Embraced by the Atlantic Ocean, New River and a host of scenic inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale truly lives up to its designation as the “Venice of America”.

Centrally located on 33 square miles between Palm Beach and Miami, Fort Lauderdale is the seventh largest city in Florida (est. 167,000 pop.).

With over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, and pleasant year round ocean breezes, Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful tourist destination. Its semi-tropical climate, rich natural beauty, and array of cultural, entertainment and education opportunities make it perfect for singles, couples, and families alike.

The Riverwalk is the cornerstone of the City’s arts, science, cultural and historic district which features the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is enjoyable for children of all ages. It is known for its interactive, hand-on displays, and features some of the best science exhibits in the United States. The museum also allows its guests to touch live animals that are native to Florida and to view the world’s largest captive Atlantic coral reef.

Las Olas Boulevard has gained international recognition as a center of fashion, fine dining, and entertainment. Take an afternoon to explore the many boutiques narrow alleyways, and brick walkways. There are hundreds of shopping and dining options. Don’t miss out on Tommy Bahamas tropical clothing shop, and the stained glass shop. There’s also a fantastic needlework shop. There’s a live jazz bar that’s always packed, and a homemade ice cream store to cool you off and delight your taste buds.

Don’t miss out on the Riverboat tours. These tours have been operating in the area for over 50 years. Your captain will guide the Riverboat down the beautiful scenic river, and with an entertaining monologue point out the homes of the rich, famous, and infamous. There are also diner cruises where you sail to an island and enjoy a dinner of shrimp and barbeque amid the tropical foliage.

The city is also sometimes referred to “Fort Liquordale” because of its beaches, many bars, nightclubs, strip clubs, and overall “party hardy” atmosphere. For 40 years it has been “college spring break central”. Senior Frogs is reputedly the place where the first wet T-shirt contest was held. Fort Lauderdale is also known as “America’s top gay resort area”.

Having said that, several of my travel agent magazines have recently featured stories about the “reemergence” of Fort Lauderdale as an upscale tourist destination.

Key Largo is the northernmost island of the Keys.  Key Largo is situated between  Everglades National Park to the west and North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east.

Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy vessel sunk in 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef.

Locals consider Key Largo the Diving Capital of the world, but it is also famous for sport fishing.  You can fish for sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.

Kayakers, birders, and other eco-tourists love Key Largo for its proximity to the Everglades.   There is also a thriving artist’s community whose work is shown in several local galleries.

Islamorada is our next Key, where the History of Diving Museum offers fascinating exhibits and information about the sport.

Windley Key’s Theater of the Sea offers acrobatic dolphin and other deep sea stars.

Robbie’s Marina on Lower Matecumbe Key sell buckets of bait for feeding schools of tarpon that linger near the dock.   Be sure and hike the Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geological Site, where acres of fossilized coral create a fascinating visual image.

Marathon is our next Key, with an airport, a 58 bed hospital, and Sombrero Beach (impeccable).  Sombrero Reef lies several miles offshore and is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

History buffs and eco-tourists will enjoy a visit to the Museums and Nature Center of Crane Point Hammock.  The Dolphin Center and Turtle Hospital preserve two of Florida’s most famous marine creatures.

Pigeon Key is a mile walk across the old 7 mile bridge, and was home to the builders of Flagler’s railroad.  Marathon has managed to modernize its community without losing its roots as a 19th century fishing village.

The Lower Keys are where the island chain takes a turn westward.  At mile marker 37 you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area.  It has beautiful white beaches and abundant wildlife and frequently makes the list of America’s Most Beautiful Beaches.  A sunset cruise through the uninhabited Saddlebunch Keys (a network of sandy lagoons and mangrove islands) is the perfect way to end the day.

Key West was revitalized in the 1980’s by the gay and lesbian community.  It is home to the John Audubon House and the Ernest Hemingway home.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, gathers for the sunset show on the Mallory Dock.  Sunsets are incredible, and after the sun goes down the nightlife is incredible too.  Jugglers, mimes, musicians, street artists, sidewalk cafes, open air bars, there’s a lot to take in.

Old Town Key West has been lovingly restored and invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the past.   It is an architectural and botanical treasure.

You can drive through the Keys from Miami on US Hwy 1.  Mile markers are you best way to get your bearings.  The highway ends in Key West at mile marker 0.

You can also reach the keys by flying into Miami International Airport, Marathon (about mid-way in the island chain), or Key West International Airport.

