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Fort Davis

Fort Davis is a town in the Big Bend Country region of Texas.

Get in
& Fort Davis is located at the intersection of Texas highways 17 and 118, approximately  of Marfa and approximately  north of Alpine. To get to Fort Davis from US 190 (to the south) follow either Texas 118 north from Alpine or Texas 17 north from Marfa.

&  To get there from I-10 (to the north) take the Texas 17 South exit at Balmorhea (Exit 209), following it approximately 32 miles, through Toyahvale and on south to Fort Davis. If coming from the west one can also take Exit #208 (Business Loop 10/R.M. 2903) from I-10 into the town of Balmorhea.

Go next

 * The McDonald Observatory is atop Mt. Locke, 16 miles west on Texas Highway 118. By day, visitors can tour the telescopes and the planetarium ($8 adult, $7 children), which are owned by the University of Texas. The real attraction, though, are the Star Parties ($10 adult, $8 children) after dusk on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. (Nov-Mar: 7:30PM, Apr-Aug: 9:30PM, Sep-Oct: 9PM) Two of the observatory's more powerful telescopes - as well as several smaller ones - are set up outside for visitors to catch a startlingly clear glimpse of star clusters, distant galaxies and even a member or two of this solar system. The altitude and the remote location ensures that light pollution is kept to a minimum, and enthusiastic guides are on hand to explain exactly what the scopes are showing. Bring a warm jacket regardless of the season, as the temperature drops rather steeply at night.
 * Davis Mountains State Park lies on the other side of Fort Davis Park, connected to it by four miles of trails. Entrance off Texas Highway 118 just west of town.
 * Marfa
 * Alpine
 * Big Bend National Park
 * The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop  is an approximately 75 mile scenic drive around the rugged Davis Mountains to the west/northwest of Fort Davis. It includes views of Sawtooth Mountain and 8,382 foot tall Mount Livermore, the fourth-highest peak in Texas. Bring your camera!

title: Fort Davis


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Fort-de-France

Fort-de-France is the largest city in and capital of Martinique.

Understand
Fort-de-France became the capital of Martinique in 1902, replacing Saint Pierre, which was completely destroyed in the eruption of Mount Pelée.

The city developed around the 17th-century Fort Saint-Louis. Today it has nearly 150,000 residents and has spread like wildfire to the point of reaching the hills and plains where the airport is located.

The center, which is always somewhat crowded, extends to the seaside promenade where multiple bars and restaurants are in a typically French atmosphere. The imposing Fort Saint-Louis dominates the center. At the side you'll find "The Savannah" (French: La Savane), with many species of tropical trees. To the east of the center lies the port area, where cruise ships and merchant vessels dock.

Get in

Cruise ships often stop in Fort-de-France's harbor.

By bus
If you want to go from Fort-de-France and into other towns, don't hesitate to use public transport. In Fort-de-France, the bus service runs from 06:00 to 20:30 every day, including Sundays and holidays.

The bus system does not take cash (€ coins or otherwise). It requires you buy paper tickets at a kiosk or get the MT Ticket Mobile App.

By taxi
The city of Fort-de-France provides many taxi companies. You can use them at any time, 24/7.

Mopeds and cars are also possibilities.

See

Buy

 * La Galleria, in Lamentin (near airport), is the island's largest mall, with several European branded stores and others.
 * Fort-de-France's Spice Market offers stalls full of local/unique flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and herbs and spices.
 * Rue Victor Hugo is Fort-de-France's main shopping street... a Paris-like strip of boutiques, island shops and vendors of fresh fruit and flowers

Eat

Go next

 * Trois-Ilets - Take the ferry and enjoy crossing the bay by boat
 * Le Diamant

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Fort-de-France


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Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge is a city of 25,000 people (2020) in North Central Iowa on the Des Moines River. Fort Dodge is a major commercial center for North Central and Northwest Iowa.

Understand
Fort Dodge is locally referred to as "Little Chicago" because architects modeled downtown buildings to resemble Chicago in the mid-1900s.

By car
U.S. Route 20 bypasses Fort Dodge to the south, and U.S. 169 skirts the west side of the city; both highways have business routes through town. Iowa Highway 7 has its terminus at the northwest edge of the city.

By bus
DART (Dodger Area Rapid Transit) maintains six local bus routes that connect to most commercial, medical, and educational locations on weekdays only.

Jefferson Bus lines serves Fort Dodge with a link to Williams, where travelers can connect to the expanded Jefferson line.

Do

 * Fort Dodge is a top tubing destination in the state, offering the swift and clear waters of Lizard Creek, solitude on the Des Moines River from Fort Dodge to the Dolliver Memorial State Park, and the nearby lake at Brushy Creek.
 * The Fort Dodge Country Club par 71 golf course is one of Iowa's top courses.
 * Fort Frenzy, east of town, features family-friendly activities such as an arcade, bumper boats, bumper cars, mini golf, go karts, laser tag, skating, and bowling.
 * Fort Frenzy, east of town, features family-friendly activities such as an arcade, bumper boats, bumper cars, mini golf, go karts, laser tag, skating, and bowling.

Theatre

 * Hawkeye Community Theatre puts on six full-length productions a year of varied genre.
 * Comedia Musica Players is a civic musical theater troupe that produces an annual musical each fall.
 * Stage Door Productions provides theater training and performance opportunities for middle school, high school, and college-aged students during the summer. It produces one small-cast (10 or fewer) play per year.

Sleep

 * John F. Kennedy Park is the nearest camping facility to Fort Dodge. It has a large campground, a lake with a swimming beach, a playground, and hiking trails. Lakeside Municipal Golf Course, an 18-hole course, is located here.

title: Fort Dodge


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Forte Dei Marmi

Forte Dei Marmi is a city in Tuscany.

title: Forte Dei Marmi


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Fort Erie

Fort Erie is a town of about 33,000 people (2021) in the Niagara Region. It is directly across the river from Buffalo, New York, and is the site of Old Fort Erie which played a prominent role in the War of 1812.

Understand
In addition to the primary urban core of Fort Erie, the town includes the neighbourhoods of Black Creek, Bridgeburg/NorthEnd/Victoria, Crescent Park, Crystal Beach, Point Abino, Ridgeway, Snyder, and Stevensville. Smaller and historical neighbourhoods include Amigari Downs, Bay Beach, Buffalo Heights, Douglastown, Edgewood Park, Erie Beach, Garrison Village, Mulgrave, Oakhill Forest, Ridgemount, Ridgewood, Rose Hill Estates, Thunder Bay, Walden, Wavecrest and Waverly Beach.

Visitor Information

 * Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Services

History
The Fort Erie area contains deposits of flint, and became important in the production of spearheads, arrowheads, and other tools. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Niagara Peninsula was inhabited by the Neutral Nation, so named by the French because they tried to remain neutral between the warring Huron and Iroquois peoples. In 1650, during the Beaver Wars, the Iroquois Confederacy declared war on the Neutral Nation, driving them from their traditional territory by 1651, and practically annihilating them by 1653.

After the Treaty of Paris, which ended the French and Indian War and transferred Canada from France to Britain, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation of 1763, establishing a "proclamation line", the territory beyond which (including what is now Southern Ontario) would be an Indian reserve. This was an attempt to avoid further conflict with the Indians. The British also built a string of military forts to defend their new territory, including Fort Erie, the first version of which was established in 1764.

During the American Revolution Fort Erie was used as a supply depot for British troops. After the war the territory of what is now the Town of Fort Erie was settled by soldiers demobilised from Butler's Rangers, and the area was named Bertie Township in 1784.

The original fort, built in 1764, was on the Niagara River's edge below the present fort. It served as a supply depot and a port for ships transporting merchandise, troops and passengers via Lake Erie to the Upper Great Lakes. The fort was damaged by winter storms and in 1803, plans were made for a new fort on the higher ground behind the original. It was larger and made of flintstone but was not quite finished at the start of the War of 1812.

During the war, the Americans attacked Fort Erie twice in 1812, captured and abandoned it in 1813, and then recaptured it in 1814. The Americans held it for a time, breaking a prolonged British siege. Later they destroyed Fort Erie and returned to Buffalo in the winter of 1814.

The Fort Erie area became a major terminus for slaves using the Underground Railroad (between 1840 and 1860); many had crossed into Canada from Buffalo, New York.

In 1866, during the Fenian raids, between 1,000 and 1,500 Fenians (Irish Americans) crossed the Niagara River, occupied the town and demanded food and horses. The Fenians then cut the telegraph wires and tore up some railway tracks. Afterwards, they marched to Ridgeway where they fought the Battle of Ridgeway, a series of skirmishes with the Canadian militia. The Fenians then returned to Fort Erie and fought the Battle of Fort Erie, defeating the Canadian militia. Fearing British reinforcements, they then retreated to the U.S.

The Grand Trunk Railway built the International Railway Bridge in 1873, bringing about a new town, named Victoria, later renamed Bridgeburg, north of the original settlement of Fort Erie.

By car
Fort Erie is a short drive (between 90 minutes and 2 hours) along the QEW Highway from Toronto, and 5 to 10 minutes away from the U.S. city of Buffalo across the Peace Bridge.

Fort Erie is the Niagara terminus of the Queen Elizabeth Way which runs from Toronto through Hamilton and Niagara Falls. Road traffic continues to Buffalo across the Peace Bridge.

Fort Erie is the southern terminus of the Niagara Parkway, which extends from Fort Erie to Fort George.

See

 * The was built by the Canadian government in 1918. The lighthouse has been automated in 1989. Since its decommissioning in 1995, the Point Abino Lighthouse was designated as a National Historic Site. The lighthouse is now owned by the Town of Fort Erie and is available for weekend tours in the summer.
 * The was built by the Canadian government in 1918. The lighthouse has been automated in 1989. Since its decommissioning in 1995, the Point Abino Lighthouse was designated as a National Historic Site. The lighthouse is now owned by the Town of Fort Erie and is available for weekend tours in the summer.
 * The was built by the Canadian government in 1918. The lighthouse has been automated in 1989. Since its decommissioning in 1995, the Point Abino Lighthouse was designated as a National Historic Site. The lighthouse is now owned by the Town of Fort Erie and is available for weekend tours in the summer.

