Pompano/Ft Lauderdale Vacation

[Timeshare Von]

We are scheduled for 12/27 - 1/3 and it's been years since I've been in that area of Florida for a week. We're thinking about doing the day trip to Grand Bahama with Discovery Cruises. Has anyone done that . . . are do you have any comments or recommendations?

Also we're considering doing the Jungle Queen dinner cruise but was wondering about how chilly it might be at that time of the year. Is the dining area enclosed and weather-proof?

Any other suggestions for things to do in the area? We both want to go to the Everglades again, so that will probably be one of our day trips.

Input and suggestions are much appreciated!

 

[Conan]

We weren't that ambitious, but we were in the area recently.

If you're looking for simple nighttime entertainment, at the top end of Ft. Lauderdale just south of the Pompano line, there's a Greek restaurant, Athena, at the corner of (East) Commercial Blvd and A1A (Ocean Blvd). Drive by and see if there's a live band playing outdoors: when we were there they had half the street roped off and a good 5-piece rock/oldies band playing beside outdoor tables, where we enjoyed a plate of Greek appetizers and beers. [The food is ordinary quality so I wouldn't make the effort without the music. There's also a candy/icecream store next door that also faces the band so you can stand and linger if you don't want the Athena's fare.]

The music and outdoor seating setup is where you see angle parking on the north side of E. Commercial Blvd in this Google Maps view:
http://tinyurl.com/6an4bh

 

[Hophop4]

We have done both.

We took the day cruise, but stayed 3 nights on the island. The cruise leaves early in the morning serving breakfast and returns leaving around 4 pm from the island and serving dinner. They have entertainment shows/games like newlywed game etc. Be sure to take a sweater/jacket, it was cool on the ship.

The Jungle Queen is a nice trip down the waterway to a secluded island where they feed you a bbq dinner and a show. The dining area is a large building enclosed with long tables in a row many rows. Think there were maybe 20 or so people per table. After the dinner, everyone goes outside to the outdoor theater where they put on a show. Seating is benches in a row outside.


Also have you check the Sticky link on the top of Florida Forum that KenK posted couple years ago...very informative!!

 

[Sea Six]

Also we're considering doing the Jungle Queen dinner cruise but was wondering about how chilly it might be at that time of the year.

I always enjoyed the Jungle Queen. It's been very chilly down here the last few weeks. If it stays like this bring warm clothes! Check the 10 day before you come down.

 

[Neesie]

I used to like the Jungle Queen but now prefer the Water Bus (formerly known as the Water Taxi). They don't feed you on the Water Bus bus but you can get off and on as many times as you want and there are about 18 stops, several of them at bar/restaurants. The water bus has windows that you can close if you get chilly. Best of all you WILL get a window seat, not gauranteed on the Jungle Queen. The Jungle Queen has rows of seats and only the people on the end of the rows have an unobstructed view.

As far as the Disney Cruise, I don't get into Cruises. I'm someone who wants to go to the destination and BE THERE, and if you're on a cruise you're on the boat most of the time IMHO.

 

[Dori]

We also enjoy the water taxi when we are in the area. When we stayed at Weston, about a 20 minute drive from Ft. Lauderdale, we did the Holiday Park Airboat tour into the Everglades. We found it very enjoyable, informative and affordable.

Dori

 

[shmuggee]

Water Taxi

Pick it up at Oakland Park boul and the A1A - at the Shooters Bar. Great day (and evening) of fun.

 

[pcgirl54]

We went on different routes on the Water Taxi and enjoyed it. You can or could take one to Miami but only on certain days.

We used the water taxi to get here and then went to the riverwalk area. Las Olas Blvd has shops and places to eat. http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/
http://www.goriverwalk.com

We ate here for our anniversary it's right on the waterway and was a Tug recommendation. http://www.ftlauderdaleriverhouse.com

Always wanting a bargain... the Sheraton concierge told us about Blue Moon Fish Company for lunch that on certain days entrees,desserts and wine are half price. It is closer to Lauderdale by the Sea maybe 10-15 minutes from Ft Lauderdale white table cloth dining . We really enjoyed it. It is just over a little bridge to the right with a small parking lot. But it's on the waterway and we dined outdoors to watch the boats. I would call to see if this is still the case. http://www.bluemoonfishco.com/


And there is a Galleria Mall with upscale places to eat that we drove by but did not have time to visit. http://www.galleriamall-fl.com/dining.php

Mega outlet- Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall.
http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1262

There is a flea market in the area that my aunt loves Swap Shop although I did not.

http://www.floridaswapshop.com/swap.html

I recall a sign for Outdoor World Bass Pro Shop in Dania and I think that town has antique shops.


We did the airboat ride at an alligator farm near Homestead on our way to the Keys and it was lots of fun. We stayed in Pompano on that trip.

 

[Timeshare Von]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. We are looking forward to the trip . . . only hoping the weather warms up!!