fbpx
Skip to content
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Threads
Connect

Connect

Inspire. Empower. Change.

  • Home
  • Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Connect Brand Sponsors
    • Connect Community Foundation
    • Contact
    • Giveaways
    • Media & Press Resources
    • Podcasts
    • Prism Job Network
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe to e-Newsletter
  • Read
    • Arts
    • Business
    • Community
    • Entertainment
    • Health
    • Life
    • News
      • News By Location
        • Middle Tenn
          • Murfreesboro
          • Nashville
        • East Tenn
        • West Tenn
    • People
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
      • Submit an Event
    • Event Photos
    • Connect Community Health Fair
    • Bark in the Boro
    • HoliGAY Market
  • Business Directory
  • Community Resources
  • Virtual Issues
  • Shop
  • TPC Visitors Guide
  • Home
  • Life
  • Pride Journey: Fort Lauderdale
  • Life
  • Travel

Pride Journey: Fort Lauderdale

Whether you are looking for fun in the sun or to revel in LGBTQ nightlife in nearby Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale has it all.
Editor Connect 12 months ago 4 min read

By Joey Amato

Nestled along the pristine shores of Fort Lauderdale, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort stands as a beacon of luxury and relaxation. With its timeless charm and breathtaking oceanfront views, this exquisite resort has become a haven for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.

Photo Credit: Pelican Grand Beach Resort

A beachfront retreat, The Pelican Grand seamlessly blends old-world elegance with modern comforts. Located on the famous A1A Highway, the resort’s prime location offers guests direct access to the golden sands of the Atlantic Ocean. The moment you step into the grand lobby, you are greeted by opulence that sets the tone for your stay.

The resort boasts a range of accommodation options, from well-appointed guest rooms to spacious suites, each designed with meticulous attention to detail. The rooms are adorned with coastal-inspired decor, creating a serene ambiance that complements the natural beauty outside. Private balconies provide panoramic views of the ocean, allowing guests to soak in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that define the Fort Lauderdale experience.

One of the standout features of the Pelican Grand is its exceptional dining options. Ocean2000, the resort’s signature restaurant, offers a culinary journey that showcases the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor their meals while enjoying the soothing sound of waves and the gentle ocean breeze. I visited the restaurant for breakfast and dinner during my stay.

Photo Credit: Joey Amato

The food at Ocean2000 is top-notch. Breakfast items include a variety of elevated benedict options along with more traditional selections including avocado toast, steel-cut oatmeal, and a fun spin on huevos rancheros.

For dinner, my partner and I began our meal with the ahi tuna tartare with a crab and lobster cake. Both items were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The tuna was fresh and accompanied by a citrus-ginger soy sauce with house-made potato chips. The entrees were just as special. The seafood risotto was creamy and perfectly cooked, served with lobster, scallops, and shrimp. It’s a bit heavy so I recommend sharing this dish with a guest. The cedar plank salmon was a favorite, served with a Vermont maple syrup-soy glaze, stir-fried grains, sweet peas, and corn.

For those seeking relaxation, the Pelican Grand offers a full-service spa where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments. The oceanfront pool provides a refreshing oasis, surrounded by lush landscaping and comfortable loungers. Fitness enthusiasts can maintain their workout routine at the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all guests.

Beyond the resort, guests can explore the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale. The Pelican Grand’s strategic location allows easy access to popular attractions such as boutiques and art galleries on Las Olas Boulevard and the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

Photo Credit: Joey Amato

The Bonnet House is an enchanting estate on the National Register of Historic Places. It beckons visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the unique legacy of its former owners, artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. The Bonnet House, built in 1920, served as the winter retreat for the Bartletts. Its design reflects a mix of Caribbean and Art Deco influences, creating a visually captivating structure. The house’s name is derived from the bonnet lily, which flourishes in the estate’s lush gardens.

Frederic used the Bonnet House as his creative sanctuary. Today, visitors can explore the house’s interior and marvel at the impressive collection of Bartlett’s artworks, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The house also boasts an extensive collection of the Bartletts’ decorative arts and personal artifacts. Each room tells a story and offers a glimpse into the couple’s passion for the arts and their love for travel.

If you prefer a more physical adventure, book a tour with Sunrise Paddleboards. Our knowledgeable and friendly guide led us on a two-hour tour of Wilton Manors, snaking us through mangroves on the Middle River. Although we chose to kayak, the company offers paddleboards and private lessons for those without paddleboarding experience.