Go next

 * Buffalo — directly across the U.S. border, the largest city in New York State's Niagara Frontier
 * Niagara Falls — the tourism-friendly city overlooking Canada's half of the famous waterfall
 * Niagara-on-the-Lake — a quaint, historic town with great little shops, restaurants, and (in the summer) the Shaw Theatre Festival.
 * Port Colborne —  west along the Lake Erie shore.

title: Fort Erie


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Fort Gibson

Fort Gibson is a town in the Green Country Region of Oklahoma, dating from 1824. This is the longest-lived town from Indian Territory days and was originally the planned site for the Capitol of the State of Sequoyah that never was.

Go next

 * Muskogee is noted for its numerous festivals and museums.
 * Tahlequah is the Tribal Headquarters of the Cherokee Nation and home to The Cherokee Heritage Center.

title: Fort Gibson


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Fort Kent

Fort Kent is a small town in the Aroostook region of Maine along the USA border with Canada. It is at the end of U.S. Highway 1.

Get in
There are only 2 roads into Fort Kent from the American side; The most scenic and practical way is likely to take you through the scenic and winding road that is Route 11, taken off Interstate 95 at exit 264. You can follow Route 1 all the way to the end anywhere from Key West Florida to Fort Kent, which historically ends in downtown Fort Kent. You can take the Cyr Bus line out of Old Town, Maine right into town.

Get around
In addition to the roads there is a public snowmobile/walking trail called the "Heritage Trail" that starts in the McDonald's parking lot and ends on the other side of town by traveling 'behind' the town for the entire length of the town. Often you will see locals with snowshoes on and others snowmobiling. In the summer it is a leisurely way to go around town

See

Fort Kent has amazing country sides with beautiful rolling fields used for potato farming. Do not be afraid to take side roads as they often lead to these. Some of the nicer ones are Charette Hill Road (Half is closed NOV-MAY), North Perley Brook Road, and South Perley Brook road. They all end up back in town one way or another so ride them until the end and take in the scenery.

Do
Outdoor activities include canoeing down the beautiful St. John River (May - Sept.), snowmobiling (Dec. - Mar.), cruising to the Allagash and watch for moose along the way.

Eat
Chain restaurants include Subway and McDonalds.

Drink
If you cross the bridge to Claire, New Brunswick there is a bar that just opened in January 2012 that caters to a younger crowd. They also have a bowling alley that is under construction.

Sleep
There are several motels in Madawaska, Maine but that is close to 35 minutes away and does not offer the same small town feeling as Fort Kent does.

Go next
Route 11, Route 161 -> Route 1, and over the international bridge to Clair, NB are your options for departure.

title: Fort Kent


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Fort Knox

Fort Knox is a U.S. Army post in the Kentucky Derby Region.

Understand
Fort Knox is internationally known for the United States Bullion Depository, which stores a large portion of gold and other valuable items in the United States' possession. It is estimated to hold 2.3% of all gold refined in human history.

Film producer Albert Broccoli managed to get permission to use the exterior of Fort Knox as a location for the James Bond film Goldfinger, though they were restricted to a minimum of 3000 ft (900 m) in the airspace above it for the aerial scenes. The interior scenes were a film set at Pinewood Studios.

Get in
US 31W runs roughly north/south next to Fort Knox; drivers may access the Brandenburg Station Road, Chaffee Avenue, and Wilson Road Gates, as they travel north to south, respectively. 31W connects Elizabethtown 15 minutes to the South, and Louisville about 60 minutes to the north. Further east runs I65, also connecting Elizabethtown and Louisville. KY 313, running east/west, brings in traffic from I-65 to the east, via exit 102.

Get around
Not much effort seems to have been made to make navigating around post easy; most signs for buildings use difficult-to-read "military speak" (for example, the Leader's Club sign is marked: "Directorate Of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation", and in relatively tiny text at the bottom: Leader's Club). However, almost every street intersection is clearly labeled, though the existing signs differ for some roads from the names given by Google Maps.

The Fort Knox MWR Guidebook (available at several locations around post) has probably the best map of post available to the average visitor.

See

 * Saunders Spring Nature Preserve, 100 Saunders Spring Ln, Radcliff. Not really military-related, but it sits side by side with Fort Knox and is pretty charming with pioneer cabins and waterfalls and biking trails. Daily 7:30AM-6PM.
 * Saunders Spring Nature Preserve, 100 Saunders Spring Ln, Radcliff. Not really military-related, but it sits side by side with Fort Knox and is pretty charming with pioneer cabins and waterfalls and biking trails. Daily 7:30AM-6PM.

Do
Four gymnasiums (Otto, Smith, Natcher and Gammon), an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool (Anderson) and several large athletic fields are available at various locations around post.

Most locations and activities are fairly typical for a large military post; including an outdoor recreational area (Camp Carlson Army Travel Camp), Shooting Club (French Range), bowling alley (Houston Bowling Center), and golf course (Lindsey Golf Course).

Buy
The Post Main PX, Commissary, and Clothing and Sales are all in the same general vicinity.

Eat
There are a few restaurants near the Post Exchange such as a Burger King, Popeyes, Qdoba and Subway.

Drink
Rocker II and the Leader's Club have full bars on post. Rocker II offers wide screen TV's, 4 pool tables and dart boards, and various video games to provide weekend diversions. The Leader's Club features Fiddler's Green Bar and Lounge, as well as the Bullion Room Restaurant.

Sleep
There are 600 transient lodging spaces at 6 locations around post are available for soldiers on TDY assignment. Separate spaces are also available for up to 76 Permanent Party Geographical Bachelors (GBQ). Transient lodging spaces range from dormitory style to efficiency apartments, but most will feature queen-sized beds, basic kitchen facilities with microwave and refrigerator (and sometimes stove), as well as cable TV and high-speed internet connections (wired).

For civilians, look for accommodation in nearby Radcliff, Brandenburg or Elizabethtown.

By phone
Calls between landline phones on the post can still be made by dialing the last five digits. However, all calls made to off-post numbers, whether long-distance or not, require 10-digit dialing—despite the fact that the area code 502 that serves the post has not yet been subject to an overlay plan (i.e., a second area code that covers the same geographic area).

This is because the local calling area for Fort Knox includes areas outside the 502 area code that are served by an overlay complex of two area codes, 270 and 364. Included in the 270/364 overlay and the local calling area are the cities of Radcliff, directly adjacent to the main gate, and Elizabethtown, a short distance to the south. Visitors who are staying in those cities must dial all 10 digits for local or in-state calls, omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call.

Signage on many established businesses in Radcliff or Elizabethtown may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 270 before these if no area code is indicated.

Go next
The nearest large town with a little more to offer is Louisville, while Lexington is further away, but still a reasonable drive.

title: Fort Knox


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Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean in the US state of Florida. It is known as the "Venice of America" due to its expansive canal system. Situated in Broward County in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area, the city's population is over 180,000 (2021).

The city is most famous for its beaches and boats, and while the city of Fort Lauderdale is relatively small in area, the term 'Fort Lauderdale' is often used to refer to the larger metropolis that has grown up around it. It is the county seat for Broward county, and is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, which has over 6.1 million people (2019).

Understand
The first inhabitants of the land were Seminole Indians who arrived in the 18th century. During the Second Seminole War, Major William Lauderdale led his Tennessee Volunteers into the area and raised New River Fort on the site of the modern city in 1838. In 1893, a young Ohioan named Frank Stranahan arrived and built a house that served as the first trading post, post office, bank and town hall of the area. The house was built near the site of the New River Fort and still stands today as a museum, Stranahan House.

Fort Lauderdale was incorporated as a town in 1911, and became the seat of newly formed Broward County. It began as a predominantly agricultural community of dairy farms and citrus groves.

More growth came with establishment of the Naval Air Station, which is now Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

The city and its surrounding suburbs experienced tremendous growth following the end of World War II, and the arrival of home air-conditioning. In the 1960s, Fort Lauderdale became the center of Spring Break after the debut of the movie Where the Boys Are. It is now an anchor of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Metropolitan area, the nation's 6th largest metro area.

Climate
Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate. Summers are very humid with temperatures in the upper 80s °F and low 90s lasting into early fall. The city sees most of its rainfall in the summer (the wet season). Winter is warm and mild and mainly dry (the dry season) with mild temperatures that are occasionally broken up by some rain when cold fronts come through.

May to September is the summer wet season. During the summer, it is warm and humid, with the prevailing wind bringing tropical breezes blowing up from the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and equatorial Atlantic. It is often clear and sunny in the mornings but as the land heats up the air rises and the sea breeze kicks in. This brings in more damp moist air from the sea and so by noon it often starts to cloud over, and then there are commonly short showers in the afternoon, which helps to cool the air off for a cooler and generally dryer evening. The Atlantic hurricane season largely occurs from late July through early November, with peak activity generally occurring from mid-August through early October.

Fort Lauderdale, positioned just above the Tropic of Cancer, owes a lot of its winter warmth to the Gulf Stream that runs just a couple of miles off shore. The Gulf Stream brings warm water up from the tropics year-round.

On a typical summer day the temperature does not get below 75 °F (24 °C). Summer temperatures are commonly in the high 80s to low 90s (30-35 °C), which is often relieved by the sea breeze, which in turn brings some afternoon thunderstorms.

During winter, humidity is significantly lower. The average daily high in the winter is usually between 65 and 75 °F (18-24 °C) and the low normally around 59 °F (15 °C), rarely dipping below 40 °F (4 °C) when a front comes through.

Fort Lauderdale receives abundant rainfall, most of it falling in the summer. The annual total of 63.8 inches (1488 mm) is one of the highest for a U.S. city. This sounds like a lot, but it does not rain that often; when it does rain, it is a real tropical downpour.

