South Florida Travel Guide

Xtreme Indoor Karting Offers a Variety of Discounts in Rough Economy

2009-04-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good full day of activities and a fun night? Well Xtreme Indoor Karting located in Fort Lauderdale may be just the place you're looking for.

Their activities include go-cart racing, miniature gulf, arcade, and a sports bar with pool tables and the largest projection screen in South Florida.

Don't worry about being too tall for the ride, because at 7 feet and 300 pounds, Shaquille O'neal can even fit. Just look at the picture!

Some Features Include:

½ mile asphalt track Stock of 40 European Bowman Race Karts

7 Conference/Party Rooms which can entertain groups up to 250 people

Corporate Team Building Events

Arcade with Over 120 Interactive Arcade Games (Nascar Simulators, Derby Owners Club, Mini Bowling Lane)

Parties

Discounts Include

Monday Night is Ladies Night
Summer Junior League Registration
Tuesdays Cadet Crazy $5 Racing
ITB Everyday
Wednesday Nights College Night & Free Pool Night
Free Membership For Police, Fire & Military
X-Unlimited Game Card
Fridays Free Mini Golf
All you Can Race Monday - Friday
Sundays Cadet & Family Specials

"It's a lot better than boomers because the cars go faster but it's a little itimidating at first," said Pembrooke Pines resident Marycelle Palomino

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Thursday-12pm to 10pm

Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am
Sunday 12pm to 10pm

Tips:

If your a single girl this is a good place to meet a guy!

pictures courtesy of Xtreme Indoor Karting

Skydive In South Florida

2009-04-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Are you a fearless person? Do you love vacations that are packed with fun and extreme breath taking adventures? Have you considered Skydiving?

Well if you live in the area or are just visiting, you can have your extreme skydiving experience with Skydive Miami located in Homestead, Florida. Skydive Miami welcomes beginners to expert jumpers.

Here's a little background information about Skydive Miami:

They are a USPA Full Service Dropzone and offer Tandem IAF and AFF (Accelerated Freefall) training, freefall video and photography, gear sales and repair . They also have a full range of options and souvenirs.
70 years of collective skydiving experience.
A Certified Parachute Rigger maintains all of their equipment,
pilots and mechanics are fully licensed and certified by the FAA
Instructors and Jump Masters are licensed by USPA, and all have achieved the highest ratings awarded.

How to get started on your jumping experience:

IF you are a beginner you start with the Tandem Jump. It gives the thrill of free fall on your first skydive. You'll soar through the air harnessed to an instructor and then land back at the Drop zone.

Then if you enjoyed your first jump you can continue your experience and become a licensed skydiver. Skydive Miami offers accredited Student Programs instructed by a staff of highly experienced Jump Masters.

Basic Tandem
$199.00
20 seconds free fall from 8,000 ft. (above ground level)
Deluxe Tandem
$229.00
40 seconds free fall from 10,500 ft. (above ground level)
Extreme Tandem
$249.00
60 seconds free fall from 13,500 ft. (above ground level)

Requirements:

You must weigh under 225 lbs.
Photo ID required (before skydiving)
You must be at least 18.

Hours:
Open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays). Weekends 8:am to Sunset. Weekdays 10:am to Sunset.

Tip:
Bring a friend for a first time tandem jump and you will receive a complimentary jump ticket, or complimentary rental gear/skydive ticket. You can visit their website for more information.

Bar-B-Ranch in Davie Offers Horse Back Riding Lessons

2009-03-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Want to break out of the ordinary beach and clubbing routine? Try something different in South Florida and get a piece of the country life. Bar-B-Ranch in Davie offers horseback riding lessons in both English and Western style riding.

The Bar-B-Ranch, a family owned business has been around over 30 years and is the largest and most experienced business of its kind in South Florida.

The ranch has approximately 35 horses and occupies a 25 acre spread along the Davie Trail system, next to Flamingo Gardens Park.

Here is what Barb-B-Ranch has to offer:

One hour and hour and a half trail rides
Summer day camp
Riding lessons
Horse and pony rentals
Therapy program called ”Healing Hooves”, run by licensed psychologist Terri Jennings, which provides valuable help to mentally and physically-challenged children and adults.
Rent a horse for your wedding or any other special occasion.
Horses are available for television commercials, movies, still photography and more.

Have a question about what to wear and/or experience? Visit their most commonly asked questions page for more information.

