‍

Those of us who have taken four or five decades worth of trips around the sun, may recall Fort Lauderdale as the ultimate Spring Break destination - full of partying for days, stuffing 12 people in the cheapest hotel room we could find and likely coming home with a staph infection from a piercing or tattoo, we have very little recollection of getting.

I've been fortunate enough to be able to spend some time as of late in the Sebastian Beach area of the city, and while there's an eclectic mix of tourists and locals, it's actually turned out to be a little reminiscent of areas like N. Miami Beach. With easy access to great shopping on Las Olas (if you visited years ago, you'll be amazed; it's almost unrecognizable) and exceptional international cuisine, it's grown into a laidback sophistication that now supports a beautiful new Four Seasons hotel, just a few blocks from the iconic Ritz-Carlton and trendy "lifestyle" brand hotels like Conrad and W.

Don't get me wrong- the Elbo Room (the oldest bar in town) is going strong and just a bit further down the road, you can still find Senor Frogs, if that's your vibe. For me, personally, I like to mix it up!

If gambling is your thing, there are casinos within a 30 minute drive, including the famous Hard Rock Guitar Hotel & Casino, as well as Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, where every winter they hold the Pegasus World Cup - a lesser-known horse race with a HUGE purse and celeb-studded events hosted by the sponsor, Baccarat.

‍

‍

This section of the beach is about a 15 minute uber ride from the bustling Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) where there are MANY daily nonstop flights, making it easily accessible from almost anywhere in the country.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick, easy get-away where you can be on the beach within an hour of your arrival, keep the "Venice of the Americas" in mind.

‍

-Tracy Thomas

‍

‍
‍