You don't have to travel very far to experience a relaxing, yet exciting, escape with your sweetheart. Take a break from the norm and plan a romantic weekend getaway at the Riverside Hotel. The 70-year-old Fort Lauderdale landmark is the best place in town to mingle with both strangers and friends alike.

Enjoy an exotic libation at Preston's, the hotel's intimate new lobby bar, and take a leisurely stroll in the garden as you share a romantic moment under the stars.

The spacious, newly restored hotel lobby is enhanced on both sides by enormous stone-carved fireplaces. A brightly lit 10-foot aquarium now serves as the main focal point in the room. Intimate seating arrangements provide ample room to get comfortable and a lively mural captures a natural, Florida-style landscape.

The Riverside Hotel is home to many corporate and social events, from romantic outdoor weddings to elegant ballroom occasions, all orchestrated with pristine attention to detail. Couples tying the knot can invite guests to stay at the Riverside's Executive Tower, whose luxuriously appointed rooms boast fantastic views of the yacht-studded New River.

The Riverside offers a unique selection of bars and restaurants, which are located on elegant, yet casual Las Olas Boulevard. Lined with an array of interesting shops, restaurants and art galleries, Las Olas exemplifies endless charm and variety.

The weekend of March 3rd and 4th, Las Olas will be home to the second installment of the 19th Annual Las Olas Art Fair -- a great opportunity to stroll hand-in-hand and take in the Boulevard's hottest new displays.

Magnificent paintings, life-size sculptures, one-of-a-kind jewelry and dramatic photography from more than 300 artists will transform Las Olas Boulevard into a living art gallery. This popular outdoor event will feature more than $15 million in art, with pieces ranging from $20 to $20,000. Aficionados can park conveniently at the Riverside Hotel's parking garage, located behind the hotel and Cheesecake Factory.

The Riverside Hotel is located at 620 East Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit www.riversidehotel.com or call 954-467-0671.