Whether one of our own Fort Lauderdale citizens celebrating Thanksgiving in our tropical paradise or a welcome visitor from a colder clime, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!  Holidays are always a terrific reason to make time for local fun.  Whether to entertain each other, the kids, or out of town guests, here are a few favorite Fort Lauderdale outings to consider this weekend:

1. BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Rated number one of the top 90 “to do” spots in Fort Lauderdale, Bonnet House is an historic 1921 plantation-style home amid tropical gardens and ponds. The home of famed artist, Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn, the Bonnet House ocean-side grounds and estate are open to the public.  Contact education@bonnethouse.org for more information.  Address: 900 North Birch Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304  Tel: 954-563-5393.

2. SAWGRASS RECREATION PARK
This is an exciting airboat tour in the Everglades.  Rumor has it that reservations should be made early in the day for a better chance to see alligators.  Be sure to ask about the free, annual one year pass for Florida residents. Address: U.S. 27 north of I-595 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329. Tel: 954-389-0202.

3. SPIRIT OF LAUDERDALE CATAMARAN
Quoted by one tourist as “heaven on the water,” this day cruise is a “must do” for water lovers.  The crew is known for their safety, knowledge of the area and love of the sea.  Visit http://www.tropicalsailing.com/spiritoflauderdale for more information.  Address:  801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Tel:  954-579-8181.

4. BROWARD CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
The beautiful Performing Arts Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of musical and theater productions, including touring Broadway shows.  Visit BoxOffice@browardcenter.org to find what’s playing this weekend.

5. HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
Just a stone’s throw from Bonnet House, this ocean-side, 180-acre park was once the home of the man who gave his daughter the grounds for Bonnet House in the 1920’s.  Straddling both the Intracoastal and the ocean, this wonderful park offers picnicking, camping, biking, swimming and canoeing and a chance to tour the home of the generous man who donated his lovely estate to Florida. Visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch/ for more information.  Address: 3109 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Tel: 954-564-4521.

6. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE AND IMAX 3D THEATER
Meant for kids of all ages, this interactive science museum makes learning fun. Features include a Discovery Center for younger children, a planetarium with powerful telescopes and an IMAX Theater that shows daily science-related films on its giant, 3-D screen. For more information, visit information@mods.net.  Address: 401 Southwest Second Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Tel: 954-467-6637.
 
7. LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
This lively, trend-setting downtown boulevard is perfect to stroll, shop excellent boutiques, dine on local cuisine, relax at a sidewalk café or take a gondola ride through the Venice of America.

These are only a smattering of fun Fort Lauderdale choices, of course, after you’ve been for a swim in our turquoise ocean! 

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

Julie
www.luxuryrealestateftl.com