3 Interesting Historic Locations to Visit in Ft. Lauderdale

August 11, 2016 · 3 min read

Ft. Lauderdale may boast some incredibly hip and modern facilities these days, but the city also happens to be steeped in history. The Tequesta Native American tribe lived there for over 2,000 years before the first European explorers arrived, for example. After that point, settlers have continually occupied the area to this day, including the builders of the original fort the city was named after. Visitors and residents of Ft. Lauderdale can enjoy this history by taking a look at one of the following beautiful and fascinating historical sites in the city:

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

The Bonnet House was the first Ft. Lauderdale site listed on the National Register of Historic Places when it was added in 1984. Originally purchased by wealthy Chicago lawyer Hugh Taylor Birch in 1895, the property was gifted to his daughter Helen and her husband, Frederic Clay Bartlett. An artist by trade, Bartlett decided to use the property to construct a winter home in 1920 for his spouse. He ensured that the home was rife with unique architecture and stately grounds that could provide a picturesque habitat for native plants and animals. Bartlett's second wife, Evelyn, donated the property to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983. It is now open to the public as a museum, art gallery, and scenic garden. It also serves as a rental venue and a host for Ft. Lauderdale events, like the annual Orchid Festival.

Los Olas Boulevard

With its vibrant night clubs, restaurants, art galleries, and boutique stores, Los Olas Boulevard provides enough interest to be a popular attraction for locals and tourists on its own. Yet, its rich history and period architecture lend even more character to the area. First built in 1917, the boulevard was originally a dirt road that cut through swampy wetlands. Developers then dredged the area in 1920, quickly turning it into valuable property and making way for a gorgeous waterfront residential district. Following WWII and continuing to this day, many of the properties were converted into mixed-use developments with high-end shops on the ground floor and valuable homes atop. Famous former residents include singer Connie Francis, Sonny and Cher, Lucille Ball, and her husband Desi Arnaz. Visitors now can enjoy a host of upscale establishments, including the famous Elbo Room Bar, as well as yearly events like the Los Olas Art Fair.

Stranahan House

Frank and Ivy Stranahan arguably helped make Ft. Lauderdale the bustling economic area it is today when they first built their trading post in 1901. At the time, few people lived in the region, enabling the Stranahans to enjoy a monopoly on trade with Seminole Indians and passers-by. The trading post was converted into a home in 1906, and it remains faithfully preserved to this day. This preservation makes the Stranahan House the oldest standing structure in Broward County. Visitors can enjoy a guided home tour led by knowledgeable docents. They can also participate in the famous River Ghost boat tour on Sunday nights for an eventful jaunt through Ft. Lauderdale's nearby riverways.

Enjoy These and Other Incredible Historic Locations to Visit in Ft. Lauderdale

Alongside these three amazing places, you can visit the Ft. Lauderdale Historical Society & Museum, the elegant Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, the Ft. Lauderdale Antique Car Museum and many more nearby attractions to immerse yourself in history for a fun, memorable afternoon.

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Nov 07, 2019 in Daytrips

3 Fun Fort Lauderdale Boat Tours

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its vast and unique network of canals as well as its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, so it's really a paradise for boating fans. When you sign on for a Fort Lauderdale boat tour, you'll be able to kick back and relax as you drink in the beauty of this coastal city's scenic waterways. There are amazing boat tours of the area available, one of which will suit your preferences and schedule to perfection. Fort Lauderdale Family Pirate Cruise If you're a parent and you're looking for a shorter boat tour that's family-friendly, you'll love what the Fort Lauderdale Family Pirate Cruise has to offer. This lighthearted family boat cruise lasts for one hour and 30 minutes and it has a variety of departure times, so you'll have no trouble fitting it into your vacation itinerary. When you choose this cruise, you and your family will board the Bluefoot pirate ship at Fort Lauderdale's Bahia Mar Beach Resort and Yachting Center. The Bluefoot is a safe vessel that's been inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Your kids will love the ship's pirate flags as well as the fun activities that they access onboard, including face painting, a treasure hunt, and pirate lessons. Each child will get a pirate certificate and a treasure bag. Parents will appreciate the dazzling views of the city's gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway. Riverfront Cruises Venice of America Tour Did you know that Fort Lauderdale is often compared to Venice, Italy, thanks to its array of picturesque canals? When you take the Riverfront Cruises Venice of America Tour, you'll be able to board a well-appointed, shipshape, and spacious vessel at 301 SW 3rd Ave. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The cruise will last for 90 minutes and you may enjoy splendid views of the city's famous waterways from the upper observation deck or the comfortable dining room. This popular cruise will be a perfect way to get the inside scoop on Fort Lauderdale's coastal way of life. You'll see a lot of gorgeous yachts and fancy homes along the way. more Coastal Yacht Tours Private Yacht Cruise If you prefer an exclusive luxury vibe, you'll be pleased to know that Coastal Yacht Tours offers a Private Yacht Cruise experience that is decidedly upscale. When you opt for this experience, you'll cruise on a Marquis 690 yacht and spend two hours out on the water enjoying the sights and getting some sun. This cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale's Pier 66 Marina. Ideal for families or other groups, this private yachting adventure will make it so easy to see the most impressive waterfront eateries, large yachts, and mansions. A captain will ensure that you and your group are comfortable and happy. Bottled water, snacks, and soda will be provided. Now that you know about three fun Fort Lauderdale boat tours, all of which return to their starting points when they are finished, you'll be ready to enjoy a cruise that stimulates your senses and helps you to learn more about Fort Lauderdale's beautiful waterways. Image via Flickr by blueprnt12 used under CC By

