Getaway- Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This past weekend Greg and I took a much needed long weekend getaway. I had been wanting to take a trip for awhile but there never seemed to be a good time to go. Finally one day I just decided to pull the trigger and after some quick research I came upon Fort Lauderdale. I had actually been there when I was kid but didn't remember much about it. All I really wanted was a destination that was an easy plane ride away with a hotel on the beach. Fort Lauderdale fit all of these criteria and was within our budget. It turned out to be just what we were looking for and exactly what we needed.  The weather was perfect and the beach atmosphere was really soothing. 
We booked the W Hotel because we've had positive experiences with this chain on past trips. Within walking distance of all the restaurants, bars and shops but far enough away from the crowds, this was the perfect choice for us.

When we arrived Friday night we walked down the main strip to check out the sights. Outdoor restaurants and bars lined the street opposite the beach, attracting tourists with their giant drinks. There was definitely a party atmosphere and we had fun just walking around. We settled on a place called The Drunken Taco and proceeded to chow down on tacos and margaritas. We really appreciated the quality of the margaritas- the only ingredients were tequila, lime juice and 100% organic agave nectar. I love margaritas but I don't like when they are full of sour mix and sugar so these definitely fit the bill.

I had a great run along the beach the next morning while Greg headed to CrossFit. He can't stay away, even on vacation. Many CrossFitters visit other boxes while away so this isn't an uncommon thing to do. He ended up at Riptide CrossFit in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Greg met some really awesome people there that we ended up hanging out with during our stay. We always enjoy meeting new people on our trips and this time was no different. We shared some laughs and a few drinks.
Sunday morning I got Greg to do yoga on the beach with me. It was provided free from the hotel and it was a great way to start the day. Fort Lauderdale is a really active community. Every morning people could be found running along the beach, doing yoga and boot camp classes or just doing their own routine on the soft white sand. It was something I really enjoyed about the setting and wished that we had that at home.
We mostly divided our time between the beach and the pool. Having our hotel right on the beach worked out really well because it was easy to switch back and forth if we wanted a change of scenery. The ocean water was absolutely amazing. I am not too big on going in the ocean, I get a little freaked out by sea life, but the water and sand were just beautiful. It provided a great reprieve from the scorching sun.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Sun Surf Sand overlooking the beach where Greg was finally able to find his beloved IPA's. The bar was half indoor and half outdoor and we were able to walk back and forth from the beach when we wanted to grab another drink. We decided to head downtown on our last night to check out Las Olas Blvd.  There were lots of restaurants, shops and art galleries. Our plan was to walk the whole area before deciding on somewhere to have dinner but we were both starving when we got there and popped in to a wine and cheese shop we passed by called Cheese Culture. It ended up being a great choice. We ordered half price glasses of wine at the bar and munched on tasty salads and sandwiches. It was so good we stopped by there again for lunch on our way out of town the next day.
The trip provided a great recharge for Greg and I and some much needed time together. I am so grateful we were able to take this time for ourselves.

Where did you spend Memorial Day weekend? Did you take advantage of the extended weekend to get out of town? Or spend quality time at home with family? Sometimes I love just hanging out at home when I have time off but it's great to get away every now and then.