The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show The Big Daddy of Them All

As we were driving North along Rte 1on Thursday the opening day of the Boat Show after a brief but  exciting one night stay in Key West at the astonishingly gorgeous Southern Most Hotel on the Beach we couldnt help but feel the excitement of anticipation to attend our first Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. If you have ever been to Key West you always think that its not possible for anything else to live up to the hype and energy as you have experienced in KeyWest . Well as we approached Ft Lauderdale for our stay at the Hilton Ft Lauderdale Beach Resort (an amazing oceanfront hotel we will review later) once over the 17th st bridge we found out differently. The city was already a buzz with bumper to bumper traffic reminiscent of years ago when Ft. Lauderdale was king of the Spring Break. This was entirely different,with people in boat shoes, Khakis,  polo shirts, all looking the part of owners or buyers of the multimillion dollar yachts on display

we were about to see.

A1A a buzz with traffic

 Some nice toys upon entering the show Bugattis and Ferraris Not to bad !

After checking in at the oceanfront Hilton and a brief refreshment we decided to head to the show to scout things out for an all out assault Friday. 

We arrived at the Bahia Mar to obtain our press passes and got a glimpse as to how well thought out the managers and producers , Show Management have tried to make this the best and biggest show ever. Everything went off without a hiccup and off we were to start our venture thru the 3million square feet of the most gorgeous yachts and marine supplies imaginable, in six different locations.

We strolled our way down to the Seafair the 228 ft Mega yacht making her first appearance at the show,where Friday we were going aboard to get reacquainted with her featured displays of art exhibits

and luxury collectibles. We initially viewed her on her  in 2007 during her maiden voyage on her first tour of the east coast.

the 228 ft mega yacht SeaFair

Our first afternoon at the show was just a tease of what was in store for the rest of the show. An amazing almost unfathomable array of the finest yachts and marine toys,luxury autos and accessories anywhere in the world in one location. Just to end the first day with an exclamation the closing evening was topped off with a display of fireworks launched from the rooftop of the Bahia Mar Hotel.

Opening night fireworks from our Oceanfront suite at Hilton Beach Resort

The Southern Most Hotel On The Beach,KeyWest

Have you ever been to a destination and upon exploring the area you were intrigued by something that you knew you just had to return to someday to satisfy your curiosity to explore and enjoy more. Well that was just the case a few years ago when we visited Key West for the first time and on our last day in paradise we caught a glimpse of the Southernmost Hotel Collection in particular The Southernmost On The Beach Hotel. Unfortunately it seems our visits to South Florida always seem to be well to short but  we knew rite than that the next time we were able to visit Southern Florida we were going to make time to visit this resort.

On the road to Key West. Who recognizes this famous color divider?

This visit we were off to attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat show but the allure to visit the Keys and have the chance to explore this fabulous resort was to strong to avoid although it was again to be a short overnite visit. Better than none in our book!! And boy are we glad we did!

After an early morning flite into Ft.Laudedale we were looking forward to one of the most scenic road trips anywhere in the US along rte 1 into Key West. After the breathtaking drive and being mesmerized by the aqua and ever changing blue waters along with our customary few stops along the way,this time it was Jimmy Johnsons Big Chill in Key Largo and one of our favorites Loreleis in Islamorada

  Loreleis In Islamorada

we arrived at Southern Most where we were greeted by the very friendly and helpful Vitaly at the front desk. Since we were only able to spend one night before returning to Ft.Lauderdale for the start of the Interntional Boat Show we decided to make it worhwhile and stay in an oceanfront room to get the full breathtaking experience. The Southernmost and Vitaly did not disappoint with a gorgeous room on what they call the West Lawn, steps away from the soothing sound of the Atlantic Ocean. These recently updated rooms are situated so you not only have a view of the sunrise but also the renown sunsets. How many resorts can boast about that? 

We had just enough time in the afternoon to explore a small  part of this sprawling collection of hotels.It also consists of B&B Dewy House and La Mer Hotel along with the Southern Most. We were able to enjoy the Shores Bar and pool, one of three pools. Eric the pool attendant was great,friendly and helpful around the pool along with Megan and Heather at the Shores pool bar. That evening whats Key West without experiencing the Duval St crawl ,but thats another story to be continued.