Rates and Times for Scenic Trail Rides:
1and 1/2 hour: $45.00 and up
9am -5pm Monday -Saturday
9am - 4:30pm Sunday

Rates and Times for riding lessons:
$50.00 per hour
AM on weekends All day during the week

Tips:
-Come early because the ranch tends to fill up quickly during the afternoons and weekends. Summers are also busy because of the day camp.
-Credit cards are not accepted.
-Call ahead a day or so to book an appointment
photo courtesy of Douglas Eames, freelance writer

The Floridian Restaurant Is A Crowd Pleaser

2009-03-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hungry at 2 a.m. and don't know where to go? Well the Floridian, a restaurant located in Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard is open 24 hours a day, so you can eat any time you want. The Floridian which is a Rachael Ray pick, has been serving South Florida customers for more than 63 years with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It's busy on weekend mornings when locals and tourists come in for huge omelets, fresh oatmeal, sausage, and biscuits. The type of food they serve is the traditional American style cuisine.

If you have some money to spend the Floridian offers a $300 Fat Cat meal for two that includes, steak, eggs, and a bottle of Dom Perignon. But if you're pinching your pennies, especially in this economy, most meals are inexpensive.

"I went there at 3 a.m. and the food was good and there was a lot of it. It has that diner appeal with a museum feeling because of all the pictures and autographs on the wall," said Mike Lachmanen, a happy customer from Sunrise.

Don't be mistaken the Floridian's not Denny's or IHOP. It is rather a clutter of years of memorabilia and pictures. There's a lot of knick-knacks and clutter, and while the space is big you may feel cramped. It's personable and friendly, and a real Fort Lauderdale spot.

For more reviews you can visit tripadvisor.com

Just for Fun:
An interesting line on the front of their menu says, ""And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming WOO HOO, What a Ride! "

Tip:

As of right now they do not accept credit cards.
Come prepared to eat because the portion size is huge!

Pompano Beach Hosts 25th Annual Seafood Festival

2009-03-27T10:46:00.001-07:00

Enjoy eating seafood and lots of it? The city of Pompano Beach is holding its 25th Annual Seafood Festival April 24h - 29th, 2009 located on the beach at Atlantic Blvd. and A1A.

The main attraction of course is the wide variety of seafood, but there is also many other attractions including:

Live Local Bands- Grand Funk Railroad, Beddy Ford, and the Beatles Remembered Tribute Band
Boardwalk Bazaar- mix of arts and crafts, clothing and displays by local businesses.
Pompano Jack's Fun Zone- games, bungee jumping, rock climbing, bounce houses, and face painting.

Event Open:

Fri- 5p.m.-10p.m.

Sat- 10a.m.- 10 p.m.

Sun- 11a.m.- 8p.m.

Cost- Adults: $10.00 and children under 10 are free

Tips:

Free Trolly Service runs for parking lots located on parking lots of Wachovia and Washington Mutual Banks because beachside parking fills up fast. So if you want to park by the beach come early.

If you don't want seafood there is other food served.

No pets are allowed

The concert is on the beach and there is no seating so you should bring a towel or beach chair if you want to sit.

photo courtesy of photogaphbydavidwatson.com.

Briney's Irish Pub- A Local Favorite

2009-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

St. Patricks day is over but Briney's Irish Pub is a place you can keep in mind for next year.

After being open for so long, Briney's Irish Pub located on Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach is still the popular place to be for locals and tourists.

If Pompano Beach isn't where you want to go, A newly opened Briney's is located in Riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

This pub/restaurant has a fully stocked bar and a long lineup of bands that play every week. They serve Irish and American cuisine such as corn beef and cabbage to Shepard's Pie.

DJ's and Dancing Fridays & Saturday nights at 5 p.m.

Dining:

Sun-Wed 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Thurs- Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm

Tips:

Come during happy hour- Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

$2 Domestic Drafts, Well Cocktails, and House Wine

$4 Tropical Frozen Drinks

Casual Dress

Aloha Water Sports- The Ocean is Their Playground

2009-03-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

A vacation in South Florida would not be complete without having some ocean interaction.

Aloha Watersports offer parasailing, waverunners, sailboats, kayaks, boogie boards and surfboards, snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat, speed boats, and sport fishing.

If you live in South Florida and are just looking for a fun day at the beach, then some of these activities would be be a great experience.

Aloha Watersports is also the only company in Broward County endorsed by Ft. Lauderdale's Marine Police Unit, Ft. Lauderdale Beach Patrol, Ft. Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board and City Hall.

Tips: They have coupons on their site so just download what you need. Some prices are reasonable but you can always negotiate the best price with them. Use your magical negotiating skills!!

They have two locations:

Marriott's Harbor Beach Resort and Spa- 3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale
Las Olas Boulevard and Southbound A1A.

Clevelander Hotel in Miami Revamps Its Style

2009-03-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Looking for an extraordinary hotel experience in South Beach? If you like to party, dance and have fun at the beach, then the Clevelander Hotel located at Ocean Drive in the South Beach Miami historic Art Deco district may be what you're looking for.

