Please help review ft. lauderdale attractions
Apr 27th, 2004, 09:04 PM
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Please help review ft. lauderdale attractions
Hello all. I'm coming to FLL with wife to celebrate one year anniversary. I REALLY want this trip to be romantic, special, & memorable. I have 4 goals/attractions that I'm trying to do, but I want to make sure they won't disappoint us. Any help/comment is appreciated!
1. Mai-Kai Resturant & Polynesian Show
2. Sea Escape Cruise
3. Tropical Sailing Sunset Cruise
4. I was trying to catch a day cruise to the Bahamas, but too expensive/time conflict. Where is a nice, romantic, tropical spot in FLL or nearby (will have rental car)to spend some special moments together?
Thanks
1. Mai-Kai Resturant & Polynesian Show
2. Sea Escape Cruise
3. Tropical Sailing Sunset Cruise
4. I was trying to catch a day cruise to the Bahamas, but too expensive/time conflict. Where is a nice, romantic, tropical spot in FLL or nearby (will have rental car)to spend some special moments together?
Thanks
Apr 28th, 2004, 04:45 PM
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#1 - Not my style, but have heard from others that they liked it. Supposedly show is better than the food.
#2 - A nightmare!
#3 - We always like sunset cruises, but not aware of one in Fort Lauderadle. Several companies have stopped doing them I believe.
You might want to check out the Jungle Queen sightseeing cruises at
http://www.junglequeen.com/ . They do a cruise of the new River and Intracoatal waterway and show you some of the sights such as homes etc. located along the water. Very nice, especially if it is your first trip to Fort Lauderdale. Skip the dinner cruise here, the food is poor. They also do cruises to Bayside in Miami, or you could just drive there or South Beach.
Many great places to dine along Los Olas Blvd. and Riverwalk area. See http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/ Another of our favorites is Sage French Cafe located on N. Federal Hgwy. (Rt. 1). The Charlies Crab recommendation is very good and we love dining there.
We love Fort Lauderdale and will be there in a couple of weeks ourselves.
#2 - A nightmare!
#3 - We always like sunset cruises, but not aware of one in Fort Lauderadle. Several companies have stopped doing them I believe.
You might want to check out the Jungle Queen sightseeing cruises at
http://www.junglequeen.com/ . They do a cruise of the new River and Intracoatal waterway and show you some of the sights such as homes etc. located along the water. Very nice, especially if it is your first trip to Fort Lauderdale. Skip the dinner cruise here, the food is poor. They also do cruises to Bayside in Miami, or you could just drive there or South Beach.
Many great places to dine along Los Olas Blvd. and Riverwalk area. See http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/ Another of our favorites is Sage French Cafe located on N. Federal Hgwy. (Rt. 1). The Charlies Crab recommendation is very good and we love dining there.
We love Fort Lauderdale and will be there in a couple of weeks ourselves.
Apr 29th, 2004, 03:35 AM
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#4-do not even consider the day cruise to the bahamas-it is the worst!
#1-Mai Kai's food is just okay, and overpriced. The property itself is very pretty.The show might make it worthwhile.
HarryR-we also will be in Ft. Lauderdale in a couple of weeks. I think we've talked up the Lago Mar so much, that I can't get a room on my dates! I'm going with my 20 y.o daughter and she wanted to stay at the Marriott anyhow (she thinks the Lago is dull!) I think I'll try the Sage Cafe this trip-where is it and is it expensive? Have a great trip!
#1-Mai Kai's food is just okay, and overpriced. The property itself is very pretty.The show might make it worthwhile.
HarryR-we also will be in Ft. Lauderdale in a couple of weeks. I think we've talked up the Lago Mar so much, that I can't get a room on my dates! I'm going with my 20 y.o daughter and she wanted to stay at the Marriott anyhow (she thinks the Lago is dull!) I think I'll try the Sage Cafe this trip-where is it and is it expensive? Have a great trip!
Apr 29th, 2004, 04:14 AM
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jd - I guess we have talked it up quite a bit!! We were able to get an executive suite for the time period we needed and in fact are meeting three other couples who we have introduced to Lago Mar over the last couple of years.
I guess the Marriott may appeal to your 20 year old more.