The West Lawn

View from our room

Our updated room on the West Lawn

Ocean Beach Cafe

Shore Pool and Bar

After a very short night we woke up to a cloudy start so not to many good sunrise photos . We will just have to come back. Thats a definite! After a great breakfast at the Beach House cafe it was time to head back to Ft Lauderdale for opening day  at the boat show. Check our site for updates about the show.

We keep  telling ourselves that we need to set aside more time to visit Key West and kick back and relax. When we do  the Southern Most will be one of the places we visit.

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Sunset rite from our room

Sunset view from our room at the Southern Most on the Beach 

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Chinas Increasing Role and Influence on the US and Worlds Luxury Markets

With Chinas now 240 million online shoppers and growing there"s an unparalleled opportunity for US luxury brands to market their high end items. In 2012 China became the worlds largest consumer of luxury items. 

With the governments approval of the growth of its ecosystem it is estimated in the next few years its ecommerce will grow at the double digit rate and become the biggest total luxury market by 2015. It is expected to account for 20% or 27 billion dollars of global luxury sales by 2015. 

Despite ongoing concerns over quality and authenticity the ability to compare prices and larger selections of luxury items the Chinese are still motivated to shop online. There still remains a huge unmet demand from inner cities for these luxury items. Some European and Western countries are beginning to to make a crossroads into larger cities like Shanghai and Beijing where people are beginning to see wage and wealth levels that are fueling the desire for luxury items. 

Beijing

Just last month Beijing hosted the 2nd Luxury China Expo at the Chinas International Exhibition Centre Exhibitors of high end luxury items and services from 12 countries including the US and companies from 11 Malaysian brands were on hand to exhibit their brands. It is extremely important for Malaysian companies to showcase their products and services to the growing Chinese market now to take full advantage of this enormous growth. Luxury products and services that were on hand include jewelry,the arts,antique and high end apparrel and coffee and gold dealers. Chinas gold consumption has surged more than 30% recently and certain groups feel China is going to be a tremendous market for their business.

Chinas International Exhibition Centre

Saving- the Pan Am- World port -at JFK

The iconic building Terminal 3 with the "flying Saucer roof" at JFK airport once known as The Worldport to those who can remember when the Pan Am airlines was the leading airline at JFK in flites from and to JFK is near the end of its historic run.
The idea and first design of the great building was drawn up in 1957 when Idlewild airport was undergoing a transformation from a small airport to the major international airport it is today. Laguardia airport could no longer handle the demands of the burgeoning development of air travel and the need for expansion. Developers than turned to the vacant lands on the South Shore of Long Island and Idlewild airport. Pan Am in its quest to increase their status as a premiere international airline carrier decided to build their new terminal on the 16 acres they were allotted and be one of the leading airlines at JFK along with what is now the saved TWA Flight Center. The first version was finally opened in 1960

The original Pan Am building under construction

Renamed the Worldport in 1971 after undergoing expansion to accommodate the new luxury jet the 747it was now the largest airline terminal in the world and kept that designation for many years.

Thru its years it has been featured in many films most notably the James Bond movie Live and Let Die. It also served as the backdrop for the Beatles departure from New York after their successful introduction to the people of New York and their historic live TV appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

After Pan Am declared bankruptcy in 1991 it was taken over by Delta Airlines till its closure last May 23 after the last flite to depart from the terminal was to Tel Aviv,Israel. Delta is in the process of moving their international flites to the newly expanded terminal 4 and to use the Worldport space  for additional parking of planes. A sorry end to what once represented the future of airline travel.

As it was used by delta Airlines

The world port was eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1988 but was never designated. it also was recently on the list 11 of the  most endangered places in the US.

There are many organizations trying to save the world port as was done with the TWA flight Center which is under review for future plans ,one of which might be a Boutque Hotel. 

Save the Worldport is the leading org. trying to spearhead the saving of this great building you can like their facebook page at Saveworldport and twitter@SaveWorldport

Now that the long 4th of July extended holiday has wound down and Summer is just settling in we thought you might yearn for that holiday feel and some more fireworks. In our last post we put together a list of some top cities and the best viewing places. Just in case you missed or have not had enough of those fantastic celebrations and displays here are some photos and videos of fireworks from Boston to KeyWest to finishing off in the great city of SanFrancisco.

