"Spring Break" actually found its beginnings in Ft. Lauderdale in 1955. Students flocked to the tropical paradise in droves from all over th country. In 1989, a record 350,000 spring breakers invaded the seaside city, but since then, numbers have steadily declined. Kids found less expensive, more welcoming destinations for their spring party ritual. In the last couple of years, however, "The Fort's" attitude toward the student influx has changed, and numbers are beginning to rise again. Promoters and city fathers are planning a great Spring Break '08, expecting more than 250,000 students during the 13 weeks of Spring Break (2/25-4/11). The Fort is rolling out the red carpet and promising lots of sand, sun, and fun for this year's breakers.

The area offers beautiful wide beaches and turquoise waters. Many of the beachside motels are planning daytime activities on the beach like volleyball tournaments, live music, dancing, and swimsuit competitions. And watersports abound at Ft. Lauderdale: waverunners, surfing, glass-bottom boat rides, sightseeing cruises, party cruises, snorkeling, and skiing. You and your pals can rent a boat and tour the area for yourself. Or take a quick cruise to the Bahamas during your visit, for some high-seas dancing, dining, and casino action.

Since Lauderdale is one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., the shopping is legendary. It ranges from beach shacks selling souvenirs to sprawling malls to world-class shops and stores. If you can't find it in Ft. Lauderdale, you probably don't need it.

Other area activities include Blockbuster Golf and Games, with a huge games arena, driving range, miniature golf, batting range, and bumper boats. The Buehler Planetarium has great laser light shows, along with the usual astronomy presentations. The IMAX 3-D Theater puts viewers in the middle of the action with its up-close, in-your-face, realistic imaging. Several waterparks, like Rapids, Calypso Cove, and Coconut Cove offer thrilling rides for students, while the Seminole Casino offers thrills of its own. If you want to take a break from the sand and sun, try the Everglades Day Safari. While you're in the area, the Swap Shop is a must-see. It's a giant flea market, farmers' market, carnival, food fair, and shopping mall combined. It even has a 14-screen drive-in movie theater!

Restaurants include Italian bistros, crab shacks, and sushi bars. You can find just about any type of food imaginable, including French, Mexican, Spanish,

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