Goodbye Spring Break…Hello Romance
Words by Carolyn Steere
Photos courtesy of The Westin Beach Resort, Ft.Lauderdale

Since the days of Connie Francis and the 1960’s hit movie, Where the Boys Are, Fort Lauderdale has been “Party Central” for college students on spring break. Revelry has been replaced by romance and thankfully the city has grown up, much like the multitudes who now only have clouded memories of their adolescent beachside antics. Known as the “Venice of America,” with 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is now recognized more for luxury with high rise hotels, mega-mansions with mega-yachts, world class entertainment and cuisine. Ft. Lauderdale invites you to pack your flip flops and beach towel, fishing gear and golf clubs, and your most chic evening wear and head to the sunshine.

Wedding planning is a tropical breeze in Ft. Lauderdale, with upscale hotels lining the blue wave beaches. One for serious consideration is the newly transformed Westin Beach Resort with cozy guestrooms and suites complete with “Heavenly” bedding for a heavenly night’s rest. Visit the Heavenly Spa to indulge in the “rollersage,” a new spin on a hot stone massage in which heated crystalline spheres are rolled over the body, melting away tension. The ocean seamlessly blends into the resort through the property’s soft seascape colors and panoramic views. For the big event, the Westin Beach Resort offers endless possibilities whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a pull-out-all-the-stops gala.   www.westin.com/fortlauderdalebeach

Indulge your culinary senses at Shula’s on the Beach, voted one of America’s top 10 steak houses. Sink your teeth into the Steak Mary Anne – two sliced filets topped with a savory sauce or one of Executive Chef Kyung Soo Carroll’s mouthwatering local seafood preparations. 

For lunch, dinner or late night, you don’t want to miss the Big City Tavern, a vibrant urban restaurant in the middle of the “old” part of Ft. Lauderdale. From pizza to burgers, the food satisfies even the heartiest of appetites.

YOLO (You Only Live Once) – centrally located on Las Olas boulevard in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, this new upscale eatery is getting rave reviews and is the place to “see and be seen.” Chef Peter Boulukos’ inspired dishes from appetizer Szechuan Calamari, to the bread pudding with chocolate chips, cinnamon, pecans and caramel are to die for (or at least go off your diet for!).

Cruise Ft. Lauderdale’s inter-coastal waterway to “ooh” and “aah” as your guide points out the multi-million dollar homes and yachts owned by some of the county’s rich and famous.

Expand the mind and heart through fine arts; take in a musical or dance event at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, www.browardcenter.org, or stroll around the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art to take in the masterpieces of local artists and visiting exhibitions. See www.moaflnsu.org