Empty Nest -Whimsical Journey to Survive and Self Actualize : Day 400-Revisit Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

On Day 400 of blogging, I thought that I would revisit a travel experience that has become my happy place. I discovered Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (LBTS), a quaint 1.5-mile area between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. It is a mature paradise (Day 290) with a motto, “Relax You’re Here.” That is exactly what you do when cooling off with some gelato sitting in one of the pastel Adirondack chairs that line the town square. You can stroll to town center to find many charming restaurants or snorkel/scuba dive (Day 292, Day 334 ) on the coral reefs which are swimming distance from the beach. This place will grab you and keep you coming back for more of its a perfect summer cocktail of fun and relaxation.

Cool off with some gelato and sit in the Adirondack rainbow chairs

Reflection

I have traveled to LBTS at least twice a year since 2017. Why, because this place has the charm of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. A day at LBTS is a flashback of my childhood beach trips. This town has a 4 story or less hotel rule which eliminates the towering establishments of other destinations. It's a place to make new friends and enjoy the beach without the barrage of pulsating music from all directions.

Everything: music, food, and shops, are within walking distance. You can also take free shuttle rides on the “ Why Walk ” golf cart or new “Circuit-By-The-Sea ” electric car. There is no need to rent a car.

Sharing Ciao Ammore
authentic Italian cuisine with new beach friends

I prefer a summer trip to LBTS (the off season) because the hotels are cheaper, restaurants have little or no wait, beach is less crowded, and the travel cost does not break the piggy bank. The hotels are about one third the cost of those on the east coast. There are reasonably priced two and a half hour direct flights from Pittsburgh on Allegiant and Spirit Airlines. If you can travel on Tuesdays, you might find a flight that will have you doing a happy dance. (I have found round trip flights close to $100.)

Reasonable direct flights from Pittsburgh to Ft Lauderdale

Plunge Beach offers convince and fun

Although there are a variety of charming hotel establishments along El Mar Drive (directly on the beach) or Ocean Drive (adjacent to the beach), I continue to be a repeat patron of the Plunge Beach Resort (Day 289.) At this age, I opt for convenience. I want to open the door and be on the beach. My dragging a chair and umbrella to the beach are over. The Plunge is located on the beach and has a beach service (there is a resort fee). They provide bikes for us riders, the people are always friendly and the breakfast, at the Octopus Bar, and lunch/dinner, at the Back Flipp Bar, have delicious menus for moderate prices.

The Plunge and LBTS continue to be the place to find that perfect summer cocktail of fun and relaxation and an ideal place to celebrate 400 days of blogging.