Fort Lauderdale

Super Bowl Boys Weekend

February 5th, 2010 | By Josh Lew | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

Miami is an exciting place to visit. When you add the fact that the city will host the Super Bowl, and all the festivities surrounding it, it goes from a good wintertime destination to a unbelievably desirable one. Because there are so many events, it wouldn’t be a mistake to head to Miami for the first week of February even if you don’t have Super Bowl tickets.

Grab your best friends and head to the Sunshine State for a “boys weekend out.” You’ll be guaranteed great food, the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities and NFL legends, and plenty of places to party the night away. And, when it comes time to watch the big game on Sunday evening, there will be no shortage of sports bars where you can stake out your seat before kick-off.

Eats

  • Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant is one of the more popular eateries in Miami. It is open during the winter, when fresh stone crab are readily available. Crab claws and crab cakes are the stars of the menu, with a host of other seafood options available at reasonable prices (in the $20-$30 range).
  • Havana Harry’s is a popular Cuban eatery in Coral Gables. Its steaks are the highlight of a menu that features decent portions and reasonable prices. The atmosphere is welcoming and fun. If you don’t want to learn your Spanish and head to one of those hole-in-the-wall authentic Little Havana eateries, this is the one place that will be worth your time and money.
  • Bulldog Barbecue, in North Miami, was rated highly by Bon Apatite Magazine and was also recognized as the best barbecue joint in Miami by local media. With prices at $20 and under, it is a reasonable option. If you’ve already tried one of those high end eateries in town, you’ll appreciate the no-frills vibe and unpretentious atmosphere at Bulldog.

Nightlife

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida is hosting a series of pre-Super Bowl events at its Passion Nightclub. The mix of entertainment includes appearances by celebrity guests, athletes and Playboy models. The always popular Lingerie Football League will be holding two “games” during Super Bowl week. Rapper Ludacris will be hosting a Super Bowl “after party” at Passion on February 7th after the game has ended.

Where to Stay

Though the best hotels in Miami are located near the beach, there are plenty of options in the vicinity of Sun Life Stadium. Chains are well represented with Holiday Inn, Marriot and Best Western all part of the line-up. Of course, if you don’t have tickets (or a thousand dollars to spend on them), perhaps the boutique hotels in Miami Beach or the many offerings in Fort Lauderdale are a better option.

Meet Football Greats

If you want to rub shoulders with NFL legends, your best bet is the NFL Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic on the Thursday prior to the Super Bowl. Past superstars like Richard Dent and Lynn Swann will be hitting the lanes. The public is allowed to participate (for a price of $300). All of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to charity.

Sports Bars

  • Hot Shots, a bar with 65 TVs, located in Sunrise, Florida (in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale), is hosting a large Super Bowl party. Cover charge is only $10, Not only does that price get you in the door, but there will be free appetizers and a complimentary drink served in a collectors glass.
  • Miami’s Tom’s NFL Bar will be putting on a Super Bowl fest with drinks and giveaways.
  • Mr. Moe’s, a popular sports bar in Coconut Grove, is known for its classic “bar food” and welcoming ambiance.
  • Corbett’s Sports Bar and Grill is also known for its classic bar eats. But it has one of the best drink selections of any sports bar in the city. If you want to watch the game while tasting different micro-brews or sampling some of the bars many brands of tequila, this is your place.

You and your friends don’t really even have to be “sports guys” to have fun in South Florida during Super Bowl week. The game is the biggest part of the festivities, of course. But there is so much else going on – both Super Bowl-related and every-day Miami fun – that football is only part of the story. If you are lucky enough to have tickets to the game, it will be worthwhile to head south a couple of days early to take party in all the pre-game festivities.

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Hard Rock Hotel Image: Michele EveStone India Pale Ale: Ruben I.

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4 Things to Know About Super Bowl 44

February 4th, 2010 | By Josh Lew | Posted in Destinations | No Comments »

Super Bowl 44 will take place in Miami on February 7th. This will be the 10th time that pro football’s most important game is held in South Florida. However, it will be the first time that the Pro Bowl held a week earlier, takes place in the Sunshine State. Both games will be contested at Sun Life Stadium (formerly known as Dolphins Stadium).

The Super Bowl will feature the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. This is the second Super Bowl appearance in four years for the Colts, who are led by perennial all-star quarterback Peyton Manning. The Colts will be heavily favored because of their post-season experience and their solid performances during the play-offs. The Saints, headed by quarterback Drew Brees and running back Reggie Bush, had to go into overtime to edge past the Minnesota Vikings to qualify for the game. This is the first Super Bowl appearance for the New Orleans franchise.

