LauderBlog
Feb 1: Ernie's
Posted On: January 31, 2008 12:54 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
This is a blog strictly for the benefit of the tourists among us right now. If you’ve lived in the Fort Lauderdale area for long, you already should know about Ernie’s. And if you live here and don’t know about Ernie’s, you probably don’t deserve this place anyway. Because, really – how many restaurants around ever-changing South Florida have been open since 1957? And how many have a slogan that reads: “Where conch is king, barbecue is a way of life and the bar is open late”? Welcome to Ernie’s.
It’s a great joint, and I suspect they would be pleased with that description. Go to Ernie’s if you want real local color – and some good local food too. Tourists at this spot are relatively rare, as far as I can tell. This restaurant makes fresh conch chowder, conch salad and conch fritters every day. It has all the barbecue options of any smokehouse, including ribs and pork sandwiches. Ernie’s also offers some stuff you might not expect at … well, at a joint. Maybe a turkey burger if you’re watching your fats. Or a buffalo burger, which has more protein and less fat than beef. I happen to love their buffalo burgers.
But the real draw at Ernie’s, I think, is the place itself. There’s a bar both downstairs inside the restaurant and upstairs on the roof. I prefer the outdoor area if the weather is nice. Sit there long enough and you’ll likely see what I mean by local color. Actually, there’s a good chance local color will sit down on the bar stool next to you. Regulars and neighbors from the area, truckers and bikers and construction workers. And writers and reporters and lawyers – who are the folks you really should worry about getting too friendly with, of course. Seriously, Ernie’s is an interesting, inexpensive, tasty local hot spot. A joint, in the best sense of the term. And worth checking out if you want a change from the pricey restaurants along Las Olas. You can find Ernie’s at 1843 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, just south of 17th Street, on the west side of the road. If you get lost, call 954-523-8636. Just remember I warned you about the writers.
It’s a great joint, and I suspect they would be pleased with that description. Go to Ernie’s if you want real local color – and some good local food too. Tourists at this spot are relatively rare, as far as I can tell. This restaurant makes fresh conch chowder, conch salad and conch fritters every day. It has all the barbecue options of any smokehouse, including ribs and pork sandwiches. Ernie’s also offers some stuff you might not expect at … well, at a joint. Maybe a turkey burger if you’re watching your fats. Or a buffalo burger, which has more protein and less fat than beef. I happen to love their buffalo burgers.
But the real draw at Ernie’s, I think, is the place itself. There’s a bar both downstairs inside the restaurant and upstairs on the roof. I prefer the outdoor area if the weather is nice. Sit there long enough and you’ll likely see what I mean by local color. Actually, there’s a good chance local color will sit down on the bar stool next to you. Regulars and neighbors from the area, truckers and bikers and construction workers. And writers and reporters and lawyers – who are the folks you really should worry about getting too friendly with, of course. Seriously, Ernie’s is an interesting, inexpensive, tasty local hot spot. A joint, in the best sense of the term. And worth checking out if you want a change from the pricey restaurants along Las Olas. You can find Ernie’s at 1843 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, just south of 17th Street, on the west side of the road. If you get lost, call 954-523-8636. Just remember I warned you about the writers.
RSSJan 29: Fresh Morning
Posted On: January 28, 2008 12:21 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I walked out of my girlfriend’s condo this morning into a bright cloudless day. Three workmen were standing around outside Gwendolyn’s place, talking about some job they had to do at another apartment somewhere. “Hi,” I said to them, “beautiful day, isn’t it?” I was surprised how friendly they were in reply. “Yeah, sure is! A great day!” one of them said and the others agreed. It really was a great day, cool and refreshing. Cool enough that I remembered to go back for the sport jacket I’d worn over to Gwendolyn’s that night. Then I hopped into my convertible, put on a baseball cap and lowered the automobile top. The sun was fairly high in the sky. It felt intense and warming.
I already knew, before leaving her parking lot, that I would take the long, slow drive home along A1A. My car’s temperature gauge said the air was 63 degrees as I headed out onto the road from Lighthouse Point, south on Federal Highway until I could catch a street east to the ocean. It was brisk as I drove, but not cold. The wind was crisp and dry and fresh.
