February 5th, 2012
Come and enjoy the day in Delray Beach….but tropical nights in the Village by the Sea are a lot of fun…
Usually, I tried to keep away from the hustle and bustle of the week-end. Having a friend in Delray, well, gave us an opportunity to check Delray at night. Those tropical nights, dining al fresco. Our choice? We decided on Vic & Angelo’s on 290 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-9570. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. And, no, I don’t work for them. I happen to like the restaurant. I think a guest visiting would like it, as well. The food is consistently good, the service is great and the atmosphere is vibrant and fun.
Nights in Delray, at this time of the year, remind me of the nights in Rehoboth Beach during the height of the summer season. Where to park? Most restaurants have valet parking. Also the parking lot by the railroad tracks on Atlantic Ave. charge $10 and it is a good investment if planning on an extended evening in town.
After getting comfortable on our table we had to laugh. We almost did not need to talk; people watching was entertainment in itself. Our server was Jessie. She was very attentive, new the menu well and I decided to go with her recommendations. The night was young so let me tell you what we had.
After getting some of their delicious flat bread, some of us decided to get grilled octopus. Tender, it melted in your mouth.
 
I decided to get the Black Grouper, topped with a crab cake. It had escarole and white beans. It was a good choice. Very well seasoned.
A Veal Picatta was ordered with artichokes, capers and lemon jus. This dish has been ordered in the past and is popular with my husband; gluten free.
The Veal Chop was also ordered. This chop was not on the menu. A side order of the veal picatta lemon jus was ordered because it was so tasty; making this dish their own.
No dessert was needed; we were all pretty much satisfied with our meals.
Atlantic Avenue looked pretty at night. Illuminating lights gave it a special glow.
Off for a walk and a nightcap at the new Park Tavern, which of course, after their big official opening on Friday evening, was full to capacity. Sorry, no pictures inside, too many customers. Interesting dishes and sliders coming out of the kitchen.
Off to the second nightcap of the evening and to listen to some music at Il Bacio. This is an outdoor venue for music, located at SE 2nd Ave. but we entered through their entrance on Atlantic Ave. Completely outdoors; so check for the weather if you are planning to stop by. You don’t want to get there too early either. The atmosphere kicks on later into the evening.
It was time to go home…..enjoying time with friends and family….priceless!!
February 3rd, 2012
I find it so funny….when I write posts about what’s going on in the beaches that I frequent, I have to laugh because there is so much. I usually, pick and choose the activities, events and entertainment that catch my attention. So, if you are visiting Palm Beach County, the town of Delray Beach and surrounding towns then maybe these ones will appeal to you, as well.
Activities
Tuesday/Thursday Paddlers – This activity is for experience kayakers or paddlers. If you love to kayak then this might be up your alley. The duration of the paddles is 3 hours twice a week. They have now added Saturdays, as well. What you need to do is send an e-mail to seeleydavid@bellsouth.net and put in the subject line “Paddling Group”. Then send your phone number. He will notify you by e-mail of the paddle location. This is a group that has been getting together for years. After the 3 hour paddle they will meet for lunch at a restaurant.
Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club – Hikes, bikes and paddles, but mostly paddling. Location? Okeeheele Nature Center in Okeeheele Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., west of West Palm Beach. Call Geoff at 561-963-9755 for more info., or better yet, visit http://www.clubkayak.com/pandp/.
You can rent kayaks at Adventure Times Kayak Shop at 521 Northlake Blvd. Website www.kayakkayak.com.
Boca Raton Tours – Join a naturalist from Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for a guided tour along the Boardwalk at Rutherford Park. Then, the tour will be followed by a canoe paddle through mangrove trails and back along the shoreline of the Intracoastal. Please note that paddling experience is necessary. $22/person or $15 for members of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Prepayment and reservations are necessary by calling 561-338-1542. Please visit www.gumbolimbo.org for more info. on this Nature Center.
