Wilton Manors, FL

Incorporated in 1947, Wilton Manors established a unique ambiance in its short history that persists. Wilton Manors' GLBT population ranks as the second-highest by percentage for all municipalities in the United States.

Wilton Manors features a strong arts scene and multiple museums, including a branch of the Stonewall National Museum, which shares the history and culture of GLBT people in America as well as their many contributions to society.

The town houses several art galleries, such as Gallery XO and Rossetti Fine Art, both located on Wilton Drive. The Art Walk on Wilton Drive takes place every December; artists from around the world descend on Wilton Manors to display their work.

Wilton Manors ranks as a restaurant and nightlife Mecca in South Florida and leaves residents desiring very little when it comes to quality food and entertainment. A wide array of dining establishments, bars and clubs dot Wilton Drive, the town's primary thoroughfare. Restaurant options range from sushi and Italian to kitschy bistros.

Favored by pizza-lovers in the area, Bona Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian-style pizzas and features a full wine bar. Its informal dining atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling windows make Bona a prime spot for a favorite pastime in Wilton Manors: people-watching. Open seven days per week, the menu offers both round and square pizzas, cooked to order. Sandwiches, hot and cold subs, pasta and even seafood round out the menu for those who want to sample something other than pizza. The shrimp marinara, served with mussels and clams over a bed of linguine, ranks as a local favorite, as does the veal marsala, a tender cut of veal sautéed with onions and mushrooms.

Also on Wilton Drive, Sozo Sushi Bar satiates your craving for raw fish in its many prepared forms. Owned and operated by a Japanese family, Sozo serves traditional sushi rolls along with other crowd favorites, such as edamame, ceviche and tuna toro. Locals rave about Sozo's fresh fish and its friendly and inviting atmosphere. Its outdoor dining option makes it another excellent spot for people-watching along "The Drive."

Just off Wilton Drive on Northeast 11th Avenue sits Le Patio, a charming French bistro offering indoor and outdoor seating as well as a menu featuring both European specialties and American comfort food. Locals recommend the lobster ravioli, featuring generously stuffed shells covered with a spinach cream sauce. The shepherd's pie also ranks highly on regulars' lists. Le Patio provides diners with free Wi-Fi, and they offer catering and delivery services.

Wilton Manors contributes an abundance of selections to Broward County's nightlife landscape. The area's diverse array of bars and clubs provides attractive destinations for the young party crowd, the refined cigar and wine aficionado, and the beer-swilling sports fan alike. Down a martini at The Manor Complex, and then lose yourself amid a mass of undulating bodies grooving to house music on the vast dance floor. Visit Scandals Saloon, and try your hand at country line dancing while the bartender serves up stout bourbon drinks.

Wilton Manors ranks as one of South Florida's most pedestrian-friendly communities. It features wide streets and well-kept sidewalks. Residents safely walk, bicycle, jog and walk pets both during the daytime and at night.

Some residents prefer to drive, but the dense population in Wilton Manors often leads to congested traffic, and pubic parking in the area can be expensive. Walking, cycling or carpooling, if possible, save a lot of trouble when commuting within Wilton Manors.

The Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department provides weekly transportation to-and-from doctor appointments and the grocery store for the community's elderly residents.

Its proximity to Interstate 95 makes driving from Wilton Manors to other South Florida destinations, such as downtown Fort Lauderdale, very easy. For those who wish to let someone else do the driving, numerous taxi companies operate in the area, as does Uber. It's possible to hail a cab at times, but calling ahead for a ride remains much more of a certainty.

Broward County Transit provides public bus transportation throughout the county, including stops in Wilton Manors.

Wilton Manors maintains a strong parks-and-recreation scene including Colohatchee Park, featuring 8.5 acres of wetlands that serve as a natural habitat to numerous species. A walkway through the preserve permits taking in all the scenery, and it ends in the back of the park, which features basketball, sand volleyball and a dog park. Parking and admission are free, with the exception of the dog park, which costs $30 per year for Wilton Manors residents.

Hagen Park serves as the community's exercise-themed park, offering a fitness center, walking trail and tennis courts. This local gem welcomes visitors of all ages, from small children to senior citizens, and it offers a broad spectrum of regular events, such as Zumba classes for the whole family and fun, memory-boosting activities for the elderly.

The cost of living in Wilton Manors remains moderately higher than the average for Broward County. The average rental rate sits at $1,205 per month, a beer at a typical bar costs $3.75, and a bus fare to downtown Fort Lauderdale runs $1.75 each way. Gas prices in the area hover 4 percent higher than the national average.

Wilton Manors houses an abundance of boutiques and specialty shops. These include antique stores, custom frame shops, candy stores and athletic retailers. Most are situated along Wilton Drive or in close proximity to it. For more extensive shopping including big-box retailers and high-end stores, the Sawgrass Mills Mall sits 12 miles due west of Wilton Manors and ranks as one of the largest shopping malls in the nation.

The Athletic Man, located on Wilton Drive just south of where it turns into 4th Avenue, features a huge selection of trendy athletic wear for guys including tank tops, running shorts and beachwear. Shopping for the guys at The Athletic Man ensures his happiness with what he receives.

Residents with a sweet tooth satiate it at To The Moon Marketplace, a Wilton Drive boutique candy store providing over 13,000 items, most of those being candies that no longer can be found anywhere else. Besides candy, To The Moon Marketplace also specializes in hard-to-find groceries, such as Jiffy Pop and raisin crackers, as well as hard-to-find pop, such as Cheerwine and Moxie. Collectors also love this place and frequently find such treasures as Betty Boop, tin lunchboxes and classic toys.

Two Publix locations within the boundaries of Wilton Manors serve residents for large grocery trips. The community also features Little Market, a small grocer that specializes in international cuisine, particularly Indian. To avoid grocery shopping altogether, hire Grocery Express, a Wilton Manors grocery shopping and delivery service.

The community hosts the Wilton Manors Green Market, an outdoor farmers market on Wilton Drive open every Saturday and Sunday.