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Bring out the pumpkin spice lattes and jack-o'-lanterns. Fall may be a few months away, but it's never too early to get yourself pumped for the upcoming season. In Fort Lauderdale, that means marking your calendar with fun fairs and festivals guaranteed to help you ring in autumn in the best ways possible. Here are some of the coolest events to jot down for fall. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival For the past four years, the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival has welcomed families to a day of fun activities, food tastings, and live entertainment. It returns once again on Sept. 21 at Esplanade Park from noon to 4 p.m., with these hours dedicated to you having a great time. Here you can browse the arts and crafts stalls, grab a snack from your local food truck, and let the kids enjoy fall-inspired activities like face painting and pumpkin decorating. Esplanade Park is also set to host a special trick-or-treat event right before Halloween. Make sure you bring the kids along for this one, and don't forget to check out other autumn-themed festivals happening this October. Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes The Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes is an annual 5K walk that brings in thousands of participants each year. Its mission is to raise money for the American Diabetes Association and bring awareness to the disease. This year the walk will take place on Oct. 19 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Huizenga Plaza/Bubier Park. more Along the route you'll see fully stocked rest stops and markers to guide you to the finish line. There are also different fundraising prizes to give out and a fun kids zone with inflatables and face painting. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join. Las Olas Art Fair Art aficionados flock to Fort Lauderdale every fall for the annual Las Olas Art Fair. And 2019 marks the 32nd anniversary of this nationally recognized event. This year's festivities will take place between Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free public event promises hours of art gazing, with pieces designed by 300-plus artists across a handful of different mediums, including painting, sculpture, and wearable art. You'll also have a chance to interact with the artists, commission a piece, and find out more about how each idea came to life. Plus, there are several art galleries, boutiques, and cafes lining the boulevard. Be sure to check them out before you go. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Returning to Savor Cinema this fall, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) celebrates its 34th year with a new round of brilliant big screen productions. From Nov. 1 to 17, the theater will host evening film screenings featuring award-winning documentaries, short motion pictures, captivating foreign films, and more. Support local and nationally recognized filmmakers looking to promote their latest artistic vision. Cheer on actors and supporting cast members as they compete for top awards. And meet some legendary greats while you're at it. Former FLIFF guests include Bryan Cranston (AMC's "Breaking Bad"), Christopher Plummer ("The Sound of Music"), and Hollywood sweetheart Audrey Hepburn ("Breakfast at Tiffany's"). Autumn isn't here yet, but our excitement for these Fort Lauderdale festivities can be felt from miles away. Image via Flickr by Doubbt used under CC By

Bring out the pumpkin spice lattes and jack-o'-lanterns. Fall may be a few months away, but it's never too early to get yourself pumped for the upcoming season. In Fort Lauderdale, that means marking your calendar with fun fairs and festivals guaranteed to help you ring in autumn in the best ways possible. Here are some of the coolest events to jot down for fall. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival For the past four years, the Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Fall Festival has welcomed families to a day of fun activities, food tastings, and live entertainment. It returns once again on Sept. 21 at Esplanade Park from noon to 4 p.m., with these hours dedicated to you having a great time. Here you can browse the arts and crafts stalls, grab a snack from your local food truck, and let the kids enjoy fall-inspired activities like face painting and pumpkin decorating. Esplanade Park is also set to host a special trick-or-treat event right before Halloween. Make sure you bring the kids along for this one, and don't forget to check out other autumn-themed festivals happening this October. Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes The Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes is an annual 5K walk that brings in thousands of participants each year. Its mission is to raise money for the American Diabetes Association and bring awareness to the disease. This year the walk will take place on Oct. 19 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Huizenga Plaza/Bubier Park. more Along the route you'll see fully stocked rest stops and markers to guide you to the finish line. There are also different fundraising prizes to give out and a fun kids zone with inflatables and face painting. