Anglins Beach Cafe - Commercial Pier

Since Lauderdale-by-the-sea did such a great job revamping the area near the beach at the Pier we've been spending a fair amount of time in the area and  thought we'd give the Beach Cafe another chance.

We hadn't eaten there in a couple of years and although the scenery and setting were great the food was just average and a little greasy. Boy have things changed!

Although we noticed a name change to Organic Beach Cafe last year and the addition of a new side terrace we still never found the time to give it another try. We wish we had sooner....

Yay! For The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi

We've talked and written about it before here and here and we still believe that the Water Taxi is still one of the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

We try to take it at least once, every time we are down here and this past spring was no exception.

Originally they had just one route sailing along the canals of Fort Lauderdale but now they actually have 3 routes, one extends all the way down to Hollywood and the other services New River.  With 3 distinct routes, they now have transfer stops so you can hop from one route to the other.

Las Olas Art Fair - March

We love the Las Olas Art Fair! It's the perfect setting for spending the day enjoying art, sampling food, and strolling in the sunshine. This is Part II of the 27th annual event, Part 1 was in early January and admission is FREE!


Although they haven't mentioned how many artists will be exhibiting in March, they usually have about 150 or so. Each artist sets up a tent-booth that acts as a mini art gallery.

Lauderdale By The Sea Farmer's Market

We were so excited to hear about the new farmer's market that opened just North of the Galt Ocean Mile. It's located ocean-side at El Prado Park. 4500 El Mar Drive; Lauderdale–by–the–Sea, FL 33308 --that's just a little north of Commercial Boulevard off of the A1A.

The grand opening was on Sunday November 10th and they will continue on select Sundays throughout the season until the end of April. The next occurrence will be on Sunday November 24th which is perfect timing with Thanksgiving coming up next week.

I do hope it's a huge success and that they will return year after year.

The only information that the lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov website offers is a PDF file that contains only the following image (which we've posted here for your convenience)

As you can see, they offer everything from fresh produce, to dog biscuits, fresh baked good, honey, breads and pastries, condiments, empanadas and more.

They are only open on Select Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

The next Farmers Market  will be on the 24th of November (2 days from now) and the dates after that are:

December 2013:  8, 22, 29

January 2014: 12, 26

February 2014: 9, 23

March 2014: 9, 23, 30

April 2014:  20, 27

We are delighted to have a farmers' market in our neck of the woods and wish them great success so that they come back again and again. It's important to support the local farmers in our communities so we hope to see you there!

Valentine's Day in South Florida

With only 7 days left until the big day we thought some of you might need a little help in the romance department. So we asked our friends and neighbors for their top romantic tips.

TIP 1: It's not about the money spent but rather about the thought and planning.
For tighter budgets, think about starting the day off with a morning beach walk and a less-than-impromptu beverage picnic of strawberry shakes adorned with heart shaped fruit and cupid stir sticks.

Stir things up even further by going to a beach you don't often go to. There are so many wonderful beaches around here.

TIP 2: If you're planning on a dinner out, make sure you make reservations as soon as possible. Romantic restaurants aren't all that common down here so the one's that are get booked up fast for February 14th.

Not sure where to go? Our romantic restaurant suggestions.

• In Fort Lauderdale, we like Galanga in Wilton Manors (had a very romantic meal there once), Grill 66 at the Hyatt, or da Campo Osteria on the intracoastal.
• Feel like venturing further away? In Miami, nothing beats the Villa by Barton G in the old Versace Mansion for romance and in Palm Beach, Cafe Boulud.

TIP 3: Gallantry, chocolate and flowers never go out of style. Sure, it's a little corny but what better day is there to bring out the old 'corn-dog'?

TIP 4: Do something different--it's a NO routine day! Turn off the TV, cell phone, etc.. or when coming home from work, instead of just walking in, ring the doorbell and wait for the door to be opened and greet your love with a single flower and a bottle of champagne.