The Clevelander has been a landmark and hot spot for locals and celebrities for over 70 years.

Originally constructed in 1938, the hotel, bar, restaurant and entertainment venue has maintained its reputation as a world-famous destination and the central point of South Beach Miami since its opening.

After a multi-million dollar renovation, the Clevelander is set to be the prime choice amongst ocean front hotels Miami Florida.

Perfect for visitors looking for a tropical experience with a nonstop party experience

Prices range from $189 to $439 a night.

The ROCKSTAR Suites for $439 a night provide a personal Rock Star Host to customize your South Beach experience, in addition to views of the ocean and poolside action. Balcony and connecting suites are available upon request. Direct elevator and stair access (steps away) is granted to the 1020 Music Box, SPF4 Sun Deck and Game On Sports Bar. Additional suite amenities include two complimentary admission passes to 1020 Music Box, 32" and 42" plasma flat screens, DVD player, and an in-room hot beverage service.

Tips:

I do not recommend this for a family vacation or honeymoon. This is more for a group of friends that enjoy staying up all night. This is not the place to sleep.

For more reviews visit tripadvisor.com.

Florida Panthers Race For The Cup

2009-03-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Need a break from the heat? A good place to be during those hot days in South Florida would be at a Florida Panthers game.

As of right now the Panthers are not in the playoffs but they are in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. They are only one point away from making the final playoff spot.

The season ends April 11th and there are only seven home games remaining.

For tickets you can visit the Florida Panthers website, Ticketmaster.com, or visit the Bank Atlantic Center box office in Sunrise.

The Panthers are also having a promise plan that says, if you purchase four tickets for four games this season, then you have priority access to the playoffs.

If the team does not make playoffs then you get 4 Free Tickets During 2009-10 Season.

Tip:

Park across the street at Sawgrass Mills for free parking.

pictures courtesy of floridapanthers.com

Jungle Queen Riverboat- Dine While You Sail

2009-03-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

If you like cruises but don't have the time or money to spend at the moment, you may want to try the Jungle Queen Riverboat located in Fort Lauderdale.

The Riverboat offers two types of cruises

Sightseeing Cruise- Goes along the New River with the changing scenery; the plush waterfront homes, downtown Fort Lauderdale, great yacht and storage basins, a bit of the Everglades, and a stop off at the Jungle Queen Indian Village. Departs at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (3 hours long) Adults: $15.50 and Child $11.00

Barbecue and Shrimp Dinner Cruise- leaves Bahia Mar Docks and cruises up the New River to a Tropical Isle, with a commentary by the Captain, of the many interesting sights and people on the River. The highlight of the night is the comical variety show. Departs at 6:00 p.m. (4 hours) Adult $34.95 and Child $19.00

Advice:

Great for dates and visitors of Florida. If you are on vacation, the sightseeing tour is a great way to experience a little of what South Florida has to offer. But remember not to fall in the tourist trap. Also remember this is not a luxury cruise but simply much like a big ferry ride. It's good for families with young children and couples.

For more reviews visit tripadvisor.com

picture courtesy of junglequeen.com

Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science-Educational and Entertaining

2009-03-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

If you are on vacation in South Florida or already live here, be sure to visit the Museum of Discovery and Science located in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Although this place is good for adults, it's extra special for the kids.

The Museum of Discovery and Science has:

An interactive learning center

More than 200 interactive exhibits, ranging from live sharks to a cyclone chair that demonstrates inertia.

Also houses an IMAX theater that shows 3D films for viewers wearing special glasses.

One of the exhibitions include the popular "Living in the Everglades." This exhibit features interactive kiosks that demonstrate the historical and present flow of water in the Everglades, the effect of human development on the Everglades and the scope of the Restoration Project. The exhibit also includes an 11,000 square foot outdoor nature trail that showcases the various ecosystems found in Florida.

To see what other people are saying about this museum visit tripadvisor.com or yahootravel.com.

UPCOMING EVENT:

Wine and Culinary Celebration- April 24, 2009

picture courtesy of mods.org

Seminole Hard Rock Casino: Experience the Unlimited Possiblilities

2009-03-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino located in Hollywood, Florida is known as an "Adult's Playground."

Here's what Hard Rock has to offer:

Vegas style gambling,

Concert venues- Hard Rock Live

Comedy shows at the Improv

Shopping- Cache, Quicksilver, Brookstone etc.

Restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, Tatu and Johnny Rockets

Clubs like Passions and The Beach Club.

They also have a fountain show every Friday night.

Prices for hotel rooms range from $180 a night to $500 a night depending on what type of room you pick.

