Hollywood, Florida: All America City and
Revitalized Beach Destination for Sun-sational Experiences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judy Erickson
Hollywood, Florida Office of Tourism
(954) 921-3478
Email: jerickson@hollywoodfl.org

AUTUMN TIDES WASH IN A GREAT AMERICAN BEACH DESTINATION

Hollywood, Florida Ranks In As a Multi-Generational, Multi-Dimensional Fall Getaway

HOLLYWOOD, FL - As fall nears, the City of Hollywood is preparing for an active season as host of endless signature events and festivals, affording area guests with limitless choices of activities.  From late September through late December, Hollywood will become a playground for college and pro football fans, boating enthusiasts, families, couples, bridal parties, and corporate America ready to immerse themselves into a destination re-born.

A vision of Founder Joseph Young who surveyed the land in the 1920’s while he was in search of his “Dream City,” Hollywood has undergone a massive transformation. Today, Young’s vision has been executed as this All America City that has reinvented itself into what Young envisioned — a city for everyone, including visitors, making Hollywood a multi-generational destination.

This fall, Hollywood will showcase the historic culture it has preserved while introducing its modern-day allure.  Among the many things visitors will enjoy are the seven miles of Blue Wave beaches, a designation of the cleanest beaches in America by the Clean Beaches Council, an honor Hollywood has received for a decade.

From girlfriend getaways to romantic rendezvous and plain family fun, those who vacation in Hollywood will witness the evolution of this city and its revitalized two and one-half mile Broadwalk, re-developed Downtown District, and 10-acre ArtsPark.

Five Places to Go

Hollywood’s fab five begins on the beach with a plentitude of activities and then moves onto the mainland to four locations that should be included in every itinerary.

Hollywood Beach:Named one of the “Top Three Most Active Beaches in the United States” by Travelocity.com, Hollywood Beach is a water lovers’ paradise.  Visitors can choose to sun bathe on the beach or dive in for water activities including jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and snorkeling. Off the coast, the Atlantic Ocean harbors three artificial coral reefs and hot pocket areas for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk:Named one of America’s “Top 10 Nostalgic Promenades” by USA Today, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a brick-lined pedestrian promenade bordered by six miles of coastline, boutique hotels, charming shops, and cafés.  The Broadwalk lends itself to a variety of sports from walking and running to rollerblading and bicycling.

Downtown Hollywood:The historic and re-developed Downtown District presents an evolving arts and dining scene in an area that was once a playground for mobsters, gangsters and high rollers.  Today, Downtown Hollywood is six blocks of sidewalk cafés, unique boutiques, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants.

ArtsPark at Young Circle:A 10-acre park uniting history, art, and nature. The ArtsPark is a cultural find surrounded by lush greens, interactive fountains, cultural events, and festivals year-round.

Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park:Visitors can kayak through the tidal channels deep in 1,500 acres of mangroves while exploring Florida’s eco-system or enjoy nature walks and exhibits at the park’s facilities.

Plenty of Things to Do

With the locations to visit secured, vacationers may be interested in the ongoing entertainment and activities in Hollywood throughout the fall season. The following is a list of “Hollywood Happenings” that will take place in the city this fall:

Hollywood Philharmonic Orchestra Ensemble, First and Third Sunday of the Month, 6:30 - 8 p.m.: Bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert on the lawn of the amphitheater at the ArtsPark at Young Circle.  For information, call 954.921.3500.

Music & Dancing Under The Stars, Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 9 p.m.: Dance on the Broadwalk at the Hollywood Beach Theater.  This year-round series is based on special theme nights and features music ranging from easy listening to line dancing to blues, R&B and Rock & Roll.  For information, call 954.921.3404.

Broadwalk Friday Fest, Every Second and Fourth Friday of the Month, 7 - 10 p.m.: Experience an oceanside cultural arts performance at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theater. For information, call 954.924.2980 or www.HollywoodBeachCRA.org. Free admission.

Dream Car Classic, First Sunday of the Month, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Hollywood Boulevard (between Young Circle and 21st Avenue) becomes a gallery of vintage automobiles with dozens of pre-1976 cars.  This family day includes music, jugglers, clowns, face painting, and children’s arts and crafts. To participate in the show there is a $15 car registration fee and car owners must register at 9 a.m. For more information, call 954.926.3377 or visit www.DowntownHollywood.com. Free admission.

Third Thursdays In The Park, Third Thursday of the Month, 7 - 9 p.m.: Bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert on the lawn of the amphitheater at the ArtsPark at Young Circle.  For information, call 954.921.3500.

