How one can mix enjoyable, solar and tradition on this distinctive metropolis
Beach in Fort Lauderdale 2022 — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
On Southern Florida’s scenic east coast, the town of Fort Lauderdale is named a tropical paradise, with heat temperatures, indoor-outdoor eating and a great deal of actions for all ages. A well-liked seaside vacation spot, Fort Lauderdale is commonly known as the “Venice of America” for its many canals all through the Intracoastal Waterway.
The space can also be well-known for its lengthy stretch of lovely seashore lined with swaying palm bushes, attracting guests year-round who adore the comfortable golden sand and sensible turquoise waters.
But there’s extra to discover on this sun-drenched seaside city. On my current go to to Fort Lauderdale in early 2022, I used to be pleasantly stunned to seek out fascinating cultural sights, usually hiding in plain sight – and it was pleasant to mix a soothing seaside trip with a dose of artwork appreciation and historical past.
Fort Lauderdale presents a number of methods to mix artwork and distinctive historic excursions – alongside loads of enjoyable within the solar – with a number of numerous actions to make sure an thrilling and memorable go to.
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Historic Stranahan House — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
Experience a style of “old Florida” by stepping again in time whereas touring the Historic Stranahan House Museum, the oldest surviving residence in Broward County. This quaint historic residence, located on the Intracoastal Waterway and overlooking the New River within the coronary heart of the town, was in-built 1901 by Fort Lauderdale’s “founding father,” Frank Stranahan.
Originally, this wood-frame construction with scenic views and shaded wraparound porches was a buying and selling publish, however over time, it had additionally been reworked right into a publish workplace, the city corridor and a personal residence. This charming tour, guided by a neighborhood historian, traces the house’s story from the early 1900s to the current day and offers a really intriguing glimpse of local people life in Southern Florida.
Visits are by tour solely and excursions have to be booked prematurely. Admission / tour tickets: adults $12 and college students $7. Visit the web site to see different forms of out there tickets.
NSU Art Museum
Interior of NSU Art Museum — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
An unbelievable vacation spot for up to date artwork, the NSU Art Museum is situated within the middle of city, and options an distinctive array of authentic work, sculptures and different fascinating works by noteworthy artists. The museum additionally invitations artwork lovers to attend occasions all year long, showcasing audio system and particular friends.
The constructing itself is a murals: fashionable and spacious, with a number of rotating and everlasting reveals, specializing in progressive and important works. Although guests might discover the museum to be an sudden vacation spot, native artwork lovers understand it’s a treasure trove of inventive abundance.
The museum’s present noteworthy exhibit is “Confrontation: Keith Haring and Pierre Alechinsky,” a superb show shining a highlight on the artists’ relationship and insightful items, was developed particularly for NSU by curator Bonnie Clearwater. It’s on show till October 2022. The museum presents free admission and prolonged hours on the primary Thursday of each month.
Water Taxi adventures
View from the water taxi — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
An optimum strategy to uncover probably the most beautiful views of Fort Lauderdale is with a leisurely cruise by Water Taxi, arguably one of the simplest ways to get round city, day or night time. With many stops alongside the world-famous Intracoastal Waterway, the Water Taxi cruises are scenic, enjoyable and totally narrated, so you possibly can benefit from the setting and study some historic information in regards to the extremely beautiful mansions and different landmarks alongside the way in which.
In addition to waterfront houses, you’ll cruise by a state park, marinas, resorts, eating places, bars and different native noteworthy companies. Cruisers can settle in and keep for your complete loop, which is a couple of three-hour-long journey, or disembark at any cease to discover the native space and decide up the cruise later.
For a extra snug cruise, select the bigger water taxi and sit on the highest deck for a panoramic view, or chill out inside within the air-conditioned shade. The better part? The water taxi presents drinks, snacks and has restrooms, so you possibly can cruise round all day, admiring the views in model. Ticket worth: adults $35 and youngsters $15, with a number of different passes out there on the web site.
Easy, breezy seaside day
Fort Lauderdale seaside and pool view — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
Beach lovers who want to have a stress-free seaside day can keep on the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale, an oceanfront property that gives simple, direct seaside entry. No want to hold your seaside chairs and equipment to the sand. Instead, friends of the resort are handled to seaside facilities upon request – free chairs, umbrellas and towels for day by day use which can be arrange for you by the useful resort employees.
And later, whenever you resolve to take a break from the sand and waves, simply stroll as much as the spacious pool deck overlooking the ocean, and luxuriate in a refreshing dip within the water, or sip a craft cocktail on the out of doors bar that gives panoramic views of the beachfront. Beachside towel and chair service is complimentary for friends and is obtainable from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fort Lauderdale’s eating scene
Plates at Evelyn’s restaurant — Photo courtesy of Marla Cimini
Dining in Fort Lauderdale is a superb journey, and you could find practically each delicacies inside strolling distance of the seaside. One well-liked standout is the energetic Coconuts, situated on the water. This legendary institution is residence to a enjoyable bar serving up tropical drinks, and it has an intensive seafood menu with fan favorites, together with their well-liked “Scoobies,” a pleasant crab appetizer.
In the Las Olas a part of city, the Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar is a classy, spacious indoor-outdoor restaurant with fashionable small plates good for sharing. For a high-end expertise, Evelyn’s, situated within the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel, presents a wide range of Eastern Mediterranean specialties by chef Brandon Salomon in a casually elegant ambiance overlooking the swimming pool and the Atlantic Ocean past.