Loxahatchee Canoeing offers guided moonlight tours from 7 – 9 p.m. through Arthur R. Marshall Loxatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boyton Beach, Florida. $10/person includes boat rental plus $5 admission to the Park. Reservations are required. Please call 561-733-0192. Please check http://www.canoetheeverglades.com.
Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. – Shark Feeding at The Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 S. Ocean Blvd. Sundays the Shark Feeding will be at 1:30 p.m. The Sandoway House is located in a 1936 beachfront home in Delray. I wrote a post on the Nature center on 2/15/11. Just click on the month of February of 2011 and scroll down to the date. I included pictures.
Saturday, 2/4 – Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the Open Air Delray GreenMarket at SE 4th Ave., South of Atlantic Ave. Freshly made baked goods, produce, flowers , live music and even some dancing, as well.
Saturday, 2/4 and Sunday 2/5 – The Delray Beach Antiques Show at the Delray Beach Community Center on 50 NW 1st Ave. Exhibitor booths of antique elegance, quality and beauty. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Live Entertainment
Delray Beach is full of music. Different venues seem to be able to accommodate everyone’s likings. Check these ones.
Crane’s Beach House – You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy some of the live entertainment on week-ends. Crane’s Beach House is located at 82 Gleason St. Tel. 561-278-1700. Website? www.cranesbeachhouse.com.
On Friday the Tiki Bar will be opening at 5 p.m. – Live entertainment will start at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. with DYMiN. She has performed alongside the late Bob Hope, the late Miles Davis among many others.
On Saturday go by the North Pool Waterfall where Adam Barnes “Teacha” will be performing live reggae starting at 6 p.m.
The Atlantic Grille is located at the Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach – Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. you will find Orson Whitfield. The Seagate Hotel is located at E. Atlantic Avenue. Website? www.theatlanticgrille.com.
And if all that fails…..there is always plenty of eating in Delray. Casual or elegant? Your choice.
Grab a pitcher of beer; they’ll keep it cold, and a flat bread. They are pretty good too. The best are their grilled wings. Where? At the Bru’s Room at 35 NE 2nd Avenue, 561-276-3663. Website? www.brusroom.com. Bru’s Room has a gluten free menu. And those wings I mentioned? Gluten free, as well!!
January 22nd, 2012
In Delray Beach, Florida some restaurants come and go, just like anywhere else. But then, there are those who are now part of the established eateries that make this Village by the Sea such a South Florida destination. They are serving tried and true dishes; some are a house specialty and some are a customer’s favorite.
So, if you find yourselves in this Village by The Sea, enjoy the town, the beach, the shops and all the restaurants; some are more casual than others, but almost all of them offer al fresco dining.
I visit Delray often and the following restaurants are favorites in Delray. They all offer so much on their menu. But, there are some dishes that I am totally hooked on. Check my list.
Ziree Thai and Sushi is located at 401 West Atlantic Ave. (a few blocks west of the Delray Beach Tennis Center). Tel. 561-276-6549. Website? http://www.zireethai.com.
Sushi, sashimi, other Asian delights are among the many dishes. I have been visiting Ziree since they opened and have seen it grow and be such a part of the local community.
I love a dish called the Atlantic Ocean. It is a combination of salmon, shrimp, scallops, squid and mussels, steamed in thick curry sauce and basil leaves. It is a delicious dish and can you believe that it is only $19.95. It is served with your choice of white or brown rice.
Jimmy’s Bistro has been in Delray for a few years, at 9 S. Swinton. Tel. 561-865-5774. You can find Jimmy’s Bistro on Facebook. I was there when Jimmy first opened the bistro. I knew success was around the corner. It was a matter of time; a few passed the word around and Jimmy has become very much loved in the community. It is small, quaint and has great background music.
One of my true favorites and I imagine, a signature dish along with his Po’ Boy is Jimmy’s Tomato Soup with Parmesan Crust. It is served steaming hot; love poking through the crust to find a comforting soup. It is filling so get a lighter entree. Or, have a salad with it.
