February 4th, 2013
Visiting Delray Beach? Watch out because while visiting this Village by The Sea….well, you might want to stick around.
Making the visit for guests a little more enjoyable is something Delray is accomplishing in a big way.
WiFi is free to the public on East Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy!!
Delray Beach also has free shuttle service called the Downtown Roundabout, providing park and ride transportation throughout Downtown Delray Beach. There are a few routes available.
One route is available 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. It originates at the Tri Rail Station running north on Congress Avenue to West Atlantic Avenue, continuing east on Atlantic Avenue to the Marriott Hotel on the Beach at Ocean Blvd. (A1A).
From the beach, the shuttle bus returns to the Tri Rail Station traveling west on Atlantic Ave. to Congress Ave. and running south on Congress.
Another Rt. is a split route. Originating also at the Tri Rail Station from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The other route originates at the Delray Beach Public Library on Atlantic Ave. from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Week-end service is Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Please remember that only service dogs are allowed on the shuttle.
More info? Call 561-243-7322, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call after these hours to Delray Beach Action Center at 561-243-7012 or the Shuttle Dispatch Center at 954-791-2505.
You can also visit http://www.mydelraybeach.com/news/2012/03/07/downtown-roundabout. In this site you can also find info. on where to park in Downtown Delray Beach.
The Beach!!
At the center of it all, is the beach in Delray. This beach is unobstructed; you can sit there all day long. Bring your own chairs, or rent the lounges.
At the end of the day it does look quiet, but not so during the South Florida hot days.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later.
February 3rd, 2013
Bar None, the Bru’s Room in Delray Beach has award winning wings. They are grilled, not greasy and taste delicious. And, this is the week-end!! As I was checking Atlantic Avenue I noticed that Bru’s Room was packing them in. They have over 40 tvs.
With so many Ravens’ fans in Delray Beach…it will be very crowded.
Locations? Besides the Delray Beach location at 35 NE 2nd Ave., there are plenty more throughout South Florida. Please visit http://www.brusroom.com.
The Delray Beach location is comfortable and you can have the choice to have a seat outdoors (my favorite), or inside. Their telephone number in case you want to order wings is 561-276-3663.
Please order the wings grilled. My absolute favorites are the Sweet ‘N’ Tangy.
When with my family, we always order the Triple Threat…BBQ, Sweet ‘N’ Tangy, Hot, grilled with minced garlic.
Note: Their wings are gluten free. Make sure you mention it to your server.
Go Ravens!!
January 15th, 2013
Delray Beach has maintained its charmed through history. The area is known for its rich soil. Vegetables and fruits were grown in abundance. Its large colony of artists call Delray home. And…its festivals are famous throughout Florida, as well.
It is a very walkable town. Historic preservation in this town is taken seriously. The cottages that were retreats in simpler days are for the most part, still standing.
At this time of the year, when it is rainy and cold in the northeast the snowflakes and the snowbirds head south for some warmth, rest, and relaxation.
When I mention Delray Beach to others, the beach, restaurants, bars, shops and music venues come to mind.
The beach is unobstructed; you can sit there all they long. The water? Well, see for yourselves.
Too hot to sit on the beach? Tired of shopping and eating? I’ll bet!!
How about a little cruise on the intracoastal? You can catch these cruises right on Atlantic Avenue by the draw bridge, on board the Lady Delray and Lady Atlantic. It is Delray Yatch Cruises located at 801 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-243-0686. Website? http://www.delraybeachcruises.com.
You can take 2 hour cruises northbound or southbound on the intracoastal. They also have dinner cruises, as well. On their website you can check all that info., including their on-board menu.
It something different to do, looking at Delray Beach from another point of observation.
Sandoway House Nature Center is located 142 South Ocean Blvd. in Delray Beach. It is right on A1A and you cannot miss it. If you are on Atlantic Ave., go east and turn right on the corner of Atlantic Ave. and A1A. It will be about 2 blocks on the right. Tel. 561-274-7263. Website? http://www.sandowayhouse.org.
Events, exhibits and programs are offered all the time. Please check the website if you are visiting town.
Coral Reef Pool & Daily Shark Feedings at the Sandoway House occur on Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday the feeding is at 1:30 p.m. Admission is $4 for 3 years of age and older.
