FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – On March 27, 1911, a small, sleepy village was incorporated as the City of Fort Lauderdale. On the same date in 2011, an all-day Centennial Riverfest will recognize the 100th birthday of one of America’s great beach vacation destinations attracting more than 10 million annual visitors from around the globe. The LGBT visitors number nearly a million annually, who spend in excess of $1 billion dollars in Fort Lauderdale, making it the leading gay tourist destination in the U.S. Fort Lauderdale’s residents are inviting the world to a year-long party featuring everything from family picnics, cultural exhibitions and walking tours to concerts, sports competitions, beach parties, a time capsule and a gala countdown to the New Year 2012.

Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial celebrations began with the installation of a large, lighted “100″ on the city’s famed beachfront, which has become a favorite “photo op” for visitors and residents alike. To commemorate the Centennial, Charles Fazzino, the pop artist, was commissioned to create “Ten Decades of Fort Lauderdale,” a 3D painting that captures in the artist’s bright, energetic signature style the past, present and future of the city. Among the highlights of special events in 2011: a parade and outdoor festival on March 12 honoring St. Patrick’s Day, a March 27 concert by Tropical Sinfonia, and the Centennial Riverfest, a day filled with activities, exhibitions, entertainment and food held along the New River in downtown Fort Laud-erdale. Also the premier of giant photographic “then and now” video montages projected on the sides of buildings in the downtown area that depict the areas over the course of its 100 years of evolution. A calendar of Centennial events is available at www.sunny.org/centennial.

The history of Fort Lauderdale actually stretches far beyond a hundred years. As early as 2,500 years ago, the marshy area was inhabited by Native Americans of the “Glades Culture.” Seminole Indians and a few white settlers arrived in the early 19th century and Fort Lauderdale was named for Major William Lauderdale in 1838. In the 1890′s, Frank Stranahan established a trading post at the ferry crossing on the New River, the beginning of today’s lively downtown area.

In 1896, the Florida East Coast Railway brought rapid growth to the region, which continued until the devastating hurricane of 1926 that killed hundreds and virtually destroyed the city. It was not until World War II and its aftermath that Fort Lauderdale began to grow again, but even into the 1980′s its major claim to fame, greatly enhanced by the movie “Where the Boys Are,” was as a “Spring Break” haven for some 350,000 college kids partying on a tight budget.

It was then that the public and private sectors decided to join forces to totally transform the area. Billions of dollars were invested in new infrastructure and attractions, including the Broward Convention Center, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the downtown Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, and the Museum of Art. Major improvements were made to 23 miles of beach and coastline, including the creation of one of the world’s most spectacular artificial reef systems.

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport expanded to become one of the fastest growing in the country and Port Everglades expanded to become one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.
Internationally respected hotel and resort brands have built on the famed seafront, a Superior Small Lodgings program was created to promote the region’s unique smaller properties, trend-setting chefs arrived, and such venues as Las Olas Boulevard, Sawgrass Mills and the Galleria put Fort Lauderdale on the shopping map. The end result is that “beach chic” Fort Lauderdale today represents an extraordinary blend of culture, cosmopolitan lifestyles, excitement, natural beauty and Blue Wave beaches.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Outpacing the rest of Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale recorded a 2.6 percent increase in total visitors in 2010, according to year-end estimates. Spending in the local economy by the 10.84 million visitors also rose from $8.47 billion to $8.69 billion. Of those numbers, the LGBT visitors rose to nearly 1 million, They’re spending accounted for $1.1 billion in revenue for the area.

Traffic at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Inter-national Airport jumped 6.4 percent. Statewide, Florida saw a 2.1 percent increase in visitors.

“Given the realities of the economy over the past year, these are very impressive figures, clearly demonstrating that Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tourism industry is reaping the rewards of hard work and creative marketing over the past few months. We have every reason to be optimistic about 2011 based on the success of 2010,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Greater Fort Lauderdale will show a 2.7 percent increase in domestic visitors in 2010. Canadian visitors increased by 3.6 percent and Latin America by 2.6 percent, including a doubling of arrivals from Brazil, which is now Greater Fort Lauderdale’s second largest foreign market. Growth from Latin America was aided by increased air service from the region by Spirit Airlines and other carriers. Arrivals from Scandinavia, Europe, and the UK also showed modest gains, a reflection of the continued strengthening of the long-haul inbound vacation market.