Water temperature
Fort Lauderdale has the Gulf Stream running next to its shoreline. This allows South Florida to have very mild winters and humid summers. The temperature of the water does not depend on temperature of the air, as the water continues to flow from warmer regions. In winters it is possible to have warmer water than the air temperature. Average coldest temperature of the water falls to 74 °F (24 °C), while temperature of the air may briefly fall as low as low 40s (6 °C). December is the last month of lukewarm 80 °F (27 °C) water; in January it quickly cools to its lowest, 74 °F (24 °C). In the end of May, it climbs to 80 °F (27 °F). However, a comfortable 84 °F (28 °C) comes only at the end of June. July is known for balmy 86 °F (30 °C) and August is the warmest month with shore waters reaching high 90s (37 °C), a temperature that holds until the middle of September. After September the temperatures start to cool off: October is 84 °F (28 °C), November 82 °F (27 °C), December is 80 °F (27 °C). For scuba divers the temperatures don't change much with depth: recreational divers might see a 2 °F (1 °C) degree difference from the surface temperatures.

By plane
South Florida has three airports with commercial service:
 * Miami International Airport, is 25 miles (40 km) south of Fort Lauderdale. It is the major international airport in South Florida, and known as 'The Gateway to the Americas'. Home of American Airlines' Latin American hub and an operational base for Frontier Airlines. There are frequent flights to Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and many direct flights to the US West Coast; it is a 40-minute drive south of Fort Lauderdale using I-95, but can be much, much slower during rush hour. You can catch the Tri-Rail from Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale station for about $4 per person. Then catch the linking bus, or get a cab from the station to the hotel. (More on Tri-Rail below). You can take a shuttle van from Miami Airport to Fort Lauderdale, price varies by destination but will be around $50 to $70 a head.
 * Palm Beach International Airport, 1000 Turnage Boulevard, West Palm Beach, +1 561-471-7420. This airport is another option for travelers coming from other cities in the U.S., Toronto or the Bahamas. PBI, however, primarily serves the Palm Beach area and is the least convienent of the three airports for visiting Fort Lauderdale. Nevertheless, you can use Tri-Rail to get from Palm Beach Airport to Fort Lauderdale.
 * Palm Beach International Airport, 1000 Turnage Boulevard, West Palm Beach, +1 561-471-7420. This airport is another option for travelers coming from other cities in the U.S., Toronto or the Bahamas. PBI, however, primarily serves the Palm Beach area and is the least convienent of the three airports for visiting Fort Lauderdale. Nevertheless, you can use Tri-Rail to get from Palm Beach Airport to Fort Lauderdale.

For general aviation:

By train

 * Tri-Rail, +1-800-TRI-RAIL. Tri-Rail is a commuter rail line linking Miami Airport, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in Florida. It is run by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. The 72-mile system has 18 stations along the South Florida coast. The train connects to the Metrorail in Miami at the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station. For more detailed information refer to the entry. From Miami International Airport you can catch the Tri-Rail to Fort Lauderdale, and then a bus connects you the last mile downtown. Tri-Rail offers connections to Ft Lauderdale Airport on their 'FLA-1' shuttle from the at I-95 and Griffith Rd (SR-818). Tri-Rail runs less frequently on weekends, so check the schedule.
 * Amtrak, 200 SW 21st Terrace, +1-800-872-7245. Provides service to cities along the Atlantic Coast of the United States via its Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains. Amtrak has two stops in the Fort Lauderdale Area, one in located on Broward Boulevard (SR-842) and I-95, and another one at the  in the suburb of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard (SR-820) and I-95. Both offer cross-platform transfers to the local Tri Rail train. The train goes south to Miami and north to Okeechobee through Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach (closest to Boca Raton) and West Palm Beach.

By car

 * I-95 is the major north–south artery along the east side of the city. It connects Fort Lauderdale with the downtowns in Miami and West Palm Beach and goes north to Jacksonville and beyond.
 * Florida's Turnpike runs north–south, west of the city. To the south it connects to Homestead and the Florida Keys.  To the north it connects to Orlando and North Florida.
 * I-595/I-75 connects Fort Lauderdale to Florida's West Coast (including Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota and the Tampa Bay area).

By bus
Intercity bus and shuttles typically stop at the airport, the at I-95 and Sheridan St (SR-822) (Exit #21);  at I-95 and W Broward Blvd (SR-842) (exit 27) north of the Ft Lauderdale Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station; and/or at another location. Check their website links or call them regarding pick-up/drop off locations:

By ship
Port Everglades, on the south side of the city center, is the most active container port and second most active cruise port in Florida. It supports a high number of cruise ships with about ten thousand passengers arriving and departing each week. Many find Port Everglades somewhat more convenient and economical than Miami to park and stay overnight at local lodging, and then catch a shuttle to/from the ship's terminal. Numerous hotel/motel chains offer park/stay/cruise-shuttle packages. Most are also quite close to the airport.

Additionally, Baleària Caribbean runs a regular ferry from Freeport, in the Bahamas.

Get around
The east side of Fort Lauderdale, between down town and the beach, is criss crossed with canals. It doesn't matter if you are in a car, on bicycles, or on foot, you have to cross the canals where the bridges are. This is one town where a good map can save you a lot of backtracking. Surprisingly the best road map of the East side of town is the 'Dolphus Waterway Map".

The US 1 does not intersect with Las Olas Boulevard. Your map is wrong if it says otherwise. The US 1 passes under the river in a tunnel and goes under Las Olas too, re-emerging only at Broward Blvd. to the north. This confuses many people who are trying to navigate around Fort Lauderdale.

By car
The easiest way to get around Fort Lauderdale and South Florida is by car. If you are renting—all the major national chains, and several local ones, can be found here—it is substantially less money to rent a car from a location outside of the airport. The city is set up on grid system and is fairly easy to navigate. Downtown is roughly two miles west of the beach. You need to consult a map when on the East side of town because the canals divide up the city and you need to find the bridges.

Broward County is served by three major Interstates (I-75, I-95, I-595) and some U.S. Highways including U.S. Highway 1, US 27 and US 441. It is also served by Florida's Turnpike and State Highway 869, also known as the Sawgrass Expressway.

By taxi
Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place.

By boat
Fort Lauderdale is America's yachting capital, and as such has numerous boat charter and rental companies. There are many restaurants and bars along the intracoastal that cater to the passing yachtsmen and their guests.

Water Bus has 11 pick up/drop off locations in east Fort Lauderdale along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River. Float to and from the hotels, shopping, restaurants, beaches and nightlife. Slow and costly, but worth it for the view and romance.

By bicycle
When you visit the beach you will see that many locals bike to the beach. Things in Fort Lauderdale are close, but often further apart than a quick walk. A bike makes everything much closer, and you don't have to find parking. By bike, it is only 10 minutes from the beach to downtown, the supermarkets, or the malls. A bike creates its own breeze so biking is not only quicker and less effort than walking, it's often cooler too.

You can rent a bike, or, if you know you are going to be staying more than a couple of days, it may be more cost effective to buy a $100 bike from a big discount store and sell it or pass it on when you go home. (If you stay a week, you can just about pay for a bike in the money you save on parking.)

There are bike lanes on the road by the beach on A1A and on Las Olas Blvd. going between the beach and downtown and the Riverwalk. Ride in the same direction as the traffic. It is common to take to the sidewalks on the bridges or on major roads when the bike lane disappears.

Because most things are quite close and Florida is very flat, bicycles are a very green, very sane, and relatively quick way to get around. You also get to see more, hear more, and be able to stop easily along the way to take pictures, something that is difficult to do when in a taxi or a car.

Fort Lauderdale Beach (The Strip)
The most popular section of beach is where A1A runs alongside the beach, between Las Olas Blvd north to Sunrise Blvd.

The "Elbo Room" bar, at Las Olas Blvd and A1A, was featured in the 1960s film Where the Boys Are. The movie led to the city's former reputation as a spring break mecca. The bar anchors the Southern end of the 'Strip', a strip of eating and drinking establishments that run along the land side of the beach road.

Spring Break peaked in the mid 1980s and the city now attracts a more upscale crowd. Fort Lauderdale is in the midst of a luxury condo building boom, this is displacing the hotels that once lined the beach.

The city is more cosmopolitan than most, having lots of Europeans and gay residents. The beach culture reflects the laid back nature of the community. You will find European food in the restaurants and bathers in thong swimsuits.

Downtown/Las Olas Blvd
The downtown area, especially around Las Olas Boulevard, has seen dramatic growth in the past decade, and now hosts many new hotels and high-rise condominium developments. Other improvements include a wide array of new boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

The entertainment district runs east–west along Las Olas Boulevard. East Las Olas Blvd has a mile of upscale shops and restaurants. Across the railway lines, West Las Olas caters to a younger crowd. There are funky nightclubs and restaurants between the railway lines and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. In between East and West, there is a new set of shops called Riverside that sits on the RiverWalk. The RiverWalk runs along the north side of the new river, from the shops at Las Olas to the performing arts complex.

Wilton Manors
Wilton Manors is a city surrounded by Fort Lauderdale. It is a popular area for gays and lesbians. It has many guesthouses, restaurants, and bars/nightclubs catering to its gay clientèle. The busy center of the city is Wilton Drive near NE 26 Street. This is only two miles north of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Sports
Golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep sea fishing are very popular sports in the area. The metropolitan area also offers the following spectator sports:
 * The Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League play at Amerant Bank Arena in suburban Sunrise, Florida.
 * Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is the home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL; the Miami Hurricanes football team, representing the University of Miami; and the annual Orange Bowl college football game held in early January. It's also the main stadium for the Miami Open, one of the biggest tennis tournaments outside of the four Grand Slam events, held in late March–early April. In 2022, a temporary auto racing course branded as the Miami International Autodrome was created in the stadium parking lot for a new Formula One event, the Miami Grand Prix. The 2022 Miami GP, held in early May, was the first of a 10-year agreement between F1 and the event organizers. The stadium is 17 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale.
 * Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins play home games at loanDepot Park in Miami, 28 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale.
 * The Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association play at Kaseya Center in downtown Miami, located 23 miles south of Fort Lauderdale.
 * Inter Miami CF of Major League Soccer plays at Chase Stadium near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, about 6 miles from the downtown area. Inter's tickets have become the most sought-after in MLS after Argentine legend Lionel Messi signed with the team in June 2023, debuting shortly thereafter. The stadium also hosts Inter's reserve side, Inter Miami CF II, which plays in MLS Next Pro, a third-level league made up almost entirely of MLS reserve sides. The ongoing 2024 season is likely to be the last for both teams in Broward County; Inter plans to open a new stadium near Miami International Airport in 2025.
 * Cricket:
 * The International Swimming Hall of Fame is located at Fort Lauderdale Beach.
 * South Florida also hosts multiple college sports teams. Three South Florida schools are members of NCAA Division I, the top level of US college sports. The aforementioned Miami Hurricanes play most sports on their campus in Coral Gables, but as noted above the football team shares Hard Rock Stadium with the Dolphins. The FIU Panthers, representing Florida International University, are located in the University Park area to the west of Miami proper. The Florida Atlantic Owls represent Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Personal fitness
There are sports and events held year round; although less frequent in the summer due to the intense heat. There are so many local running races during the cooler months that they may be held just several weeks apart. Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners keeps a central listing of running races on their web site.

