On the chic Las Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, you'll encounter boutiques, narrow alleyways, brick walkways, tiny white lights twinkling in windows, and dozens of trendy restaurants. Among the several shopping and dining options, you might also come across dessert cafes and live jazz bars that are always packed. Clothing boutiques, gift shops, hair salons, and art galleries round out the list. The wide variety of shops and services available ensures you'll be able to find exactly what you need.
Dating back to 1901 and built by the “Father of Fort Lauderdale,” Stranahan House is also referred to as the Pioneer House. In 1984, this mansion was opened for public viewing as a house museum, with tens of thousands of tourists visiting this landmark annually today. Now a historic riverside museum, the elegantly restored house contains antiques, turn-of-the-century furnishings and old photographs of the area. It is also an example of classic Florida Frontier architecture, which is also seen in post offices, town hall and general stores of the city. This lovely museum can also be hired for private events and special celebrations. The events hosted here include the Pineapple Jam, the Peter Pan Pirate Party and more.
A 1920s construction, this historic two-story, 35.4-acre (14.32-hectare) waterfront house was once the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn. The Bonnet House is serenely elegant and preserved amidst the urban expansion of Fort Lauderdale Beach, making the land all the more special. Mrs. Bartlett, who died in 1997, gave the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 to keep the property unchanged. Several concerts and events are held here throughout the year, and the house is available for private events such as weddings. Named after a waterlily, that once inhabited the property, the Bonnet House is open year-round for guided tours.
Highlighting culture and education, this museum was built in 1924 and originally served as the first school in Fort Lauderdale for African Americans. Now restored as a community historic landmark, The Old Dillard Museum houses an impressive array of artifacts, artworks, jewelry, and tribal masks belonging to the fascinating African heritage. A superb place to gain insight into African American heritage, the museum also inspires contemplation in its visitors. Apart from doing a stellar job of preserving centuries-old culture, the museum also offers a glimpse of the stirring history of the region. The Old Dillard Museum also boasts a full calendar packed with various activities, including lectures, workshops, and classes.
The Fort Lauderdale History Center, managed by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, is a museum complex that comprises three buildings: the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 King-Cromartie House, and the 1915 Schoolhouse. The 1905 New River Inn is the main history museum with period artifacts, dioramas and photos. The 1907 King-Cromartie House gives visitors a glimpse of an early 20th-century home. The center offers programs for children, including hands-on re-enactments, schoolhouse classes, guided tours of exhibits in the history museum, guided walking tours of the grounds and lectures throughout the year.
A visit to Hollywood without visiting its center would be an incomplete trip. Home to some of the biggest businesses in the city, this is where you can make the most of some of the best dining and shopping options. A tourist haven, Downtown Hollywood is renowned for numerous scenic spots and major attractions like the famous Hollywood Beach, Hollywood South Central Beach and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The area is known for its artistic ambiance, with multicolored murals adorning building facades and a lively arts and culture scene. Young Circle Park serves as a central gathering point, hosting events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy outdoor dining, live music, and a variety of cultural experiences here.
Established over 75 years ago, this downtown synagogue was the first Reform congregation founded in south Florida. Recently renovated, the stately and beautiful building symbolizes the reverence and historical importance the temple holds for the community at large, as well for the large and growing congregation itself. The temple provides adult education, an early childhood development center, religion classes, special events, a Judaic gift shop, and live radio broadcasts on WAXY 790-AM and WJNA 1230-AM.
The Sample-McDougald House is a monumental home in the Pompano Beach vicinity in Florida. It is also famously referred as the Sample Estate or Pinehaven. It accurately traces the Colonial Revival style of architecture. The house is ably preserved and historically nurtured by the Sample-McDougald House Preservation Society Inc. The house site is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Riverwalk Memorial comprises three granite pillars which define the Manhattan support. The monument is a popular tourist destination, especially during the night when it stands beautifully lit. The Memorial also features a PATH rail segment connected to a subway station which was inaugurated in 1909. The Memorial honors the innocent souls who lost their lives on a tragic day.
Annie Beck House in Fort Lauderdale is not a very popular tourist attraction but has great historical significance. Annie Beck was one of the pioneers of Fort Lauderdale who secured the title of Citizen of the year in 1975. The library at Garden center in Birch State Park is named after her as an honor. Her grand mansion was a symbol of skilled craftsmanship made up of Dade county pine. Her mansion now holds immense historic worth for it displays craftsmanship and artistic wit.