until the new palm trees and the planters and the bricks and the wall stopped. It was weird, as if I literally was walking back in time, to the old Broadwalk. That remaining section too will be renovated as work continues in the coming months.
I’ll tell you about the rest of my surprising Broadwalk morning later this week. Let’s just say I wasn’t ready to leave this new-old part of Hollywood yet.