 * The swimming Hall of Fame pool complex is one block back from the beach. A world class venue where top athletes swim. There are a number of national swimming meets throughout the year.
 * There are a good number of local Triathlons, mostly the shorter sprint distances.

Other

 * Jungle Queen. Dinner cruise featuring sites along the New River in and around downtown.
 * Pier Fishing at Commercial Blvd, Atlantic Blvd, Hillsboro Blvd and Dania Beach. Each area has long piers into ocean, and fishing available.
 * Bahia Mar Marina. Just across from the beach. You can walk around the marina and look at luxury boats and yachts owned by the well-heeled. On one jetty there is a monument and plaque announcing slip F-18 as an American Literary Landmark - this is where author John D MacDonald's fictional hero, Travis McGee , moored his 52-foot houseboat The Busted Flush (21 Travis McGee novels were published).

Buy
Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida in general, is a shoppers paradise. There is something to satisfy everybody's shopping desires. Here is a list of some of the main districts/destinations:
 * Shops on Las Olas Blvd, little specialty shops and upscale restaurants line Las Olas Blvd, starting down town and running east on Las Olas Blvd for a mile, to SE 15th Avenue. Most shops and restaurants are open late in the evenings.

Independent Stores

 * Shop at Swap Shop. Get your hair braided there Phone: +1 954 583–2221. The Swap Shop is an older flee market located east on Sunrise Blvd. Along with getting your hair braided you can shop for fruits, vegetables, clothes, nick knacks, and you can practically find other things that other locations would not have.

Work
Once heavily reliant on tourism and the very large marine industry, Fort Lauderdale's economy is now diverse and based on many small and medium business.

Several large companies are based in the Fort Lauderdale area including:  AutoNation USA, CBS Interactive, Citrix Systems, DHL Express, Spirit Airlines, Merchant Financing Leads, and National Beverage Corp. Due to its proximity to Miami, Fort Lauderdale is emerging as a location for Latin American headquarters for companies such as Microsoft.

Fort Lauderdale is a major manufacturing and maintenance center for large and expensive private yachts. The boating industry is responsible for over 100,000 jobs in the area. With its many canals, and proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean, it is also a popular place to keep a yacht, and a major stop for nautical staging and refitting.

The boating industry is being squeezed out because waterfront property continues to increase in value and this is forcing some marinas and shipyards to sell out or relocate out of the area. The total number of available boat slips is also declining as marinas are more actively seeking a few large mega-yachts instead of several smaller boats.

Even so, the marine industry continues to grow, catering more and more to the mega yachts. There is now a section of the old State Road 84 that has been renamed Marina Mile where the mega yacht industry is booming.

During the 1970s, the city's tourism was largely driven by younger people, because Fort Lauderdale was infamous for being THE spring break destination for college students. This changed in the late 1980s when there was a crack down on underage drinking. Fort Lauderdale is now less of a college spring break destination and does more year round business with European families and upscale US tourists. The city also has a booming cruise ships industry: every day there are shiploads of tourists leaving and arriving at the sea port.

Eat
Fort Lauderdale has countless dining options. Among the most popular areas are Las Olas Blvd, Olde Town Fort Lauderdale, and the Beach.

Drink
Fort Lauderdale's former reputation was built by Spring Break, and the city still does not disappoint. There are countless places to have a drink from little 'hole in the walls' to the ultra chic.

Downtown/Old Town/Las Olas

 * Riverfront is a collection of stores and bars on the west side of the downtown district.

Beach/The Strip

 * Beach Place is on A1A across from the beach. It has many bars and restaurants, and is very popular on the weekends.
 * Elbo Room famous spring break landmark at Las Olas Blvd and A1A.

Phone
In order to make local phone calls, all ten digits of the phone number are required. As such, you'll notice that all local phone numbers include an area code. The local area codes are 954 and 754, and you don't dial a 1 first but do dial the area code, i.e. you dial 954-555-1212 or 754-555-1212.

To call anywhere else you must dial 1, then the area code, i.e. to call to Miami from Fort Lauderdale you dial 1-305-555-1212.

Area codes for Miami are 305 or 786 and for Boca Raton and Palm Beach it is 561.

Media
Fort Lauderdale is served by two English-language newspapers, the Sun-Sentinel|South Florida-Sun Sentinel and The Miami Herald, as well as two Spanish language|Spanish-language newspapers El Sentinel del Sur de la Florida|El Sentinel and El Nuevo Herald.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be part of the Miami media market, which is the 12th largest radio market and the 17th largest television market in the United States. Television stations serving the Miami area include WAMI (Telefutura), WBFS (UPN), WBZL (WB Television Network|The WB), WFOR (CBS), WHFT (TBN), WLTV (Univision), WPLG (American Broadcasting Company|ABC), WPXM (i television network|i), WSCV (Telemundo), WSVN (Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX), WTVJ (NBC), WPBT (PB), and WLRN (also PBS).

Stay safe
Fort Lauderdale can be very safe but there are some parts of town you should probably avoid if you are on foot at night. Like all cities, you should ask advice on what areas are safe and what to avoid. The areas likely to be frequented by the tourists, along the beach, shopping along Las Olas and down town are safe. This would be the NE and SE parts of the city. You should use more caution if the address is on the West side of the city NW or SW. The intersection of Andrews Ave and Broward Blvd designates the NW NE SW SE sections of the city. Avoid the NW and SW areas, especially at night. The central part of Broward County West of Andrews Ave to the Florida turnpike is not a place for tourists. Suburban cities that should be avoided include Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill and especially Sistrunk.

Rental cars stand out as obvious targets for thieves, so never leave valuables in a visible place (put any purchases or valuables in the trunk) and always lock your car doors.

Tourists may find South Florida drivers get impatient with the heavy traffic during high season. Try to plan your route before setting off and remember that US1 tunnels under Las Olas Blvd and the river. It may look like the two intersect on a map but they don't. South Florida has quite a few senior citizens on the road mixed in with their crazy teenaged offspring, so be alert.

Emergency telephone number for fire, police and rescue emergencies is 911.

Cope
When driving, realize traffic is heavy, and there are people from all over the world with completely different driving habits. This feeds South Florida's reputation for having rude drivers. The problem lies in different people with different driving habits and that their ages run from 16 to over 100. Drive carefully and defensively.

Consulates
Fort Lauderdale has a few honorary consulates, but most diplomatic missions in the area are in Miami, and a few are in Coral Gables.

 * the Czech Republic
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇲🇱 Mali
 * the Philippines
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden

Go next

 * Port Everglades is the nation's second busiest port for cruise ships, after Port of Miami. There are many cruises of varying lengths (1 day to several weeks) available to choose from. The airport offers a free shuttle bus to the port for car renters.  Many off-airport rental car locations also offer port shuttles.
 * Miami
 * Miami Beach
 * Everglades National Park
 * Hollywood (Florida) Popping down to visit the night clubs and restaurants along Hollywood Blvd near Young Circle is a close and interesting evening outing. You can also see the Hollywood beach.
 * You can take overnight excursions to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas.
 * There are also organized coach trips to the theme parks in Orlando.

title: Fort Lauderdale


text:
Fort Lee

Fort Lee is a city in Bergen County. This town is comprised of a large residential community that includes Fort Lee natives, transplants from New York, and immigrants, especially from Korea. This cultural diversity is represented through the vast variety of international restaurants and small business, and in particular, there is a strong Korean presence that can be seen in retail and dining storefronts.

Understand
Fort Lee sits between the Paramus, NJ retail corridor and Upper Manhattan.

Fort Lee is a city of 40,000 (2020 Census) that is piled high with apartment buildings. Because Fort Lee sits above the banks of the Hudson River, there are breathtaking views from almost any window facing the river. The New York City skyline and 4th of July fireworks are spectacular over the river. Although it is highly built up, Fort Lee has many playing fields and recreational parks as well as bike and running trails. And although there is a great deal of vehicle traffic to and from the George Washington Bridge, which connects Fort Lee with Manhattan, one of the largest perks of this town is the walking access to many restaurants, convenience stores and mass transit, in the form of buses and vans that frequently run across the bridge and up and down major streets.

This article also covers the neighboring community of Palisades Park.

Get in
Fort Lee is bordered by seven municipalities in New Jersey. To the north, there’s Englewood, Englewood Cliffs. To the south, there’s Cliffside Park, Edgewater. To the west, there’s Ridgefield, Leonia, Palisades Park. The Hudson River forms its eastern boundary, as well as the state line with New York. Across the Hudson River, it also borders the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York, NY.

By car
Being the home to the George Washington Bridge, it’s understandable Fort Lee would be easy to traverse in a car, whether passing by or doing local travel. In transit to the city, most of the highways cut through the northern neighborhoods and residential areas, such as: Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike, US Highway 1-9, US Highway 46, and NJ State Route 4. The Palisades Interstate Parkway also runs north-south of the city, heading north along the Palisades after entering New Jersey, while US Highway 9W runs parallel to the PIP going north of Fort Lee. Together, I-95/New Jersey Turnpike, US Highway 1-9, US Highway 46, US Highway 9W, and NJ State Route 67 (running above those aforementioned highways on a north-south route) form the George Washington Bridge Plaza, where all of those highways converge from the GWB toll plaza, to the bridge crossing over to New York. If coming from New York City, take the George Washington Bridge; Fort Lee is the first town on the New Jersey side of the bridge, and the first of several exits for those highways.

