Ethnic Charm Colors Hollywood, Florida

Want to try something a little different when you visit Florida this winter? Hollywood, located about midway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, is an eclectic mix of old Florida and modern glitz, seemingly the last affordable beach town along Florida's gilded Atlantic shoreline. The stately town clings to its wonderful multi-ethnic heritage. Seventy-five years ago Hollywood's idealistic founder, Joseph Wesley Young, designed a town that would welcome everyone "from the opulent at the top of the industrial and social ladder to the most humble of working people." Hollywood residents still reflect that friendly welcoming ideal.

In Hollywood you'll find seedy neighborhood bars, homespun miniature golf courses and mom and pop motels rubbing shoulders with luxury high-rise condos, fabulous (but not fabulously priced) restaurants, funky shops and one of the Seminole Nation's most expansive hotel/casino complexes. Spend some time in downtown Hollywood which is full of charming ethnic restaurants and cute little funky shops. Don't miss the Make sure you browse the charming bric-a-brac at the Jeweled Castle on Hollywood Blvd. and the wonderful Kids-n-Science toy store on Harrison St.

Sample the waterfront restaurants where you can find everything from pizza and burgers to Mediterranean and French Canadian. One of my favorites is the Hollywood Grill on North Boardwalk. I love the unique Armenian cuisine, about $75 for a very hearty dinner for two. If you want to dine al fresco, Le Tub Saloon on North Ocean Dr. is delightful. Be forewarned, it's cash-only. Try the $11 burger (more with cheese) which was named best burger in the country by GQ magazine a few years ago.

There are several timeshares in Hollywood, but I like the windswept charm of the Neptune Hollywood Beach Club (click the post title to take a virtual tour). It's right on the beach and convenient to all of Hollywood's attractions.