TIP 5: Write your thoughts and feelings down in a love letter and present it to that special someone in your life. Priceless!

Valentine's day is not about spending money, it's about connecting with your partner in a special way on a special day.

Your love doesn't start and end on February 14th. The day's just there to remind us all NOT to take each other for granted the way we often do the other 364 days a year.


Still a little stuck for something to do on Feb. 14th around Fort Lauderdale? Check out some of the other pages on our site, they may just inspire you to come up with your own romantic South Florida celebration.

Orlando: Disneyworld -- Great Value & So Close

We love that the area attractions of South Florida stretch from Miami to Palm Beach -- it's like having a huge backyard. But for times when you want something a little more exotic, let's not forget that Orlando is a terrific getaway and a great chance to experience it from an "insiders" point of view. Here are some quick tips to take advantage of this backyard destination.


Getting There: The Turnpike cuts straight up the center of the state. This road is in perfect shape, and there are a lot less drivers, probably due to the fact that you pay a toll. A very small toll.

If you're in Fort Lauderdale, just take Atlantic Westbound, and hop on the Turnpike and head North. If you don't have one already, buy a Sunpass for as little as $4.99 so you can zip through the toll booth without stopping to pay. You can pre-load funds, or attach a credit card to the pass which is charged only when you go through the toll booth. (This pass is also the only way to use the Express Lane on the 95 to Miami now.)

In about 3 hours you're in Orlando -- before you can say bippity-boppity-boo.

Staying There: Orlando has motels, time-shares, and resorts for every budget. We prefer to stay at a Disney resort as they offer park perks that make it much smoother.  Disneyworld is huge, but has a myriad of buses, ferries and a monorail to transport you from park to park, from your resort and to others.

We love the Dolphin Hotel Resort -- it's modern, has a ferry to Epcot, and buses everywhere else.  It's a Starwood property, and we love their loyalty program as their brands include so many levels of hotel choices. The Dolphin has a spa, and several really good restaurants.

Benefits for staying at a Disney Resort property include discounts, a special line to enter, and one park stays open late each day, and only resort hotel guests have that later access -- once the crowds shrink down, you can enjoy the park even more.

Playing There: If you have a Florida ID, you qualify for Disney resident specials which they often feature. This weekend, we paid $120 for a 3-day pass, good for one visit to any 3 parks for 6 months. Regular 1-day price is $85.

We agree with the Disney guidebook's advice to do three of the parks in the following order: Epcot, Animal Kingdom and then Magic Kingdom. Do not miss Animal Kingdom.  We loved the safari experience -- and then the walk-a-bout tour gave us the closest access to Silverback Gorillas we'd only dreamed about.

Magic Kingdom is the classic. Rides, attractions, and the new Be Our Guest restaurant all await you. If waiting in lines is not your thing, either pay for the Fast Pass feature where you ride at appointed times, or if you are older or have an injury, they offer front of the line handicapped passes.

Stay for Disney at Night -- the Main Street Electrical Parade kicks it off, and the park is truly magical once the sun goes down and Disney lights up.

For dinner or other evening activities, we love hopping a bus to Downtown Disney -- entertainment and dining line the festive, lively boulevard.

Do not miss the chance to soar 400 feet above the lagoon in their Characters in Flight hot air balloon!

Perfect cap-off to a perfect Disney experience.

Once your stay is over, like Cinderella, turn yourself back into a pumpkin, get on the Turnpike and you will be back home before you know it.

Overall, check the Disneyworld website often for specials, and have a wonderful little getaway -- the world is closer than you think!

Fort Lauderdale's First Oktoberfest!

 Don't miss out! This Starts Tonight!!!

Join in the fun of the 1st Annual Oktoberfest!
The events run for 3 days -- from Friday, September 28th through Sunday, September 30th.