On the Long Island Gold Coast

Her are links to what we feel were some tremendous fireworks displays throughout the USA on the 4th.

boston

new yorks macys

http://www.youtube.comhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3wNSEL6xNM
http://dc.about.com/od/cherryblossomfestival/a/Southwest-Waterfront-Fireworks-Festival-Cherry-Blossom-Festival.htmwatch?v=G3wNSEL6xNM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/04/capitol-fourth-2013_n_3548534.htmlhttp://bit.ly/184tDHp

http://dc.about.com/od/cherryblossomfestival/a/Southwest-Waterfront-Fireworks-Festival-Cherry-Blossom-Festival.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/04/capitol-fourth-2013_n_3548534.htmlhttp://bit.ly/184tDHp

Us Gold Coasts Bang Up Fourth of July Festivities

For most families in the US it seems as if many families spend their 4th as their parents and grandparents did before them whether it be family BBQ"S heading off to a day at the beach or any other traditional 4th of July activity,usually spending the day together. If in the mood to start new traditions and exploring new ways to spend the 4th we have put together a few Bang Up Ideas that have stood the test of time from different cities and areas around the good old USA.
Of course starting with what is probably the most famous fireworks display in the world,New Yorks annual Macys fireworks show over the Hudson River and lower Manhattan again this year starting at 9:00 pm.

If in San Francisco enjoy live music and entertainment starting at Noon and continuing up until the fireworks display overlooking the Bay at 9:30 pm at Pier 39. They will launch from the Municipal Pier and from barges north of the pier. Aquatic Park offers some of the best views but all along the waterfront offers views including The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and Coit Tower.

Heading to The beautiful and historic city of Charleston,check out the South Carolina Aquarium. Enjoy a Southern BBQ and a 4-D theater movie and than enjoy fireworks over Charleston Harbor with Fort Sumter in the background .

Going to be in the nations capital, Washinton D.C. for the 4th? Pennsylvania Ave has the tallest buildings for viewing in the downtown area.The W hotel at 1700 Pennsylvania Ave is known for their rooftop viewing parties. If you have friends on Mas Ave you might want to pay them a visit as many of those residences afford great views.  The popular and luxurious Hay-Adams Hotelat 800 16th  St NW offers a dinner and fireworks package if you have a room reservation. Goo luck on this one though. How gorgeous is seeing our nations capital and all of its monuments lit up under a magnificent fireworks display. We are getting goosebumps already.

Heading further South to the exciting city of Miami and South Beach their display over the Bay Front Park is breathtaking. The Sea Fair a beautiful yacht docked at the Bayfront is offering reservations for a private table on the deck with dinner and drinks while watching the fireworks. Sounds like a tremendous evening!

Heading even further South to the Keys, Big Pine and the lower Keys have their display at Big Pine Park. One of the largest displays in the Keys is set for Sombrero Beach in Marathon Key, a family beach and boating tradition. 

Fireworks in Key West ,sponsored by Key West Rotary Club can be seen from many of the local hotels and hot spots in town with the display being launched from the White Street Pier.

No matter what the 4th is a great time to continue traditions ,maybe create some new ones but too always appreciate the birth of this great nation.

The Renaissance Hotel Charleston,South Carolina

Planning a trip to Charleston this Summer make sure you book a stay at the Renaissance Hotel. We are sure glad our good friends recommended it for us when we came to town for their sons wedding recently. Set in the heart of the beautiful oldest quarter of Charleston,68 Wentworth Street are almost within walking distance to most of the city. For some of the areas especially in what can be some sizzling Southern weather you can get a ride on the many pedi cabs or even a leisurely ride in a horse drawn carriage.The city has a great trolly system that is free and covers all of the city.

Kent St the Rodeo Drive of Charleston is just one block away from the Renaissance.

The Renaissance built in 2001 and updated in 2008 has the feel of a boutique hotelwith all of the modern day amenities and superior service and a classic Charleston decor. Rooms with high ceilings, comfortable beds, Mahogony furniture, you have the feel of a classic southern mansion.

 After a day on the town cool off in their rooftop pool or stop at the Wentworth grill for a relaxing drink  located in the lobby. the restaurant has a limited menu but the food was very good.

As we said before the service was superior. We had an excellent check in,and when Terrel came to fix an exterior light bulb that was out he couldnt have been nicer. He even offered to go get us a cork screw that we had forgotten. You dont get that genuine service all the time at many hotels

As with most hotels the wifi was not free,we still dont understand that.

