History of Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale
Wilton Manors is a town in Florida that has a population just under 15,000 residents. It officially had its start in 1925 with the aim of being a residential area of wealthier individuals. This was the dream of Edward Willingham. Slowly, but surely the town has become a bustling hub of queer, LGBTQ culture. This city island has a Pride Center, AIDS Museum that educates on the struggle of the queer community to demand humanity as a virus threatened its livelihood and a gay a mayor. With various parts of the city, such as Highland Estates, shifting in economic purpose, this city island is working with the waves of interest in Wilton Manors. This article will take you through some of the most interesting things to do in this bustling city island. From guesthouses to beaches, Wilton Manors is surely a place to check out. 1. Stonewall Street Festival and Parade Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, USA Easily one of the most notable events in Wilton Manors is the parade that happens every June. Stonewall, a bar in New York City, was known as the start of the modern gay rights movements after a crowd of LGBTQA people faced off against police harassment and gained international recognition on June 28, 1969. 19 years later, Broward Country, where Wilton Manors is located, made history by electing its first gay public official. In 2014, Wilton Manor’s pride in the resistance that occurred at Stonewall led to the Stonewall Museum choosing to expand a part of their museum to include work at the Wilton Manors Gallery. The yearly parade that is usually in June has over 100 food trucks and booths that sell food, clothes, offer free HIV/AIDS testing, or educate on safe sexual intercourse. The 2017 parade plans to have more than 30,000 people in attendance. 2. Colohatchee Park 1975 NE 15th Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, USA Named after what the town was called before it was Wilton Manor, this park is a popular destination on this city island. It is almost 9 acres and has space dedicated as a mangrove preserve. The park includes Middle River, which is beautiful to visit when the sun is high in the sky and wetlands are glistening. Residents can often be seen taking their dogs to the play area in this park. It also houses a basketball court, volleyball court and open space for birthday parties or barbeques. Stop by here if you want to have a nice and relaxing day in the sun outside. 3. The Galleria 2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 If you want a good binge of upscale shopping while near Wilton Manors, The Galleria is the place for you. It has over 100 stores and restaurants that can fulfill all of your needs, as well as being minutes away from the infamous Fort Lauderdale Beach. Stop into Godiva Chocolatier to pick up something for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, or simply buy yourself a new bag. 4. Rosie’s Bar and Grill 2449 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, USA It is mostly known as a gay friendly destination for locals and visitors, but really it should also be known for its menu. Often known for not having empty tables and always having a lively atmosphere, the menu is a delicious array of classic bar food. Google reviews recommend that you try the potato salad, the Cheeseburger Omelet or simply stop by for one of their amazing mimosas. They host about two events a month on their Facebook page, so be sure to check it out if you ever plan to drop by for a visit. 5. World AIDS Museum and Educational Center 1201 NE 26th St. Suite 111, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 When visiting a place that’s known for a strong LGBT presence, it’s probably a good idea to learn about one of the largest struggle to have faced the community. It was the brainchild of a support group, Pozitive Attitudes, for people facing HIV, and soon expanded raising awareness as a whole about HIV and AIDS. As a safe space to unpack the history of institutional violence allowed against the gay community throughout the 1970’s, 80’s, and 90’s as mass protests demanded a medical response from the government, it is worth a visit to understand the past and the present of the struggle towards safe sex and understanding of those who are living positive.
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Fort Lauderdale is a charming high-rise resort city with high-end shopping malls, a pleasant Riverwalk lined with several mega-yachts and a gorgeous palm-fringed white sandy beach. Although relatively compact, it has everything that visitors are looking for in a winter sun destination.The city of Fort Lauderdale has grown from a busy trading post on the New River in the 1900s to the modern metropolis it is today, thanks to its many waterways. This was what first led to the three forts being built here during the Seminole Wars and has since allowed it to develop as one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. The zip code for Fort Lauderdale is FL 33301.
Most visitors head for Las Olas Boulevard which is lined with interesting shops, boutiques, and galleries. In the evenings, tables spill out across the sidewalk and make the most of the pleasant temperatures and vibrant atmosphere after dark. Formal eateries blend with casual dining, and there is always a long line waiting for a table at the popular Cheesecake Factory. More upmarket is the swish Jackson's Steakhouse with its private club ambiance. Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale continues to be one of the city's premier shopping destinations. It also considered as South Florida's most architecturally unique and authentic shopping and dining district. Great shopping Shopping has never been this convenient. The place has become a one-stop destination for shoppers because of the presence of a multitude of shops catering not only to a person's fashion needs. There are stores and boutiques for gifts, home furnishings, eyewear, jewelry, fitness, yachting, and even real estate. Las Olas Boulevard is home to a variety of exclusive shops and boutiques. This beautifully landscaped boulevard features everything from fine chocolates at Kilwin's Chocolate and Ice Cream shop, to exquisite jewelry at Carroll's Jewellers. For high-end, quality items you can consider the stores in the Galleria Mall. Among them, you can find Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's and Coach. You can also wander off to view fine art at the Museum of Art or shop for exclusive items at the Sunday Gourmet Farmer's Market. Fresco dining options If in between hunting for things to buy, shoppers become bothered by their hungry stomach or by their drying mouths - the place offers hunger-breakers and thirst-quenchers in 30 diners. Each one of them represents the gastronomic diversity of the place showing local and international influences on their flavors. A wide variety of cuisines is present from American, Asian, African, Latin, European, and Oriental. One can satisfy small and big pangs of hunger alike through light options like sandwiches to full meals. The diners also present a wide variety of features ranging from free wi-fi access, live entertainment, and waterfront ambiance. Recreation hubs Various leisure centers also abound this famous shopping district. Aside from spas and salons where shoppers can obtain comfortable grooming services, there is a museum, a pet services shop, and even medical services. If the weather is right, arrange for a day's sailing off Las Olas Marketplace. A cruise on a yacht up or down the river is a wonderful way to view the delights of the city and can give you a different perspective of Fort Lauderdale. International art galleries. Let your eyes feast on world-class art masterpieces by world-renowned artists. Within the famous shopping district are international art galleries exemplifying art at its best. Shoppers usually enter these galleries to take an unusual break from dining and shopping. Unexpected offerings. Aside from the obvious treats of shopping and dining, visitors of the place can expect more surprises. The Boulevard itself is a perfect place for strolling where you can meet new friends and possibly bump into old acquaintances. The cool breezeways can provide refreshing feeling just as when you feel like you're that exhausted. Regular offerings include shopping sales and restaurant discounts among others. Las Olas Boulevard is the center of arts and science in the district of Fort Lauderdale. Littered with restaurants that range all over the spectrum of different cuisines which has been centered around the classic Mangos which has been around South Florida for years. Las Olas is on the mark of the fashion world, with many shops. Las Olas Boulevard is one perfect example of a melting pot of shopping, dining, and entertainment. And if you want to experience its offerings, living in Fort Lauderdale can be the easiest way to experience Las Olas life on a regular basis. |
AuthorChris Lavin, The Rockstar of Epoxy. ArchivesCategories |