Tip: If you go for the gambling they always give cars away on Sundays

-Be prepared for cigarette smoke in the clubs and hallways of the hotel.

- Pool is the favorite among hotel guests

For more reviews visit tripadvisor.com

Lion Country Safari- Come Face to Face With a Giraffe

2009-03-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Lion Country Safari

Imagine you're driving along and stop for the herd of lions to cross or stop because a zebra is peering into your window. No you're not in the middle of an African Safari but close to it. You may be at the Lion Country Safari located in West Palm Beach.

The Lion Country Safari is South Florida's only drive through safari with over 800 animals covering over 300 wild acres. It's a four mile drive through safari and 55 acre walk-through amusement park.

Also Includes:

animal displays and encounters

animal feeding experiences

7 rides

water sprayground
food and shopping

Prices and Hours:

Admission: Reg (10-64): $24
Seniors (65+): $22

Children (3-9): $18

Children 0-2: Free

Parking (per vehicle): $4.50

Vehicles Admitted Mon - Fri (Fall Season): 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Park Closes: 5 p.m.

Vehicles Admitted Sat and Sun 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Park Closes at 5:30 p.m.

Tips: Plan to come early to get the full experience

Visit the website at lioncountrysafari.com to download a coupon.

For more information visit the online store and/or goflorida.com

Fruit and Spice Park Has a Unique Flavor of History

2009-03-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

Do you like tasting new things? How about tasting and learning about exotic fruits? If you like to try new things and enjoy leisurely walking through a botanical garden, you should visit the Fruit and Spice Park located in Homestead, Florida.

Only tropical botanical garden of its kind in U.S.

The park has 37 acres open to the public

Has over 500 fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts

Park has special events and classes

Gift shop open 9a.m to 5p.m

Upcoming event to check out:
Redland Summer Fruit Festival June 20 and 21 from 10 am to 5 pm
Admission $6; (Children under 11 are free)
This annual event showcases local agriculture and tropical fruit plants.
Vendor booths featuring local wines, foods, and rare fruit samplings.

Guided Tours:
Conducted everyday at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.
Special tours can be arranged at convenient times for schools, clubs, and any special interest groups, from preschoolers to golden years groups.

Park Admission:
$7.00 per adult, $1.50 per child 6-12, and children under 6 are free.
Picnic facilities are available.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open 7 days a week except Christmas

Tips:

The guided tour staff doesn't accept credit cards, so come prepared with cash.
Best time to come is during blooming season.
Call ahead of time to see what's in bloom and what classes they are offering.
The park is also nearby a monkey jungle so stop and see that if you want.
Be prepared to walk a lot, but if you don't feel up to walking there is a tram that goes around the park.

Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor Has Everything Including the Kitchen Sink

2009-03-03T15:45:00.001-08:00

Jaxsons Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant open in Dania Beach since 1956, has a historic aura about it that bring in visitors every year.

Jaxsons is an old fashioned ice cream parlor that has one of the nation's largest collections of rural American memorabilia, including a world class automobile license plate collection.

The parlor has over 34 flavors of ice cream and many varieties of specialty ice cream deserts and American style food. They serve sugar free ice cream and fat free yogurts

The kitchen sink is a crowd pleaser. This desert is so big that it is recommended to share with four or more people.

" It's a Florida landmark," said Emilio from Pembroke Pines.
"Immediately you can tell its a special place once you come inside. Besides the lines, the interior of the restaurant is a tribute to "Yester-year". Nothing has changed. The food is pretty darn good...I'm not a hamburger type person, but this hamburger was phenomenal! Just wanted to order another one..The ice cream is very tasty and you might just go overboard by ordering "The Kitchen Sink"...Its truly a kitchen sink full of ice cream."

For more comments you can visit diningguide.network or cityguide.aol.com

Hours of Operation:

Sun-Thu 11:30 AM- 11PM

Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-12 AM

America's Backyard- Steps Out Of The Ordinary Club Scene

2009-02-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

An outdoor bar with a pool party setting filled with barbecue pits cooking up burgers, definitely lives up to its name "America's Backyard."

This is not your ordinary bar/restaurant. In a normal bar you wouldn't be able to pass a football across the room, but here anything goes.

The center of the room is a pool, except the pool bar is filled with bartenders instead of water.

In the back there is a smokin’ grill cooking a menu of all-American favorites to satisfy anyone's appetite.

They have hand-crafted beers from across the country at the Tool Shed Bar.

They have concerts at Revolution live next door

KISS Country on Thursday nights and Ladies night on Wednesdays.

They play a great mix of contemporary dance hits, familiar retro hits and country.

They offer private parties, birthday and special event parties as well as bachelorette parties.

