Miami - July 07, 2009

A Place in the Sun

Road Trip to Fort Lauderdale

It’s hot, muggy, and doesn’t stop raining. So make like everyone else and head north for the summer — to sunny Fort Lauderdale. It feels just like a vacation (you’re in a hotel!), but it’s less than an hour’s drive.

Dog Days of Summer
You know who else likes road trips? Your dog. Lucky for you, Il Lugano is pet friendly. The hotel even presents pooches with peanut butter treats baked by da Campo Osteria’s pastry chef. Also welcoming Fluffy, the new W Hotel. Check in and then check out at Bliss Spa: Stellar massages come with a paraffin foot treatment. Ask for Jorge (trust us).

Hot Plate
Carnivores will rejoice at Steak 954, while their vegetarian counterparts can take comfort at Sublime. The pretty resto serves natural and organic fare that lives up to its name. Or compromise at the waterside Italian bistro Serafina. The intimate space is ideal for a romantic dinner a deux. For lunch, brave the line at Gran Forno Bakery.

Shop It Like It’s Hot
Las Olas Beauty, the spa-cum-apothecary, has everything from Malin+Goetz to Mario Badescu. Shop 20th-century furniture (think Karl Springer tables and Artifort chairs) at downtown’s Space Modern. For vintage garb, there’s Jezebel: Find Victorian-era hats next to Paul Frank tees. And Pinkghost has the kitsch factor with vinyl toys, posters, figurines, and books.

Midnight Sun
No, everything does not close at 9 p.m. Culture Room consistently books top-quality indie bands (the estimable Cat Power plays Monday). The aptly named Dive Bar also brings in great acts, or DIY during Monday-night karaoke. Newish megaclub Exit 66 is a whopping 20,000 square feet broken up into five rooms, complete with pool tables and a gold-and-diamond-covered bar.