Cabana El Rey – It is referred to as Cabana, located at 105 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-274-9090. Website? www.cabanarestaurant.com. This restaurant serves a variety of Latin dishes; tostones, mariquitas, coconut rice, morcillas, paella, rice in squid ink, but a favorite of mine and one that you will always find on its menu, is the Pollo Asado which is a half roasted chicken rubbed with adobo (garlic, oregano, lime and extra virgin olive oil). It is served with a choice of yellow or white rice and beans, of course. It is $17.95 and is the best; kid you not.
Tramonti is located at 119 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-272-1944. Website? www.tramontidelray.com. This restaurant is one of those that is crowded all the time. Do anything you can to get ahead of the line; speak Italian? That’s even better. They serve a very good lunch too if dinner is not your thing or reservations are hard to get.
A signature dish of Tramonti is called Spaghetti in Cartoccio Areo. It is a baked spaghetti with shrimp, parma prosciutto in a cognac cream sauce. The baking is done in foil. Well seasoned, thick sauce, just enough cognac.
Another favorite? Carpaccio Di Manzo is a beef carpaccio on a bed of arugola, capers, balsamic vinegar and shaves of parmigiano cheese. It is more of an appetizer.
Brule Bistro is in what is known as Pineapple Grove. This Art District of Delray is becoming a second Atlantic Avenue. Brule is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? www.brulebistro.com. I have yet to make it for dinner; that will be soon, though. The restaurant has a good menu and an extensive wine list.
The chilled gazpacho with yogurt creme is excellent on a hot South Florida day. Homemade; not canned.
The Market Salad is a favorite and it has assorted veggies and white balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Topped with grilled chicken, it is certainly a beautiful meal.
City Oyster was one of the first restaurants I went to when I first came to Delray Beach about 9 years ago. It is located at 213 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-272-0220. Website? www.cityoysterdelray.com. Definitely it is defined as American Cuisine. It has a great bar and very impressive inside. I usually just sit outside having what I love there best; raw oysters. They are from different parts of the country. Served on ice, plump and salty. That’s all I need to say.
Vic & Angelo’s is located at 290 East Atlantic Ave. Tel. 561-278-9570. Website? www.vicandangelos.com. Great atmosphere, good bread, fine wings, and delicious pastas, but one dish that I order every single time is the V & A Caesar Salad. Romaine Hearts, hand shaved Reggiano, white anchovies with the homemade Caesar dressing makes this one of my favorite salads. It is large enough to share; I never do and I never offer either.
After that salad a veal picatta with artichokes, capers and lemon jus…is a favorite, as well.
Bru’s Room is a Sport’s Bar right in the heart of Delray. Along with many types of beers, and plenty of televisions for all the sport aficionados, they serve the best, bar none, Wings. I usually order the Triple Threat. It is a combination of all their wings; BBQ, Sweet ‘N’ Tangy and hot, grilled and topped with minced garlic. You can leave the garlic out or just get like I sometimes do, the Sweet ‘N’ Tangy, but the magic word is Grilled. You can order them for take-out, as well. Call 561-276-3663. Bru’s Room is located at 35 NE 2nd Ave. Website? www.brusroom.com. The wings are gluten free and it is one of the few restaurants that I have encountered in South Florida offering a gluten free menu.
The Office is located at 201 East Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-276-3600. Website? www.theofficedelray.com. No ordinary office this is. They serve outdoors, at the bar or indoors. I have had different salads at the office; some are specials but one that is always on their menu and a favorite is the Vinegar Maker’s Salad. Romaine, tomato, avocado, cucumber, carrot, onion, olives, chick peas, and roasted cauliflower. It is even better topped with a fish, beef or chicken. My choice is usually beef.
A resurgence of deviled eggs I have found to be in a lot of restaurants. Their Truffled Deviled Eggs with paprika and chives are so good.
