SAWGRASS MALL AND THE BEST LOBSTER ROLL SINCE MAINE!

Thursday, January 15, 2026
Fairfield Inn/Daria Beach
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
63F, mist this morning, cloudy the rest of the day

Morning coffee, photos taken, and off we went toward Fort Lauderdale.  The uneventful drive took us to Sawgrass Mills Mall and I swear Chico's was giving things away the prices were so reasonable.   

TK took this photo of Cape Canaveral
 where he spent time last year
a not so fond memory...

TK also captured several cruise ships 
in the distance

This is the same view that I took a photo of last night
from our hotel balcony

We headed to our hotel in Fort Lauderdale and lugged luggage to our room to rearrange and regroup. The highlight of the day was dinner at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse. Since we had a prime parking spot at the hotel, we decided to walk there---  https://www.rusticinn.com/

It was a brisk cold walk, but warmer than Erie!  The restaurant was worth the walk and most likely very popular.   DDL Denise would love love love this restaurant!

We both enjoyed the lobster roll, the 
best we have had since New England

Flowers along the way
This probably was not the safest
walk, a highway, dark returning 
to the hotel

This is part of the restaurant
from the bridge while we were 
walking there
It is on a canal

Look at this handsome guy!

Just in case anyone needs a
photo to shoot darts at

We both had over 11,000 steps today. The most for me since summer.  Thank goodness we can still rock!

TK's Take: It is cold, wintertime here. Not as cold in Erie and no snow!

SKY PRINCESS GREETED US WITH SUNSHINE!

Saturday, January 20, 2024
Sky Princess
Stateroom S222 on Deck 17
Port Everglades—At Sea
70F

Goodbye Fort Lauderdale

We took our time leaving the hotel this morning. After a Dunkin’ run and a gas run, TK drove us to the Park ‘N Go at 1101 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale.  The people here are experts at unloading trucks and cars and getting everything to the right shuttle.  With five ships in port (that I could see), thousands of people are parking and riding and checking into a cruise!

Boarding the ship took no time at all and after unloading our carryon luggage, camera, and computer, we headed to one of the main dining rooms for lunch.  I had ricotta and spinach ravioli that was exquisite. The sauce could have come straight from Italy!

This ship is a twin to the Enchanted, the ship we were just on in November/December, so we had no need to acclimate.  After all the passengers engaged in the security drill (which now is just watching a short film on the stateroom TV and checking in at the designated muster station), the ship headed out to sea. 

TK noted that the accompanying U.S. Coast Guard security boat had a forward gunner with his hands gripping the M240 machine gun. (I looked that up). That made me feel safe but wondering. This scene must play out with every cruise ship leaving a port.  With up to 5800 passengers on many ships, it is important to be safe.

We are rounding the bend toward the Atlantic

Close up of one of the mansions along the way

Dream House!

4 other cruise ships that I could see in port

Our main luggage arrived quickly and by 4 p.m. we were unpacked and ready to go, except for a football game that needed an observer.  Our stateroom is a balcony room, as opposed to the mini-suite and balcony we had on the Enchanted.   Despite being a bit smaller, it has plenty of storage. We wanted this room because we wanted to try out one that overlooked the pool on Deck 17. A glass wall does separate us, but it will be very easy to get a prime lounge chair for reading and maybe writing.  The mini suite had a larger desk, larger bathroom, a couch, and a drape separating the sleeping area from the bed area. 

Selfie on our balcony

Balcony

Bed

Shower cubicle is opposite

Closet

My makeup station and computer desk

Refrigerator, directly opposite the desk

View of Retreat Pool from our front door

TK pulled himself away from the football game (Ravens winning) and we went to the dining room, reserving the same table we had on the Enchanted, private for two. Dinner was excellent, pot roast for me and pork loin for TK. We usually lose weight on a cruise and my theory is that the food is not like home cooking.  I will be in trouble if the chef on this ship trend toward my favorites.

The Ravens are still winning and then another game, so we are in for the evening. [Note: the Ravens won, now someone is watching the 49ers vs. the Packers

TK’s Takes: TK said I could relate what happened in the shuttle bus as we were leaving the Park N Go—with 12 people on the bus and oodles of luggage piled up. TK realized he left is cell phone in the truck just as the driver was about to pull onto the highway.  I “hollered” up to the driver, and he turned the shuttle around. TK’s truck had already been parked far away and the driver had to find it first, then retrieve the phone.  As I write this, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but Readers cannot see how many white trucks, how many shuttles, how much luggage, and how many people, populated this very large parking lot.  Mission accomplished. One of our shuttle mates said, “This was probably the first time that ever happened.” Everyone had a good laugh at that.

TK took this photo as we left Sawgrass Mills Mall complex

SAWGRASS MILLS MALL IS SHAPED LIKE AN ALLIGATOR!

