Fort Lauderdale Sings a New Song

Southern Living, Mar 2005 by Thomas, Les

When you're looking for a sunny escape, here's a place that's music to your ears.

More than 40 years after Connie Francis sang "Where The Boys Are," it's still easy to fall in love with Fort Lauderdale.

She warbled the theme song for the 1960 movie that made college students all over America dream about spring break in Florida. Sorority girls still ride in convertibles on A1A, but Fort Lauderdale sings some new tunes now. Here are some that fit.

* "Where the Families Are." Almost everywhere. They're playing on the beach and cruising the river to gawk at the yachts and mansions on Millionaire's Row. They're thrilling to the sight of thousands of winged wonders as beautiful as flying flowers at Butterfly World in nearby Coconut Creek.

* "Where the Shoppers Are." They're being tempted to buy everything from designer fishing lures to high fashion evening gowns. The 30 municipalities that make up Greater Fort Lauderdale have an amazing array of stops. Stores range from Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World to chic boutiques on Las Olas Boulevard. Sawgrass Mills stretches for more than a mile in Sunrise, featuring more than 300 brand-name outlets. If you need a break from all that shopping, drop in at the Swap Shop, a sprawling flea market. Sit down and watch a circus ($1-$2), or stay for one of the drive-in movies that flicker to life at night on 13 screens in the parking lot.

* "Where the hotels Are." Eight hotels have recently opened or are close to opening in Fort Lauderdale. Area rates are pricey through the high season, December 15-April 30. For value-priced beachfront lodging, try neighboring Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. This time of year, rooms with kitchens range $125-$155 at the cozy, six-room, Art Deco Seaward Ocean-front Motel; toll-free 1-877-311-4141 or www.seawardmotel.com.

* "Where the Restaurants Are." Raise a toast to happy memories at the Elbo Room, used in many scenes in the classic movie, and then head out for a memorable feast. Try the lively Aruba Beach Café in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea for flavorful conch chowder and half-loaves of honey-glazed Bimini bread; (954) 776-0001. After a morning of sightseeing, relax with a delicious lunch of chili-dusted snapper ($9) and lava cake ($6) at Himmarshee Bar and Grille; (954) 524-1818. You can sleep late and still enjoy breakfast, served 24-7 at The Floridian Restaurant; (954) 463-4041 (no credit cards). Have the banana pancakes or a huge omelet, if you're really hungry.

* "Where the Daydreams Are." Rent a convertible. Put the top down, and turn up the radio. See if that doesn't make you feel like singing. There's a lot to love about Fort Lauderdale. And it's not just a spring break infatuation anymore.

LES THOMAS

For more information: Contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100 East Broward Blvd., Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; 1-800-227-8669 or www. sunny.org.