The Ivonne S. Templeton Shell Gallery is home to the Albert & Ann Becker Shell Collection. It is the largest in South Florida with over 10,000 “museum quality shells”.
And, coming up is Nature Photography 101 Series. 6 consecutive Saturday mornings. The series is called An Eye for Nature: A Photographic Winter on The Coast. More info? It is all on their website.
Wakodahatchee – It means “created waters”. West of Atlantic Avenue 50 acres have been transformed into a wetlands ecosystem. Turtles, frogs, alligators and birds call this preserve, home. Location? 13026 Jog Rd. Go west on Atlantic, crossing over I-95. Turn right on Jog Rd. Cross over Lake Ida intersection. It will be on the right hand side; about 1/4 mile. The sign is not big.
It is an elevated boardwalk…about 3/4 of a mile. You can stroll, walk, sit and watch the birds come to rest for the evening. It opens early in the a.m. until dusk. More info? Check http://www.pbcgov.com/waterutilities/wakodahatchee/location.htm.
Green Cay Nature Preserve is another acreage transformed into a wetlands ecosystem. The boardwalk is larger than the one at Wakodahatchee; 1.5 miles long. It is also open from sunrise to sunset. Location? 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd. This is considered suburban Boyton Beach, between Boyton Beach Blv. and Atlantic Avenue. More info? Please visit http://www.pbcgov.com/waterutilities/waterfacts/green_cay.htm.
It is relaxing way to start or end the day…pretty relaxing.
The Morikami Gardens are located 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446. Tel. 561-495-0233. Website? http://www.morikami.org.
The gardens are beautiful and tranquil. The Cornell Cafe offers a Pan-Asian inspired menu. You can sit outdoors on the terrace or indoors in air condition.
The Morikami Gardens hold events, classes and festivals throughout the year. Best to check the calendar of events on the website.
Coming up there is a beginner’s bonsai class: The Art of Bonsai. It will take place on 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10 and 2/17, from 9 a.m. until Noon. It will be held at the Oki Education Center Deck. Instructor? Vladimir Foursa. $91 for non members and $81 for members, plus $35 of materials payable to the instructor. You will receive a manual, pruning tool, one beginner’s bonsai tree, bonsai pot, and use of wire and bonsai soil.
Advance registration is required, and you can do so on-line.
Loxahatchee Everglades Tours – Wild Lyle is a great tour guide. He has been doing these tours for years. The tours depart on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. and with the last one starting at 4 p.m. You will see the animals in their natural habitat and you will be gliding over a river of grass. Location? 15490 Loxahatchee Rd., Parkland, FL 33076. Tel. 561-482-6107. They open at 9 a.m. Website? http://www.evergladesairboattours.com.
If you are departing from Delray Beach, just take I-95 South to Hillsboro Blvd. (west exit). Go all the way to the end and take a left on Loxahatchee Rd. Follow the road to the end.
The best time to take these tours is on a hot and sunny day. It seems the animals come out to get warm. If you would like to check the weather, please call 561-482-8026.
Please note that these tours are not for children 3 years of age and younger. Also, please note that there is a 25% discount coupon on the website. You can print it and bring it in.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center – With a Mission “To increase public awareness of coastal and marine ecosystems through research, education, and conservation”. It is located at 1801 North Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432. It is very easy to find. If you are traveling on A1A from Delray Beach, go south and cross Spanish River intersection. The Nature Center will be on your right; about 1/4 mile.
You will find Children’s Programs, Family Programs, Adult Programs, Events, Group Tours and Field Trips and School Programs. You can check the schedule of events by visiting http://www.gumbolimbo.org. Tel. 561-544-8615.
Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club is in West Palm Beach…This is “The eating club with a camping, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, backpacking, and hiking disorder”. They encourage and support conservation, and protection of the natural environment.
It is full of activities year-round. It is a club but non-members may participate in up to 2 trips before becoming members. More info? Please visit http://www.clubkayak.com/pandp/.
Hey, have a great time!! Talk to you later….
January 13th, 2013
I am trying to stay ahead of the flu. Believe me, I have been overexposed. Some have it in my household…I got the flu shot, vitamins, and tons of liquids since I decided to start juicing. Getting those nutrients directly from fruits and vegetables. I hope it works.
