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 Luxurious Fort Lauderdale, Florida with 23 miles of sandy beaches to stroll, upscale restaurants, mega yachts, multi-million dollar homes, and interesting sights to explore was the perfect spring getaway when we desperately needed sun and sand.
March had arrived and although the calendar said it was spring, the weather in New England was anything but reflective of the season. Anxious for sunshine and warm temperatures, Edward and I took a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where we stepped out of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, were bathed in glorious sunshine, and knew why Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State.
Fort Lauderdale is all about luxury, and The Pillars at New River Sound is as good as it gets when it comes to boutique luxury hotels. We stayed at The Pillars at New River Sound that truly has the best of Fort Lauderdale with the Intracoastal Waterway in its "backyard" with views of multi-million dollar homes, and the Atlantic Ocean a mere 2 minute walk away; that is if you walk very slowly.
The Pillars at New River Sound
 The hotel is a stunning gem with just 22 rooms and suites with a decidedly residential rather than a hotel feel, and although the hotel is small in stature, amenities abound from their excellent restaurant, The Secret Garden, where Chef G creates enticing recipes for hotel guests, to the kidney shaped swimming pool, attractive garden where you can relax on a chaise in the shade of a palm tree, book-lined library and drawing room where guests may read, partake of a chess game, or perhaps play the harp. The posh rooms are well appointed with state-of-the-art audio and television equipment, feature luxury amenities, and the staff is professional, attentive, helpful, and welcoming.
The Pool
Read about The Pillars at New River Sound in the Hotels and Resorts, and Restaurants sections, and in Chefs' Recipes where Chef G shares a tempting taste of The Secret Garden with a delicious Butternut Squash with Star Anise, Ginger, and Lump Crabmeat Soup recipe.
View from the Intracoastal Waterway
The Pillars at New River Sound
111 North Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
United States
Telephone: +1 954-467-9639
Email:
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www.PillarsHotel.com
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Walking along Fort Lauderdale Beach with soft white sand caressing our bare feet felt absolutely delicious after a long winter of hibernation. A breeze blew through the palm trees that stood like sentinels lining the sidewalk along the beach, my hair whipped around my face, and I felt totally free bathed in warm sunshine.
Strolling the Beach
Although several families with children were playing in the waves, as well as a few kitesurfers, walking at the edge of the surf line where the waves merely lapped at our toes as we strolled along the seemingly endless beach was enough for us, as the Atlantic Ocean was still a bit chilly. Instead, we contented ourselves with admiring the shells and bits of coral that had washed up on the sand, and people watching as we walked along the pretty stretch of beach.
Palm Trees on Fort Lauderdale Beach
Often referred to as the "Venice of America" due to its extensive canal systems, one of the best ways to experience the city is by water, and private yacht withstanding, the Water Taxi, making 11 stops along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, provided us with an interesting way to see the city aboard one of their 45-foot vessels.
Water Taxi
 The Pillars at New River Sound has its own private Water Taxi stop, which made it extremely convenient for us with the Water Taxi stopping right at our dock. We really enjoyed our time out on the water where Johann and the Captain pointed out interesting celebrity homes and the many mega yachts and sailboats that we passed along the way.
The Water Taxi makes frequent stops and we were able to board and disembark throughout the day using the all day pass making it easy to see many of the Fort Lauderdale attractions without needing to drive.
View from Intracoastal Waterway
Water Taxi Tickets - can be purchased on board or at the ticket kiosk at Beach Place. Although they accept cash and traveler's checks, they do not accept credit cards. Fares: Family $48.00 (Includes 2 regular fares and up to 3 youth or seniors), Regular $13.00 - unlimited rides all day, Youth/Senior $ 10.00 (Youths 12 and under and Seniors ages 65+, proof of age required), tickets are $7.00 after 7pm and must be purchased on board.
View from Intracoastal Waterway
Water Transportation Alternatives
1850 SE 17th Street, Suite 106A
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
United States
Telephone: +1 954-467-6677
Fax: +1 954-728-8417
Email:
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www.WaterTaxi.com
One of our favorite places to visit was Bonnet House an amazing property that was once the home of artist and collector Frederic Clay Bartlett and his family. Encompassing 35-acres, Brazilian squirrel monkeys play in the trees, parrots live in a whimsical aviary in the courtyard, and the house designed by Frederic Clay Bartlett, is as unique and whimsical as the furnishings and the artifacts that the Bartlett's collected over the years.
Bonnet House
Our guided tour of Bonnet House with Pat commenced beside the large obelisks made of coral and limestone at the entrance to the house, and when we walked through the brightly painted blue door, we felt as if we had stepped into another world.