By bus or jitney
Fort Lee’s primary bus stop is at the foot of the George Washington Bridge Bus Plaza (GWBP), where there’s bus service offered by New Jersey Transit, Rockland Coaches, or Spanish Transportation (“dollar buses/vans” usually with a green color). Eastbound, all routes go to either the George Washington Bus Station in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, or to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Westbound, the destinations would usually differ between the different transit carriers. New Jersey Tranist buses transport their customers between local stops in Fort Lee, and out of town in Bergen/Passaic/Hudson Counties. Rockland Coaches offers service between Fort Lee and Rockland County, New York. Spanish Transportation offers bus routes either on their Route 4 service, terminating at Paterson’s Broadway Bus Terminal, or their Bergenline service, traveling down Bergeline Avenue to Jersey City’s Newport Mall. Some of New Jersey Transit’s buses run for 24 hours.

Ask any bus or jitney driver leaving from the Port Authority George Washington Bus Station on 177 St. whether s/he can let you off in Fort Lee.

By ferry
Although there isn’t a ferry in the city, Fort Lee can also be accessed by boat or ferry from New York City via Edgewater (Edgewater Ferry Landing) and Weehawken (Port Imperial Ferry) docks, on the NY Waterway service.

By plane
The nearest airports to Fort Lee are Newark Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Teterboro (general aviation only), JFK and Westchester County Airport.

On foot
With the George Washington Bridge not only doubling as an iconic landmark for the city, but as a crucial connection to New York City’s northern neighborhoods (and beyond), it allows for pedestrian and bike travel, with two different walkways (north, or south). From 6AM-midnight, the paths are open for travelers to walk between Fort Lee, and New York City, usually the south walkway is opened unless if maintenance or construction is done. On average, it would take 20-25 minutes to traverse the nearly 1 mile span, and 10 minutes (or less) on bike. The north walkway has a convenient pathway to the Palisades Interstate Park, while the south walkway is in easy reach of Fort Lee Historic Park.

Get around
Most people choose cars, but if headed to a central area, such as Main Street, it is best to drive there, park in a municipal parking lot, and walk around from there. Since so much of the town's retail area is clustered in 3- or 4-block radius, it would be beneficial to walk around, but might also be dangerous given the high traffic intersections. If walking use caution, and if parking, make sure to feed the meter with plenty of pocket change; the meter maids take their job very seriously. Since Fort Lee is situated in such a convenient area for those commuting to and from the city, there is often high traffic and congestion on the roads. If you are planning on being somewhere at a certain time, one might suggest leaving a good 10 to 15 minutes to escape local traffic before hitting any major roadways.

For local transportation or air-port/train station services, there are several local taxi companies that are reliable.

See
Fort Lee is known and named for the story of how General George Washington was forced to evacuate the area in November 1776 and begin his famous retreat through New Jersey during the winter of 1776-77 in the protection of "Fort Lee".The Visitors' Center provides information on the role of Fort Lee in the War. Audio-visual displays, detailed exhibits, gives visitors a sense of what this town was like centuries ago.
 * Alongside the banks of the Hudson River, you can also see the Palisades Interstate Park. There’s a few hiking trails in Fort Lee to go either to the upper/main level paths, but there’s no entrance for cars themselves in Fort Lee, the southern entrance is shortly after crossing into Edgewater. It’s a popular park for watercraft, hiking, fishing, and camping.
 * The George Washington Bridge can be crossed by bicycle or on foot as well as in a motorized vehicle. Open 6AM-midnight for pedestrians/bikers.
 * The George Washington Bridge can be crossed by bicycle or on foot as well as in a motorized vehicle. Open 6AM-midnight for pedestrians/bikers.

Do
Other than eating, or shopping, or shopping for food, there is not much else to do unless you work in Fort Lee. Fort Lee also has a great community center open to all borough residents. The community center has dance, yoga, and other exercise classes, offers open gym hours for basketball or other recreation. During the summer their outdoor theatre is used for performances and "movies in the park" every Friday night.

 * iPic Hudson Lights, 2023 Hudson St. . Premium movie theater chain at the Hudson Lights complex, offering dine-in options and drinks. Also has a full fledged bar/restaurant inside (City Perch).
 * iPic Hudson Lights, 2023 Hudson St. . Premium movie theater chain at the Hudson Lights complex, offering dine-in options and drinks. Also has a full fledged bar/restaurant inside (City Perch).

Buy
There is an abundance of supermarkets, one the most famous and unique being Caffasso's Fairway Market. There are also many nail salons, frozen yogurt shops, coffee shops and gas stations.

Main Street is the primary retail section of Fort Lee, and features stores such as Borders and liquor stores, and you can find a deli or drug store on every corner. There are tons of specialty boutiques and gourmet caterers, as well as clothing and sporting good retailers. Also on Main St. is Metropolitan Plants, a haven for flower lovers, with a very large selection of products for gardeners.

Eat
In Fort Lee, the main attraction would be its collection of restaurants. Fort Lee offers international cuisine and is famous for their pizzerias, delis and 24-hour diners, in addition to its Korean restaurants. They have a warm local atmosphere and taste great.

Drink
There are many bars within restaurants, and almost every restaurant has a liquor license, or is BYOB.

title: Fort Lee


text:
Fort Macleod

Fort Macleod is a town of about 3,000 people (2016) in Southern Alberta, Canada. It lies to the south of Oldman River.

Understand
Fort Macleod was founded as a North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) barracks, and is named in honour of thePolice Colonel James Macleod.

The fort was built as a 70 by 70 metres square (233 by 233 ft) on October 18, 1874. The east side held the men's quarters and the west side held those of the Mounties. Buildings such as hospitals, stores, and guardrooms were in the south end. Stables and the blacksmith's shop were in the north end.

The town grew on the location of the Fort Macleod NWMP Barracks, the second headquarters of the NWMP after Fort Livingstone was abandoned in 1876. Fort Macleod was established in 1874 on a peninsula along the Oldman River, then moved in 1884 to the present town location.

Once agricultural settlement and the railway came to the region, Macleod boomed. The town became a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) divisional point and frontier wood construction began to be replaced by brick and sandstone. In 1906 a fire devastated the downtown and destroyed most of the wooden buildings. From 1906 to 1912 Macleod had its greatest period of building, as more new brick and stone building replaced the destroyed wooden ones. Then in 1912 the CPR moved the divisional point and 200 jobs to Lethbridge, devastating the local economy. Fort Macleod ceased to grow, and in 1924 was forced to declare bankruptcy. Until the 1970s, the town's economy stagnated and the buildings from the turn-of-the-century remained untouched.

In film
Ang Lee's Academy Award-winning movie Brokeback Mountain was filmed in part in Fort Macleod. The laundry apartment is located at 2422 Third Avenue, where a sign is posted marking the "passionate reunion" of Jack and Ennis. Passchendaele was also filmed in Fort Macleod's historic downtown, which acted as a stand-in for Calgary circa 1915. Scenes involving the dust storm and Matthew McConaughey's character were also filmed in Fort Macleod in Christopher Nolan's 2014 film Interstellar, where the giant dust clouds were created on location using large fans to blow cellulose-based synthetic dust through the air.

Tourist information

 * Tourism website

By car
Highway 3 approaches from the west and east, Highway 2 approaches from the north and south; they intersect just east and west of the city, and run together through the city.

Highway 2 is Alberta's main north-south highway; it comes down from Edmonton and passes through Calgary east of downtown. Within Calgary, part of it is called the "Macleod Trail".

By bus

 * Operates a route between Lethbridge and Calgary International Airport including stops in Fort Macleod, Claresholm, and downtown Calgary. Operates several days per week.
 * Operates a route between Lethbridge and Calgary International Airport including stops in Fort Macleod, Claresholm, and downtown Calgary. Operates several days per week.
 * Operates a route between Lethbridge and Calgary International Airport including stops in Fort Macleod, Claresholm, and downtown Calgary. Operates several days per week.
 * Operates a route between Lethbridge and Calgary International Airport including stops in Fort Macleod, Claresholm, and downtown Calgary. Operates several days per week.

title: Fort Macleod


text:
Fort Madison

Fort Madison is a city in Southeast Iowa. It is on the Mississippi River and has a population of about 11,000.

Understand
Fort Madison dates back to a fort of the same name built in the early 19th century.

By train
Amtrak's daily Southwest Chief passenger train makes its only Iowa stop in Fort Madison on its runs between Chicago and other stops in Illinois on one side and Missouri, Kansas, and other states right the way to Los Angeles on the other. The station is at 1601 20th Street, on the river side of the city.

Sleep

 * Kingsley Inn, 707 Ave H. This one stands out because it's across from Fort Madison and the BNSF changing yard, not to mention the river. +1 319-372-2144

title: Fort Madison


text:
Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray is the largest community in the Athabasca Oil Sands in Alberta. It lost its city status in 1995 when it merged with a large rural area to form the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and its fortunes have risen and fallen in lockstep with the price of Alberta crude oil; its structures were decimated by a May 2016 wildfire.

Understand
Fort McMurray was established as a Hudson's Bay Company post by 1870; the Alberta and Great Waterways Railway arrived in 1915 complementing existing steamboat service. By 1966, this tiny town had 2000 people.

Since then, the fate of Fort McMurray has been closely tied to that of Canada's oil sands industry. Suncor, Syncrude, Albian Sands, CNRL, OptiNexen and Deer Creek operate oil sands camps north and southeast of town. When world oil prices were high, population rose (an estimated 88,000 people) while housing costs and average wages in "Fort McMoney" skyrocketed. When the price of oil cratered in 2015, many workers who had come from as far afield as Newfoundland quietly packed their bags for home.

