Travel show host and blogger Sarah Funk in Fort Lauderdale, one of the best places to go in 2019.Photo courtesy of Sarah Funk/Instagram @sarahfunky
Thinking about your New Year’s resolutions? Why not resolve to see more of the United States? I tapped into 14 of the most plugged-in travel experts and influencers to find out the top places that are on their radars for 2019. Read on for their picks, which range from beach resorts to mountain towns to some up-and-coming cities that might surprise you. You’re definitely going to want to put these spots on your travel wish list, too. And if you want to see more of the world, check out “The 19 Best Places To Travel In 2019.”
The Apothecary, a cool cocktail bar in Fort Lauderdale.Photo courtesy of Sarah Funk/Instagram @sarahfunky
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Chosen By: Sarah Funk is a travel show host and blogger. She is frequently seen on Travel + Leisure and has been to over 40 countries.
Why: Greater Fort Lauderdale is having a modern-day renaissance. The beach town has transformed into a luxurious getaway for the hip and young. Its sandy shores are crowd-free, with swaying palm trees and miles of peaceful beaches like Pompano and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Sophisticated hotels such as the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach dot the beaches and new luxury hotels are on the way, including the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, slated to open in 2020. Millennials can also find a place they will love at the W Hotel or Plunge Hotel. Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene is a masterpiece, with upscale eateries serving dishes from around the world and new high-end restaurants continuing to emerge. Have a meal at Valentino Cucina Italiana, Louie Bossi’s or Monkitail and your taste buds will thank you. In addition, the city is riding a wave as a craft-beer destination with 15 nano- and micro-breweries and 32 craft brew pubs easily accessed with the newly created Greater Fort Lauderdale Ale Trail. In June 2018, the area’s first LGBT+ Visitor Center opened in Wilton Manors, a gay-centric district with the destination’s largest concentration of gay residents and businesses. The destination is also gearing up to host the first-ever Pride of the Americas, a festival celebrating the LGBT+ community that includes a human-rights conference focused on Central and South America. Everyone will find something they adore here, from exceptional shopping at Sawgrass Mills to world-class art at Art Fort Lauderdale to a wide selection of museums and outdoor activities. You’ll even find under-the-sea-poker tournaments. Fort Lauderdale is a spot that should be added to everyone’s bucket list.
[“source=forbes]
