To SeeGUIDANCE For information about Jupiter, Tequesta, and Juno Beach, contact the JTJB Chamber of Commerce (561-746-7111; www.jupiterfl.org), 800 N US 1, Jupiter 33477. Also Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau (561-233-3000), 1555 Palm Beach Lakes, Ste. 800, West Palm Beach 33401.
GETTING THERE By car: From I-95 take exit 79 for Palm Beach Gardens, PGA Blvd., and exit 87 for Jupiter, Indiantown Rd. From I-95, exits 66 to 76 take you Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. Exit 70, Okeechobee Blvd. (SR 704), and head east toward the downtown area, then cross over the bridge and you’re there. Pay particular attention when you cross over the bridge, as Henry Flagler’s home Whitehall (see Historic Sites) is to the right overlooking the water.
To get to Lake Worth from I-95, exit at either Sixth or 10th Ave. and head east about 1 mile to US 1/SR 805/Dixie Hwy. Lake Ave./SR 802 E is between Sixth and 10th. Go north on US 1 from Sixth Ave. and south on US 1 from 10th Ave. There are several one-way streets in the Lake Worth downtown area: Lake Ave. runs west to east from US 1 to the beach; Lucerne Ave. runs east to west from the downtown area to US 1. From I-95 take exits 56 to 59 for Boynton Beach, exits 51 and 52 for Delray Beach, and exits 44 to 50 for Boca Raton.
Exit I-95 at Atlantic Ave. for Delray Beach (not Atlantic Blvd., which takes you into Pompano Beach further south).
From Florida’s Turnpike use exit 85 for Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach Blvd., exit 81 for Delray, Atlantic Ave., and exit 75 for Boca Raton, Glades Rd.
From Florida’s Turnpike take exit 109 for Palm Beach Gardens and exit 116 for Jupiter; use exits 97, 98, or 99 for Palm Beach or West Palm Beach and exit 93 for Lake Worth.
By air: Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) (561-471-7420), 1000 Turnage Blvd., West Palm Beach, is situated adjacent to I-95.
By rail: AMTRAK (561-832-6169 or 1-800-USA-RAIL; www.amtrak.com). Take the Silver Service/Palmetto route to 345 Congress Ave., Delray Beach. The nearest station to West Palm Beach is at 201 Tamarind Ave., West Palm Beach.
Tri-Rail (1-800-TRI-RAIL; www.tri-rail.com) service connects Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties, and it also connects to several stations in central and south Palm Beach County. Catch the train at the Gardens of Palm Beaches Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beaches (561-775-7750), where it connects with Palm Tran routes at Mangonia Park Station, 1415 45th St.; West Palm Beach Station, 203 S Tamarind Ave.; and Lake Worth Station, 1703 Lake Worth Rd. Use Palm Tran Route 40 or 44 for West Palm Beach. It connects to Palm Tran routes at Boynton Beach Station, 2800 High Ridge Rd.; Delray Beach Station, 345 Congress Ave.; and Boca Raton Station, 601 NW 53rd St. Tri-Rail connects to several Palm Tran routes at Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton stations.
By bus: Greyhound (561-833-8534 or 1-800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com), 205 S Tamarind Ave., West Palm Beach and service to 402 SE Sixth Ave., Delray Beach. The Palm Tran (561-841-4287; www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/palmtran) service area covers malls and tourist spots throughout Palm Beach County and south Palm Beach Gardens.
By trolley: Lolly the Trolley (561-586-1720), Lake Worth’s community transit, covers all of Lake Worth every day 9 AM–5 PM. Fee. Tri-Rail connects with the Boynton Beach Trolley (561-572-0550; www.boyntonbeachtrolley.com). The Congress Ave. route runs 7:15 AM–6:15 PM Mon.–Fri.; the Ocean Ave. route runs 11 AM–10 PM Thurs.–Sun. Free for both residents and visitors.
By water taxi: Water Taxi of the Palm Beaches (561-775-2628; www.water-taxi.com), 11511 Ellison Wilson Rd. (at Panama Hattie’s). Palm Beach Water Taxi (561-683-TAXI or 1-800-446-4577; www.palmbeachwatertaxi.com), Sailfish Marina, 98 Lake Dr., Palm Beach Shores (Singer Island). Pick up the water taxi at Sailfish Marina, or at Phil Foster Park, 900 E Blue Heron Blvd.; downtown West Palm Beach’s Clematis Street District; Palm Harbor Marina, 400 N Flager Dr.; Riviera Beach Marina, 200 E 13th St. You can also catch a water taxi to Peanut Island from Panama Hattie’s or the West Palm Beach Marina.
PARKING Public parking is readily available at no cost in the cities in the northern, western, and southern parts of the county. In the West Palm Beach, city garages and parking lots offer the first hour for free. Garages are located at Banyan Blvd. and Olive Ave., Evernia St. and Dixie Hwy., and the Police Garage at 600 Clematis St. Fees are $1 per hour 24 hours a day Mon.–Sat.; free Sun. All lots and garages charge a flat fee of $7 for overnight parking 10 PM–6 AM.
Parking lots in West Palm Beach are located at the corner of Datura St. and Dixie Hwy., the 500 block of Clematis St., and the City Hall lot at Banyan Blvd. and N Narcissus. Fees are $1 per hour, and lots are open 6 AM–10 PM.
Several meters are also located throughout West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and the beach areas. Those also run about a $1 per hour.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Area hospitals include Bethesda Hospital (561-737-7733), S Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach; Columbia Hospital (561-842-6141), 2201 45th St., West Palm Beach; and Palm Beach Gardens Hospital (561-622-1411), 3360 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens. Several fine hospitals are located near Lake Worth, the closest being the JFK Medical Center (561-965-7300), 5301 S Congress Ave., Atlantis. Also Wellington Regional Medical Center (561-798-8500), 10101 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS The beach areas and most city parks all have restrooms available to the public at no cost.
VALET Most restaurants and luxury hotels in the beach area, and especially on the “Island,” offer valet services. Some restaurants and hotels have only mandatory valet parking. Inquire when making reservations.
New World explorers and today’s adventurers consider Jupiter an important navigational point when planning trips around Florida’s coastline and points as far south as Latin America. Jupiter, the easternmost point in Florida, was named Jupiter Inlet in its early records. The legend goes that local Jeaga natives called themselves Jobe. When English settlers heard the name, it sounded to them like “Jove,” which was also the name for the god Jupiter, so they began calling the region Jupiter, and it remains so to this day. The area became widely known after Jonathan Dickinson and his party were captured and held hostage by local Native Americans on the site where the DuBois pioneer home now sits. The most identifiable landmark in the area is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Erected in 1860, it remains an important navigational beacon. Juno Beach was once Dade County’s link to northern Florida by way of the Celestial Railroad. The name Celestial Railroad came from the stops that were made: Juno, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. In 1890 the village of Juno was named the county seat, covering the region of the railroad from just north of Jupiter and south to Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County. The Celestial Railroad was sold in 1896, and the county seat reverted to Miami four years later. To the north of Jupiter is the small village of Tequesta, named after the ancient Tequesta people.
Today, Jupiter provides the most rural coastal atmosphere on the Gold Coast, thanks to much as-yet-undeveloped property along the shoreline and inland. The beach is a quiet expanse shielded from the road by protected dunes with scenic wild grasses, which make for a pastoral view as well as protect both the endangered sea oats and the beach from erosion. Low-rise apartment and condominium complexes wind along the other side of the beach highway (SR A1A), but they’re a far cry from the dense condo canyons created by high-rises in other coastal communities. Just a half hour north of West Palm Beach, Jupiter is close to nightlife and cultural activity as well, so visitors can enjoy the best of both sides of Florida here. There is a very well-heeled segment of the local population that has figured that out and settled in exclusive neighborhoods in Jupiter, however, property values and prices are generally much better here than farther south.
To SeeThe Edna Hibel Museum and Gallery (561-622-5560; www.hibelmuseum.org), 5353 Parkside Dr., at Florida Atlantic University, exhibits the fine art of South Florida artist Edna Hibel. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, and her works have been exhibited in museums and galleries in more than 20 countries on four continents. Selections of her original paintings, lithographs, porcelains, drawings, and sculpture are also on display in Jupiter and Palm Beach.
Beautiful marine and aquatic paintings can be admired and purchased at Profile International Art Gallery (561-220-3370; www.apbico.com/websites/others/progallery), 3746–48 E Ocean Blvd., Harbour Bay Plaza. You can almost feel yourself swimming underwater surrounded by tropical fish and manatees! The gallery is also an official frame maker to the President of the United States. There is another location at 50 S US 1, Jupiter (561-747-7094).
The Lighthouse Center for the Arts (561-746-3101; www.lighthousearts.org), 373 Tequesta Dr., was founded by Christopher Norton, son of the founders of the Norton Museum of Art (see Central Palm Beach County) in 1963. The center features a variety of exhibits and educational programs and is dedicated to bringing art to all ages. The nonprofit museum also has an excellent gallery store. Open 10 AM–4:30 PM Mon.–Sat. Free.
HISTORIC SITES A landmark for the region, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum (561-747-8380), 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, built in 1860, survived the Civil War (when its Fresnel lens was hidden by local Confederates in Lake Worth) and continues to be a navigational beacon today. It’s quite a view from the top, and worth the dizzying spiral climb to get there. Tours start at the visitors center. Open 10 AM–5 PM Tues.–Sun. Fee.
MUSEUMS Burt Reynolds has made Jupiter his home for most of his movie and television career, so it is no wonder that he has assembled a fine collection of artifacts and memorabilia not only on his life, but also from his wide circle of friends. At the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum (561-743-9955; www.burtreynoldsmuseum.org), 100 N US 1, Jupiter, sports fans and film buffs will enjoy seeing such items as Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves; Gene Autry’s and Roy Rogers’s boots; Trigger’s original sales receipt; letters from Cary Grant, Carol Burnett, and Jack Lemmon; and movie props such as the canoe from Deliverance and the Smokey and the Bandit car. Open 10 AM–4 PM Fri.–Sun. Fee.
Call for an appointment to view archaeological artifacts being processed right before your eyes from The Last Galleon (561-747-7700), 603 Commerce Way, Jupiter, the oldest Spanish galleon found in Florida waters. This is the only facility in the United States that allows the public to watch while history is being uncovered.
Learn about the ancient Tequesta, the shipwreck of Jonathan Dickinson, and the hardy pioneers who settled this region at the Loxahatchee River Historical Museum (561-747-6639; www.lrhs.org), 805 N US 1, adjacent to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (see Historic Sites) in Jupiter. In addition to the artifacts and exhibits inside the museum, you can explore a replica Seminole village and the Tindall House, recently moved on-site. Open 10 AM–5 PM Tues.–Fri., noon–5 PM Sat. and Sun. Fee.
BASEBALL Catch a home run at Roger Dean Stadium (561-775-1818, www.rogerdeanstadium.com), 4751 Main St., Jupiter, where the Jupiter Hammerheads, Palm Beach Cardinals, Florida Marlins, and St. Louis Cardinals are up to bat. Tickets $7–22.
Located inside Loggerhead Park (see Parks), the Marinelife Center of Juno Beach (561-627-8280; www.marinelife.org), 14200 US 1, specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles. The facility includes an interpretive center with aquariums showcasing native sea life, a library, and the large turtle tanks outside. Open 10 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat., noon–3 PM Sun. Free; donations appreciated.
More than 3,000 wild animals receive care at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (561-575-3399), 2500 Jupiter Park Dr. The nonprofit facility provides an educational environment where you can learn about some of Florida’s flora and fauna up close and personal. Open to visitors 10 AM–4 PM Tues.–Sat. Free; donations appreciated.
To DoBIRDING Most of the region’s natural areas offer excellent bird-watching, particularly for wading birds and shorebirds. Florida scrub jays may be seen at Jupiter Ridge Natural Area (see Preserves), and herons and egrets along Lake Worth Creek at Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area (see Preserves).
BOAT TOUR Tour the Intracoastal Waterway or Loxahatchee River on the Manatee Queen Pontoon Boat (561-744-2191; www.manateequeen.com), at the Crab House, 1065 SR A1A, Jupiter. The Jupiter Island tour showcases multimillion-dollar homes; the Loxahatchee River tour features wild and natural areas. Adults $24, children $15.
NATURE TOUR At John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (561-624-6952; www.macarthurbeach.org/), North Palm Beach, you can take guided nature tours (free) Wednesday through Sunday and kayak tours ($20 single kayak, $35 double kayak) daily at high tide or rent a kayak to explore on your own, $10–40. Local guides will take you snorkeling (bring your own gear) through the reefs June through August. Fee per carload for park admission.
PADDLING Canoe down Florida rivers with Canoe Outfitters of Florida (561-746-7053 or 1-888-272-1257; www.canoes-kayaks-florida.com), in Riverbend Park, 900 W Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, about 1.25 miles west of I-95. Located at the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, Canoe Outfitters takes you on a six-hour journey from Jupiter all the way to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Discover a peaceful, quiet environment as you pass through a forested area where eagles and osprey perch while alligators sun themselves on the banks. $40 per person in two-person canoe; includes guide.
The Jupiter Outdoor Center (561-747-9666; www.jupiteroutdoorcenter.com), 1000 FL A1A, Jupiter, offers stargazing adventures throughout the year. Guides take you around Pelican and Adventure Islands, and afterward you can toast marshmallows by the campfire. $30 and up.
WALKING TOUR The town of Jupiter’s Riverwalk (561-746-5134) follows a 2.5-mile course along the Intracoastal Waterway from Jupiter Inlet past shops, restaurants, and natural areas, all the way to Jupiter Ridge.
WATER PARKS At Rapids Water Park (561-842-8756; www.rapidswaterpark.com), 6566 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, the main event is the Big Thunder, a giant funnel 60 feet in diameter and 55 feet long. Float down the 9-foot tunnel through dark twists and curves as your speed increases, then drop 45 degrees through the funnel, slide around and around, and exit into the landing pool. Other high-speed thrills are also available, but for those who want to relax, there’s the Lazy River. $31.95 for all, with children under two free.
PlayMobil Fun Park, 8031 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens (772-691-9880), is a playground filled with PlayMobil toys, where children’s imagination can be inspired. 10–6 Mon.–Sun.