All in all a great stay and experience and we are waiting for another excuse to come visit.

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                                                          Kent Street 

Charleston South Carolina

For anyone that loves American history, is a student of the Civil War and loves old historic cities you must visit the beautiful "Old South" city of Charleston South Carolina. Voted the friendliest city in the US in 2011 by Travel and Leisure. This is a city with many buildings dating back to the 1600s  that have been preserved ,thanks to a very conscientious Mayor and historic committees where you really get a feel of what it was like during the Civil War era and before.
Take a short shuttle boat ride out to the nearby Ft.Sumter where the first shots of the war were fired on April 12th 1861by confederate troops. The confederates fired on the fort for two days before Union troops surrendered the fort which they occupied even though South Carolina had already seceded from the Union.
Stop by the nearby Charleston Market built in 1807  that stretches for several blocks in the historic area for some shopping. They have almost any hand made item ever imagined. Stroll down King St the rodeo drive of Charleston with a souther flair.

A city known for Seafood and southern style BBQs there is a large assortment of both. For lunch there is The Noisy Oyster located across from the Market. Try one of their delicious crab sandwiches and maybe a thirst quenching mojito as you watch the horse drawn carriages leisurely going by. if BBQ is what your craving there also are many to choose from. Sticky Fingers Smoke House restaurant located on Meeting St has a large assortment of delicious pulled pork smoked in the back with a variety of sauces. For dinner there are many fine dining restaurants spread all over the city.

After dinner you might want to take in a beautiful sunset. We highly recommend you stop by the Pavillion Hotel on E Bay St where they have an amazing 360 degree view of the Harbor and city. You can sip your cocktail near the rooftop pool while enjoying the view.

on the outskirts of Charleston there are many Southern plantations you can visit which have remained as they were several hundred years before. We attended an out door wedding at the Boone Hall Plantation which is on 760 acres of land. you enter a 3/ mile Oak tree lined driveway with sun glistened moss hanging from their massive limbs. Take a tour of the beautifully landscaped grounds the old slave quarters and the mansion where you get a feel of what life was like on one of these plantations.

Charleston is a town you will fall in love with as we did. We are so glad our good friends son relocated to Charleston several years ago and were married here. We were here several years ago but only for a day when passing thru on our daughters college tours. This gave us an excuse we have been looking for to revisit, this time for a few days to really enjoy and appreciate the history of this magnificent city. 

For mor on Charleston and the Renaissance Hotel we stayed at visit our site usgoldcoasts.blogspot.com 

or our facebook page usgoldcoasts and look for our channel on you tube usgoldcoasts 

Islander Resort Marathon, Florida

If you have not been to the Florida Keys we highly reccommend you put it on your Bucket list. On our way to the keys on a recent trip we decided to stop and explore one of the keys on the way to Key West. After a late lunch and staying longer at the restaurant ,taking in the fabulous views we decided to stop in Marathon Key. We had researched the Keys and decided to try the Islander Resort on Marathon Key just about half way to Key West from the Miami area.

Thanks to the suggestion of one very friendly person at the front desk we think we had one of the best views of the ocean ( very calm during our stay) and a pool view.They even let us check out two different rooms to decide which one we wanted before we checked in. It was quiet while we were there, I think because the weather was a little unsettled. I imagine it might be a little noisy during the day but the pool area has recently been updated and their is a separate spa area. If you want an even more secluded  room they have a new building which is separate and seems very nice. We will be back to check on one of those rooms.This room is just a little outdated but typifies a room in the Keys. We were told they will be updating these rooms shortly.It was very clean and has a small but efficient kitchen area. They include a continental breakfast in the morning which includes bagels ,cereal, danish and starts your day of relaxation off quite nice. The outside tiki bar is next to the pool and also seems updated but the bartender that day seemed a little indifferent. We must say we went back later,different bartender and had a great time sipping our cool drinks while enjoying the views.  All in all it was quite a pleasnt surprise for the money. As I said we will be back to check the new building and see what its like during the busier season. (8 US Gold stars )