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Inter-national Airport’s year-end figures showed 22,412,627 arriving and departing passengers in 2010, including 18,965,234 domestic travelers, a 5.2 percent gain over a year ago.

Based on 2010 results and a slowly strengthening global economy, Greater Fort Lauderdale officials are forecasting 11 million visitors in 2011.

The Sun-Sentinel reported that “according to the Florida Realtors [i]n February, the median of $167,000 skyrocketed 22 percent from a year ago — the county’s largest increase in any month since December 2005.”

The story went on to note that “Broward’s prices are stronger, at least for now, because its supply of homes is smaller.”

“When inventory levels fall, buyers compete for fewer properties, which can lead to bidding wars and price increases,” it said.

The newspaper reported that an “analysis of all property types by Move Inc.

showed that Broward’s inventory level dropped by 12.45 percent in February from January, the largest decline in the nation.”

Bobby Blair, CEO of Multimedia Platforms says that the Hopper will further promote “our online and print publications in a way to ensure that we continue to offer the very best circulation and reach in the market today. It brings us great pleasure to know tourists and locals will be reading our publications as they are transported around Wilton Manors and the Fort Lauderdale area.”
The rollout of the venture started with two cars that will run in the evenings. By June 1st, they will add a day car, with the intention to add cars as demand grows to service the areas.

As it stands now, the Hopper will shuttle people between the bars on the drive and outer bars, such as Boardwalk and Monkey Business on Andrews Ave, Mona’s on Flagler, all the way to Cosmo’s on East Oakland Park Blvd.

In the future, the Hopper will also service all the Gay Guesthouses in the area.

Jeff Sterling, President of Sterling Tax, said Tuesday, “I am so excited to be working with Multimedia Platforms on the venture. When the Green Hopper closed, it left a void for a free shuttle service in the area. We are very excited to help local small businesses flourish. Most businesses here in Fort Lauderdale are small and we need to attract locals and visitors to all we have to offer and help the area thrive.”

Mark Haines, founder of Mark’s List, said Tuesday, “This is an innovative way to reach locals and travellers while they are out in Wilton Manors. Mark’s List is working on an initiative that will allow Droid and iPhone users to access the site for instant updates and specials using QR Codes that will be made available to Hopper riders. This new feature of the site will make use of the information on Mark’s List in a dynamic way and build business along Wilton Drive.”

ATOMIC/BOOM
2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
The bar with two names features a dance club and Gayborhood bar. Drag Bingo on Mondays, karaoke Mondays and Tuesdays, dance music Fridays and Saturdays, and (indoor) Sunday T-Dance.

BILL’S FILLING STATION
2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Videos, pool tables, dart boards, dance floor, happy hour, live shows, Tuesday and Thursday karaoke – and great burgers, to boot. Fun and friendly truck-stop-themed bar, great staff.

BOARDWALK
1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Over 100 of the sexiest men from all over the world. Go-go dancers, cages, billiards, 2-4-1 Happy Hours. Drag emcees and did we mention the Boys?

CORNER?PUB
1915 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors
Friendly atmosphere, unpretentious clientele and staff. Next to Island City Pizza (so you can get your drink AND your slice on).

CUBBY HOLE
823 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
Butch bar and grill with a rockin’ daytime crowd (and a fun nighttime one, too). Fifty cent pool, 2-for-1 drinks all day every day, video games, hot movies on HDTV and DirecTV. Thursdays it’s Bare Bear Chest Night, and every Friday and Saturday the fur flies with Hot Bears on Poles (where their Grizzlies Grind)!

DEPOT CABANA
BAR?AND?GRILL
2935 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
­Adjacent to the America’s Best Inn and Suites (in case things go really well during Sunday and Wednesday karaoke). Friendly vibe, poolside.

DUDES
3270 N.E. 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale
Men dancing for men. Hot go-go boys in an upscale atmosphere, piano lounge for more quiet interludes. Steamy shower shows.

