February 25th, 2011

What’s Going on Delray?, Activities, Events, Entertainment, South Florida, Palm Beach County, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

I cannot believe that February is almost over.  It was so funny; today I was at Rehoboth Auto Repair located in Rehoboth Beach when a local builder from Lewes came in and stated “everybody in this darn town is on vacation”, “my electrician is in Florida”, “my plumber is in South Florida”, but “”not me”.  His next statement was “I like here like this, no tourists, no bugs, no heat”.

That made me think about Delray Beach.  It was crowded when I was there last month and I wonder if the locals are ready to take their town back.  I think we do feel that way around here, at the end of the summer, but tourism is what makes our beaches.  I don’t know, I think I am ready for Spring and Summer; for those visitors to arrive and see how lucky we are to live here.

As usual, Delray Beach is full of activities this week-end.  So here is a taste of what you can experience if you find yourselves in the warmer climate of that Village by the Sea.

Until Sunday, 2/27/11 – The International Tennis Championships will still be going strong.  Location?  The Delray Beach Tennis Center, located at 201 West Atlantic Ave.  Tel. 561-330-6000.  But for the most complete information please log on to the website, www.yellowtennisball.com.   I wrote a post on the Delray Tennis Center on 2/16, so scroll down to that date if you would like to see it.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 2/25, 2/26, 2/27 – Sandoway House Nature Center – Shark Feeding. Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.  I wrote a post on this Nature Center on 2/15/11.  Scroll down to the date. 

The Sandoway House Nature Center is located at 142 South Ocean Blvd., Tel. is 561-274-7263, website is www.sandowayhouse.org.  There is a $4.00 admission fee.

Besides the shark feeding, you will meet Bob.  He is a Spotfin Burfish.  Very aware when shark feeding is imminent. 

An exhibit called Ice Age Florida is in display until 3/29/2011.

Friday, 2/25/11 – Cars As Art on the Avenue from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m.  Together America’s Finest Classic Cars and Veteran Soldiers.  The mission is to give the public an opportunity to meet and embrace our Wounded Hero’s, through the medium of Cars as Art.  Location?  Old School Square lawn on 51 N. Swinton.  For more info, please visit www.carsasart.org.

Friday, 2/25/11 – Gallery Walk – from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Delray is known for its art galleries.  On Friday nights a lot of the participating galleries keep longer hours so you can get to know them.  They serve some refreshments and appetizers, as well.  One of those galleries is also a place where you can get framing done.  It is Wizard Arts lcoated on 301 NE 1st Street., Tel. 561-276-4343.  Website is www.wizardarts1.com.

I met Carol through Tiffany Cant who is a Delray artist and who uses Wizard Arts for her framing.   I have used her framing services several times and have been most pleased.

Carol was professional, affordable and fast.

Friday, 2/25/11 – Cycles – A Musical Journey at the Crest Theatre – Old School Square located at 51 N. Swinton.  It will start at 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Price $30.

Cycles is an innovative blend of visual excitement and musical virtuosity, led by Delray’s percussionist, Drew Tucker.  Check www.oldschool.org for tickets and more info. 

Saturday, 2/26/11 – Delray GreenMarket – SE 4th Avenue, south of Atlantic Avenue.  8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  This Market is very popular and it is held every Saturday.  Music, flowers, baked goods and great food are among the many things that you will find early in the morning. 

Saturday, Sunday, 2/26, 2/27 – Artists in The Park – It is an open air art fair right at Veteran’s Park on Atlantic Ave., by the intracoastal.  10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Free.

Saturday, Sunday, 2/26, 2/27 – 14th Downtown Craft Festival-Pineapple Grove Arts District at NE 4th Ave. from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

A Howard Alan Show with handmade jewelry, wall hangings, ceramics and so much more.  It is also free.  Some of the Nation’s top crafters will offer something for every taste and budget.  There will be an expansive Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora and homemade soaps.  For more information, please visit www.artfestival.com.

Saturday, 2/26/11 – Grand Opening of Mootz’s Homemade Italian Ice at  2:00 p.m.,  located at 504 E. Atlantic Ave., inside the Antique Mall.  Tel. 561-330-8280.  Website? www.mootzsitalianice.com.  You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Music Anyone?  At Johnnie Brown’s, 301 East Atlantic Ave., tel. 561-243-9911 you will find:

Friday, 2/25 – Ryan and The Rockers – 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. – This is a 5 man band based in South Florida playing the music of the 50’s and 60’s.  Their website is www.ryanandtherockers.com.