In May 2016, the entire city population was evacuated due to wildfires which destroyed a substantial part of town. At least 2432 buildings in the city were destroyed and another 530 damaged, leaving a ghost town with 25,000 buildings still standing. A skeleton thousand-person workforce remained to provide emergency first response and repairs to primary infrastructure. Townsfolk began to return in June 2016, but the worst-hit areas remained closed.

As of 2018, a fifth of the destroyed houses had been rebuilt.

A spring flood caused by ice jams had 13,000 people, a fifth of the population, evacuated in 2020.

Districts
The least-damaged neighbourhoods include:
 * Downtown, or Lower Townsite, is the centre of action that takes place in the town. Fairly easy to navigate, the main thoroughfare is the ever so congested Franklin Avenue. Most of the city's services are here. You can expect to find the box-stores here, restaurants, clubs, shopping malls, and more.
 * Gregoire - A combination of trailer parks, condos, and retail. There are a few restaurants and stores in this neighbourhood, as well as a selection of both hotels and motels. This and Downtown are the only parts of Fort McMurray with hotels.
 * Thickwood, or Thickwood Heights is a large subdivision with approximately 20,000 people making it the second largest subdivision in FortMac. One can expect to find it very similar to Downtown. The main road is Thickwood Blvd.
 * Dickinsfield - Primarily residential with several services.

These areas have experienced a moderate amount of damage:
 * Wood Buffalo - Primarily residential with several services, a newer area of town.
 * Timberlea - The largest subdivision in FortMac with approximately 35,000 people. Most of the new construction in town takes place in this area. Mostly residential, however several supermarkets, restaurants and stores have opened. Includes many smaller "sub"-subdivisions such as Lakewood, Parsons Creek and Confederation Heights.

These areas appear to be extensively damaged or destroyed:
 * Beacon Hill - A primarily residential community, had some stores and an arena.
 * Waterways - The oldest part of FortMac. A primarily residential community, had some stores. Likely to be the last to rebuild, as this is flood plain.
 * Abasand Heights - Primarily residential with several services.

Google has posted a crisis map; areas in red indicate buildings completely destroyed.

Airport

Individual oil sands camps operate on-site airstrips which are often large enough to accommodate jet aircraft; these offer no public scheduled services. Oil companies typically charter flights, usually from Edmonton, to transport large groups of workers to the job site.

By car
Highway 63 is the main road to Fort McMurray, about northeast of Edmonton, and can be accessed from the Edmonton Region via Highway 28. It is paralleled by Highway 881 for about. Portions of the road remain one lane in each direction; Highway 63 north of Grassland has been twinned, but elsewhere, it remains one lane. While large, wide loads and truck traffic both use the highway, traffic counts are low except Thursday nights (southbound) and Sunday afternoons/evenings (northbound).

Highway 63 has become notorious for vehicle accidents, though fatalities have significantly dropped since twinning. Many people commute to the oil sands from communities south, adding to the strain. Most structures for the oil sands are built in Edmonton and trucked up north, which can take up the entire highway.

By train
Passenger rail service ended in 1986. While there's been some talk about upgrading the existing rail freight corridor, there's no real prospect of bringing back passenger trains.

By bus

 * Operates the following routes to Fort McMurray:
 * Between Fort McMurray and Edmonton including a stop in Athabasca. Travel time to Fort McMurray from Athabasca is 3.25 hours and from Edmonton is 5.25 hours. Operates several days per week.
 * Between Fort McMurray and Edmonton including a stop in Redwater. Travel time to Fort McMurray from Redwater is 4.25 hours, and from Edmonton is 5.25 hours. Operates several days per week.
 * Operates a route between Fort McMurray and Edmonton including a stop in Gibbons. Travel time to Fort McMurray from Edmonton is 4.5 hours. Operates three days per week.
 * Operates a route between Fort McMurray and Edmonton including a stop in Gibbons. Travel time to Fort McMurray from Edmonton is 4.5hours. Operates daily.

Get around
Fort McMurray is a loose cluster of several dozen subdivisions, many having only one entry/exit. Most subdivisions are pedestrian friendly, however to travel from one part of town to the other end, a vehicle is definitely recommended.

Fort McMurray has an extensive public transit system, Wood Buffalo Transit, with 16 routes that reach all areas of the city. The cash fare (April 2023) is $2, seniors (65+) and children under 5 ride free. A rural bus service also runs to Anzac, Gregoire Lakes, Janvier, Conklin, and Fort McKay.

Taxi cabs are easily available. Taxi cab companies include:

 * Access Taxi & Limo Service, ,
 * Citycabs, (special phone rate)
 * Comfort Shuttle and Charter Service - ask for Sonny,
 * Sun Taxi,
 * United Class Cabs,

See

 * Heritage Park (29122637286).jpg
 * Aurora Borealis, the "Northern Lights" are a must see in Fort McMurray.
 * Aurora Borealis, the "Northern Lights" are a must see in Fort McMurray.
 * Aurora Borealis, the "Northern Lights" are a must see in Fort McMurray.

Buy
Souvenirs of Fort McMurray and the oil sands can be found at the Discovery Centre and specialty retail outlets. Some places, you can purchase small vials of actual oil sand, and different products that are associated with the process all the way to the final product - synthetic crude.

Fort McMurray has several shopping areas and malls.

Eat
Various national chains are present, including Boston Pizza, Earls Kitchen + Bar, The Keg Steakhouse and Montana's.

Drink
The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18.

Respect
Don't call them the "tar sands". That term is considered to be pejorative.

Stay safe
Fort McMurray can be known for its brutally cold winters. Temperatures can sometimes drop to -35° or -45°C. It is very important that your vehicle is winterised and the engine block heater plugged in. Don't forget to bundle up!

When in Fort McMurray, be bear aware. Any open or accessible food or garbage will attract black bears, many of them displaced from their usual habitats by the May 2016 wildfire. Alberta Fish and Wildlife's "report a poacher" snitch line ( or ) is accepting reports of bear sightings in populated areas.

North of Fort McMurray
Given Fort McMurray's rather isolated location, there is relatively little further north. The oil sands camps are large but self-contained. There is one small village accessible on Highway 63.
 * Fort McKay – a small First Nations (Aboriginal) community (population 740) 55 km north, the last community of any size on the highway.

It is possible to continue further north on the Athabasca River to the Slave River by boat (in summer); there's an ice road in winter.
 * Fort Chipewyan – also known as Fort Chip, is north of Fort Mac. Travel by road is only permitted in winter as there are ice crossings.
 * Fort Smith (NWT) and Wood Buffalo National Park – beyond Fort Chipewyan, direct travel by road is only possible in winter; there are all-season roads through Athabasca-Slave Lake-Hay River-Wood Buffalo National Park, but from Fort Mac that is the  "long way around".

South of Fort McMurray
The trip from Fort McMurray to Edmonton is about 440 km.

For the first, Highway 63 represents a single point of failure for all traffic out of Fort McMurray. It runs south through forest, intersecting Highway 55 later at  between Athabasca and Lac La Biche. The next settlement on the main road is Wandering River, a tiny hamlet south of Fort Mac.

Highway 881 splits from the main road south of Fort Mac to go east through Anzac then south to Lac La Biche. The small hamlet of Anzac (pop 750, about down Hwy 881) offers country-style living, services including a general store and proximity to the Long Lake oilsands project. Highway 881 continues south through mostly forest with few, tiny hamlets such as Janvier and Conklin with at most a few hundred people each.

A winter road runs from Highway 881 east to northern Saskatchewan, where it becomes Route 956 (unpaved, all-weather) and First Nations community of La Loche (population 2,800). Taking this journey is only possible in the winter; the all-season roads through Lac La Biche-Cold Lake-Meadow Lake is.

title: Fort McMurray


text:
Fort Mill

Fort Mill is a suburban town with about 35,000 residents located along the I-77 corridor in the northernmost part of South Carolina between Rock Hill and the city of Charlotte in North Carolina.

While Fort Mill is not on most tourists' agenda and is primarily a commuter town, it has a few restaurant options and offers a short day trip to residents of Charlotte and Columbia. It is also infamous for being the main headquarters of Lonely Planet and its guidebooks.

History
The town of Fort Mill was established in 1873, taking its name from a colonial-era fort built by the British and a grist mill on nearby Steele Creek. The Catawba Indians made their home in present-day Fort Mill for many years. Scotch-Irish settlers began arriving in the 1750s and 1760s and a small settlement soon developed. Fort Mill grew rapidly in the late 19th century as textile mills were established. After many textile mill shut-downs the town continued to grow rapidly and became a major suburb of Charlotte.

Climate
The Fort Mill area has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by humid summers and cool dry winters. Precipitation does not vary greatly between seasons. July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 91 °F and an average low temperature of 71 °F. The coldest month of the year is January, when the average high temperature is 51 °F and the average low temperature is 31 °F. In the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are typical and are sometimes severe containing strong winds and hail. During the winter months, snowfall is fairly light and rare, only occurring on average one to three times. Please note climate information is based out of the Rock Hill/York County Airport.

By car
Fort Mill is located on I-77, just across the state border from Charlotte, North Carolina at exit numbers 83-90. U.S. Highway 21 is also a major road that runs through the town and is accessible from Pineville to the north and Rock Hill to the south.

By bus
The 82x commuter bus operated by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) between Charlotte and Rock Hill stops at the northwestern edge of Fort Mill. That being said, it's unlikely to be a reasonable way to get to Fort Mill. Not only is its stop far from the main attractions, it's geared towards commuters, so it only goes one way in the morning and the other way in the late afternoon. You're better off driving.

Get around
Fort Mill is a large spread-out town and is best accessible by car. Cycling is allowed, but bike routes are limited to smaller residential streets.

See

 * Peach orchards

Buy
Popular shopping areas in the town of Fort Mill are listed below.

Eat
Popular restaurants in the town are listed below. There are also numerous local and national chain restaurants along the I-77 corridor in Fort Mill.

Go next

 * Charlotte—hop just across the border to North Carolina's largest city with numerous restaurants, bars and shopping malls with a pristine central district known as Uptown.
 * Rock Hill—Just south of Fort Mill, this South Carolina town offers numerous outdoor activities and quite a few local restaurants in its historic downtown.
 * Pineville—Neighboring Fort Mill, this Charlotte suburb has a large shopping mall and charming downtown.

title: Fort Mill


text:
Fort Myers

Fort Myers is a booming town with great weather, entertainment and a casual feel in Southwest Florida. It was the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and it remains a popular spot for "snowbirds" from northern states.

