Ft. Lauderdale
The Seminole Indians were the original inhabitants of the
area now known as Fort Lauderdale. The city itself was named for Major William
Lauderdale, who led a group known as the Tennessee Volunteers into the area
during the Seminole War.
Fort Lauderdale began as an agricultural community, full of
citrus groves. By the 1960?s, the city took on a new identity as the place for
college students to come for spring break. Hedonism and public drunkenness
became the norm for much of the next twenty years, but the residents of the once
sleepy town decided to take it back from the rowdy youngsters. The police began
to make their presence known a little more, and soon Fort Lauderdale was off the
list of top Spring Break destinations.
Today, Fort Lauderdale is a little closer to its roots, with
a gentle breezy demeanor to it. You can still have a good time here, exploring
the 300 miles of waterways that led to the labeling of Fort Lauderdale as
"the Venice of America." There are places to rent boats, and plenty of
opportunities to take a boat tour around the city. Or, get really acquainted
with the water by snorkeling or diving in the Atlantic.
There is still plenty to do in and around Fort Lauderdale.
Take a water taxi to some of the area's best restaurants and bars. Stroll
along busy Las Olas and visit the eclectic shops and art galleries.
The sports enthusiast will get his fill here. Tennis courts
and golf courses are everywhere in Fort Lauderdale. It's just a matter of
deciding which one to play on. Choose from baseball, football, or jai alai. You
can even place a bet at the greyhound racetrack.
The nature lover can check out over 500,000 acres of Florida
Everglades, which are part of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. The Everglades,
which were formed by the constant overflow of nearby Lake Okeechobee, are home
to flamingos and alligators, among others.
Of course, if you're visiting Florida, chances are that you
will want to hit the beach, and there is ample space for everybody along Ft.
Lauderdale's beautiful coastline. There are over 3,000 hours of sunshine here
every year, so enjoy!
St. Thomas
St. Thomas was discovered by vacationers shortly after World
War Two, and tourists have been flocking to this island paradise ever since. It
is one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean, and its capital, Charlotte
Amalie, is the busiest shopping center in the islands. St. Thomas is a wonderful
mixture of the beauty of nature and the efficiency of a powerful trade center.
There is always so much going on in Charlotte Amalie that you can't help but
let the excitement get to you. The fun and enjoyment of this bustling young city
is incredibly contagious, and it will add a certain zest to your already
phenomenal trip to St. Thomas.
More than ten cruise ships a day steer into the port at St.
Thomas, and because of successful tourism, the standard of living in St. Thomas
has been raised considerably. The island is only twelve miles long and a mere
three miles wide, but you will think it is gigantic when you start investigating
all that there is to see and do. Thanks to U.S. government programs, this island
is the most developed out of all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is an
additional reason to visit and adore St. Thomas. The locals are eager to assist
you on your travels, and they are incredibly friendly and responsive. The
national language is English, and the currency is the U.S. dollar, and both of
these factors contribute in making St. Thomas an even more ideal vacation spot.
In addition to the busy shopping and cultural center located
in and around Charlotte Amalie, over half of the island is the environmentally
protected Virgin Islands National Park. It is quite refreshing to see a
collection of individuals who care so deeply about nature and their
surroundings. This area is simply gorgeous, as is the rest of the island.
Numerous engaging activities await you on St. Thomas, and the shopping is
marvelous. The island is safe , and you will be made to feel right at home in
this comfortable and warm tropical hideaway
St. Barts
Whether you call it St. Barts, St. Barths, or St. Barthelemy, there is no
disputing that this tiny island in the French Antilles is one of the most ritzy
and luxurious cruise destinations in all the world. You will not find a land rich
in architecture, bargain shopping, and enormous hotels and resorts. Instead, you
will find an island that is tremendously popular with the world's rich and
famous, due to the fact that you will enjoy beautiful, tranquil beaches,
world-class dining, and unrivaled relaxation and comfort.
St. Barthelemy was discovered in 1493 by the explorer
Christopher Columbus. Its descendents are a mix of French and Swedish. The
island hosts a very small local population; numbering just over 3,000, they
inhabit a land that is merely 8 square miles in area.
St. Barthelemy gained its popularity as an elite tourist
destination partly in response to the modern nobles of the 20th
century who made this land their winter getaway. You can visit the home of David
Rockefeller, who inhabited the northwest corner of the island. Edmond de
Rothschild and other members of his famed family used to come here frequently as
well. Today, stars such as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and the late John F. Kennedy
Jr. have come here to unwind from the "rigors" of their everyday
lives.
St. Barts only town is the tiny capital of Gustavia. Here,
you will feel as if you are strolling through a miniature fantasyland, with tiny
European homes and businesses dotting the capital's landscape. Here in
Gustavia, you will find many fabulous restaurants serving a variety of world
cuisines, as well as ritzy shopping venues to satisfy your desire for exotic
clothes, jewelry, and much more.
Yet above all, , the main draw of St. Barts is still its
glorious beaches. Enjoy your day on this island by relaxing on one of 14 public
beaches (all the beaches in St. Barts are public). Clothing is optional, and the
scenery is spectacular.
Key West
Key West's reputation has certainly undergone a makeover over the years. When Ernest Hemingway called the island home from 1931-1961, Key
West was a quiet, laid back port town with its own character and a unique charisma. To visit Key West now is to find an island that has been almost
completely commercialized, with small pockets of the old Key West disappearing
fast.
Not that this is a terrible thing. The confluence of people
into Key West makes for a more diverse atmosphere and a fun-loving destination
365 days a year. Key West still embodies a true "laid back" spirit and
a quirky self-deprecating humor; even the cemetery is a source of offbeat
amusement. Think about it, how many places have you visited that actually
celebrate the sunset?
Key West has been an inspiration to countless authors and
artists. Among those who have called the island home, besides Hemingway, are
John James Audubon, Tennessee Williams, and John Hershey.
While over 1.2 million people visit Key West annually, only
30,000 people call it home on a permanent basis. But those 30,000 are fiercely
loyal. Nicknamed "The Conch Republic," Key West even has its own flag!
Most permanent residents have called Key West home for generations, and many
would confess that they have never left the island. Can you blame them?
Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar year-round in Key
West. From Hemingway Day in July to Fantasy Fest in October, your visit has a
good chance of coinciding with a local event.
Of course, over time, the secret of Key West has gotten out.
The amount of hotel rooms has tripled, and the delicate balance of natural
beauty has been threatened. The only living coral- reef in North America is
found here, and steps have been taken to ensure its continued survival.
What will never change is the beautiful weather and
breathtaking scenery you will find in Key West. The island is only twelve square
miles, easily covered on foot or bicycle. With all its commercialization, Key
West has managed to maintain a unique flavor all its own.
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