Tip: Cover charge of $5 if you live outside of Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Must be 21 and bring ID for proof of age

This place gets extremely crowded by midnight, so if you don't like the crowds come early and leave early.

Smoking is also allowed, so if you can't be around smoke this isn't the right place to be or you can try to avoid the smokers.

Open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Hear what others are saying about this place from South Florida Metromix

Miami Seaquarium Offers Annual Pass For The Price Of One Day

2009-02-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Miami Seaquarium is one well known destination among tourists visiting South Florida.

Many Florida residents are also well aware of this place but don't visit that often. According to Sun-Sentinel, "Between now and March 1, residents visiting the Miami Seaquarium will receive an annual pass with each purchase of a regular price admission."

Picture Courtesy of Miami Seaquarium

The pass is not subject to black out dates.

Proof of Florida residency is required.

The passes are valid through December 31,

passes good during the Easter Egg hunts, summer events and the Monster Splash Halloween Bash.

Ticket are $36 for adults and $27 for kids aged 3 to 9.

Parking is $8.

Seaquarium is open 7 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here are some of the things that Miami Seaquarium has to offer:

Corporate and Social Events

Dolphin Interaction Program

Educational Program

Shows and presentations include:

Top Deck Dolphins Show

Golden Dome Sea Lion Show

Flipper Dolphin Show

Killer-Whale and Dolphin Show

Shark Channel Presentation

Tropical Reef Presentation

Manatee Presentation

Sea Lion Feeder Pool

Discovery Bay Presentation

Tip: Remember to bring some extra cash for food and souvenirs.

video courtesy of City Search

Miami-Dade Offers Eco-Friendly Adventure

2009-02-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

For the eco-conscious and adventurous traveler, the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department offers guided nature, adventure, and historic tours involving biking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, and bird-watching all over the city.

EcoAdventures, is set in Miami and established by the nationally renowned Miami-Dade Parks system, which is one of the largest networks of parks, beaches, wildlife-landscapes, wetlands, and recreational gems in the entire United States.

If you want some water fun you chose a good place. While you are in the water, you are likely to see starfish, wading birds, spotted eagle rays, and many more fascinating creatures as you kayak, canoe and snorkel your way through South Florida's marine sanctuaries.

One sanctuary includes the Bear Cut Marine Preserve in Key Biscayne. The fossilized rock reef is over 1500 years old and one of only two in the world found in a sub-tropical zone.

You can also see and experience the cavernous remains of a 1908 German wreckage.

EcoAdventure tours provide different rates depending on what activity you are doing and have a detailed schedule of activities.

For reservations, locations, or customized tours, you can contact EcoAdventures at:305-365-3018.

Everglades National Park- A Wonderland Of Exploration

2009-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

pictures courtesy of nps.gov

Want to get a close encounter with an alligator? How about taking an airboat ride through a sawgrass swamp?

The Everglades National Park which was created in 1947 to protect the southern end of the Everglades ecosystem, has many activities for the whole family.

The Everglades National Park Contains:

Nature Trails

Camping

Fishing

Airboat rides on the sawgrass

glass-bottom boat tours

Alligator Wrestling

Extensive hiking paths, boardwalks and canoe trails including the famous Anhinga Trail, a boardwalk from which it's possible to look down at the struggle for food and life among alligators, wading birds, turtles and snakes.

A 15-mile paved loop at Shark Valley allows people to walk, bicycle or ride a tram through the heart of the sawgrass marsh, with the chance to see alligators, deer and wading birds.

Here is what visitors are saying according to City Search:

Convenient hours
Short lines
Group discounts
Ample parking
Friendly staff

Tips:

Cameras are allowed on airboat ride, but keep in mind the alligators in the swamp are NOT PETS, so try not to get too close!

Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Gator Farm tours last airboat leaves at 5:25 p.m.

Bring bug repellent

Melting Pot- Wine and Dine Your Valentine

2009-02-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

Since Valentine's is almost here and I am a huge lover of chocolate i must mention the "Melting Pot." This is a restaurant that has been in business for more than 33 years and has over 130 locations open in the United States picture courtesy of Melting Pot Website

According to the Melting Pot website the first Melting Pot opened in April of 1975 in Midland, Florida. It was a cozy, quaint location and its first menu consisted of just three items: Swiss cheese fondue, beef fondue and a chocolate fondue dessert. However, as the restaurant's popularity expanded, so did its menu and ambiance.

Here is what the Melting Pot offers today:

relaxed atmosphere

private tables

attentive service

fine wines

signature fondue dinners.