Green Space
Juno Beach is a fine family beach for snorkeling and swimming in the emerald green waters. A very natural setting free of condos and hotels looming overhead, dogs are free to run in the surf here. Several parks provide access, including popular Loggerhead Park (see Parks). Juno Beach Park (561-626-5166), 14775 SR A1A, is one of the area’s more popular beaches, with lifeguards on duty; a pedestrian pier (561-799-0185) offers access for fishing. Free.
Carlin Park, 400 S SR A1A, has nature trails, lifeguards on duty, and picnic facilities, and it’s a good snorkeling beach. Free.
Jupiter Beach Park (561-624-0065), 1375 Jupiter Beach Rd., and Ocean Cay Park, 2188 Marcinski Rd., are two of the more popular lifeguard-attended beaches in Jupiter.
Riverbend Park (561-966-6617; www.pbcgov.com/parks/locations/riverbend.htm), 9060 Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, is a great spot for kayaking, biking, and horse riding (bring your own—no parking for horse trailers).
Off the beaten path a little, north of Jupiter along SR A1A, Coral Cove (561-966-6600; www.pbcgov.com/parks), 19450 Beach Rd., offers an unusual look at the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to the picturesque rocky shoreline and its many tidal pools and unusual formations. When the water is calm and clear, this is a great snorkeling spot, especially as there are 2 acres of natural rock reef for tropical fish to play in. Free.
Sandwiched between US 1 and SR A1A, Loggerhead Park (561-626-5166; www.pbcgov.com/parks), 1111 Ocean Dr., has a great children’s playground, an observation tower overlooking the Atlantic from a tall dune, and access beneath SR A1A to the beach. It’s also the gateway to two other natural attractions: the Marinelife Center of Juno Beach (see Wildlife Rehab) and Juno Dunes Natural Area (see Preserves). Open 8 AM–11 PM daily. Free.
With 800 acres in cabbage palm hammocks and restored marshes along the Loxahatchee River, Riverbend County Park (561-966-6660; www.pbcgov.com/parks), Indiantown Rd., just west of the river, offers river access for paddlers (with an on-site livery) and several miles of hard-packed hiking trails, suitable for wheelchairs with assistance. Free.
RUGGED ROCK FORMATIONS AT CORAL COVE
Sandra Friend
Protecting a ribbon of saw palmetto–topped dunes along US 1, Juno Dunes Natural Area (561-233-2400) is accessed from Loggerhead Park (see Parks), with the nature trail starting across from the children’s playground area. A paved wheelchair-accessible trail crosses ancient dunes to a high point with an observation shelter overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A natural-surface trail loops downhill and through the dense coastal scrub vegetation. Open sunrise–sunset daily. Free.
To explore a scrub habitat where the dunes gleam like snow, visit Jupiter Ridge Natural Area (561-233-2400), 1 mile south of Indiantown Rd. on US 1. This beautiful 267-acre preserve along the Intracoastal Waterway almost ended up as a Wal-Mart two decades ago; now, as you walk the trails, notice the delicate scrub plants and colony of Florida scrub jays. A small portion of the trail is paved, with an overlook on the waterway. Open sunrise–sunset daily. Free.
A TOUCH OF WILD AT JUNO DUNES PRESERVE
Sandra Friend
For a taste of the unexpected, visit Blowing Rocks Preserve (561-744-6668), 574 S Beach Rd., where you’ll find Florida’s only sea caves. A rocky outcropping of Anastasia limestone defines portions of the shoreline from Jupiter Island north to Fort Pierce, and here the rocky shelf is tall enough to have wave-sculpted caves inside. At times of high tide and high waves, water spurts out natural chimneys in the tops of the caves, hence the name. The caves can only be explored at low tide. A nature center on the Intracoastal side is the focal point of a natural habitat restoration area with trails. No swimming permitted. Open 9 AM–4:30 PM daily. Fee.
Explore natural habitats at Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area (561-233-2400), Prosperity Farms Rd., where three trails wind through the forest along Lake Worth Creek; the red-blazed Cypress Trail leads you across a boardwalk through a cypress swamp. Open sunrise–sunset daily. Free.
LodgingPeanut Island Campground (561-845-4445), 6500 Peanut Island Rd., is run by the Palm Beach Parks and Recreation Department (www.pbcgov.com/parks) and is only accessible by boat. The island park has 20 tropical campsites, each with tent pad, grill, and picnic table. Restrooms on-site with showers. A park supervisor is always on-site for your assistance. Reservations are recommended.
The only oceanfront hotel in Jupiter is the Jupiter Beach Resort (561-746-2511), Five N SR A1A, where the extensively remodeled rooms ($187 and up) have appealing tropical decor, marble floors, and shower stalls in each bathroom, furnished balconies, and high-speed Internet access. Guests have direct access to the beach or can enjoy the hotel pool; poolside café, spa, and fine dining on-site. Valet parking available.
A family favorite for relaxing getaways, the Jupiter Waterfront Inn (1-888-747-9085, 561-747-9085), 18903 SE Federal Hwy., sits right along the Intracoastal with all 38 suites overlooking Jupiter Island. Guests enjoy a large heated outdoor pool and spa on a sun-deck along the water and can drop a line off the 240-foot pier. Room options include suites, studios, or Jacuzzi suites; rates $99 to 249.
Where to EatFor fine dining, BarryMore’s Prime Steaks & Chops (561-625-3757), 4050 S US 1, should be high on your local list. Their steaks are aged a month before serving, and their lamb chops are range-fed from Colorado; South African lobster tail is flown in daily. All entrées ($25–50, with a nightly chef’s selections each evening) are satisfying, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages you to enjoy a cognac at the hand-tooled mahogany bar after dinner. Reservations recommended.
Dinner comes with a most excellent view at Jetty’s (561-743-8166), 1075 N SR A1A, where the Jupiter Lighthouse is the centerpiece of the panorama. The menu is upscale seafood and steak and includes interesting combinations such as coconut shrimp with filet mignon tenderloin tips, and filet mignon with lump crabmeat in béarnaise sauce. Entrées $17 and up.
The Crab House (561-744-1300: www.crabhouseseafood.com), 1065 N SR A1A. Enjoy reliably delicious seafood at this well-known and much-loved chain restaurant. Sample calamari, coconut shrimp, and a crab, avocado, and mango stack sauced with remoulade . . . mmmm. $14 and up.
Sandra Friend
Palm Beach Gardens has a real four-leaf clover, and as I recently visited Ireland, I can’t resist stopping at Paddy Mac’s (561-691-4366; www.paddymacspub.com), 10971 N Military Trail, for traditional Gaelic fare. European Master Chef Kenneth Wade, Irish born and raised, previously worked at Ashford Castle, and his head chefs are also from the Emerald Isle. Chef Wade’s culinary delights far surpass the usual pub fare, with reasonably priced entrées $15.95 and up. Lunch and dinner; traditional Irish music and dancing.
A hometown family burger joint, Blondie’s Bar & Grill (561-743-3300), 10162 W Indiantown Rd., has deli sandwiches and salads, wings and dogs, and their special “Phyl-u-Up” Maryland crab soup. Serving lunch and dinner ($6–18).
A birch beer float and a junkyard dog—that’s lunch for me at The Dune Dog Drive In (561-744-6667), 775 Alt SR A1A, a great stop after a long hike at nearby Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The place is a funky beach shack set in a parking lot along Old Dixie Highway, with Jimmy Buffet blasting and food ($4 and up) served at picnic tables. The family atmosphere at lunchtime makes way for barroom trolling after dark (margaritas are a specialty here).
Good food at bargain prices—that’s the Lighthouse Restaurant (561-746-4811), 1510 N US 1, a local fixture where patrons Burt Reynolds and Tom Poston smile down from autographed photos on the walls. Breakfast is hearty and even the dinners pack a lot of food. I highly recommend the grilled crab cakes, a house specialty. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but busiest at breakfast. Entrées $9–15.
When you have enough money, you can move anything—and such is the case with Rooney’s Public House Abacoa (561-694-6610), 1153 Town Center Dr., where the entire pub was imported from Ireland. Good Irish cuisine, a properly stocked bar, succulent steak and seafood, and live music every weekend. What more can a redheaded lad or lass ask for?
Cathy’s Beach Connection Restaurant (561-626-2262) offers reasonably priced breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable café. 12850 US 1, Juno Beach. Try a grouper reuben with cranberry juice/champagne mimosa. 8 AM–9 PM Mon.–Sat., 8 AM–4 PM Sun.
Pour me something tall and strong at the Square Grouper at Castaways Marina (561-575-0252), 1111 Love St., on the Intracoastal near Alan Jackson’s house; the video for the Jackson-Buffet duet “5 O’Clock Somewhere” was partially filmed here. The menu is limited to your basic bar fare, but this is a great place to sit and sip a tall one while watching sailboats drift past. Live music Tues.–Sun.
EntertainmentThe 225-seat Atlantic Theater (561-575-3271; www.theatlantictheater.com), 6743 W Indiantown Rd. #34, brings fresh, new drama and comedy to the area with insightful productions. Live music featuring local talent is also performed.
The historic Maltz Jupiter Theatre (561-743-2666; www.jupitertheatre.org), 1001 E Indiantown Rd., once the Burt Reynolds dinner theater, was renovated in 2004. Open since the 1980s, the theater has been transformed into a 600-seat playhouse featuring professional productions of musicals, dramas, comedies, and classics, often with world-renowned celebrities.
CATHY’S BEACH CONNECTION, JUPITER
Trish Riley
Contemporary and classical productions are professionally presented at the Shakespeare Festival (561-575-7336; www.pbshakespeare.org), Carlin Park Amphitheater, 400 S SR A1A (just south of Indiantown Rd.).
Selective ShoppingThere’s a nice selection of antiques and collectible treasures at Treasure Hunt Antiques (561-748-0608), 1532 N US 1; Sims Creek Antique Mall (561-747-6785), 1695 W Indiantown Rd.
Harbor Clothing Boutique (561-747-5330), 2127 US 1, offers an extensive line of Brighton purses and jewelry.
Once you’ve experienced the area’s rivers and inlets, you’ll want your own kayak, so head over to Adventure Times Kayaks (561-881-7218; www.kayakkayak.com), 521 Northlake Blvd.
Serious shoppers head to The Gardens Mall (561-622-2115), 3101 PGA Blvd., where you can find all the trendy fashions to make your style sizzle. Downtown at the Gardens, an outdoor mall just west of The Gardens Mall, features many fine shopping opportunities, including Macy’s, Sur la Table, Whole Foods, and Shoe Spa, where you can nurture your inner Carrie Bradshaw with owner Beth Weingarten’s incredible bargains on $500 shoes. Just do it.
Publix GreenWise Market (561-514-5175), 11231 Legacy Ave. This market, across from the Gardens Mall on PGA Boulevard, is the first of the Publix chain’s new green stores, designed to compete with the national champion, Whole Foods. The store is gigantic, with copious amounts of the finest in fresh organic produce, house plants, fresh meats and seafoods, and environmentally friendly cleaners and cosmetics and books to help educate shoppers about the trend toward ecofriendly lifestyles and choices. There is a full-service buffet with hot dishes and cold salads, fresh bakery, pizzeria, wine, and cheese sections. A great place to find an exceptional and healthy meal. I was also especially excited to discover that they carry my book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living (Alpha Books, 2007)!
Special EventsFebruary: The annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival (561-694-2300; www.artigras.org), 800 US 1, Jupiter, just north of Donald Ross Road. Music, entertainment, ArtiKids, food, wine tasting, and lots of art. Fee.
PUBLIX GREENWISE, PALM BEACH GARDENS
Trish Riley
March: Artists from all over the United States and Canada present their original paintings, crafts, photography, copper and wood sculptures, and jewelry at Artfest by the Sea (561-746-7111; www.jupiterfl.org), Juno Beach (SR A1A). Musicians playing everything from flutes to guitars walk around and serenade.
The focal point of Central Palm Beach County is, of course, Palm Beach. The Intracoastal Waterway is all that separates the 16-mile-long barrier island from the mainland cities of Lake Worth and West Palm Beach. Land of the social elite, the “Island” is the winter home to many celebrities, including Rush Limbaugh, Jimmy Buffett, and the now infamous Bernie Madoff, who made off with the fortunes of many of his neighbors. Seasonal residents from social hot spots in New England, such as the Hamptons and Martha’s Vineyard spend a great deal of time fund-raising for both humanitarian and artistic causes—the Kravis Center was built totally on donations. Created by Henry Morrison Flagler in 1894, after his opening of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, the island with small-town character displays spectacular Mediterranean architecture throughout. Flagler’s “Whitehall” (see Historic Sites), built in 1901 for his wife, Mary Lily Kenan, can be seen to the north as you cross over the bridge on Okeechobee Boulevard (SR 704). Back on the mainland, West Palm Beach provided homes to those who built the grand homes on the “Island” and worked for its upper-class residents, or for many nouveau riche who couldn’t quite afford the exclusivity of the “Island.” However, the City of West Palm Beach has its own piece of paradise, with its scenic waterfront views of the Intra-coastal Waterway, sunny palm-lined streets, quaint shopping districts, and active downtown district. Be aware that this is a town where you’ll want to stay within the city entertainment area—wander a bit north of town and you might find yourself in the crossfire of angry youths.
At the southwest side of Palm Beach on the mainland sits Lake Worth. A polished gem, Lake Worth’s original landowners, Samuel and Fannie James, actually first named the town Jewel. In 1911 the James’ sold the town to Palm Beach Farms Company, and plans were formulated for a city along the water. In 1912 the town name was changed to the Townsite of Lucerne, but its name was changed yet again when it opened its first post office, as there was already a town in Florida named Lucerne. The city was incorporated in 1913 as the City of Lake Worth after Gen. William Jenkins Worth, who was instrumental in ending hostilities with indigenous people in 1842. Finnish immigrants are an integral part of the town’s population and culture, and they constitute nearly half of the town’s residents. They began migrating to the area as early as 1906 and bring one of the biggest events out for all to enjoy in the annual Finnish-American heritage celebration, Finlandia Festival (see Special Events).