Bonnet House Entrance
Frederic had a very interesting married life; when his first wife, Dora died, he married her best friend Helen Birch in 1919. When Hugh Taylor Birch gave the land that is now Bonnet House as a wedding present to his daughter Helen and Frederic, I doubt that he could have even imagined how the property would develop into a fantasy of almost fairytale proportions that began with construction of the house in 1920, which was to be their winter home. Tragically, Helen died in 1925 of breast cancer, and in 1931, Frederic married Evelyn Fortune Lilly. Bonnet House continued to grow and thrive in Evelyn's care, becoming a place where they spent three months in the winter painting and lavishly entertaining.
Bonnet House Courtyard and Aviary
A few of the many highlights of the tour are the Dining Room featuring a whimsical chandelier made by Frederic with etched round and tear drop shaped glass and beads, Portuguese tiles framing the entrance to the Butler's Pantry, steins, antique Wedgwood Cane Ware, Spode china, and Vaseline glass beckon invitingly from the shelves, along with mounted fish caught by Frederic and his son, Clay.
 The Haitian loggia features a ceiling mural by Frederic, obelisks made of embedded shells in the walls of the four corners, shells embedded around the entrances, whimsical carved wood monkey sculptures purchased from The Plaza Hotel in New York set in wall niches, and an ornate filigree lantern made from recycled Shell oil cans.
Also of interest are the Shell Museum, Bamboo Bar, Orchid House, Music Room, and Drawing Room. The house is completely captivating with its collection of art and furnishings, and the gardens are exquisite.
Bonnet House is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, with the last house tour at 2:30pm. Gates close at 3:30 pm. Bonnet House is closed Mondays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission: Individual - $20.00, Seniors - $18.00 (age 60 and over), Children - $16.00 (ages 6 - 12), Children under age 6 - Free, Bonnet House Members - Free, Grounds Only - $10.00, and Group Rates - $13.00 per person, reservation required, minimum group of 15.
Bonnet House
900 North Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304
United States
Telephone: +1 954-563-5393
Fax: +1 954-561-4174
Email:
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www.BonnetHouse.org
Visiting the Stranahan House Museum was a romantic experience as Marlene, the docent, told us about the history of the house built in the Florida Vernacular Style and of the love story of pioneer visionary Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy Julia Cromartie.
Stranahan House Museum
Built by Frank Stranahan in 1901, the house is the oldest residence in Fort Lauderdale and was built completely of Dade County pine, and used as a trading post, and later as the family residence in 1906. Thought of as the "father of Fort Lauderdale," Frank came to Fort Lauderdale from Ohio in 1893 at the age of 29 years where he ran the ferry across the New River, created a trading post, bank, and operated the post office.
Stranahan House Post Office
He met and fell in love with the lovely 18-year old Ivy Julia Cromartie, the first teacher who came to New River Settlement in 1899, whom he promptly married at the end of the school year. Their lifetime legacy was one of helping the community and building a relationship with the Seminoles. Predeceased by Frank who died in 1929 during the Depression, Ivy continued to live in the house until her death in 1971, often renting rooms and living in the attic when the family income had dramatically plummeted in order to maintain the house that the love of her life had built.
Stranahan House Dining Room
The house is a testament to the love and care that went into building and furnishing the home. Of particular interest for me was the wonderful collection of clothing artfully displayed that appeared as if Ivy was about to return at any moment.
Stranahan House Kitchen
 Stranahan House Museum is open daily with Guided Tours at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, which is the last tour of the day. Tours last approximately 45-60 minutes. Call for their summer hours. The museum is closed during the month of September. Admission is charged, Adults - $12.00, Seniors - $11.00, and Children - $7.00.
Stranahan House Museum
335 S.E. Sixth Avenue at Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States
Telephone: +1 954-524-4736
Fax: +1 954-525-2838
Email:
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www.StranahanHouse.org
 A short walk from the Stranahan House, yet worlds away architecturally, is the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale, built in 1986 by American Architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. During our visit to the museum there was an interesting special exhibit entitled "With You I Want to Live," which consisted of contemporary paintings, sculpture, and photographs, in addition to their permanent collection.
The Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale is open daily from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm with extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 pm. Admission of $7 is charged. Please visit their website for additional information and upcoming exhibits.
Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale
One East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States
Telephone: +1 954-525-5500
Fax: +1 954-524-6011
www.MOAFL.org
Although the downtown skyline is dotted with skyscrapers, and high-rise hotels line the beach, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society has done their part in preserving a section of the city as it once was.
Old Fort Lauderdale, located off the main road in Smoker Park fronting the Intracoastal Waterway, is like a treasured secret of buildings kept and preserved by the Fort Lauderdale History Center "Bringing History to Life."
