Escape Winter Melancholy

The festivities of the holidays are ancient history, New Year's resolutions have been made and broken, and the doldrums of winter have set in. You need a pick-me-up ... a getaway to a relaxing beach location that's got more to offer than just a beach chair parked in the sun. Fort Lauderdale is just the prescription. It boasts a beautiful beachfront location, plenty of first-class shopping and dining and plenty of places of historical interest. There are also a number of outstanding cultural offerings and a series of canals that earned it the nickname "Venice of America."

Begin your day breakfasting with the Atlantic Ocean at your front door. Shula's On the Beach, located on North Fort Lauderdale Beach, offers a dining room with plenty of large windows as well as an outdoor patio, Soak in the lovely scenery while dining on a la carte menu items or the generous breakfast buffet. It's the ideal antidote to the winter blues.

Because the beach will beckon to you throughout breakfast, we've built in some time on the sand, but not the kind where you lather up with sun screen and settle into a dime store novel. While that kind of beach day has its place, we're suggesting something a bit more refreshing. Plan on taking a walk northward on the beach until you reach the vicinity of the Galleria, a popular Lauderdale beachside shopping destination. The crashing waves, sand and sound of seagulls will go a long way toward chasing away unwanted stress. It's about a three-mile walk to our next destination, the Water Bus taxi stop #2, located at Shooters Waterfront Café (3033 NE 32nd Ave). To gauge time, plan on about 20 minutes of moderate walking to cover one mile.

After your walk, it's time for a much deserved rest aboard the Water Bus, a water taxi that ferries riders throughout the many canals that intersect the city. The ride offers you the chance to see the city from a different perspective. It's also a fun way to get around and a signature "Lauderdale" thing to do. Ride the bus for a short distance to stop #4, Las Olas Marina. Note: Don't linger at Shula's beyond 9am if you want to make the 10:40am departure.

When you exit the water taxi, make your way toward notable Las Olas Boulevard. It's the main shopping and dining strip in the city and has plenty of entertainment options. Whether you enjoy window-shopping or hunting down just the right souvenir, you'll enjoy this tony section of town.

During your shopping spree, keep an eye out for Mangos, located at 904 E Las Olas. The menu offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, entrees and desserts as well as wines and specialty drinks. Sidewalk seating and an intimate interior make this an ideal mid-day dining spot.

After lunch, head to the city's popular Riverwalk area. It's a historic section of downtown that's known as "Florida's Most Beautiful Mile" and holds a wealth of dining, nightlife and shopping venues as well as cultural establishments, museums and green spaces.

After meandering through this unique area, make your way to the nearby Stranahan House. It's Broward County's oldest building (1901) and an attractive historical site that's a classic example of Florida Frontier architecture. After visiting Stranahan, it's time to head back to your hotel for some rest and freshening up.

For dinner, you'll enjoy the casual American cuisine with an eclectic twist that's served at Himarshee Bar and Grill. Seasonal and local ingredients are innovatively paired to create tasty dishes like plantain and lamb empanadas and grilled veal with porcini mushroom sauce. Himarshee is located in the Riverwalk area, very close to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the next stop on your Fort Lauderdale itinerary.

After dinner, plan on attending one of the cultural performances at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a prestigious venue that brings a wide variety of cultural programs to the area. Featured performances include ballet, theater, music and opera. With hundreds of events offered each year, Broward Center is sure to offer something you'll enjoy. Be sure to make reservations at Himarshee beforehand and to purchase event tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.

After a great performance, there's no better way to wrap up your magical day than opting for a nightcap at Tarpon Bend, situated just one block from the Arts Center. Boasting main floor and balcony seating, this restaurant/nightspot has a modern feel. Sip a well-mixed cocktail or glass of wine to the backdrop of live music Friday and Monday nights.