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join. Las Olas Art Fair Art aficionados flock to Fort Lauderdale every fall for the annual Las Olas Art Fair. And 2019 marks the 32nd anniversary of this nationally recognized event. This year's festivities will take place between Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free public event promises hours of art gazing, with pieces designed by 300-plus artists across a handful of different mediums, including painting, sculpture, and wearable art. You'll also have a chance to interact with the artists, commission a piece, and find out more about how each idea came to life. Plus, there are several art galleries, boutiques, and cafes lining the boulevard. Be sure to check them out before you go. Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Returning to Savor Cinema this fall, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) celebrates its 34th year with a new round of brilliant big screen productions. From Nov. 1 to 17, the theater will host evening film screenings featuring award-winning documentaries, short motion pictures, captivating foreign films, and more. Support local and nationally recognized filmmakers looking to promote their latest artistic vision. Cheer on actors and supporting cast members as they compete for top awards. And meet some legendary greats while you're at it. Former FLIFF guests include Bryan Cranston (AMC's "Breaking Bad"), Christopher Plummer ("The Sound of Music"), and Hollywood sweetheart Audrey Hepburn ("Breakfast at Tiffany's"). Autumn isn't here yet, but our excitement for these Fort Lauderdale festivities can be felt from miles away. Image via Flickr by Doubbt used under CC By

There are many small cars on the market today. The more you look around the more evident it will become that the 2020 Kia Soul will be your favorite. From performance to comfort, technology to safety, the 2020 Kia Soul has been redesigned to include everything you ever wanted in a small car. Performance The Kia Soul's 2.0-liter dual overhead camshaft, 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine has plenty of get-up-and-go, producing 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Want more? Check out the Kia GT-Line Turbo model and see what 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm feels like. The LX trim comes with a 6-speed manual transmission while all the rest come standard with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with the exception of the turbocharged model. That one boasts Kia's 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DVT). This front-wheel-drive crossover handles great. Electric, Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) with MacPherson struts and gas shock absorbers can handle the highway or back road, or even that dirt road to your favorite fishing hole. The GT-Line Turbo comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension for superior performance in those tight corners. more Style & Comfort The newly redesigned Kia Soul still sports its signature high-hatchback rear and snub nose front end, but with a few new tweaks. Brake lights that wrap nearly entirely around the rear window give the 2020 Soul an unmistakable look. The Kia's coolness factor remains high with available features like two-tone roof treatment packages, hot stamping type front grilles, chrome tipped center exhaust, projector beam headlights, and privacy/solar glass. Roll out on 16- or 18-inch wheels, available in steel or alloy, or go for the 18-inch black spoke wheels that are available only on the EX trim. Most models come standard with Kia's premium Tricot cloth seats. The EX and GT-Line Turbo comes standard with Kia's SOFINO leatherette with red accents. A 6-way or 10-way power adjustable driver seat, heated leather steering wheel, and leather-wrapped shift knob are just a few of the many premium touches available. Safety The Kia Soul comes standard with dual front, side and full-length curtain air bags. The 4-wheel disc ABS system coupled with Kia's Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) systems help keep you safe on the road. The Kia Soul also has an available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detect (FCA-PED) system that works independently of the driver. In critical situations, the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes to help lessen the force of impact with a pedestrian or in a crash. The available Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system makes slight steering adjustments, keeping you in the proper lane if you drift. The available Blind Spot Collision Warning (BSCW) system will alert you with visual and audio alerts if it senses a vehicle in your blind spot. With over six different trims to choose from, there is sure to be a Kia Soul for every ... soul. If you're ready to do some soul searching of your own, come test drive one today.