Saturday, 2/26 – Riptide – 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. This is a Boca based Rock and Blues Band.  Their website is www.getripped.org.

Note:  Delray Beach has been known to grow pineapples so many years ago.  I am so glad that the pineapple is shown, mentioned and placed at strategic places in downtown Delray; such a symbol of hospitality and this Village by the Sea, certainly is.

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

February 15th, 2011

The Sandoway House, Nature Center, Delray Beach, Florida, Shark Feedings, Educational Programs, Exhibits, Village by the Sea, Palm Beach County

I have visited the Sandoway House before I started writing this blog and thought it was time to visit it again and see what was new.  The Sandoway House is located at 142 South Ocean Blvd., and it is very visible from A1A.  Tel. is 561-274-7263.  Website?  www.sandowayhouse.org.

This house used to be the winter residence of a retired produce broker named J.B. Evans.  It was designed by Samuel Ogren, Sr.  Since it was built during the great depression, the only ostentation is the cathedral window on the south side of the house.  Samuel Ogren, Sr. is considered the Father of Delray Beach Architecture.  In 2002 this house was listed on the National Historic Places.  You can read more information on the Historic Marker placed by the entrance of the Sandoway House Nature Center.

On Sundays, the shark feeding is at 1:30 p.m. and it was about time.  As I walked around the gardens I noticed plaques identifying indigenous plants.

 I love porches and the Sandoway House has a beautiful one; I could only imagine sitting there when times were less hectic; life more simple.

The Blue and Gold Macaw was the bird I encountered first.  I heard he can be a little cranky.  He was calm on Sunday, though, checking everyone coming in.

In this porch you will also find a large fish tank and a gorgeous lobster.  Also there is a turtle pond and a gopher tortoise habitat.  The gopher tortoise, Speedy, was hiding.  This tortoise is protected in Florida because the iguanas are eating their eggs; construction is destroying their natural habitat. 

The box turtle, Gigi was out and about.  Conservationists are concerned because their habitat is being destroyed.

There is an entry fee of $4.00 and I cannot remember the volunteer’s name working there but him and Steve, who feeds the sharks were very informative.

There is a shop with souvenirs and books on Florida, Delray and nature.

There is a microscope lab for viewing nature up close.  Tha’st where I saw The Knight Anole, Pedro.  Native to Cuba with strong jaws and sharpt teeth. 

The Brown Basilisk was another lizard found from Mexico to Columbia.  They are excellent swimmers.

And then there was Rose, the Chilean Rose Tarantula.  She eats grasshoppers, cockroaches, and crickets.

In this room 2 microscopes are set to be used by the public to view various objects found in nature.

Another room has photos interpreting Delray Beach History.  One watercolor shows the Sandoway right on the beach.  It was before A1A was even there.

The Yvonne S. Templeton Shell Gallery is one the largest private shells collections in the world.  It is housed at the Sandoway House and even though there are so many on display, this is only about 6% of a collection of 10,000 shells.

Steve called me since it was time to feed the sharks.  They were sand sharks and fed by hand once a day.  He was very knowledgeable and connected well with the younger crowd in attendance.

There were other fish but one that acted like the residence dog was Bob.  It was a Spotfin Burfish.  This fish is found in tropical seas.  It eats clams, crabs, and lobsters.  Bob has a beak and grinding plates that crush the shells of the animals he eats.

The Sandoway House offers educational programs to the public.  Besides the shark feedings, they have guided historic tours, nature walks, astronomy nights, summer camp and special events like Earth Day.

Guests speakers add to the special events, talking about environmental topics.  The website will be the best information source to check out what’s on the schedule.

Schools and special interest groups are welcomed, as well, so please call to schedule a group adventure.

This beautiful house and grounds are also available for special events, like meetings, weddings and birthday parties.

Hours of operation are:  Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Sundays from 12 Noon until 2 p.m.

Shark feedings are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Tired of sitting on the beautiful Delray Beach?  Too cloudy?  Kids are driving you insane?  The Sandoway House is located just a block and a half south of Atlantic Ave., on the west side of A1A between Sandoway Park and Ingram Parking Lot.

Have a great day.  My visit to Delray is winding down…..talk to you later….