December 26th, 2010

Putt’n Around Delray Beach, Miniature Golf, Putt Putt, Delray Beach, Activities, Florida, Palm Beach County

Hello to all of you from the snow covered Delaware Beaches on the East Coast.  As I sat down to write this post all I could see all day long was snow, wind and more snow.  I kept taking pictures and uploading them on Facebook.  I wondered if anyone really cared.  I hope this is not the beginning of a long snowy winter; last year’s was long enough.

If you were here, there was not much to do today.  Walk, enjoy the scenery, eat and watch some of the neighborhood kids use one of the few hills at the beach and snowboard.

When I was in Florida last week, I could not believe I was complaining about the weather there.  I still have a few posts not written from Delray so that’s what I am doing tonight. 

Christmas is over, so what do we do now?  The kids are already bored and still there are about 7 more days left before they go back to school.  If you are visiting Delray Beach or its nearby towns, the following post might be of interest to you because young and old can enjoy the pastime of miniature golf.

Last August I noticed that Putt’n Around was opening in Delray Beach.  To tell you the truth I have never noticed putt putts in Florida.  Maybe I have not been in the right areas but no, I never have seen any.  It interested me because, here at the Delaware and Maryland beaches, there are so many of them; some more sophisticated than others, as well.  It is something we all love to do when the weather permits.

“The first minigolf course in the world is the Ladies Putting Club of St. Andrews in Scotland”, which was founded in 1867; it is still in operation today.  It is called “the Himalayas”.  Apparently, the conservative norms of the era, shall we say, made it unacceptable for women to publicly perform such “violent” movements that a golf swing requires.  Oh my, we have come a long way!

The Putt’N Around Delray Beach course is located at 350 NE 5th Avenue (Federal Highway).  Three blocks from Atlantic Avenue.  Telephone is 561-450-6162.  Website is www.puttnaround.net. E-mail is info@puttnaround.net.  The website is a very good one with all kinds of information and directions coming from north or south.

When I think of putt putts what immediately comes to mind is the one that for many years existed in the town of Bethany Beach, one of my favorite Delaware beach towns, and my home for many years.  It was simple, small and we all loved it.  It brings back so many memories of Mr. Fisk sitting there with his dog and later his grandchildren and all the kids that worked there that we knew; coastal living at its best and priceless.

I wanted to stop and check this putt putt course because when you think about it there times that you have had enough of the beach, or maybe shopping and want to try something else.  It really is a family past time.

I was so surprised to find this beautiful building which is the “club house” and state of the art courses.  There were tables and a counter where you pay for the rounds; 18 or 36 holes.  They have simple snacks, ice cream, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Souvenirs like t-shirts, hats, and beach towels are available, as well.

There are 2 miniature golf courses; “The Everglades” and “The Ocean”.  One with alligators and other animals from that kingdom and the other with dolphins and maybe a sailfish from the ocean and the beach.

Palm trees, obstacles, water, bridges are part of the fun of playing on a miniature golf course.  On this particular day only adults were playing.

Putt’n Around is open daily; $9.95 per person for 16 holes, $15 for 36 holes, including tax.

They will be more than happy to host and help set up a group event, fundraising event, birthday party, or just a party in general.  You can rent one of the 18 hole courses for such event.  For $50 you can reserve the porch or inside space for 2 hours.  The event space will be decorated for your special occasion.  Just call them for more info.

It is funny because I still remember the person that wrote me stating that Delray Beach was so boring.  What was she thinking?  Beaches, restaurants, shops, activities, entertainment, the arts, bookstores, beautiful weather…..no I don’t get bored there….

Talk to you later…..

Note:  Some info. for my post was taken from www.wikipedia.org.

August 5th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, Village by the Sea, South Florida, Events, Activities, 8/6/10 – 8/7/10

I have not been in Delray Beach since June and I miss it.  Once you get to know this little Village by the Sea, you don’t want to let go of it.  It is one of those coastal towns that are busy; restaurants are open, shops, fairs, festivals and the town is making sure that the residents have plenty to do.

If you are visiting Delray Beach this week-end, this is what you will find:

Friday and Saturday, 8/6/10 and 8/7/10 –  Shark Feeding starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 S. Ocean Blvd. 

Friday, 8/6/10 – It is Gallery Walk from 7 – 11 p.m. – On Friday nights trendy Atlantic Avenue shows off its art scene by keeping the art galleries open extended hours for all art lovers to enjoy.  Website http://delraybeachartdistrict.com.

Friday, 8/6/10 – Summer Nights in Delray Beach – Summertime Blues from 7 – 10 p.m. at SW 5th Ave. Plaza at Atlantic across from the Fire Dept.

Summertime Blues has free admission and Ike & Val Woods, a popular blues band from Miami will be one of the entertainers.

Summer evenings in Downtown Delray Beach are filled with great events.  Dancing in the street, art projects for every age and skill level, live entertainment with music styles ranging from Latin and Reggae to the blues and country.

The CRA will continue its 25th anniversary celebration by providing cupcakes at the Plaza.  The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum will be promoting its upcoming Living Heritage Festival and hosting a photo opportunity for children: instruments to mime playing with the band.  A children’s art project will also be available.

Saturday, 8/7/10 – Village Arts Mart Summer Market from 8 – 1 p.m. at 115 NE 4th Ave. in Delray.  This is an open air market featuring local artists, crafters, garden fresh/organic produce and gourmet foods.

Saturday, 8/7/10 – Grand Opening of Putt’n Around.  36 holes of exciting miniature golf in a waterfront setting.

Play 18 holes at “The Everglades” with its lush landscaping and sculptures.  Or, 18 holes around the beach-inspired setting and crystal-blue water of “The Ocean”.

There is a concession area with snacks, ice cream and soft drinks and so much more.  Open every day from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. $9.85/person for 18 holes including tax or $15 for 36 holes also including the tax.

Location?  350 NE 5th Ave. (Federal Highway), Delray Beach, FL 33483.  E-mail address is info@puttnaround.net and website www.puttnaround.net/#/home.

Saturday, 8/7/10 – It is the 7th Annual Family Fun Day from 4 – 11 p.m. at Pompey Park, 1101 NW 2nd St.

Join the City of Delray Beach.  Great family event with games, live entertainment, speakers, food, vendors and prizes. 

Just bring your umbrella and lawn chair.  That’s all you need.

If you are looking for a good book to read, and if mysteries are your thing, then visit Murder on the Beach Book Store.  They are located on 273 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.  They are in the Pineapple Grove District.  Tel. 561-279-7790 and the website is www.murderonthebeach.com.

On Tuesday, August 10th at 7 p.m. Ellen Crosby will be signing Viognier Vendetta.  “When Lucie Montgomery visits Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season she doesn’t expect that her reunion with old friend Rebecca Natale is a setup.  But Rebecca disappears into thin air after running an errand for her boss, billionaire philanthropist and investment guru Sir Thomas Asher.  Also missing: an antique silver wine cooler looted by British soldiers before they burned the White House during the War of 1812. The next morning Lucie identifies Rebecca’s neatly folded clothes found in a rowboat floating in the Potomac River.  Is it suicide, murder, or an elaborate scheme to dissapear?  Scribner 1st edition, signed: $24.00

Have a great week-end…and talk to you later….