The Florida Keys have unbelievably clear water, fabulous pristine beaches, nature centers and museums, hotels, resorts, camping, fishing, diving, shopping and art.  What a wonderful place to spend your next vacation.

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.  It is home to many rare and endangered species including the American crocodile, the Florida panther, and the West Indian manatee.

You can experience the Everglades in a variety of ways, including by boat, airplane, van, airboat, bicycle, or walking.

I highly recommend an airboat tour, which will bring you up close and personal with the many species residing in the Everglades.  The crocodiles are over 20 feet long, and will swim right up to your boat for a snack of giant marshmallows.  Their massive heads and horrendous teeth will give you something to remember for a very long time.

There are numerous parks to explore in the Everglades.  Fakahatchee Strand (a strand is a slow-moving river without defined shorelines) includes a boardwalk and ranger led tours.

Collier-Seminole State Park is 6,400 acres showcasing native vegetation which can be explored by boat or hiking trails.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is 11,000 acres and is known as the crown jewel of the Audubon Society’s Sanctuary System.  There are hundreds of alligators, and almost 200 bird species.  There’s a 2.25 mile boardwalk taking you through the forest, ferns, orchids and wildflowers.

Big Cypress National Preserve is home to alligators, herons, bald eagles, deer and the endangered Florida panther.

Rookery Bay has a new 16,500 square foot visitor’s center, and 111,000 acres of living species including ospreys and spoonbills.

Don’t neglect Marco Island on your tour. There are beautiful white sand beaches, great food, and wonderful shelling, as well as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boat tours, camping, sailing, and the ever popular golf.  The nations smallest Post Office is in Ochopee.  It was originally a tool shed that was converted to a Post Office in 1953.

The wilderness area of the Ten Thousand Islands lays just South of Marco Island, and is a wonderful area to explore and catch a glimpse of one of our most beloved and endangered North American species, the West Indian Manatee.

The West Indian Manatee is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act.  There are many acceptable ways to view or interact with this gentle giant.  Please be certain that you do not participate in any activity that would endanger or disturb this fabulous creature.

The Everglades has earned the distinction of being an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance.

After leaving the Florida Keys, you will simply turn West on Hwy 41 from Hwy 1.  This will take you right across the Everglades.  To visit Marco Island turn South on SR 951.

In the Everglades the winter temperatures ranges from 53-77 degrees.  In the summer the temperature remains in the 90’s with 90% humidity.  June-November is hurricane season, and also mosquito season.  Spring and fall offer the most agreeable temperatures and weather conditions for an unforgettable vacation to the Everglades.  Spend at least one day driving through the Everglades.  Stay longer if you can, it is beautiful beyond your imagination.

The Treasure Coast is a lovely, untarnished stretch of quiet beaches.  There’s booty at the bottom of the ocean along this coastline, where an 18th century Spanish fleet sunk. The McLarty Treasure Museum is where those shipwrecked survivors of yore set up camp.

The Sebastian Inlet State Park has a beautiful stretch of natural beach, and a protected wilderness area that includes Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Stay on Island-side Route A1A, where beaches are well maintained, with playgrounds and facilities.  Stop and enjoy a swim and a picnic.

As you continue south you’ll enjoy the Vero Beach area, with shops, art galleries, restaurants and a boardwalk to the dunes.

There are several protected sea turtle areas South of Vero Beach, thick with mangroves.

Ft. Pierce is home to the Navy Seal Museum.  This is where the first frogmen trained for D-Day.   And be sure and see the manatee attraction downtown.

The Treasure Coast ends at Stuart, with its trademark pink sidewalks.  Bathtub Beach has a small reef 100 feet offshore that creates a lagoon-like area with calm shallow waters which are great for kids.

There are plenty of nice resorts, hotels, and mom and pop type motels for your over-night convenience.

Tighten your seatbelt and be ready to gasp, ooh and aah.  We’re entering the Gold Coast.

Henry Flagler (of Standard Oil Company) built the railroads that opened up the east coast of Florida.  He is considered to be largely responsible for the establishment of tourism and agriculture as the mainstays of the Florida economy.

In 1894 Flagler built his first hotel at Lake Worth, then in 1896 his second at Palm Beach.  Guests requested rooms over by the dunes, so he soon doubled its size, and renamed it “The Breakers”.  The guest registry is a “who’s who” of 20th century America–Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Astor, Carnegie, Morgan–not to mention European nobility and US Presidents.

