Las Olas Art Fair

The Las Olas Art Fair is probably my favorite art show of all time. March 7-8 and admission is free. This is the event that got me interested in art shows. First of all, it's on Las Olas. Probably the best setting possible of all the events like this I have attended. Second, the mix of art and artists as well as the folks attending the show is perfect. Hard to believe this is their 21st annual event. I would guess I've been to half of them over the years. Some of the stores along Las Olas are as interesting as the show itself. You can always get a great meal just about anywhere along the route. Parking is easy if you go early. The price is about $10.00 at the lots near the event. I'm a walker so I go to the parking garage just West of show. Last year it was $5.00.

Messed up on Valentines Day guys? This will make up for it. If on the other hand you are a gal dragging your guy kicking and screaming, there are plenty of places to park him with a beer till you are done. Not kidding - seen it happen.

South Florida Jazz and Blues

Stop the presses!!! I just received my first fan email. Thanks Charles. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is fun but if you like your Jazz and Blues with a little more talent and a whole lot less blazing Florida sun, check out Jazz & Blues Florida. Charles has put together a pretty comprehensive list of events state wide. I found this listing so close to my house I could walk to it.

CAROL SABOYA and the ANTONIO ADOLFO QUARTET
Featuring Guest Artist Gary Campbell
Saturday, March 7, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314

Thanks for the heads up Charles - I'll check it out.

Vintage South Florida - Downtown Hollywood

Vintage South Florida. Here's an event right up my alley. Free and quirky. I have a something else to do this Sunday or I would check it out. I have some friends going so I thought I would mention it.

Sunday - Noon to 6:00 pm at the Arts Park on Young Circle. If nothing else, it will give you a good excuse to check out the Arts Park close up rather than just driving by. It was once a popular destination. It's slowly getting back to that. I've walked around the area many times recently. My favorite eatery on the Boulavard is the Beef Eater Steakhouse. It's right near the circle. They don't seem to have a web site but click the link to see their Yelp reviews. If you go, leave me a comment and let me know what you thought.

Sunday Jazz Brunch - Fort Lauderdale

The Sunday Jazz Brunch is a free event in downtown Fortlauderdale every first sunday of the month. It runs from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Very easy to get to. Very easy to park. Usually some pretty good bands. Always mellow fun. I've gone about 8 times. Originally by accident. I just grabbed a seat in the shade and sat a while. The last time I was prepared. If you want to look like a pro, just park in the garage right across the street. Bring your beach umbrella and chairs. Suntan lotion is a good idea. Pack a picinic basket with you favorite cheese, fruit, and wine (everyone does). Champagne and Orange Juice is popular too. Sit back and relax.

After the show, take in the local sites. If you brought the kids, the Museum of Discovery and Science is right there. The Imax also. A short walk away are plenty of resturarants or just stroll along the River Walk. Check the web site for this Sunday's lineup.

Coral Castle

Ok.. One last coral built house. I took this shot from the second story of the Coral Castle in Homestead. After touring Vizcaya and the Deering Estate, calling this place a castle is a bit of a joke. The living area is about the size of my bathroom. The house and all the carvings were done by one guy, Ed Leedskalnin, in the early 1900's. The fact that a man just over five feet tall, cut from the ground, lifted, carved, and stacked these slabs of coral weighing tons make this worth seeing first hand.

Not really worth the drive down and not a lot in the area but it is on the way to the Florida Keys and makes a great rest stop. Coral Castle will leave you wondering if you could accomplish anything as great in your own life.

Deering Estate

Another of the great houses in Miami, the Deering Estate , was built in 1900 by Charles Deering. It's a country cottage compared to Vizcaya but an impressive mansion in it's own right. The location could not be better and there is plenty of tropical landscape to nearly block out the big city that now surrounds it. The walkway thru the mangroves on the property gives you a real sense of what Florida once looked like. There are still remnants of the original foot path heading to Miami along the shore. Check the calendar on their website for special events or just visit and take a step back to a simpler time. It's a little trickey to find. No problem at all once I turned on the GPS and realized I drove right past it. Get the most out of your visit by renting a kayak or taking an Eco tour.

Vizcaya

The first time I visited Vizcaya was 1978. I was young, it was old, I was not impressed. As time went by, I grew up, learned to appreciate things older than myself, and Vizcaya was slowly transformed. Now under air and fully renovated, it's a site to behold.

The house was completed in 1916 by James Deering. I have visited several times over the last 30 years and was always impressed that it was built from the coral rock it sits on. Looking back at the time it was constructed, and considering South Florida was pretty much wilderness, I am now completely amazed. The gardens took a beating during our last major hurricane but they are restored as well.



Vizcaya is an easy drive as Miami driving goes. The best time to go is when they run the free Sunday specials. Otherwise it's $15.00. Be sure and bring the camera. To make a day of it, the Miami Science Museum is right next door.

Everglades Holiday Park

I was not using the long lens when I shot this guy from an Airboat at Everglades Holiday Park. He was about eight feet long and about three feet from the boat. I was leaning over the side to get a good shot. That's when the captain advised that a gator this size can easily jump right over the side. He added that because stupid people feed them, they are not all that afraid of us any more. My camera probably didn't look all that tasty but my hand holding it may have looked like a raw chicken from his point of view. Enough said Right??

I enjoy seeing the way Florida was before we paved it over. So few people do. If you have never been on an airboat ride before - Try it and see the incredible wildlife that was once South Florida. It's a real eye opener for the kids too.

Getting there is easy. Go to Griffen Road in Davie, head West past all the houses, when you see water in front of you - Stop. It's just past US 27 and a world away from traffic and video games. Unplug your kids and enjoy something simple and natural for a while.

Check out the link for more info and discount coupons. When I go, I usually stop at the plant nurseries on the way back to fill up the day. There are quite a few. Bring a little nature back home with you to remember the day.

Joe's Crab Shack

When I think of my favorite places to eat I generally think of great food, great service, relaxed atmosphere, not too pricey, and fun. Joe's Crab Shack has all that and servers that sing and dance right at your table. I go to the Lauderhill store on University but they have plenty of other locations. I've been there several times and plan on going back many more. I had the "Joe's Steampot" last time. Check out the link to see the online menu. I'm thinking of heading there Friday night. Maybe I'll see ya.

Arti Gras - Fine Arts Festival

I just heard about the Arti Gras - Fine Arts Festival Feb 14, 15 & 16. Good timing too as I will be in the area this weekend. I missed the Las Olas show this year so this should make up for it nicely. This one is way up in Jupiter so a bit of a drive for my friends but my family is right around the corner. I've never been to this event but it looks interesting. According to the web site $10.00 gets you in, $6.00 for advance tickets. It seems to have everything. Art, music, food, and fun stuff for the kids. If you've been before, leave some comments and let me know what you thought.