I moved to Greater Fort Lauderdale in the winter of 1989 because it was a magical place. I’m still here and so is the magic.

From October through May, the colours are more brilliant, the cultural and nightlife scenes are livelier, the smells are sweeter, and the special events calendar is filled to the brim. During the winter months, Greater Fort Lauderdale blossoms with singular joys not found anywhere else.

A Beehive of Activity

For example, take Las Olas Boulevard. When the sun sets, Fort Lauderdale’s fashionable boulevard, lined with sidewalk bistros, galleries and nightspots, becomes a non-stop energetic swirl of people and colour. And when the sun rises, Las Olas bustles with shoppers, diners, browsers and some of America’s best outdoor art festivals.

Only a few blocks away, the Himmarshee neighbourhood, site of the original settlement, has been faithfully restored and is now a trendy community with a palpable urban vibrancy.

At any time of the day, you’re treated to a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours. Observe them from the beach at John U. Lloyd State Park and watch a parade of cruise liners silhouetted against multi-hued tropical skies. 

In winter, the waters that surround Greater Fort Lauderdale become giant playgrounds. Hop on a Water Taxi that transports you all over town, on a charter fishing boat that whisks you out onto the Atlantic in search of a trophy catch, or on a sightseeing cruise up the New River or along the Intracoastal Waterway. If you prefer to stay on dry land, the downtown Riverwalk is a quiet urban sanctuary.

Everyone loves the anticipation of the cultural season, when you’ll rarely find a free day on the local events calendar. This winter and spring, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is hosting special exhibits such as “Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945–1968.” Nearby, the striking Broward Center for the Performing Arts is presenting blockbusters, such as The Book of Mormon.   

 In addition to cultural events and outdoor art shows, such as the Las Olas Art Fairs (I, II, and III), Greater Fort Lauderdale also hosts special events, such as the prestigious South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which includes a Taste Fort Lauderdale series from February 24–28.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is a slice of South Florida that still retains the magic I first felt when I arrived all those years ago. Although this town is now a sophisticated shopping, cruising, dining and cultural centre, it still retains a friendly small-town charm.

And as I browse the art galleries, cafés and funky boutiques along Las Olas or sample poutine on the Hollywood “Broadwalk” on a warm day filled with soft tropical colours, gentle breezes and aromas of a hundred different foods, I know there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. 

Travel Planner

To plan a magical getaway in Greater Fort Lauderdale, visit sunny.org.