At this writing, tickets for the big game are still available. But they are the most sought-after stubs in sports. On secondary markets like eBay and Stub Hub, tickets are being sold at more than twice face value. At this point, fans would be hard-pressed to make it into Sun Life Stadium on February 7th for less than $1,000.

Of course, you don’t have to go to the Game to enjoy an early February vacation in Miami. There are plenty of Super Bowl-themed events taking place during the week.

Where to Stay

  • The Ritz Carlton South Beach offers the luxury experience that travelers have come to expect from the famous hotel brand. The design and décor put a modern spin on the art deco style that South Beach is known for. Because it sits right on the beach, the location is more than perfect for people who want some sun during the day and easy access to South Beach’s famous nightlife after the sun goes down. The in-house spa, restaurant and luxurious poolside amenities round out the upscale experience. Rooms start at $299 per night.
  • The Delano Hotel’s classic Mediterranean ambiance offers an alternative to the usual four-star hotel. This oceanfront Miami Beach property was named after former president FDR. This classy boutique hotel’s highlights include a much-lauded lounge, the Florida Room, a respectable menu of in-house eateries and a penthouse spa.
  • Of course, Miami is not just filled with four and five star inns. The classic Avalon Hotel, an art deco structure that was renovated in 1997, offers the basics in a great location near the beach for $89 per night. A popular restaurant, free internet access and continental breakfast put the Avalon slightly ahead of all those standard mid-priced chain hotels.

Where to Eat

  • Emeril Lagasse brings his popular brand of Cajun cuisine to Miami with Emeril’s Miami Beach. This centrally-located eatery boasts dishes created by the popular celebrity chef.
  • Meat lovers can get their fix at Porcao, an authentic Brazilian meatery with a slightly upscale vibe. Guests are encouraged to try different dishes because the fixed price menu includes unlimited dishes. The restaurant also has a good wine list and plenty of Brazilian-themed cocktails.
  • La Caretta is a successful chain of Cuban restaurants serving authentic dishes. The eight locations are especially popular because of their Cuban sandwiches and soups. The busy dining rooms are also good places to people watch.
  • For lunch, the tiny Matahari Café in Downtown Miami offers cheap, tasty Indonesian fare to the city’s white collar workforce. Lunch specials are just six or seven dollars, with nothing on the menu topping $10.
  • Little Havana has many Cuban eateries that are light on prices but not on quality and authenticity. In some of these places, you may need a basic knowledge of Spanish to read the menu and place your order. There are an increasing number of Puerto Rican restaurants in this district as well.

Events

  • Miami is a happening place during the winter travel season, The year, Super Bowl-related events up the ante even further. Some of these are only for football fans, while others are for anyone who likes to have good time. You don’t have to go to the big game to get a taste of the action.
  • VH1 will be presenting Super Bowl Fan Jam on February 4th in Miami Beach. R&B superstar Rihanna has been announced as the headlining act, while entertainment TV reporter Nancy O’Dell will be taking care of the hosting duties. Pepsi Musica is slated to put a Latin spin on the celebrations with a February 5th concert.
  • Super Bowl Saturday Night will take place in Fort Lauderdale on (fittingly) Super Bowl Eve, February 6th. The event is free and will feature live music and a lengthy fireworks display.

Football

Tickets to the Pro Bowl are available at reasonable prices. You will also still be able to find Super Bowl tickets, but these are prohibitively expensive, even for die-hard fans seeking a once in a lifetime experience. You can expect to spend four figures just to get through the gate on February 7th.

Sun Life Stadium is located near two toll roads, Highway 91 and Highway 823. Parking is available, but prices for a space near the stadium are over $100. Two alternatives are to find a hotel near the stadium or take a taxi to the game. Taxi prices will be about $50 one-way. Major hotel chains near the stadium include Best Western, Holiday Inn and Marriot.

Even if you cannot afford to go the Super Bowl itself, the special events and festive atmosphere will make early February an exciting time to take a trip to South Florida.