Ft.Lauderdale,Marriott Harbor Beach Resort

The Marriot Harbor Beach Hotel in Ft Lauderdale Florida has a beautiful ocenfront location on a private beach at the south end of the strip for a private location, yet a short walk if in the mood to the public beaches and the ever popular strip with updated stores,cafes and an abundance of things to occupy your time both day and long into the nite.The two pools are excellent with spas and private cabanas for daily rental equipped with Tv"s. Part of our reason to come back again on Super Bowl weekend was to enjoy the game in our private cabana. Although this year one of the pool attendants tried to get us to leave early so they could close the area. Very disappointing  but after stating we had rented it for this purpose and asked questions she backed off.
 As for the rest of the recreation staff they were extremely helpful. A nice happy hour with a very attentive and pleasant bartender while we were there. The staff at the front desk was accomodating but seemed a little bothered and distant  All in all a nice experience. We have a short video from our waterfront room and of the expansive pool area. See for yourself on either our Facebook page facebook/usgoldcoasts.com or our You Tube page UsGold Coasts.

The view from our room 

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Tranquility Bay, Marathon Key

This resort is exactly the place as the name says "Tranquil". Situated on Marathon Key about half way to Key West you feel as if you have escaped to somewhere very special. As you enter the resort you are   met by beautifully landscaped grounds with swaying palms all around and several of the resorts permanent residents, cats who stroll the grounds and occasionally take a break in the sun.
As you check in you get the sense that time is going to slow down during your visit as well as you will certainly want it to. One look at the sunset on your first night will definitely want you to stay forever.
The hotel consists of one,two or three bedroom villas all recently updated and very well equipped with all of the essentials and all fantastic views of either the pool area or water view ,with several beachfront villas steps away from the beach. The beach as with most in the keys are not huge and once you get past the rocks at watersedge the water is some of the bluest anywhere.
With the well equipped kitchen its nice sometimes to eat in while taking in the view. If going out to dinneris more your style there are many places close by to choose from offering the usual Keys food seafood, lobsters and key lime pie.

Pictured above is the beachfront villa we stayed in on our recent visit.

The beautiful beach for resort guests

Fantastic sunsets while sipping a drink from the beach bar.

If you are looking for a place to truly feel away from it all and enjoy with the entire family or friends we would certainly hope you check Tranquility Bay https://www.facebook.com/pages/Usgoldcoasts/310636352392440?ref=hl      Follow us on twitter @usgoldcoasts 

South SeasResort, Captiva

On a recent visit to the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva it didnt take long to realize we had arrived at a  place that felt like the Carribean without leaving the US. If you want the feel of luxury and the whole family can enjoy we just might have found the perfect place. A three hour drive from the Tampa area and less than an hour from Ft.Meyers you truly feel as if you have stepped into paradise.
Surrounded by beautiful landscape all around and with a two and a half mile private beach right on the Gulf there is more than enough room to go exploring for sea shells and enjoying all nature has to offer.
Feel like taking a break from the beach one day, try a round of golf while enjoying some of the best views anywhere we have seen.
The resort is a complex of beautiful and ours was recently updated multi bedroom villas ,cottages and private houses with fully equipped kitchens. Some of the villa and cottage areas have their own pool .
 For those that dont need the extra space there is a hotel near the main pool complex with plenty of dining options. The Harbourside Grill is a perfect spot for breakfast with a terrific buffet or dinner overlooking the pool area with live music from 6-9pm. The Pointe restaurant is perfect for a relaxing lunch while overlooking the Bay and for a late snack or ice cream after dinner stop by Scoops and Slices. After lunch head to the nearby pools ,yes POOLS, there are several. Some are more for the kids with slides and games and their is an adult pool with a fantastic view of the Bay and at anytime you are almost guaranteed to see some Dolphins casually going by.
You can top off your day by enjoying the fabulous sunsets from almost anywhere on the resort but our favorite spot is Sunset Beach while sipping your favorite drink and listening to live music evey night as the sun sets.
If you are looking for a destination for this Summers vacation or anytime, get captivated in Captiva at the South Seas Island Resort. We can not wait to return to see those beautiful sunsets and spend some more time exploring all this magnificent resort has to offer.                                                                          
Next time we plan to have more photos of the villas and cottages that make this place unique.

Part of the two and a half mile beach


  South Seas Resort

Just one of the many pools within the resort

The resorts Golf Course overlooking the Gulf

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To get more info on South Seas Resort  visit their website South Seas Resort

Twitter: @ssislandresort