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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