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NFL: New Orleans Saints

Miami Hotel Glowing Image: Chris O’Brien

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Miami: Add Super Bowl 2010 to Its Top Attractions

February 3rd, 2010 | By Josh Lew | Posted in Destinations | No Comments »

The Super Bowl in Miami will be the biggest event so far this year. The game itself is one of the most watched sporting contests in the world and there are plenty of football-related events in the week leading up to kick-off. Of course, South Florida is currently at the peak of tourist season, making a combined Super Bowl/Gold Coast vacation an attractive proposition.

The Super Bowl will be taking place on February 7th, while the Pro Bowl will kick-off a week of celebrations on the evening of January 31st. Concerts and fireworks displays will join the usual list of Gold Coast attractions vying for a space on visitors’ itineraries.

Miami’s Nightlife

  • Miami is known for its nightlife. South Beach is the epicenter of the after-dark scene. It features every form of entertainment from nightclubs catering to the city’s scene-makers to hip lounges and restaurants that turn into salsa hotspots after the kitchen closes.
  • Mansion is a dance club that is popular with well-heeled tourists as well as locals. Top-notch international DJs are likely to be onstage during the weekend dance parties. This is one of those hard-to-get-into, velvet-rope venues, though South Beach hotels are sometimes able to provide guests with preferred access. Check at the front desk or with the concierge.
  • La Covacha is a Miami institution known for its high energy dance floor and great Latin music. The crowds are bound to include celebrities during Super Bowl week celebrations, but the atmosphere will remain less pretentious than you might expect.
  • Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Place is a reasonable alternative to Miami’s nighttime hotspots. There is a strip of popular restaurants and bars across from the beach in the city’s center. The nightly proceedings are not as over-the-top as what you might find in Miami, but that could be seen as a good thing, especially if you are in search of a more low-key (but still fun) night on the town.
  • Also, the Wyndwood Arts District is a good place to find some after-hours fun. The neighborhood is known for its all-night parties, sometimes held in warehouses or local clubs. Not all of these events are styled after counter-culture “raves.” A recent night of music and dancing, for example, was hosted by rap luminary Dr. Dre.

Restaurants

  • Cuban food is prevalent in the Gold Coast area. Miami’s Little Havana district has restaurants that offer authentic fare for reasonable prices. However, you may need to know a bit of Spanish to get good service because many of these cafés are “locals-only.” Bongo Cuban Café, partially owned by former pop star Gloria Estefan, offers an accessible and fun Cuban cuisine experience. A major plus: there is Latin dancing after dinner. If you don’t want to bar crawl, this a good place to spend an entire evening.
  • Fort Lauderdale’s Canyon Southwestern Café is a well-reviewed restaurant with an impressive Southwestern/international fusion cuisine. Of course, the menu is often overshadowed in guests’ eyes by the wide variety of tequilas and numerous margarita concoctions.
  • The Palm Beach area is destination number one for seafood lovers. Oysters are virtually everywhere, with City Oyster and Spoto’s Oyster Bar dishing out the best half-shells. Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the city. Dishes are reasonable, but a lengthy wait for a table is part of the price you have to pay.

More Special Events

  • Hip hop act Black Eyed Peas will be performing at American Airlines Arena on Super Bowl Eve, February 6th. The arena will be hosting a different sort of completion on February 4th, when an MMA Battle of the Americas takes place.
  • The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida is hosting a full slate of Super Bowl related events, including concerts by the likes of BB King (February 2nd), appearances by athletes and celebrities, and nightly parties at the on-site Passion Nightclub.

The Game

The Super Bowl itself is Miami’s main event. Of the millions who watch the big game around the world, only a few tens of thousands actually get to witness it live. However, even if you can’t get through the gate at Sun Life Stadium, it is possible to get a taste of the festivities from the many events taking place during the week of pre-game celebrations. With the numerous attractions already drawing visitors to Miami, the Bowl is just one more reason to hop on the plane and embark on a South Florida getaway.

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Little Havana Image: David BoyleMojito at Deco Drive Cigars: Miamism

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Family Super Bowl Vacation

February 2nd, 2010 | By Josh Lew | Posted in Family Travel | No Comments »

Miami is not necessarily known as a family-friendly destination. Images of the city are often dominated by raucous nightlife, exclusive restaurants and scantily-clad beach-goers. However, South Florida has a surprising number of family-friendly attractions. The list of kid-centric activities will be lengthened this year when the Super Bowl comes to town. Concerts and tail-gate parties will vie for itinerary spots with Miami vacation mainstays such as beaches, ice cream shops, outdoor adventures and family celebrations.