There are many small cars on the market today. The more you look around the more evident it will become that the 2020 Kia Soul will be your favorite. From performance to comfort, technology to safety, the 2020 Kia Soul has been redesigned to include everything you ever wanted in a small car. Performance The Kia Soul's 2.0-liter dual overhead camshaft, 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine has plenty of get-up-and-go, producing 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Want more? Check out the Kia GT-Line Turbo model and see what 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm feels like. The LX trim comes with a 6-speed manual transmission while all the rest come standard with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with the exception of the turbocharged model. That one boasts Kia's 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DVT). This front-wheel-drive crossover handles great. Electric, Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) with MacPherson struts and gas shock absorbers can handle the highway or back road, or even that dirt road to your favorite fishing hole. The GT-Line Turbo comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension for superior performance in those tight corners. more Style & Comfort The newly redesigned Kia Soul still sports its signature high-hatchback rear and snub nose front end, but with a few new tweaks. Brake lights that wrap nearly entirely around the rear window give the 2020 Soul an unmistakable look. The Kia's coolness factor remains high with available features like two-tone roof treatment packages, hot stamping type front grilles, chrome tipped center exhaust, projector beam headlights, and privacy/solar glass. Roll out on 16- or 18-inch wheels, available in steel or alloy, or go for the 18-inch black spoke wheels that are available only on the EX trim. Most models come standard with Kia's premium Tricot cloth seats. The EX and GT-Line Turbo comes standard with Kia's SOFINO leatherette with red accents. A 6-way or 10-way power adjustable driver seat, heated leather steering wheel, and leather-wrapped shift knob are just a few of the many premium touches available. Safety The Kia Soul comes standard with dual front, side and full-length curtain air bags. The 4-wheel disc ABS system coupled with Kia's Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) systems help keep you safe on the road. The Kia Soul also has an available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detect (FCA-PED) system that works independently of the driver. In critical situations, the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes to help lessen the force of impact with a pedestrian or in a crash. The available Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) system makes slight steering adjustments, keeping you in the proper lane if you drift. The available Blind Spot Collision Warning (BSCW) system will alert you with visual and audio alerts if it senses a vehicle in your blind spot. With over six different trims to choose from, there is sure to be a Kia Soul for every ... soul. If you're ready to do some soul searching of your own, come test drive one today.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has always been known for its beautiful beaches and oceanside activities. But did you know that Fort Lauderdale has an amazing art culture? Here are a few of the finest museums and galleries Fort Lauderdale has to offer. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Founded in 1958, the NSU Art Museum has been exhibiting visual art encompassing all facets of civilization's history. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's vibrant Las Olas Boulevard art district, the museum is steps away from shops and restaurants and the popular Riverwalk scene. With over 25,000 square feet of exhibition space, the NSU Art Museum is packed with art work from around the globe. The museum's collection began with African, Native American, and Oceanic works of art. It now includes the largest collection of Post World War II art, an array of Latin American and Cuban art, and the largest collection from William J. Glackens, an early American modernist and leader of the famous Ashcan School. The museum is also proud of its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from women and multicultural artists. The NSU Art Museum is located at the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue, across from Huizenga Plaza. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sundays from Noon until 5 p.m., and is closed Mondays. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and military personnel, and is free for children under 12. more Mockingbird Trail If it's art adventure you are seeking, the Mockingbird Trail is the perfect afternoon activity. The Mockingbird Trail is an 8-mile urban art trail over verdant walkways through parks where you can see dozens of outdoor art exhibits. What's more, you must follow the trail of the Mockingbird through clues left in the form of concrete and steel artwork left throughout the neighborhood. Follow the clues and track the bird to connect with Florida's flora and fauna and learn all about the neighborhood's rich art history. F.A.T. Village If it's local art you're after, visiting F.A.T. (Flagler + Arts + Technology) Village is a must. Three warehouses are chock-full of exhibits from local artist and artisans. Known as Fort Lauderdale's creative enclave, you can come here to view some of the most creative works the country has to offer and buy whatever catches your eye. In addition to the galleries, they host an art walk on the last Saturday of every month from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at Northwest First Avenue between Andrews Avenue and Fifth and Sixth Streets. Galleries close at 10:00 p.m., so be sure to visit your favorites early. F.A.T. Village is located at 521 Northwest First Ave. in Fort Lauderdale and the gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. There are numerous exhibitions on display during normal business hours. Whether you are visiting Fort Lauderdale or if you live there, if you have a passion for art and a sense of adventure, you should check out these great destinations to see the best art Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Image via Flickr by Elvert Barnes used under CC By

