Florida Fun and Relaxation

This year, we decided to go back to Ft. Lauderdale (our third year in a row). We just wanted to have a very relaxing time, which is exactly what we had.

Our father and the two of us sisters are certified Open Water SCUBA divers, so we went SCUBA diving while in Florida. We went out with Force E, which was a lot of fun.

The resort we stayed at was okay, but somewhat disappointing for a Gold Crown Resort. The unit was nice, but we had some problems with service and bugs.

The girls got Henna tattoos when walking near the beach. The shopping was very good too.

Quick Tips:

We would get up late in the morning, lay out by the pool for a couple of hours, then go in and eat lunch, get ready, and go shopping. If relaxation is what you're looking for, this schedule works out great!

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is your own personal car.

I hesitate about what to write about Fairways of Palm Aire. In some ways, the resort was nice, but in others, I was a little grossed-out by it.

As far as the unit went, it was VERY VERY spacious. We had a one-bedroom unit with a foldout couch. It also had a full kitchen...it was HUGE. The bathroom was also very large, with a shower that was big enough for five or six people! The master bedroom had a whirlpool tub in it. The unit was large and comfortable for the four of us. However, we had some problems with several large bugs in our room, as well as lots of little ones. We also found a beer bottle (not ours) behind the nightstand, which was disgusting. Another thing was that upon reporting a few missing items when we first took our inventory, and being assured that they would be brought to our room the next morning, we NEVER received the items. We also experienced the problem with service when we requested more toilet paper, and none was ever brought. We had to find a maid to get some ourselves!

There was a very large spa and gym at the resort, with much equipment available for free use (in the gym). There were three pools available, one quite smaller and older than the others. One of the pools had a nice water slide and volleyball net. There was a playground for children as well as a sand volleyball court and a miniature golf course.

Best Things Nearby:
The beach was just five minutes from the resort. Also, there was alot of shopping nearby, including Sawgrass Mills and Coral Springs Mall.

Best Things About the Resort:
The resort had three very nice pools, a spa, and a good gym. It was a great place to relax.

Resort Experience:
Our unit was a one bedroom with a foldout couch. It had a very large full kitchen and a large bathroom with a huge shower. The unit was large and our stay was very comfortable. However, there were a few things that we didn't like. The pools, while they were large, were not always clean and the temperature was not controlled well. Also, we called for toilet paper and some missing appliances, and we never received either. Also, there were bugs in the rooms, and we found a bottle in the room that wasn't ours.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Poor
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Poor

Houston's is definitely one of our favorite restaurants. There are several locations in the country, but everytime we visit Ft. Lauderdale, Houston's is a must-see. The waiting staff is extremely efficient and nice. The restaurant sits on a dock, so you can drive up in your boat and eat, or you can drive up in the more traditional way (your car!). Though the menu is pricey, it is worth every penny spent. My recommendation: order the Prime Rib Platter. (it's not listed on the menu, but they have it). It's a smaller cut of tender prime rib, served with garlic shoestring fries. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

This was the third time we have eaten at Islamorado Fish Company. The food is excellent and priced well. The sweet bread is excellent, and the shrimp are good too. The restaurant is attached to the Bass Pro Shop. It is a little difficult to get to the first time you go (not difficult, just confusing), but it is worth the winding around the parking lot! Our wait was only about 5 minutes, then we were seated and served. Very good seafood...I suggest getting the alligator!

We went on two shallow dives...one at the Nursery and one at Copenhagen Reef. We rented our equipment and made our reservations with Force E, a SCUBA shop on Atlantic Blvd. Everyone we came in contact with was very nice. The divemaster and boat captain, Brian and Dave, were very funny and they made the dive much more enjoyable than normal. I definitely recommend them.

We were three of only six divers aboard the boat; there were several snorkelers on board. We very much enjoyed the humor of the trip.

Upon leaving the dock, our crew began discussing the "three hour tour" we were going on, and played the Gilligan's Island song. Upon reaching the Nursery, which is full of large Nurse Sharks, they played the Jaws theme song. It was just a nice funny touch that all appreciated (except some of the snorkelers got weary of the sharks after being reminded of JAWS!)

Our only complaint was that we had to transfer our rental equipment from the store to the boat, and from the boat back to the store. We didn't enjoy salty and gross equipment being in our Mazda6!