On the way, I stopped at a little shop and bought one plain doughnut for breakfast. I sat on a wall and gobbled down about three bites, then set the rest of the doughnut on the bag, but the breeze caught it and dumped the whole thing into a flower bed. Oh well. I chuckled, threw it out and then I continued south in my car. By now the air temp was 66 degrees and climbing. When I came to the Fort Lauderdale beach, I parked just to breathe in the lovely morning for a while. Several freighters were anchored offshore and the sea was beautiful, a glimmering patchwork of aquas and blues behind the white sparkle of the breaking waves. One large coconut palm sat directly across from my car, a swaying leafy green swatch against the sea. I knew I had to get home but I lingered a bit longer. People were moving up and down the sidewalks on both sides of A1A, walking and running and riding bikes. They were dressed in everything from heavy sweaters and sweat pants to gym shorts and tank tops. To some, this was a rare taste of bracing wintry air. To others, this was a summer day. And to me? To me, it was a great day, just like the man had told me. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I already knew, before leaving her parking lot, that I would take the long, slow drive home along A1A. My car’s temperature gauge said the air was 63 degrees as I headed out onto the road from Lighthouse Point, south on Federal Highway until I could catch a street east to the ocean. It was brisk as I drove, but not cold. The wind was crisp and dry and fresh.
On the way, I stopped at a little shop and bought one plain doughnut for breakfast. I sat on a wall and gobbled down about three bites, then set the rest of the doughnut on the bag, but the breeze caught it and dumped the whole thing into a flower bed. Oh well. I chuckled, threw it out and then I continued south in my car. By now the air temp was 66 degrees and climbing. When I came to the Fort Lauderdale beach, I parked just to breathe in the lovely morning for a while. Several freighters were anchored offshore and the sea was beautiful, a glimmering patchwork of aquas and blues behind the white sparkle of the breaking waves. One large coconut palm sat directly across from my car, a swaying leafy green swatch against the sea. I knew I had to get home but I lingered a bit longer. People were moving up and down the sidewalks on both sides of A1A, walking and running and riding bikes. They were dressed in everything from heavy sweaters and sweat pants to gym shorts and tank tops. To some, this was a rare taste of bracing wintry air. To others, this was a summer day. And to me? To me, it was a great day, just like the man had told me. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Jan 25: Sawgrass Shopping
Posted On: January 24, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
There’s a funny thing about living in South Florida. Everything is so convenient that you quickly get used to driving only a mile or two for just about whatever you want to buy. Need a pizza? There’s always a shop somewhere down the street. Need a gift? There’s usually some little strip plaza a few blocks away. Each little neighborhood has its favorite restaurants, drycleaners, DVD stores and more within a five minute drive. So it’s still hard for me to accept the idea of heading way out in the sawgrass, on the edge of the Everglades, to shop for bargains. But I did it again yesterday and ended up thinking the same thing I do every time I visit Sawgrass Mills – why don’t I come here more often?
It’s not exactly as if this enormous mall needs my business. Hardly. Sawgrass Mills is a giant outlet mall that’s among the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. Nearly anything you could want is tucked somewhere around this place. I’m about to take a big trip and so needed a bunch of stuff. I bought two pairs of quality shoes – Bostonian and Bass – socks, boxers, shorts, bathing suit and jeans. Total bill: $225. The Bass shoes alone would have cost $79 at normal retail prices. I paid $49. Not a bad deal, I say. And yes, definitely worth a little drive.
I live so close to the ocean that I can smell it from my patio. Still, I made the trip west in about 20 minutes each way by avoiding the rush hour. And what’s more, I actually enjoyed my Sawgrass experience. It really is an enormous mall and I walked my feet off going from one side to another and then back. I chatted with a few folks, wandered through so many stores I lost count and just kind of browsed as I made my way around. I strolled into some of the high-end shops at the Colonnade Outlets. I even stopped by Wannado City, an attraction where kids can play at working as a doctor, a firefighter, even a TV anchor. All kinds of careers. I asked to take a quick look around because this sounds like something I’d have loved at 10-years-old. “I’m sorry,” the Wannado woman told me. “Only adults with children are allowed.” I was really disappointed. Next time I go to Sawgrass, I’m going to have to borrow some friend’s child or rent one or something so I can check out Wannado City. And if I can’t do that, I’ll just have to buy another pair of shoes.