History
According to a handbook authored by Francis Asbury Hendry who lived from 1833–1917, Fort Myers first appears in about 1841 when it was first manned as Fort Harvey. The military fort was abandoned in 1842 then re-established in 1850 and named in honor of a U.S. Army officer named Abraham C. Myers, a Colonel. The fort was a center for command and control operations during war against the native Indian tribes that lived in Florida until they were defeated and relocated out of the state to regions of western United States. However, some of the Seminole Indian tribe never surrendered and remained in the Florida wilderness. Colonel Myers reportedly resigned his commission and joined the Confederate army when the Civil War started. Under Confederate control, African slaves were transported to the area from Virginia to support cultivation of crops.

During the Civil War, the fort changed hands between forces of the North and South once or twice more. An African-American Infantry of Union soldiers was stationed in Fort Myers during the period of 1863 to 1864. Under the authority of Monroe County, the first school for African-Americans in the area was formed near Fort Myers on the property an emancipated slave by the name of Nelson Tillis in 1885. Although Thomas Edison operated telegraph services for the northern side of the Civil War, in 1886, Edison purchased a winter home in Fort Myers after marrying his second wife earlier that year (National Park Service, 2012). In 1890, the first female African-American school teacher (Annie Moore) was hired to teach in the area (Lee County Black History Society, 2011).

A county entitled Lee County, named so in honor of the southern commanding General, Robert E. Lee was established in 1887. By about 1908, the population of Fort Myers was approximately five to six thousand (Captain F.A. Hendry Reunion Committee, 2002). In 1912 the first local Black population only public school was established in Lee County (Williams Academy). Henry Ford bought the home and land next door to Thomas Edison in 1916. In 1920 the Jones-Walker Hospital was opened for the Black population only. Bunche Beach was dedicated as the first local beach intended for the Black population only in 1949. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled to end segregation in public schools. However, this decision was not implemented by integrating local Lee County schools until 1969. The Williams Academy was relocated to Clemente Park located in the Dunbar section of Fort Myers in 1995 and is the primary center for African-American history in Lee County. The museum and administrative offices are established at 1936 Henderson Avenue (Lee County Black History Society, 2011). The 2010 total census population of the city of Fort Myers was 62,298 (United States Census Bureau, 2010). This population figure does not include seasonal residents or residents of Lee County outside of the city limits.

Climate
The climate of Fort Myers is tropical.

Peak hurricane season is August through October, with hurricanes possible as early as June and as late as the end of November. Fort Myers has significant experience with hurricanes, as a damaging event happens every few years. In August 2004, Fort Myers was sideswiped by Hurricane Charley, a category 4 hurricane that made landfall north of the area. In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma struck south of Naples, but caused extensive damage nonetheless in Fort Myers and its southern suburbs. In October 2018, there was Hurricane Michael. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, especially in Fort Myers Beach. Travelers should be prepared to leave early and as soon as evacuations are planned.

By plane
Onsite car rental is located in a separate across the street from the baggage reclaim doors (lower level). It is accessible by crossing the street from outside Doors 3 (Delta Airlines) or 4 at lower level. Bus stop for LeeTran Rt#50 (Airport to Sanibel Outlets) is located outside Door #2 (WestJet), on the island, across the road. Click here or inquire with the 'Transportation Information' booth outside of Door #3 at arrival for additional info regarding other shuttle/taxi (ground transport) services, hotel shuttles, off site rental car companies, and their pick up locations.
 * Concourse B: Air Canada, Alaska, Avelo, Discover, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country
 * Concourse C: Delta/Delta Connection, United, WestJet
 * Concourse D: American, JetBlue, Spirit, Breeze Airways
 * Concourse D: American, JetBlue, Spirit, Breeze Airways

Miami International Airport and Ft Lauderdale  are the next nearest airports for a wider range of domestic and international flights. From Miami International Airport, Greyhound offer direct bus service to downtown Ft Myers (5 hr) (see below under 'By bus') or rent a car and drive over along I-75 or US Hwy 41.

Get around

 * The tropical climate is perfect for bicycling, and Fort Myers is a very bicycle friendly city. But watch out for those occasional pop up showers, especially during the wet season.  When cycling, be sure to bring plenty of water, wear light weight, light colored clothing, and wear sunscreen.
 * Lee trans is the local bus service and has numerous bus lines criss-crossing the city.
 * The Midpoint and Cape Coral Pwky/Colonial Bridge is $2 going from Fort Myers to Cape Coral only. Other direction is non toll. The bridge is generally unavoidable unless you go through downtown Fort Myers and US41 around.

The Sanibel Causeway to Sanibel Island collapsed during the hurricane in 2022.

Do

 *  Paint a coconut  at one of the many art galleries on colourful pine island
 *  Head to Matanzas Pass Preserve  on the long island of Estero and into the  mangrove where crabs, lizards and birds live in abundance.
 *  Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  featuring of tropical gardens and the largest banyan tree in the US.
 *  Make the most of Fort Myers' Music Walk  every third Friday of the month and hear the streets filled with live music.

Buy

One of its most recent and significant activity developments at the Shell Factory is its schedule of Flea-Market days. Every Tuesday, Thursday and, Saturday from sunrise until the heat of the day drives them away, you will find local people as well as, residents from all across the state, setting up tables and tents on reserved parts of the parking lots. They offer their personal goods, many interesting pieces and often, rare collectible items for sale to the public.

Stay safe
While Fort Myers is mostly safe, there are a few scattered neighborhoods, especially east and southeast of downtown, where it is wise to use a bit of caution, especially at night. The most reliable method of identifying what portions of the area are least safe is to consult the Lee County Sheriff Department. They provide Web services that graphically depict all of the high crime areas. Visitors will find that opinions not supported by statistics from the Lee County Chamber of Commerce or, Lee County Sheriff Department may not be based in fact. The Lee County Sheriff Department web-site address is: http://www.sheriffleefl.org.

Media

 * Fort Myers Florida Weekly – local version of a weekly newspaper published in several Florida cities. Includes extensive information about upcoming local events. Available for free at newspaper racks downtown.
 * The News-Press – daily local newspaper, available at some supermarkets.

Go next

 * Cape Coral, the wealthier town right across the river
 * Everglades National Park – the most popular parts of the park are easier to get to from Miami than from Fort Myers, but Shark Valley and the islands near Everglades City are within day-trip distance.
 * Naples, to the south

title: Fort Myers


text:
Fort Payne

Fort Payne - is a small city in the northeast corner of Alabama with a population just under 13,000. It is the county seat and largest city in DeKalb County.

Understand
Originally Fort Payne was an important Cherokee village called Will's Town. In 1838 Captain John G. Payne selected the site to build a stockade to house Native Americans that would later be sent on the Trail of Tears. Fort Payne became the county seat of DeKalb County in 1878, and was incorporated in 1889.

Fort Payne is known for the large number of sock mills in the area, and is sometimes referred to as the Sock Capital of the World.

Fort Payne is in a valley bordered by Sand Mountain to the north and Lookout Mountain to the south. Visitor's can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the area.

By plane
Isbell Field - 2200 Terminal Road. No commercial passenger service available.

By car
I-59 - connects Fort Payne with Chattanooga, TN to the northeast and Birmingham, AL to the southwest.

Get around
The best way to get around Fort Payne is by car.

Do
Popular outdoor activities include camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, birdwatching and skiing.

Rock climbing is another popular activity which can be attempted at Buck's Pocket State Park, DeSoto State Park, or Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Community College

 * Northeast Alabama Community College. Located in nearby Rainsville, AL, about 10 miles north of Fort Payne on Sand Mountain.

Public Library

 * DeKalb County Public Library - 504 Grand Avenue NW

Buy
Anything and everything at Trade Day in nearby Collinsville, AL.

Sleep

 * DeSoto State Park Lodge, 1299 Blalock Dr NE. You'll be quite close to nature here. +1 256-845-5380.

title: Fort Payne


text:
Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce is a small city on the Treasure Coast of Florida. The city is most commonly referred to as "The Fort" in reference to the old fort on Indian River Drive.

Understand
Fort Pierce is the oldest incorporated city in St. Lucie County, with a bustling and historic downtown area, close location to beaches on the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean by its extension to Hutchinson Island, and many famous celebrities visiting every summer at the Sunrise Theatre. Fort Pierce has a population of 43,601 by the 2013 US Census Estimate; Fort Pierce is also a part of the Port St. Lucie metropolitan area, or the Treasure Coast, an area populated at almost 600,000. Fort Pierce is a small railroad city along Florida's east coast, being the location of a mid-sized rail yard with track rights owned by the Florida East Coast Railroad, with track all the way to Miami and Jacksonville, and South Central Florida Express, with track from the downtown yard to Clewiston and Sebring.

FP is becoming more and more modernized, but slowly and steadily. Downtown is considered the hot-spot of the city due to its blossoming commercialism, amazing Spanish-colonial buildings, celebrities performing at the Sunrise Theatre, and an amazing Christmas display yearly at Avenues A and Orange. There's a lot of fun going on with the marina and many interesting shops on the thoroughfares of Orange Avenue and Avenue D. Fort Pierce is also a college town, home to the primary campus of Indian River State College and its public safety training complex.

By car
Fort Pierce, like many cities has many major highways running through the city. Major highways include I-95, US-1, and Florida's Turnpike.

By Interstate 95, you can access Fort Pierce by:
 * Exit 126 at Midway Road. Going west will take you to Okeechobee Road, which is what the locals call State Road 70. Going east will take you to the beach.
 * Exit 129 at Okeechobee Road. There are many hotels and fast food restaurants near by. Going west will take you to Okeechobee and further to Bradenton. Going east will put you closer into the heart of downtown.
 * Exit 131 at Orange Avenue. Going west will take you out to the "country" area of the city with many ranches. Going east will take you into downtown.
 * Exit 138 at Indrio Road. Services are east of the exit.