And, wait for it, wait for it..... it's Free! There will be a yodeling contest, bratwurst eating contest, and a lot of beer, of course. You can chug a mug to the Austrian band "Nachtschmicht"!

Held just next to the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas, with opening ceremonies to include a beer keg tapping by Fort Lauderdale's Mayor Jack Seiler himself!

Crowds are expected to be around 5,000 so don't miss this premier event. Check out all of the information for the Las Olas Oktoberfest and we will see you there.

Don't miss out on a raffle with a grand prize for 2 tickets to Germany, with proceeds to benefit the PACE Center for Girls in Broward. 

Alvederzane!

Movies - Lights, Camera, Nostalgia!

We Love Classic Movies! And in South Florida we have our own "Hollywood" after all, and now we can be a part of the "other" Hollywood.

This Wednesday, August 22nd, Turner Classic Movies will celebrate the iconic musical "Singin' in the Rain" on it's 60th anniversary with a revival!

The celebration includes special screenings at 550 theaters around the country, including 16 from Miami to Palm Beach Gardens. Presented by NCM Fathom Events, TCM and Warner Home Video, the initial event "Singin' in the Rain" played to packed theaters across the country on July 12.

Here are the South Florida theaters scheduled to show “Singin’ in the Rain,” with most screenings at 2 and 7 p.m. (call to be sure): 

Cypress Creek Station 16, Fort Lauderdale (954-771-4375);
Sawgrass Stadium 23, Fort Lauderdale (954-846-1707);
Paradise 24, Davie (800-326-3264);
Magnolia Place 16, Coral Springs (954-345-4113);
Shadowood 16, Boca Raton (561-482-2638);
Palace 20, Boca Raton (561-395-4695);
Delray Beach 18, Delray Beach (561-272-0510);
Boynton Beach 14, Boynton Beach (561-752-9797);
Royal Palm Stadium 18, West Palm Beach (561-795-0288);
Downtown at the Gardens 16 Cinemas, Palm Beach Gardens (561-253-0819);
Sunset Place 24, Miami (305-740-8909);
South Beach Stadium 18, Miami Beach (305-673-6766);
Dolphin 19 Cinemas, Miami (305-591-9380);
Dolphin Cinebistro, Miami (305-591-9380);
Miami Lake 17 Cinemas, Hialeah (305-558-3814);
Movies @ The Falls 12, Miami (305-255-5491).

Each screening will include a pre-recorded introduction by TCM host Robert Osborne, with behind-the-scenes memories and an interview with Kelly's “Singin’ in the Rain” co-star, Debbie Reynolds.

Tickets are $12.50 at the box office and online at Fathom Events.

If you are as much a fan of classic films as we are, you should know about the Cinemark theater chain's series, which kicks off its nationwide “Fall Classics Series” this Thursday -- this is an amazing chance to see digitally restored versions of six legendary Hollywood movies, beginning this week with “Jaws.”

Other titles scheduled each Thursday through Sept. 27 are
“High Noon” (Aug. 30),
“Doctor Zhivago” (Sept. 6),
“Chinatown” (Sept. 13),
“The Bridge on the River Kwai”(Sept. 20)
“The African Queen” (Sept. 27).

Showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m.
Cinemark Boynton Beach 14, Boynton Beach (561-752-9797);
Cinemark Palace 20, Boca Raton (561-395-4695);
Cinemark Paradise 24, Davie (800-326-3264).

Tickets are $13 and $10.50 at the box office and at Cinemark.com.

Fort Lauderdale's Neighborhood Beaches

Hollywood beach is a terrific beach AND practically right in our backyard--well, a half hour or so drive away but worth the drive every now and then.

The boardwalk there is great for people watching, grabbing a quick bite, or having an afternoon cocktail. One of our favorite burger joints, Le Tub (1100 N Ocean Drive) is just a few minutes away on the intracoastal. And, now that I think about it-- I'm not sure we've ever gone to Hollywood Beach without grabbing heading out to Le Tub.