It’s not exactly as if this enormous mall needs my business. Hardly. Sawgrass Mills is a giant outlet mall that’s among the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. Nearly anything you could want is tucked somewhere around this place. I’m about to take a big trip and so needed a bunch of stuff. I bought two pairs of quality shoes – Bostonian and Bass – socks, boxers, shorts, bathing suit and jeans. Total bill: $225. The Bass shoes alone would have cost $79 at normal retail prices. I paid $49. Not a bad deal, I say. And yes, definitely worth a little drive.
I live so close to the ocean that I can smell it from my patio. Still, I made the trip west in about 20 minutes each way by avoiding the rush hour. And what’s more, I actually enjoyed my Sawgrass experience. It really is an enormous mall and I walked my feet off going from one side to another and then back. I chatted with a few folks, wandered through so many stores I lost count and just kind of browsed as I made my way around. I strolled into some of the high-end shops at the Colonnade Outlets. I even stopped by Wannado City, an attraction where kids can play at working as a doctor, a firefighter, even a TV anchor. All kinds of careers. I asked to take a quick look around because this sounds like something I’d have loved at 10-years-old. “I’m sorry,” the Wannado woman told me. “Only adults with children are allowed.” I was really disappointed. Next time I go to Sawgrass, I’m going to have to borrow some friend’s child or rent one or something so I can check out Wannado City. And if I can’t do that, I’ll just have to buy another pair of shoes.
Jan 22: A Weekend Recap
Posted On: January 23, 2008 5:02 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
A quick recap from Friday until today…
Friday we worked in Birmingham, again I surprised you by telling you it was raining. ITV 4 met us in downtown Birmingham for the morning news. The newscaster came fully dressed in a 2 piece pink bikini... she was so excited. PROBLEM: the director and camera guy did not think the area inside the Beach on Wheels was big enough and cancelled the shoot. The poor newscaster was devastated; she really wanted to do the piece in her bathing suit. We had our own models so a local photographer took the pictures that were sent to the press. I was later interviewed by the evening news after they received them.
Saturday the Beach on Wheels went back to London for a much needed cleanup.... new sand, cleaned up the mannequins and a lot of Windex. Sunday afternoon I took the train to Norwich, which is about 3 hours Northeast of London. Monday morning we took the Beach on Wheels to the Springboard Nursery School (2 to 4 years old kids). Pictures where taken and sent to the press. It was great. We then drove the Beach on Wheels around Norwich until 5pm and then Damian and I went back to London.
Tuesday morning we met the crew from Gosh (our PR firm) and the Beach on Wheels at Harrods in London. For the next 5 hours we went all around London and its most important landmarks. We got permission to go into Ken Livingstone’s building (Mayor of London), how surprising...he was too busy to come out. We gathered quite a crowd with the live models. The models were great and the photographer, Stuart, was incredible. I drove (not quite used to the steering on the other side yet.... but getting better, only a few close calls with incoming traffic), to Bristol, in the West of the Country.
We started the day at 6am in order to get the people going to work on Baldwin Street, a main commuter road in the downtown area. We picked up food to give away for breakfast. People were coming down from all the buildings around when they saw the Beach on Wheels and the crowd getting free muffins and orange juice.
At 10am we went to the Rosemary Nursery School to have the kids in the Beach on Wheels... accidentally went to the wrong one, St. Nicholas Primary School, but the school principal asked us to stay... so we ended up doing both. It was a good day, loads of people saw the Beach on Wheels and I did an interview with the Bristol Evening Post. I am going to try to send as many pictures as I can. Talk to you tomorrow from Southampton.
