Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Riverwalk and Las Olas

December 17, 8:55 PMAlbuquerque Travel ExaminerNeala Schwartzberg

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  Photo by Neala Schwartzberg

We all know about the beach - and who wouldn’t want to enjoy walking along the ocean and hearing the waves?

But when it’s time to try something else, the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is worth a look.

Riverwalk
Settlement along the New River dates back to the 1900s, and today there is a wonderful historic pocket tucked away amid the gazebos and restaurants. The Stranahan House started as a post office, ferry crossing and general store. Today you can tour the property and take ghost tours – the house is said to be haunted. But these ghosts are the spirits of the men and women from the early years sharing their stories.

Old Fort Lauderdale Village contains several buildings dating back to early 1900s, including gthe King Cromartie House from 1907. When I walked by, laundry was hanging from outside lines to dry, just like it would have been drying 100 years ago.

The area also hosts the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of discovery & Science, a 3D IMAX Theater and more. The 22-block meandering promenade is also a good place to stop for a drink, and a dinner or lunch outdoors along the river.

Photo (c) Neala Schwartzberg

  Photo (c) Neala Schwartzberg

Las Olas Boulevard is called a “sophisticated mile of fashion, art and sidewalk café.” It’s trendy and upscale, but fun to walk and window shop. Eat breakfast at one of the cafes and watch Las Olas wake up. Although the shops open around 10AM, and there is lunch time business (especially at the more commercial end of the area), it’s dinner and later that the street comes alive.

Bistros, home decor shops, and clothing stores dominate. The cost of meals may provoke “sticker shock” for Albuquerque residents with the cost of entrees between $20 and $30. But this is less a dinner destination than a place to stroll.