4 Completely Unique Experiences in Fort Lauderdale

The summer season in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is coming to a close, which means shoppers can score some great deals at the end of the season. If you're looking to pick up some of the hottest swimwear at bargain prices, check out these Fort Lauderdale swim shops. Perhaps you'll save enough to be able to get two or three swimwear styles for variety in your beach fashions. Splish Splash Bikini Splish Splash Bikini at 929 Sunrise Lane has been in business since 1984 and specializes in women's bikinis. The swim shop offers tops and bottoms in some of the best swimwear brands, such as Guria Beachwear, Swim Systems, Eldon, and Trina Turk. Shoppers report excellent service from friendly staff members who will recommend selections without pushing for sales. Splish Splash Bikini opens at 10 a.m. daily and closes at 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Montce Swim Montce Swim, whose flagship store is in St. Lauderdale, sells a large variety of quality upscale swimwear styles, featuring both bikini tops and bottoms and one-piece suits in many patterns. The store stocks brands such as Tommi Floral and Palmilla Blanco and sells bikinis to celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner. Beach apparel and accessories are available as well. Shoppers say it's hard to choose a swimsuit because of the number of options. Montce is at 731 NE Second Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. more Swimland Head to Swimland at 812 E. Las Olas Blvd. for designer suits by Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Anne Cole, and more. The shop offers trendy bikinis as well as attractive one-piece suits in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including some patterns that are used for more than one style. Swimland is open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jypsea Local Jypsea Local features handcrafted bikinis made at the store, featuring fabrics that are unique to the company. Styles can also be customized by the owner, a Floridian woman. The store also features unique jewelry collections that are designed and made by local artists. Jypsea Local is located at 2711 E. Commercial Blvd. The store is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Heart of the City Heart of the City at 3120 E. Sunrise Blvd. sells boutique swimwear and is known for its striking handmade bikinis with available matching coverups. The shop also sells designer sunglasses, unique women's designer clothing from around the world, and men's clothing featuring jeans, shirts, blazers, and more. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Look online for the best deals at each of these trendy Fort Lauderdale swim shops. Even if the regular prices are outside your budget, a great sale could put a fantastic bikini or one-piece within your reach. Image via Flickr by pasa47 used under CC By

We all lead busy lives, but it's important to make time for fun, family, and friends. We've selected a few fall events happening here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for you to consider putting on your calendar. We hope you find something you'll enjoy. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival Say goodbye to summer and usher in fall Sept. 21 at the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival. The event will be held at Esplanade Park, located at 400 SW Second St. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The free family-friendly festival, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., will feature carnival-style games and activities in a fall theme, live entertainment, and fall-themed foods from food vendors and food trucks. The 2.46-acre Esplanade Park meanders along the Riverwalk, offering scenic views and numerous events throughout the year. Old School Latin Block Party The Old School Latin Block Party will bring you the best in Latin music on Oct. 19, with entertainment by Nuevolution Dance Studios, a well-known Latin dance and fitness school. The free outdoor event will take place at the Fountain Plaza at The Shops at Pembroke Gardens in nearby Pembroke Pines. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. more Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show More than 110,000 boat enthusiasts from around the world are expected to attend the 60th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. More than 1,500 of the latest boats and yachts in all sizes will be on display, and 1,200 exhibitors will be on hand. The event represents 52 countries and features 6 miles of floating docks and 3 million square feet of exhibition space in seven locations.  Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 and Nov. 1 and 2, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 3. The main location is the Bahia Mar Yachting Center at 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Other locations are Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center/Sailfish Pavilion, SuperYacht Village at Pier South, The Sails Marina, and Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival The 34th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival will give you ample opportunities to experience the joys of independent films. Put on by the Broward County Film Society since 1986, the award-winning festival is the longest-running film festival in the world. This year's event runs from Nov. 1-17. Accompanying activities include an opening-night party at the Museum of Discovery & Science IMAX, a dinner cruise Nov. 11 from Savor Cinema on the New River, and a FLIFF Woodstock Street Party Nov. 16 on the street in front of Savor Cinema. These are just a few of the many events in and around Fort Lauderdale. You'll never run out of things to do here in this boating and beaches paradise. Be sure to spend some time at The Strip and its restaurants, bars, boutiques, and upscale hotels, and check out the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Image via Flickr by daspader used under CC By

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is such a great place to be. With a lively beach community that features so many food, music and arts festivals, the only question is which ones to attend. And there is so much to see and do you might find yourself wishing for more free time. Here are some must-see festivals that take place in Fort Lauderdale every year that are sure to make the time well spent. Tortuga Beach Music Festival If live music is your jam you'll want to check out the Tortuga Beach Music Festival. It happens every April at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. This gorgeous white sand paradise is host to some of the best country, rock, and roots bands in the country. What's more, the festival is partnered with Rock the Ocean Foundation which helps to raise awareness about issues impacting the world's oceans. With over $1 million given to conservation efforts through ticket sales and donations, this festival is truly unique. Last year's festival featured performances from superstars Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Flo Rida, Sheryl Crow, and many more. The lineup for the next festival hasn't been released yet, but you can check out the Tortuga Music Festival website for dates and details as they become available. more Las Olas Wine and Food Festival The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival has been delighting epicureans of South Florida for over twenty years. Held every spring, the festival hosts thousands of food and wine enthusiasts while raising money for a good cause, the American Lung Association. While there, you absolutely must partake in the tasting pavilion which features over 50 restaurants from the greater Fort Lauderdale area showing off their finest food creations. The event also features tastings of over 200 wines, spirits, and brews, so there's something to satisfy everyone's palate. When you're done tasting you can check out some of the great entertainment like last year's Silent Disco Party or Rythm & Viines' ever-popular music shows. Las Olas Art Fair For over 30 years the Las Olas Art Fair has been showing off some of the finest works by local artists and artisans. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is already well known for its sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. This year the fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Best of all, admission is free. Come down and browse the handcrafted work from local artisans. Admire the artwork from hundreds of local artists. You can talk with the artists and artisans about their techniques and inspiration and purchase items at reasonable prices. Ranked one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, the Las Olas Art Fair is a great way to spend the day. Fort Lauderdale has so much to see and do. Whether your taste is music, food and wine, or arts and crafts, there is an event that is sure to excite you. Image via Flickr by Steve's stills used under CC By