Lauderdale By The Sea (LBTS) is a gem of a place where you can get away from
Pittsburgh and not break the piggy bank. Since
my discovery, I have repeated my excursions in every season because it’s a
place with the perfect cocktail of small town and adventure. The Plunge Beach Hotel with its artistic
flair, location and amenities, makes it convenient to “plunge into” some relaxation and fun at this destination.
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| You will not find a wall of skyscraper hotels at LBTS |
Reflection
LBTS is an affordable getaway
located just 7 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and south of Pompano Beach.
It stretches approximately 2.5 miles and
runs from the ocean about .5 miles to the inter-coastal boundary. It is a perfect
mature playground where you can relax, eat well, and snorkel or dive on
it’s off shore coral reefs and a nearby ship wreck (SS
Copenhagen). The town square invites you to rest in a rainbow colored Adirondack
chair and is lined with charming restaurants that do not disappoint the taste
buds (see Day 290, Day 292).
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| LBTS keeps me coming back |
From Pittsburgh
there are a variety of reasonable flights to Fort Lauderdale. Spirit Airways has (2.5 hr) flights from
Pittsburgh and with some planning, I have found them under $100 each way. An
added bonus is that you don’t need to rent a car to enjoy this quaint area because restaurants are within walking distance. A quick 30 min Uber or Lyft ride from the airport will bring you to the roar of the ocean
and sand beneath your feet.
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| Plunge location and beach service eases enjoyment |
I am a repeat visitor to LBTS because it’s like traveling to the beach in your childhood memories (see live web cam here). It has a small town charm. You will not find a wall of towering hotels like so many other beaches because this town has a four story or less hotel rule. Although there are a variety of reasonably priced establishments along El Mar Drive (directly on the beach) or on Ocean Drive (adjacent to the beach), I continue to gravitate to the Plunge Beach Hotel.
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| Comfort heightens relaxation when you fly to the beach |
Comfort heightens the relaxation experience when you
fly to a beach excursion. I no longer want to drag chairs, drive to the beach or
sit in the sand. At the Plunge friendly
staff daily provide towels and set up your comfortable chairs and umbrella. There is a poolside bar and restaurant that serves more than
burgers. The Plunge offers guest bikes which eases exploration of the area. This place
makes it easy for you to kick back and
have fun. (There is a resort fee of $35.00 +tax a day.)
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| Plunge Bungalow rooms have mini kitchenette |
No one enjoys crowds at the beach. The Plunge is located at the end of El Mar Drive adjacent to condos which makes it very
private. The rooms are spacious and their Bunglow rooms have mini kitchens making
it easy to have breakfast and lunch in the room. The Plunge has an artistic flair
which reminds me of my stays at one of the W Hotels or the Hard Rock Hotels.
The convenience
of LBTS and the Plunge Beach Hotel keep
me coming back to “plunge in” at any season. It’s a great get away from Pittsburgh
to relax and, with LBTS’s off shore coral reefs, it’s a place that you can plan an above
and below ocean adventure.
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