From Haute Couture to High Rolling:
Delights off the Docks of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Known worldwide for hosting the largest in-water boat show for the past 63 years, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has a strong tradition with the boating community that rivals the trade winds. With 300 miles of navigable tropical inland canals, complete with gondolas gliding through the Intracoastal Waterways from the New River tidal estuary, the city has rightfully earned the title of the “Venice of America.”
However, beyond the enticing aquatic pleasures offered along the coastline—from its Italian-inspired attractions to the option of anchoring that prized Absolute Yachts or Ocean Alexander just offshore—time spent on dry land can be just as unforgettable and rewarding.
For seafarers in town for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) taking place from October 26-30, whether you prefer to shop or test your luck, our top two recommendations in the western region—Sawgrass Mills Outlets and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino—are guaranteed to enhance your wardrobe and boost your bank account… if you play your cards right!
Shop till You Drop at Sawgrass
Fashion lovers will be delighted at Sawgrass Mills Outlets, which is designed in the shape of an alligator and named after a plant found in the Everglades. Located off West Sunrise Blvd, this shopping paradise spans 2.4 million square feet of retail space, housing over 350 stores, including two locations each for Michael Kors and Lacoste.
While this premier shopping center is divided into three sections (the main mall, the Oasis, and the Colonnade), haute couture enthusiasts should make their way to the Colonnade for the latest styles straight from the catwalk.
This upscale lifestyle area, featuring noticeable Mediterranean flair, boasts 70 exclusive boutiques ranging from Bally and BOSS to Valentino and Versace. Watch enthusiasts will also enjoy the chance to add a new timepiece to their collection from well-known brands like Breitling or TAG Heuer, found along the promenade.
But wait, there’s more! After hours of walking in search of the latest trends, weekend valet parking makes it easy to stash those purchases in your vehicle, relieving any foot and leg strain, before heading to one of the 50 delicious eateries to satisfy your growing hunger.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., be ready for an international crowd pushing shopping carts resembling airport luggage trolleys. You can expect to find that “something special” you’ve been searching for, as Sawgrass Mills is packed with items to delight even the most discerning shoppers.
Live Like a Rock Star at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
You might wake up in an upcycled 1965 Boeing 727 in Costa Rica or a sailing ship-themed hotel in Dubai, but when in Fort Lauderdale, it’s time to live like a rock star at the first-ever guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe.
Known simply as “The Guitar Hotel,” this iconic structure towers 450 feet (137 meters) high and re-opened in October 2019 after a $1.5 billion expansion that lasted three years, bringing vibrancy and illumination (with many lights) to the area.
Made up of 16,800 LEDs that choreograph color and intensity changes set to a variety of songs, the lights act as both a screen and a stage for nightly musical showcases on Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and on Sunday through Thursday at 9 p.m. Six powerful laser beams shot 20,000 feet into the sky mimic the strings of an imaginary guitar. While many visitors consider the design somewhat generic, some rock fans appreciate that it’s inspired by a Gibson Les Paul electronic model replica.
After admiring the stunning illuminated guitar from outside, it’s time to step into the venue through the Oculus, the resort’s multi-sensory hub that combines theater, technology, and architecture. The Oculus connects the various hospitality, gaming, and entertainment offerings available on the premises, as indicated below:
- The 24-hour gaming casino featuring 2,200 slot machines and over 200 table games.
- A winding promenade of boutiques for guests not inclined to try their luck or for those lucky winners looking to spend some of their winnings.
- Party like a rock star at your choice of venues, including cocktail bars, live music spots, sports bars, a tropical poolside day club, or a cutting-edge nightclub on an upper level.
- Catch a performance in the 7,000-seat theater that hosts A-list entertainers from Billy Joel to Sting, as well as awards ceremonies and sporting events.
- After playing, partying, and enjoying a show, why not stay overnight in a unique private swim-up cabana that offers a “Bora Bora-style experience” complete with butler service!
Extravagance awaits you in Fort Lauderdale—no matter your interests, seek and you shall find it from the shoreline to the suburbs before, during, and after the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show!