Sage French Cafe (http://www.sagecafe.net )
is very inexpensive and I would venture to guess would even appeal to your 20 yr. old. It is not as stuffy as some French restaurants can be for someone younger. It is located on Rt. 1 between Sunrise Blvd. and Oakland Park Blvd.. There is an Planters Bank in front of the shopping center and I believe they refer to the shopping center as the Planter Center or something like that. There is never a trip that we fail to go there and I'm pretty sure you will love it. Don't be put off by the fact that it is located in a shopping center. It isn't what you would expect.
What are some of the places you enjoy in Fort Lauderdale for dining. We are open to pretty much any cuisine?
If you would like to exchange recommendations, email me at [email protected] .
I guess the Marriott may appeal to your 20 year old more.
Sage French Cafe (http://www.sagecafe.net )
is very inexpensive and I would venture to guess would even appeal to your 20 yr. old. It is not as stuffy as some French restaurants can be for someone younger. It is located on Rt. 1 between Sunrise Blvd. and Oakland Park Blvd.. There is an Planters Bank in front of the shopping center and I believe they refer to the shopping center as the Planter Center or something like that. There is never a trip that we fail to go there and I'm pretty sure you will love it. Don't be put off by the fact that it is located in a shopping center. It isn't what you would expect.
What are some of the places you enjoy in Fort Lauderdale for dining. We are open to pretty much any cuisine?
If you would like to exchange recommendations, email me at [email protected] .
Apr 29th, 2004, 07:12 AM
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Thanks for the info on Sage! We are moving to the Coral Ridge Yacht Club area, not far from there....I am so excited about all the good dining possibilites...that is one of the reasons we are moving there!
Apr 30th, 2004, 05:43 PM
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I live in Ft Lauderdale and loved the Mai Kai when I was last there about a hundred years ago...LOL... no, more like 25 years ago. The food is average, but you are paying for the show, which is nice.
I'm not a lover of large cruise ships, so you are on your own regarding the SeaEscape cruise. If you like gambling, it's okay.
I much prefer the Carrie B cruise as opposed to the Jungle Queen. It's a nice triple deck boat trip that leaves from the Las Olas Blvd area. It's an afternoon cruise and doesn't take all day like some of the other cruises. Several people I've recommended take the Carrie B thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Water Taxi has a trip from Lauderdale to South Beach, but it takes most of the day. If you are interested, reservations are a must.
If you want a fun night out, don't miss Howl at the Moon, located at Beach Place. They sing oldies and everyone in the place participates. It's great if you want to laugh and have a blast, especially on a weekend when there is a huge crowd. Arrive early and have fun!
Since you'll have a car, head up to Lauderdale By The Sea and enjoy a stroll along the pier. Take A1A north to Commercial Boulevard, find a place to park between A1A and the beach, and go for a stroll and maybe drinks or dinner.
I'm not a lover of large cruise ships, so you are on your own regarding the SeaEscape cruise. If you like gambling, it's okay.
I much prefer the Carrie B cruise as opposed to the Jungle Queen. It's a nice triple deck boat trip that leaves from the Las Olas Blvd area. It's an afternoon cruise and doesn't take all day like some of the other cruises. Several people I've recommended take the Carrie B thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Water Taxi has a trip from Lauderdale to South Beach, but it takes most of the day. If you are interested, reservations are a must.
If you want a fun night out, don't miss Howl at the Moon, located at Beach Place. They sing oldies and everyone in the place participates. It's great if you want to laugh and have a blast, especially on a weekend when there is a huge crowd. Arrive early and have fun!
Since you'll have a car, head up to Lauderdale By The Sea and enjoy a stroll along the pier. Take A1A north to Commercial Boulevard, find a place to park between A1A and the beach, and go for a stroll and maybe drinks or dinner.
May 1st, 2004, 06:42 AM
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I highly recommend a visit to the Bonnet House --it was amazing to tour. See www.bonnethouse.org.
May 1st, 2004, 06:23 PM
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I just returned from Ft. Lauderdale and had dinner at the new Capitol Grille that is opening to the public next Tuesday. We were able to eat there because it was open only to family and friends of employees - the friend I was visiting has a son who is a waiter there. The food was superb - I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys fine dining.