The Dark english Ale Battered Fish with salt and vinegar “chips”, pan fried onion dip, and cole slaw does not have any rivals.
Lemongrass is located at 420 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-0222. It is a happening spot with plenty of customers enjoying unique fare. I have had, just like in the above mentioned restaurants, plenty of what they have to offer, but, one dish that is outstanding, besides being a conversation piece is their Holly Snapper. Boneless and fried snapper, topped with a garlic sweet chili sauce. I take my time in eating it and savour every last bite. Love it!!
Another favorite and signature dish is the Lobster Monster Roll…crispy lobster, cucumber, scallions, asparagus, masago, I/O with sesame seeds. This is all you need to order.
Delray Beach, let me tell you that you have come a long way….good for you…talk to you later.
January 7th, 2012
Is early in the morning and I wonder if I am writing this post out of guilt. Well, I have to admit it; I fell off the New Year’s resolution wagon yesterday. What could I do? My son asked me to go to Nicola Pizza, right here in Rehoboth Beach. I couldn’t say no. I also could not let him eat that well done pizza with sweet peppers and onions all by himself. I went willingly; no twisting of the arm there.
But today is a new day and I am back on the saddle again. I have to be kind to myself. I started analyzing my pizza. Vegetable, cheese, bread. That’s not so bad. Well, 3 pieces is a little too much. My confession is that even though in our household we eat gluten free, pizza is one thing that has not been perfected if you are on a gluten free diet. Sorry, but there is nothing better than a regular pizza. When you have not had it for some time, believe me, it’s heaven. So, enough of that and on with the post. It’s good to get it off my chest.
What brought me to Nutrition Cottage in Delray Beach was the fact that I was having trouble finding gluten free products in the area. It has been about 3 years since my husband started eating gluten free and believe me, you learn a lot while going through the process of adjusting yourself to another way of eating. The restaurants and grocery stores in South Florida have come a long way, but there is still work to be done.
That’s why it was a breath of fresh air when I found Nutrition Cottage, right on Atlantic Avenue. The address is 407 E. Atlantic Ave., tel. 561-272-8571. The store in Delray has been there for over 12 years. There is also another location in Boyton Beach at 1815 S. Federal Highway, tel. 561-734-4626. That store has been in that location for over 20 years. The website? http://www.nutritioncottage.com.
When you first see the store from the outside you might think that it is not that big; believe me, it is deceiving. It goes all the way to the back, ending with a Cafe/Bar area where you can order, smoothies, fresh juices, protein shakes, sandwiches, salads and one good cup of coffee.
I heard someone said, Do you need any help? I really was browsing for a lotion. I was already taken care of by Brenda. Anyway, he introduced himself. He was Mark Stowe who is the owner of Nutrition Cottage. He has been a licensed nutritionist for 32 years. He was also past President of the Natural Products Assoc. He is available for private nutritional counseling by appointment. If you are interested give the store a call.
He told me that his wife Karen does all the special orders for the Delray store and that if I ever needed anything to give her a call, as well.
I asked if I could take some pictures for my blog and he graciously agreed. I then went my own way checking things out.
The moisturizing cream I bought was from a company called Mountain Ocean from Boulder, Colorado. The line is called Skin Trip (Coconut). I love how quickly your skin absorbs it; no greasy feeling. The coconut smell is so nice too. If you want to know more about it, check www.mountainocean.com.
A corner with cosmetics from a line called Gabriel. They are 100% natural ingredients, no synthetic chemicals or animal by-products and no testing is ever done on animals. The colors looked nice. I do have friends who are allergic to a lot of the products used on make-up, so this might be something worth trying. The website is www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com.
Even though my concern was looking for gluten free items, the store has an abundance of nutritional products and groceries.
For the person interested in gluten free items you will find pastas, sauces, cookies, pancake mixes, cookie mixes, cookies, brownies, crackers, dressings and so much more. There is a freezer with plenty of gluten free breads to choose including French baguettes.
