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Las Olas Boulevard, the gem of Fort Lauderdale, delights locals and visitors of EVERY generation. There is truly something for everyone and here are just a few ideas for you, whatever generation you belong to.
Looking for something special? Perhaps a gift or a keepsake for that precious newborn? Then Carroll’s Jewelers (915 E. Las Olas) is your one-stop shop for timeless keepsakes that the new parents can cherish. Gorgeous sterling silver cups, rattles, spoons, and bracelets. For the little fashionistas looking to dazzle in the South Florida sun, Lilly Pulitzer (814 E. Las Olas) has matching outfits in their stylish, vibrant, resort wear ready line. Southern Tide (720 E. Las Olas) offers great casuals with a classic Southern touch.
SHOP, DINE & STROLL THE BOULEVARD
A favorite of the youngsters and anyone with a sweet craving, no stroll on Las Olas is complete without a delectable delight from our landmark Kilwins (809 E. Las Olas) for ice-cream and confections. It is rare that you will see an empty bench outside, in fact, you will see “cheek to cheek” smiles and ice-cream dripping from a cone. Hoffman’s Chocolates (609 E. Las Olas Blvd) is heaven for homemade chocolate, and we are loving their new location. Whether you fancy a truffle or need a special gift (high heels made from chocolate?), Hoffman’s is sure to delight.
For those wanting to explore our “Venice of America” on the water, the Water Taxi is sure to entertain the family with a quick ride or “hop on hop off” pass. The Water Taxi departs Las Olas between the Historic Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel (620 E. Las Olas). Hankering for some history? Stranahan House Museum (335 SE 6th Ave) has tours daily of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving home for a glimpse back into our history.
Looking for secret spot under a shaded tree to unwind and read a book, or an impromptu picnic with pastries from Gran Forno? Colee Hammock Park is hidden one block south of Las Olas on the banks of the New River at 1500 Brickell Drive. You may even catch a wedding taking place in this beautiful, serene park. It’s featured on this issue’s cover.
For the hipsters, peruse eye fashions at Warby Parker (1015 Las Olas), find surf and casual garb at Quiet Storm (888 Las Olas) or visit South Moon Under (714 Las Olas) for those urban beach trendy threads.
Men looking for the perfect Fort Lauderdale tropical fashion can find unlimited choices at Tommy Bahama (740 E. Las Olas) and/or sip something refreshing at the Marlin Bar and watch the passersby on The Boulevard. For gentlemen looking for that certain dapperness, Maus & Hoffman (700 E. Las Olas) has you covered with their quality signature shirts and sport jackets, curated with impeccable service.
Fancy a cigar to enjoy with thats ports jacket? Macabi Havana Lounge – Cigar Bar & Liquor Store (1219 E. Las Olas) is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest cigar bar. Enjoy a smoke with a whiskey pairing and converse with local afficionados. Looking for something a tad sportier? His and Hers? J.McLaughlin (808 E. Las Olas) has signature prints and high-quality fabrics for sport, work and play clothing.
And then there’s YETI (1007 E. Las Olas)…well,it is like a movement, a lifestyle and an adventure rolled up into one.
YETI caters to the whole family, keeping beverages cool (or hot). And who doesn’t have a YETI Rambler®…?
Let’s talk Romance. As the Venice of America, we have our own romantic gondola tours from Riverfront Gondola Tours (1200 E. Las Olas). Treat your Amor to a romantic sunset on the waterway. Grab a bottle of bubbly from Ocean Wine and Spirits (2901 E. Las Olas), pick up a fresh bouquet from Ann’s Florist (1001 E. Las Olas) and enjoy some Dim Sum from Casa Sensei (1200 E. Las Olas…at the dock!) as you float away.
Eat, drink and be merry! Isn’t that the main reason everyone patronizes Las Olas? Exactly. It’s a myriad of bustling bars and restaurants there to tantalize the taste buds…and Las Olas delights and welcomes all. But here are simply so many fabulous dining options on the boulevard, for every generation, we’d have to devote an entire issue just to cover all of them! And we may just do that one of these days, so stay tuned!
All in all, Las Olas offers something for everyone. It welcomes everyone with open arms. The Boulevard invites you to explore, to taste, to experience, to enjoy and to share with someone that makes you smile.
About the Author – Caroline Carrara
Caroline Carrara lives just off Las Olas Boulevard and enjoys writing about living, working, and playing on Las Olas. Caroline has enjoyed 16 years of top-level real estate management, much of it on Las Olas. She is well-known and highly respected for her real estate industry leadership positions with the elite Master Broker Forum and with regional, state, and national realtor associations.
Article from LAS OLAS BOULEVARD & ISLES MAGAZINE is the official bimonthly publication of the Las Olas Association providing our local homeowners, residents, businesses, and professionals in the Las Olas Boulevard corridor with relevant local news, civic updates, and events information specifically and exclusively focused on our own Las Olas Boulevard, Isles and surrounding area.
Las Olas Boulevard & Isles Magazine is published by Fort Lauderdale Media Associates, Inc 401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ste. 130-599, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 www.ftlauderdalemedia.com | publisher@ftlauderdalemedia.com | (954) 828-1337