I shopped for the juicer at some of our stores in Rehoboth Beach. I decided on Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer. First of all it is a proven juicer. Secondly, the price was $99. There were some that were $49 but I did not know how they would hold. And, then, there were the ones that were $200 and up. I am a novice at this. The third attraction to this juicer was easy clean-up.
Juicing is expensive, no two ways about it. I usually buy fresh but when you are juicing you need to buy in larger quantities. I have beets, turnips, celery, oranges, melons, greens…I got avocados and bananas. Please note that the juicer is strictly a juicer. No smoothies; avocados and bananas do not have liquid, therefore blend those in a blender or food processor and then add to the already made juice.
I love Gala apples so this was one of my first juices.
Freshly squeeze orange juice is always a treat. Juiced with the rind so as to absorb all vitamins.
Look at the color of the celery juice. Celery is full of vitamins and low in fat. It is also a natural diuretic. Something new I learned is that some people are allergic to celery. In Europe they disclose if products contain celery.
I decided to make popovers. I have not been too successful at them. It could be the gluten free flour used. I am getting better. I want them to be light but they still come out more muffin-like. They were delicious, don’t get me wrong. I used the pulp collected in the pulp collector to give my popovers added flavor.
Before I post the recipe, let me tell you that I used an interesting gluten free flour. Mama’s Almond Blend. It has white rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, sweet rice flour and almond meal flour. It is a light flour; non gritty. To learn more visit http://www.glutenfreemama.com.
I also used a 100% Coconut sugar. It is, apparently, the “in” sugar to use. I, actually, won it at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, located in Clarksville, Delaware. http://www.goodearthmarket.com. It is organically grown and more nutritious. It smells like coconut, but it does not taste like it. The taste is more like raw sugar with a hint of caramel. Diabetics, please listen, because coconut sugar ha a low glycemic index, it is better for you.
Orange Popovers
3 eggs (room temperature)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups gluten free flour (if not Celiac or without gluten sensitivity, use regular flour)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons of orange zest or pulp
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
In a large bowl whisk the eggs with sugar and zest.
Whisk in milk and 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
In another bowl whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt.
Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until small lumps only remain.
Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush the inside of the popover or deep muffin pan.
Place the empty pan in the oven for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the butter starts browning.
Take it out and then, carefully, fill them half way. You can sprinkle some of the rind or pulp on top just before putting them in the oven.
Bake for about 40 minutes.
Nice and hot, ready to eat.
Great with honey. I added to my raw honey some freshly squeeze orange juice and rind. The Country Harvest raw honey came from Manchester, Maryland. Dip or spread.
 
Enjoy!!
December 25th, 2012
‘Twas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck…How to live in a world that’s politically correct?
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found
Something special was needed, a gift that he might give to all without angering the left or right
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere…even you.
So here is that gift, it’s price beyond worth…
“May you and your loved ones enjoy Peach on Earth”
Note: This poem is just part of a poem written by Harvey Ehrlich in 1992. It still fits so well.
Merry Christmas y Feliz Navidad
December 21st, 2012
Celebrating the Holidays in Delray Beach? This Village by the Sea knows a thing or two about celebrations. Up and down Atlantic Avenue, towards A1A and the Beach, you will find a decorated Village. Years ago when I first “discovered” Delray Beach, already it was becoming a place to go with gorgeous beaches. I think I liked it a lot because it reminded me of our Delaware Beaches. Same idea, Delray is a town that is preserving its cultural heritage, and definitely, a dining and shopping destination.
Back in October I was in Delray and decided to stop and check out a fairly new cultural and arts venue located in the Pineapple Grove District of Delray. Pineapple Grove has become an extension of Atlantic Ave.
The Arts Garage is located at 180 NE First St., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-450-6357 Website? http://www.artsgarage.org
The Arts Garage is across the new Hyatt Place, which opened just a few months ago. By the way, I wrote a post with photos on December 12th. If you would like to see it, just scroll down to the date.
It is a storefront space situated on the lower level of the Old School Square Parking Garage. Art exhibits in the lobby change all the time.
The Arts Garage “is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub for visual artists, musicians, performing film presenters and arts educators”.
BYOW or better yet Bring Your Own Whatever is what you would want to do. It is a different concept and it has been received with much success. Just bring whatever you want; drinks, wine, a full meal, snacks or appetizers, perhaps? Please note that you need to bring everything for your drinks and meal; napkins, glasses, silverware, etc. etc.