JOHNNY’S
1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Club, bar, lounge. Male dancers and the men who love(to ogle) them. Sunday amateur strip contest (and karaoke!).

LIPS
1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park
The Ultimate in Drag Dining.

Dinner and shows six nights a week. Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Sisters of Sequins.

LIVING ROOM
300 S.W. 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Arts & Entertainment District meets South Beach. Friday nights they’re here, they’re queer, and they drink free from 10:30(ish) to Midnight. Only House Music club in town with its own Classical (and classically-chiseled) violinist.

THE MANOR
2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
WeHo vibe (think: LA’s The Abbey) in the heart of the Gayborhood. Dine, drink, dance, play, mingle. Theme rooms (salsa and meringue every weekend in the Latin Quarter!). Live dancing and dining.

MATTY’S ON THE DRIVE
2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Drink specials, billiards, and a chill gayborhood vibe. 75 Cent drinks on Wednesdays. No Drama, No Smoking.

MONKEY BUSINESS
2740 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Cozy neighborhood bar. Karaoke, drag shows, Patio Bar – and open at 9 a.m. daily.

MONA’S
502 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Cocktail Lounge in the heart of Searstown. Fun customers, fun bartenders and fun proprietor (the Legendary Jerry). Outside patio. Wednesday karaoke, Thursday Speedball Tournament.

NAKED GRAPE
2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique—the alternative gathering place on Wilton Drive. Wine tastings and events. Tuesday and Wednesday Late Night In the Biz.

PJ’S CORNER POCKET
924 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale
Interracial Private Social Club. Bottle club memberships.  Get your groove back on Wednesday nights with $2 drinks.

RAMROD
1508 N.E. 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Voted World’s Favorite Leather Bar. Pig Dance first Saturday of the month – South Florida’s Busiest, Craziest Monthly Party (with caged hunks at Midnight on Saturdays – is there a downside to this?).

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL
2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Nexus of the A-Gay List. Be Seen in the Scene (without making one). Food, folks, libations, and a killer Sunday Funday.

SCANDALS SALOON
3073 NE 6th Avenue, Wilton Manors
A line-dancin’, tight blue jeans-wearin’ good time. Country and western music, two-steppin’, three-steppin’, pool tables, and themed events year ‘round. Cowboys and Indians was never this much fun, Pilgrim.

SIDELINES
2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
Where Sports come first. Nationally known destination sports bar with TVs streaming NFL, MLB, NBA and college games. Pool tables, dart boards and large indoor (and now smoke-free) facility. Outdoor patio features area for smokers. Mixed crowd of gay men and women (who would have thought?). Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and recommended by LOGO.

STABLE
205 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Levis-and-leather neighborhood bar, where the bears line dance and the cowboys are VERY?friendly.

SMARTY PANTS
2400 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Cozy neighborhood bar with daily happy hour, and regular patrons. Show night Thursdays at 9 p.m. Karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and with matinee on Sunday afternoon.  954.561.1724.

TORPEDO
2829 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Dance, shoot pool, drink til 4 a.m., 7 nights a week. Doors open at Midnight; dance til Dawn.

VOODOO LOUNGE
111 S.W. 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Gay and mixed every Sunday, with afternoon T-Dance and drink specials, then the popular Life’s a Drag show with gobs of female impersonators, hot dudes and the chicks who want to change them.

WHISKEY BLUE
401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges. 954.414.8300.

And once they’re done building their prospective fortunes, visitors will find plenty of other reasons to celebrate. Greater Fort Lauderdale’s eclectic dining scene, the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, and charming Intracoastal Waterway will make them want to stay no matter what hand they’re dealt. And of course, the destination’s 23 miles of certified Blue Wave beaches will leave visitors saying “pinch me” instead of “hit me.”

“As the only county in Florida that offers Vegas style legalized gaming opportunities, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a wide variety of gaming options – with more news on the horizon,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Gaming is just another in a long line of activities our beach chic destination has to offer – from high-end shopping and dining, our world-class yachting scene along the Intracoastal Waterway, wonderful scuba diving and the natural wonders of the Everglades.”