May 2nd, 2004, 06:25 AM
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mlm59, thanks for the info on the Cpitol Grille. We saw it last time there, and did not know if it was open. We will be living 1/2mile from the Galleria and Capitol Grille, and I am just as thrilled as can be, that I can WALK there! I love the "new" urbanism idea. I hate to drive everywhere, it is so nice to walk IMO.
May 2nd, 2004, 02:16 PM
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Another FLL resident here, (21 years.)
Harry's got good ideas. We all concur that the show's the thing at the Mai-Kai. As a side note, we're leaving in 13 days for an anniversary trip to Hawaii. I wanted to get hubby in the mood, so I made a reservation for dinner and the show at the Mai-Kai for his birthday last month, which they lost. No problem. So many great places to eat here!
Here's another chance for me to talk up Riverwalk. I was just there 2 nights ago, and was it hopping! There are numerous restaurants and nightclubs/bars in this area right in the middle of the historic district along the New River. Las Olas is very nice, but expensive. I prefer it in the daytime for shopping and lunch. Go to dinner at the River House, then wander through the clubs in search of the one that suits you. There's the Performing Arts Center right there. Look ahead- maybe there's an event you'll want to grab tickets to. The Museum of Discovery and Science (a kids' science museum) has an Imax theater with nightly showings, and midnight shows on weekends. There's the Riverwalk complex itself (an open-air mall) with shops and restaurants, and then there's the water taxi. Take a ride, and you can head up the Intracoastal to any number of hotspots. If you're staying near the Intracoastal, you can get to Riverwalk on the water taxi, and not have to worry about driving or parking.
Don't do SeaEscape. There's such better ways to waste money.
I'm ashamed to admit, I've never done the Jungle Queen. I want to someday, though.
Rather than a sunset cruise, get a couple of sandwiches and some sodas and catch one of the driftfishing boats down by the Intracoastal. (A secret - if you're here for the 4th of July, THIS is what you do for the evening! You don't worry about fishing - you just watch all the fireworks from offshore!)
A nice, tropical spot - here's something different- in the daytime, head west on I-595 to Flamingo Road in Davie. Get off and make a left, taking you south. Follow Flamingo down a couple of miles to Flamingo Gardens, on your left hand side. It's a non-profit botanical garden built on what's left of Fort Lauderdale's orange groves. There's a wildlife care center there, too, which houses native Florida animals that have recovered from injuries that prevent them from being returned to the wild. Wear a hat, so you can go into the free-flight aviary. I don't have to say why.
Another really neat spot- take the Turnpike north to Sample Road. Go east (I'm pretty sure it's east- there'll be a sign) to Tradewinds Park. You want to go in on the SOUTH side of Sample. There's a really cool place there called Butterfly World. It's expensive admission for an attraction, but it's really unique. This fellow has devoted his life to butterflies, and you walk into this big, free-flight butterfly sanctuary. Once you're inside, you'll be amazed at all these little jewels just flying all over.
Well, that's enough to keep anyone busy for a while. Welcome to Fort Lauderdale, have a great stay, and happy anniversary!
Harry's got good ideas. We all concur that the show's the thing at the Mai-Kai. As a side note, we're leaving in 13 days for an anniversary trip to Hawaii. I wanted to get hubby in the mood, so I made a reservation for dinner and the show at the Mai-Kai for his birthday last month, which they lost. No problem. So many great places to eat here!
Here's another chance for me to talk up Riverwalk. I was just there 2 nights ago, and was it hopping! There are numerous restaurants and nightclubs/bars in this area right in the middle of the historic district along the New River. Las Olas is very nice, but expensive. I prefer it in the daytime for shopping and lunch. Go to dinner at the River House, then wander through the clubs in search of the one that suits you. There's the Performing Arts Center right there. Look ahead- maybe there's an event you'll want to grab tickets to. The Museum of Discovery and Science (a kids' science museum) has an Imax theater with nightly showings, and midnight shows on weekends. There's the Riverwalk complex itself (an open-air mall) with shops and restaurants, and then there's the water taxi. Take a ride, and you can head up the Intracoastal to any number of hotspots. If you're staying near the Intracoastal, you can get to Riverwalk on the water taxi, and not have to worry about driving or parking.