Originally established as a colony for the workers employed by Flagler to build his railroad and empire for the rich in Palm Beach, West Palm Beach evolved into its own city. Many affluent businessmen wintering in South Florida soon began acquiring land to the west of Palm Beach for spacious estates and future investment opportunities. New York businessman C. Oliver Wellington was one of them, purchasing a large plot of land and calling it the Flying C.O.W. Ranch after his initials. The parcel spanned thousands of acres and remained private property until his death in 1959. As estate taxes grew, his heirs began developing some of the property as exclusive upscale plots, and the community of Wellington was born. By the 1970s, the first phase of the well-planned community was well under way. In the mid-1980s the Wellington Club was built as a central point for social gatherings. In 1993, Glenn Straub, a mining and asphalt tycoon, bought the club, and it became the Palm Beach Club. Home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, the PBPC features past and future Olympians in jumping and dressage events, along with several “Sport of Kings” polo matches. The Village of Wellington wasn’t incorporated until 1995 and is now known as the winter equestrian capital of the world. As it’s a true equestrian community, you’ll find tack shops, show centers, miles of trail riding, and riding lessons for both novices and professionals.
Nearby Royal Palm Beach is the only landlocked Palm Beach County municipality with beach in its name. Purchased in 1959 by Philadelphia supermarket magnates Sam and Hattie Friedland, the former 65,000-acre Seminole Tribe hunting ground was later sold to Miami developer Arthur Desser, and it has grown into a thriving suburban community.
Trying hard to stave off the onslaught of development, Loxahatchee Groves, founded in 1917, is the oldest of the western communities. An estimated 4,000 residents live on just under 8,000 acres. It was founded in 1917 by Southern States Land sales manager George Bensil, who remained a resident until his death in 1961.
To SeeART GALLERIES Bruce Webber Gallery (561-582-1045; webbergallery.com), 705 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth. Nineteenth-century to contemporary original works of art in oil, acrylic, and watercolor along with fine-art photography. Next door, at 709 Lucerne Ave., MaryAnne Webber’s Gallery showcases fine crafts, gifts, and jewelry from South Florida artists and around the United States. A trompe l’oeil mural along the side of the gallery complements the two structures.
HISTORIC SITES For information on many historical places throughout Palm Beach County, visit the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (561-832-4164; www.historicalsocietypbc.org), 1398 N Country Rd., Ste. 25, in the Paramount Building.
During the 1920s Florida land boom, Pittsburgh socialite John Phipps developed the pineapple fields around the intersection of Pershing and Flagler Drives in Lake Worth into the El Cid Neighborhood, comprised of expensive Mediterranean Revival and Mission-style homes. The neighborhood was named after medieval Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar—Cid is a translation from Arabic, meaning “lord.”
Lake Worth Pier (561-533-7367) has long been known as the site of some of the world’s best pier ocean fishing. The 960-foot-long pier is as close to the Gulf Stream as you can get without a boat. You can fish for bluefish, snapper, and sand perch 24 hours a day or simply watch the sunrise over the crystal-clear ocean. Bait and rental poles are available.
Explore nearby Peanut Island (561-845-4445; www.pbcgov.com/parks), located in the Lake Worth Lagoon. This 79-acre island of lush mangroves and Australian pines is home to the Palm Beach Maritime Museum (see Museums), the historic former Coast Guard Station, and the nuclear fallout shelter built to protect President Kennedy in case of war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Access is by boat or ferry from Phil Foster Park and Riviera Beach Marina (call Seafare Water Taxi at 561-339-2504 for transportation). Dock spaces are open to the public, and there are 20 tent sites for camping.
Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church (561-655-4554; www.bbts.org), Barton Ave. and N County Rd., is one of the more beautiful churches in all of Florida and the first Protestant church built in southeast Florida (in 1889). The church now serves all races, nations, and creeds, and many well-to-do socialites and celebrities have been married at the church, including Donald Trump, who exchanged vows here with Melania Knauss in January 2005. (You must be a member of the church, however, should you want to hold your own wedding here.)
Mar-A-Lago, meaning “from lake to sea,” was purchased by Donald Trump in 1985 from the Post Foundation as a winter home. The grand estate, originally built in 1927 by legendary cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post (then Mrs. Edward F. Hutton), required extensive restoration, and Mr. Trump spent the better part of 18 years ensuring careful and accurate historic restoration of the “Jewel of Palm Beach.” The 110,000-square-foot Mediterranean Revival mansion has 118 rooms, including 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, and 3 bomb shelters. The lush 20-acre estate is now home to the members-only Mar-A-Lago Club. It can be seen from the water or Ocean Drive.
The second church erected in southeast Florida (after Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, above), Old Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, located in the Clematis Street Commercial Historic District west of Dixie Hwy., is now a private residence.
Henry Flagler constructed the Royal Poinciana Chapel, (561-655-4212; www.royalpoincianachapel.org) 60 Cocoanut Row, in 1898 to serve winter guests. The earliest organized church in Palm Beach, the chapel originally sat on Whitehall Way and was moved to its present location in 1973.
Palm Beach’s oldest house and the first winter residence of Henry Flagler, the circa 1886 Sea Gull Cottage, 58 Cocoanut Row, is now the parish house of Royal Poinciana Chapel (see above). It was moved in 1984 from its original site next to the Royal Poinciana Hotel and restored in 1984. Please view from the exterior only.
Henry Morrison Flagler built his grand estate, Whitehall (561-655-2833; www.flaglermuseum.us), One Whitehall Way, in 1902 as a wedding present for his wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. The 55-room, 60,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion was grander than any other mansion at the time. The marble entrance hall, double staircase, colossal marble columns, and red barrel tile roof are just some of the exquisite details. Now a museum, the mansion’s period rooms are decorated in such styles as Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Italian Renaissance, and Francis I. My favorite section is the china, of which there is a plate for every occasion. Located across from the Okeechobee Boulevard (SR 704) bridge, the home can partially be seen when you cross the bridge. Henry Flagler’s private railcar #91 is part of the museum’s collection (see Museums).
In 1893 the town of West Palm Beach was laid out in a grid pattern, leaving a triangular space, known as Flagler Park, on the east end of Clematis to be used as a public area. In 1923 the Memorial Library was built on the site, rebuilt in 1962, and remodeled in 1994. The plaza is still the center of downtown activities. Note the small, triangular, in-ground fountain resembling the original plot. A marker is at the corner of Clematis Street and Flagler Drive.
Built in the 1920s and ’30s on the highest coast ridge between downtown West Palm Beach and Miami, the Flamingo Park subdivision was home to some of the area’s most prominent residents. Homes were built in several architectural styles, such as Mission, Mediterranean Revival, Frame Vernacular, Masonry Vernacular, Art Moderne, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman/Bungalow. One notable home, the Alfred Comeau House (circa 1924), is located at 701 Flamingo Dr. The neighborhood’s historical marker is located at Park Place and Dixie Highway.
A unique example of early-20th-century railroad architecture in the Mediterranean Revival style, the Seaboard Air Line Station, 203 S Tamarind Ave., opened in 1925 and was the flagship station of the Seaboard line. AMTRAK and the Tri-Rail are both serviced from this station. See the historical marker in the station courtyard.
The 2,600-year-old “Sport of Kings” is heralded at the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame (561-969-3210; www.polomuseum.com), 9011 Lake Worth Rd. The permanent exhibit displays more than 2,000 years of polo history throughout the world and American polo history from 1904. Special exhibits change annually. Look for “A Day in the Life of a Polo Pony” in 2006. Open 10 AM–4 PM Mon.–Fri. and 10 AM–2 PM Sat. (during the season). Free.
The history and culture of Lake Worth’s Polish, Finnish, and Lithuanian immigrants come alive at the Museum of the City of Lake Worth (561-586-1700; www.lakeworth.org), 414 Lake Ave., City Hall Annex. Seven rooms full of artifacts, books, photos, memorabilia, and antiques display “days gone by.” Open 9:30 AM–4:30 PM Mon.–Fri.
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (561-655-2833; www.flagler.org), One Whitehall Way, is home to one of “America’s Castles.” Whitehall, built in 1901 by Henry M. Flagler, was a wedding present to his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler (see Historic Sites). The grand mansion is decorated in many European styles reminiscent of the Gilded Age. Flagler, cofounder of Standard Oil Co., was instrumental in bringing the railroad to the southeast region of Florida and down through the Keys. His private railroad car is on display in the new Beaux-Arts-style building next to the main house. The 8,000-square-foot building, built specifically to hold the car, is the first building of its kind constructed in the United States in the past 60 years. Whitehall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can be viewed 10 AM–5 PM Tues.–Sat. and noon–5 PM Sun. Adults $15, children 6–12 $3.
Opened in 1999, the Palm Beach Maritime Museum (561-540-5147; www.pbmm.org), in Currie Park, 2400 N Flagler Dr., has four facilities: the former U.S. Coast Guard Station, boathouse, and President John F. Kennedy command post and bomb shelter on Peanut Island (see Historic Sites); the marine science field office and dock on the Intracoastal Waterway; an educational center, preview building, and ferry dock at Currie Park in West Palm Beach; and the Palm Beach Maritime Academy K–8 Charter School. Access is by boat or ferry from Phil Foster Park and Riviera Beach Marina. Currie Park education center open 10:30 AM–3:30 PM Wed.–Sat.; Peanut Island Tours from 11 AM–5 PM Fri.–Sun. Cost for tour: Adults $10, children 5 and under free. The ferryboat is an extra charge. Call for more information.
Sitting on just under 2 acres, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (561-832-5328; www.ansg.org), 253 Barcelona Rd., features monolithic sculptures set amongst three hundred species of tropical palms. The historic home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, displays more than one hundred various sized sculptures created by Ann Weaver Norton. Open 11 AM–4 PM Wed.–Sun., closed August. $5 per person.
If you haven’t been to the Norton Museum of Art (561-832-5196; www.norton.org), 1451 S Olive Ave., then this is a must-see. Florida’s largest and most impressive art museum was recently expanded. Permanent collections feature many of the grand masters, such as Chagall, Gauguin, Klee, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso, and an impressive collection of Jackson Pollock, along with other great American and international artists. The glass ceiling by Dale Chihuly, known for his expertise in glassblowing, feels like an undersea odyssey. Industrialist Ralph Hubbard Norton, who headed the Acme Steel Company in Chicago, and his wife, Elizabeth Calhoun Norton, founded the museum in 1941. Permanent collection: Adults $8, ages 13–21 $5, under age 13 free. Free admission to West Palm Beach residents on Saturday. Palm Beach County residents can view the museum at no charge on the first Saturday of the month. There is an extra charge for all on special exhibitions. Call for more information.
Open since 1980, the Ragtops Motorcars Museum (561-655-2836 or 1-877-RAGTOPS; www.ragtopsmotorcars.com), 2119 S Dixie Hwy., is housed in three buildings covering two entire city blocks. You’ll experience yesteryear with vintage automobiles, memorabilia, a soda bar, and a 1954 vintage silver dining car. “The Station” features vintage station wagons and a unique gift boutique. Open 10 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat. Admission $8 adults, $7 seniors, $4 children under 12. Classic cars from the collection are available for purchase.
The South Florida Science Museum (561-832-1988; www.sfsm.org), 4801 Dreher Trail N, is not your typical science museum. This facility houses Florida’s only science-themed mini golf, along with a natural history display of Florida ice age fossils. There are also lots of hands-on and interactive experiments. You’ll also find dozens of fresh- and saltwater tanks up to 900 gallons at the McGinty Aquarium. Their pair of white spotted bamboo sharks actually mated during Hurricane Wilma and produced one viable semitransparent egg. Over at the Aldrin Planetarium you’ll embark on a galactic odyssey seeking out nebulas and constellations while sitting in comfy inclined chairs. Open 10 AM–5 PM Mon.–Fri., 10 AM–6 PM Sat., and noon–6 PM Sun. Museum admission: adults $9, seniors 62 and up $8, children 3–12 $6, under 3 free. Planetarium $4 additional.
Go way back in time to experience one hundred years of Florida’s rich history from the 1850s to the 1950s. Sitting on 10 acres, Yesteryear Village (561-790-5232; www.southfloridafair.com/yesteryearvillage.html), South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., displays a large collection of original and replicated buildings, fully furnished with period items from a simpler time. You’ll walk through edifices such as an old school, a blacksmith shop, and a general store. The Bink Glisson Historical Museum is located inside a replica of an 1858 Haile plantation house. Bink Glisson, a self-taught wildlife and landscape artist, settled in Florida in the early 1920s and was instrumental in the development of Wellington. Many of his paintings are on display in the home. The original classic Cracker house still stands in Alachua County, Florida. The village is also home to the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum, which displays memorabilia by such musicians as Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Rich, Glenn Miller, and Duke Ellington. Open noon–5 PM Tues.–Fri. Hours may change according to special events, so please call ahead. $5 fee for guided tours.
Tournament play is at its best January through April at the Palm Beach Polo & Country Club (561-798-7000; www.palmbeachpolo.com), 11199 Polo Club. High-goal polo games are played on 11 world-class polo fields. The PBPC also presents the National Horse Show and Winter Equestrian Festival (see Special Events).
Learn how to play croquet the English way at the National Croquet Center (561-478-2300; www.croquetnational.com), 700 Florida Mango Rd. The 19,000-square-foot clubhouse presents tournaments and schedules classes throughout the year. Every Saturday morning the center offers free two-hour golf croquet starting promptly at 10. You must be at least 12 years old, and all instruction and equipment is provided. Reservations are recommended if there are more than four in your group. Flat-sole shoes are a must. For those who want to learn more, half-day clinics are held 8:30 AM–12:30 PM by Archie Peck, the center’s director of croquet and four-time national champion. There is a fee for the clinic, and reservations are required. Hours vary depending on events; call for more information.
ZOOLOGICAL PARK Situated on more than 23 lush, tropical acres, the Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park (561-547-9453; www.palmbeachzoo.com), 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, is home to more than nine hundred animals from Florida, Central and South America, Asia, and Australia. The new “Tropic of the Americas” features Mayan pyramids where you find bush dogs and jaguars, including a cub named Maya, who was born at the zoo on October 28, 2008. The zoo’s paddocks house a variety of free-roaming animals, from the majestic Bengal tiger to the rabbit-sized Malayan mouse deer. Bring your bathing suit on hot days to cool off in the Interactive Fountain (changing cabanas available). Open daily 9 AM–5 PM. Adults $13, seniors 60+ $10, children 3–12 $9, under 3 free.
To DoCRUISES Take a trip over to Freeport, Bahamas, on the majestic Palm Beach Princess The 420-foot, 1,300-passenger Palm Beach Princess cruise ship (1-800-841-7447; www.palmbeachprincess.com) sails twice daily from the Port of Palm Beach for five-hour lunch or dinner cruises that include casino gambling, live entertainment, a pool, skeet shooting, and lavish buffets.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES Adventure Mini Golf (561-968-1111 or 1-877-580-3117), 6585 S Military Trail, Lake Worth. Two 18-hole courses feature cascading waterfalls, rapids, and hours of delight in the game room with snack bar.