Following is an overview of gaming opportunities in Greater Fort Lauderdale:

New and Improved: Gulfstream Park Horse Racing & Casino. Gulf-stream Park in Hallandale has undergone a massive renovation project that has dramatically enhanced the facility. The state-of-the-art racetrack now features spectacular restaurants, luxury suites and private accommodations for top players. In addition, an on-site casino opened in November 2006 featuring more than 500 slot machines, and plans to add 700 more in the near future. (800) 771-TURF; www.gulfstreampark.com

Lots of New Slots: In Pompano Beach, the isle casino & racing at pompano park, is completing a $170 million racino development with a contemporary style that incorporates the water culture of Greater Fort Lauderdale in the design and décor including a water feature made from more than 4,000 sheets of cut glass. Additional attributes include Bragozzo Osteria Wine Bar, developed with celebrity chef Luke Palladino; Farraddays’, the company’s signature steakhouse; Fling, a feature bar with high-action imagery and multiple video displays; Myron’s, a full-service New York-style delicatessen named after comedian Myron Cohen; and the Isle Buffet, featuring more than 150 feet of hot and cold items and up to five display and exhibition cooking stations. In addition, 1,500 Vegas-style slots, a 34-table poker room, high-tech sports bar, wagering area over-looking the track and a new Winner’s Circle round out the additions.

Top-ranked trotters and award-winning harness drivers are featured. (954) 972-2000; www.theislepompanopark.com

See Spot Run: Dog Racing. Visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale are also privy to some of Florida’s best greyhound racing at Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center, formerly Hollywood Greyhound Track. Live dog racing, simulcast horse racing, and a poker room featuring multi-player buy-in tournaments combine with casual dining and a fun flea market to bring a little bit of New Orleans to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Recent additions include more than 1,100 new slot machines. (954-924-3200; www.playmardigras.com

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood was an instant hit upon opening in spring of 2004. An 86-acre resort on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Seminole Native American reservation, the Hard Rock features a colossal 130,000-square-foot casino offering more than 2,000 slot and video poker machines, and a 40-table poker room featuring everything from Seven-Card Stud to Texas Hold ‘em. Outside the casino, visitors will enjoy the “Seminole Paradise,” a 300,000-square-foot dining, shopping and entertainment district, a tropical pool lagoon area with water slides, a Contour Spa and, of course, a legendary Hard Rock Café. (954) 327-7625; www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com

The Seminole Coconut Creek Casino will debut its $32 million facelift this month, the first phase of plans to transform the gaming site into a destination resort. Open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek features over 1,100 gaming machines, live and tournament poker action plus a full bar and café. (954) 977-6700; www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.

Ride a Wave of Success with Gaming Cruises: Offering daily daytime and evening departures from port Everglades, SeaEscape® Cruises can entertain up to 900 passengers aboard a fully air conditioned, eight-deck cruise vessel, the SeaEscape M/V Island Adventure. The ship’s outstanding casino features table games like Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Mini-Baccarat as well as against-the-house poker games such as Let It Ride, Caribbean Poker, Three-Card Poker, and Pai Gow Poker. The casino holds more than 300 slot and video poker machines, and offers bingo. Live entertainment includes the Castaways Show Lounge, dancing at La Parranda Dance Club and Sky Views Disco. A la carte dining is available at the Verandah Dining Room & Bar. Admission starts at $27.95; cruises last 5-6 hours. (877) 732-3722; www.seaescape.com.

Discovery Cruise Line® sails daily from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama Island. Discovery offers one-day tours, which depart before 8 am and return at 10 pm, giving passengers ample time to explore Grand Bahama Island, as well as “Cruise n’ Stay” package that allows passengers to overnight on the island and return whenever they wish. The casino features table games such as blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as three-card poker and oasis stud poker. More than 125 slot machines are also offered. Discovery cruises also feature three lounge areas for drinks and dancing, three restaurants and a pool. Rates start at $125. (800) 937-4477; www.discoverycruise.com

That’s the Way the Ball Bounces – Jai-Alai: Looking for some even faster action while in Greater Fort Lauderdale? Try Dania Jai-Alai in Dania Beach. A thrilling, high-speed game played with a hardball traveling at speeds up to 180 mph, Jai-Alai is known as the “world’s fastest ballgame” by the Guinness Book of World Records. At Dania Jai-Alai, visitors can place bets on the outcomes of these exciting matches. The facility also features live simulcast horse racing and a poker room with games like Seven Card Stud and Texas Hold ‘em. Dania Jai-Alai is undergoing a major renovation and is expected to open its new casino complex in 2008. www.dania-jai-alai.com.