By Florida's Turnpike, you can access Fort Pierce by:
 * Exit 152 at SR 70, or Okeechobee Road.

One special thing about the Okeechobee Road area between I-95 and the Turnpike is that it is considered to be a crossroads, where two highways are within a driving range of less than a mile. Businesses, from hotels to restaurants, are abundant in this State Road 70 corridor. Businesses along State Road 70 don't just exist at the cross roads, but also run along to US-1.

US-1 and A1A run through the heart of downtown, and A1A almost parallels US-1. A1A runs along the barrier islands of the east coast, from Miami to the Jacksonville area. The local name for A1A on Hutchinson Island South crossing onto US-1 is "Seaway Drive".

By plane
Fort Pierce is home to the St. Lucie County International, the local airport. Here, you can buy a plane to fly from place to place, due to no commercial flights.

Nearest airports for scheduled commercial flights are:
 * Orlando International Airport is outside of the region, but is used to get into the region, serving almost all global US cities.
 * Melbourne Orlando International Airport serves Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington DC at Dulles.
 * Palm Beach International Airport serving major airports from Boston to Dallas.

By train
There has been much talk and controversy about the Florida East Coast Railroad and Amtrak giving the Port St. Lucie area, possibly Fort Pierce, a train station that serves passengers. If these plans go through, they will be serving the Florida East Coast Railway on rails that have not been touched by the rumbling wheels of passenger trains since the mid-1900s. Also, there has been controversy of a high-speed rail project from Miami to Orlando with a station in West Palm Beach; a station may be placed in the PSL area as well to accommodate. The full plan is rebuilding a passenger line to re-connect the Treasure Coast and the Space Coast with the rest of the country, serving from Martin County to northern Brevard County. The closest stations to date are in Okeechobee and West Palm Beach.

By car
In Fort Pierce, the roads are the easiest way to get around. Major roads lead to the highways, and Downtown Fort Pierce can tend to get crowded at any time of day, but you can take in the view of the Spanish-colonial style buildings as you drive through Downtown.

By bus
The cities of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, and now Vero Beach are all served by bus through the Treasure Coast Connector. Service extends from 43rd Street SW in Vero Beach to Avenue D in Fort Pierce via the northern routes, and from St. Lucie West in Port St. Lucie to the Treasure Coast Square Mall in Jensen Beach.

 * Route 1 takes you from the Treasure Coast Square Mall in Jensen Beach through Port St. Lucie to the city hospital, the civic center, and the Prima Vista Crossings shopping center, ending in Fort Pierce at the Intermodal Transit Facility.
 * Route 2 runs a loop from the Intermodal Facility to the airport and the Taylor Creek Commons.
 * Route 3 takes you through southern Fort Pierce along Okeechobee Road to the Intermodal Facility.
 * Route 7 is a loop route from the Intermodal Facility through Lakewood Park via 25th Street and Kings Highway to Vero Beach and the Taylor Creek Commons.
 * Route 8 runs along 25th Street and Airoso Blvd., from the Intermodal Facility to the Port St. Lucie Community Center.

There is only one transfer point in Fort Pierce: the Intermodal Facility on Avenue D for Routes 1, 2, 3, and 7; for Indian River County transfers, there is a stop at IRSC on Route 3 and South Point Plaza on Route 7.

By boat
Fort Pierce is a city built on the water, and it is no coincidence that using a boat is one of the easiest ways to get around the city. Fort Pierce may not have many navigable canals like neighboring Port St. Lucie, but most of Fort Pierce is a waterfront city. The city boundaries extend to the Atlantic Ocean. Downtown is a mostly waterfront area, with many restaurants and businesses on the water.

Do
You can go boating in the Fort Pierce Inlet or stroll along the beach and catch a tan. The historic downtown contains outstanding "Spanish-colonial revival"-style buildings, and in downtown you can catch a performance at Sunrise Theatre.

Buy
Fort Pierce's shopping economy is built on mostly fishing, as well as commercial "big-wig" names in retail, even some small businesses carrying big names. Not what you'd expect, but it gives you the right tools to enjoy one of the greatest activities on the Treasure Coast.
 * Bealls stores are commonplace in Florida, and the only Bealls in the city limits is at the Sabal Palm Plaza. Bealls carries large names in fashion and clothing and they mainly sell in South Florida.
 * Bealls stores are commonplace in Florida, and the only Bealls in the city limits is at the Sabal Palm Plaza. Bealls carries large names in fashion and clothing and they mainly sell in South Florida.

The Arcade Building in Downtown at one time was the largest commercial building in St. Lucie County. There aren't many stores in the Arcade; however, it is making a comeback with some small restaurants and boutiques, and lots of spaces are still for rent.

Sleep
A majority of hotels in Fort Pierce are at the "crossroads" of the city, such named because the Turnpike and I-95 are closest by distance here. It gives you a chance to change your traveled highway if your plans call for such.

Connect
The area code for Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and the Treasure Coast is 772. There are many post offices in the area, but POs in the city limits are located on Orange Avenue and Midway Road, depending on where you stay.

Stay safe
Fort Pierce may be an interesting city, but there is one area (numbered streets and lettered avenues) that is considered a "ghetto" or a "hood", where crime is abundant, and there has been at least one shooting a year. Exercise caution when in that area, and keep your windows up when driving, particularly at night.

Go next

 * Port St. Lucie - Bordering city much larger than Fort Pierce, spring training home of the New York Mets.
 * Vero Beach - Original spring training home of the Dodgers before moving to Arizona.
 * Jensen Beach - Charming small town with easy access to the Indian River.
 * Melbourne - Home to some great surfing spots along the Atlantic; one of the closest cities to Kennedy Space Center.
 * Orlando - the theme park capital of the world, only 2 hours north on the Turnpike.
 * Stuart - Great boating spot on the St. Lucie River, hailed as "the sailfish capital of the world".
 * West Palm Beach - A bustling town further south; home to many local festivals and weekly events in the downtown area.

title: Fort Pierce


text:
Fort Portal

Fort Portal is an important town and centre of the Kabarole District in Western Uganda.

Get in

Link Bus and Kalita Bus have connections from Kampala to Fort Portal which go via Mubende (5-6 hours). The road has a good asphalt surface, Mubende is found about half way between Kampala and Fort Portal and you can fill up on petrol and buy food and drink there.

The Link Bus leaves from the bus station near the new Taxi Park in Kampala whenever a bus is full and there is also a Link bus park in Fort Portal. The ticket price from Kampala to Fort portal is USh 40,000 (July 2023). From Fort Portal to Kasese the Link bus cost USh 5,000. The first Link bus from Fort portal to Kasese is at 10AM. A van from Fort Portal to Kasese cost USh 6000 and the 1st van goes at around 7AM.

Get around
Fort Portal is a small town and it is easily possible to just walk. If you need to go further, there are Boda Boda motorbike taxis everywhere in town. For about USh 1,000, you can travel about 2-3 km. But beware, they drive fast and are not very safe, and there are no good hospitals around in case you have an accident.

You can also take a "private hire" (taxi cab) which you can find on the corner of the main roundabout in the centre of Fort Portal and some other locations.

See
Fort Portal's on the edge of Uganda’s equatorial rainforest. It's an enchanting land full of lakes, grasslands, marshes and forests on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. There are many wonderful lodges within Kibale forest where you can spend a night or two in a tree house experiencing the sounds of the forest's inhabitants including 8 species of monkey, chimpanzees, the forest elephant, bush pig and giant forest hog.

Do
Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park which is less than an hour's drive from Fort Portal on the way to Mbarara. The wide bio-diversity of habitats means that Queen Elizabeth National Park contains the most astonishing number of species - almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different birds! The Kazinga Channel alone is said to contain the world's largest concentration of hippos, but interestingly enough not many crocodiles! Other wildlife includes warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, elephant and leopard.

This is a wonderful national park, sometimes dubbed 'the Pearl of Africa or Switzerland of Africa'. Quite simply this fertile equatorial area is especially scenic, with two lakes connected by a channel overlooked by a high peninsula. You will also find volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest. As a result it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world. Hunting exhibits such as stuffed lions, leopard skins, deer heads and elephants tusks may still be found adorning some hotels and lodges, but the emphasis is certainly more on shooting with a camera these days. Many of Uganda's safaris were poached out in the past, especially elephants, but now the area is protected and elephants numbers are boosted by those entering the park from the Congo, where poaching is still a problem.

There is also a really funny statue of Sir Gerald Portal on the main road of the town. Yes, he does have a gun in his pocket and yes, he is pleased to see you.

Golfing: The town has a nice golf course, just on the main road. Entrance is USh 30,000, and you'll probably have to find someone there to rent you their set of clubs.

Buy
Fort Portal is famous for its tea. This area is gifted by nature with a cool climate which ensures a relatively slow plant growth rate. This naturally makes the tea a high grown, high quality tea.

The consumption of this tea is associated with many health benefits. These include anti-allergy, anti-oxidation, anti-hypertension, anti-viral, anti-obese, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, enzyme inhibition and many other human health problems. You can buy the tea in any local shop or even better visit one of Fort Portal's tea plantations.

Eat
The two "foreigner" restaurants in town are the Gardens Restaurant just opposite the Shell petrol station on the main Lugard Road, and the Dutchess Restaurant (and hotel) on Mugurusi Road, right after the Uganda Human Rights Commission building. Both places have good pizza and other Western and local dishes, starting around UGX10,000.

There are also many good local restaurants in Fort Portal, and they are much cheaper. But go early, as food preparation in Uganda takes time. Half an hour for some simple fast food is not uncommon.

Drink
The many varieties of tea, fresh fruit juices including pineapple, passion fruit and mango. And for the less health conscience Uganda have some excellent beers, Nile, Bell, and Pilsner.

Sleep
There is accommodation everywhere in Fort Portal town. If your interest is not being as close as possible to the national parks, you can just head to Fort Portal and find a place that suits you upon arrival.

Go next

 * Rwaihamba
 * Hoima
 * Kasese
 * Kampala

title: Fort Portal