The world’s largest croquet complex, National Croquet Center (561-478-2300; www.croquetnational.com), 700 Florida Mango Rd., Lake Worth (see Sports), features its own “golf croquet” and is open year-round for sport and entertainment.
GOLF Lake Worth Municipal Golf Course (561-533-7365), One Seventh Ave. N, Lake Worth. Of the 145 golf courses in Palm Beach County, Lake Worth just happens to have one of the finest and most affordable. Designed by William Langford and Theodore J. Moreau, the municipally owned 18-hole, par 70 course has been open since 1924. Overlooking the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, the public golf course is one of the few on a waterfront venue. The Lake Worth Country Club is also open to the public and features leisurely lunches, elegant dinners, and a classic Sunday brunch.
HIKING One of the best places to go hiking is in the Corbett Wildlife Management Area (561-625-5122), off Seminole-Pratt-Whitney Blvd., with more than 60,000 acres of wild and watery wilderness. A 17-mile section of the Ocean-to-Lake Trail passes through the preserve. (See Wild Places.) Dozens of small county and city natural areas also offer short gentle walks, often paved or boardwalk, through patches of public land.
RACE CAR DRIVING More than seven hundred sports cars and motorcycle events are held each year at Palm Beach International Raceway (561-622-1400; www.racepbir.com), 17047 Beeline Hwy., Palm Beach Gardens. Driver-development programs and open test days for both sports cars and motorcycles are held on the 2.25-mile road course and 0.25-mile drag strip. Kids older than eight will want their turn at the wheel on the competition-grade 0.9-mile Kart Track.
SCUBA & SNORKELING Lake Worth Lagoon is recognized as one of the most important warm-water manatee refuges on the east coast of Florida. These “sea cows” are often observed resting or feeding near submerged seagrass beds during winter months. An artificial reef, completed in 1995, plunges to depths of 440 feet. It was created using tons of rock, barges, freighters, and even a Rolls Royce (!), this living reef system is home to many fish and other marine life.
SPA THERAPY Select one of the flavor-of-the-month body scrubs at The Breakers (561-655-6611 or 1-888-273-2537; www.thebreakers.com), One S Country Rd., Palm Beach, such as decadent chocolate, coffee, tropical mango, and Key lime, and seasonal offerings such as pumpkin spice.
TOURS It’s a quacking good time! Part boat, part bus, the amphibious DivaDuck (561-844-4188; www.divaduck.com), 501 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, will take you over land and sea on a 75-minute, fully narrated musical tour of downtown CityPlace, historic Palm Beach neighborhoods, Lake Worth Lagoon, Peanut Island, and down the Intracoastal Waterway past magnificent mansions. All tours depart from Hibiscus Street in CityPlace, just west of the railroad tracks. Adult and children over 10 $25, children 4–10 $15, children under 4 $5.
Calypso Bay Waterpark (561-790-6160; www.pbcgov.com), 151 Lamstein Ln., is located in Seminole Palms Park, one of Palm Beach County’s parks. It features an 880-foot river ride, two four-story-high water slides, and a lily pad walk, along with full-service concessions. Adults and children over 12 $10, children 3–11 $7, children 1–2 $3, infants under 1 free.
You’ll find 22 acres of action-packed thrills at Rapids Water Park (561-842-8756; www.rapidswaterpark.com), 6566 N Military Trail. At Big Thunder, one of the largest water rides in Florida, you ride on a four-person tube through a 9-foot dark tunnel and then round and round through a funnel at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour before dropping to a landing pool below. You won’t need tubes or rafts on Body Blasters as you slide your way through 1,000 feet of darkness, and at Pirate’s Plunge you zip down two speed slides before dropping seven stories. Tubin’ Tornadoes will have you twisting and turning, you’ll spin and swirl through mist on one of two Superbowls, or you can ride a whitewater adventure over three waterfalls at Riptide Raftin. Over at Big Surf, you can catch a 6-foot wave in the 25,000-square-foot wave pool. Milder rides such as the Lazy River, Splish Splash Lagoon, and the toddler Tadpool ensure a fun day for everyone in your family. Open daily mid-Mar. to late Aug., and weekends Sept. to mid-Oct. Admission $32; children under two free.
Green Space At Lake Worth Beach (561-533-7367), SR A1A, there are 1,300 feet of guarded beach perfect for sunning, surfing, and volleyball, and you can rent cabanas, boogie boards, rafts, chairs, and umbrellas. The 962-foot fishing pier is sure to please anglers, and there are rental poles and bait available. Other amenities include restaurants and stores, showers, and picnic facilities. Lifeguards on beach 9 AM–5 PM; handicapped assistance if requested. Open daily. Free.
Popular for sunning and snorkeling, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (561-624-6950; www.macarthurbeach.org), 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr., is a beautiful natural area between the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The park maintains an excellent nature center with interpretive information on the creatures of the lagoon and rocky reef. The main portion of the park connects with the beach via a broad boardwalk over the flats, a great spot for birding. There are two nature trails in the park, one through the tropical forest behind the dunes and the other, the Satinleaf Trail, a short interpretive trail that starts at the parking area and makes a loop through the native tropical hammock. At the beach, MacArthur’s rocky reefs and tidal pools are ideal for snorkeling. Park rangers run guided kayaking tours of the lagoon; call for details and times. Open 8 AM–sunset daily. $4 per vehicle.
BOTANICAL GARDENS An oasis of beauty near the West Palm Beach International Airport, Mounts Botanical Garden (561-233-1749; www.mounts.org), 531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, packs plants from around the globe into a 14-acre park. Themed sections break up your stroll through the gardens, from Florida natives to tropical fruits to Australian eucalyptus and African baobab trees. The Garden Shop stocks an excellent selection of books, including hard-to-find tomes on gardening and natural habitats in Florida. Open 8 AM–4 PM Mon.–Sat. and 12 PM–4 PM Sun. Donation.
Pan’s Garden (561-832-0731; www.palmbeachpreservation.org), 386 Hibiscus Ave., is a tiny oasis in the heart of downtown Palm Beach, offering a quiet place to sit and reflect beneath the deep shade of native trees, with more than 300 species of Florida plants represented. Massive pond apple trees anchor one end of a cypress-lined pond, and a rare Geiger tree sports bright reddish-orange blooms in summer near the main entrance. Free.
NATURE CENTERS Perched on the edge of the Loxahatchee Slough, the water supply for West Palm Beach, Grassy Waters Preserve (561-804-4985; www.cityofwpb.com/park), 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach, surrounds you with the Everglades as they always were, before cities along Florida’s east coast drained them. The preserve features a nature center for orientation, the Rain-catcher Boardwalk for an immersion into the cypress slough habitat, and a set of rugged hiking trails just up the road behind the Fish & Wildlife Commission headquarters building. Regular guided tours are offered, including off-trail swamp tromps and paddling trips. Fee.
Hidden at the back of vast Okeeheelee Park (see Parks), Okeeheelee Nature Center (561-966-6660; www.pbcgov.com/parks), 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, provides interpretation of the habitats and their inhabitants found along a network of hard-packed lime rock trails that fan out behind the center for a couple of miles of walking. One path leads to a permanent deer exhibit. Free.
Pine Jog Environmental Education Center (561-686-6600; www.pinejog.org), 6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, preserves a patch of pine flatwoods amid suburban sprawl. Park near the exhibit center and stop in for an interpretive brochure and overview of local habitats, then walk the 0.5-mile Wetland Hammock Trail around a flatwoods pond teeming with birds. Open 9 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat. and 2 PM–5 PM Sun. Free.
Bryant Park (561-533-7359), corner of Golfview and Lake Ave., right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Regular concerts are held at the Bandshell, with seating for 500, or bring your own chairs and blankets. There are restrooms and a boat ramp on-site. Across the bridge, also on the water is Barton Park, by the Lake Worth Beach lower parking lot. It has picnic tables and pavilion, restrooms, and a playground.
John Prince Park (561-966-6660; www.pbcgoc.com/parks), 2700 Sixth Ave. S, stretches from Lake Worth Road to Lantana Road along Congress Boulevard, facing Lake Worth. Tucked in the back of the park off Prince Drive, there’s a delightful campground (265 sites for RV or tent camping—some on waterfront) and adjoining nature trail system. Other activities include a 3-mile paved bike/walking trail, fishing, canoeing, golfing, and birding. Pets welcome on a 6-foot leash.
One of the county’s largest recreational parks, Okeeheelee Park (561-966-6660), 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., has a wide range of activities to choose from—dozens of picnic pavilions, ball fields, tennis courts, rental paddleboats, a water-ski course, paved bike trails, municipal golf course, and natural area with nature center and several miles of hiking trails winding through the pine flatwoods.
PUBLIC GARDENS Sitting on just less than 2 acres, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (561-832-5328; www.ansg.org), 253 Barcelona Rd., West Palm Beach, features monolithic sculptures set among 300 species of tropical palms. The historic home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, displays more than 100 various size sculptures created by Ann Weaver Norton. Open 11 AM–4 PM Wed.–Sun. Oct.–May and Fri.–Sat. June–Aug. Closed Aug. Fee.
Marrying sculpture and formal gardens, the Society of the Four Arts Gardens (561-655-7226; www.fourarts.org), 2 Four Arts Plaza, is part of a larger cultural complex and features a breathtakingly beautiful Oriental garden among its many niche gardens. Most of the green space encompasses the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden, with its collection of statues set in garden nooks. Open 10 AM–5 PM daily, free.
WILD PLACES At the western edge of “civilization” along Northlake Blvd., Corbett Wildlife Management Area (561-625-5122), off Seminole-Pratt-Whitney Blvd., West Palm Beach, encompasses more than 60,000 acres of wild and watery wilderness, brimming with blossoms in summer. A 17-mile section of the Ocean-to-Lake Trail passes through the preserve, accessed at Everglades Youth Camp along with the 1-mile interpretive Hungryland Boardwalk through a cypress slough. This is a popular winter destination for the county’s deer hunters, who use large-tired swamp buggies to prowl off-road. Primitive camping is available to hunters and backpackers; day-use fee applies.
LodgingThe first thing you notice when you drive up to the Mango Inn (561-533-6900; www.mangoinn.com), 128 N Lakeside Dr., is the immaculately groomed gardens surrounding the two-story building bathed in sunshine. Yes, you can’t miss the eye-stopping yellow-painted inn nestled next to a delightful cottage. Tucked away on a quiet side street 2 blocks from the Intracoastal, the Mango Inn is within easy walking distance to the beach and the funky downtown area. Built in 1915, this local treasure was rescued and restored by Erin and Bo Allen, originally from Michigan. As you step through the front door you are greeted with the clean aroma of fresh cut flowers grown in the care-fully tended garden. Cozy up to the coral fireplace or stretch out and grab some rays next to the heated swimming pool and circular waterfall. When you are ready to rest your head, retire to your own immaculate room or suite, complete with private bath. Fall into the lush down pillows and curl up under the monogrammed designer bed linens. For longer stays, request the cozy 1925 Pineapple Cottage, with fireplace and full kitchen; or the 1925 Mango Little House, complete with kitchen facilities. Mornings bring a new sensation with fresh baked blueberry gingerbread pancakes, cashew-mango muffins, and cinnamon-raisin scones with clotted cream and blackberry butter. Dine with other guests in the welcoming dining room or on the intimate veranda overlooking the pool. Before you head to the beach, have Erin pack you a picnic basket of light snacks and beverages. $165 and up.
The Bradley Park Hotel (561-832-7050 or 1-800-822-4116; www.bradleyparkhotel.com), 280 Sunset Ave. Founded by Florida pioneer and Flagler contemporary E. R. Bradley, this hotel is a remnant from the days when Bradley ran the Beach House, an entertainment venue and casino adjunct to Flagler’s hotel. Bradley won the reputation of “Mr. Lucky,” the greatest gambler that ever lived. Today’s hotel has 31 suites, from studios to penthouse, each with kitchen facilities. $359 and up.
CHESTERFIELD HOTEL, PALM BEACH
Trish Riley
The glamorous, European-style Chesterfield Hotel (561-659-5800; www.chesterfieldpb.com), 363 Cocoanut Row, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1926 as The Lido-Venice bed & breakfast, the hotel was renamed in 1928 as The Vineta. The three-story Mediterranean Revival–style structure is a good representation of resort hotels built during the Florida land boom of the 1920s. The name changed again in 1985 to The Chesterfield, and the boutique hotel is now a member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It’s plush and cozy, just a block from the beach. $359 and up.
The Breakers (561-655-6611 or 1-888-BREAKERS; www.thebreakers.com), 1 S County Rd. A AAA five-diamond resort, the Breakers is simply incomparable to any other Gold Coast property. The Breakers earned its designation as a Florida Certified Green Hotel in 2006, the first Palm Beach hotel to make such an investment in the environment. Originally built in 1896 and twice reconstructed because of fires, the hotel was created for the wealthiest Americans of the Gilded Age. While most remaining properties created during that time of opulence and luxury have become museums, the Breakers remains in full use, still serving the crème de la crème and giving the rest of us a glimpse at the good life, too, should we choose to accept it. Speaking from experience, my advice is this: treat yourself right. Everyone deserves to find out what it’s like to live at the height of luxury. You may just be surprised to discover that this magnificent place is filled with people like you. From the 220-foot-long lobby to the carved and painted ceilings, this hotel is filled with luscious beauty. Patterns and colors combine everywhere—striped upholstery and diamond-patterned carpet and floral curtains and polka-dotted linens. Perhaps it’s the pastel colors that make it all work so well, but it is simply richly gorgeous. Then there are the marble baths, glass-walled shower, and the balcony overlooking the sea. There is a world-class spa, pools, and golf, and beach activities include guided trips to the offshore reef. A children’s labyrinth garden and the chef’s herb garden contribute to the award-winning grounds, all combining to give the feel of a grand estate—more like a stately home than a hotel. $380 and up.
VIEW FROM THE BREAKERS, PALM BEACH
Trish Riley
The Colony (561-655-5430 or 1-800-521-5525; www.thecolonypalmbeach.com), 155 Hammon Ave. A few steps from Worth Avenue, the Colony offers simple, unpretentious finery. This luxurious Euro-style boutique hotel has rooms and villas (available by the month during the season). $375 and up.