Parents and Kids, Chic Couples and Convention Goers Fill Beaches Once Inhabited by College Kids on a Shoestring Budget

Photo: FLL Spring Break 1966

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – As the City of Fort Lauderdale celebrates its 100th birthday this March, the 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches that make up the shoreline of Greater Fort Lauderdale will be bustling, though not with what most Americans think of as “Spring Breakers.” Fifty years ago this was the Spring Break capital of America, as some 300,000 college kids descended on the destination. Today, the story of Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of total transformation, and how things have changed.

“In contrast to 50 years ago, today’s Spring Breakers have a new mindset and think of us in a much different way,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “They are coming to Greater Fort Lauderdale for our affordable luxury, beach chic vibe, trendy dining, great shopping, AND spectacular beaches.  Once here, they realize that from the sawgrass to the seagrass we have it all – easily accessible and always enjoyable.”

What does the Greater Fort Lauderdale Spring Breaker of today look like?  They are apt to be chic couples in the mood for golf or luxury spas, opera, ballet or Broadway shows, and staying in luxury resorts like the W Fort Lauderdale, recently named the trendiest hotel in America. Or, they might be convention goers; the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, celebrating its 20th anniversary, welcomes 580,000 attendees from around the world each year. Or they might be cruise passengers enjoying a mini-vacation before or after their voyage from the city’s Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

What is certain is that a large number of this year’s spring visitors will be far too young to be thinking about beer and bikinis – because Greater Fort Lauderdale is the ideal escape for families with younger children. Offering great value, families will find welcoming accommodations in every price category, from cozy guesthouses and B&B’s (known as Superior Small Lodgings) to the most popular hotel brands, as well

as diverse dining experiences. With child-friendly attractions and activities, all kinds of watersports, special events throughout the spring vacation season, and, of course, the beaches, this is “the place to go” for a memorable family break from school, according to AOL Travel’s recent story 2011 Spring Break: Where to Go and Where to Avoid.

On March 27, visitors can attend Fort Lauderdale’s birthday party, an all-day outdoor event in the center of the city’s Arts and Entertainment District. But that is just the beginning of things to do. From free outdoor concerts to fun and educational experiences at the Museum of Discovery & Science, Butterfly World and Flamingo Gardens to airboat rides at Billie Swamp Safari in the Everglades, canoeing, jet skiing, snorkeling and Scuba diving, and even leisurely Water Taxi rides or Jungle Queen Riverboat cruises through the Intracoastal Waterway and downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Springtime special events include Cirque Dreams Broadway at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival, the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, the 16th Wine & Culinary Celebration, and “Vatican Splendors – Art and Faith” a major touring exhibition at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art are other indications Greater Fort Lauderdale has transformed itself, and redefined Spring Break.

Most destinations have only one beach to brag about. Greater Fort Lauderdale has eight, with their own unique personalities and surrounding communities which incorporate hundreds of restaurants, shops, attractions, hotels and superior small lodgings. From singles and families to affluent couples, to a rainbow experience and a destination that caters to a multicultural audience, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers more to do than most destinations in southern Florida.

Take a tour of our unique beach communities and see why we’re able to cater to so may different audiences. Is it Fort Lauderdale Beach is the epitome of beach chic style, yet with a refreshingly low-keyed friendliness that appeals to all walks of life. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is most famous as the “shore dive capital of south Florida. Pompano Beach is popular with fans of picnicking, sun-worshiping, surfing and sport-fishing. Or Hillsboro beach, home to the most powerful lighthouse on the eastern seaboard.

Deerfield Beach has casual beachfront eateries – popular with locals and visitors for lunch, dinner, drinks and dancing. Dania beach is home to John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, a favorite destination for recreation enthusiasts. And at the southern tip, Hollywood beach has a retro-cool Broadwalk where you can dine in open-air cafes, bike or blade along the brick promenade or swim in the pristine waters.

