Oct 19: Big Month

October is a big month in Fort Lauderdale. As a longtime resident, I find each month and each season has its own charms. Every month offering its own set of events and activities, every month creating its own ambience. To an outsider, April and October in South Florida might seem to have more in common than in many other parts of the country. Hey, it's summer here all the time, right? But actually April and October, as well as May and November and all the other months, are different and distinct. Still, this October is unusual for us, more special than most months in some ways. That's partly due to all the high-end things to enjoy just now - at bargain prices. But it also results from some major events taking place.

Where to start? Well, for one thing I noticed that the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival begins on October 23 and runs through November 8. This is the 24^th edition of the flickfest and will feature a wide range of films along with some celebrity glitz and glam. Should be fun. Then, oh yeah, there's that other little event that comes to town about this time each year.

Not a big deal, mind you. Almost forgot. Uh-huh, right ... Seriously, the 50^th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show motors in from October 29 through November 2. This is the world's largest boat show, with everything from superyachts that have hot tubs and speedboats on their decks to tents that display the latest marine paraphernalia. It's a good time if you're into boats. Or would like to be. But there's a lot more going on than even the film festival and boat show. I said October is a big month and I'm not kidding. Like, for instance, the big Dine Out Lauderdale promotion that continues through November 12: There are 35 upscale restaurants serving wonderful $35 dinners. These places are pretty sure you'll like what you eat so much that you'll want to come back. In my experience with Dine Out, they're right about that. Then Spa Chic is still happening too - another bargain if you're looking for a top-quality spa treatment. Twelve Greater Fort Lauderdale spas are providing $99 treatments through the end of this month. Whew! Some big entertainers also will be arriving at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood to help kick autumn into high gear, acts that include the Allman Brothers Band and Robin Williams in just the next couple of days. And if none of that appeals to you, I give up. I mean, you can ogle yachts, watch films, eat fine food, relax with a massage, dance to hot slide guitar licks or laugh with a comedy legend. Stay home if you want, of course - just don't tell your friends there's nothing to do.