When it burned in 1925, seventy-five artisans were brought from Italy to complete the magnificent paintings on the ceilings of the 200 foot-long main lobby.  Today it is far grander than its predecessor, and is an unrivaled masterpiece.  Go in and see “The Breakers”, and tour the Flagler museum as well.

Palm Beach is now a world-renowned community, known for its extraordinary natural beauty and the Mediterranean-style architecture, fabulous upscale shopping, world class hotels and restaurants, and very cosmopolitan culture.

Palm Beach has lush gardens, 47 miles of palm lined beaches, and an outstanding marine environment.  It is often called the Gold Coast due to the exclusivity of the population, and the condensation of wealth and culture.  Look through the iron gates at the historic mansions, set well off the road. When you think Palm Beach, think luxury.

Cozumel experienced 53 horrendous hours of Hurricane Wilma that was devastating to the landscape, the resorts, and the economy.  The eye alone hovered over the island for 8 hours.  The pier at the Reef Club was ripped from the dock and rolled 200 yards down the beach.  Waves crashed into second story windows of resorts.   It was terrorizing to the warmest, most gracious people I’ve met in Mexico.

I visited 13 resorts on my 3 day trip, where hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to repair hurricane damage.  These resorts have all new furniture, bedding, décor, landscaping, exteriors, interiors, etc.  And they’ve not only repaired, they’ve updated and remodeled and they look fantastic.  They have worked hard and they are open and ready for business.

My host resort was the El Cozumeleno.  This resort has two wonderful pool areas, a fun pool and a quiet pool.  It has a beautiful beach with lounge chairs, hammocks, and non-motorized water activities, as well as a pier where snorkeling/diving tours pick up the guests.  It also offers putt-putt, 3 shows a week, a disco with karaoke, excellent restaurants and views to die for.  I would heartily recommend it.

I also toured the Melia Cozumel, Playa Azul, Coral Princess, Casa Mexicana, Casa del Mar, Fiesta Americana, Occidental Grand Cozumel, El Cid Le Ceiba, Reef Cozumel, Allegro Cozumel, Hotel Cozumel, and the Cozumel Palace.  The Intercontinental El Presidente is currently being repaired/remodeled and is scheduled to re-open in November of 2006.

Each of these resorts had something unique to offer, so it’s a good idea to consult a travel professional to find exactly what you are looking for.

Divers told me the hurricane exposed additional underwater reef areas, so snorkeling and SCUBA is better than ever.   The water was clear, and clean and beautiful.  The surf is so calm on Cozumel that you can sit in it and you won’t spill your drink.

The town square and market areas are back to normal.  My favorite shops looked as good as new, and bargains are everywhere.  The only restaurants that weren’t open were directly on the beach, and they are currently under repair.

I had a fantastic trip to Cozumel.  The hotel employees said “I thank you for touring our resort, and my family thanks you”.  These people have always been very appreciative of our tourist dollars, but they are even more appreciative now.  Our tourist dollars control their destiny.

I encourage you to consider Cozumel for your next vacation.  I will be returning in November and you are welcome to come along.   Cozumel offers pristine white sand beaches, marine life and reef systems that are among the best in the world, water with clarity to 200 feet, great shopping, delicious restaurants and 13 resorts that are now brand spanking new.  And its’ prices are as good if not better than it’s neighbors Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  I love Cozumel, and you will, too.

Paradise is a brief 2 hour flight, where a turquoise sea washes gently onto white powder beaches.  The world’s second largest coral reef beckons you to explore its dazzling array of colorful marine life.  Ancient Mayan ruins provide testimony to an advanced civilization whose amazing fortresses and pyramids overlook thousands of acres of jungle.

I just returned home from a tour of the Riviera Maya and Cancun.  I toured 15 resorts differing greatly in size, amenities, and pricing.  I ate in their restaurants, bounced on their beds, swam in their pools, waded on their beaches, and peaked in at their weddings.
These resorts offer all inclusive or European plans.  Most offer free wedding packages, and specials on honeymoon and anniversary packages.   Weddings in Mexico are legal in America but certain restrictions and conditions must be met.

Riviera Maya is a 75 mile long coastline, with white sand beaches and mild surf.  I snorkeled several hundred feet from shore in waters not over 12 feet deep.  The array of colorful marine life was incredible.  Playa del Carmen is a seaside village on the Riviera Maya where you can grab a cool drink at a seaside café, shop at true Mexican markets featuring local crafts and artisans, and catch a ferry to Cozumel.  Riviera Maya is known for solitude and relaxation, though there is an active nightlife if you know where to look.

