Fort Lauderdale: New and Happening

Spring break revelry might occasionally still steal headlines, but Fort Lauderdale long ago graduated to more sophisticated pursuits.

The destination is an international gateway, world-class meeting destination and cruise port for high seas adventure. New air service, hotels, events and attractions are shining a spotlight on the destination.

Getting there
Increased airlift is bringing more visitors than ever through the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

New or soon-to-launch service includes Spirit Airlines flights from New Orleans and Houston, Allegiant flights from the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport, and JetBlue Airways service from Las Vegas and Pittsburgh.

The airport has also seen international traffic double in the past decade thanks to increased service to Latin America and the Caribbean. Both Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are in an expansion mode when it comes to international airlift.

“The added flights give agents new opportunities to sell Fort Lauderdale,” said Josh Winston, director of domestic sales for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“They should suggest a stay here for their clients to decompress from an international trip.”

Both domestic and international air travelers will find a revitalized airport in the near future.
 
“Our airport is getting a pretty extensive facelift. We’ve got multi-million dollar infrastructure improvements ongoing, and they will upgrade, renovate, and add enhancements to everything from runways to terminals,” said Winston.

Activities abound
With 23 miles of Atlantic coastline, visitors to the Greater Fort Lauderdale area traditionally have beach activities at top of mind.

But new attractions are taking visitors out of the water and into art galleries, historic districts and microbreweries.

“The range of activities has become so much more diverse now. One of our most popular new destinations is an indoor trampoline park called Skyzone. It has giant trampolines for the fitness enthusiasts or any visitor that just wants to have fun,” said Winston.

“And places like the Funky Buddha Microbrewery are becoming attractions. It’s one of the only microbreweries in South Florida. In the evening, food trucks gather there and it’s a great place to be, ” he added.

Fun transportation
Thanks to a new bike sharing program, getting around is also more fun.

Called B-Cycle, the program offers access to bicycles at 27 public bike stations. The bikes are equipped with a GPS system and can also track mileage and calories burned.

For clients interested in the arts and culture scene, here’s the skinny on FAT Village.

It stands for Flagler Arts & Technology Village and it’s located in a four-block area of downtown Fort Lauderdale. The one-time industrial warehouse area is a modern-day hipster arts district of galleries, theater venues and even an art school.

A monthly Art Walk here is a celebration, complete with food trucks and welcoming artist studios.
 
Stay and play
There’s a building boom in new hotel space that hasn’t been seen since before the last recession, said Winston.
 
Developments creating the most buzz include a $147 million, 349-room, Margaritaville Resort, set to open in July 2015.

The Jimmy Buffet-themed property will occupy a five-acre parcel along the Hollywood Boardwalk and Intracoastal Waterway. Features will include seven restaurants, a full-service spa and wave rider.

Opening in June 2016 is the Costa Hollywood, a six-story, 304-room condo-hotel that will feature a holistic day spa, shopping district, upscale restaurants, and a roof pool deck with sweeping Atlantic and Intracoastal views.

The 290-room Conrad Fort Lauderdale Resort and Residences is scheduled to open next year at the former Trump International Hotel and Tower on Fort Lauderdale beach. Enhancements to the property will include a new Conrad Spa as well as oceanfront dining.

Beachwalk Resort opens in the spring of 2015 in Hallandale Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway. Its sister property HYDE Resort will feature a beachfront location and access to a shared Beach Club.