Even though we live on Fort Lauderdale beach we like to shake things up sometimes and head out to some of the other fantastic beaches around South Florida. Each has its own character and are worth visiting at least once.

Always remember that you have amazing excursions and natural beauty, all within a short drive, or right outside your door--that's what makes South Florida so great!

Hope you're having a great summer!

Fort Lauderdale Exclusive Experience - Right up in Boca!

As much as we love to share new, exciting tips with our community, we are a little hesitant to share this one in case it gets too popular because it was our best South Florida movie experience ever!

We love that we can be in Miami, Boca, Wellington or West Palm in minutes - and never limit ourselves to events and venues in the Fort Lauderdale area exclusively.

Just a short drive up US1, there is a movie theater, iPic, in Boca's Mizner Park, offering a more exclusive movie going experience. iPic is a small theater chain with only a few locations across the US, offering a more exclusive and luxurious movie experience.  Their ten theaters are more like private "screening rooms" with only about 50 seats in each!  We love love love smaller venues.

Become a member in a few seconds and enjoy discounts, upgrades, and even a FREE movie on your birthday!

Your movie experience is better from the get-go. They offer valet parking for $5, and it is even free if you valet a Lexus. Ticket are bought online, and we bought ours last minute and could only get the $14 "cheap seats" -- which are very comfortable, wide leather seats with plenty of arm-space that doesn't crowd you against your neighbor.  You have a moveable snack tray, too!

For $10 more, your seat reclines, you get to use a cushy blankets, you get free popcorn, and there are ushers as waiters at your beck and call the entire time.

We bought 5 tickets, but had 2 friends cancel (they lost out!) and thought we had no choice but to "eat" the tickets. But the front desk staff actually overheard us discussing this, and offered to refund the 2 tickets. Try that at a mutli-plex. The usher-ettes wear cocktail dresses and the ushers are in shirts and ties. They were beyond courteous and helpful.

There is a swanky bar and restaurant downstairs, called Tanzy. Stop by after your movie for a terrific dinner - great menu. Upstairs for the movie theater patrons there is a smaller menu at Tanzy Express that offers everything from grilled sliders, pizza from a fire burning oven, a full bar with really cool cocktails, and of course popcorn and candy.

On our visit, the upstairs bar was beautifully run by a very skilled, outgoing and fun woman, named Macarena.  She is a true beauty, and a true classic mixologist. Yes folks, this is at the movie theater!

Check out my movie screen view, and of course my sliders, gummy bears and their cucumber and mint libation called "Tanline":

What a better and more refreshing way start to a movie than to walk on carpet, instead of the normally sticky floor.

If you need a place to show business clients a Powerpoint presentation, the theaters can be reserved and rented. Their entire business model is built around the concept of customer service.  We welcome them to South Florida with open arms - just make sure we have a free hand to hold our snacks.

Our experience was terrific. The other patrons were excited. Walk, don't run to iPic. They will probably hold the curtain for you.

Things to Do & Hub to So Many Places!

For those of you who have been enjoying Fort Lauderdale, you have become familiar with the area's other name "South Florida".  South Florida includes the Key's, Miami, Hollywood,  Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, the Palm Beaches and Wellington!  You have an entire world at your convenience, with a variety of ways to get around!

While you might tend to stay in your own backyard, remember that South Florida IS your backyard, and a huge one - all within reach!

Today we want to tell you about Hollywood.  Located mid-way between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, you have access to active beaches, busy swap meets, fun casinos, shopping, restaurants, dog and horse racing and much more.  

Head to Hollywood for special weekly downtown events (free parking downtown too) including ArtsPark Live, Food Truck Invasion, plus the monthly Artwalk, Full Moon Drum Circle and Dream Car Classic. And don’t miss the free Music & Dance Under the Stars and Josh’s Organic Market every Sunday along the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.

The Food Truck Invasion happens Monday evenings at the traffic circle - so many food trucks. We guarantee everyone will find something they like!