Alfredo
Friday we worked in Birmingham, again I surprised you by telling you it was raining. ITV 4 met us in downtown Birmingham for the morning news. The newscaster came fully dressed in a 2 piece pink bikini... she was so excited. PROBLEM: the director and camera guy did not think the area inside the Beach on Wheels was big enough and cancelled the shoot. The poor newscaster was devastated; she really wanted to do the piece in her bathing suit. We had our own models so a local photographer took the pictures that were sent to the press. I was later interviewed by the evening news after they received them.
Saturday the Beach on Wheels went back to London for a much needed cleanup.... new sand, cleaned up the mannequins and a lot of Windex. Sunday afternoon I took the train to Norwich, which is about 3 hours Northeast of London. Monday morning we took the Beach on Wheels to the Springboard Nursery School (2 to 4 years old kids). Pictures where taken and sent to the press. It was great. We then drove the Beach on Wheels around Norwich until 5pm and then Damian and I went back to London.
Tuesday morning we met the crew from Gosh (our PR firm) and the Beach on Wheels at Harrods in London. For the next 5 hours we went all around London and its most important landmarks. We got permission to go into Ken Livingstone’s building (Mayor of London), how surprising...he was too busy to come out. We gathered quite a crowd with the live models. The models were great and the photographer, Stuart, was incredible. I drove (not quite used to the steering on the other side yet.... but getting better, only a few close calls with incoming traffic), to Bristol, in the West of the Country.
We started the day at 6am in order to get the people going to work on Baldwin Street, a main commuter road in the downtown area. We picked up food to give away for breakfast. People were coming down from all the buildings around when they saw the Beach on Wheels and the crowd getting free muffins and orange juice.
At 10am we went to the Rosemary Nursery School to have the kids in the Beach on Wheels... accidentally went to the wrong one, St. Nicholas Primary School, but the school principal asked us to stay... so we ended up doing both. It was a good day, loads of people saw the Beach on Wheels and I did an interview with the Bristol Evening Post. I am going to try to send as many pictures as I can. Talk to you tomorrow from Southampton.
Alfredo
Jan 22: Hot Art
Posted On: January 22, 2008 10:44 AM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
This is not the week to be going from place to place browsing for art or something in Green Bay. Or doing anything else there either. Did you see that football game? Brrrrr! I actually felt sorry for those guys. It’s also not a great time to be wandering the streets to visit art galleries in Chicago or Manhattan. Or even Atlanta, which hit 17 degrees yesterday. But here? In South Florida? Yep, here it’s a fine time to go art shopping, with temperatures today in the 70s and partly sunny skies. The rest of the week is predicted to get even warmer. Luckily, this time of year is also the best period to buy paintings, sculptures, collage and other art works all over South Florida. And luckily, if you’re in town next weekend, there’s a show worth checking out while savoring the warm air. Think of it as hot art for a nice hot day.
Just south of Fort Lauderdale, in Dania Beach, the Art and Antique Festival begins on Friday, January 25, and runs through Sunday, January 27. The renowned Miami urban painter, Purvis Young, is among the artists whose works will be featured in this exhibition. Another is the famous Malaysian painter, Tew Nai Tong, whose beautiful painting called "Mother’s Day" is for sale in the Grace Café and Galleries in Dania Beach. I’m familiar with that particular piece and think it’s gorgeous. There also will be a lot of original Haitian paintings and other lovely art at this show – all of it available for purchase throughout the area around Federal Highway and Dania Beach Boulevard.
More than 100 art and antique dealers will be showcased during the weekend, with evening events and auctions planned as well. Though this is an outdoor festival, the real heart of the art exhibition will be at Grace Café. Located in an historic building at 49 North Federal Highway in Dania Beach, this combination art gallery and coffee shop offers some of the most interesting artworks for sale in South Florida. If you go to the festival, make sure to wander inside this store to look over the dozens of paintings hanging on the walls, ceiling to floor. The Art and Antique Festival also will feature collectibles and antique furniture and a lot more. For information or directions, call 954-921-1231. I’m planning on heading over there sometime next weekend for sure. All I know is that it beats shopping for art right now in Green Bay.