You can sit at individual tables which are closer to the stage. You can buy a whole table or individual seats.
Or, you can also sit auditorium style in the back. I say the back, but there are no bad seats in the theater.
If you want to know more about Arts Garage, please check http://www.artsgarage.org/about.
Programs, concerts, films and theater, including classes for children are all in the website. The schedule can be seen at http://www.artsgarage.org/programs.php.
So what would a perfect in Delray Beach be? How about spending the day on the unobstructed beach….and then hitting the Arts Garage for a very unique and fun night!!
December 3rd, 2012
Just a stroll away from trendy Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida, you will find the new Hyatt Place. It opened in this Village by the Sea this summer. It is great to have choices, and this hotel is the latest to open in this town that has become such a well known destination.
Many years ago Pineapple Grove did have pineapples growing….oh, how it has changed; it is an extension of Atlantic Avenue, where you can live, play, and stay awhile. It is also known as an artist’s colony. Lots of little independent artists and boutiques line this street. Plenty of restaurants serving unique dishes in South Florida, as well.
The last time I was in Delray Beach….believe me this post is way past due, I decided to stop and check out the new hotel. It was late September, early October, and even though Delray is a year round resort, it was a little quiet. I decided to take some pictures since I was not going to be bothering anyone. The hotel was getting some final touches.
Just look at the picture of the front of the Hyatt Place. Right above the door are suites. Keep on reading my post…pictures are coming.
Hyatt Place is located at 104 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Tel. 561-330-3530. Website? http://www.hyattplace.com.
I immediately liked the lobby. Spacious, clean lines, and simple. This is a green hotel too.
Hyatt Place has plenty of cozy corners to sit and either have a drink or work. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi.
Big windows give natural light to the lobby. The hotel offers personal service and food 24/7.
I was taken on a tour of one of their suites. The rooms were well appointed with simple lines. The suite was a nice size, with huge windows. What’s perfect about this hotel is that you can just go out the door and be at the doorsteps of all the trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment Delray Beach has to offer. The actual beach is less than a mile. Walk it or grab a bike.
 
Off the seating room, the bedroom.
 
And the bathroom.
 
The hotel is the perfect size; not huge…So, if you are a snowbird or a snowflake, check it out.
November 9th, 2012
It is so good to be able to say thank you and mean it. I want to thank those companies advertising on AboutMyBeaches. Some of them I bugged a lot; explaining why they should be on my website. I really do appreciate it.
AboutMyBeaches started back on July of 2009. It was one of those ideas. I am a frustrated concierge. First it was going to be just a website. When my webmaster, Ed Timmons, met with me, I kept talking and talking. He probably thought I was more of a blogger. So, really, it was his suggestion. Here I am. I consider myself to be in the business of Word of Mouth.
Since my advertisers are on my website, which is written in a blog style, you can access them directly. Just look at them on the right hand side of AboutMyBeaches, http://www.aboutmybeaches.com, and you will be able to find out what these companies are all about. They are all different. Their owners are very nice, and easy to talk to.
Let’s meet them:
Tidewater Realty – This company is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) at the Starboard Center in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Bethany is considered one of the Quiet Resorts of the Delaware Beaches. I know it well. For many years I lived there. It is a small coastal community, with great beaches, and quaint little restaurants. Tel. 302-539-7500. Toll free 900-888-7501.
 Bethany Beach Tidewater Realty is a boutique size real estate company. Broker of Record? John Merryman, III. This company has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. It is known for its personal and professional attention. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Please remember that Delaware has low property taxes and tax free shopping!!
Coastal Chem-Dry – This company is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery industry. Green certified, with innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. Website? http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. It dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours and even days for this to happen.
A Fall Special!! 3 rooms for $119.95 up to 350 sq.ft. Stairs not included.
Please contact them at: New Castle County and Kent County 302-234-0200. Sussex County 302-645-2800.
Check the website for more specials and information.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, Delaware 19967. Millville is located a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-4444. Cell 302-381-0773. Website? http://www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the Founder and CEO of this company. I have known him for so many years. Our sons played Little League together. Besides being a friend, I have also been a customer.
Miken Builders is a commercial and residential construction company. It is very well respected for his construction work and for his involvement in our communities. No job is too small or too big for them.