A family-friendly experience

Come see Greater Fort Lauderdale’s natural wonders Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of other nature experiences. Butterfly World features the largest indoor butterfly aviary in North America. Flamingo Gardens & Wray Botanical Collection offers 60 acres of diverse native plants and trees, a Bird of Prey Center with a free-flight aviary, and the chance to view alligators, flamingos, bobcats and Florida panthers. At Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, kayak through narrow canals where mangrove trees create a tangled canopy. Look out for spiders!

Pet friendly GFL

The “pet set” will have no problems keeping Fido happy in Greater Fort Lauderdale. With 73 pet-friendly hotels, recreation areas, and even spas and restaurants that welcome pets with open paws, Greater Fort Lauderdale is proving that every dog (and other pet) does indeed have its day. With 73 pet-friendly hotels, recreation areas, and even spas and restaurants that welcome pets with open paws, Greater Fort Lauderdale is proving that every dog (and other pet) does indeed have its day.

Educational excursions in GFL combine learning with leisure

What do deck shoes, protective headphones, a sand wedge, camera, wetsuit and a butcher’s block have in common? All can be part of an engaging and enriching vacation experience in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Travelers increasingly combine learning with leisure. Greater Fort Lauderdale offers visitors a variety of participatory learning opportunities, whether this means studying a fascinating native culture or pursuing a personal hobby.

Looking to explore the destination and take to the water? Work the jib aboard the deck of a sailboat, practice equalizing your air pressure underwater, learn how to fly above the waves, or take snapshots of Florida wildlife while coasting in an airboat. Landlubbers can learn flambé techniques from a renowned chef, improve their killer slice on the golf course, or c

amp under the stars in an authentic Seminole Indian Chickee hut.

Be Our Guest! Greater Fort Lauderdale Guest Houses: Where Fun Is the Best Option

When the Rainbow Carpet Lodging and Hospitality Alliance (RCLHA) of Greater Fort Lauderdale formed in 1999, there were approximately two dozen gay guesthouses serving the needs of travelers and locals. Today, the group – now called the Rainbow Alliance – represents around 50 Gay- and Gay-Friendly Guesthouses, along with other, Gay and Lesbian Vacation rentals and seven properties that offer Gays and Lesbians with kids a place to vacation with other families.

The Rainbow Alliance includes hoteliers, shop owners, restaurants, are attractions, realtors and members of the service industry working together to welcome tourists as well as those looking to relocate for work, to start their own business, or to retire.
The Rainbow Alliance also produces a Paper Map and Guide of Greater Fort Lauderdale distributed around the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. This year, the RA announced its plans to form an LGBT Chamber of Commerce in association with the Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Visit Florida. The organization hopes the change will better serve the promotion of LGBT tourism in Greater Fort Lauderdale, as well as all promoting all LGBT and Gay-Friendly Businesses.

Greater “Fork” Lauderdale: Re-discover the top restaurants that make dining here so Lauderlicious.

The new luxury hotels are bringing a windfall of elegant eating to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Featured restaurants such as the soon-to-open Todd English eatery, da Campo Osteria, at il Lugano Suite Hotel (November2008) and Cero at The Ritz-Carlton join instant successes like Trina, a “New Mediterranean” masterpiece at The Atlantic Resort & Spa – and Council Oak steakhouse at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. However, visitors looking for other exciting, eclectic options won’t stay hungry for long. Floribbean (think Florida fresh + Caribbean spice) hot spots such as Johnny V, a “dock and dine” dinner at Blue Moon Fish Company, and a burger that’s been voted America’s Best at the funky Le Tub (what else do you call a place with pastel bath tubs everywhere?) are just a few of the possibilities.

Las Olas Boulevard: Where the Beach Meets Chic

Translated “the waves” in Spanish, Las Olas Blvd. has historically been the road that connects the beach with the city. Today it’s known as Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “style mile,” lined with independently owned boutiques featuring couture, jewelry, home décor, art galleries and specialty gifts. Acclaimed restaurants like Johnny V make up a virtual restaurant row, while lively lounges and cafés with sidewalk seating provide laid-back people watching and colorful nightlife. Las Olas also is the starting point for canal tours in authentic Italian gondolas, as well as a major stop along Greater Fort Lauderdale’s water taxi system – two ways to discover Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway.

