Anton Lundell has been in South Florida long enough now to know the place like a local, not just a visiting NHLer passing through.
The Florida Panthers center, who arrived in the area as a teenager, first lived with captain Sasha Barkov before eventually striking out on his own and settling in Fort Lauderdale. Several years later, the 24-year-old has become such a fixture in the community that in January he was named an official brand ambassador by Visit Lauderdale.
So when Travel Industry Today asked Lundell for his personal guide to the greater Fort Lauderdale area, he didn’t need to think too hard about where to send people first.
Las Olas was at the top of his list.
“Start with a coffee, browse boutiques and galleries, then let the day unfold,” is the advice from Lundell.
From there, Lundell pointed visitors toward the water, with fishing and time out on the boat sitting near the top of his South Florida checklist. That part fits. For a young Finn who has made his home here, being on the water clearly still carries real appeal.
He also had a couple of restaurant picks ready to go. Lundell recommended Noodles Panini along Las Olas and Takato on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
And if someone wants to make a day of it beyond the usual beach-and-dinner routine, Lundell suggested heading to Everglades Holiday Park or timing a visit around one of Fort Lauderdale’s signature events, including the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show or the Winerfest Boat Parade.
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