Club Fondue

Fondue Chocolate Bars

Four Course Dining

What The Meal Consists Of:

Appetizer is a cheese fondue

Next course features salads like the California Salad with walnuts and gorgonzola cheese

Main Entree- fillet mignon, sirloin, chicken, tenderloin, shrimp, ravioli, and rigatoni

Best Part- Dessert- chocolate fondue dessert

The Melting Pot in Fort Lauderdale is also providing a special treat for Valentine's Day

"10 Days of Cupid: February 9 - February 18, from only $119 per couple."

Cupid's Romance Package For Two:
Cupid's Four-course Fondue Feast
"Love Quiz"
Cupid Gift Bag valued at over $50
Private Booth
Dozen Roses
90 Minutes of free-pouring of champagne
The restaurant is decorated to set a festive mood.
2/13, 2/14 - $249 per couple. All other days only $199 per couple.
Not a champagne drinker? Subtract $30 per couple.

TIP......There are other specials that come up once in a while, so i recommend taking advantage of them if it is over your budget.

Contour Day Spa: Heal and Relax

2009-02-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

What is a vacation without a relaxing massage? Whether you are looking to relax those tired muscles from too much surf or too much work, consider visiting Contour Day Spa in Plantation or Hollywood.

Contour Day Spa provides an array of services to meet the needs of their clients. Here are some of the many services they provide:

Spa Romance
Quick Fixes
Body Healing Therapy
Hydrotherapy
Holistic Massage
Hair Salon
Manicure and Pedicure Salon
Facial Therapy
Spa For Today's Man
Wedding Day
Maternity Program
Mikveh
Botox and Cosmetic Fillers
Hydrocolonic
Body Care

Quick Tips from Contour Day Spa

Sixteen years old is the minimum age requirement for all body services
Pregnant women should refrain from receiving any heat treatments, or massages during the first trimester or the last two weeks of third trimester
For spa services check in 30 minutes prior to appointment
Service Charge: A 20 percent service charge will be added to all Spa / Salon Services and Packages upon check in.
Drink plenty of water before and after your spa visits
Offer special pricing Monday-Thursday Only

LOVE CHOCOLATE? CONSIDER THIS:

Chocolate Indulgence Cellulite Treatment: 75 minutes for $130

A guilt free way to enjoy chocolate without the calories! A totally unique experience for those who wish to detoxify, smooth, and contour the body. The sensory appeal of chocolate will inspire and delight as the body is reshaped and reconditioned.

Looking For A Valentine's Or Anniversary Gift? Consider This:

Together Forever: 3 hours for $299
Two 50 minutes Swedish Massages in a VIP suite, Two Hand Paraffin Treatments, Two Spa Manicures and Two Spa Pedicures.

Need More Information?

Visit Hollywood or Plantation Sites.

To see what other people are saying about Contour Spa visit the review section.

photo courtesy of Contour Day Spa Website

Bongos: Eat and Dance Latin Style

2009-02-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

picture courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Bongos Cuban Cafe located in downtown Miami is owned by superstar Gloria Estefan. Bongos Cuban Cafe opened in 2000 is a restaurant by day and a dance-club by night.

"Bongos is a cool spot. I love the way it looks with the bongo seats and the dance floor is huge i love it! Its really beautiful inside, the lighting, the fake palm trees everything," said Liliana from Brooklyn.

What Bongos Has To Offer:

Overlooks the port of Miami, Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami Skyline.

Hosts international events such as the after parties of the Latin Grammy's, Latin Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Accommodates entertainment such as welcome receptions, wedding receptions, corporate events, and concerts.

Spectacular light show every Friday and Saturday night

What Is The Wow Factor?

Authentic Cuban Cuisine

Wide variety of classic and flavored Mojitos

Giant pineapple structure

Salsa and Meringue dancers

popular celebrity hangout

live music

Bongos In The News:

Best Of City Search Dining Guide recommended Bongos as having the "best live music venue, Cuban cuisine and celebrity hangout. "

Restaurant hours of operation:

Lunch: Friday - Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Nightclub hours of operation:

Fridays: 11:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.

Saturdays: 11:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.

****A tip: The cover is $20/person, but you can avoid this by getting there before 9:30 p.m and just hanging out at the bar...use those $20 there.

Other things to keep in mind:

Dress is casual

Not good for kids

Take Reservations

Best Nights Friday and Saturday

Good for groups

Happy hour

Indoor and outdoor seating

Read what others are saying about Bongos:

tripadvisor review

yahoo travel guide review

clubplanet review

Fort Lauderdale Beach: No Longer an Ordinary Spring Break

2009-02-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

Fort Lauderdale has a wide variety of cultural, historical, and social activities; however the beaches are a popular spot for tourists and locals.

Fifteen years of successful redevelopment has transformed Fort Lauderdale Beach from a seasonal tourist spot to a year round, world class family resort destination

You can take a stroll along the beach, bike, or skate along Atlantic Boulevard and the Beach Promenade. You can also take part in the many watersports available, such as kite surfing, kayaking and Parasailing.