The staff is very knowledgeable so you will not have any problems, whether is a gluten allergy or any other related food allergy or concern.
Nutrition Cottage has award winning organic wines.
For the ones that one to pick out something for take out, there is plenty to choose from.
Check their website. It is a wellness reference library in itself, with recipes, information, events, coupons and links. I signed up and get coupons right to my e-mail.
That one cup of coffee…..it was so good; no kidding….I grabbed my cup and parked myself in one of their outdoor tables….people watching, warm weather, sunny day, palm trees….couldn’t complain.
Note: Nutrition Cottage has Blood Analysis. For more information on what this entails, please call the shop at 561-272-8571.
Have a beautiful day…talk to you later.
January 5th, 2012
Yesterday, well, it was too cold to snow. As I took Addy out last night I thought it was much warmer as in 38 degrees or so. When I woke up this a.m. and saw the dusting of snow, and believe me, it was just a dusting, for crying out loud, my thoughts went to the town of Delray Beach, Florida. That’s my home away from home.
So when I say a picture says it all; it does, don’t you think?
With that in mind I have to tell you that back in 2002 was the year when we first visited Delray Beach. Like anything else, a friend said to stay there while visiting colleges in South Florida. We liked it so much that in 2003 we bought a place. I think it reminded me of Rehoboth Beach; small coastal town, lots of restaurants, the beach, art and entertainment. The locals, natives, shopkeepers, and inn-keepers are very friendly; like you have known them forever.
The following companies are those that we have worked with on an ongoing basis. So reliable and very professional.
We met Cheran from Tauriello & Co. and she has been our realtor ever since. The company is located right there on Atlantic Ave. 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com. Daniel and Sue Tauriello are the Brokers of Record.
Cheran and Tauriello have been very accessible and easy to work with. They have been in the community for so many years and know the area so well. You can find Tauriello & Co. on Facebook.
So, if you are in search of a place to hang your beach chair and bag, give them a call.
 Overlooking east on Atlantic Ave.
Anita is the owner of Anita Jennings Designs. She is an Interior Designer. At times people are a little put off by some of these designers but Anita is very easy to talk to. She has said in the past that if you have a lot of money then the work of a designer is just so easy. It is when there is a budget that the designer can really shine and show what he or she can do. I can recommend her with complete confidence. If you are interested then give her a call at 561-278-7473. Anita speaks English and Spanish and a few other languages, as well.
Beach House Management, LLC. is a Property Management Company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm and I have yet to see anyone that is so organized and so professional as he deals with all of us, his clients. He knows I cannot live without him; I have said so before.
He probably thinks I am crazy for saying this but there is nothing he cannot do. So, there is nothing else to say. Having a property manager is a necessity, not a luxury, more so for me and others that do not make Delray Beach our permanent home.
You can contact Michael at 561-376-4329. He has a very nice website so check it out at www.mybeachhouses.com.
Please note that Tauriello & Co., Anita Jennings Designs, and Beach House Management are advertisers on AboutMyBeaches, all you have to do is click on their websites on the right hand side of my blog. That’s all you need to do to know more about them.
Just a thought…sand between our toes…a chair, a beach bag….and a place to hang it all…
Have a great day….talk to you later…
December 21st, 2011
Warm in Rehoboth Beach. I like it that way, even though at this time of the year I really do like winter to show its face for the holidays.
Rehoboth is known for its good restaurants; great chefs introducing their innovative cuisine is what a lot of foodies in the area want to experience.
Delray Beach, Florida is known also for its restaurants. One after another you will find them on Atlantic Avenue, which is ”Main Street”. Italian, Japanese, American, French, and Latin.
Years ago another street was introduced in Delray Beach. The street is NE 2nd Ave. This is known as Pineapple Grove, due to the produce that was grown in years past. It looked, at the time, that it would end up being an extension of Atlantic Ave.
