Sept 15: Party by Moonglow

There are all kinds of parties in Greater Fort Lauderdale. They happen all the time. Private parties along the Intracoastal Waterway, public parties on the beach. Parties at the Hard Rock complex and parties on Las Olas Boulevard. I think you can have any number of people at a party too - whether that means a hundred of your closest personal friends or just you and someone else who's fun to be around. But next week, there will be an unusual kind of party happening in this town, something I haven't heard about anywhere else before now. How does a "Full Moon Party" sound to you? Different? Romantic? Sexy maybe? To me, a Full Moon Party seems like it just might be a little of all three.

On Thursday, September 23, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will host its first Full Moon Party. And yes, it's open to the public. You don't have to be a guest at the hotel to take part in this moonlit soiree.

The September launch is planned as the first of an ongoing series of Full Moon Parties at the Ritz. The next one is scheduled for November 21. There's another Full Moon Party on December 21 as well. And yes, these are the correct dates for the full moons during those months. I looked it up to be sure. Ok, so what the heck is this thing anyway? It's your chance to hang at one of South Florida's poshest beachfront hotels and watch the full moon rise from the sea. The folks at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will supply big telescopes to offer even better views of the moon shining full-face over the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, you also get to enjoy the hotel's delightful 7^th floor tropical pool deck, where the party takes place. If you've never been there, I can tell you this spot on the Fort Lauderdale beach has a perfect view of the seascape below. The Ritz will be selling reduced-price cocktails and appetizers during its Full Moon Party and will have a DJ on hand to spin some appropriate tunes. "Fly Me to the Moon" perhaps? Let's hope the DJ doesn't fire up "Bad Moon Rising." The luxe hotel promises "no velvet ropes, no cover charge." Valet parking rates will be lowered for the event too. The dress code is casual chic. For more details, you can call The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale at 954-465-2300. The Full Moon Party starts at 7pm and runs until 10pm. Unfortunately for me, I can't make the first one - I'm teaching a workshop that night. Fortunately for me, there's another full moon each month. And most months, it seems, there also will be a good party to go with it.