Don't do SeaEscape. There's such better ways to waste money.
I'm ashamed to admit, I've never done the Jungle Queen. I want to someday, though.
Rather than a sunset cruise, get a couple of sandwiches and some sodas and catch one of the driftfishing boats down by the Intracoastal. (A secret - if you're here for the 4th of July, THIS is what you do for the evening! You don't worry about fishing - you just watch all the fireworks from offshore!)
A nice, tropical spot - here's something different- in the daytime, head west on I-595 to Flamingo Road in Davie. Get off and make a left, taking you south. Follow Flamingo down a couple of miles to Flamingo Gardens, on your left hand side. It's a non-profit botanical garden built on what's left of Fort Lauderdale's orange groves. There's a wildlife care center there, too, which houses native Florida animals that have recovered from injuries that prevent them from being returned to the wild. Wear a hat, so you can go into the free-flight aviary. I don't have to say why.
Another really neat spot- take the Turnpike north to Sample Road. Go east (I'm pretty sure it's east- there'll be a sign) to Tradewinds Park. You want to go in on the SOUTH side of Sample. There's a really cool place there called Butterfly World. It's expensive admission for an attraction, but it's really unique. This fellow has devoted his life to butterflies, and you walk into this big, free-flight butterfly sanctuary. Once you're inside, you'll be amazed at all these little jewels just flying all over.
Well, that's enough to keep anyone busy for a while. Welcome to Fort Lauderdale, have a great stay, and happy anniversary!
May 2nd, 2004, 03:10 PM
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Birdergirl, thanks for the info on the lesser known FLL attractions! We will be moved there by July 4th and I hope they have some kind of fireworks? Hope you don't mind if I bother you for more info about stuff. I wish I had been there for the Air & Sea show...hope they have it next year!
May 2nd, 2004, 04:45 PM
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I agree that Flamingo Gardens is a really nice place to go.Loved the Flamingo island with tropical folliage and waterfalls. There is also a narrated tram ride thru the orange groves and property. Besides the aviary there is a butterfly garden,tropical planthouse, an origonal house from the 1930's, and lots of native wildlife. There is a cafe for sandwiches and snacks.
May 2nd, 2004, 09:10 PM
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I don't know if the City of Ft. Lauderdale will be having fireworks this year. It was to be cut from the budget, but they may have been able to arrange something by now. If not, there are plenty of displays elsewhere in the area. Davie usually has a nice one at Pine Island Park (Pine Island Road just a few blocks north of Griffin Road/Orange Drive) you can park along the canal bank of Orange Drive in the area of S.W. 92nd Avenue for a good view and easy way to vacate the area after the fireworks. Or you can join in the festivities at the park, which are usually an all-day event.
May 4th, 2004, 05:49 AM
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Thanks to all for the overwhelming responses! I appreciate them greatly!!
=D
"catch one of the driftfishing boats down by the Intracoastal"
birdergirl, do I just walk up & hop on a boat? (LOL) What exactly is a driftfishing boat? Hmmmnnn.
Romance & the tacklebox. . . Sounds like a movie!
Thanks again all! Keep 'em coming!
(We'll be down May 21-27)
=D
"catch one of the driftfishing boats down by the Intracoastal"
birdergirl, do I just walk up & hop on a boat? (LOL) What exactly is a driftfishing boat? Hmmmnnn.
Romance & the tacklebox. . . Sounds like a movie!
Thanks again all! Keep 'em coming!
(We'll be down May 21-27)
May 5th, 2004, 03:33 PM
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I found a link to one of the local fishing trips that might lead you to some information. I don't know about this particular company, just passing on the info. You can also do a search on any major search engine by inputting "drift fishing, ft. lauderdale" for many other sites. Some boats might have more creature comforts than others. The Flamingo looked interesting, too. One thought...if you happen to catch a nice fish, what do you do with it??? I suppose there are local restaurants that will clean & cook your catch.
http://www.fishheadquarters.com/disc...d_location.htm
http://www.fishheadquarters.com/disc...d_location.htm