Well, it has turned out to be one of the hippest parts of town; sidewalks are lined with art, sculptures, bookstores, eateries; downtown living at its best. The residents of Pineapple Grove have everything accessible to them, including gyms and postal service. Oh, and don’t forget that they are pretty close to the beach, as well; a bike ride or a short drive.
 Early Sunday a.m. One thing that Delray Beach has taken to the next level is the availability to dine ”al fresco”. A temperate climate in South Florida is so conducive for this type of dining. In Delray you might find yourselves dining right on the sidewalk or in some private garden, as well. The sidewalks are wide enough to let the pedestrian activity run smoothly.
Brule Bistro is located at 200 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 109, Delray Beach, FL 33444. It is right on City Walk which has retail on the bottom. Tel. 561-274-2046. Website? http://www.brulebistro.com.
This past summer I went on a hot day and thought it was delicious. Again, just a few weeks ago, it was the choice for my son and I on a perfect day in the Village by the Sea.
Brule has a casual atmosphere. The bistro is known for its extensive collection of wines. It has take out; no reservations, though. It opens early and closes late. The website has a full menu for you to check out. And, specials every day.
The staff was friendly and knew the menu well. There was an excitement as I asked my server what the dish that he had just served to another table was. I ordered that lunch special of salmon over roasted beets. It was considered a salad and I did not want it to end.
I first started with a Chilled Gazpacho with a yogurt creme. The gazpacho was homemade, no canned tomato juice there.
Then came that salmon over the roasted beet salad. I usually write down what I am eating but it the excitement of it all, I forgot. At least, the photo says it all.
My son started with a Shrimp Ceviche in a citrus and chili marinade, served with avocado and the thinnest of warm house chips.
Then an order of their Brule Club with roasted turkey, bacon, arugula, tomato, avocado, Asiago and pesto aioli on a multigrain bread. It was a handsome portion, perfectly displayed. Gone in not time.
 
No desserts for us….we were perfectly happy.
If you are in the Village by the Sea….check it out and let me know what you think. You can write to me to the blog or visit AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
December 9th, 2011
Snowbird? or, Snowflake? If you are in South Florida and around Delray Beach, check this out because they have a pretty busy schedule starting tonight.
Friday, 12/9 – It is the much awaited Boyton & Delray Beaches Annual Boat Parade – The decorated boats line up at the Boyton Beach Inlet and south they will travel along the Intracoastal to the C-15 Canal in Delray. Viewing areas are located at the Boyton Harbor Marina and along the parade route. Pre party starts at 5:30 p.m., live music, pictures with Santa at the Boyton Harbor Marina by Two Georges. Note: Please bring a new and unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
If you want to view the parade from an advantage point, then see if you can get on one of the cruises from Delray Yacht Cruises. This specialty cruise designed for the Boat Parade is $60. Please visit http://www.delraybeachcruises.com/schedule.html, or call 561-243-0686.
Tonight is called Free Friday Concerts with The Dillingers being the Main Event. Where? The Crest Theatre & Outdoor Pavilion, located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue. It opens at 7 p.m. with the food trucks, and cash bar. Bring a chair and blankets but there will be chair rentals available, as well. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. The Dillingers are a mix of traditional and contemporary blues. They are considered “Surfabilly”. Check their website at http://www.thedillingers.com. The concert will be held rain or shine, cold or warm. No pets, please and no outside food or drinks either. The concert is free.
Saturday, 12/10 – Kids at the Tree at Old School Square, 51, N. Swinton Ave. Visit Santa and play in the snow? at the famous 100-foot Christmas Tree from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is a Free event.
Saturday, 12/10 – You might as well stay in town for the Delray Beach Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Centennial. Parade begins on Atlantic Ave. at Venetian Drive and heads west to the Courthouse at 6 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12/16 – 12/18 – Musical Moments on Ice. This song-inspired ice skating spectacular is set to the music of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Location? The Crest Theatre & Outdoor Pavilion. Please visit http://www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 12/22-12/24 – It is Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Home for the Holidays…The Therapy continues. This is a new Holiday show to be held at the Crest Theatre located at 51 North Swinton. Tickets are $30. Please visit http://www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
If that schedule is not your cup of tea, then head for the beach….talk to you later.