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has always been known for its beautiful beaches and oceanside activities. But did you know that Fort Lauderdale has an amazing art culture? Here are a few of the finest museums and galleries Fort Lauderdale has to offer. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Founded in 1958, the NSU Art Museum has been exhibiting visual art encompassing all facets of civilization's history. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's vibrant Las Olas Boulevard art district, the museum is steps away from shops and restaurants and the popular Riverwalk scene. With over 25,000 square feet of exhibition space, the NSU Art Museum is packed with art work from around the globe. The museum's collection began with African, Native American, and Oceanic works of art. It now includes the largest collection of Post World War II art, an array of Latin American and Cuban art, and the largest collection from William J. Glackens, an early American modernist and leader of the famous Ashcan School. The museum is also proud of its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from women and multicultural artists. The NSU Art Museum is located at the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue, across from Huizenga Plaza. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sundays from Noon until 5 p.m., and is closed Mondays. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and military personnel, and is free for children under 12. more Mockingbird Trail If it's art adventure you are seeking, the Mockingbird Trail is the perfect afternoon activity. The Mockingbird Trail is an 8-mile urban art trail over verdant walkways through parks where you can see dozens of outdoor art exhibits. What's more, you must follow the trail of the Mockingbird through clues left in the form of concrete and steel artwork left throughout the neighborhood. Follow the clues and track the bird to connect with Florida's flora and fauna and learn all about the neighborhood's rich art history. F.A.T. Village If it's local art you're after, visiting F.A.T. (Flagler + Arts + Technology) Village is a must. Three warehouses are chock-full of exhibits from local artist and artisans. Known as Fort Lauderdale's creative enclave, you can come here to view some of the most creative works the country has to offer and buy whatever catches your eye. In addition to the galleries, they host an art walk on the last Saturday of every month from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. at Northwest First Avenue between Andrews Avenue and Fifth and Sixth Streets. Galleries close at 10:00 p.m., so be sure to visit your favorites early. F.A.T. Village is located at 521 Northwest First Ave. in Fort Lauderdale and the gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. There are numerous exhibitions on display during normal business hours. Whether you are visiting Fort Lauderdale or if you live there, if you have a passion for art and a sense of adventure, you should check out these great destinations to see the best art Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Image via Flickr by Elvert Barnes used under CC By

Named "Best in Show" by Cars.com at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the 2020 Kia Telluride started ahead of the pack. The all-new Telluride earned the honors with a comfortable and spacious cabin, technological superiority, and luxurious details. With four trim levels to choose from, the Telluride is sure to please even the most discerning driver. Here's a look at those trim levels and their various options. LX Trim Powered by the Lambda 3.8-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT), the Telluride puts out an impressive 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission and Sportsmatic Sports Shifter will keep your Telluride smoothly shifting gears no matter where the road takes you. The LX seats eight passengers with its three rows of SOFINO leatherette trimmed seats. Both the second- and third-row seats feature split 60/40 folding ability, with the second-row seats feature easy folding and storing with Kia's one-touch technology. Dual climate zones with separate controls keep everyone in their own comfort zone. Kia's UVO link keeps your smartphone connected. Also standard is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Telluride also features collision warning systems from the front, side, and rear of the vehicle. Lane Keep Assist systems and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems add to the safety package. more S Trim The S Trim also comes with the Lambda 3.8-liter engine that rolls down the road on 20-inch wheels instead of the 18-inch wheels on the LX Trim. Seating capacity drops to seven, but the second-row seats are replaced with upgraded captain's