Victoria Park - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Mary Brickell deserves credit for the establishment of Victoria Park. She denied developer Henry Flagler permission to drive his Florida East Coast Railway through the area, which would have hindered the development of this now exquisite area. Since the 1950s, this neighborhood has evolved from farmlands into a lovely section of downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Several museums surround Victoria Park. Locals enjoy the botanical gardens at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Others enjoy films at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Car lovers spend time at the Antique Car Museum.

In order to celebrate the arts scene, attend the Museum of Art's Las Olas Art Festival held annually in March.

Many dining options await those who dwell in Victoria Park. Head just outside the immediate neighborhood, and come across several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Locals frequent Coconuts for tasty fresh seafood dishes. Start off with the crab claw, fish dip or conch fritters as appetizers. Regulars rave about the crabcake BLT and the coconut shrimp platter for the main course. Accompany your meal with some refreshing pink sangria, a craft beer or a mojito. Save room for dessert, and order the key lime pie.

Residents who crave new and traditional American food make their way to the Foxy Brown for appetizing platters. Know for breakfast, order the decadent chocolate pecan pie pancakes, the short-rib eggs Benedict, or the banana bread with ricotta and Nutella.

If you need to grab a quick, scrumptious sandwich, stop by The Pink Submarine. With daily specials and so many regular menu items, customers have trouble choosing what sandwich to order. Try the classic Skipper sandwich topped with turkey, avocado, sprouts, lettuce, ranch and country onions. Order the Captain's Mac and Cheese sandwich, and bite into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Residents of Victoria Park enjoy bar-hopping along Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Quite a few bars and lounges all lie within walking distance from each other. When you feel like dancing and listening to live music, visit Vibe nightclub where you can lounge on comfortable, modern furniture, or hang out in the VIP section outside.

American Social Bar remains a favorite bar among locals. Experience live music and an excellent selection of craft beers. If you enjoy watching college sports, this is the place to be to catch a game.

Victoria Park nestles in the downtown area, which makes getting around a breeze. Bike paths run through the vicinity, making cycling a preferred and safe mode of transportation. Locals take advantage of the B-cycle sharing program that allows cyclists to buy a membership at any B-station or online, pick up a bike at any B-station, pedal to a destination, and drop off the bike at the closest B-station.

The Tri-Rail public transportation system links Palm Beach, Broward County and Miami-Dade County, and the Fort Lauderdale station sits on Broward Boulevard. The Broward County Transit bus system also provides an efficient way to move about the vicinity. Cabs surround the area; flag one down with ease, or schedule an Uber pick-up. For commuters who prefer to drive their own vehicles, easy access to Interstate 95 makes driving a breeze. Finding a parking spot won't be a problem, and fees are minimal. Most amenities lie within walking distance, so ditch the car and meander about on foot.

Although no parks are found in Victoria Park, locals can find several in the outlying areas. People from all over Fort Lauderdale rave about Riverwalk Linear Park. As a top choice for outdoor fun, it's no surprise that locals frequent this venue. Walk about the property, and view the beautiful historical homes. Families appreciate the free live music played on Sundays. This park remains dog-friendly, so feel free to bring the pooch.

Take a break from the crowds on Las Olas Boulevard, and spend some time at Colee Hammock Park. Large trees provide shaded areas for an amazing picnic, or simply a place to breathe in fresh air and relax. Bring a blanket and a book, or spend time viewing some of the billion-dollar homes and enormous yachts.

On Fridays in July, head to Holiday Park for outdoor concerts blasting classic rock music, show tunes and other various genres. Visitors can bring their own food, drink, blankets and lawn chairs and can also park for free. An admission fee does apply.

Due to its impeccable location and amazing local amenities, the cost of living in Victoria Park hits at 17 percent greater than the Fort Lauderdale average. Renters pay approximately $1,100 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence. Located just 1 mile from the city center of Fort Lauderdale, locals save on the public transportation fees by walking or biking. If you do need to take public transportation, a one-way ticket on the Tri-Rail costs $2.50, and a one-way bus fare costs $1.75. When hitting the nightlife scene, expect to pay $9 for a beer at a local pub.

The major shopping hub right outside of Victoria Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale clusters around Las Olas Boulevard. More than 65 shops, boutiques and high-value stores sell clothing, accessories, artwork and household items.

Women in search of the perfect gown, cocktail, bridal or pageant dress shop at Zola Keller. With over 1,000 stunning gowns in stock, find the most amazing dress for your body type and taste. Zola Keller carries several designers in the price range between $400 to $7,000 and sizes 2 to 24. Gowns from this location have been seen on the Red Carpet, the Grammy Awards and Miss America pageants.

Shop 603 specialty store sells men's and women's clothing, and swimwear. Designer fashions and trendy accessories await customers, along with tantalizing fragrances and a superb candle selection.

Las Olas Farmers Market services the Victoria Park neighborhood. Locals choose from a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers, women's apparel, gluten-free items and smoked seafood. Come prepared, as this market accepts cash only.

Residents who prefer a supermarket shopping experience for their grocery needs shop at Publix. Many locations exist throughout the Fort Lauderdale area.