{"id":5583,"date":"2019-05-31T15:36:41","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T19:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/floridanewsline.com\/Clone2\/?p=5583"},"modified":"2019-06-27T13:48:21","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T17:48:21","slug":"travel-fort-lauderdale-beyond-spring-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/floridanewsline.com\/Clone2\/creekline-st-johns\/travel-fort-lauderdale-beyond-spring-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel | Fort Lauderdale: Beyond Spring Break"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Debi Lander<\/span>
\n<\/span>mail@floridanewsline.com<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

When envisioning South Florida, Miami\u2019s South Beach, Art Deco style architecture and an enticing food scene come to mind. Always exciting, but I chose to visit Fort Lauderdale. It\u2019s less crowded, carries a similar vibe, and sits just 45 minutes away. Many think of Fort Lauderdale as a party-haven for college students on spring break, but it is also known as the Yachting Capital of the World. The 165-mile network of boat canals crosses the area earns it the nickname, the Venice of America. More than 100 marinas berth some of the largest mega yachts. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you aren\u2019t invited on one of those, you may yet embark \u2014 on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale\u2019s Port Everglades, which ranks as one of the top three cruise ports in the world. It\u2019s always a good idea to arrive a day early, so I offer a few suggestions of places to visit and things to do. <\/span><\/p>\n

To get an authentic feel for the city, hop aboard the water taxi. Pleasing water views of the homes and canals accompany an informative narration about the history of the stunning area. Get off at one of the canal-side restaurants (I loved Shooters), then hop back on with your day pass. <\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss driving along Las Olas Boulevard, home to many jaw-dropping mansions and 17 blocks of upscale shopping, sidewalk cafes and nightlife. Make reservations to dine in the rear courtyard at Louis Bossie, an Italian eatery whose magical outdoor setting mesmerizes, especially at sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shoppers might pop into the New River Fine Art Gallery to gaze upon some original modern art or famous artists\u2019 works from the past. I was told that browsers are welcome, even those that can\u2019t afford anything. The shop owners encourage everyone to gain an appreciation for visual art. Besides, it\u2019s fun to imagine where you might hang or place a piece in your home. <\/span><\/p>\n

North on A1A, but hidden off the highway, you\u2019ll find the Bonnet House, a historic home now managed by the Florida Trust. Anyone interested in history or gardening should not miss this unexpected gem built in the 1920s. Eclectic artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett embellished the 1930s beachfront estate. Their family left the property, brimming with a bounty of colorful art, to the state in 1983. Today\u2019s docent-led tour provides fascinating insights into the era. I could have stayed for hours roaming the orchid house, hibiscus gardens and nature trails. <\/span><\/p>\n

While visiting, I stayed at the centrally located W Fort Lauderdale Hotel and Spa on Beach Boulevard. The posh resort shines bright and airy after a recent $55 million renovation. The living room style lobby feels welcoming and comfortable. It\u2019s also a great place to dine, enjoy cocktails or just people watch. My favorite hangout, however, was the hotel\u2019s street-level Mexican themed restaurant, named El Vez. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, just off the ocean, provides one of the calmest and picturesque kayaking spots ever. One moment you might be lying on the beach and less than five minutes later, paddling a kayak or paddleboard among mangroves. The 180-acre park offers greenery-lined biking, jogging and walking trails. <\/span><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t forget to mention Fort Lauderdale\u2019s famous seven miles of beach, or 23 miles if you add the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Whether you want to take a stroll in the sand, spend a day sunning, or merely enjoy the view from the drive, this beach is one of Florida\u2019s finest. <\/span><\/p>\n

Travelers find the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport easy to navigate and convenient to Port Everglades, as well as the beach. A drive to Fort Lauderdale from Jacksonville takes you about five hours. <\/span><\/p>\n

Visit <\/span><\/i>www.bylandersea.com<\/span><\/i><\/a> to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander\u2019s stories and travel tips.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Photo courtesy Debi Lander<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

House along canal<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Debi Lander mail@floridanewsline.com When envisioning South Florida, Miami\u2019s South Beach, Art Deco style architecture and an enticing food scene come to mind. Always exciting, but I chose to visit Fort Lauderdale. It\u2019s less crowded, carries a similar vibe, and sits just 45 minutes away. Many think of Fort Lauderdale as a party-haven for college […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5567,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5,4],"tags":[9],"class_list":{"0":"post-5583","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-creekline-st-johns","8":"category-mandarin","9":"category-ponte-vedra","10":"tag-travel"},"yoast_head":"\nTravel | Fort Lauderdale: Beyond Spring Break - Florida NewsLine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"CreekLine, Mandarin NewsLine, Ponte Vedra NewsLineBy Debi Lander mail@floridanewsline.com When envisioning South Florida, Miami\u2019s South Beach, Art Deco style architecture and an enticing food scene come\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/floridanewsline.com\/Clone2\/creekline-st-johns\/travel-fort-lauderdale-beyond-spring-break\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Travel | Fort Lauderdale: Beyond Spring Break - 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