Just south of Fort Lauderdale, in Dania Beach, the Art and Antique Festival begins on Friday, January 25, and runs through Sunday, January 27. The renowned Miami urban painter, Purvis Young, is among the artists whose works will be featured in this exhibition. Another is the famous Malaysian painter, Tew Nai Tong, whose beautiful painting called "Mother’s Day" is for sale in the Grace Café and Galleries in Dania Beach. I’m familiar with that particular piece and think it’s gorgeous. There also will be a lot of original Haitian paintings and other lovely art at this show – all of it available for purchase throughout the area around Federal Highway and Dania Beach Boulevard.
More than 100 art and antique dealers will be showcased during the weekend, with evening events and auctions planned as well. Though this is an outdoor festival, the real heart of the art exhibition will be at Grace Café. Located in an historic building at 49 North Federal Highway in Dania Beach, this combination art gallery and coffee shop offers some of the most interesting artworks for sale in South Florida. If you go to the festival, make sure to wander inside this store to look over the dozens of paintings hanging on the walls, ceiling to floor. The Art and Antique Festival also will feature collectibles and antique furniture and a lot more. For information or directions, call 954-921-1231. I’m planning on heading over there sometime next weekend for sure. All I know is that it beats shopping for art right now in Green Bay.
Jan 17: Traveling around London in the Beach on Wheels
Posted On: January 17, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Hello Friends,We started early on Monday morning in Liverpool, couldn't find a Beatle anywhere, but there was a yellow submarine in the lobby. Damian and I met the Beach on Wheels at the Hope University Campus children's daycare. From 10am until 1pm we let the little ones play in the Beach on Wheels. At 2pm I did an interview with Dune FM. We then headed north to the City of Southport, Sister City to Fort Lauderdale. We were greeted by the head of the Southport Office of Tourism and invited to dinner.
Tuesday morning we met the Beach on Wheels on the grounds of Princess Diana Memorial Gardens under a downpour and close to hurricane winds...we were met by the Lord Mayor Hands and the CEO of the County of Sefton. There was a photographer to cover the event along with DUNE FM for another interview. Southport Evening News also filmed a portion. The Beach on Wheels was then relocated to the main pedestrian shopping street in Southport, where we were joined by two Zoom flight attendants. They helped us distribute all the flyers and ice scrapers. The sun also made a surprise appearance for about a record time of 20 minutes. Before departing, a reporter for the Southport Visitor Newspaper wanted an interview. He had seen the Beach on Wheels the day before and heard my interview on the radio. His piece will be in tomorrow's paper.
We wrapped up Southport by taking the Beach on Wheels to the Southport Pier and beaches for photos. They have no problems with sand; their beach is hundreds of yards wide. The problem is you can't get to the water. We then drove 3 1/2 hours north to the lovely city of Newcastle. More photos to follow.
The Frozen Ones
Jan 17: Traveling around London in the Beach on Wheels
Posted On: January 17, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Hello Friends,
We started early on Monday morning in Liverpool, couldn't find a Beatle anywhere, but there was a yellow submarine in the lobby. Damian and I met the Beach on Wheels at the Hope University Campus children's daycare. From 10am until 1pm we let the little ones play in the Beach on Wheels. At 2pm I did an interview with Dune FM. We then headed north to the City of Southport, Sister City to Fort Lauderdale. We were greeted by the head of the Southport Office of Tourism and invited to dinner.
Tuesday morning we met the Beach on Wheels on the grounds of Princess Diana Memorial Gardens under a downpour and close to hurricane winds...we were met by the Lord Mayor Hands and the CEO of the County of Sefton. There was a photographer to cover the event along with DUNE FM for another interview. Southport Evening News also filmed a portion. The Beach on Wheels was then relocated to the main pedestrian shopping street in Southport, where we were joined by two Zoom flight attendants. They helped us distribute all the flyers and ice scrapers. The sun also made a surprise appearance for about a record time of 20 minutes. Before departing, a reporter for the Southport Visitor Newspaper wanted an interview. He had seen the Beach on Wheels the day before and heard my interview on the radio. His piece will be in tomorrow's paper.