Friday, January 19, 2024
AC Mariott Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise
Sunrise, FL
70F

 We are thinking of our families and friends in the North--stay warm and safe.   

View from our room at AC Mariott Hotel

overlooking the Colonnade area of Sawgrass Mills Mall

It was an uneventful day, with a 2 ½ hour drive to the Fort Lauderdale area where we will catch our ship.  A Dunkin’ run, Florida’s Turnpike, and before I knew it, we were parking at Sawgrass Mills Mall, one of our favorites.   

With 2,370,610 square feet, it is the eleventh largest mall in the U.S. and the largest, single story outlet mall. It is also the third largest shopping mall in southeastern U.S.  It is even shaped like an alligator!  A few of our favorite stops include Tommy Bahamas, Chicos, Super Target, and Cheesecake Factory.

One of the many entrances to Sawgrass Mills Mall

While TK rested after we had lunch/dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, I walked around the Colonnade, the upscale outlets, like Breitling, Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Versace, Armani, and so on. 

Breitling, Montblanc

Colonnade

Colonnade

Nice bag

That means our hotel tonight is at the Mall!  TK always thinks of me.

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise

Tomorrow it will be a short trip to Port Everglades and our ship. TK will be driving to our usual “Park n Go” to leave the truck and we will be carted with all of our luggage to the Sky Princess.

TK’s Takes:  This is the nicest hotel we have stayed in so far.  The modern look of a European hotel, comfy amenities, shiny new. 

On another note: Until today we were averaging about 6ooo steps a day. Today I had 11,500 steps--it's all about a big mall!

 Hats off to the kids at the Hampton Inn last night. Not a peep!! 

 

BACK IN FORT LAUDERDALE-WE NEED ANOTHER VACATION!

DoubleTree by Hilton
13400 West Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise, Florida
Friday, February 10, 2023, Sunny

Cheesecake Factory reprise 

Sawgrass Mills Mall

Disembarking the ship was very easy this morning—it seems that Port Everglades got their ID cameras with facial recognition fixed. This is in reference to December 2022 when we arrived in Port Everglades after our Mediterranean and Transatlantic cruise—we had to wait a very long time to go through customs because the cameras were not working.  Facial recognition is amazing—one stands in front of a mirror like camera, an image is captured, and boom, the person is authorized to leave the port terminal. This process saves a lot of time for everyone.

Thanks to TK’s superior planning, our shuttle to the nearby Park ‘N Go was waiting for us and away we went. We were on the road by 8:30 a.m.  (https://gator.bookparkngo.com/locations/1),   TK knew he wanted to go to Bass Pro Shops (https://stores.basspro.com/us/fl/dania-beach/200-gulf-stream-way.html) to buy 8 pocket shorts and an everyday shirt that fit. He has lost so much weight and needs clothes that fit. He already knew they opened at 9 a.m. 

By the time we were finished at Bass Pro, Sawgrass Mills Mall (https://www.simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills) was open, and we headed there for Round 2. Can you believe we walked 2 ½ miles in that mall. Another Tommy Bahama shirt for TK and some items from Target for me, that took four and a half hours of walking—I’m not kidding.

By this time we were hungry and went to The Cheesecake Factory just outside the mall.  We had the same delightful server we had two weeks ago.  We shared a small flatbread pizza and tossed salad, as well as Key Lime cheesecake. We are snacking on the leftovers now.

After all that work, we headed to our hotel near the mall—and spent 2 hours reorganizing our luggage—what we need for the next cruise and what can stay in the truck until we get home.

We need another vacation. Oh, that happens on Sunday!

One more thing!  The sap is running in Waterford, Pennsylvania! That means that my brother and his good friends are busy gathering the sap and they have even begun making maple syrup. When I talked to Brother Bill today, he said February 9th was the earliest they have ever begun making the syrup. That is exciting!

From Facebook-Follow at Fort LeBoeuf Maple Syrup

Top: Jeff and Lew delivered the sap to the sugar house.

Bottom: Bill and AJ started the evaporator. First boil for the season.

SAWGRASS MILL, CHEESECAKE FACTORY, AND TRAFFIC!

Wyndham Garden Ft Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
Dania Beach, Florida
January 26, 2023
70F

The drive is only 2 ½ hours from the Space Coast to Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States.  From the website, “With more than 350 stores, including outlet locations from Nike and Ralph Lauren, plus value retailers OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Marshalls and electronics superstore, BrandsMart USA, Sawgrass Mills has everything from fashion and jewelry to electronics, sporting equipment, beauty products, home accessories, toys and more.  There is something for everyone in this enclosed, air conditioned and climate controlled mall located just 30 minutes from Miami International Airport and 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.  

"Fashionistas will delight in luxury-brand outlet shopping at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills with over 70 exclusive outlets not found anywhere else in South Florida including Burberry, GUCCI, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo Company Store, Tory Burch and Versace.”