Fort Lauderdale is also known as the "Venice of America," due to its large and extensive canal system.

Here is some of what Fort Lauderdale beaches have to offer according to the city's website:

7 miles of beaches
Recreation, relaxation and enjoyment
Award-winning wavewall
Signature beachfront promenade
Along the coast there are many shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and entertainment venues.
Wide range of activities from boating, wind surfing, jet skiing and volleyball to snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and rollerblading.
The area is home to the Las Olas Marina and Fort Lauderdale Aquatics Center,
holds major events including the McDonald’s Air and Sea Show, Greater Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Beachfest, Oceanfest and numerous other festivals and special events

If you would like to see more of Fort Lauderdale, a water taxi tour along the inland canals can give you easy and inexpensive access to major points throughout the city. You will also get a glimpse of the rich and famous along what's known as "Millionaire's Row."

Tips and Advice:

If you are in the area and are looking for good quality inexpensive alcoholic drinks consider visiting Blondies located on A1A. Margarita specials are $3-$4

If you have a late night craving you can visit Primanti Brothers which is open 24 hours, located on A1A just south of Sunrise Blvd. Pizza is the popular food choice.

For more activities to do in Fort Lauderdale check out visting Florida website, sunny.org

or you can visit the city of Fort Lauderdale website.

Stranahan House: A Place For Historians and Hungry Ghost Hunters

2009-02-01T20:31:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for a little scary fun and have a curiosity for historical homes, the Stranahan House may be an interesting spot to see.

Many local visitors and tourists come to see this house intrigued by rumors of spirits from the previous owners. They come to see if anything happens.

Other visitors come to learn and experience the history of the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale, which was built as a trading post for settlers and the Seminole Indians in 1901. It later evolved into the post office, community center and town hall

Watch a detailed video describing the Stranahan House:

Look at this article from The Black Vault based on the findings of local ghost hunters:

For more information and the complete history of the Stranahan House you can visit stranahanhouse.org.

Tours are given on the hour Wednesday-Saturday 10 a m.- 3 p.m., Sun 1-3 p.m.. Last tour starts at 3 p.m.. Tours last about 45-60 min.

Comments from visitors:

"Our tour guide brought the house and the Stranahans to life for us," said a visitor from Baltimore. "The people who work at the house are very devoted to the house and to its history."

"Small property now...but at one point I can imagine it was beautiful as it was," said a visitor from Ontario. "This is right downtown perfect location, easy to find right near the Cheesecake Factory."

picture courtesy of the Stranahan House website.

Muvico Palace: Dinner and Movie All In One

2009-01-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

Muvico Palace 20, located in Boca Raton has a movie and dining experience in one. There are two sections of the theater, the VIP section up stairs and the general seating downstairs. The up stairs theater is called the "Palace Premier VIP" and costs $20 for a ticket and is only for ages 21 and over.

For reservations and movie times you can check out: http://www.muvico.com/

"This is the best place to see a movie with a date because of the comfy love-seats standing in for the usual movie seats and the fact that you can take a glass of wine into the movie with you," said Gina Cooks from Plantation.

Here is what the Palace Premier VIP has to offer:

Free VIP Parking and Free Popcorn
Fine Dining at Bogart's Bar and Grill
Reserved Plush Love Seats

The theater which has 20 screens with stadium seating offers birthday parties, corporate events, and has a children's playroom.

They also offer special viewings such as the Inauguration of Barack Obama, which took place on Tuesday, Jan. 20. For more info on this viewing experience click on the link below.

http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story/Hundreds-pack-downtown-WPB-for-Obama-ceremony/UfjvXilaIEiJrI5YKVA8Kg.cspx

Mai-kai in Fort Lauderdale: A South Seas Experience

2009-01-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

The Mai-kai, a Polynesian restaurant which has been around since 1956, provide much more than just food.

When you enter the restaurant it's like stepping into a new world filled with sounds of beating drums and memorable dances.

The Mai-Kai recreates a Polynesian Village, complete with tiki torches, a thatch roof, and a wooden plank bridge entrance.

It has eight dining rooms, a bar, tropical gardens with walking paths and waterfalls, a stage in the center to showcase the Polynesian Islander Revue floor show, and a gift shop.
The cuisine according to http://www.maikai.com/ include Cantonese and American dishes such as fresh seafood and steaks and house specialties like Peking Duck, Rack of Lamb and Lobster Bora Bora.

During your dinner you can be entertained with a 45 minute Islanders Revue performed twice nightly by native Polynesian dancers in colorful costumes. The maidens and warriors recreate, through dance, details of many facets of life in the Islands.