Super Bowl Attractions

  • Super Bowl Saturday Night, in Fort Lauderdale, will take place on February 6th. Admission is free. The events will include musical performances and other activities. The highlight, especially for younger attendees, will be the 20-minute long fireworks display at the end of the event.
  • Cuban food chain Pollo Tropical, which is located near Sun Life Stadium, where the Super Bowl will be held, will be hosting a family friendly tailgate party on the afernoon of the big game. The event will include prizes, games, and a giant inflatable “bounce house.” There will also be an attempt to get into the Guinness Books of World Records by creating the largest ever bowl of salsa.

Attractions

  • Miami MetroZoo is consistently ranked among the best zoos in the country. There are more than 260 species of animals. Many are kept in cage-less habitats, so they are free to roam over wide areas. This means that guests are able to view them in a more natural environment and see them behaving as they would in the wild. Feature residents include orangutans and tigers. There is also a 27 acre, 100 species Amazon and Beyond exhibit featuring three different rain forest eco-systems. Admission to the zoo is $16 for adults and $12 for kids.
  • Beaches might, at first glance, seem to not be the best places for families to hang out. While the skimpy swimwear and “meat-market” atmosphere pervades some stretches of sand, parents and kids will feel comfortable on most of the Gold Coast’s beaches. Crandon Park Beach is one of the better family-friendly sandy spots in Miami Dade. A sandbar protects the water in the swimming area from being too rough and wavy and the two-mile long beach is lined with concession stands. Adjacent to the beach is Crandon’s Family Amusement Center, which features a carousel and other carnival-type rides.
  • If you want to be outdoors, but don’t care to hit the beach, the Everglades National Park offers all sorts of outdoor adventures including diving, kayaking and hiking. Entrance is $10 per vehicle (good for 7 days after purchase). Camping is also possible for a $16 fee.

Eats

  • A number of restaurants in Hollywood, Florida celebrate children on the first Friday of each month by offering “kids eat free” deals. This month’s event will take place on Friday February 5th. There will also be a free movie showing and other activities in Anniversary Park, in downtown Hollywood. Check the official event web site for a list of participating restaurants.
  • There are several lesser-known chains that serve quality fare and are welcoming (and fun) for children. Pollo Tropical serves fast food, Cuban style. The entrees are healthy, compared to traditional fast food franchises and there are enough offerings that everyone will find something that fits their palette. Deli Lane is a smaller chain that serves a wide variety of sandwiches and treats. There are three locations in Miami. Prices are quite reasonable.
  • Whip ‘n Dip is a hugely popular ice cream shop. If you are coming during the Super Bowl celebrations, it will not be as busy as it is on hot summer evenings, but the atmosphere and quality of the sweet desserts are still likely to make it an instant family favorite.
  • A trip to Peace a Pizza is a family experience through and through. There are children’s movies playing on the big screens and a huge selection of pizzas to choose from. The décor might remind parents of the 1970s, but the atmosphere, as well as extras like balloons and toys, make this another sure bet for kids.


Outside Miami

Fort Lauderdale has plenty of beaches, as well as shopping and a more laid back atmosphere than Miami’s beachfront. The city will host some Super Bowl events including the large Super Bowl Saturday Night celebration (which is free). Fort Lauderdale might even be a good pl

ace to base your family because it is not as crowded as Miami’s main districts and there will be more late-

notice hotel availability during Super Bowl week. Sunny.org lists Fort Lauderdale attractions, including plenty of free activities.

Florida’s Gold Coast is filled with attractions for traveling families. The number of “must-do” activities will be higher than usual during Super Bowl week.

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All Your Pictures Are Belong to Us

Fort Lauderdale Beach: Miamism

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Oasis of the Seas Docks in Fort Lauderdale

November 28th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Adventure Travel | No Comments »

Oasis-Of-The-Sea-Port-EvergladesOasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has arrived safely at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship set sail from Finland in October 2009, and has finally made its way to the United States. Port Everglades serves as the ship’s homeport, and Captain William Wright has been keeping fans and passengers updated on the status of the ship’s arrival with daily video updates on www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Oasis of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean ship that has taken a 14-day translatlantic trip from Turku, Finland to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship made its national television premiere on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on November 20 and the a single night inaugural fundraiser, benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, is scheduled for Monday, November 30.