Map of Sawgrass Mills

https://www.simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills

 

Obviously, I do like shopping at this mall. That said, we did not really buy much—sunscreen and batteries for my new travel alarm clock (forgot my favorite one).  Since this is a really big mall, it is a good place to do some walking! By 2:30 p.m., we were ready to eat at Cheesecake Factory. Their pizza is especially good, as well as the cheese quesadillas. We did not have any cheesecake this visit.

 

The half hour drive to our hotel was challenging—cars darting in and out of six lane traffic going one direction, motorcycles traveling faster than the speed of light with no worries as they weaved between cars and trucks.  Life in the almost big city. 

We have stayed at this Wyndham before, but we forgot how narrow and treacherous the parking garage is—despite driving fire pumper trucks, it was still a challenge. We also forgot that the hotel only provides one chair in a guest room—and right now I am in the bar writing during happy hour.  I sure did not want to fight my hero and trip planner over one chair.  I think this hotel accommodates a lot of airline personnel, pilots and flight attendants, as well as people arriving by plane preparing to cruise. 

I forgot to mention that TK was able to get all of these hotels along the way at  no cost because of points—that does count for something! The hotels we have booked for going home are also at no cost.

And, TK  received an email this morning that the ship will not begin boarding until 2 p.m. tomorrow afternoon because they are going to do a deep cleaning, not because of Covid, but norovirus.  We will get through this!

It was nice talking with friends Julie, Mary, and Ann today while TK drove. The calls weren’t long, but I enjoyed the company.  The weather has been warm and comfortable!

TK’s Takes:  He has seen boar, turkeys, and monarch butterflies as we travel.

 

 

OLD AND NEW FRIENDS, MALLS, AND UBER!

Hampton Inn – Fort Lauderdale Airport North

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Saturday, January 16, 2016

80 F

I’m writing this while our family in Erie/Jamestown is snow skiing and snowboarding at Peek n Peak! Quite a contrast!

What a fun day!  We were on the highway before 8 a.m. and the drive from Titusville to Sawgrass Mills Mall took about 3 hours on a perfectly sunny day!  First we hit the Tommy Bahamas Outlet, but there weren’t any deals there that we hadn’t already bought—ha ha!  This mall is huge with 350 stores!  It is the eighth largest mall in the United States, the largest single story mall in the U.S., and the second largest mall in Florida. The upscale stores include Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, TB, Versace, Prada, and at least 25 more. There are many other shops from Chico’s to Ron Jon’s to Target, and everything in between, except Sephora.  That said, what did we buy? Another suitcase.  Anyone who has seen our basement knows that is ridiculous, but I needed a carry on that would fit my 10 inch laptop, the iPad, and my stuff for my hair, face, and dental stuff. What can I say?

And, if you are anywhere near a Cheesecake Factory, STOP NOW, and try their Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! Oh my gosh, heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheesecake Factory, Sawgrass Mills Mall, Fort Lauderdale

After the mall, we headed for our Hampton Inn to get ready for dinner with our friends at Coconuts on the waterfront. As I was organizing my new suitcase, TK said, “I’m ready, are you?” Well, sort of. He had taken it upon himself to try out Uber and had already ordered it. Quickly we dashed for the lobby. In a very short time a very clean Toyota Prius drove up and Andrew drove us to Coconuts. He was so very friendly and told us that he is a software designer but does Uber in his spare time.  Because of the traffic the drive took ½ hour, but the ride was very pleasant and I sure am glad that TK did not have to drive. Turns out one’s first Uber ride is free!

We were so happy to see Nancy and Brian from Ukiah, CA again (I think this is our 4^th or 5^th trip together). We met their friends, Denise and Mike and Bobbi and Rick, also from California. I sure enjoyed talking with them. It wasn’t long before Colin and Gwenda (England) and Donna and Lawrence (Wisconsin) arrived---what fun to see our friends!!  It’s going to be one heck of a cruise.

Coconuts at the Waterfront, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

http://coconutsfortlauderdale.com/

Image from Coconuts' website

After dinner we walked with Lawrence and Donna and Colin and Gwenda to their hotel where TK ordered our Uber back to the Hampton Inn. He no sooner typed in the information on the Uber app on his phone and a Nissan Sentra drove up for us. I couldn’t believe it! What was even harder to believe was the ride back to the hotel only cost $8.11. Can you believe that? TK sure knows what he is doing!

TK’s Takes: “I haven’t been in an elevator since the trip started.” In reference to the fact that we have been staying on the first floor of our hotels. The mall is too big and it is confusing. [jk note: no, it isn’t]. Finally, “Uber is the best!”

Note to Friend H: Thanks for trying out Uber first! We love it too!

Note to Friend M: I love love love my blue, green, teal fiber necklace!!!

Note to Friend Mj: A comment on my blog! Thank you!