chairs and a center console with drink holders. Heated front seats are also standard. The S Trim comes standard with a power sunroof, low profile roof racks, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and front and rear skid plates. Also standard is the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar support. Both the LX and S Trims come with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) systems to keep you safe and in control. EX Trim All the Telluride trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the EX comes with the all-important tow-hitch pre-installed. The EX UVO link comes with enhanced navigation features and a 10.25-inch touch-screen display. In addition to the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, the EX comes standard with an 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat. Both have leatherette trim available. The EX second row also features integrated window sunshades. SX Trim The SX Trim builds off the same powertrain as the others. Additional bells and whistles include electronic parking brake, dual sunroofs, 20-inch alloy wheels and a supervision meter cluster with a 7-inch LCD display. Equipped with a Harman/Kardon 10-speaker premium audio system and mood lighting in 64 colors, your ride down the road will feel like a night on the town. There are so many cool things to like about the new Telluride that you really need to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Come out and test drive one today. Image via Flickr by JLaw45 used under CC By

Named "Best in Show" by Cars.com at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the 2020 Kia Telluride started ahead of the pack. The all-new Telluride earned the honors with a comfortable and spacious cabin, technological superiority, and luxurious details. With four trim levels to choose from, the Telluride is sure to please even the most discerning driver. Here's a look at those trim levels and their various options. LX Trim Powered by the Lambda 3.8-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT), the Telluride puts out an impressive 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission and Sportsmatic Sports Shifter will keep your Telluride smoothly shifting gears no matter where the road takes you. The LX seats eight passengers with its three rows of SOFINO leatherette trimmed seats. Both the second- and third-row seats feature split 60/40 folding ability, with the second-row seats feature easy folding and storing with Kia's one-touch technology. Dual climate zones with separate controls keep everyone in their own comfort zone. Kia's UVO link keeps your smartphone connected. Also standard is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Telluride also features collision warning systems from the front, side, and rear of the vehicle. Lane Keep Assist systems and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems add to the safety package. more S Trim The S Trim also comes with the Lambda 3.8-liter engine that rolls down the road on 20-inch wheels instead of the 18-inch wheels on the LX Trim. Seating capacity drops to seven, but the second-row seats are replaced with upgraded captain's chairs and a center console with drink holders. Heated front seats are also standard. The S Trim comes standard with a power sunroof, low profile roof racks, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and front and rear skid plates. Also standard is the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar support. Both the LX and S Trims come with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) systems to keep you safe and in control. EX Trim All the Telluride trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the EX comes with the all-important tow-hitch pre-installed. The EX UVO link comes with enhanced navigation features and a 10.25-inch touch-screen display. In addition to the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, the EX comes standard with an 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat. Both have leatherette trim available. The EX second row also features integrated window sunshades. SX Trim The SX Trim builds off the same powertrain as the others. Additional bells and whistles include electronic parking brake, dual sunroofs, 20-inch alloy wheels and a supervision meter cluster with a 7-inch LCD display. Equipped with a Harman/Kardon 10-speaker premium audio system and mood lighting in 64 colors, your ride down the road will feel like a night on the town. There are so many cool things to like about the new Telluride that you really need to see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Come out and test drive one today. Image via Flickr by JLaw45 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

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