Sep 12, 2019 in Daytrips

Get Out on the Water in Fort Lauderdale With These Three Activities

Do you feel more relaxed on the water? Does the sun reflecting off the water make you smile? Explore the waterways around Fort Lauderdale while enjoying these fun activities. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Rent A Boat If you enjoy fishing, grab your gear and head for one of the many different fishing areas in the city. Due to its location, there are many deep water opportunities just off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. Bring your gear and a few strong friends to help you with your haul while you enjoy the open water. If you are looking for a boat without the fish, consider renting one to call home for the weekend. Before renting figure out who is sharing the space with you to determine the perfect vessel for your party. There are options for full-size boats as well as sailboats with a professional crew meaning you get to relax while they work. You can also rent a boat for a few hours to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birthday, or proposal. Learn to Surf Do the waves call to you? Grab your towel and your bathing suit or a rash guard and a pair of shorts and head for surf school. These lessons start on the sand as you learn how to pick out your equipment and balance on the board. You'll also learn about water safety and how to protect yourself in the waves. Once the class is ready, you'll progress from the sand into the water. more Whether you are brand new to surfing or want to hone specific skills, the classes give you a chance to learn under watchful eyes. Bring your kids along for the lessons. This is one class they will not want to skip as you make family memories. Go Scuba Diving Have you ever wondered what life looked like under the sea? Take advantage of the clear water and go scuba diving. Whether you are a new diver or an experienced one, there are a variety of dive sites just off the coast. Some of the more popular dive locations include an area known as the "Hall of Fame." This site ranges from 15 to 30 feet deep and isn't far from the shoreline. Another intriguing site is the Lady Luck shipwreck located off of Pompano Beach. A 324-foot tanker sank on purpose and now houses an underwater casino scene for divers to explore. If you are new to diving, take advantage of the clear water and warm temperatures to learn how to dive safely. Scuba classes start in the pool so you can get comfortable seeing and breathing underwater. Once you are satisfied with the equipment and techniques, you can move to open water diving off the coast. Enjoy your time with friends and family while you disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. As always, don't forget to wear sunscreen. Nothing ruins a good day on the water like a bad sunburn! Image via Flickr by Daquella manera used under CC By

Aug 24, 2017 in Daytrips

Where to Get the Best Ethnic Food in Fort Lauderdale

The food cart craze is mixing things up in ethnic foods. You no longer have to travel across town to get your favorite gyros or fish tacos. Sometimes you just want to sit down for a relaxing ethnic meal. If your culinary cravings include digestive delights from other cultures, Gunther Kia is at your service. Gunther Kia doesn't just know cars; through strong connections in the community, we also know where to get great food. Read on to learn where to get the best ethnic food in Fort Lauderdale. Bombay Café Good, authentic Indian food can be hard to find, but that is exactly what you will find at Bombay Café. The café offers real Indian delights, such as chicken tikka and masala paneer. Vegetarians enjoy the vegetable thali and carnivores curb their cravings on dishes like the tandoori mixed grill special or the lamb seekh kabobs. more If you want to overindulge, the Wednesday and Sunday dinner buffet from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. is ideal. You will leave feeling stuffed and happy. Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar Rocco's Tacos has an extensive menu of mouthwatering authentic Mexican food. It's hard to choose from the jalapeno rellenos, chicken quesadillas, enchiladas verdes, and carnitas. Wash it down with a good old-fashioned, on-the-rocks margarita. Rocco's Tacos just might be as close as you can get to a real Mexican meal without dealing with jet lag and the TSA. Thai Spice Voted the best Thai restaurant in South Florida by Sun Sentinal's Showtime, Thai Spice offers a fine array of authentic Thai cuisine for you to enjoy. As you feast on lobster phad Thai or their delicious chiang mai chicken, you will swear you can hear the sound of the Andaman Sea in the distance. Their happy hour is an incredible value, with half-off prices for appetizers and drinks every Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Greek Islands Taverna If it's a homey, small family-owned Greek restaurant you seek, you will find exactly that at the Greek Islands Taverna on North Ocean Boulevard. The Kantzavelos Family has been delighting their customers with authentic, home-cooked Greek food since they opened in 1999. They pride themselves on using only the freshest local ingredients and in providing outstanding service. The lamb youvetsi and souvlaki are to die for, as are their famous filet kabobs. From the authentic blue- and white-checkered tablecloths to the artistic dish presentation, no place will give you a more authentic Greek experience, except for Greece itself. Tasty ethnic food is always a welcome change from our usual American cuisine. If you are tired of hamburgers and chef's salads, mix it up by visiting one of these great ethnic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. These family-owned businesses will appreciate the opportunity to spoil you with delicious secret recipes from their homeland, and your taste buds will thank you. We promise, you will enjoy every moment and maybe even get inspired to book a trip to one of their exotic countries.