Fort Lauderdale: Fit for a King

By Catherine O' Neal

Published: November 18, 2007

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Imagine a young, tanned King Tut surveying the Intracoastal from his sport yacht. With a bright sky and balmy breeze, he'd have to be impressed with a world of regal mansions and lushly manicured lawns that has become the home of modern-day business and entertainment pharaohs.

Fort Lauderdale may be the "Venice of America," but through April 23, this water wonderland will feel more like the "Land of the Nile."

King Tut, short for the Egyptian King Tutankhamun, tends to cause quite a stir with his royal entourage of historic finds. His 3,000-year-old artifacts, including the ultimate in 18 th Dynasty bling - the royal diadem gold crown - will take center stage at the Museum of Art during the new Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit.

It's been almost 30 years since the Boy King toured the United States and it will be the first time some of the Egyptian treasures go on exhibit. For a new generation, though, the combination of National Geographic images and 50 major objects from Tut's tomb will be like discovering the Valley of the Kings all over again.

The intact tombs and gilded coffinettes, as well as a feature film, should give visitors a feel for pharaoh life. The famed Omar Sharif has even lent his voice to a promotional video.

But a little imagination could put you in Tut's privileged footsteps. Fort Lauderdale has a kingly lifestyle Tutankhamun might have enjoyed if luxury high rises came before pyramids.

What fun-loving pharaoh wouldn't go with the flow and dock at Charley's Crab for the freshest seafood, or Taverna Opa, where Greek food is accented by dancing on tables? Or pass up the Blue Moon Fish Co. in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea?

Intracoastal or Nile, water travel is a way of life. And the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has had a couple thousand years to build on Egyptian innovation. Traveling the country like Tut makes it difficult to bring your own boat. But why bother navigating the waves when you have the Water Bus (or Water Taxi as it is commonly called). You can stop at the 15th Street Fisheries for the evening pelican count and nautically inspired dining upstairs, or hop off for a bite to eat at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66's Grille 66.

To feed your mind, go ashore at the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District. There you'll have easy access to the Museum of Discovery, Performing Arts Center and Museum of Art.

Florida, after all, has its own history. The Stranahan House, the eastern anchor of this cultural district, is an excellent example. Dating back to 1901, it marks the founding of the city and served as the area's first trading post, first post office and first bank before becoming a private residence. Built in the Florida vernacular style of architecture, the home contains period furnishings and even some vintage clothing.

But when it comes to the latest fashions, Tut's jewel-encrusted exhibit could get a run for its money at the boutiques along chic Las Olas Boulevard, where you can pick up a bauble before walking to dinner at the high-end Mark's Las Olas. Stroll the busy boulevard a bit more and people watch with a late-night dessert at trendy Johnny V.

Keeping up with King Tut can be exhausting, so go ahead and pamper yourself. The Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, where everyone is treated like royalty, is offering, along with its gorgeous waterfront view, The Sphinx or Queen of the Nile treatments and a special Pharoah's Ritual.

Slip into a soft robe and sip on ice water infused with lemon and cucumber while waiting in The Spa's co-ed lounge for a warm stone therapy massage or manicure.

But even a king has to eventually call it a day. And the trendy Trina on Fort Lauderdale Beach has the perfect ending - the Tutini, a martini created especially for Tut fans during his visit.

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