by Kate | Aug 31, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Kate
Living in South Florida we are constantly bombarded with out-of-towners wanting to visit our year-round paradise. I do not mind hosting guests, however, I do mind when they ask me to take them to what I consider the WORST tourist attractions in greater Fort Lauderdale. I’ve heard them time and time again and always try my hardest to find any excuse to avoid these activities that I have developed a strong hatred for over the years. I occasionally give in, most often after a few beers when I am at my most vulnerable. For each activity I have offered an alternative suggestion that needs little explanation – take it from the FTLC bloggers!
Nightmare on Sunrise Blvd.
Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall
“What’s this I hear about that big outlet mall?” I cringe at the thought of hearing this question, yet, every time I have a first time visitor, these words are regretfully muttered from their freshly sunburned lips. It’s the same scenario every time: we struggle to find a parking spot and then walk for five minutes in the heat trying to figure out how we will remember where we parked the car. We then rejoice upon entering the over-air-conditioned monstrosity of an outlet mall. There are few things I will give credit to Sawgrass Mills for and one of those things is the fact that it is indoors. Immediately you are surrounded by masses of people, most of them from foreign countries, running every which way, trying to make the most out of their bargain hunting. You see people pushing carts loaded with everything under the sun and then you find yourself extremely disappointed when you leave the mall with nothing because the only clothing sizes left are XXL. You’ll find yourself digging through piles of junk in stores such as Burlington Coat Factory or paying prices for Nikes that seem inappropriate for an outlet mall. If people pushing strollers into your heels does not bother you enough, you are quickly worn down and ready to return to the car only to realize the mall does not flow in a circle and you’ll have to turn back around and pass all of the unworthy outlet stores that you’ve already avoided. One tiny bag in hand and a frustrated look on their face, my guests always make some sort of statement like “Well that was a disappointment.” I hide my look of “I told you so” and then we gracefully walk back out to the parking lot, forgetting where we parked, of course.
Alt suggestion: They probably aren’t going to buy anything at Sawgrass so take them to the Swap Shop instead, where they will experience a South FL flea market at its finest.
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by Strawberry Jam | Aug 29, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Strawberry Jam
Out of the few options South Floridians have for fresh produce and local goods, the Riverwalk Urban Market doesn’t disappoint with decent prices and a nice selection of various items. After suddenly disappearing from it’s original location across from the Museum of Discovery and Science the market has finally gotten around to updating their flyers with their new location: the historic district near the old River House. Here are just a few reasons to shake off that Friday night funk and make it out before they close up shop at 1pm. Though pretty consistent, most vendors sign up on a weekly basis so visit often to check for changes.
Artisan pasta
Spicy Thai linguine and peppercorn pasta are two of over a dozen varieties. At $4.50/half pound and $8/pound prices are comparable to grocery store gourmet pasta prices.
Homemade fish dip
Try a free sample if the photos of this guy smoking his fish and the vacuum packed/permanent marker DIY packaging aren’t enticing enough. Smoked wahoo dip and smoked salmon are among the choices.
Produce
Why buy from other states or countries when Florida has some of the best soil and climate to grow in? A nice selection of leafy greens, fruits, and seasonal items are available from your own backyard. The best deal here is probably the small baskets of sundried tomatoes for $3.
Herbeque
If browsing makes you hungry or if the heat leaves you parched this is your spot to stop for a meaty fix or refreshing sweet tea. They’re away on occasional Saturday caterings as well so you might want to say a prayer to the BBQ gods before your visit.
Local honey
Honey is excellent for your immune system and a good source of natural energy. Get it before the bees go extinct.
Riverwalk Urban Market
227 SW 2nd Ave
Fort Lauderdale
Every Saturday 8am-1pm
by Miguel Bravo | Aug 27, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
As usual, lots of stuff going on this weekend. Here’s just a few of the many options for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
Friday
Fort Lauderdale’s quarterly Christmas, more commonly known as the Bus Loop, is back today. This time the loop focuses on the beach bars. It’s not too late to sign up. Before noon you can prepay on the website, otherwise pay at the check-in spots at Blue Martini or Beach Place courtyard. $20 beforehand, $25 at “the door”.
