Named for an early oceanfront estate, Las Olas (“the waves” in Spanish) has been the most prominent thoroughfare through Fort Lauderdale since the first days of its settlement. This noted boulevard, carved from an ancient hardwood hammock, takes us from the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, through a quaint and walkable shopping district, past the fabled “isles” that have earned the city the nickname “Venice of America” and all the way to beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. Today, Las Olas Boulevard is a place teeming with history and culture and cherished as a welcome respite against the intrusions of the more commercialized suburbs.

Our tour selects the most promising and exciting exhibits from the array of innovative galleries along Las Olas Boulevard. The galleries feature works from both local and international artists. At our first gallery stop we will enjoy mimosas while contemplating and admiring the art on display. Our tour progresses down the Boulevard, a gathering place of boutiques, cafes and upscale shopping. The second gallery will change the pace, alter the tempo and guide us to new discoveries.

Our final gallery will round out the day with yet another look at the evolving art scene of South Florida. Exploring with us promises to enlighten and relax your guests in a way that will stay with them for the remainder of the day.

Starting on the southern end of Fort Lauderdale beach, this unique bike ramble rolls past the famous Fort Lauderdale “Strip.” Located here is the “Elbo Room,” the setting for the classic movie “Where the Boys Are” and decades of Spring Break shenanigans.

The view changes dramatically as we cross over the Las Olas Bridge and enter the isles that are responsible for the city’s famous nickname “Venice of Florida.” Million dollar yachts and palatial homes eventually give way to the quaint shops and eateries of the main stretch of Las Olas Boulevard.

We pass the original Indian trading post - the Stranahan House - which provided Fort Lauderdale with the first auspices of civilization. After exploring some of the architecturally diverse neighborhoods that stretch along the river, we cycle through the marine district with its cavern-like metal sheds housing incredibly large yachts in various stages of maintenance and repair. The final leg of our journey consists of an ascent up the 17th Street Causeway Bridge and a rollercoaster descent back to our starting point.

Come with us on a local journey celebrating a small corner of Florida’s nautical history. Before the advent of planes, cars and even trains, Florida’s long peninsular shape and subtropical climate made travel by land difficult. Great sailing ships, from ancient Spanish Galleons to elegant schooners of the early twentieth century were the transport of choice when visiting Florida’s inviting shorelines and plying her sometimes storm-ridden coasts.

Explore nautical treasures from far and wide at our first stop, Nautical Furnishings, the “world’s largest assortment of unusual and authentic nautical items.” This purveyor of all things nautical to restaurants, theme parks and the movie industry envelops you in an intimate atmosphere of wood, brass and artifacts from the golden age of seafaring.

Next, voyage with us to the 1920’s hideaway of smugglers, gangsters and coastal fishermen: Cap’s Place. Accessible only by boat, we take a small jaunt across the Intracoastal Waterway to this local eating and drinking icon where we enjoy a great feast of old Florida cuisine.

After dinner, roll up your pants, kick off your shoes and prepare to make tracks along a beautiful stretch of Florida’s surf-kissed beach to a jetty point overlooking the historic Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. This ancient sentinel (over 100 years old) and sailor’s salvation marks our journey’s end, a fitting way to close this sea-inspired outing.

Come with us into a little corner of Old Florida as we begin a 90 minute horseback ride in the rural town of Davie. We experience a rare example of unhurried South Florida as we take advantage of some of Davie’s 60 miles of equestrian trails. Relax as we trot, canter and walk the horses over bridges, through shaded paths and past Longhorn steers and burros.

Before we head down the trail, the tour begins with a short orientation on what to expect and how the horses should be treated. First time riders are more than welcome to join us. Experienced riders are encouraged to take the lead at the front of the group.

Our next stop is the old-time Florida attraction “Flamingo Gardens,” where you will be inspired by the beauty and diversity of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world. Plant species include 19 “champion trees.” In order to get a full appreciation of the park’s 60 acres, we join a 30-minute narrated tram tour. This day of seeing a Florida that visitors rarely encounter will not be soon forgotten.

Journey with us back to the days when Fort Lauderdale was just a lonely little Indian trading post on the edge of the wild and formidable Everglades. It was during this time period that Seminole Indians would pole their long boats out of the Glades and down the New River to Stranahan’s Trading Post. In modern times, Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” due to its graceful waterways and maritime bearings. The city has been striving through its revitalized riverfront, carefully restored neighborhoods, vibrant downtown and beautified beachfront to become “one of the most beautiful cities in America.”

Explore some of Fort Lauderdale’s charming and historic neighborhoods as we recall the pioneering heritage and verdant enchantment of this proud city. Hear about the town’s hardy settlers and their stories of adventure and struggle in the untamed Florida wilderness that is now Sailboat Bend, Himmarshee Village, Rio Vista, Las Olas Boulevard, Coolee Hammock, Las Olas Isles and the world-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Allow our guides to bring you some unique insights into the dynamics that endear this city to its residents and visitors alike. Once you have experienced the rich architectural spectrum, exciting museums, tropical gardens, tree-covered streetscapes and abundant civic pride that characterize today’s Fort Lauderdale, you too may be apt to admit that what you found here was both unexpected and unforgettable. We look forward to having you join us.