Four Seasons Resort (561-582-2800; www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach), 2800 S. Ocean Blvd. This oceanfront resort brings a new sense of luxury to Palm Beach, with carefully appointed full-service rooms and suites, a spa, water sports, and golf. This is a good place for the ultimate luxury vacation, with fine dining and relaxation the only concerns on the agenda. Make it a romantic getaway, or bring the whole family and take a four-bedroom suite, with work spaces, sitting areas, and oceanfront balconies. $499 and up.
One of the few bed & breakfasts on the “Island,” the Palm Beach Historic Inn (561-832-4009 or 1-800-918-9773; www.palmbeachhistoricinn.com), 365 S County Rd., is only a few steps from Worth Avenue and the beach. Complimentary continental breakfast is served in your room. Eight guest rooms and four suites, with king or queen beds, are all located on the second floor. Rates $145 and up.
In the heart of the downtown shopping district near CityPlace is Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast (561-833-9023; www.grandview-gardens.net), 1608 Lake Ave. The intimate 1923 Mediterranean Revival villa has only five guest suites. Decorated in Spanish Mediterranean style, each suite has its own private entrance and is set around the 30-foot swimming pool and tropical gardens. Innkeepers speak a variety of languages: English, German, Spanish, and French. Rates $199 and up and include a breakfast buffet.
Innkeepers Elaine and Frank Calendrillo are your hosts in the Tuscany-style villa (circa 1926) Casa de Rosa Bed & Breakfast (561-833-1920 or 1-888-665-8666; www.casaderosa.com), 520 27th St., in Historic Old North-wood. Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the heated pool. With just four rooms, this is the perfect romantic getaway or an alternative from hotels for the executive business-person. The Italian architecture, painted in marigold yellow, features upper- and lower-story verandas with 22 arches. The luxurious 20-by-30-foot White Rose Room has a king-sized bed and a bathroom with two vanities—unique in bed & breakfasts, the room opens to the veranda through three French doors. The Beach Rose Cottage has a fun beachy theme complete with kitchen, the charming Tuscany Rose Room Suite features a queen-sized poster bed and French doors, and the comfortable Tropicana Rose Room ensures you a peaceful night’s sleep. Rates $135 and up.
Built during the Florida land boom in 1922 by Mayor David Dunkle, the Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast (561-863-5633 or 1-800-203-4927; www.hibiscushouse.com), 501 30th St., is on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms have romantic queen-sized beds, such as the four-poster rice bed in the Green Room, and the Peach Room has a wood ceiling canopy. The two-room Burgundy Suite has a sitting room, fireplace, and a queen-sized cherry four-poster bed. A full breakfast is served on china, silver, and Water-ford crystal in the formal dining room or in the tropical gardens surrounding the pool. Rates $189 and up.
Hilton Palm Beach Airport (561-684-9400; www.hilton.com), 150 Australian Ave. With easy access to the airport, this is a good selection for a business trip, but there are better choices for vacation. The rooms and suites are well kept. $180 and up.
Hotel Biba (561-832-0094; www.hotelbiba.com), 320 Belvedere Rd. This 43-room historic motor lodge that was reinvented as a sleek, hip hotel is on the fringes of the downtown scene of West Palm Beach. Coolest of cool decor and amenities include glass tiles—mosaics and terrazzo—Egyptian cotton linens, Aveda bath products, bamboo bead doors, and burlap head-boards. The candle-lit wine bar, decorated with colorful silk, is the subject of wide acclaim, and I think the Biba has the coolest package on the Gold Coast: surf lessons with your room (call for prices). $125 and up.
John Prince Park Campground (561-582-7992 or 1-877-992-9925), 4759 S Congress Ave., offers 265 rustic campsites with water and electric hookups for tents or RVs. Sites, especially the coveted waterfront sites, fill up fast, so reservations are recommended. The campground is operated by the Palm Beach Park and Recreation Department (www.pbcgov.com), and a manager resides on-site for your convenience.
Where to EatAt Bizarre Avenue Cafe (561-588-4488), 921 Lake Ave., Granny’s attic meets Bizarro World in a creatively decorated, offbeat café. Settle into the overstuffed chairs and sofas, and if you like one, you can take it home! All of the furnishings and bric-a-brac are for sale. The carefully selected, ever-changing decor is arranged in intimate groupings and surrounded by rich red brick walls. The eclectic menu echoes the atmosphere with such scrumptious delights as chicken–artichoke heart crêpes and an assortment of tapas, sandwiches, pasta, and salads. Desserts are made fresh locally and complement the season—we had the Pumpkin Crunch when we visited in the fall. The wraparound bar serves wine and beer. Plan to stay late, as this place is open until 11 PM weekdays and midnight Fri. and Sat.
Dave’s Last Resort and Raw Bar (561-588-5208), 632 Lake Ave. Looking for a place to relax with friends? The open, airy dining room/bar boasts a plethora of TVs, with a variety of broadcast sports. The booths and table-tops are laden with copper and outlined with etched maple leaves. Light knotty pine, lots of it, completes the rustic feel. This is the place to go when you have a “manly” appetite. Start with the raw bar sampler, which includes oysters, clams, snow crab, white and rock shrimp, and even crawdads. Still hungry? Then order up the house favorite—a 20-ounce porterhouse with garlic mashed potatoes. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and—as all good last resorts—late into the night.
Yama (561-582-5800), 809 Lake Ave., is getting rave reviews for sizzling Korean barbeque and all the amazing flavors and side dishes that go along with this cultural delight. $12.95 and up.
Muer Seafood restaurants (www.muer.com) began as a family of restaurants in 1964, and while Landry now owns the chain, the culinary control is still in the hands of the Muer chefs. Along the water, Charley’s Crab (561-659-1500), 456 S Ocean Blvd., offers the best in seafood dishes, from classics such as bouillabaisse ($19) to imaginative dishes such as the Szechuan-style Dungeness crab clusters ($23). At 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Chuck & Harold’s (561-659-1440) caters to the well-heeled locals. Favorites are Chuck & Harold’s Fishwich ($9) and the Muer classic Maryland crab cakes ($22). A great place to sip Bloody Marys is outside in the garden café. Both locations are celebrated for their Sunday brunch. Lunch and dinner served Mon.–Sat. (See also Oceanside: Eastern Broward County for Pal’s Charley’s Crab, on the Intracoastal Waterway in Deerfield Beach.)
A Palm Beach classic, the Leopard Lounge and Restaurant (561-659-8500 or 1-800-243-7871; www.redcarnationhotels.com), 363 Cocoanut Row, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The jungle-themed lounge, British Colonial furnishings, and black and red lacquer trim evoke a private-club atmosphere, and it offers a variety of live music, entertainment, and dancing.
LEOPARD LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT AT THE CHESTERFIELD, PALM BEACH
Courtesy The Chesterfield, Palm Beach
Every town has one or two culinary treasures, and John G’s (561-585-9860; www.johngs.com), 10 S Ocean Blvd., is the local favorite. Start your day in this nautical setting, watching the sunrise while feasting on Canadian peameal bacon flanked with scrambled eggs, or try the cinnamon nut French toast or blueberry pancakes. This place is always rated at the top of the “Best” lists, so get there early, as it’s known for its long lines. On Sunday, the owner, Mr. John G himself, serves chocolate-dipped strawberries to those patiently waiting. It’s conveniently located across from the beach, so you’ll want to come back and grab lunch as well. Try the some of the deep-sea favorites, such as fried clams and crab cakes or fresh fish fillets. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! Open daily 7 AM–3 PM.
Key West Crossing (561-588-9900), 617 Lake Ave. Stop into this funky ice cream parlor for a piece of Key lime pie and coconut ice cream. Play checkers on one of the colorful tables, or shop for eclectic gifts and treats such as Key lime syrup. Open daily 11 AM–11 PM.
The hub of the Finnish community since 1955, the fabulous Scandia Bakery and Coffee Shop (561-582-1600), 16 S Dixie Hwy., is also the headquarters for the annual Finlandia Festival (see Special Events). Read the bulletin board, some of which is in English, while having your cardamom cake and coffee. Make sure to take home a fresh hot loaf of Finnish or Russian rye bread. Open for breakfast and light lunches 8 AM–4 PM Mon.–Sat. and 8 AM–2 PM Sun.
Montezuma Restaurant (561-586-7974), 5607 S. Dixie Hwy., W. Palm Beach. What’s the best sign that a Mexican restaurant is authentic? The salsa, but more important, the clientele. Montezuma is just such a place. Even the babies are spoon-fed spicy beans and rice at this unassuming café, which caters to the strong local population of Mexican farm workers. The small gift shop and grocery of Mexican imports is interesting and has friendly service. $8 and up.
Bellagio (561-659-6160; www.ilbellagiocityplace.com), 600 Rosemary Ave. at City Place. The aroma of delicious northern Italian comfort food greets you as you enter this fountain-side eatery at City Place. Try sautéed artichokes and mushrooms, or save your appetite for a main dish of chicken dressed with spinach and mozzarella in a cognac cream sauce. $16.95 and up.
Brewzzi (561-366-9753; www.brewzzi.com), 700 S. Rosemary at City Place. Take a break from shopping at this City Place brewery, where you can sit upstairs or on the open-air patio and look down upon the less-savvy shoppers. Try the award-winning brew, as well as the Gorgonzola chips, a huge Brewzzi salad, meat loaf, Farfalle à la Vodka, crusted snapper, Angus steaks, or pizza—there’s something here for everyone. $12 and up.
E. R. Bradley’s Saloon (561-833-3520; www.erbradleys.com), 104 Clematis St. This saloon was named for a Florida dandy who struck a deal with Henry Flagler to build and run a beach club alongside Flagler’s hotel. Bradley became known as the world’s luckiest gambler when his adopted homeland became the subject of Flagler’s railway and glitterati of the Gilded Age. The saloon is the perfect way to keep his memory alive, and it does so with hallways lined with newspaper and magazine accounts from Bradley’s day. The restored waterfront home is a lovely place to sit outside for views of the Intra-coastal, or inside after dark the barroom turns into a dance hall. Delicious soups and seafood are served, with fresh homemade pretzels served with lunch instead of bread. Open until the wee hours for dancing. Entrées $17 and up.
Leila (561-659-7373; www.leilawpb.com), 120 S. Dixie Hwy. At this tiny spot south of City Place, you’ll find a casual atmosphere and fragrant, sensuous, and tasty fare. I love the curries and falafel, Mediterranean salads, and heady Lebanese specialties. The moderately sized portions make it fun to try several dishes at once. Choose a few or a sampler. Entrées $17 and up.
EntertainmentSince 1987, the nationally renowned Demetrius Klein Dance Company (561-586-1889), 811 Lake Ave., has swept away critics across the country with their unique choreography and physical modern dance form. The company’s active schedule produces a dozen full performances a year.
The fully restored Lake Worth Playhouse (561-586-6410), 713 Lake Ave., is comprised of two theaters. The 300-seat main theater presents Broadway-style plays and musicals to appreciative audiences. Built in 1924, the interior is a spectacular example of period design. The 70-seat Stonzek Studio Theater, at 709 Lake Ave., showcases experimental works and is reminiscent of New York’s intimate off-Broadway scene.
Dedicated to introducing new and developing work, the 258-seat Florida Stage Professional Theatre (561-585-3433 or 1-800-514-3837; www.floridastage.org), 262 S Ocean Blvd., produces contemporary works by both established and emerging playwrights. Located in the Plaza del Mar between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Summer and season tickets $35–45; opening night $75.
Classical and contemporary dance is presented at Ballet Florida (561-659-1212 or 1-800-540-0172; www.balletflorida.com), 500 Fern St., at locations around the tri-county area. Under the direction of founder Marie Hale, celebrated choreographers from around the world direct 22 professional dancers in such works as Twyla Tharp’s Baker’s Dozen; Ben Stevenson’s Five Poems, with costume and scenery designed by actress Jane Seymour; and, of course, the holiday favorite The Nutcracker.
The 400-seat Cuillo Centre for the Arts (561-835-9226; www.cuillocentre.com), 201 Clematis St., features live theater such as pre-Broadway shows, concerts, and play readings.
Conveniently located just east of I-95, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (561-832-7469 or 1-800-KRAVIS-1; www.kravis.org), 701 Okeechobee Blvd., was built totally on donations from local residents. The center is named for its main benefactor, Raymond F. Kravis, a geologist from Oklahoma and winter resident of Palm Beach for more than 35 years. As such it has had the funding to produce some of the region’s best ballet, theater, and musical performances. Three venues, the 2,200-seat Dreyfoos Hall, the 1,400-seat Gosman Amphitheater, and the 300-seat Rinker Playhouse, offer performances from intimate lecture series to large-scale Broadway productions.
CUILLO CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, WEST PALM BEACH
Trish Riley
Palm Beach Opera (561-833-7888 or 1-888-88-OPERA; www.pbopera.org), 415 S Olive Ave., holds performances at the Kravis Center. The opera company has a half dozen operas and symphonic concerts during the season and an outreach program to assist both children and aspiring opera singers. One of their educational programs, The Family Opera Series, is hosted by canine tenor The Great Poochini, a costumed character in tails.
Selective ShoppingEven if you don’t own a dog, you’ll want to stop at the delightful Paws on the Avenue (561-588-6533), 409 Lake Ave. Top dog Caroline Clore has created a doggone oasis for your furry friend. You’ll want to adorn your canine or feline with an attractive bandanna or choose from the vast collection of clothing specifically created “fur” style and function. Your hungry canines will drool with delight at the gourmet pet treats at Café le Paws. And don’t forget to pamper your little dah-ling at the Day Spa with an herbal bath, paw soak, and therapeutic massage.
The Lake Worth downtown area of Lake Avenue and Lucerne Avenue, is a virtual hub of the antiques community, so you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for, whether it is collectibles, fine art, estate jewelry, Oriental carpets, or classic heirlooms. Fine linens are found at RoundAbout Antiques (561-845-1985), 824 Lake Ave.; and the Lake Avenue Antiques Mall (561-586-1131), 704 Lake Ave., has something for everyone.
Worth Avenue (561-659-6909; www.worth-avenue.com) is the pinnacle of luxury shopping. All the big names are here, along with some new ones. You’ll find old favorites such as Cartier (561-655-5913), 214 Worth Ave.; Chanel (561-655-1550), 301 Worth Ave.; and Hermès (561-655-6655), 255 Worth Ave.; along with some of the finest antiques shops in the world.
