Seems as if our readers are keen on traveling to Florida this fall. First, we answered a question about where to stay and what to do in the Florida Keys with kids, then a query about how to buy cheap tickets to Disney World and Universal Orlando. Now, reader Amy Draper writes: “My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary in September and we’re going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Can you give us some ideas about places to visit and dine?”
First, Amy, congrats on your wedding anniversary! The Florida coast sounds like a great place to enjoy a romantic weekend (or do you get to stay longer?).
I queried some friends on Facebook and Twitter — since none of the Mamas are intimately familiar with Fort Lauderdale — and found out from an old high school friend who spent a couple months there earlier this year that the “Las Olas” area has lots of quaint bistros and high-end shopping boutiques. You’ll find countless seaside restaurants between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, all on route A1A (a.k.a. Ocean Boulvevard).
@TravelZoo on Twitter chimed in with these tips: Stroll along 25 miles of beach, tour historic Bonnet House, cruise on the riverfront; had great meal at Chima once
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau is a wealth of information. (You gotta love the website address: www.sunny.org.) Peruse the site for all sorts of suggestions on things to do and places to eat. If you’re into culture, consider the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. I think an Everglades airboat ride sounds fun, too.
Francine Mason, VP of Communications at the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB and who is the Tweeter behind the @VisitLauderdale account, suggests Pillars for a romantic inn on the Intracoastal Highway, a few blocks from the beach. If you’ve got money to burn, consider the Ritz Carlton or the Atlantic Hotel “for a luxe retreat.” W is a property for the young and hip (or young at heart, I think).
Depending on your activity level, Francine suggests a moonlit kayak tour; scuba diving or snorkeling; paddle boarding or surfing lessons. But one popular romantic activity, she says, is a gondola ride in the “Venice of America,” gliding past the mega-yachts and waterfront mansions.
For dining and drinking, Francine highlights Johnny V, YOLO or Bova on Las Olas; also consider wine tasting at the Ritz wine room ($25 per person). Finally, two restaurants that get big thumbs’ up on Trip Advisor are the Capital Grille and the Casablanca Cafe. Again, the Mamas haven’t eaten there, but both are recommended for romantic dining, according to the user reviews.
We hope you enjoy your Fort Lauderdale vacation, Amy!
