Just because a hotel is a historic one – and the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale was founded way back in 1936 – it doesn’t mean that it isn’t bang up to date in many ways. Although the Riverside has plenty of wonderful original features, it...
It’s only a short drive from the beach. And when you approach Easterlin Park you’ll wonder where on earth you are going. You’ll drive along a built-up road and underneath the busy I95. Surely there can’t be an area of parkland in this very...
It started in the 1930s on the west coast of America. The tiki culture, exotic and at that time a new style, gradually travelled across the country. It was inspired by the South Pacific and the exciting culture of what was then a far off land. As the Second World War...
Andy Sweet was only 28 years old when he was murdered in Miami Beach. But he left a legacy we can all enjoy. Andy was fascinated by the area where he was born and brought up and documented it on film. Andy was born in 1953 and when he grew to adulthood he realised...
Do you agree with me that Stephen King must have a pretty weird imagination? I think he must have to ensure his many years of great success writing those really creepy (but deliciously creepy) books. But what is Stephen King himself afraid of? In an article a couple...
The insurance people, Geiko, have recently launched a video entitled The Best Airbnbs Have These Things in Common. So I thought that I’d enumerate them and see how our own listings (here in fabulous Fort Lauderdale) compare. We have two – both are in a...
Casa Grande`on Hendricks Isle in Fort Lauderdale was designed in the late 1940s by Michigan architect. C. Dale Dykema. He was commissioned to design this small and now historic apartment complex by another couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Walter and Leolyn Semeyn....
Fort Lauderdale is justifiably proud of the parks and scenic trails and routes it offers for the cyclist. And more and more people are choosing to get around using pedal power rather than less ecological modes of transport. We’ve found that guests who are...
It used to be one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets. Inaugurated in 1986, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival began its life for aficionados of independent and foreign films. But it was a secret that we couldn’t keep for long – soon...
This is the most fabulous state park with tropical foliage, exciting wildlife, plenty of outdoor activities and campgrounds. Once a week there’s even a highly-recommended farmers market. Visitors rave about this historic site … even more so when they...
Some people think that they were built by aliens but the fact of the matter is that the Cape Romano Dome House, now abandoned, was built in 1980 by an American businessman named Bob Lee. (I’ll admit that the alien story is more romantic though). I imagine that...
The story I am going to tell you today is a legend. I don’t know whether it’s true – but I rather hope that it is. But before I get to that, I’m going to tell you several things that are absolutely true that all come together in the story of...
Yes, there really is a place called Two Egg in Florida. Google maps will even confirm it. And doesn’t it amuse you that it’s two singulars, rather than being Two Eggs? The Two Egg website says that the name developed because of the farm produce that the...
When you visit Key West these days it’s difficult to imagine that events of true creepiness took place there. Today it’s a pretty innocuous place and plenty of fun for cruise passengers and tourists. But one of the creepiest events I’ve ever heard...
In 1908, the Hampton Springs Hotel opened its doors. It was more than just a luxurious hotel. Local man Joe Hamilton became aware of the area’s sulphur springs that were believed to be health-giving. As his wife suffered from rheumatism, he had an added...
Not all visitors to Fort Lauderdale make their way up Dixie Highway. Those who do are often paying homage to one of the greatest bass players ever – Jaco Pastorius. Before we go any further, let’s listen to him in action. This is from 1978. Jaco...
A recent study showed that the majority of travellers visit at least one attraction during their vacation. That’s no surprise. But what is surprising is what type of attraction is most favoured by American tourists. Another interesting feature of the study is...
If so, then you’ll find that Fort Lauderdale is hard to beat. And there’s so much more than the sea, sand and sun. Fort Lauderdale’s events calendar is always busy – from festivals to theatre, from art exhibitions to sporting events – and...
Fort Lauderdale isn’t necessarily one of the first places that springs to mind when people are thinking about vacationing in cities that show concern for the planet. But they would be mistaken. From our turtle-hatching initiatives to our waterways clean-ups, ...
Many years ago, just after the Second World War in fact, an area of land that was due to become prime real estate in Fort Lauderdale was nothing more than a garbage dump. Anyone travelling along the prestigious Las Olas Boulevard down to the beach would pass this area...
Many years ago, Fort Lauderdale had two distinct seasons – the tourist season and off-season. Luckily this is no longer the case. Of course, it’s true that more people flock to South Florida during the winter months as they are escaping from the harsh...
Miami Beach is a pretty exciting place to be. And one of the best places to stay in right on the famous Collins Avenue which is where you’ll find the Confidente Hotel. But there’s more. If you’re a fan of Mid-Century Modern architecture and...
For me, it has long been a tradition to have at least one shot of Jim Beam in Sloppy Joe’s in Key West whenever I’m in the town. But equally essential is a drink in Captain Tony’s Saloon just across the road. Many people visit Sloppy Joe’s...
When I first came to Fort Lauderdale from England – way back in the eighties – I would have loved to have stayed in a place where someone knew what I was talking about! Ten years later, I moved here permanently and it took me quite some time to adjust to...
Fort Lauderdale might not be the immediate place to come to mind when you’re thinking about planning a romantic vacation but it’s a wonderful place and its prices are much more reasonable than most exotic locations. And romance is certainly in the air here...
Are you coming to Fort Lauderdale for the Air Show this May? This year the event takes place on the 6th and 7th and, as always, promises to be a fantastic show for everyone who attends. But are you looking for somewhere to stay? The organisers of the show recommend a...
I live in Florida so it’s no surprise that I highly recommend it as a wonderful destination. Great weather, the beaches, the ocean, plenty to see and do – what more could you want? Florida also has a fascinating history that’s well worth exploring....
One of my favourite places to visit in the Miami area is the 12th century St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church – known as the Ancient Spanish Monastery. It’s such a calm and peaceful place especially in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Miami today. But if...
Hollywood in Florida is a wonderful place to stay. It’s about fifteen minutes away from Fort Lauderdale yet much more suitable for family vacations. And today we want to introduce you to an excellent home where you and all the family can stay in comfort. The...
One of the nicest aspects of living or vacationing in the Las Olas area of Fort Lauderdale is indulging in a leisurely breakfast right on the boulevard. You can see our recommendations featured on the map below. Let’s start at the eastern and of the boulevard...
Yes, let’s be sensible about the ‘dangers’ of the Zika virus in Florida. Every day, I get several email alerts and newsletters about the travel industry and at the moment, they are almost all telling me stories of doom and gloom in Florida. If I paid...
Are you planning to explore South Florida? Is Miami one of the places you’d like to visit? Or the Florida Keys? Or perhaps you’re a race fan like me and are looking for accommodation that’s convenient for the Homestead Speedway? Stay with Carmen and...
Miami is a fascinating place. It has an intriguing history too and yet many people find it a little overwhelming because there’s simply so much to see and do. The answer to this problem is to take a look at the various tours that are available in the city...
I’m so lucky that I live in Florida. This means that I have lost count of the number of times I have enjoyed seeing the sun setting from Mallory Square in Key West. It’s always a wonderful experience. However, the absolute best way to enjoy the spectacle...
Your own private room, gorgeous lake views, a wonderful deck, a great location, every amenity you could wish for — and even kayaks to use. What more could you want when you’re visiting Jacksonville? Jacksonville is a fascinating city and this charming...
I know how hard it can be to get out of bed when it’s still dark outside, especially when you’re on vacation. But if you’re staying on the East Coast of Florida, then it’s well worth it, if only on one day, to watch the sun rise. I don’t...