If Worth Avenue gives you sticker shock, there is still excellent shopping to be had on the mainland at City-Place (561-366-1000; www.cityplace.com), 701 S Rosemary Ave., where you find regulars such as Banana Republic (561-833-9841) and Williams-Sonoma (561-833-0659). To get to S Rosemary Ave., take I-95 exit 70 to Okeechobee Blvd., and go east less than a mile. Shops are open 10 AM–9 PM Mon.–Thurs., 10 AM–10 PM Fri. and Sat., and noon–6 PM Sun. Valet parking available at some locations.
FARMER’S MARKET West Palm Beach Greenmarket (561-822-1515; www.wpb.org/greenmarket), Second St. between Olive Ave. and Flagler Dr. and Narcissus St. between Clematis St. and Flagler Dr. Live music. Dog friendly and free parking. Every Sat. from 8 AM–1 PM Oct. 18–Apr. 25.
TIFFANY’S, PALM BEACH
Trish Riley
Special EventsWeekly/Monthly: Evening on the Avenues (561-582-4401), Cultural Plaza near M St., Lake Worth. Held 6 AM–10 PM the first and third Fri. of every month. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, food, and lots of shopping at specialty stores along Lake Avenue and Lucerne Avenue, as well as an array of classic cars lining J St.
Bonfire on the Beach, Lake Worth Beach. Held 7 AM–9 PM first and third Fri. in Nov. and Dec. and the second and fourth Fri. of Jan. and Feb. Stroll along the white-sand beach and let the balmy breezes blow through your hair. Then, cozy up with a loved one until the last embers wane. You’ll want to toast marshmallows. 7 AM–9 PM. Note: no alcoholic beverages or pets.
Motown favorites come alive every Friday night at The Colony Hotel (see Lodging), Palm Beach, with music from the 1960s to the ’80s, such as the Temptations, the Supremes, and Marvin Gaye, 9:30 AM–closing.
A few miles west of Palm Beach you’ll find a treasure at Lion Country Safari (561-793-1084; www.lioncountrysafari.com), 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd., Loxahatchee. If you can’t go to Africa, then we’ll bring Africa to you. That was the thought in 1967 when a group of South African and British entrepreneurs opened the first “cageless” park in America. Drive through the 350-acre preserve where a thousand animals roam freely. The park is divided into seven sections: Las Pampas, grasslands where llamas, rhea, fallow deer, and Brazilian tapirs graze; Ruaha National Park, where you’ll see greater kudu, impala, and aoudad; the dry Kalahari Bushveldt, where Gems-bok and Lechwe antelope leap past you; the Gir Forest, where you can look closely to see the impressive Asiatic water buffalo; The Gorongosa, where African lions dominate; the famed Serengeti Plains, home to the African elephant, eland, ostrich, wildebeast, and more; and the Hwange National Park, where you’ll see herds of zebras running along with white rhinos while chimpanzees play and giraffes tower above you. You will be driving at a snail’s pace through the park so as not to injure any animals, so allow about one to two hours for the 5-mile safari. And please, no matter how tempting, keep your windows rolled up just like they tell you, and never, ever get out of your car. These animals are wild and can be very inquisitive: The ostrich and giraffes especially love to surprise you. My favorite sections were the Hwange National Park, where a herd of zebras took off ahead of me, racing along the plain, and The Gorongosa, where the “King of Beasts” rules. The parks, which work as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and are members of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), have been instrumental in the continued survival of the white rhinoceros. And as a licensed rehabilitation facility, the park often takes in Florida rescues, such as the brown pelican. With the new Safari World expansion, the park adds an additional 53 acres to include a children’s Safari Splash Interactive Spray Ground, a 55-foot Ferris wheel and other cool kiddie park rides, an Aldabra tortoise exhibit, a giraffe feeding exhibit, and a Safari Hedge Maze. A picnic area is also available, so plan to make a day of it. The park also has a KOA campground. To traverse the park, you may use your own approved vehicle (convertibles are not allowed, and open-bed trucks must be empty), or park your car ($5) and rent a car ($10) or van ($18). Rental cars and vans are first come, first served. No pets are allowed in the park, but they do offer free kennels while you visit. Open 10 AM–4:30 PM (with the park closing promptly at 5:30 PM) daily. Admission: Ages 10–64 $24, seniors 65+ $22, children 3–9 $18, ages 2 and under free. Check the Web site and local grocery stores and flyers for discount admission coupons.
ZEBRAS BLOCK THE ROAD AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI
Sandra Friend
A one-hour Historic Walking Tour of Worth Avenue (561-659-6909; www.worth-avenue.com) starts at 11 AM at the Gucci Courtyard, 256 Worth Ave., West Palm Beach, the second Wed. of the month Oct.–May and the first Sat. of the month June–Aug. Call for reservations. Free.
On the first weekend of every month, hundreds of antiques and collectibles dealers feature items from knickknacks and fine collectibles to books and furniture at the West Palm Beach Antique & Collectibles Show (1-800-640-FAIR; www.wpbantiques.com), 9067 Southern Blvd., South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach.
Clematis by Night (561-822-1515; www.clematisbynight.net), in Centennial Square at the top of Clematis St., West Palm Beach, features a fountain-side concert from 6:00 to 9:30 every Thursday night. Listen to rock, rhythm and blues, swing, blues, reggae, and soul while browsing through the international crafts bazaar. The free event is hosted by the City of West Palm Beach.
Pack up the family and bring a picnic basket to the Meyer Amphitheater (561-659-8007), West Palm Beach, to listen to local bands at sunset on the water every Sunday. Free.
January: The South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, is home to the South Florida Fair (561-793-0333; www.southfloridafair.com).
Winter Equestrian Festival (561-793-5867; www.stadiumjumping.com) is held late Jan. to mid-Mar. at the Palm Beach Polo & Country Club at 11199 Polo Club and Stadium Jumping at 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington. The largest equestrian event in the world is where the best of the best hunters and jumpers compete, along with dressage and equitation events on more than 4,000 horses.
February: Finlandia Festival (561-582-1600), Lake Worth. Since 1985, Bryant Park has been transformed into the Tori, a Finnish-style marketplace. Celebrate with this cultural community—the second-largest Finnish community in the world outside of Finland—and enjoy vibrant music, dancing, Finnish foods, and handicrafts.
The Street Painting Festival (561-582-4401; www.streetpaintingfestival.org) is held each year in downtown Lake Worth. The tradition of street painting originated in Italy in the 16th century, but it has been the main event in Lake Worth only in the past decade. Watch the streets come alive as more than 400 artists use chalk to transform the pavement into works of fine art. Strolling minstrels, jazz, classical music, dance, theater, improvisation, and an array of streetside cafés complete the old-world atmosphere. Children of all ages will love the Children’s Meadow, where they can create their own street paintings.
Spring is in the air at the Palm Beach Tropical Flower & Garden Show (561-655-5522) in downtown Palm Beach.
March: The Worth Avenue Association Pet Parade and Contest, Palm Beach, puts even Westminster on notice. The “Island” society’s best groomed dogs, cats, birds, and even bunnies strut their stuff at this annual event.
The Annual Palm Beach Boat Show (1-800-940-7642), along the West Palm Beach waterfront, displays more than a thousand boats and yachts.
April: The annual waterfront Sunfest (561-659-5980 or 1-800-SUNFEST; www.sunfest.com), downtown West Palm Beach, offers name-brand entertainment and the best of food and art for several days. Sometimes it is held earlier in the year, so call ahead or check the Web site.
May: The Puppetry Arts Center and Gold Coast Storyteller performs at the Annual Storytelling Festival (561-967-3231), West Palm Beach.
June: The West Palm Beach Carnival (561-255-7990; www.westpalmbeachcarnival.com), South Florida Fairgrounds, is a lively tropical celebration of island life and culture featuring live reggae music, arts and crafts, and a variety of Caribbean foods and activities.
December: A holiday favorite, the annual Holiday Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches (561-832-8444; www.pbboatparade.com) floats boats and yachts along the Intracoastal Waterway, north from Peanut Island to Jupiter.
In 1894, settlers began to push into southeast Florida. Nathan S. Boynton, a former Civil War major from Michigan, settled in Boynton Beach, naming it after himself. Major Boynton built the Boynton Beach Hotel as his family’s winter residence, and around the turn of the century the hotel became a social destination for northerners escaping the cold winter months. Another group of Michiganders, led by William Linton and David Swinton, settled in Delray Beach, so named after the Spanish word for “the king.” The town is a leader in the preservation of local history, with many buildings around town restored to their original glory. The area, rich for planting fruits and vegetables, brought a number of Japanese farmers around the turn of the 20th century. These farmers formed the Yamato Colony, growing pineapples on the land now just east of I-95 in Boca Raton. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is all that is left of the colony. The Spanish name Boca Raton is often translated into the “Mouth of the Rat” or “Rat’s Mouth,” but “Raton” was a term that was once used to mean a cowardly thief. So the true translation of the town’s name is thought to mean “Thieves Inlet.” In the 1960s South Florida experienced a huge land boom, and many technical companies, such as IBM, moved to the region. In 1981 the first IBM personal computer was developed here.
To SeeHISTORIC SITES Throughout the region, many markers have been erected to further detail certain historical moments and places.
The marker located along the west side of SR A1A in Spanish River Park in Boca Raton memorializes the Barefoot Mailman. Between the 1880s and early 1890s, U.S. mailmen walked along this beach, delivering mail from Palm Beach to Miami. The round-trip was made in six days.
The Boca Raton Town Hall, 71 North Federal Hwy., houses the Boca Raton Historical Society. Architect Addison C. Mizner is mainly responsible for the Mediterranean Revival style found here and throughout the town of Boca Raton. Completed in 1927, the Town Hall also housed both the fire station and police department. The gilded dome on the bell tower is its shining jewel. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the building is now used by the Boca Raton Historical Society as a local history museum (see Museums).
DELRAY BEACH
Trish Riley
A marker for the Florida East Coast Railway Depot is at 747 S Dixie Hwy. In 1895 Henry Flagler’s railroad reached Boca Raton, and in 1930 a railway depot for passengers was built. The station operated until 1968. The station was restored in 1989 by the Boca Raton Historical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautifully designed building is in the Mediterranean Revival style. Take particular note of the arched loggia, pitched gable roof, and delicate spiral columns.
If you follow Ocean Ave. to SR A1A, you’ll come to a private residence sitting on the land where the Boynton Beach Hotel once stood. The winter home of the town’s founder, Maj. Nathan S. Boynton, became victim to the 1926 hurricane and was never rebuilt. The only remaining structures are two small cottages. Surviving historical records are located at the Boynton Beach Library.
The circa 1925 Boynton Beach Women’s Club, 1010 S Federal Hwy., was designed by Addison Mizner in the Mediterranean Revival style. The two-story structure has a loggia on three sides. It was the town’s social hub until the 1930s and is now privately owned.
One of Palm Beach County’s sweetest landmarks is the Little Red Schoolhouse (561-433-8550; www.palmbeachpreservation.org), 4485 Haverhill Rd. The 1886 schoolhouse was the first built in what was then Dade County. Educational tours are given on weekday mornings. Free.
The 1915 Cason Cottage (561-243-2577; www.db-hs.org) is built in the Old Florida Vernacular style with Dade County pine. Restored in 1988, it was the former retirement home of the Rev. and Mrs. John R. Cason Sr., community leaders. Many relatives of the Methodist minister still reside in the area. The Delray Beach Historical Society office is located in a historic bungalow on the property. Open for tours Tues.–Fri.
The oldest hotel in Delray and a member of Historic Hotels of America is the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club, 525 E Atlantic Ave. (see Lodging). The 1926 Old Florida–style hotel is lovingly restored and sits in the heart of the downtown cultural area amid fine restaurants and art galleries.
On the city’s municipal beach along SR A1A, you’ll find a marker commemorating the Delray Wreck. About 150 yards offshore, at the bottom of the ocean in 25 feet of water, rests the SS Inchulva, grounded during a hurricane in 1903. The ship, also known as the “Delray Wreck,” is a popular diving spot.
At 200 NE First St. you’ll find a marker for the Florida East Coast Railway. Only a 40-foot freight section remains of the old 1896 railroad station. In 1994 the only surviving section of the station was bought by the Delray Beach Historical Society and moved to its present location.
One of the greatest historical preservation projects is the Old School Square (561-243-7922; www.oldschool.org), 51 North Swinton Ave., at the corner of Atlantic Ave. and Swinton Ave. Comprised of three buildings—the Delray Beach elementary school (circa 1913), high school (circa 1925), and gymnasium (circa 1926)—it is now home to the Cornell Museum of Art & History (see Museums), the Crest Theatre (see Performing Arts), the restored gym, and several vintage classrooms.
A marker for Orange Grove House of Refuge No. 3, 1876–1927 is found along SR A1A, north of Atlantic. One of several homes built by the Treasury Department for shipwrecked refugees, this site is named for the nearby wild sour orange grove.
Stop into the Sundy House, 106 S Swinton Ave., for lunch or dinner, or stay overnight in the quaint bed & breakfast (see Lodging). The circa 1902 Victorian house is the oldest home in Delray Beach and home to the town’s first mayor. The wide-open verandas are perfect for sipping an afternoon tea.
The Boca Raton Historical Society (561-395-6766; www.bocahistory.org), 71 N Federal Hwy., provides guided tours of the Boca Express Train Museum, the Boca Raton Resort & Club, and other places of historical significance throughout the City of Boca Raton.
On the fourth Saturday of the month you can take a narrated trolley tour of historic Delray Beach offered by the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History of Delray Beach (561-243-2662; www.mlfhmuseum.org). The one hour and 45-minute tour explains the history of Delray Beach and the diversity of its multicultural settlers, along with stops at some of the town’s historic churches, hotels, and homes. The trolley picks you up at 11 AM at downtown Delray Beach Public Library at 100 W Atlantic Ave. The $10 fee also covers admission to the museum (see Museums).
Many historical exhibits are on display at the Boca Raton Historical Society (561-395-6766; www.bocahistory.org), 71 N Federal Hwy., where you will also see the Boca Express Train Museum (see Railroadiana). Historical tours available.
The 44,000-square-foot Boca Raton Museum of Art (561-392-2500; www.bocamuseum.org), 501 Plaza Rd., Mizner Park, features a fine collection of American and European art, along with an outdoor sculpture garden of contemporary pieces of monumental size. Open 10–5 Tues., Thurs., and Fri., 10 AM–9 PM Wed., and noon–5 PM Sat. and Sun. Adults $14, seniors $12, students $6. Prices reduce to about half during the off-season when special exhibitions are not shown.