Smoker Park
The many buildings in Old Fort Lauderdale include the Hoch Heritage Center (Research and Archives) for visitors looking for historical and genealogical information, the Philemon Nathanial Bryan House, the King-Cromartie House, the New River Inn, and the Replica School House.
We took a self guided tour of the New River Inn built by contractor Edwin T. King for Philemon Nathaniel Bryan in 1905, which is the oldest tourist hotel in Broward County and operated from 1905 until 1951, and now houses the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society's Museum of History.
New River Inn
After looking at the New River Inn, we took a docent guided tour, led by Ellen, of King-Cromartie House, which was built by Edwin T. King in 1907 of Dade County pine where he lived with his family, and later became the residence of his eldest daughter Louise and her husband Bloxham Cromartie, the brother of Ivy Julia Cromartie, whom we had learned was the area's first teacher and later the wife of Frank Stranahan while visiting the Stranahan House Museum. The family remained in the house until 1968, and in 1971, the house was barged to its present location in Smoker Park.
King-Cromartie House
Ellen also gave us a tour of the one-room Replica School House that provided us with insight and appreciation for the conditions in 1899 for 18-year old teacher Ivy Julia Cromartie and her class of nine students.
Replica School House
Although not open for tours, also on the property is the Philemon Nathanial Bryan House, built of concrete blocks by Edwin T. King in 1905 and features Classical Revival details. We felt as if we had taken a short break from life in the fast lane and had taken a step back in time in Old Fort Lauderdale.
Philemon Nathanial Bryan House
The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society is open Tuesday - Sunday from Noon until 4:00 pm. Admission is $10. There are self-guided tours of New River Inn, and docent-led tours at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. The Hoch Heritage Center is open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, and Monday and Saturday from Noon until 4:00 pm, research appointments appreciated.
Fort Lauderdale Historical Society
219 S.W. 2nd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States
Telephone: +1 954-463-4431
Fax: +1 954-523-6228
Email:
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www.OldFortLauderdale.org
International Swimming Hall of Fame
Another interesting museum that we visited was the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which has an extensive collection of memorabilia including that of Olympic winner Johnny Weissmuller who went on to star in the Tarzan films, Esther Williams, Greg Louganis, and Mark Spitz to name but a few, along with bathing suits, costumes, medals, Olympic flags and much more.
Mark Spitz Memorabilia
 The International Swimming Hall of Fame is open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Admission: Adults - $8.00, Seniors - $6.00 (65 and older), Students - $4.00, Museum Members - Free, Active Military - Free, and Children - Free (Under 6).
International Swimming Hall of Fame
1 Hall of Fame Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
United States
Telephone: +1 954-462-6536
www.ISHOF.org
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, often compared to Central Park in New York, is a lovely and inviting oasis in Fort Lauderdale located on the grounds of Hugh Taylor Birch's former 180-acre estate, Terramar, where he built his art deco home in 1940.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
 We took a walk in the park along the hiking trails, where we performed the suggested exercises at each of the stops along the way, and walked along the road where the trees arched to form a lacy canopy of leaves that before Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma had whipped through, had formed canopies over most of the trails and roads. One of our favorite trees in the park though was the 70-year old massive lofty fig towering like a living giant overhead.
When you want to escape from the bustling city, the park is a wonderful place to rest and relax, enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables, admire the yachts passing by on the Intracoastal Waterway, or soak up nature while walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading, kayaking, or canoeing.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am until sunset. A nominal entrance fee is required.
 Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304
United States
Telephone: +1 954-564-4521
www.FloridaStateParks.org
M. Cruz Rentals is located in the building at the beach entrance to the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and this is "the place" when it comes to toys. Family owned by the Wysocki family since 2005, Brent, his wife Nina, and their 6-year old son Mathieu, rent bicycles, tandem bicycles, canoes, kayaks, rollerblades, and for more the adventuresome, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and even offer the very popular Segway tours.
Brent, Mathieu, and Nina of M. Cruz Rentals
 The Adventure Kids aka Debra C. Argen and Edward F. Nesta, always on the lookout for a new adventure, really enjoyed playing with the fun new toys at M. Cruz Rentals. Although we have seen Segways in various parts of the country, this was our first attempt and found them so easy to ride that we were reluctant to leave them at the end of our tour.
Read about our latest adventure with M. Cruz Rentals in the Adventures section where we zip around the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park riding electric bicycles, Segways, and even electric scooters.