November 22nd, 2011
Monday was the perfect day to write this post. First of all, I am back from Delray Beach, Florida. And, second of all, because it was, actually, one of those misty, rainy, Fall days in Rehoboth Beach. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying it. But, I am also remembering last Thursday when I had the day all to myself in Delray….yes, in that Village by the Sea.
Last Thursday was gorgeous. I decided to go and sit on the beach for a few hours. Knowing that I was coming back to the cold weather, I was trying to get the last bit of sun. That was a good thing, since Friday was a stormy day in South Florida.
I have told you before about the beach in Delray. No buildings to block the sun. All you see is the beach. The water was so blue and crystal clear. I had all my beach essentials; a chair, hat, sunscreen, and water. Actually, I think my chair is too low. I need a new one. A little trivial… but that’s what you do when you are on vacation.
I have been wanting to cruise the Intracoastal. Right from Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave., by the bridge, you will find the Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray. I wanted to go on one of those. Departure? 1:30 p.m. for the 2 plus hours of sightseeing.
Delray Yacht Cruises is located at 801 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-243-0686. Website? www.delrayyachtcruises.com.
There is parking available so don’t worry about that. Remember that this is now the holiday season and these cruises will book early.
The other day, it was pretty easy since it was not that crowded. The Lady Atlantic was our yacht and you can start boarding at 1:00 p.m. Promptly they will leave at 1:30 p.m. My cruise was what they called a Daily Two-Hour Narrated Sightseeing Cruise. They have one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m.
The cruises are Tuesdays through Sundays. If you are visiting Delray this week and would like to book a cruise, please check the website above mentioned.
 Intracoastal looking North from Lady Atlantic. They have special event cruises and you will need to make a reservation. For example, Sunset Cruises, Brunch Cruises, Thanksgiving Day Cruises which will include a Turkey Feast, or a Twilight Cruise on Thanksgiving to relax after eating so much Turkey.
December will bring a whole new schedule of cruises with Holiday Lights Cruises, Boat Parades, (Boyton & Delray Beaches and Boca Raton), Holiday Luncheon and Dinner Cruises, New Years Eve Cruises….call 561-243-0686 for details.
The Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray are available for private charters, as well. Please call for more info.
Lady Atlantic was ready and we were all aboard trying to get the best seats. Some were already sitting on the first level. I went inside to see how the boat looked. Beautiful woods and understated decorations.
The Lady Atlantic is fairly new. This 105 foot yacht was delivered in 2008 and was designed for South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways.
The Intracoastal runs most of the length of the Eastern Seaboard. Natural inlets, salt water rivers, bays and sounds; some are also artificial canals.
Some of us chose to sit outdoors on the upper deck. On such a pretty day you had an advantage point.
Breanna, my server, was great. I ordered a blackened mahi mahi sandwich. Just as we started the cruise it arrived and it was truly delicious.
This was a narrated cruise. We were going south and we were about to cross 3 bridges; Atlantic Ave., Linton, and Spanish River en route to Boca. The same on the way back.
The narration started with the safety of the yacht and the history of the intracoastal. We would not be going fast; there were manatees to worry about. Some parts of the intracoastal are wide and very deep and others; so narrow and shallow.
The narrations kept us all entertained. Who lives on the intracoastal? Which are the tear downs and who owned those magnificent houses along the intracoastal? Some are specs; others gifts to someone special. You will have to go on the tour and learn more and even see them decorated for the holidays.
  
I met people from Ohio and from Chicago. Just on vacation they were; taking a day off from the beach, shopping and restaurants.
The yacht was smooth and very relaxing. Those 2 hours were gone in no time and pretty soon we were back in Delray.
I totally recommend it. I had a great time.
Have a great Holiday!! Talk to you later….
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