Whether you live in Ft. Lauderdale or are just visiting, you don't want to miss an opportunity to visit Las Olas Blvd. Winding its way along the beautiful New River, there's plenty to see and do on this exciting thoroughfare. Let's take a look at some of the main attractions. NSU Art Museum NSU Art Museum, part of Nova Southeastern University, is home to the country's largest collection of paintings and drawings by American artist William Glackens, as well as several pieces by the world's leading Latin American artists. This Las Olas gem also plays host to several special exhibits, events, lectures, and films throughout the year. If exploring the museum's 25,000 square feet of exhibition space makes you work up an appetite, grab a salad or sandwich at the museum cafe. Before you leave stop by the museum store, where you'll find unique gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Riverwalk Recreation The Riverwalk Linear Park, in conjunction with the Riverwalk Recreation program, offers visitors a chance to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities in a beautiful waterfront setting. Paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles, and segways are all available to rent or you can bring your own. Other activities include dog training, photography, and yoga classes. The Riverwalk hosts several events throughout the year including the Burger Battle, jazz concerts, and fun runs. more Las Olas Wine & Food Festival The Las Olas Wine & Food Festival, held every April, gives attendees the opportunity to sample dishes from more than 50 of South Florida's finest restaurants and enjoy a variety of beer, wine, and spirits. You can also dance the night away at a silent disco party or chill out in a 1920s-style speakeasy while enjoying the sounds of a three-piece jazz band. Diehard foodies will especially enjoy the festival's meet and greet sessions with participating chefs. Las Olas Art Fair The Las Olas Art Fair, held every October, is ranked one of the top 100 art festivals in the country. Attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase a diverse selection of sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and so much more. You can also meet the artists, discuss their techniques, and even commission specific pieces. In addition to the eclectic mix of art, the fair also features musicians and food and beverage vendors. Riverfront Gondola Tours One of the best ways to explore Ft. Lauderdale is by boat. Riverfront Gondola Tours offers several different routes to choose from, each offering unique sights. Tour highlights include one of the oldest swing bridges in Florida, the mega yachts docked in Bahia Del Mar Marina, and an airline jetliner that has been converted into a house. You'll also see tropical birds, iguanas, and manatees. All of Riverfront Gondola Tours' captains are very knowledgeable about the area's history, architecture, and waterways and are happy to answer any questions you might have during the tour. These are just some of the awesome activities you'll find along Las Olas Blvd. Consider planning a trip so you can see for yourself just what makes it so special. Image via Flickr by osseous used under CC By

Whether you live in Ft. Lauderdale or are just visiting, you don't want to miss an opportunity to visit Las Olas Blvd. Winding its way along the beautiful New River, there's plenty to see and do on this exciting thoroughfare. Let's take a look at some of the main attractions. NSU Art Museum NSU Art Museum, part of Nova Southeastern University, is home to the country's largest collection of paintings and drawings by American artist William Glackens, as well as several pieces by the world's leading Latin American artists. This Las Olas gem also plays host to several special exhibits, events, lectures, and films throughout the year. If exploring the museum's 25,000 square feet of exhibition space makes you work up an appetite, grab a salad or sandwich at the museum cafe. Before you leave stop by the museum store, where you'll find unique gifts and souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Riverwalk Recreation The Riverwalk Linear Park, in conjunction with the Riverwalk Recreation program, offers visitors a chance to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities in a beautiful waterfront setting. Paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles, and segways are all available to rent or you can bring your own. Other activities include dog training, photography, and yoga classes. The Riverwalk hosts several events throughout the year including the Burger Battle, jazz concerts, and fun runs. more Las Olas Wine & Food Festival The Las Olas Wine & Food Festival, held every April, gives attendees the opportunity to sample dishes from more than 50 of South Florida's finest restaurants and enjoy a variety of beer, wine, and spirits. You can also dance the night away at a silent disco party or chill out in a 1920s-style speakeasy while enjoying the sounds of a three-piece jazz band. Diehard foodies will especially enjoy the festival's meet and greet sessions with participating chefs. Las Olas Art Fair The Las Olas Art Fair, held every October, is ranked one of the top 100 art festivals in the country. Attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase a diverse selection of sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and so much more. You can also meet the artists, discuss their techniques, and even commission specific pieces. In addition to the eclectic mix of art, the fair also features musicians and food and beverage vendors. Riverfront Gondola Tours One of the best ways to explore Ft. Lauderdale is by boat. Riverfront Gondola Tours offers several different routes to choose from, each offering unique sights. Tour highlights include one of the oldest swing bridges in Florida, the mega yachts docked in Bahia Del Mar Marina, and an airline jetliner that has been converted into a house. You'll also see tropical birds, iguanas, and manatees. All of Riverfront Gondola Tours' captains are very knowledgeable about the area's history, architecture, and waterways and are happy to answer any questions you might have during the tour. These are just some of the awesome activities you'll find along Las Olas Blvd. Consider planning a trip so you can see for yourself just what makes it so special. Image via Flickr by osseous used under CC By