THIS IS BASICALLY WHAT WE DID AT SUNBLAST 2002
Weekend Options:
Thursday Evening:
For those of you that are arriving on Thursday,
please come up to the Pier Top lounge, located at
the top of the hotel tower. This rotating lounge has
fabulous views of the city of Ft. Lauderdale's canals
and beautiful beaches. Please ask the hostess where we
are seated. (Forrest Sherman people)
Friday Day:
Relax at the pool, walk down to the beach, or use
your water taxi pass to explore the city! Ft. Lauderdale has a variety of great restaurants and shops that are close to the hotel.
For those who hate to miss a bargain, the Swap Shop
on Sunrise Blvd. claims to be Florida's second largest
tourist attraction. Sawgrass Mills, a huge outlet
mall, is a 30 minute drive from the hotel for name
brand shoppers. For those looking for pampering and
personal service we recommend the Galleria Mall,
which is home to Saks, Neiman Marcus, Lord and Taylor,
Burdines and Dillards, plus a variety of smaller
stores! (about 10 minutes by car)
Please check with the concierge for directions and
further information.
Friday Evening 6:30 to ?
Meet your fellow Wildcats at the pool bar for Pina
Coladas...one for each hand! Kenny, the bartender at
the pool, makes the best frozen drinks in town!
Later in the evening we can move down to the Pelican
Bar, facing the intra coastal waterway, and watch
boats of every size (from cruise ship to dingy) pass
by!
Both the pool bar and the Pelican Bar are outside.
The dress code is "summer casual".
For those of you craving a more up scale evening,
Pier 66 has a wonderful waterfront restaurant, the
California Cafe. Please be sure to make a
reservation, and be advised that the dress code is
"casual elegance". They do offer outdoor seating,
however cannot gaurantee it.
Bimini Boatyard, another good choice, is a quick cab
ride, or 5 minute walk over the Causeway. It too,
offers a moderately priced menu, great food, and
indoor and outdoor seating. (The will only take
reservations on large parties.)
Saturday Day:
Everglades Boat Trip:
Please make your reservations with the hotel
concierge for this exciting tour! This 4 1/2 hour trip will include an air boat ride, alligator wrestling, a
tour of the Everglades, an orange grove,surrounding
ranches, and downtown Ft. Lauderdale.
Prices are $39.00 for adults and $25 for children 12
and under.
If snorkeling is more your thing, then get some
friends together and make the drive to Red Reef Park
in Boca Raton. (I95 North to the Palmetto Park
Rd.exit, East on Palmetto Park Rd. to A1A north, go
past Spanish River Park to Red Reef Park. (30 minutes from Pier 66)
Red Reef is a man made reef that comes up to the
beach. You can literally walk into water up to your
knees, and see tropical fish! This is a great
experience for adults and kids alike! Be sure to
bring your own mask and snorkel. (Every drug store
near the beach sells them.)
For those of you looking for a wild ride,
Mike Wilson has reserved a boat for water skiing! Please check out the link on the web page, and let him know if you are interested in sharing the boat! The waterways are beautiful, and you are only minutes from the ocean!
You can email Mike at
MdWilson61@aol.com
Pier 66 can also make arrangements for anyone
interested in fishing, renting jet skis, para
sailing, or snorkeling. Most arrangements can be
made the day before, but please call ahead if you have
your heart set on chartering a boat.
If you would prefer to relax and prepare for the
evening activities, take advantage of the resort's
Spa, tan yourself by the pool, or make the short
walk down to the beach (voted one of the top 10 beaches
in the US, 2 years running!)
Saturday Night:
Cocktails are being served in the reception area of
the Crystal ball room from 6:00 pm to 7:00. Please
be sure to check in to receive your name tag. (We know
YOU look exactly the same...but some folks don't!)
CLASS PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN DURING THIS TIME.
At 7:00 the doors will open to our Tropical Buffet
Dinner. Seat yourself with "old" friends, or the new
friends you've made since your arrival! Wine is
included with the dinner, and the cash bar will
remain open until 11:00. We have a D.J., so feel free to bring along a CD to transport us back to Napoli!
The dress is "Dressy Tropical".
Sunday Morning:
Golf Scramble at Grand Oaks Resort:
Tee up with Gene Galvin and the crew at the Caddy
Shack course (Grand Oaks Country Club). Please make
sure to email him immediately if you are planning playing this beautiful course!
If you want to contact Gene Galvin to get in on the golf or have some questions, send Gene an email at
ggalvin@ceres-inc.com
Tennis Anyone?
Tracy Thomas would like to play a "round robin" on
the resort's private courts. If interested contact Tracy Thomas at
Elaintenis@aol.com
Sunday Afternoon
Use your water taxi pass to see the city! You won't
believe the number of million dollar (plus) homes
you'll see. For those of you brining your children,
the Museum of Science and Discovery is along the
river, and a great way to spend the afternoon. For
those of you looking for a hair of the dog...there are
a lot of great bars and restaurants along the
waterways. (Ask your driver for a recommendation.)
Sunday Evening
Cheeseburgers in Paradise...an Evening Beach Barbecue
Watch the sunset from Ft.Lauderdale beach while enjoying a barbecue dinner.
What better way to end the day than at the beach
playing volley ball and eating barbecue?
Packing List
Daytime:
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
Hat, cap or visor (you will need one BELIEVE ME!)
Sunglasses
Summer Clothes - it is hot here!
Sandals and sneakers
Evening Wear
Ladies: sandals and sun dresses, dressy shorts or
skirts, light sweater (for indoors)
Men: top siders or closed shoes, lightweight pants or
dress shorts and collared short sleeve shirts. Many
places do not allow men in wearing sandals, tank tops
or jeans shorts.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFO, SEND A MESSAGE TO MICHELLE DI MARIA AT
mcdimaria@yahoo.com
LINKS
