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To rejuvenate after a hectic holiday season or to escape the winter blues, come to sunny Florida! Blessed with a beautiful winter climate (high 60s, low 70s) and miles of gorgeous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. The city's past wasn't so glorious. Since the 60s, it was synonymous with spring break vacations, honky-tonk shops and T-shirt stalls. Fortunately, those days are gone. Over the last two decades, Fort Lauderdale has been transformed into a premier yachting destination, attracting megayachts from around the world. Every which way you turn, you'll see a boat somewhere.

Dubbed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale kicks off the holiday festivities in grand style with its famed Winterfest Boat Parade, usually around mid-December. Hundreds of boats, big and small, all decked out to the ying yang, parade down ten miles of the waterway showcasing their holiday decorations and spectacular lights. It is definitely a scene to behold.

Take the water taxi everywhere - to the beach, shopping mall and restaurants. Along the way, you get to ogle at the mansions and their megayachts that lined Fort Lauderdale's famous canals and waterways.

Spend a day strolling along Las Olas Blvd, a Mediterranean-style street lined with art galleries, chic boutiques and restaurants galore. The days may be balmy, but the mood is festive, as this area too glitters with holiday-season lights. Wonder over to Riverwalk, a happening place full of clubs and restaurants, shops, arts and entertainment. On the first Sunday of the month, local jazz artists perform on four stages here from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spend an unforgettable day shopping at the flea market, also known as the Swap Shop, on Sunrise Blvd. A giant flea market by day, the Swap Shop turns into a drive-in movie theater at night. Bargain hunters will be delighted by the array of stuff sold here. One section of the flea market is dedicated to selling fresh fruits and vegetables, also at very reasonable prices.

Interested in the traditional New Year's Eve celebration with a fireworks display? Fort Lauderdale ushers in the new year with its annual "Downtown Countdown" event on SW 2nd Street, between SW 2nd Avenue and SW 4th Avenue.

Lastly, wind down, relax, and soak up some sun before heading home!

For more information, check out these websites:
http://www.winterfest parade.com/
http://ci.ftlaud.fl .us/events/countdown/index.htm

Learn more about this author, Eileen Thai.
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