The wedding dance and the Samoan Fire and Knife dance are the most popular dances among customers according to the restaurant's reviews.

Pictures courtesy of the Maikai

For prices and reservations you can visit the following links:

http://www.fortlauderdaletours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=6423&gclid=CPG21fLtqJgCFSCcnAodlR0Xmw

http://www.maikai.com/

South Florida's Country Western NIght Club Kicks it on the Dance Floor

2009-01-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

The popular spot to dance country style and wear your cowboy hat is at the Round Up Country Western Nightclub and Restaurant in Davie. You can visit their website for directions and more information at http://www.roundupcountry.com/

You don't see many cowboys running around South Florida, but you'll definitely see them here.

If you want to put your dancing skills to the test you better know what you are doing before you enter the large dance floor. Usually on the weekends the dance floor is crowded with good country line dancers. If you need some practice the Round Up offers dancing lessons every night they are open before 9pm.

According to http://www.sunsentinel.com/, "In a place that can pack in 500 people, the focus is the large central dance floor, an expanse of parquet uniformly filled by masses moving in unison."

The Round Up also has 15- 27" TV's to watch sports games any night, along with pool tables, darts and video games. They also have a full service bar and restaurant with a full dinner menu.

Of course many people go to the Round Up to dance and drink, but many also go for the concerts, which include top performers like Eric Church and Julianne Hough.

For concert updates visit http://www.roundupcountry.com/

Fort Lauderdale's Chili Cookoff 2009

2009-01-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past 24 years 99.9 KISS Country has put on an annual concert known as the Chili Cookoff.

Various top country artists come to perform in front of thousands of fans at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. On Jan. 25, 2009, more than 20,000 fans watched a line up of stars such as Justin Moore, Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, Jessica Simpson, and Alan Jackson.

The Chili Cookoff is not only known for its music, but for the food as well. There are so many food stands similar to that of a carnival.

The main food specialty of course is the chili. The KISS Country Chili Cookoff is officially sanctioned by the International Chili Society and is made up of more than 50 teams competing for the best chili and the best booth.

You can check out past events, photos and more information listed below:

http://www.wkis.com/

http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/slideshow/view/230075

Rachael Ray visits Argie Grill in Las Olas Riverfront

2009-01-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Argie Grill located in the Las Olas Riverfront shopping center in Fort Lauderdale, is a tiny restaurant that provides empanadas, gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, salads, hamburgers, hot dogs and smoothies.

Their main specialty though are the empanadas, which caught the eye of Food Network star, Rachael Ray during her $40 a day episode. You can check it out here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/40-a-day/ft-lauderdale-fl/index.html

Their empanadas are hand made, stuffed and baked pastries filled with natural ingredients, served with Chimichurri dipping sauce. They are inexpensive and nice for a quick snack and you can choose from 20 different fillings.

Some of their popular empanadas are:

sirloin
chix teriyaky
cajun shrimp
veggie
seafood
beef
four cheese
spinach and portobello

A review from TripAdvisor is listed below

"Great little Argentinian cafe with a wide selection of empanadas and their version of a pizza. It's open late and the owner, Elba, is a real sweetheart. Order a couple dozen empanadas to pick up...perfect for parties and more." http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34227-d447990-Reviews-Argie_Grill-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

For information on this restaurant you can call 954-463-2686

Fort Lauderdale Resort: A Serene Sensation

2009-01-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Pelican Grand Beach Resort is an oceanfront oasis located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It's a resort that provides amenities for all types of travelers.

The main reason why this resort attracts so many visitors is because of the scenery. The resort has a large back porch, pool, lazy river and bar that overlook the ocean.

"You have no reason to go anywhere else, you have everything you need right here," said Cherie Kidd, a guest at the resort. "The rooms have a cottage like feel not like a normal hotel room, and if you want to be with the ocean this is the place to be."

If you are looking to buy a place in South Florida, this resort has units on sale for $500,000, and if you are just wanting to vacation here, the rooms range from $190.00 to $250.00 a night, depending on the season.

The amenities according to http://www.pelicanbeach.com/ include:

Ocean Front Dining, Pool-side Cocktails
Zero Entry Pool
Lazy River tubing ride
North Ocean Grille – waterfront restaurant
Postcards – poolside cocktail Lounge
Over 7,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space
Wedding planning services / Corporate Meeting Services
"The Emporium" – old-fashioned ice cream parlor
Oceanfront Fitness Center
High-speed Internet access
Concierge service available
Underground valet parking
Guest laundry

For more information and to see other reviews on the Pelican Grand Beach Resort you can visit the following links:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34227-d80483-Reviews-Pelican_Grand_Beach_Resort-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=49851