The last time I was in Fort Lauderdale I was 6 years old on a family vacation and was terrified that a pelican would snatch me up and drop me off in the middle of the ocean. Twenty years later while my distrust of pelicans remains, a lot has changed.
When the opportunity came up to have a full 24 hours in the sun, I jumped on it without planning anything at all. I figured that when I woke up fresh, I would head to the concierge and with their help and the aid of my trusty smart phone, I would make the most of my time. Here is what I did with one day in Fort Lauderdale:
My 7am wake up turned into a 9am roll out of bed. I don’t know about you but I always set my alarm ambitiously but have yet to actually follow through. The sun was already shining as I grabbed my coffee and made my way down to the concierge desk. I was adamant that I wanted to make my way to nearby Miami. This idea was quickly shot down when I was informed it would be either a 100 dollar ride share or I would have to rent a car. So instead I was given a map and some brochures and headed to the beach to decide what I was going to do for the rest of the day.
It was early enough that I snagged prime real estate right by the water and planted myself for what I thought would be a short while until I figured out what sightseeing I was going to do. Five hours went by and I hadn’t moved. The sky was crystal clear, the water was warm and I was having the time of my life. Nearby music was blaring and the atmosphere was definitely not what I had remembered from when I was a kid. I had the ultimate afternoon of relaxation. My polar vortexed skin was soaking in the vitamin D and I left feeling brand new.
Yes, I did finally get myself to move. I hopped on the sun trolly and for 1 dollar I arrived at the nearby Galleria mall. It’s not my usual hangout while I travel but my new beach friends told me that it had a great selection and awesome prices. I perused the stores until I had spent my rent money and headed back to the hotel.
After a shower and a costume change I took another recommendation and headed to the end of the strip to a restaurant called Dos Caminos. I had the awkward moment when the hostess asked me how many people were in my party and then subsequently pitied me when I responded “just 1”. I have become accustomed to this as I travel a lot on my own, and have even come up with ways to enjoy it. Talking to the people around me, bringing a book, reminiscing silently about my day, and on the odd occasion pretending to send texts. We all do it.
With a stomach full of guacamole (which is amazing here by the way) I headed along the beach back to my hotel. I contemplated going into the many packed bars and clubs I passed on the way, but I usually draw the line at solo dining. Maybe one day.
Cheers from 30,000 feet
@elzzster