January 28th, 2015

Southbound? Delray Beach, Florida, Activities, Events, Dining & Shopping, The Village by The Sea, Palm Beach County, SoFlo, What’s Going On?

I was on the phone with someone from Delray Beach, Florida.  I finally asked…how is the weather?  Well, it is a little chilly today….76 degrees!!  With that in mind and before I tell you a few of the events catching my attention in Delray Beach….it is still time to come to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and participate in the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge!!  It really is a whole week-end festival…and we really did not get any snow.  This event is for Special Olympics Delaware.  There will be a 5K Run to The Plunge, a Pooch Plunge, Ice Sculpting Demo, Restaurant Chili Contest, Polar Ice Cream Throwdown and more for all ages…..so here is your opportunity to visit Rehoboth Beach in our Second Season.  More info?  Please visit http://www.plungede.org.

So, Delray Beach….What is Going On?

The beach in Delray is really neat.  No buildings to create shadows.  Once you park yourselves on this beach….chill out and relax!!  The water is so clear.  The beach is wide, with plenty of space for other activities.

DELRAY BEACH CENTER FOR THE ARTS – Located on the corner of Atlantic and Swinton Avenues, this campus includes the Cornell Museum of Art, the Crest Theatre, the Vintage Gymnasium, the Pavilion, and the School of Creative Arts.  Plenty of events and exhibits throughout the year take place on this corner of Downtown Delray Beach.  There are art classes on going and also about to start.  If you are interested while you are snowflaking or snowbirding in Delray, please visit http://www.delrayarts.org.  Please note that The School of Creative Arts is located on the 2nd floor of the Crest Theatre.  Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 317.

SATURDAYS – 19TH SEASON OF THE DELRAY GREEN MARKET.  9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Location?  50 NE 2nd St. on the grounds of the Old School Square.  Early in the a.m. locals and visitors arrive to get first picks of produce, flowers, fresh seafood….and to listen to local entertainment, as well.  Please visit http://www.delraycra.org/market for more info., recipes, and to check their blog.  During festivals, the Green Market usually relocates to SE 4th Avenue, around the corner of the Green Owl Restaurant.  You won’t miss it.

SATURDAY, 1/31 and SUNDAY, 2/1 – ARTISTS IN THE PARK – This is the longest running outdoor show in South Florida.  Sponsored by the Delray Art League, this year marks the 50th anniversary for DAL!!  Artists in the Park will be taking place this week-end at Delray Beach Center for the Arts Old School Square on the corner of Atlantic and N. Swinton Aves.  The other location is at Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave. by the Intracoastal.  The outdoor show begins at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  For more info. and to see the schedule, please visit http://www.delrayartleague.com/dal.   Note:  A celebration marking the 50th Anniversary for DAL!!  Thursday, 2/26 Plein Air Festival.  You can apply online and get more info. at http://www.pleinairpalmbeach.com. Friday, 2/27 through Sunday, 3/1 there will be a special 3 day art festival on the grounds of the Delray Center for the Arts on the corner of Atlantic & N. Swinton Aves., Saturday, 2/28 and Sunday, 3/1…Artist Within, and Sunday, 3/1, along with the Art Festival, there will be a Southern Dance, Magic Cards, Music by Steve Martel and the High School Art Contest.  Make sure you check the websites above mentioned.

SATURDAY, 1/31 – SAVOR OUR CITY – CULINARY AND HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS .  These tours are taking places in walkable neighborhoods in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens.  On Saturday a Taste of Atlantic Ave will take place.  Reservations are a must by calling 800-979-3370 or by visiting http://www.savorourcity.com.  Tour begins at 11 1.m. and takes about 3 hours.  You will walk and you will taste.

SATURDAY, 1/31 – DELRAY YACHT CRUISES – DINNER CRUISE.  IT BEGINS AT 6 P.M. UNTIL 8 P.M.  $60/person.  Please call 561-243-0686.  Touring the intracoastal northbound or southbound, Delray Beach Cruises are a great way to spend an afternoon or early evening and get to know The Village by the Sea.  Please visit http://www.delraybeachcruises.com.