At the Children’s Museum (561-368-6875; www.cmboca.org), 498 Crawford Blvd., kids can use large magnetic pieces to create their own “Picasso,” step back in time and shop for groceries in a replica of Boca Raton’s first grocery store, make handmade postcards at Oscar’s Post Office, and learn how to care for pets at the Audubon & Friends naturalist exhibition. Open noon–4 PM Tues.–Sat. $3 per person.
Walk into the Children’s Museum (561-742-6780; www.schoolhousemuseum.org), 129 E Ocean Ave., and you’ll be greeted by a replica of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (see North Palm Beach County), then step back in time to the 1800s and dress up like a Florida pioneer and experience how life used to be. Different historic themes are presented throughout the year. Open 10 AM–5 PM Tues.–Sat. and 1 PM–4 PM Sun. Adults $5, children $3.
Housed in the historic Delray Elementary School (circa 1913), the Cornell Museum of Art & History at Old School Square (561-243-7922; www.oldschool.org), 51 N Swinton Ave., features four galleries, a two-story atrium, a tearoom, and a gift shop. The town’s historical archives, which contain photographs, books, and maps, are located on the second floor (see Historic Sites).
Japanese immigrant and pineapple farmer George Morikami donated 200 acres to use for a museum showcasing Japanese culture. The Morikami Museum (561-495-0233; www.morikami.org), 4000 Morikami Park Rd. (off Jog Rd. between Linton Blvd. and Clint Moore Rd.), is the only museum of Japanese culture in the United States. Surround yourself with serenity as you walk past a cascading waterfall and through pine tree–lined nature trails that wind around the lake while experiencing different types of gardens. The 9th- to 12th-century Shinden Garden is modeled after those found on estates of Japanese nobility. The Zen-inspired 14th- and 15th-century rock gardens display a contrasting stark simplicity. There’s even a bonsai garden. Inside, discover more than 5,000 pieces of art and objects in the museum, and take off your shoes and walk through a traditional Japanese home. A library, gift shop, and teahouse are also on-site, and each Saturday you can take part in a traditional sado tea ceremony. The Morikami also offers classes, along with several educational events and cultural festivals throughout the year (see Special Events). Open 10 AM–5 PM Tues.–Sun. Adults $10, seniors $9, children $6.
RAILROADIANA The Boca Express Train Museum (561-395-6766; www.bocahistory.org), 747 S Dixie Hwy., offers guided tours of not one, but two 1947 streamliner railcars (both on the National Register of Historic Places), a 1940s Seaboard caboose, and a Baldwin steam engine, all housed in a 1930 FEC train depot that contains additional memorabilia relating to train travel in the 1940s. Open 1 PM–4 PM Fri. during the season (Nov.–Apr.). Adults $4, children $2.
More than 100 different artists are represented in the Avalon Gallery (561-272-9155; www.avalononatlantic.com), 425 E Atlantic Ave., displaying organic forms in art glass and ceramics. It’s rated one of the top 25 galleries in the United States.
MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS, DELRAY BEACH
Courtesy Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
To DoBOAT TOURS Loxahatchee Everglades Tours, Inc. (561-482-6107 or 1-800-683-5873; www.evergladesairboattours.com), 15490 Loxahatchee Rd., Boca Raton. Glide over the river of grass while seated on elevated airboats, from which you can see alligators, great blue herons, red shoulder hawks, turtles, and the occasional cottonmouth moccasin. Pass through sloughs and hammocks on airboats just right for your party, from the 8-person Eagle to the 20-person Gator and Osprey. Knowledgeable guides introduce you to the vast Everglades ecosystem and explain the history, biology, and geology of what you’ll see on the tour. Open daily 9:30 AM–4 PM. Three types of tours: 30-, 60-, and 90-minute. Reservations recommended.
CLASSY ART GLASS AT THE AVALON GALLERY
Sandra Friend
Treat yourself to a massage inside the crisp treatment rooms or outdoors in your own private cabana overlooking the sunning pool at Spa Eleven (561-278-1100; www.spaeleven.com), 14140 N Federal Hwy. Massages run $145 for 80 minutes and $220 for 110 minutes. Open 10 AM–6 PM Mon., 10 AM–8 PM Tues.–Thurs., 9 AM–7 PM Fri. and Sat., and 11 PM–6 PM Sun. Reservations are suggested, but they’ll take walk-ins if there’s an opening.
FAMILY FUN Drive go-carts and bumper cars at Boomers! Boca Raton (561-347-1888; www.boomersparks.com), 3100 Airport Rd., Boca Raton. Bumper boats, go-carts, mini golf, rock wall, arcade games, and laser tag. Open noon–10 PM Mon.–Thurs., noon–midnight Fri., 10 AM–midnight Sat., and 10 AM–10 PM Sun.
HIKING You can get lost for miles on the dikes of Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (see Wild Places), but most of the hiking opportunities in this part of the county run more toward the mild side. Enjoy birding along boardwalks at Green Cay Wetlands and Wakodahatchee Wetlands; wander the nature trails at Sugar Sand Park and Delray Oaks. See Green Space for more ideas.
PADDLING Loxahatchee Canoeing Inc. (561-733-0192; www.canoetheeverglades.com), 12440 SR 7, Boynton Beach. Paddle a canoe or kayak on a 5.5-mile trail through the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (see Wild Places). You can easily guide yourself, as interpretive signs are posted along the trail; or a knowledgeable guide is available to point out indigenous wildlife, such as rare birds, butterflies, and, of course, alligators. Rates are $32 for a half day, plus a $5 park fee. Reduced rates in the summer months.
TENNIS Home of the International Tennis Championship, the Delray Beach Tennis Center (561-243-7360; www.delraytennis.com), 201 W Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, is where you’ll see pro tennis tournaments with celebrities such as Venus and Serena Williams and Boca native Corina Morariu. Both kids and adults can play or take lessons on 14 clay courts and 7 hard courts.
WATER PARK You’ll have a splashing good time at Coconut Cove Waterpark & Recreation Center (561-274-1140; www.pbcgov.com/parks), 1200 Park Access Rd., South County Regional Park, Boca Raton. The park’s features include a 986-foot river ride, two 220-foot water slides, and a children’s water playground. Open late spring to early fall. Adults 12 and up $10, children 3–11 $8, children 1–2 $3, infants are free. Reduced rates after 3 PM.
Green SpaceHitting the beach in Boca Raton is a pricey proposition—up to $18 per day for a parking pass (nonresident) to take advantage of South Beach Park, Red Reef Park, and Spanish River Park along Ocean Blvd. A cheaper alternative is the county-managed South Inlet Park (561-966-6600), 1298 S Ocean Blvd., an 11-acre facility with lifeguards, picnic area and pavilions, and a saltwater fishing pier.
Delray Municipal Beach (561-966-6664) dates from 1922 and has public access through several parks along Ocean Blvd. Heading north from downtown, they are Sarah Gleason Park, Sandoway Park, Anchor Park, and Atlantic Dunes Park. Of these, Atlantic Dunes has the most natural feel and has surf chairs available for guests with limited mobility. Each of the beach-access parks has metered parking.
BOTANICAL GARDENS Walk among some of the world’s most colorful orchids at the headquarters to the American Orchid Society (AOS) Visitors Center and Botanical Garden (561-404-2000 or 1-877-ORCHIDS; www.aos.org), 16700 AOS Ln., Delray Beach, located next to the Morikami Museum (see Museums). View thousands of tropical flora as you wind through 3.5 acres of themed gardens, water features, and cypress-pond boardwalk, then relax and take in a peaceful moment inside the 4,000-square-foot atrium greenhouses. The large collection of orchids throughout the property is clearly labeled, and there are also other exotic species such as phais, palms, cycads, and a rare African baobab tree. The Orchid Emporium gift shop is full of books, gardening items, a selection of orchids (even the one that smells like chocolate!), and several fine orchid-related souvenirs and collectibles. Open 10 AM–4:30 PM Tues.–Sun. Adults $10, children under 12 free. Throughout the year classes are offered for only $35 for beginning and advanced orchidteers, which includes a free copy of Orchid magazine and an orchid plant for you to take home and nurture.
In South County Regional Park, the Daggerwing Nature Center (561-488-9953), 11200 Park Access Rd., offers interpretive habitat displays and a 0.6-mile boardwalk into a lush, tangled jungle of strangler fig and pond apple trees. The nature center is open 1 PM–4:30 PM Tues.–Fri. and 9 AM–4:30 PM Sat.; boardwalk open during daylight hours. Free.
With touch tanks, hands-on activities, boardwalks, and an observation tower to explore, the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Education Center (561-629-8760), 1801 N Ocean Blvd., is a great family destination along the mangrove-lined shores of the Spanish River. Trails lead through bowers of mangroves and out to the edge of the clear waterway, where manatees and mangrove pufferfish may be seen. The center is open 1 PM–4:30 PM Tues.–Fri., 8:15 AM–4:30 PM Sat., and 1 PM–4:30 PM Sun.
GREEN CAY NATURE CENTER
Sandra Friend
Just a few years ago, Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center (561-966-7000), 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd., was a pepper farm managed by my friends Ted and Trudy Winsberg. Rather than sell their land to developers as many farmers around them did, they wanted a lasting legacy for the community and worked with the county to create a wetlands water-reclamation park. And it worked—the marshes are now crowded with birds, from little blue herons and great white herons to colorful purple gallinules. A 1.5-mile boardwalk circles the park for optimal birding. The park is open sunrise to sunset daily; the beautiful new nature center, with indoor turtle and alligator ponds, a wetland diorama, movies and exhibits, and a gift shop, is open 1 PM–4:30 PM Tues.–Fri. and Sun., 8:15 AM–4:30 PM Sat. Free; donations appreciated.
Located in a 1936 beachfront home is the Sandoway House Nature Center (561-274-7263; www.sandowayhouse.com), 142 S Ocean Blvd. Restored to its original condition, it provides a living history to the area with educational exhibits and events about natural ecosystems. Learn about ocean reef fish, the Florida spiny lobster, and nurse sharks during their Coral Reef Pool Shark Feedings held at scheduled times throughout the week; take in the night sky on the monthly astronomy nights; or discover the diversity of Florida’s native plants and animals during the Nature Walk, held the last Saturday of the month (see Special Events). Open 10 AM–4 PM Tues.–Sat. Admission $4.
A LOUISIANA HERON AT GREEN CAY WETLANDS
Sandra Friend
Red Reef Park (561-393-7810), 1400 SR A1A (North Ocean Blvd.). Snorkel the unique rock and reef outcroppings or take a nature walk through the 67-acre park. The oceanfront park is also home to the 20-acre Gumbo Limbo Environmental Education Center (see Nature Centers).
Kids will love the Children’s Science Explorium at Sugar Sand Park (561-347-3913), 300 S Military Trail, featuring hands-on science experiments and oversize artifacts for play. Set in a sand pine scrub, the 132-acre park includes paved and natural surface nature trails, ball fields, and a large playground. Open 8 AM–sunset daily. Free.
Head to Lake Ida Park (561-966-6600), 1455 Lake Ida Rd., for waterskiing and boating fun. The 209-acre park also has a fishing pier, observation platform, picnic areas, and a 2.5-acre dog park complete with Fido Fountain and separate sections for small and large dogs.
Accessed through George Snow Park, Serenoa Glade Preserve (561-393-7700), 1101 NW 15th St., protects a sliver of the original Atlantic Coastal Ridge in Boca Raton, topped with a pine forest. A 0.5-mile trail leads through the forest; the entrance is hidden back by the tennis courts. Open 8 AM–sunset daily. Free.
Seacrest Scrub Natural Area (561-233-2400), south of Boynton Beach Blvd. on Seacrest Blvd., protects a 58-acre patch of sand pine scrub habitat that is home to gopher tortoises. Several nature trails, including a paved trail, wind through the forest. Make sure you close the gate behind you to keep the tortoises in! Open sunrise–sunset daily. Free.
For fabulous birding, visit Wakodahatchee Wetlands (561-641-3429), 13026 Jog Rd., early in the morning, when wading birds and migratory visitors are most active. Built as a natural water reclamation facility, the preserve features an 0.8-mile boardwalk where I’ve seen purple gallinules roosting on every visit. Open sunrise–sunset daily. Free.
A short walk takes you back to nature at the Delray Oaks Natural Area (561-233-2400), Congress Ave. at 29th St., where a 1-mile loop trail leads through 25 acres of picturesque oak hammock along what was once the Yamato Marsh. Open sunrise–sunset daily. Free.
WILD PLACES Covering 221 square miles of sawgrass, cypress, and tree islands, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (561-732-3684; http://loxahatchee.fws.gov), 10216 Lee Rd., off US 441 south of Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, defines the eastern edge of the Everglades. Stop at the visitors center for interpretive information, exhibits, and a movie; walk the Cypress Boardwalk to immerse yourself in a forest primeval. Endless miles of dike-top walking or bicycling are available; most visitors complete the Marsh Trail, with an observation tower providing a bird’s-eye view of the impoundments, or take to the canals via canoe. Birding here is superb, with sightings of Everglades snail kites possible. Day use only. Open dawn–dusk daily. Fee.
Lodging 
Owned by the same family since 1938, The Colony Hotel and Cabana Club (561-276-4123 or 1-800-552-5363; www.thecolonyhotel.com), 525 E Atlantic Ave., beckons back to the era of destination hotels where the wealthy spent “the season.” The lobby captures that spirit, with its wood-burning fireplaces and white wicker furniture. The rooms have an old Florida flair, where antiques mingle with fine furnishings and Florida art, such as Clyde Butcher fine art photographs. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, the Colony is a founding member of Green Hotels (www.greenhotels.com). Sensitive to environmental concerns, the hotel is active in recycling and water conservation and provides guests with educational information on environmental awareness. Its central location in the heart of busy downtown Delray Beach makes it an ideal destination for exploring the city on foot. Rates start at $99 in the off-season, with top-quality rooms ranging from $140–300.
Tropical paradise surrounds the secluded Crane’s Beach House (561-278-1700 or 1-866-372-7263; www.cranesbeachhouse.com), 82 Gleason St., yet it is only a short walk from Delray Beach’s trendy downtown area. Rooms and suites, decorated in beachy Key West style, range from $136 to 485, depending on season and room. Pet-friendly rooms are also available. Gated security entrance, two pools, sandy beach, Internet.
