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News • Florida • United States • 2011-03-22

WHAT'S NEW IN HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA - SPRING 2011

ATTRACTIONS & OPENINGS:

Performing Arts Pavilion Grand Opening in June 2011 - Hollywood's ArtsPark at Young Circle will celebrate the Grand Opening of a new performing arts pavilion on Friday, June 3rd. The much anticipated state-of-the-art amphitheater will feature concerts produced by AEG Entertainment offering a casual friendly environment for music-lovers of all genres. A lush lawn will rise approximately 8 feet from the stage toward the center of the park, providing seating for nearly 2,000 people. During festivals and free concerts, another 1,000 people can enjoy the staged activities while lingering on the Center Plaza. The venue will be available for rent and can accommodate ticketed events. Information: (954) 924-2980

Spring Exhibitions at Art and Culture Center of Hollywood - Fine art will take many forms this spring at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. From March 5 through April 10, the Center will present "Cristina Lei Rodriguez: Forever," "Louise Erhard: Yes, No, and Everything in Between," and "Birds Are Nice: A Little Love." April 30 through June 5 the Center will showcase the "Fifth All-Media Juried Biennial" and "Lisa Rockford: The She-Monster Sideshow." Featured from June 18 through Aug. 14 will be "Ryan Humphrey: Fast Forward" and "Michael O'Brien: Impact Zone." Information: 954-921-3274, www.artandculturecenter.org

The Big Easy Bar & Grille Brings New Orleans to Downtown Hollywood

The flavor of New Orleans comes to Downtown Hollywood with the opening of The Big Easy Bar & Grille located at 1925 Hollywood Boulevard. From muffulettas, oyster po' boys and gumbo to Paula Deen's southern fried chicken, the look and feel is all about the French Quarter. With colorful murals depicting Mardi Gras scenes and live blues and jazz performed just about every night of the week, the Big Easy Bar & Grille is not to be missed. Information: (954) 924-3006, www.thebigeasybarandgrille.com

Montecristo Lounge of Hollywood

Art enthusiasts and cigar aficionados are creating a stir at the newly opened Montecristo Lounge located at 1928 Harrison Street in Downtown Hollywood. Hundreds of people came to the Ribbon Cutting event hosted on February 25th which launched the first in a series of monthly Art & Cigar exhibits. The current exhibit features photographer John Gillan, who was at the ribbon cutting to meet the guests and talk about his five year documentation of individuals ranging in age from 100 to 120 years old. "I created this out of love for family, for traditions that used to be there and aren't anymore. My hope is for people to walk away with one thought, to call their grandparents and take them out to dinner." said John Gillan. Information: 866-417-9454, http://www.facebook.com/Montecristo.Lounge

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Expo Alfresco - (ArtsPark at Young Circle, Wednesday, April 13th, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.) - The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's annual food, wine and trade event attracts thousands to Downtown Hollywood's ArtsPark at Young Circle each year. Featuring delectable food and wine samplings from area restaurants, festival goers also will enjoy live entertainment, browsing

numerous business and merchandise booths and free entertainment and activities for children at the Kidz Korner. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce or at the event. Ticket price is: $15 per person, and children ages ten and under receive FREE admission. Information: 954-923-4000 or www.HollywoodChamber.org

Seaside Craft Fair - (Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Saturday, April 16 to Sunday, April 17, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Enjoy the work of artisans from all over the country at this craft fair on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Discover handmade crafts including jewelry, ceramics, wall art, paintings, photography and much more. Free admission. Information: (954) 924-2980, www.artfestival.com

Pro Footvolley Tour 2010 Hollywood Beach Open - (Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 15, 12 noon - 6 p.m.) Footvolley, a fast-paced Brazilian hybrid of volleyball and soccer, returns to Hollywood Beach. The televised event attracts athletes from around the world to compete for the grand prize. Information: 954-924-2980, www.footvolley.net

Cirque FestT Coming to Downtown Hollywood at the ArtsPark in 2012

Advanced Productions & Entertainment announces the first annual Cirque FestT at the ArtsPark at Young Circle in Downtown Hollywood. The tremendous influx of cirque acts and entertainers involved in the festival will amaze and astound throughout downtown Hollywood as Arts Park at Young Circle transforms into the "Circle of Dreams". Cirque FestT will encourage the creation of diverse performance art throughout the entire event. The opportunity to show off imaginative and creative art will define Hollywood as a destination that excites tourists as well as the hundreds of artists & performers that are drawn to Cirque FestT. With amazing décor and dreamlike atmosphere along with entrancing music and a non stop variety of mystical performances Cirque FestT will be defined as Hollywood's very own signature event. Information: (888) 612-8013.