We wrapped up Southport by taking the Beach on Wheels to the Southport Pier and beaches for photos. They have no problems with sand; their beach is hundreds of yards wide. The problem is you can't get to the water. We then drove 3 1/2 hours north to the lovely city of Newcastle. More photos to follow.
Thanks,The Frozen Ones
Jan 17: Knut and Kenneth
Posted On: January 17, 2008 12:10 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Sometimes a stranger’s opinion can help us to see things more clearly. A fresh perspective from outside often shifts the focus on what we do for work or what kind of home we have. Or on what part of the world we live in. We look through the stranger’s eyes and recognize good qualities we may have missed before. That happened to me last weekend when I was at a wonderful party thrown by a Swedish friend. Called a 20th Day Knut party, this celebration marks the traditional end of the holiday season in Sweden. The food was amazing – everything from salmon and homemade Swedish meatballs to dense, delicious Swedish cakes. It was at my friend’s home that I met Kenneth and Eva, a couple visiting from southern Sweden. I enjoyed them a lot. And I found that their comments helped me to appreciate South Florida even more than I already do.
There we were on January 12, sitting around a backyard tiki bar and putt-putt golf course. (Yep, my friend has a very cool home.) I’d already enjoyed a special tropical cocktail mixed by our host but, since I had to drive, was sipping plain Coke by now. Kenneth and Eva were in lawn chairs beside an outdoor coffee table, smiling a lot.
These folks must have been in their 50s and this was their first trip to the United States. They thought they had landed in heaven. “Look at this!” Kenneth enthused, his arms waving toward the palm trees and clear night sky. “In January! I could get used to living like this! It is an amazing thing!” Eva was equally excited. “It must be wonderful to live here. To have summer all the time! I think I would like it very much!” The couple had called friends back home that day and were delighted to discover that it had snowed. “Then I was able to say to them on the phone, ‘You keep all that snow! I am in Florida in the sunshine!’ I loved making this phone call!” Kenneth laughed at this and so did Eva. They seemed to be having the time of their life. As we chatted, I could see what Fort Lauderdale meant to them. From their vantage point, it really was a paradise. And it was obvious that they didn’t want to return to Sweden any time soon. I couldn’t blame them. I was happy that I was staying right here.
There we were on January 12, sitting around a backyard tiki bar and putt-putt golf course. (Yep, my friend has a very cool home.) I’d already enjoyed a special tropical cocktail mixed by our host but, since I had to drive, was sipping plain Coke by now. Kenneth and Eva were in lawn chairs beside an outdoor coffee table, smiling a lot.
These folks must have been in their 50s and this was their first trip to the United States. They thought they had landed in heaven. “Look at this!” Kenneth enthused, his arms waving toward the palm trees and clear night sky. “In January! I could get used to living like this! It is an amazing thing!” Eva was equally excited. “It must be wonderful to live here. To have summer all the time! I think I would like it very much!” The couple had called friends back home that day and were delighted to discover that it had snowed. “Then I was able to say to them on the phone, ‘You keep all that snow! I am in Florida in the sunshine!’ I loved making this phone call!” Kenneth laughed at this and so did Eva. They seemed to be having the time of their life. As we chatted, I could see what Fort Lauderdale meant to them. From their vantage point, it really was a paradise. And it was obvious that they didn’t want to return to Sweden any time soon. I couldn’t blame them. I was happy that I was staying right here.
Jan 14: Port of Call
Posted On: January 14, 2008 3:16 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
I take an unusually strong interest in cruising and the cruise industry. For one thing, I’ve been on many cruises all over the world as a travel writer. For another, I am a former contributing editor at Budget Travel magazine, where I wrote a column called “Savings at Sea” about cruising. So I’ve been fascinated to see the growth of Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Now the second largest cruise port in the world, in terms of number of passengers, Fort Lauderdale is expected to surpass Miami to become the top cruise port in the near future. That’s remarkable to me. It says a lot about Port Everglades, of course, but I think it also says a lot about Fort Lauderdale. Year by year, this city grows in stature as a major tourist destination.