Whether you gamble at the slot machines, the tables, or on the races - you have so many casino options. A friend tells us Mardi Gras casino has the loosest slots in town. On your way, stop at Ocean's 11 Bar and Grill which is right across the street and try their awesome burgers or the 18" Kobe beef hot dog! It's not a Fort Lauderdale restaurant per se, but it's one of those gems that only the locals know about. It's a dark and quaint bar/restaurant from another time with great food, happy hour specials and very attentive staff. If you like burgers and dogs and enjoy a trip back in time, then this kitsch watering hole is a must do!

Josh's Organic Market is a great Sunday treat. He brings in the freshest produce and offers advice and samples - we have tried new things every time we go!  He has a juice bar next door if you need a smoothie - who doesn't need a smoothie?!

Don't limit yourself to Fort Lauderdale when looking for things to do. Take advantage of the proximity of Hollywood, and so many other areas close by. 

Bon Voyage! Fort Lauderdale -Celebrity Cruise

Just a quick post to let you know we are on the Celebrity Solstice on a 7 day western Caribbean Cruise.
We'll tell you all about the experience after we get back and give you some tips based on our experience.

We might even share how we got passed the crowds waiting to board at Port Everglades...

Here's a little teaser of what's to come... A "view from above" on the Celebrity Solstice

The captain's table is calling... time for some grub!

All is Fair in Love... and Art! (in Fort Lauderdale)

Mother Nature finally gave the top end of the thermometer a break this last weekend. She not only lowered the temperature - but the humidity level is down so low that you can eat outside again!

We love this time of year! You residents and early snowbirds are enjoying the window of opportunity: the ocean water is still bath-like, the stores and restaurants are wide open, and the outdoor activities are beginning.

One of our favorites is the Las Olas Art Fair, which is a great way to set the tone for the season. Walking up and own Las Olas (a nice time, anytime), viewing and buying art, eating terrific food, petting dogs and meeting others in your community is what South Florida weekends are all about.

If you have been before, you know that they always present something for everyone. And remember, art is subjective - so please subject yourself and go!

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show - Get in Ship-Shape!

One of THE highlights of the year here in Fort Lauderdale is the annual boat show, and it's just around the corner!

 

Even if you have no plan on buying a boat this or any year, it is a terrific event.  There is food, drinks, and pretty girls showing pretty boats.  You will see huge, mega-yachts from around the world, as well as thousands of boats in all shapes and sizes and state-of-the-art accessories. Last year we saw this James Bond-like personal scuba propeller, and wanted it badly!

Some of the ships are complete fantasies - we don't know who owns these floating mansions. We can imagine the parties on these decks, the champagne poring - and we can imagine the fuel bills!

The vendors are there to sell their wares, and are very approachable. Each is a salesman, eager to talk to you about their products. We once talked our way onto a mega yacht that rented for $450,000 a week. But that did include all the food and drinks. Hey - if you're going to dream - dream big!

The weather in October is still warm, usually, so it is a great day to be walking around the docks. The ships deck hands will ask you to remove your shoes before you board, so don't wear your hole-y pair of socks.

Leave your wallet at home, lest you be tempted to plunk down your retirement fund on a dinghy.

Mark your calendars and make a plan to attend!

The Beers All Here!

A friend invited us to their favorite hangout spot - The Riverside Market in Fort lauderdale.  We hadn't heard of it, and the way they talked about it's charm and amenities, we were shocked.

How could this terrific-sounding little market that been open for so long be unknown to us?

They tried to tell us the location, and we were stumped - the closest landmark they spoke of was an old wooden swing bridge - how could we not know about it?

The Riverside Market & Cafe is hard to find and in a neighborhood we had never been to before. There, we said it. And, by hard to find we mean it was impossible for us to find.  We have GPS, and we not only got lost on our way there, but got lost leaving too. All those confusing street names got the better of us this time.