Last summer they worked on my house. A whole new entry way, which by the way, I have enjoyed and was very much needed. Also, there was some remodeling in my bathroom.
Betterliving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva. This company is under the umbrella of Miken Builders. Location? 32442 Royal Blvd., Unit 1, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-251-0000. Toll Free 877-251-0080. Website? http://www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. They are the exclusive provider of Betterliving 3-Season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach is a boarding and day care facility for your pooches. It is located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. It is my dog, Addy’s, home away from home. I have total confidence in Jim and his staff and when I leave her there. I feel she is in the best of care.
Doggies at the Beach has 4 master groomers for dogs and cats, working 7 days a week; mornings, afternoons, and evenings. All you have to do is call for an appointment. The facility is great with 24/7 human care. It is also climate controlled. Dog training is also available.
Two new web-cams are being installed. One will be located in the new puppy room, the other in the new building called Bayside.
Doggies at the Beach is very much involved in the community. Don’t be surprised to see them in parades, holding events, and having a good old time!!
SoDel Concepts, founded and owned by Restauranteur & Philanthropist, Matt Haley. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com. A total of 6 restaurants at the moment, with its newest one, Papa Grande, opening in 2013 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Stay tuned for updates. Busy does not even begin to describe this company. I have written posts, with pictures, on most of them, except Blue Coast Seafood Grill….soon, though. Just put their name on the search of AboutMyBeaches to see some delicious dishes.
In Lewes, Delaware you will find Fish On! – http://www.fishon.bz
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware you will find Lupo di Mare – http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com
In North Bethany Beach, Delaware you will also find Matt’s Fish Camp – http://www.mattsfishcamp.com
Also, in North Bethany you will find Blue Coast Seafood Grill – http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com
In Ocean View, Delaware you will find NorthEast Seafood Kitchen – http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com
In Fenwick Island, Delaware, that’s where you will find Catch 54 – http://www.catch54.com.
In each of them I have found a favorite dish. If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, try them. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Plate Catering – This is a catering company owned by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts. A dinner for many, or just for a few. An intimate affair, perhaps? A special occasion, I am sure. They can handle it. Please give them a call at 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com
The Global Delaware Fund. This is a non-profit organization founded by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering. It provides goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. It has been lending a hand here, in Delaware, and abroad. Please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Butter Shades is a sun glass company from Philadelphia that sells affordable sunglasses without sacrificing pure, manufactured quality. This company has a passion and compassion…they are giving back to the community, as well. Please check the sunglasses at http://www.buttershades.com
TKO – In Bethany Beach you will find Alice H. Klein, Jeweler and Designer. She is the owner and founder of TKO Designs, Inc. In the business for 32 years, Alice has a unique way of presenting a beautiful stone in its best light. She works with plastics and resins, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold, gold filled, silver and Swaroski crystals. She can give a lift to a tired setting giving it that wow factor.
 
TKO Designs is located at 100 Garfield Pkwy., Stores 6 & 7, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com. I have known the company for so long and I am a consummate fan of her work. Her niece JoAnne works at her store, as well.
Florida – I do have a few advertisers in Florida. You might want to know them. Whether you are a snowflake or a snowbird these 2 companies provide great services. I also know them, personally, and can recommend them fully.
Tauriello & Co. is a real estate company located in the heart of Delray Beach, Florida. This coastal town is also known as the Village by the Sea. You can find it at 900 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com.
Brokers of Record are Daniel & Sue Tauriello. They have been in Delray Beach for so many years and are very well respected in the Village by the Sea. I have known them since 2003 and they have given me personal and professional service. Please call Cheran or Sue if you want to find that special place to hang your beach chair.
Beach House Management, LLC – This is a property management company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm of the company and along with his staff, you home will be in good hands. Totally professional and caring. I have used Michael since 2003 and have no regrets at all. Some might think that a property management company is a luxury; in reality, it is a necessity when you are not there. For more information, please visit http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Tel. 561-376-4329.
Again, I do appreciate your business….Interested advertising on AboutMyBeaches? I think it is a very good deal. $500 for one year. Your banner on AboutMyBeaches. My personal attention, as well. Check the website and see if you like it. Nothing better than word of mouth.
Have a good one!!
 
|
2 Comments