My sister, Kathy, graduated with Nurse Practitioner Degree from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). First of all this is a major accomplishment, especially for someone over the age of 50, working while attending school. Second, she emphatically said, “Absolutely not,” when asked if she would go for a doctorate degree. Can any of you relate? (Maybe later?) 🙂
Please leave congratulatory comments below in the comment section. (She will see them)
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My family decided to fly from the Lone Star State to the Sunshine State to watch her walk across the stage. Of course, we took a couple extra days to soak up some rays.
You’ll never guess what the NSU’s mascot is? Ok, maybe you will. Although Fort Lauderdale is a few miles north of Miami, they’re not the Dolphins. Your next guess is correct, though. The Sharks!
So, during the ceremonies, every so often the President would say, “Fins Up!” and everyone would give the sign. He even had nearly the entire auditorium giving the sign.
Enjoying the beach later on, and remembering those moments.
We stayed at the Snooze Hotel right on the beach. It’s not the Hilton, but it was really nice. Our room had a kitchenette (sink, cabinets, dishes, microwave, small fridge) and was very spacious. The artwork is vintage photos of the hotel from back in the day until now. A lot of hotels have gift shop with necessities that you may have forgotten to bring with you. What I like about the Snooze is that they had supplies that you could borrow at no charge. Lawn chairs, beach towels, floats, sunscreen, etc. Not only was I impressed, but totally shocked. We were able to relax and take some great photos from the roof top terrace.
We walked next door to eat at Casablanca Café. A must see for any architectural history buffs (and of course, for anyone who wants good food), this structure was the first home built on Fort Lauderdale Beach and the oldest remaining structure. Although this renovated home/restaurant faces Alhambra Street off A1A (beach front road), the side has an ocean view. The café has a delightful Mediterranean-American-style menu of seafood and steak. It has a romantic feel in the evening. We sat indoors in the air conditioned comfort, but the bar is outdoors with a nice ocean breeze.
There are shops and restaurants along A1A open during the day, and quite a night life, as well. You won’t have trouble getting around if you’re not into walking that much. From taxi’s, buses, shuttles to water taxis and various tours around the area. 
We called for a golf cart taxi to take us over to Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market to celebrate the gradate. I have to admit it was my first visit to the famous franchise. I reminisced watching the movie, Forest Gump, the origins of the restaurant. Can you believe it’s been that long? The movie appeared in 1994 and the novel came out in 1986. The hallway of the restaurant had photographs taken on the movie set and various write-ups about the movie and the actors. You can answer trivia questions here, and view the menu, gift shop, and find other Bubba Gump locations here. Of course, you’ll find a variety of shrimp on the menu, but there are other things like sirloin steak, ribs, fish, crab legs, fried chicken, salads, and delicious desserts. Plus kids menus and happy hour menus. You won’t walk away hungry.
Want a little excitement? Go on a Riverboat Dinner Cruise, take an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades and watch the Alligator Show or take a Round-Trip Ferry Ride to the Bahamas, which is actually only about 187 miles from Fort Lauderdale. Take a day trip bus ride on the famous Seven Mile Bridge to the Florida Keys. Want to catch a few fish? Choose from over a hundred fishing charter boats. Rather go diving? Scuba diving, snorkeling or free diving? You can find it here. A Pirate Cruise will take you along the Intercoastal Waterway viewing mansions and yachts, and will have face painting, pirate history lesson and canons going off. Put your land legs back on to go on the Segway Tour around town.
Thinking of moving to Fort Lauderdale? This is a good website.
We went to Hollywood!
Hollywood Beach, Florida that is. We wanted to grab a bite to eat before heading to the airport. We drove a few minutes south of Fort Lauderdale and ended up in Hollywood Beach. We dined in paradise at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, sat outside by the pool and raised a glass to this relaxing venue. We all agreed that if we ever come this far east again, we would definitely like to stay at the Margaritaville Beach Resort. There are numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, pools and places to chill out and have a good time. If you want some adventure in your life while at this beach-side resort, go body surfing, paddle boarding and surfing on the FlowRider®. Since, it’s right on the 2.2 mile Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, you can go roller-skating, bicycling, or take a moonlit walk.
Margaritaville Beach Resort FlowRider®
In the comment section below tell us about your graduation ceremony or celebration vacation.
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What fun! I love that area. We used to spend a week or so every summer at Pompano (just north of Fort Lauderdale) and always had so much fun!
That area is absolutely gorgeous.
I never had a graduation celebration vacation, but I really love that idea. My oldest graduates from college in a few years – a vacation would be a great gift.
I believe that is a great graduation gift. A relief after all the hard work.
First off, congrats to your sister! It looks like you had a beautiful trip. I love the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.
Thank you so much. Yes, it is gorgeous. The pics don’t bring it justice.
Congrats to your sister on her graduation! Looks like a good time was had by all!
Thank you so much. Yes, I hope to return some day.
Congratulations Kathy! An NP is hard work, my best friend is one. It is a great career to have.
Thank you so much. Congratulations to your best friend.
Congratulations to your sister! That is such a great accomplishment! I just love Hollywood Beach! It’s definitely one of my favorites to visit! I don’t live very close to it, but it’s definitely worth the travel time!
Thank you so much. Yes, I hope one day I can return.
Those views are absolutely gorgeous and that giant hammock is calling my name!
Thank you. Yes, I would love to return.
What a great family adventure! Congrats to your sister on her recent achievement! I love Fort Lauderdale and can’t wait to go back, but I will say this – we had a Bubba Gumps in Chicago at Navy Pier and loved it!
Thank you so much. Yes, Bubba Gump was really good. Maybe one day I can visit Chicago.
This looks like a wonderful trip! I love Florida! Love a good time with family and friends!!! Happy Birthday!
It was so much fun. Thank you for the birthday wishes.
Congrats on your accomplishment! We’ve taken each of the kids to Disney for graduation with them choosing the places to eat and rides to go on.
Awesome! I would love to return to Disney.
Congratulations on graduating. Love the blog.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for all the congrats! It was so awesome to have my family there for graduation and vacation after all the support I received from them! It made it so much more special. After all the pressures of writing papers and taking exams; the vacation was so relaxing. I definitely recommend a vacation after graduating, especially after college.
You are so welcome. We love you and are so proud of you. Can’t wait to see you again.
What an unforgettable vacation! Congratulations on graduation!
Yes, the pics do not do it justice. We had so much fun.
Congratulations to your sister! Looks like the celebration was fabulous!
Thank you so much. It was a great time.
This looks like so much fun!
Thank you. Yes, we had a fabulous time.
I love the photos. Congratulations on such a major accomplishment. I don’t think I could go back and do that.
Thank you very much. Yes I’m with you on that.
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Great to hear! You are so welcome.
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