We've never gotten used to the inane street names in Florida. Those of you, like us, who aren't from around here, must scratch your head as you encounter 55th Place, next to 55th Court, Terrace, Lane, Drive, Road, Passage, Boulevard - it goes on and on. Then you have NE 55th, NW 55th, SE 55th, SW 55th - all running into each other and crossing each other! It drives us nuts and always have a city street map or GPS with us when we're heading out somewhere new, even after being down here on a regular basis for over 10 years.

But back to the Riverside - it is worth the confusion. From the outside, it looks like a run down mom-and-pop market out of Mayberry. A place you might find rope and bait, and maybe gas.
Once inside, you find comfy couches and a few tables:

They serve food! Really good, simple food like salads and wraps, even veggie options. We had mahi-mahi tacos, and our friend Liz had a mozzerella wrap:

But here's the extra special thing about the place (drum roll please) behind the wall of coolers they are keeping over 500 DIFFERENT beers! This place truly is a beer lovers paradise. They have beer from all around the world, and soft drinks and juices from other countries as well. Coconut soda? They have it.


You can have a beer blast with brews from China, Russia, Jamaica, Canada.  Reminisce about a trip you took where you fell in love with a beer, thinking you'd never see it again.  In the picture above, Liz had a Costa Rican beer with her wrap, since she had been married down there.

Tip: They have an organic garden out back, growing a lot of food they use in the cafe, organically and some hydroponically.  They are happy to take you out there for a tour!

On the way out, we drove over the swing bridge, built in 1924. It was a total throwback-in-time . But after a few blocks, out time travel ended as we merged onto the traffic of Broward Boulevard and back into 2011.

We totally give this place a big thumbs up if you're looking for some casual fun. And if you happen to be a beer aficionado it is an absolute must-do!

Fort Lauderdale Para-Sailing -- Up, Up, and Away!

We found a terrific activity to do in Fort Lauderdale, thanks to a Living Social deal. In case you haven't signed up for the daily coupon blasts, like Living Social , or the popular Groupon, it only takes a moment to sign up, and you receive an email daily with various offers. They can range from typical food coupons, practical savings on dentists, or exciting activities - like Parasailing!

I don't thing we would have ever thought about boating out to the open sea and then willingly be floated up in the air 400 feet above the water- but, hey, the deal was $45 a person (we do love a good coupon), with Sky High Parasailing!  A friend's daughter was turning 16, and what a fun, adventurous experience to start her year off with.

After a hearty breakfast of not-to-be-missed apple pancakes at the yummiest pancake house around (Sweet 16, literally!), we drove to the bridge near Atlantic and the A1A, met the captain of the boat, signed a short waiver, we were ready to head to open water:

Nerves were setting in, but the captain has 19,000 "flys" under his hat, and the deck hand deftly handles the parachute and rigging - all giving us confidence. That, and the fact that we went last, so we could see that our predecessors lived to tell their tale. We asked about the strength of the rope, and made the crew pinky swear that they would retrieve us if the line snapped and we floated to the Bahamas. Or Cuba.

You can ride single, in tandem, or side by side (up to three across!). Once the first team had gone up and safely returned, it was our turn. Here we are taking off:

Amazingly gentle, yet thrilling ascent! You literally feel like you are floating - the boat moves ahead, keeping you flying, and the guide rope automatically released us 400 feet in the air. If you reach 500 feet, you are in "airspace", and the metal on the riggings can be detected by air traffic controllers. Um, another time maybe.

What a view! You ride aloft for 15-20 minutes, and once the initial ascent is over, we felt secure enough to take video, pictures, and even rock the rigging a little. Just a little.

The high rises along the water seem so far away, and the panoramic views you get are not accomplished in any other way. We could see both the jets landing at Fort Lauderdale airport, and the cruise ships leaving from the harbor.

It was a wonderful way to spend a day. You have the boat ride, friendly crew, and we shared a bond with the other passengers - I suppose we are now members of the same club.