FRIDAY, 2/6, THROUGH SUNDAY, 2/8 – 16TH ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH GARLIC FEST – Gourmet food, entertainment, friendly cooking competition…the festival celebrates all things garlic.  For tickets and more info., please visit http://www.dbgarlicfest.com.

SHOPPING AND DINING IN DELRAY BEACH

Plenty of shops up and down Atlantic Avenue and also in the Art District of Pineapple Grove which is 2nd Ave.  If you like unique handbags, made in Delray Beach, you might want to visit FURST.  It is located at 123 2nd Ave.  Tel. 561-272-6422.  Ronald Furst makes his handbags right in the shop, and he will be more than happy to explain his craft.  Handmade jewelry, as well.

Delray Beach is a dining destination.  The majority of the restaurants offer outdoor dining or “at sidewalk dining”, as well.  So much fun to sit outside, and more so if you are arriving during the cold winter up north.

JOSEPH’S WINE BAR & CAFE – Located at 200 N.E. 2nd Avenue #107 at City Walk.  Tel. 561-272-6100.  Website?  http://www.josephswinebar.com.  Stopping at Joseph’s on my last visit and having to tell him that my husband, John, had passed away was hard.  So many memories of sitting outside having something to eat…and John and Joseph smoking a cigar once in awhile.  He could not believe it and pictured him sitting at his favorite chair.    Inside, the restaurant is so pretty and elegant.  It’s your choice, dining indoors or al fresco.

My friend, Cindi and I decided to have a little “happy hour” and the Mediterranean platter was our choice.  Humus, eggplant dip, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves, along with whole wheat pita.  A little wine and a lot of friendly conversation.

Have a great time!!

December 21st, 2014

Destination? Delray Beach, Florida, The Holidays, Collado’s Market, Snowflaking?, Snowbirding?, South Florida, Palm Beach County

Over the years Delray Beach, Florida, has been a destination for my family.  I might add that I visited Delray not only in the winter but throughout the year.  Easy to get to from the Mid-Atlantic States.  What first appealed to us was the fact that Delray Beach has unobstructed beaches.  The water is crystal clear and the beach…..oh, soooo wide!!

You can tell my mind is wondering to warm places as winter begins today, Sunday, December 21st.  It’s cold but I am not tired of it yet.

Delray Beach is quaint and charm.  It is known as the Village by the Sea.  It is not a manmade town, it always was there waiting for all of us to discover it.  For many years it stayed dormant but not anymore.  It is diverse, and it does have it all…great weather, shops, restaurants, artists, entertainment and history.

Delray can celebrate the holidays like no other town in South Florida.  The 100 ft. Christmas Tree can be seen for miles.  And, even the seagrape trees get decorated.

Out with the old and in with the new…..I still remember Santa’s House.  The new one more modern to fit the times.

Santa will be visiting today from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Delray might be quiet early in the a.m. but give it time as people start strolling, jogging, and power walking ready for a day in town.

Collado’s Market is located at 3416 S. Federal Highway in Delray Beach.  Tel. 561-276-1866.  They are open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  It is a family owned market, and they do cater.

Driving south from Linton Blvd. on Federal they are 1.4 miles on the right just after Lindell Blvd. and Walgreens.  And, if you are heading north on Federal they are 2 miles north of Yamato.  Make a left turn just before Lindell Blvd.  New super market have opened in Delray Beach, but Collado’s Market has that personal attention, and quick in and out access.

Gourmet platters, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and wraps.  Lunch or dinner entrees are always ready to go.  Specialty orders are welcomed…just give them a call.  Boar’s Head…gluten free!!

In-house wine sommelier can direct you the a unique selection of imported organic wines.

Fresh vegetables and always freshly squeezed orange juice!

Have a great Stress Free Vacation!!