November 25th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, Village By The Sea, Activities, Events, South Florida, Palm Beach County

Just like a lot of you, I am in the cooking mode for Thanksgiving.  My Turducken is all thawed and as soon as I finish this post I will start making my side dishes.  Simple is the way I like my dishes; not too sweet but with a lot of flavor.

I have gotten my wish; it is a gray day and cool; leaves are on the ground.  Actually, they are all over my deck and yard.

I was thinking about all the people that have been traveling since yesterday on planes and cars and I give thanks that on this Holiday, I have stayed home; football games and enjoying the season.

The town of Delray Beach, Florida, is one of those I write about a lot.  I do because I have a place there and a lot of people from the eastern shore (Delaware and Maryland) visit this Village by The Sea.  It must be that it reminds us of home.  The coastal atmosphere and the relaxing way in which we live here at the beach.

It still amazes me as I write this, how someone about a month ago wrote to my blog; took the effort to tell me how horrible Delray Beach was and the added comment was that she hated my life.  Oh, well, what can I answer to that?  To each its own, that’s what I say. 

I do like Delray Beach; the way the town is set up, the beach is great, fantastic restaurants, little boutiques, lots of activities and events, music to entertain the visitors and residents every day of the week.  Gorgeous palm trees and accessibility to walking, biking and running.

So, speaking of that, this is what I found out and I am passing it on to you in case you are in the area:

Old School Square – Cultural Arts Center – 51 N. Swinton Ave., tel. 561-243-7922.  website www.oldschool.org.

This is a National Historic Site that houses the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture, Crest Theatre and Vintage Gymnasium, restored in early 20th century school buildings.

It is considered the catalyst for the 1990’s renaissance of downtown Delray Beach when historic preservation and the arts became one.

If you visit the website you will find all kinds of info. regarding classes, exhibits, specials events and performances.  Here are a few coming up:

Friday, 11/26 – The Holiday Carousel opens for the Holidays.  It is a 50 seat carousel for kids and adults.  Hours are 5 – 9 p.m. weekdays and 1 – 9 p.m. on week-ends and during the December break.  $2.

Also on Friday, 11/26 is the very popular Gallery Walk.  Delray Beach is known for its vibrant art scene; about 20 galleries are found in downtown Delray.  On Fridays from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. the galleries open their doors for a walk.  Wine and cheese served at participating galleries. 

Saturday, 11/27 – Trash & Treasure Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Entertainment Pavilion where the Old School Square is located.  Join them for a bargain hunter’s dream.  More info?  Call 561-243-7922, e xt. 319.

Saturday, 12/4 is Cycles, A Musical Journey, at the Old School Square at 8:00 p.m. $30.  Drew Tucker, Delray’s percussionist has arranged this musical “feast for the senses”.  It combines classical piano with high energy percussion (Blue Man Group-Style).

Drew Tucker has performed with Diana Krall, Ed Calle, Arturo Sandoval and Ricky Martin, among others.  He is also a teacher and a mentor.

Holiday Festivities – The lighting ceremony of the 100-foot Christmas Tree at Old School Square  will be on Thursday, 12/2.  So many events will start at 5:00 p.m.

For a complete schedule please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/holiday-festivities.

Thursday, 12/2 – Art & Jazz – On Atlantic Ave. featuring live musical entertainment, open house specials and gallery exhibitions from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Until February 27, 2011 – The Cat’s Meow – A Purrfect Celebration of Cats….Wild to Mild an exhibit at the Old School Square.

Saturday, 12/4  and Sunday, 12/5 – Cat Adoptions in the Cornell Museum with Cats Exclusive, Inc.  Saturday from Noon until 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Sunday, 12/5 – Art Class Open House. at the Old School Square, from Noon until 4 p.m. – Meet the instructors and take advantage of the incentives for new students.

This little Village by The Sea is also very musical; during the week you will hear music emanating from different venues and restaurants.  One place that does have music every day of the week, is Johnny Browns.  It is located on 301 East Atlantic Ave., right by the railroad tracks.  It is also a restaurant with burgers, wings, ribs, and, Classic Rock.  Its website is www.johnniebrowns.com.

The performers are very good and for all tastes.

Sundays – Reggae and classic rock with Usher, West & Battle from 8 until midnight.

Mondays – Big Brass Bed – One of South Florida’s best, playing tribute to Bob Dylan and more.  That starts at 8 p.m.

Tuesdays – A live tribute to Rod Stewart with The Hot Rod Band.  Impersonator, look-alike.  All Rod, all Night.  Starts at 8 p.m.

Wednesdays – The Flyers – Classic Rock’s Finest – Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Harrison, Jimmy Hendrix, and more.  8:00 p.m.  I have heard them and they are great!!

Thursdays is a popular night with a Tribute to Elvis by Scott Ringersen.  Two shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  Have seen this show, as well and he is good with a big following.

Friday, 11/26 – Aces’n Kings from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

Saturday, 11/27 – The Johnsons from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.  Very talented and have seen them as well.

Well, I think for now this is enough……I hope you are having a great day!!  Talk to you later…