Here is a short video of both the rise from and return to ship:




This now is very high on our list of recommended activities - one that we never really had in our scope for Florida. But with the warm water, the light breeze, and the amazing sun - it all makes sense. And don't wait for a coupon deal or a birthday celebration - just do it! The crew is amazing, and if you ever had a fear of parasailing or going up in a hot air balloon, this is among the safest, most fun ways to conquer that fear.

Avoid Traffic - see the Antique Car Museum!

Step into the past and out of the Fort Lauderdale heat - there is a terrific collection of antique cars right here in Fort Lauderdale. It's even a not-for-profit!  

You will see cars you probably have never seen before, They even have 22 Packards - impressive collecting skills from one individual.

http://www.antiquecarmuseum.org/

Get on the Bus! Fort Lauderdale Fun!

   Friday, June 17 · 5:30pm - 11:30pm

Place: 17th Street Causeway - Beach

The Fort Lauderdale Bus Loop is Back With the 17th Street Causeway Route ! Party!   Ride The Buses For Free Throughout the Night ! Here's the scoop... For Only $20 , You ride the Bus on the designated Fort Lauderdale Bus Loop Route and get on and off at any location along the route as many times as you'd like and you'll get a free drink/item at each participating venue. The best part about it, is that all the proceeds go to charity and you and your friends can go on a pub crawl without having to worry about parking or driving. Check-Ins will be at Bimini Boatyard, Lauderdale Grill, and Beach Place.. Prospective Venues Include: Bimini Boatyard Southport Raw Bar Duffy's Quarterdeck Dos Caminos Lauderdale Grill Sopranos Dueling Piano Bar Cafe Del Mar LuLu's BaitShack ColdStone Creamery (we love these guys) Receive a free drink at each venue. Appetizers between 7pm and 8pm at some venues. 10:00pm Post-Party At Lauderdale Grill. Only $20 if you Prepay at www.BusLoop.org or $25 at the door. (No Charge for Designated Drivers) All proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Jessica June Childrens Cancer Foundation, Covenant House Florida, Broward Gator Club Scholarship Fund,Jack & Jill Childrens Center, and Riverwalk Trust. Do Not Drink and Drive! Take a Taxi, Designated Driver, or other Safe Means to and from the Check-In. This Event has Limited Capacity.

Horse Wellington!

We've been coming to South Florida for years and never thought of any part of it as being horse country.  For us, being from the north east, New England has always been the place to find horses... until last month.

Out of the blue, for the last year or so, the town of Wellington Florida has come up several times in conversation. We had never heard of it before and never really thought about it.  It's less than an hour's drive away from our place but was never on our radar.

Then we found out that an old friend of ours from New York was starting to winter in Florida with her horse and when we asked where exactly she was staying she answered "Wellington of course!"

It turns out, this was the second winter that she and Napoleon (her Thoroughbred) were spending the winter down south. So that was it, the final straw....Wellington had come up too many times recently not to go check it out. And now we'd have our own personal tour guide to show us the highlights and give us the inside track on the place.

Well we were shocked. As we drove into the town, we noticed that even the city's 'welcome' sign boasted of it being an Equine Community. What?  In South Florida?

Not being horse people ourselves, it never dawned on us that horses could be snowbirds too. It seems that thousands of horses from all over North America winter in Florida just like we do. Snowbird horses, who would have thunk?


As we were shown around town by our personal guide, we marveled at the extent of its equine-ness.  Barns and ranches everywhere and not a Gap or or J.Crew to be seen. The only stores in this town are tack shops, saddle shops and riding clothes stores. If you think you've seen all of the gear in Ralph Lauren's Polo boutiques - nope, it's a whole new world.

The Polo Club and grounds are breathtaking, as large and impressive as Santa Barbara, but actually nicer. There are viewing and concession stands, and the week we went was the US Open, a yearly-held event attracting some of the top players around the US and on loan from around the world.