Get Your Feet Wet: Learn to Dive then Dive Right In

One of the country’s top scuba diving destinations, Greater Fort Lauderdale features more than 100 wreck dives of various depths and skill levels to complement its three-tiered natural coral reef system. The result is an eclectic undersea world of living coral and resting ships, one whose gulfstream currents bring a treasure trove of brilliantly colored exotic aquatic wildlife. Dozens
of dive operators in Greater Fort Laud-erdale cater to all ages and skill levels.

Currently, the Greater Fort Laud-erdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering “Train and Try” opportunities for VIP media. Get certified where you live, then experience Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tremendous scuba scene. For a preview, consumers can visit www.sunny.org/scuba to watch a special destination dive video.
Simply SUN-Sational: Memorable Meetings

From its signature SUN-Sational Service program to free convention center floor space when booking large groups for August and September meetings, Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to be an innovative leader in the meetings industry. The 600,000-square-foot Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and the destination’s 30,000 hotel rooms are just the start of the story. Meetings venues in Greater Fort Lauderdale are as diverse as the destination itself: a sprawling flamingo garden, a renowned performing arts center, a beachfront boardroom. Meeting professionals are encouraged to visit www.sunny.org/ meetings to order a free Meeting Planners Guide. Stay tuned for more news on the planned 1,000-room, waterfront hotel serving as the new anchor hotel for the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

The Water Taxi

You haven’t seen South Florida until you’ve seen it from the Water Taxi! See and hear about mega-yachts and mega-mansions as you go from stop to stop and explore all the dining, shopping and fun that Greater Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood have to offer. Stops include #4/Beach Place, just steps away from world-famous gay Sebastian Beach, on the corner of A1A and Sebastian Street. Make sure to check out Stop #9/Mangoes on sassy and chic Las Olas Boulevard. The Water Taxi’s Cruise & Save program provides discounts to Guests at the hottest restaurants, bars, and attractions near their stops. New daily service to Hollywood is included in your ticket; visit their Web site for route times: watertaxi.com. 954.467.6677

Where the Boys Are: Sebastian Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach lies along State Route A1A. (also known as Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. and Seabreeze Blvd), and is divided into two main sections, North and South.

The more popular area is the southern section, which is the area from Sunrise Blvd south to the Las Olas Blvd area. One can’t help but to take a stroll up and down the golden sandy beaches that provided the setting for the now famous movie “Where The Boys Are.” You’ll probably find that most of the gays and lesbians hang out in the area between Las Olas Blvd up to Sunrise Blvd. at Sebastian Street, since there are a lot of gay owned and gay friendly resorts/hotels located near here. There is a cross walk signal right at Sebastian with a City parking lot just West of the Gay Section of the Beach. For years that section has been the unofficial Gay Beach of Fort Lauderdale.

Although not as popular, the northern beach is just as beautiful, and provides a nice escape from the crowds. This section of the beach begins at Sunrise Blvd and continues to Oakland Park Blvd.

Parking: Limited and Pricey beachside parking in southern section; Pay parking has been added on A1A north of Sunrise Blvd., and $3.25 per car all day at Hugh Taylor Birch State Rec. Area, located just west of A1A on Sunrise Blvd.

Food: Numerous restaurants and bars along southern section, none along northern section

Facilities: Restrooms and Private establishments along southern section, No restrooms along northern section except for Hugh

Taylor Birch State Rec. Area (accessible by tunnel from beach)

Lifeguards: 10am to 5pm daily along southern section, none along the northern section.

Wanna Get Naked? Haulover Beach is  your place!

Located about 30 minutes south of Ft. Lauderdale, this is a very popular spot for locals and visitors who want to work on their all over tan in the sand. Haulover is one of the largest legally sanctioned clothing optional beaches in the US, officially sanctioned in 1991 – and the only one of two in the State of Florida. Just north of the North Beach tunnel (to the left when facing the water) is the far northern portion of the officially designated nude area, and this is the predominantly gay area of the beach.b