The Oasis of the Seas cruise ship is the first ship ever to be designed with a unique “neighborhood” floor plan where the ship is divided into seven different theme areas. These include Central Park, the Royal Promenade, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Entertainment Place and a Youth Zone. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities in each ‘zone’, and the ship has its own dedicated children’s area. Oasis of the Seas boasts 28 multilevel urban-style lofts with floor-to-ceiling windows, the first living park at sea, zip lines that race across the deck and through the open-air atrium, and an amphitheater style theater. Guests can also relax in a pool by day and enjoy oceanfront theater events at night.

The ship can carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy and has been designed with 2,700 staterooms. More information about the ship’s arrival and the floor plan of this unique ship can be found on The Oasis’s website and on Royal Caribbean’s website.

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Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

October 11th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Destinations | No Comments »

intracoastal-waterway-fort-lauderdaleOne of the best ways to explore Fort Lauderdale is to take a sightseeing tour of the Intracoastal Waterway. Several tour operators around the coast offer scenic cruises, yachting and sailboat trips around the pristine waters, and you can explore over 300 miles of water around the Atlantic Ocean. The waterways in Fort Lauderdale have been named the ‘Venice of America’ because they are surrounded by mansions, historic mangroves and tropical settings that boast scenic views of the coast.

If you enjoy paddling and self-guided tours, consider renting a kayak or taking a kayaking group excursion by night. These excursions are available year round, and will give you a chance to explore the Intracoastal Waterway from a fresh perspective.

Another option is to take a gondola ride along the waterfront to explore the attractions and enjoy the views. Gondola rides are available along the famous Las Olas Boulevard, and will give you a chance to enjoy the waterfront with a romantic, scenic ride just like the Venetian experience. Restaurants such as Stork’s Café along the waterway offer lunch and dinner cruise packages where visitors can enjoy a gourmet meal and then relax on the water with a romantic boat ride.

Take a half-day tour of the waters with an island getaway offered by Tropical Sailing. This company offers catamaran charters with two-hour Intracostal Waterway mansion tours, as well as champagne sunset cruises, snorkeling adventures and ocean sightseeing tours. Trips are available year round, and cost just $30 per adult. Call (954) 579-8181 for more information.
If you prefer to explore both land and sea in one trip, take the Fort Lauderdale Duck Tour. This tour takes you down Millionaire’s Row, the historical districts around the city, and along Las Olas Boulevard. Tours are available every day of the week, and are about 1 ½ hours in length. Call (954) 761-4002 for more information.

Enjoy a dinner cruise with the Jungle Queen Riverboat adventure for an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet with a three-hour narrated sightseeing cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. This cruise is a fun way to explore the natural sights and sounds of the coast, and see rare birds and wildlife. The tour is available every day, and departs at 6 p.m. Call (954) 462-5596 for more information.

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Extended Stay Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

August 19th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Budget Travel | No Comments »

Fort Lauderdale is home to a convention center and is a short drive from the famous Pompano Beach. It’s also a popular destination for sun-seekers looking for a fun Florida vacation, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it all. Extended stay hotels are scattered throughout Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and in nearby Plantation, and these all-suite hotels serve as temporary apartments so that you can enjoy a real ‘home away from home experience.’ Extended stay hotels in Fort Lauderdale are furnished with full kitchens and other deluxe amenities you won’t always find at standard hotels.

fort-lauderdale-florida

Apartment-style hotels make it easy to make the most of your long visit to Fort Lauderdale, and enjoy easy access to area sites. The primary extended stay hotels in Fort Lauderdale are within a short drive to popular attractions and destinations including the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, Birch State Park, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Parker Playhouse. If you plan on taking a water taxi ride or a cruise out on the water, you can also enjoy easy access to the docks and Fort Lauderdale Beach from your hotel.

Fort Lauderdale extended stay hotels are great for business travelers heading to conferences at the convention center and other events around the city, but also cater to families and couples looking for affordable, clean and comfortable accommodations around the city. Most extended stay hotel suites are equipped with deluxe amenities and offer services such as a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, free or low-cost Wi-Fi Internet access, in-room coffeemakers, separate living and sleeping areas, and mail delivery services. Popular extended stay properties in Fort Lauderdale include the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Fort Lauderdale/Sunrise, the Extended Stay Deluxe in Cypress Creek, and the Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale – Plantation.

While you can find several hotels offering cheap accommodations throughout Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, extended stay hotels in Fort Lauderdale offer a wealth of attractive amenities and services, and all at an affordable price. They’re a great choice for budget travelers who plan to spend more than three or five days exploring Fort Lauderdale and area cities.

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