We spent as much time shaking our heads in disbelief that this exists in Florida as we did watching a quick chukker (these are the periods of the match, there are 6 in a match and each is only 7 minutes long).  The riders have to change horses after each chukker - it is fascinating to watch the riders quickly dismount, hand the reins of their horse off to a waiting groom, and grab the awaiting fresh horse, hop on and trot back onto the field.

It was crazy listening to the thundering of the horses hooves as they ran down the field towards us in an angry gang. Once we even had to get out of the way as the horses and riders galloped towards us - they can't exactly stop exactly at the border of the field, so much momentum!  Might be a good reason to buy a stadium seat next time.

We walked across the parking lot to the Equestrian side - well, we started to walk, but a passing golf cart stopped and gave us a lift, a courtesy even to a casual visitor. I felt a little guilty when the driver stopped the cart after about 30 seconds and announced we had arrived. The entrance sported a grand fountain, replete with cement horses "prancing" in the fountain.

There is a wide pedestrian path with riding rings on either side. On the right we saw the Hunter/Jumper rings - these are discerned by the bushes, shrubs and flowers placed at each jump, to replicate bushes, shrubs and flowers in the woods that one might encounter if riding through the countryside. Again, what is so impressive was that there are many of these arenas at Wellington, I don;t think these people have to wait very long for their turn at the ring - there are plenty to go around.

We kept walking, and on the left, as we walked over a bridge, was the main Jumping arena. There must have been 500 seats - that must be exciting to watch a high-level competition with so many spectators.

More tack and clothing shops dot the path, and soon you are standing among dozens of Jumper rings, these are easily identified because the posts and bars that comprise the jumps are bare - except for painted stripes and bright colors to help the riders tell one jump from the other in their planned path.
 

 The day we were there there they were having a competition, and we marveled at the skill these riders showed as they deftly managed these huge horses over these high jumps!

Our friend explained that some of these riders are teenagers, sent here by their parent's for the season to hone their skills, perhaps to land a spot on the Olympic team - they have tutors, apartments and hopefully, the advantage over less-fortunate riders who have to sit out the cold winter.  We would pass a horse, and as beautiful as it was, found it a little nutty to comprehend that this animal cost over $100,000 and double that for care and training over it's lifetime.

On a quick inside note, our friend let us in on a little scandal in Wellington - Dressage has been banned from the public rings and arenas. Dressage is the style of riding you might have seen that doesn't involve jumping, the rider wears a top hat and showcases the rider's skill in controlling and demonstrating the horse's different gaits in a smaller ring.

No one is sure why this style has been voted out of style by the Wellington powers-that-be, but perhaps they will invite them back soon - it's a beautiful sport to watch.  Our friend's horse is a former race horse, so it is amazing to see this powerful animal being controlled inch by inch, step by step, when deep down in his memory he has thundered down the track, seemingly uncontrolled.

We cannot urge you strongly enough to visit Wellington - if you ever use the West Palm Beach airport, it's only 10 minutes further west, on the same road.

As those in the know say: "Polo up!"

Fort lauderdale Beach Party!

Come one. Come all!
It's all happening on Saturday May 28th at the beach near A1A and Las Olas Blvd from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. I wish we were in town this year because last year was great!

With movies, stages with live bands, and activities for the whole family--it really sounds like the perfect distraction for Memorial Day Weekend. They're planning tons of kids activities like face painting, water balloon tosses, Twister contests and so much more so grab the kids and some beach towels and head on down to the beach.

Apparently they'll be adding a classic car show to the mix along the A1A so car enthusiasts can check out more than 50 muscle cars, ragtops, and hot rods. This year's event will also celebrate Fort Lauderdale's centennial so we're guessing the city is going to go all out.

Please send us pics if you go or comment on our page to tell us how it went... Thanks and have Fun!

For more info click here