Fort Lauderdale

I haven’t been to Fort Lauderdale since college, so coming in February to run a race on the ocean sounded like a great idea. Today was day one and it has been a fun one! I came down a day earlier then my fellow running friends, so had an extra day of fun! I got in touch with an old friend from my Chicago cosmetic days that lives here now, and she planned an awesome day for us to reconnect. 

Hello Atlantic Ocean and Fort Lauderdale Beach! You are much prettier than I remember! 

Carol suggested meeting for lunch at a restaurant called Sea Watch and it was wonderful! Beautiful setting right on the water and fabulous food. We got a table overlooking the beach and got caught up for 2 hours with non-stop talking. We think it has been about 30 years since we saw each other so lots to catch up on! And the weather could not be more perfect!

Located in Lauderdale by the Sea. Loved it!

They had a great menu but we kept it pretty light. Saving room for dessert.

Conch Chowder, Chop Salad and yes that is two desserts! Key Lime Pie and a Chocolate Truffle. We tried them both and they were definitely worth the calories.  

Carol looks great! Hasn’t changed a bit and she is loving living in Florida. 

We spent the afternoon at a historic home called Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. If you have been reading my blog then you know this is right up my alley. Love getting in some of the local history, and Bonnet House has ties to Chicago in the 1920’s. It’s situated on a large piece of property between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. Construction began in 1920 and remains much as it was in the 30’s and 40’s when it was a winter home of the American artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Helen. They traveled extensively and were avid art collectors. The home and property were beautiful but very eclectic. I took a lot of pictures but as of right now I’m having trouble uploading them to my iPad - so just a few will have to do for now.

Top left - there are tiny squirrel monkeys and we were fortunate to see two. Also a resident swan that came at us in a scary way!

The home was gifted to the Florida Trust in 1983 to ensure that a piece of Florida history would be enjoyed by future generations. We took both the home tour and tour of the grounds and the guides were very knowledgeable.  

The gate from the estate that opens onto A1A leading over to their 700 foot private beach. Unless there is a private event they let the public have access to it though - nice!

I took really cool pictures inside the house of some of the interesting items and details -  I will have to wait to post those later when they upload. Sorry! But a great day with a good friend in a beautiful place! It doesn’t get much better than that! 

Make it a great day! More fun ahead - the runners arrive tonight!