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Patti Roth

Patti Roth, the editor of Fort Lauderdale on the Cheap, scouts out state and national deals, discounts and coupons for our readers, finding the real deals and presenting them in an easy-to-read format. A veteran newspaper and magazine writer and a longtime South Florida resident, she has written for The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel and Life, E Environmental Magazine, Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, US Architecture and Earth911.com. Send your cheap tips to her at info@fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com.

You can get discounts for enchanting Butterfly World in Coconut Creek.  The popular walk-through attraction, which is at Tradewinds Park in North Broward, features free-flight aviaries with tropical foliage and thousands of butterflies and birds from different parts of the world. Regular prices are $32.50 for guests age 12 and older, $22.50 for children age …

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Flamingo Gardens in Davie glitters during the holidays with its Garden of Lights display. Lights and decorations are poised among the tree-lined walkways of the attraction. Live music enhances the ambiance. Santa and snow flurries are included in the festivities. S’mores kits are offered for purchase.  Artisan vendors are at the display on weekends if …

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For fun, free outdoor excursions, lots of people delight in nature walks in parks.  For extra fun, direct your attention on birds. If you’re interested in bird watching or birding, libraries in Broward and greater Palm Beach loan equipment for free.  Sierra Taliaferro, a parks naturalist in Broward, offers some information on the delightful activity. “All …

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Two dozen or so residents in Northwest Broward who dressed up their yards with elaborate holiday lights and inflatables are featured in a Deck The Halls list. A map and photos are  online if you’d like to drive by to glance at the impressive displays in person, or browse photos on the website. The featured …

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Relish the rhythms of the holidays at a free live outdoor performance featuring South Florida Pride Concert Band. The event in 2024 is 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 20, and entry is free. The venue is Mickel Park, 2675 NW Seventh Avenue, Wilton Manors 33305 Bring a blanket or lawn chair if you’d like. Sign up …

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Favorite Sinatra tunes from the Swing Era are included at a free outdoor holiday performance at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Christmas Eve with Sinatra features Jeff Grainger and his band. The event in 2024 is 7 p.m. December 24, and entry is free for lawn seating. Feel free to bring your own blankets or chairs. …

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For your seasonal entertainment, a drive-thru wonderland of animated light displays is on full display at Tradewinds Park.  Events for biking and strolling are offered. Holiday Fantasy of Lights in 2024 is 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. November 23 through January 4, 2025, with discount opportunities possible. The event features dazzling displays, complete with animal …

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Water Taxi on The Intracoastal Waterway runs scenic routes in Fort Lauderdale and an express route from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood. It is adding routes to parks and restaurants in Pompano Beach. Information about Water Taxi and purchasing tickets is at 954-467-6677 or online.  Water Taxi routes in Fort Lauderdale Some use the yellow vessels …

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Flamingo Gardens in Davie  is a popular attraction with wildlife habitats, botanical gardens and occasional extra events and activities including festivals and live entertainment.  Flamingo Gardens prices & discounts Regular entry fees are $24 ages 12 and older, $17 for ages 3-11 20% discount, which is $19.20  for seniors age 65 and older, veterans, military, …

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For a fun, unique and inexpensive activity in north Broward, hop aboard a little railroad.  The teeny train runs on tracks around a pond at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Train rides offered third weekends Functioning model locomotives offer rides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the third full weekend of each month, weather permitting. It’s …

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The Hollywood Bandshell is a delightful venue for free live entertainment oceanside. Salty breezes. Waves rolling ashore. Favorite local bands, and fans, rocking out. Delightful. The bandshell is on a lovely pedestrian promenade. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk (not Boardwalk) runs more than two miles along the beach, and it lined with restaurants, shops and motels. …

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Living on the CheapMiami on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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