Just this weekend, I drove over the 17th Street bridge and noticed a Royal Caribbean ship that seemed to be docking while another large ship – Celebrity, I think it was – began to head out to sea. Other cruise ships were tied up along the pier. I’m always impressed with the bustling pace of Port Everglades as a cruise port, especially at this time of year. I’m also impressed that so many world cruises will start, visit or end here in 2008. And at least one cruise line that’s about to send a ship around the world, Silversea, will both leave from Fort Lauderdale and return to Fort Lauderdale.
Wow, can you imagine? I looked it up and this voyage is 110 days long, departing this Wednesday through May 2. It includes the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Far East, Egypt, Spain, Italy and more. But it begins and ends right here. Regent’s 2008 world cruise will wind up in Fort Lauderdale and the QE2 pays us a visit on its travels around the globe. Among Holland America’s major voyages is a 73-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Africa and finally to Portugal. You see what I’m getting at. For so many major lines to make this South Florida community part of their world cruise itineraries, even circling the globe from and then back to Fort Lauderdale – well, there are reasons for that. I know enough about the industry to understand they don’t make these decisions lightly. The ease and quality of Port Everglades, the increase of high-end hotels for passengers to stay before or after voyages, the general ambience and vibe of this town – all that and more play into making Fort Lauderdale such a popular cruise port. It’s a great place to visit or live. Lots of us already know that. But, obviously, Fort Lauderdale’s assets are no secret in the cruise business either.
Just this weekend, I drove over the 17th Street bridge and noticed a Royal Caribbean ship that seemed to be docking while another large ship – Celebrity, I think it was – began to head out to sea. Other cruise ships were tied up along the pier. I’m always impressed with the bustling pace of Port Everglades as a cruise port, especially at this time of year. I’m also impressed that so many world cruises will start, visit or end here in 2008. And at least one cruise line that’s about to send a ship around the world, Silversea, will both leave from Fort Lauderdale and return to Fort Lauderdale.
Wow, can you imagine? I looked it up and this voyage is 110 days long, departing this Wednesday through May 2. It includes the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Far East, Egypt, Spain, Italy and more. But it begins and ends right here. Regent’s 2008 world cruise will wind up in Fort Lauderdale and the QE2 pays us a visit on its travels around the globe. Among Holland America’s major voyages is a 73-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Africa and finally to Portugal. You see what I’m getting at. For so many major lines to make this South Florida community part of their world cruise itineraries, even circling the globe from and then back to Fort Lauderdale – well, there are reasons for that. I know enough about the industry to understand they don’t make these decisions lightly. The ease and quality of Port Everglades, the increase of high-end hotels for passengers to stay before or after voyages, the general ambience and vibe of this town – all that and more play into making Fort Lauderdale such a popular cruise port. It’s a great place to visit or live. Lots of us already know that. But, obviously, Fort Lauderdale’s assets are no secret in the cruise business either.
Jan 12: Live from the Lauderdale Beach on Wheels
Posted On: January 12, 2008 11:01 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
Hello my warm friends,The Beach on Wheels sat beautifully in front of the convention center, here in Manchester, England. The sun came out today for about 7 minutes, the natives went wild. The Manchester Evening News came to do a news piece on the Beach on Wheels and then it was off to Canal Street in the heart of Manchester's gay neighborhood. It was quite a ride, with people literally walking out of the bars and cafes to take pictures of our Beach on Wheels.
At 11:45am today, I did a live interview on BBC radio to tell the Manchester area about Beach on Wheels and our campaign in the UK. This afternoon, we picked up the Manchester Evening News..... and there we where, color picture in the paper, our live model holding our beachball with logo perfectly angled towards the camera, and Damian and I looking into the Beach on Wheels as instructed by the photographer. It was the only picture or story in the paper in reference to the travel show taking place at the convention center. Show organizers came by to congratulate us on the unique marketing idea.
Attendance at the Greater Fort Lauderdale booth today was excellent, probably because we had four Zoom airline flight attendants giving out pamphlets on their new route to FLL.
I'll be back again tomorrow with more...
-Alfredo Gonzalez