Photo Credit: Joey Amato

After your tour, head to The House on the River for a wonderful riverside dinner. Start your meal with an order of crispy Brussels sprouts prepared with avocado honey and balsamic. This was one of my favorite takes on Brussels sprouts I have ever had. 

For our entrees, we ordered the snapper filet and the shrimp with crab squid ink tagliatelle. Both items were prepared beautifully, although I did favor the snapper over the pasta. The House on the River is located just off downtown Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard and within walking distance of the Broward Performing Arts Center, so it is the perfect place to catch dinner before a show.

Fort Lauderdale never disappoints. The destination offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for fun in the sun or to revel in LGBTQ nightlife in nearby Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale has it all.

Enjoy the Journey!

Share This Story:
Tags: joey amato lgbtq travel life pride journeys

Continue Reading

Previous: Call for Submissions to the 1st Annual LGBT Online Coming Out Film Festival
Next: Five Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Pass in Tennessee: What You Need to Know

Related Stories

The Pope, dressed in white robes, raises his right hand in greeting against a blurred outdoor background. A yellow ribbon adorns his attire. ​Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Complex Legacy on LGBTQ+ Inclusion​ 2 min read
  • International
  • Life
  • News
  • Religion

​Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Complex Legacy on LGBTQ+ Inclusion​

Lauren Means 3 weeks ago
A group of activists gathering outdoors, holding a banner that reads "Gay Liberation Front," with historic buildings in the background. From Stonewall to Now: LGBTQ+ Elders on Navigating Fear In Dark Times 6 min read
  • History
  • Life
  • People

From Stonewall to Now: LGBTQ+ Elders on Navigating Fear In Dark Times

Editor Connect 2 months ago
Holiday Gift Guide Shop Small, Gift Big: Local Artisans to Love This Holiday 3 min read
  • Hoildays
  • Life

Shop Small, Gift Big: Local Artisans to Love This Holiday

Lauren Means 6 months ago
Person in a black outfit sitting with crossed legs and wearing bracelets. From Farm Roots to Real Estate Visionary: April Harrington’s Journey of Building Community and Legacy 5 min read
  • Business
  • Community
  • Life
  • People

From Farm Roots to Real Estate Visionary: April Harrington’s Journey of Building Community and Legacy

Lauren Means 7 months ago
Two people standing behind a cookie booth at a market, with cookies on display and a sign about holiday party orders. Rainbow flags are visible in the background. Sweet Resilience: The Story of Doug & Dolly’s Cookie Cottage 4 min read
  • Business
  • Community
  • Food
  • Life
  • Nashville

Sweet Resilience: The Story of Doug & Dolly’s Cookie Cottage

Lauren Means 7 months ago
Big Freedia Crescent Canna Wobble Sparkling THC Energy Drink Big Freedia and Crescent Canna Launch Wobble Sparkling THC Energy Drink 2 min read
  • Food
  • Life
  • News

Big Freedia and Crescent Canna Launch Wobble Sparkling THC Energy Drink

Editor Connect 10 months ago

Search

Recent Posts

  • REVIEW: ‘MJ’ is a Thrilling Tribute to a Legend
  • Nashville Pride Unveils 2025 Festival Lineup: Kim Petras, 4 Non Blondes, Big Freedia & More
  • Tennessee Pride Chamber Announces 12th Annual Pride In Business Awards At Saint Elle 
  • Lips Speak Louder Bring the Noise — and the Heart — on ‘Consolation Prize’
  • Dining Out For Life® Returns To Nashville May 1

Connect is an inclusive community and media brand committed to providing information and access to resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

Connect is owned and published by S&L Companies, LLC. ©2020-2024 | All rights reserved.

  • News
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Threads
Copyright Connect© 2020-2024 | All rights reserved.

Accessibility Bar

    • visibility_offDisable flashes

    • titleMark headings

    • settingsBackground Color

    • zoom_outZoom out

    • zoom_inZoom in

    • remove_circle_outlineDecrease font

    • add_circle_outlineIncrease font

    • spellcheckReadable font

    • brightness_highBright contrast

    • brightness_lowDark contrast

    • format_underlinedUnderline links

    • font_downloadMark links

    • Reset all optionscached

    • Accessibility Light