The following Florida towns and districts are emerging as fascinating destinations in their own right.
The Skinny on F.A.T.
The F.A.T. Village Arts District is gaining the weight of recognition. Standing for Flagler Art and Technology Village, F.A.T. is the only urban arts district in Fort Lauderdale and one of the largest in Florida.
“It’s an area in redevelopment, taking older buildings and turning them into studios,” says Christine Roberts-Tascione, vice president of convention sales and services for the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB.
Indeed, village streets are lined with open artists’ studios, galleries and theaters, including the community theater, Andrews Living Arts. While many of the galleries are open daily, businesses band together at impromptu times to host events showcasing painting, photography, sculpture and other art forms. You never know what will be next or when, but something’s always going on here.
One regular event is the Village Art Walk that takes place every last Saturday of the month, when art is on display and food trucks are on hand to feed hungry art aficionados.
Another striking attraction of F.A.T. Village is the graffiti wall located along the railroad tracks near N.W. 5th Street. Take a camera because you’ll want to remember it.
“F.A.T. is something new, and people are loving it,” Roberts-Tascione confirms.
A Touch of Europe
Fort Lauderdale’s North Beach Village aims to bring a slice of Europe to the heart of the city. The six-block area is the brainchild of Swedish investor Par Sanda, who has sunk $57 million into the local economy, purchasing and renovating more than 25 North Beach properties. Hotels are connected with cafes and outdoor areas, creating a pedestrian-friendly European feel two blocks from the beach.
One makeover has resulted in the new hotel Aqua, which took over the former Angela’s Beach Resort and an unused building next door and is now a 39-room boutique property offering deluxe studio and suite accommodations.
Reaching the Heights
Up-and-coming in the heart of Tampa is Seminole Heights (www.historicseminoleheights.info; www.oldseminoleheights.org), a tree-shaded community of bungalow homes reflecting the charm of the early 1900s. Some of the homes have been restored and are listed on the National Historic Register.
But there’s nothing dated about the dining scene, with choices ranging from Cuban cuisine to soul food.
“The Refinery and Ella’s are local favorites,” says Liana Lopez, Tampa Bay & Company’s director of communications. “The Independent is a great bar, and Bo’s is a Tampa treasure if you love ice cream.”
Seminole Heights also hosts a seasonal outdoor market from October to May, held the second Sunday of each month when up to 130 vendors offer hydroponic and conventional produce, plants, herbs, fresh flowers and gourmet foods.