M. Cruz Rentals is open daily. Call or email them for additional information.
M. Cruz Rentals
3109 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304
United States
Brent Wysocki, Owner
Telephone: +1 954-235-5082
Email:
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Email:
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www.MCruzRentals.com
After our adventures with M. Cruz Rentals at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, it was time for an adventure of the retail kind at the Galleria Fort Lauderdale, an upscale mall boasting many shops and restaurants. Located a short walk from the park, the mall felt deliciously cool after spending the morning playing outside in the bright Florida sunshine.
The Galleria Fort Lauderdale is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, and on Sunday from Noon until 6:00 pm.
Galleria Fort Lauderdale
2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, Near A1A
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
United States
Telephone: +1 954-564-1015
www.GalleriaMall-FL.com
We also visited the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment located on the Intracoastal Waterway, and Las Olas Boulevard, what the locals like to refer to as their "style mile" or the Rodeo Drive of Fort Lauderdale lined with upscale boutique shops, bars, cafes, and art galleries, that was perfect for people watching.
Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
S.W. 2nd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL
United States
Telephone: +1 954-468-2540
www.RiverWalkAE.com
Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL
United States
Telephone: 1-800-4-LASOLAS
www.LasOlasBoulevard.com
The culinary scene in Fort Lauderdale has really changed in the past 15 years according to chefs in the know, "Chef G" (Djillali Mezali) of The Secret Garden, and Chef Brian Rutherford of Bistro Mezzaluna where high standards and the freshest of ingredients are the mainstay of their restaurants.
The Secret Garden
We had an elegant and delectable dinner dockside at The Secret Garden, a well-kept secret for fortunate guests staying at The Pillars at New River Sound. Since the luxury hotel has a mere 22-rooms, the restaurant is open for hotel guests and their invited guests only.
 Executive Chef G clearly in his element at The Secret Garden where he changes his menu daily according to his freshest ingredients that he finds each day at the market. During our stay at the hotel, we had dinner at The Secret Garden and indulged in Smoked Baby Clam Chowder, Prosciutto Wrapped Sea Scallops, Duck Breast au Poivre, Mediterranean Style Swordfish, Pavlova, and Flourless Chocolate Cake, while watching the mega yachts glide by on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Mediterranean Style Swordfish
Read about The Pillars at New River Sound in the Hotels and Resorts section, and about The Secret Garden in the Restaurants section and Chefs' Recipes section where Chef G shares a tasty recipe for Butternut Squash with Star Anise, Ginger, and Lump Crabmeat Soup.
The Secret Garden
The Pillars at New River Sound
111 North Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
United States
Telephone: +1 954-467-9639
Email:
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www.PillarsHotel.com
 The Italian restaurant, Bistro Mezzaluna, is another lovely Fort Lauderdale dining secret. Located in a strip mall, it is deceiving from the outside, however once inside, and greeted by Julian, a local celebrity in his own right, it is easy to see why regulars have been steadily coming since the restaurant opened in 1993, and why I had to share their secret. The ambience is attractive and comfortable, the food is excellent, and it is the type of restaurant where celebrities are frequently spotted.
Executive Chef Brian Rutherford focuses his menu on the important Fort Lauderdale staples: fresh seafood, pasta, steaks and chops. Over the course of the evening we decadently dined on Jumbo Stone Crab Claws; Beef Carpaccio; Heirloom Tomato & Gorgonzola Salad; Goat Cheese Ravioli with Roasted Peppers, Tomatoes, and Pancetta; Pan Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Lump Crab; and Lobster Francaise with Yellow Corn-Asparagus Ragout, Spinach and Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
Lobster Francaise
 Bistro Mezzaluna is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm until Midnight, and Sunday from 5:30 pm until 10:30 pm.
Read about Bistro Mezzaluna in the Restaurants section and in the Chefs' Recipes section where Chef Brian Rutherford shares delectable recipes for Pan Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Lump Crab, Capers, and Tomatoes; and Chicken and Italian Sausage with Rigatoni and Balsamic.
Bistro Mezzaluna
741 S.E. 17th Street Causeway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
United States
Telephone: +1 954-522-6620
Telephone: +1 954-522-9191
Fax: +1 954-522-3280
www.BistroMezzaluna.net
Dining in Fort Lauderdale was a most memorable experience, and fortunately, with 23-miles of sandy beaches to roam, interesting sights to explore, plus having an adventure or two, as an added incentive, Edward and I may have even lost a few pounds on this trip, now that is always a wonderful souvenir to bring home!
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale Beach
Read other articles on Fort Lauderdale in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs' Recipes, and Adventures sections.
 For more information on Fort Lauderdale and upcoming events, please visit The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau website: www.Sunny.org or call 1-800-22-SUNNY.
© April 2009. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.
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