Underwater grace: Mermaids at Fort Lauderdale's Wreck Bar

MeduSirena Swim Show

Wreck Bar 

The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach (formerly the Yankee Clipper)

1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 http://www.sheratonftlauderdalebeach.com/

www.medusirena.com

By Jane Feehan

There are only a couple of bars remaining in the United States with four portholes to a pool and Fort Lauderdale is lucky enough to claim one of them (there used to be several in this city). It’s the Wreck Bar located on the first floor of the B Ocean Hotel,* once known as the Yankee Clipper Hotel (for history of this landmark, see http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2011/06/florida-history-fort-lauderdales-yankee.html).  

I stopped in recently to see MeduSirena, a sub-surface water act headed by retro-performance artist and mermaid-in-chief, Marina Duran-Anderson.  It was 30 minutes of oohs and ahhs from the audience, many of whom were standing in the packed room. I highly recommend the colorful spectacle; it’s sophisticated, beautiful -- and unique.

Held on Fridays, 6:30-7 p.m., this Las Vegas-caliber performance is a great way to start an evening out on the town. It’s also free (please tip!).  Call to confirm the show will be held that night before heading over. The Wreck Bar opens at 6 p.m. but arrive by 5:30 p.m. to stand in line to get a seat. It’s worth it. If you can’t make the show, visit the Wreck Bar for a drink or light meal; it's a piece of Fort Lauderdale history.

See medusirena.com for more information about Ms. Duran-Anderson, “The Fire Eating Mermaid” and the shows she presents throughout Florida and the US.

* As of early December 2014, the hotel was acquired by the InSite Group and will operate in affiliation with B Hotels and Resorts. Renovations are planned and many hope they maintain the Wreck Bar with this notable show. 

Tags: Things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale nightlife, Yankee Clipper Hotel, mermaid show, Wreck Bar, porthole bar, bar with windows to the pool, Gill Hotel, entertainment in Fort Lauderdale

Jupiter, Florida - Going to the Dogs

Freedom!

What did she say?

One of the best beaches for dogs in South Florida has to be three or so miles of Jupiter (and some of neighboring Juno). Excitement builds as four-legged critters bound out of cars and crash down wooden stair entrances to the beach to run free. Most run into the water, all look for new canine friends. When their jaunt to the beach ends, many dogs resist calls to return to the car. Some sit stubbornly, refusing to budge even if gently tugged by leash.  It's good fun all around, and the beaches remain clean and beautiful.

Jupiter Beach

Tags: Best beach for dogs in South Florida, dog beaches, Palm Beach County dog beach