26th Street in Wilton Manors, a neighborhood in Oakland Park, Florida, is a fun and exciting place to live. I often moved between selling my first condo on 13th and Mockingbird Lane ( I am not a Munster, but that was my address) and buying my townhouse in Wilton Manors.

I had fun living in Wilton Manors, Florida. This small neighborhood is an LGBTQ-friendly town teaming with music, art, dancing, parades, and fashion-inspiring drag queen shows. 

Always a party at Hamburger Mary’s

I lived in an apartment on 26th Street right over Hamburger Mary’s, a bouncy and exciting venue that featured Drag Queen weekend parties. I sat at my window with my best friend, drinking beers and enjoying the shows. The music was so loud that it rattled the windows. The food was fantastic and fun, too—it was not just hamburgers. 

One day, I remember ordering a hot dog. After being presented with the largest and darkest hot dog I had ever seen on a plate, I broke into hysterical laughter.

I walked to everything

I didn’t need to get in my car; I could walk everywhere, from the grocery store to the coffee shops, bakeries, and the popular “To The Moon” candy store. 

 “To The Moon” was one of the best candy/novelty stores I had ever seen. There was so much stuff you could barely walk around. To The Moon had all the oldie candies, some of which I had not seen in years, and fun novelty items. I spent 1 hour one day just looking at everything, exploring every corner.

Another good feature was the complimentary newspapers and magazines I could pick up by Thursday night. I planned my whole weekend around the various activities listed in the publications.

There was no need to worry about fixing breakfast; just down the street was the Courtyard Cafe. I was a happy camper with a breakfast mimosa, BLT, and fried green tomatoes.

I often frequented a great gym in the local community center. Again, no need to drive it was close enough for me to walk.

The parades were also fantastic and often. Stonewall Gay Pride, Halloween, and other street festivities. There was never a dull moment. Music drifted out of the numerous clubs that lined the Wilton Manors streets. I could dance while running my daily errands.

26th Street in Wilton Manors, my happy place.