Best Fort Lauderdale Festivals

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

Image by vonpics from Pixabay Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the top vacation spots in the country. No matter what your budget or interests, you're sure to find something to make your holiday a memorable one. From the glitz and glamour of five-star hotels to affordable, yet cozy bed-and-breakfasts or something in between, Fort Lauderdale has accommodation for every type of traveler. Island Sands Inn Wilton Manors A TripAdvisor Five-Star award winner, Island Sands Inn Wilton Manors is a tropical and luxurious sanctuary just 2.5 miles from famed Fort Lauderdale Beach. It's walking distance from 15 bars and 18 restaurants, making it a comfortable stroll to grab a premium cocktail or get some of the area's finest seafood. Choose from condo, suite, or guest room depending on your budget. The best news is that each type of accommodation comes with free parking, complimentary Wi-FI, an exterior entrance, and a private bathroom. more One of the few bed-and-breakfast options in the city, Island Sands also offers a heated saltwater pool for a lazy day away from it all. They'll also set up trips for you to the various attractions around Fort Lauderdale. Do nothing in your room, go for a dip, or head out on a fishing trip. The word is your oyster at Island Sands Inn. The Ritz-Carlton If you're a glutton for luxury, you'd be hard-pressed to find any hotel as opulent as the Ritz-Carlton. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, this beachfront property has arguably the best views of any hotel in the city. All hotel rooms have a balcony for a million-dollar gaze at the water, while an infinity pool and luxury spa treatments give the Ritz-Carlton a touch of class that leaves nothing to be desired. Select from a guest room, a suite, or a residential suite complete with a kitchen and living area to create an experience unlike any other. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, Egyptian cotton bedding, flat-screen televisions with cable programming, and decor that screams high-roller. Without a doubt, the Ritz is the place to go to be seen. Hotel Deauville Many Americans shy away from hostels when they travel, but these affordable hotels are an amazing way to save money and meet people from all over the world. Located 3 miles from Las Olas Boulevard, Hotel Deauville is a bit off the beaten path, but with an Uber ride of just a few bucks, you can still save money over places in the city center. An open-air courtyard with a swimming pool is the centerpiece for this hostel, affording ample opportunity to fraternize with other guests or plan your next trip to one of the city's attractions or hot destinations. Free Wi-Fi, a barbecue area, and lounging chairs ensure you're never in your room for too long. If you choose to hang out inside, choose from dorm-style accommodation, single rooms, or private rooms with an en suite bathroom. Whether you love room service at midnight, a quiet place away from the crowds, or something right on Las Olas Boulevard, you can get it all on a weekend trip or a month-long getaway in Fort Lauderdale.