Creating Space…To Explore: Ft. Lauderdale Edition

Creating Space …To Explore: Ft. Lauderdale Edition

Escape. Recharge. Reset. Ft. Lauderdale

Picking up where Exploring Miami left off, this year’s beachy escape took us further up the coast to Ft. Lauderdale. I’ve shared a couple times, but it’s worth restating - traveling is something we do to really reset and recharge. To create space to reconnect, and to escape the demands of day to day. It’s not lost on me that it’s not an option for everyone right now, and that taking a trip looks entirely different than it did last year. In fact, it was almost a year ago exactly that we were in Miami, and never could we have imagined how the next 12 months (and beyond) would unfold. We don’t take for granted what a blessing it is to be able to move from one state to the next during a time like this. But we practiced all safety precautions and then some, and had an amazing time.

Location. Location. Location.

I know that you already got an earful when you read Exploring Miami - but South Beach is not necessarily my jam. We much prefer the welcoming vibe and chill of Ft. Lauderdale over their flashy Far South counterpart. We stayed in an area called Pompano Beach. It’s quaint but active. There are restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and of course the beach. And it’s worth noting that every space we were in felt as safe as can be expected given the current times. Folks wore their masks and respected distance. Also, many of the restaurants offered outdoor dining - definitely a win. We stayed in a super cute little beach house just a block from the ocean, and it was everything we needed. No knock to anyone who loves Miami, but if you are looking for a down to earth vibe that is alive with positive energy and all the benefits of the same beautiful beach just a few miles north - Ft. Lauderdale is your answer.

It’s the beach for me.

I truly don’t know what it is about the ocean, but it is alive with beautiful energy and the intense peace and tranquility I feel when I’m anywhere near the ocean is indescribable. I have to credit my husband for helping me slow down long enough to ever even see (and feel) it’s magical effects. I did not have this same affection for the ocean in my twenties or even most of my thirties, but now - now I am moved. I am inspired. I am in awe of its beauty. I’m a Cancer. He’s a Pisces. We are water people. We had the opportunity to spend every single day of our vacation on the beach. Sometimes walking, sometimes reading or just relaxing, and even tossing the football back and forth. There were a few families and individuals scattered about but our ability to carve out our own little special section was just incredible. One of our most memorable moments was the hour long trek we took toward a tiny pier off in the distance - we walked, we talked, we fought against the instability of the sand, laughing at ourselves and each other. We picked up shells and observed the tiny birds playing around at the water’s edge. As the pier grew larger and and we reached our destination, we were super excited to find that we’d actually arrived in the next town over - Lauderdale by the Sea. The hidden gems we found there actually drew us back two more times!! Yes, on foot. No, not by way of the beach. Those 3 miles felt like 6 in the wet uneven sand!! But we definitely made the trip back and it was worth it each time!

Food Finds

What’s a vacation without awesome eats? We are simple people - it doesn’t need to be fancy, but it DOES need to be amazing. We also prefer dives and hidden gems over the places that boast $$$$ with tiny portions. I’ve never tasted anything that made me want to spend $$$$ - maybe it’s just me?!

1) Lucky Fish - First meal upon arrival, and last meal before departure. Yes, it was that good. I will say though, Lucky Fish gets extra points because it was a whole vibe. It sits oceanside, with a tiki-style set up and really great drinks. The menu was able to accommodate both of our food preferences - Pescatarian for him, and a really poorly timed elimination diet restricting gluten, wheat, chicken and eggs for me. Forehead slap, I know. Yet and still I think it truly does offer something for everyone. Somehow I managed to miss the pic of my AMAZING Fishing Village Salad but - but we snapped a shot of those drinks though!! Nevermind half of mine ended up on the ground. Devastation. Fail. And far less interesting than the story might suggest - it slipped out my hand, lol. It was great while it lasted! Among some of the other great eats we had were the Blackened Mahi sandwich as well as the Colossal Nachos (accurate description) with shrimp. Not pictured was the Florida Smoked Fish Dip - would totally recommend that one as well!

2) Lester’s Diner - Elimination diet be damned - we are breakfast people and there’s no way we weren’t going to scope out at least one breakfast option while we were there lol. A short walk up Atlantic Blvd and we were at Lester’s. Lester’s is a true diner. Diners are delicious. Their menu is amazing - so many options - even for a girl NOT eating eggs at the time. The scramble I had was soooo good - so flavorful. The potatoes were cooked to perfection. And all the peppers, mushrooms, onions and turkey sausage brought it all home. Hubs had a traditional breakfast - pancakes and eggs, home fries and such. nothing but rave reviews. I DID have a bite of his pancake (what gluten?!) O.M.G - one of the best I ever had - and that includes compared to my own which I’ve spent considerable time and ingredients perfecting! We will definitely be back should we find ourselves back in Pompano Beach.

3) Tacocraft - Two words. Taco. Tuesday. Remember those two hidden gems I mentioned at the end of our hour-long beach stroll?! Well this was one of them. We didn’t even PLAN to eat but after looking at the menu, it was a no-brainer. And imagine our excitement when we learned that it was Taco Tuesday and all tacos were only $3. We may or may not have made that 3-mile trip BACK to Tacocraft that same night. $3 Tacos and margaritas?! Say less. I can’t tell you which was my favorite - I think we tried almost every single one on the menu - including the plant based Impossible option - gold stars all around!

4) Kilwins - Yet again, saved the best for last. I honestly don’t even know where to start - the smell of sugary delight when you walk in the door? The incredibly friendly employees? The decadent gourmet apples? The smooth and velvety fudge? Or the ice cream?! There were so many things about Kilwin’s, and it was such an incredible treat during our vacation. We HIGHLY recommend the New Orleans Pecan Praline - and sure, go all out with extra pecans and caramel!! In fact, I actually lied - THIS was our last stop before departure. Right after we polished off our Colossal Nachos we looked at each other and said “Kilwin’s?” And off we set on foot for the THIRD time - taking the 3 mile stretch down the road, yet again on foot - back to Lauderdale by the Sea, and most importantly, Kilwin’s. I’m both excited and terrified to learn that there’s one within reach here in Ohio - I mean we may just have to take an unscheduled drive up I-75 in the coming days or weeks!!

So another shout out to creating space to get away. If not for a beachy escape, maybe even a staycation close to home with new surroundings?? I know it can feel super challenging to get out and explore freely right now, but if you have the opportunity, I highly encourage it. You just never know what amazing discoveries await you.

Namaste…