Artwalk, Third Saturday of the Month, 7 - 10 p.m.: Stroll along the charming tree-lined sidewalks to the sounds of a jazzy saxophone and the soft strings of a violin and harp while visiting art galleries and businesses showcasing the artwork of local and regional artists. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres are served by participating locations. Free admission. For more information, call 954.921.3016 or visit www.DowntownHollywood.com.

Classic Cruise Nights, Fourth Friday of the Month in Hollywood Beach, 6 - 10 p.m.: Hollywood Beach showcases pre-1978 car classics on the Broadwalk. To participate owners must register cars.  The car entrance is on Harrison Street.  For more information, call 954.926.3377.

Lauderdale Spa Chic, September 2008:Participating spas offer $99 treatments during this month-long promotion.  For more information, visit www.sunny.org/spachic.

Hollywood Beach Latin Festival, September 21, 2008, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.:From merengue to salsa and everything in between, Hollywood takes part in Hispanic Heritage Month with its Latin Festival, featuring Latin food, arts and crafts, exhibitors, and the music of Charlie Cruz, Tony Swing, Orquesta Brava, Conjunto Progresso and Ana Miranda. For more information, call 954.961.6386 or visit www.HollywoodLatinFestival.com.

Family Day, Red Herring Puppets, September 21, 2008, 1 p.m.:An original rhymed version of the classic tale Aesop’s Fables, Red Herring Puppets re-tell the story with music and tabletop puppets at the ArtsPark.  These timeless stories are simple to understand and address topics relevant to school age children. For more information, visit www.artandculturecenter.org/red-herring-puppets.

Fergie at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, September 26, 2008, 8 p.m.:American Pop/R&B singer-songwriter Fergie hits the stage at Hard Rock Live and brings the sounds from her debut album, The Dutchess, to South Florida. Tickets are $77. To purchase tickets, call 954.523.3309.

Hollywood Beach Clambake, September 26-28, 2008, Friday from 5 - 11 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.: A beachside, Broadwalk festival of fresh seafood, live music, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.HollywoodBeachClambake.com.

Dine Out Lauderdale, October 1 - November 15, 2008:A six-week long program in which restaurants in Broward County of which several are from Hollywood offer a three-course, pre-fixe dinner for $35 per person.  For a list of participating restaurants in Hollywood, visit www.sunny.org/dineout.

Full Moon Jazz Nights, November 13, 2008, 6 - 10 p.m.: The SJO All Stars, sponsored by Sunshine Jazz Organization with special guests, perform at the Hollywood Beach Theater. For information, call 954.924.2980.

Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade, December 6, 2008, 7 - 10 p.m.: Bands and floats line Hollywood Beach in a parade to officially kick off the holiday season.  For information, contact, 954.921.3404.

Where to Stay

In addition to the many activities Hollywood has lined up for the fall, visitors to the area can enjoy great golf, tennis, fishing, nature and some pampering at a great value, thanks to the exceptional fall rates hotels and resorts are providing.

The Hollywood Beach Marriott is proving two value-added offers this fall.  The Hollywood Culinary Arts Celebration Weekend Package is a three-day festive occasion being hosted by Executive Chef Ron Duprat, September 19-21, 2008.  The weekend begins with a welcome reception and wine tasting on Friday evening.  On Saturday, a lavish five-course dinner and wine tasting is the honoree. Sunday morning bids adieu with brunch.  All the while, Chef Duprat will demonstrate the culinary skills he has attained over the years as an executive and private chef. The Marriott is also offering a special rate to Miami Hurricane and Miami Dolphins football fans and rivals during season with rooms beginning at $179 per night up to $229.

For additional hotels offering special fall rates throughout the season, visit www.visithollywoodfl.org/accommodations.html.

To learn more about Hollywood, its water and eco-friendly activities, evolving dining and nightlife scene, and the value-added accommodations, visit www.visithollywoodfl.org.

Attn Editors: Color photography available.

About Hollywood, Florida
Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood, Florida, the 2007 All-America City and one of Fodor's 2009 "Best Beaches for Families," is a desirable year-round destination offering more than 5,000 hotel rooms at a variety of hotels, resorts and Superior Small Lodgings. Minutes away from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport and home to Port Everglades, the largest cruise port in the world, Hollywood visitors enjoy seven miles of Blue Wave beaches; a two-and-a-half-mile European-style Broadwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, boutique and full-service hotels and resorts as well as vacation apartments facing the ocean; a revitalized Historic Downtown Hollywood and new ArtsPark at Young Circle; and an array of activities including first-class shopping, waterfront, nature and dining experiences. For more information about Hollywood, FL, contact the Hollywood Office of Tourism at (877) 672-2468 or visit www.visithollywoodfl.org.