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Fort Lauderdale

Ft Lauderdale Fantasy

by avad88

A February 2003 travel journal

Last Updated: February 14, 2003

Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
10
Reviews

Had a great winter getaway in Ft. Lauderdale at Vacation Village in Weston!

My husband and I escaped winter's chill by trading into a great 1-bedroom timeshare in Vacation Village at Weston. We went to the beach, shopped, saw the sights and just relaxed by the beautiful pool. We loved the Gold Crown resort and all the things to do in the area not to mention 70-80 degree weather in February.

Quick Tips:

Take your maps and plan the sightseeing trips by way of the internet before you leave home. I used the Fort Lauderdale sites and found much to do and see in the area.

Best Way To Get Around:

You need a car to take full advantage of the shopping, beaches and sights.
Best Things Nearby:
Golf courses are surrounding the timeshare. There are nearby restaurants, grocery stores and shops, but you need a car to take full advantage of the area.

Best Things About the Resort:
Beautiful surroundings and a spacious, lovely interior. Lovely, large pool and hot tub and fitness room. Internet access at office. Maid service with towel exchange midweek.

Resort Experience:
We were in a 1-bedroom A unit with lovely, tropical furniture. There was a king-size bed and TV in the bedroom. A jacuzzi, double sinks and walk-in shower were in the large bathroom. There was a 52-inch TV in the living area, a nice dining area and a spacious kitchen with all of the appliances. There were tile floors in all rooms except the bedrooms, which were carpeted. Plenty of towels were available -- even beach towels were furnished. A large balcony with furniture overlooked the parking lot or pool. There were lots of activities offered, but we only attended the pancake breakfast, as we went on our own.

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Very Good
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Vacation Village at Bonaventure
16461 Racquet Club Rd Fort Lauderdale 33326
(954) 389-6750

Drive-in movies -- what fun. This is an 8-theatre drive-in movie. The cost is only $4 per person and they play first run movies. This is a "must do" for this area, as drive-in movies are almost non-existent.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Swap Shop Drive in Theatre
3291 Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Swap Shop

Activity

Swap Shop is unique in that there is a l-hour circus performance (only $2) in the middle of hundreds of stalls of vendors selling food, flowers, jewelry, shoes, watches, luggage, etc. You can sometimes "haggle" the prices with the vendors and you can find unusual and inexpensive items. At night they have a 8-theatre drive-in, so this place has it all. A definite "must see."
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Swap Shop and Circus
3291 West Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sawgrass Mills

Activity

Sawgrass Mills says they are the largest outlet mall in the world and I believe it. They have 5 buildings with stores from clothing to electronics, plus movie theaters, restaurants, etc. It is huge and you need your walking shoes (and hours) just to cover it. Some of the stores are inexpensive while others are like any other mall stores, but it is quite interesting to visit regardless.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Saw Grass Mills Outlet Mall
12801 W Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33323
(954) 846-2300

Holllywood Beach

Activity

This is a family beach with lovely palm trees and lifeguards. There is plenty of parking ($1.00 per hour) and it is a clean and nice beach with small waves --great for kids and families.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Hollywood Beach
A-1A Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This is a "must" for the area. You can take a 1-hour airboat ride through the Everglades, stopping to see alligators and birds and enjoying the sawgrass and lovely areas of nature in the Everglades. The boats take about 50 people each and go really fast. You can also rent canoes here.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Everglades Holiday Park
21940 Griffin Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33332
(954) 434-8111

A lovely par 72 east and west course with beautiful greens and waterholes. The cost is discounted if staying at Vacation Village. It's a great course. They also rent clubs and shoes.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Bonaventure Country Club
200 Bonaventure Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 33326
(954) 389-2100

A wonderful drive from Fort Lauderdale is along A-1A beach area to South Beach in Miami. You pass lovely beaches, and large, beautiful homes and shops. South Beach is where the beautiful people are and the beach/boardwalk area is interesting and beautiful.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

South Beach
South Miami Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Coral Castle

Activity

Coral Castle is a unique and interesting place to visit. It is a home made of large coral built by one man. It has walls, furniture, etc. made entirely of coral blocks and it is fascinating. This is a "kid friendly" place and worth the trip from anywhere in the area to Homestead.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by avad88 on February 14, 2003

Coral Castle
28655 So. Dixie Highway Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33030
(305)248-6344

About the Writer

avad88
avad88
St Simons Island, Georgia

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