Cancun is now Mexico’s most famous and popular seaside resort.  It is the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement.  There are wonderful beaches, fascinating traditions, and a lively nightlife.

Daily excursions are available from both of these areas that include diving, snorkeling, snuba, swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing, dinner cruises, speed boating, wave runners, ATV’s, jungle tours, bullfighting, shopping, golf, more golf, aquariums, XCaret ecological amusement park, horseback riding, and guided tours of Chichen-Itza and Tulum in air conditioned comfort.  You can also jump a ferry and visit Cozumel or Isla Mujeres.

The Riviera Maya and Cancun are places where nature and history combine to give you a vacation experience of a lifetime and leave you in awe.  Go to Mexico-you’ll be glad you did.

Only 10 miles wide and 28 miles long, Cozumel is Mexico’s largest inhabited island, although most of the island is sparsely populated. Situated on the second largest barrier reef in the world, Cozumel boasts outstanding snorkeling and diving. The Palancar Reef, a mountainous underwater formation 6 miles long and 300 feet wide, attracts worldwide water enthusiasts.  Deep sea fishing is also very popular, with sailfish being the prize trophy.

First class resorts line white sand beaches.  The water in front of your resort will offer beautiful underwater sights.  Most resorts offer snorkeling gear on the beach and many have their own Dive Shop. Most also offer dive trips out to the reef.  There is a new Nicklaus designed golf course just north of San Miguel, and many resorts offer golf packages. Taxis are readily available, and rental jeeps are a great way to tour the island.  San Gervasio is the largest Mayan ruin on Cozumel.  It was the islands capital and ceremonial center.  It is also home to the largest population of iguana’s I’ve ever seen.

San Miguel has a beautiful town square, which is the hub of shopping and nightlife.  Many restaurants are within walking distance of town square, and most are open-air and very informal. There are delicious specialty restaurants with fabulous views of the Caribbean, and great prices.  Since most of Cozumel’s tourists are water enthusiasts, (who play hard during the day and are exhausted by evening), Cozumel has a very relaxed atmosphere.  Much more relaxed than Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Cozumel experiences a huge difference in temperature between winter and summer.  It is a chilling 81 degrees in winter and a blistering 89 in summer.  Low temps vary from 67 to 78.  July and August are VERY humid.

Cozumel is the perfect vacation for an active couple or family who want to experience the natural beauty of the Palancar Reef, and the ancient history of a Mayan island.  It is a much slower version of its neighbors on the peninsula.  Dive masters certify SCUBA divers in its waters daily.

Today Cancun has more than 27,000 hotel rooms. Many are ultra luxurious with every amenity you can imagine, but there are a host of others that meet every type and price range. Cancun is a thriving vacation destination with an average temperature of 80 degrees, relatively little rain, and pristine white sand beaches.

Cancun was initially famous for the sea and beach, but today it is equally famous for its night life. There are shows both inside and outside the hotels, dance clubs with the latest lights, sound, and special effects. Musical venues range from hip-hop to jazz and mariachi to classical. It also has many discos and traditional nightclubs that will keep you dancing into the wee hours of the morning.

Cancun is home to dozens of restaurants featuring Italian, French, German and Cajun cuisine, as well as authentic spicy pork dishes native to the area, traditional Mexican fare, and fresh seafood. There are many “name brand” restaurants, such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Tony Roma’s, Pizza Hut, etc.

There are large shopping malls and boutiques in the hotel district filled with famous international brand names and excellent prices. Of course you can venture into the Mexican Market for a bargain hunting adventure.

Golfers revel in the 18 hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr course which offers gently rolling fairways bordered by palms, with the Caribbean breeze keeping play comfortable throughout the day. There are many other challenging courses in the area, but there are also courses built for less demanding play. Many hotels offer golf packages, and your travel agent can book these special packages for you.

There are many excursions in the Cancun area. Chichen-Itza is one of the most important archeological sites in the area, and an all day trip there with lunch costs around $76 per person. This includes pick up at your hotel, lunch, admission, a tour guide, and a stop at a Mexican Market.

Many people enjoy the Isla Mujeres Day Cruise. Isla Mujeres is an island about 30 minutes from Cancun by boat, with a rich history dating back to the ancient Mayans, with some pirate tales thrown in to boot. The day package includes boat transfers, continental breakfast, lunch and an open domestic bar. You can snorkel, explore the downtown area, and learn about the Mayan history of the “women’s island”. Price varies per season.