Too far to drive?

Word has it that the bookstore to frequent in Broward County is the Barnes & Noble at 2051 N. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale. Especially popular are Open Mike Poetry night, at 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of every month, and the Gay & Lesbian Reading Group at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday. ''There's a lot of interaction here,'' says Barnes & Noble spokeswoman Helen LaForge. ''This is a happening place.'' For information on events: 954-561-3732 or www.bn.com.

GET FRESH

Hey, they don't call it a supermarket for nothing. When we asked South Floridians about great meeting places, Publix was a unanimous favorite. And according to Publix spokeswoman Anne Hendrix, there is always something going on at one of the 240 stores, whether it's a wine tasting or a holiday festival.

''Also, don't forget Dolphins season,'' Hendrix said. ``Sunday morning is the tailgater crowd and you can't miss them. They're all dressed up and are excited about the game and they have something to talk to each other about.''

APPLE OF YOUR EYE

Word -- or should we say, WordPerfect -- has it that the Apple Store is the new place to meet people. With daily workshops on everything from Podcasting to Getting Started on your Mac, the stores -- on Lincoln Road, at The Falls and in Aventura -- are drawing huge crowds.

We visited the Aventura store on a Sunday afternoon and the Lincoln Road store on a Friday night and both were bustling. People were definitely checking each other out -- and maybe even clicking. For workshop information: www.apple.com.

ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

All levels of rowing are taught by the Miami Beach Rowing Club at the Ronald W. Shane Rowing Center, and there's an equal mix of male and female members. As Elaine Roden, the center's executive director said, ``There's always flirting here. People are walking around half naked.''

The center has events where men and women row together and club members often congregate for barbecues. In the fall the club is adding full moon kayaking tours. For information: www.rowmiamibeach.com or 305-861-8876.

NETWORKING GROUPS

Networking Groups such as YUPRO (Young Uprising Professionals Referral Organization) are popping up all over town. Although YUPRO, a group made up of young entrepreneurs, does not bill itself as a singles organization, 90 percent of its members are single.

We caught up with the participants at one of their recent gatherings at Lucky Strike bowling alley in Miami Beach -- yet another great place to strike up a conversation -- and found a well-rounded group of intelligent professionals, ages 27-38.

''Quality yields quality and there's an instant bond here. We're all professionals and we have a lot in common. And your married friends view the world differently,'' said YUPRO member Will Springer, a 34-year-old account executive.

Contact Rachelle Ginsberg at rachelle@usacommercial-residential.com.

PUPPY LOVE

Too long a paws between relationships? Maybe it's time to leash up Fido and stop by China Grill's Dogs Gone Wild event from 5 to 10 p.m. every Sunday. ''Our entire patio is dog-friendly,'' said general manager Steven Haas. ``There's a puppy lounge for those who don't want to eat dinner, and there's a puppy park where the dogs have a baby-sitter.''

The Dogs Gone Wild for Singles event has gotten popular enough for the Today Show to tape recent festivities. Info: www.chinagrillmgt.com or 305-534-2211. Address: 404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.

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