HOTEL NEWS

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Plans for the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort are gaining momentum with a recent signing ceremony held at Hollywood City Hall on February 9th to ink the lease and development agreements for the project. A full scale model of the planned resort complex took center stage complete with a miniature lighthouse, tiki huts and a flip-flop shaped pool. The world class resort with restaurants and retail shops, slated to be built on City-owned land at Johnson Street and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, is expected to continue the transformation of Central Beach. Before the doors even open, economic experts say the resort's impact will be felt. The resort will include 360 guest rooms, 35,000 square feet of convention space, 30,000 square feet of restaurant/bar, 6500 square feet of retail and 1056 parking spaces on a five-acre City-owned site, between Johnson Street and Michigan Street, along A1A and the award-winning Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. A boat launch is also envisioned along the Intracoastal immediately west of the project along AIA, as is a large public plaza on Johnson Street. The resort is expected to open in 2014. Information: (954) 921-3098, www.HollywoodFL.org, and click on Johnson St under hot information.

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Recipient of the Bride's Choice Awards 2011

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride's Choice AwardsT 2011 for Ceremony and Reception Locations from WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company. Recognition for the Bride's Choice AwardsT 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation. The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year. Information: (954) 602-8604, jana.rosenthal@westin.com

Hollywood Beach Marriott Update - The Hollywood Beach Marriott unveiled a beautiful new exterior look in March of this year. From its original light blue, the building was transformed with warm hues of tan and brick red. "This new look and feel compliments the surrounding buildings and the colors of the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. In addition to our new and enhanced exterior look, we've also made additional improvements with new elevator décor, gorgeous granite in the guestrooms, and new outdoor furniture," stated Steven Klein, the hotel's Director of Sales and Marketing. Information: (954) 924-2402, steven.klein@oplhotels.com

CRUISE & PORT UPDATES

Program for Cruise Passengers with Late Flights out of MIA or FLL - Cruise passengers with late flights out of Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports are now able to enjoy a little more vacation time thanks to the City-Pass Hollywood Program. With their luggage sent directly from the port to the airport, passengers receive transportation from the pier to an exclusive Cruise Guest Concierge Lounge located on Hollywood's world famous oceanfront promenade, the Broadwalk. This opportunity encompasses airport transportation, dining, kayaking, going to the beach, riding the Hollywood Trolley, shopping and/or relaxing at the hospitality center. Information: (954) 924-2980.

Port Everglades Embarks on Terminal Designs for Carnival Corporation - Building on the successful design of the world's largest single-ship cruise terminal, Port Everglades is following a similar approach to renovate four existing cruise terminals that will be used for Carnival Corporation's newest and largest cruise ships. The estimated $35 million cruise terminal renovations are part of an agreement finalized in April 2010 between Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, which is the governing body for Port Everglades. Port Everglades is already one of the busiest cruise ports in the world with more than 3.8 million passengers expected during 2010-2011 and more home ported cruise ships than any cruise port worldwide. Thirteen cruise lines and nearly 50 cruise ships are sailing from the South Florida seaport this season including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Discovery Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises. The Port's ever-expanding fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale area including everything from sampler-size day cruises to around-the-world cruises. Port Everglades, where the best cruise ships launch and the greatest getaways begin. Information: (954) 924-2980, www.porteverglades.net

About Hollywood, Florida

Only 10 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale and 10 minutes north of Miami along the Atlantic coastline is Hollywood, a classic Florida beachtown that's welcomed visitors since the 1920s. Hollywood Beach features a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade called the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk that stretches nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic. Named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, this brick-paved thoroughfare is a haven for joggers, bicyclists, roller-bladers and all who'd prefer to take in the action from the comfort of one of the countless eateries and cafés along the way. The easy ocean access and village-like feel make this a can't-miss destination with numerous highly-rated restaurants, small inns and hotels right on the broadwalk adding to its yesteryear charm. Family dining becomes stress-free, as Moms and Dads kick back to enjoy a seaside meal while their little ones entertain themselves in the sand just steps away. Locals rave about Josh's Organic Market which sets up shop on the south end of the Hollywood Broadwalk every weekend selling garden fresh produce and blending a variety of mouth-watering tropical smoothies from its seaside stand. A convenient Trolley service runs Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. offering a nostalgic way to get to and from the best sites on the beach and downtown.

HOLLYWOOD BEACH HIGHLIGHTS:

. 2.5 mile paved walking, jogging and biking path with eco-friendly lighting

. 10 consecutive years as a Blue Wave Certified Clean Beach by the Clean Beaches Council

. 2009 Fodor Travel Guide "Best Beach for Families"

. Home to 28 of the 77 Hotels and Inns rated Superior Small Lodgings (SSLs) in Greater Fort Lauderdale

. Dozens of restaurants and shops

. 3 oceanfront parks featuring playgrounds, paddleball courts, ping pong tables, interactive water play fountain, picnic pavilions and restrooms

. Free outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Beach Theatre

Information: (954) 924-2980, www.visithollywoodfl.org

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