Afterwards, head to 1921, FTL’s premiere underground music venue, for the Hot Pants Dance Party. If you are unclear of what hot pants are, just think short shorts. Unlike most 1921 parties, there are no bands, but the world famous DJ Mig (me), will be spinning the hottest in electro house remixes, indie, and nu disco. There’s a $5 cover charge, but all proceeds go to help a friend that’s struggling with cancer. The bar is cash only. The club is located at 1921 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL. It’s tricky to find, so use this youtube video to find it.
Methodaires bring their brand of old school ska to Poorhouse.
Saturday
Every fourth Saturday of the month, Sea Monster in downtown Ft Lauderdale has an indie dance party known as Revel. Marvelous Kendall spinning indie and alternative music.
Ukele Festival on Ft Lauderdale Beach. The name is self explanatory.
Every fourth Saturday, Fat Village Arts District holds an open house for all the art studios in the area. Complimentary refreshments and wine tasting. It goes down from 7-11pm on Saturday night. It’s located between NW 4th St and NW 6th St.
Sunday
Go for a bike ride at Birch State Park.
by Kate | Aug 26, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
By: Kate
Until the last year or so the local art and music scene was dwindling on a thin line in Fort Lauderdale. With a re-vamp in venues and some very ambitious and talented artists, the scene is starting to thrive and its rapid growth looks incredibly promising. Almost every week a local band graces one of our Fort Lauderdale stages or some über-hip resident socialites are throwing an art show/warehouse party. This Thursday is no different when Twilight Notes and Radio-Active Records present the monthly (or bi-monthly) coffee shop-cum-art gallery event, Dialect, at Brew Urban Cafe in downtown Fort Lauderdale. DJs Adam Foster, Mikey Ramirez, Damask, and Esoteric are providing the sounds; your goal is to sip a brew, caffeinated or hop-infused, and enjoy the wonderful works of exhibiting artists Jose Lopez, Estefania Lopez, Ilian Velasco, Kazilla, Raymond Brown, and N! Satterfield. A typical night at a Dialect event means the coffee shop and its patrons will spew out on to SW 2nd street downtown, socializing over a few choice beverages, and supporting the local indie art scene. The FTL Collective strongly encourages you to tell your friends to tell their friends and come out to Brew tonight at 8 pm. The event is free to the public and a majority of the artwork will be for sale if you are so inclined to stock your abode with some lovely local artistry.
Dialect
Brew Urban Cafe
209 SW 2nd Ave.
8 pm – 12 am
by Strawberry Jam | Aug 25, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
by Strawberry Jam
If you are fortunate enough to have a roof over your head and your stuff together, it only makes sense to help those who don’t. Doing so not only provides assistance to charitable organizations in need but also shows your support for those who’ve fallen on hard times. With the recent economy producing a new breed of homelessness, it is not uncommon for professionals, students, and single parents to seek shelter. Volunteering allows for unique experiences and conversation with others in the community. Stories might include someone’s past, to what they’re hoping to become, and how they’ve been helped along the way. Most people are just as curious to know your story and are grateful for your time as well.
At Broward Outreach, there are many opportunities to lend a hand, ranging from office work and tutoring, to food service and various annual events. Individuals seeking help can’t come and go as they please but can at any time exit the program which includes courses, housing, and meals. Classes range from job training and motivational classes, to educational courses such as basic math. There are three locations: Hollywood, Miami, and Pompano Beach.
If networking for a cause is more your thing, then Young Professionals for Covenant House might be for you. Geared towards 21-45 year olds, members attend fundraising events (oftentimes with the lure of alcohol, think Busloop), trips, or do volunteer work. Proceeds benefit Covenant House Florida which serves at-risk youth under the age of 21. Since opening in 1985, Covenant House has served over 30,000 individuals and received $1,675,000 from Young Pros.
www.miamirescuemission.com
www.youngpros.net