Delray Beach Marriott (561-274-3200; www.delraybeachmarriott.com), 10 N. Ocean Blvd. Located at the beach end of trendy Atlantic Avenue, the Delray Beach Marriott is a popular choice for travelers seeking waterfront sports and sunny relaxation plus sophisticated shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s a great family location. Complimentary breakfast for two, free in-room movie. $289 and up.
Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach (561-533-6000; www.ritz-carlton.com), 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. This primo destination took a few potshots from the 2004 hurricanes that ripped into the land at the Palm Beach shoreline, but after several weeks the hotel reopened, ready to welcome customers. The Ocean Cafe & Bar serves light lunch items (I love the gazpacho), and the Lobby Lounge features high tea during the day and light bites and a live pianist later in the day. $399 and up.
It’s not just a historic site. The elegant Sundy House Inn (561-272-5678 or 1-866-663-0024; www.sundyhouse.com), 106 S Swinton Ave., is the cornerstone of an intimate retreat wrapped in a cloak of tropical forest, an artful presentation of nature and history called the Taru Gardens. More than 75,000 botanical species thrive on this acre in the city, carefully tended by an expert botanist. Amid the forest is South Florida’s only naturalized swimming pond, a cenote with a gravel bottom where native fish swim in the depths and a double-osmosis filter keeps the crystalline water chemical free. The royal poinciana tree that anchors the garden is the oldest in Delray, standing there when John Sundy, the first and most popular mayor of Delray Beach, had this Early Revival–style Victorian home constructed in 1902. The grand house now serves as a restaurant (see Dining Out), while the 11 guest rooms, part of the Kessler Collection, are set in several restored structures, including a historic cottage ($499–669) and a renovated stable. Each room and suite ($249–599) boasts its own distinctive, classy decor, with local artwork and hand-painted walls and tiles, plasma televisions and, in some rooms, fireplaces. The bathrooms are luxurious. An equestrian theme carries through the rooms in the stable, each with tiled floors, large bath, and patios front and back. Coral rock walkways wind through stands of bamboo to connect the rooms. Tours of the gardens are offered Tues.–Sun. 10 AM–1 PM. Breakfast is included with your stay, and package deals are available.
THE COLONY HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH
Sandra Friend
THE BOCA RATON RESORT AND YACHT CLUB
Trish Riley
Spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens right on the beach make Wright by the Sea (561-278-3355 or 1-877-234-3355; www.wbtsea.com), 1901 S Ocean Blvd., a favorite for family reunions and business travelers. There’s plenty of space to spread out, whether you want to lie by the pool, barbecue at the chickee hut, or walk along the private beach. Complimentary beach cabanas and wireless high-speed Internet. Studio and one- and two-bedroom suites $109–339.
The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel (561-368-9500 or 1-866-909-2622; www.bocaratonbridgehotel.com), 999 E Camino Real. This boutique-style hotel is a little-known secret, even to locals. Located directly on the Intra-coastal Waterway and a short stroll to the beach, it offers in-room Internet access, with Wi-Fi in the lobby and Internet Cafe. Check out their Sunday champagne brunch at Carmen’s At The Top of the Bridge. Low- to high-season rates $159–269; junior suites $199–309; VIP suites $279–409.
Built in 1926, the Boca Raton Resort & Club (561-447-3000 or 1-800-327-0101; www.bocaresort.com), 501 E Camino Real, is the pinnacle of luxury resorts on the Gold Coast. Elegant rooms, suites, and bungalows with inspiring views make this a sought-after destination for both tourists and locals. Accommodations feature Spanish-Mediterranean, Moorish, and Gothic antiques and architecture and cosmopolitan or nautical themes. Throughout the 356-acre resort you’ll find six pools, a 0.5-mile private beach, par 71 golf course, golf practice range, and putting green, 18 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, oceanfront and lakefront restaurants, on-site shops and boutiques, a new children’s playground with water park and tricycle track, Spa Palazzo, and an enhanced fitness center. Rates $230–775, depending on style and season.
Courtyard by Marriott Boynton Beach (561-737-4600), 1601 Congress Ave. This new hotel offers all the amenities desired by overnight, business, and family travelers, from sleek single rooms to townhouses for vacationers or business people seeking extended stays. With convenient access to highways, shopping, and the airport, this is a great location for those who don’t desire beachfront property. $159 and up.
Where to EatUndoubtedly one of the more beautiful restaurants in South Florida, The Addison (561-395-9335; www.theaddison.com), Two E Camino Real, is a great place for that romantic dinner. American, steak, and continental entrées $22–35. Dinner nightly.
Always on the Top 10 lists, Kathy’s Gazebo Café (561-395-6033; www.kathysgazebo.com), 4199 N Federal Hwy., is an elegant night out. The decadently rich food, extensive wine list, and top-of-the-line service are what you’d expect from a fine restaurant. The house favorites are the fresh Dover sole (flown from Holland) amandine or meunière ($37) and classic bouillabaisse with lobster, shrimp, clams, and mussels in a hearty broth flavored with garlic, saffron, and tomatoes ($38). Reservations strongly recommended. Gentlemen will need a jacket. Lunch Mon.–Fri.; dinner Mon.–Sat.
Elegance meets bistro casual in the warm confines of City Oyster (561-272-0220; www.bigtimerestaurants.com), 213 E Atlantic Ave., where the name of the game is shellfish, prepared in an infinite variety of ways. Fancy a Maine lobster roll? Oysters on the half-shell? Fish tacos? How about mahimahi grilled, fried, or blackened and served with watermelon-lime crème. Firm and fresh, my rock shrimp lunch was prepared in a piquant, light sauce. Open for lunch ($8 and up) and dinner, with an impressive bar.
At the Sundy House Restaurant (see Lodging) I experienced the classiest presentation of brunch I’ve encountered in Florida, with an ever-vigilant waitstaff that unobtrusively removed plates and refilled glasses. Before you dig into this elaborate Sunday feast, take the grand tour to scout your favorites with a ramble through the rooms of this historic 1902 home. A carving station and omelet station are supplemented with a seafood bar, Mediterranean bar, salad bar, fine breakfast breads and pastries, and desserts. It was tough making decisions, but I started with the eggs benedict Florentine and seared salmon with sweet onion marmalade. Pace yourself and savor the surroundings. Seating is broken into intimate groupings, scattered throughout several rooms and porches. My perch looked out over a view of the tropical gardens, the room decorated with paintings of native birds. Sunlight dappled the underside of a poinciana tree. Complimentary bloody Marys or mimosas compliment your meal. “It’s like being on a cruise ship without the rocking,” said the lady at the next table, and I smiled as I excused myself for one last trip, this time to pick from homemade delights on the pastry table, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, cannoli, banana bread, and a key lime tart. Brunch is served 10:30 AM–2 PM on Sundays, $53, half price for ages 6–12, under 6 free; reservations essential. Dinners are served Tues.–Sun., 6 AM–9 PM.
Lemongrass (561-544-8181; www.lemongrassasianbistro.com), 101 Plaza Real South E. Enjoy authentic Asian flavors from Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, presented in their most colorful beauty for your dining delight. Try the curried dumplings, lemongrass soup, tuna tataki, and Deep Blue Sea—seafood in a spicy Thai red curry sauce. $12 and up. Open for lunch and dinner.
Old Calypso (561-279-2300; www.oldcalypso.com), 900 E. Atlantic Ave. Creole and Caribbean flavors are combined with fresh Florida seafood and steaks at this friendly spot. Enjoy waterfront dining on the Intracoastal Waterway. $12 and up.
The Old Key Lime House Restaurant (561-582-1889; www.oldkeylimehouse.com), 300 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. A renovation project surprised the owner when peeling back the layers of paneling and flooring applied over time revealed this to be the second-oldest house in Lantana. Today the rambling structure provides a fitting Cracker atmosphere for delicious Key lime pie heralded as the best in Florida by Bon Appetit magazine in January 2007 and fresh seafood dishes. With waterfront seating in Florida’s largest tiki hut hand-built by Seminole natives, and a boat dock, this is as unpretentious as it is inexpensive and delicious. Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch, raw bar open ’til midnight weeknights and 2 AM Friday and Saturday. $15 and up.
Anyone who works in or around Boca Raton is familiar with Byblos Restaurant (561-338-0300), 158 NW 20th St. Tucked at the end of a strip mall, the tiny eight-seat restaurant is more famous for its take-out than eat-in. But many business locals make it a quick stop for lunch, with lines out the door, so stop by early or later in the day. The authentic Middle Eastern foods are reasonably priced at around $6. The sampler platter includes your choice of Kebbe nuggets; spanakopita (spinach and feta pie); stuffed grape leaves (with or without lamb); fatouch or tabbouleh salad; cucumber, hummus, or baba ghanoush dips; and pita bread. If you still have room, they also have baklava. Open 11 AM–3 PM Mon.–Sat.
Carmen’s at the Top of the Bridge (561-750-8354; 999 E Camino Real; www.bocaratonbridgehotel.com), famous for its view as well as its cuisine, Carmen’s, at the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, has live music Thursday through Saturday. Try the chef’s favorite, escargot and caviar served with tomatoes, garlic, and basil on pasta, or try the Florida snapper or rack of lamb. Dinner and music Thurs.–Sat.; Sun. brunch. Closed Mon.–Wed. $36 and up.
Cote France Bakery and Sand-wichery (561-392-2907), 110 Ne 2nd St. This little bakery, tucked into a strip mall at the end of Mizner Plaza, serves real French pastries, baguettes, quiche, and hot sandwiches. You’ll be able to test the authenticity by practicing your French speaking skills with the staff. There are a few tables to dine in at, but with a big crowd always lining up, take away is nice and a continent better than any fast food joint. $7 and up. Open 7 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat.
Open since 1979, Tom’s Place (561-997-0920), 7251 N Federal Hwy., is a must-visit. The legendary rib shack used to be an army barracks, and now the bustling eatery offers pulled pork, ribs, and chicken on family-style platters, served with corn bread and greens. Hands down the best barbecue sauce, with many trying to figure out the recipe. Menu items are $8–15, with an early-bird special for $8.
Truluck’s (561-391-0755; www.trulucks.com), 351 Plaza Real. Truluck’s is a small chain of seafood restaurants that started in Texas and recently opened in Boca. While seafood is the specialty, crab is the focus, and no matter the season, crab from somewhere around the world will find its way onto the menu, which gives diners a chance to taste some lesser-known varieties. That said, Truluck’s makes one of the most satisfying bowls of crab and corn chowder around. The atmosphere is elegant but welcoming with a lively piano bar area and extensive wine list. $21.95 and up. Open for dinner daily.
The Blue Anchor British Pub & Restaurant (561-272 7272; www.theblueanchor.com), 804 East Atlantic Ave., was built in the late 1800s in London, England. It stood for nearly 150 years on Chancery Lane, greeting regulars like Jack the Ripper and Winston Churchill. The exterior was dissembled and shipped to Florida, and it boasts the claim of “Florida’s most haunted pub.” Stop in for a Guinness, a plate of fish and chips, or Shepherd’s pie. Serving traditional British fare for lunch and dinner, $9–23, in an authentic pub setting.
Peel some shrimp, then grab a burger and a beer at Boston’s on the Beach (561-278-3364; www.bostonsonthebeach.com), 40 S Ocean Blvd. The Key West Basket with fried shrimp, grouper fingers, catfish fingers, conch fritters, and french fries is a favorite of both tourists and locals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner $5–25. Open daily 7 AM–2 AM, with nightly entertainment. The Upper Deck is a little less casual, with lunch $7–20 and dinner $15–30. Sit out on the open-air patio for the best view of the beach.
ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATES Doc’s All American (561-278-3627), 10 N Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, is an authentic 1950s drive-in where ice cream is the star of the show—in everything from malts to sundaes. You can get burgers and dogs here, too, but make my meal creamy and chocolate, please.
Chocoholics unite and meet at Kilwin’s (561-278-0808; www.kilwins.com), 402 E Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, where you’ll find everything from barks, bonbons, and brittles to truffles, turtles, and taffy.
EntertainmentStudent and professional performances are presented at Boca Ballet Theatre (561-995-0709; www.bocaballet.org) at Florida Atlantic University’s University Theater at 777 Glades Rd.
The 305-seat Caldwell Theatre Company (561-241-7432 or 1-877-245-7432; www.caldwelltheatre.com), 7901 N Federal Hwy., is the setting for professional theater musicals and Broadway and off-Broadway shows, and it is one of Florida’s four state theaters.
Talented students from around the world, along with artist faculty, present orchestral performances throughout the year at Lynn University Conservatory of Music (561-237-9000; www.lynn.edu/music), 3601 N Military Trail.
The historic Delray High School (circa 1925) at Old School Square (see Historic Sites) is the home to Crest Theatre (561-243-7922; www.oldschool.org), 51 N Swinton Ave. The 323-seat theater presents a variety of professional productions, such as Broadway, cabaret, music, and dance, throughout the year. Special guest artists are often featured in the six restored classrooms and two art studios. Performances are on Fri.–Sun. evenings and Sat. and Sun. matinees ($40–45).
The 238-seat Delray Beach Playhouse (561-272-1281; www.delraybeachplayhouse.com), 950 NW Ninth St., overlooking scenic Lake Ida, is one of the nation’s oldest community theaters, presenting theatrical and musical productions for nearly 50 years.
MIZNER PARK
Trish Riley
Selective ShoppingStroll through the palms at trendy Mizner Park (561-362-0606; www.miznerpark.org), 433 Plaza Real, where you’ll be surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, a movie theater, art galleries, and lots of schmoozing. On the north end, the Amphitheater has special musical events, and in the central park, art festivals and vintage automobile events are often scheduled.
Boutique shops and trendy restaurants are set in old-world elegance at Royal Palm Place (561-362-8340; www.royalpalmplace.com), 101 Plaza Real South.
Anchored by such biggies as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, and even Sears, the Town Center at Boca Raton (561-368-6000; www.towncenteratbocaraton.com), 6000 Glades Rd., also has your basic mall stores in between and then some. Check out the new Nordstrom wing for specialty shops such as Coach, Cole Haan, Williams-Sonoma, Kate Spade, and Crane & Co., which has an extensive stationery selection for those who still write by hand.
Stroll down quaint brick sidewalks in the charming Atlantic Avenue District (561-278-0424), where you’ll find traditional downtown shopping, gourmet restaurants, a cozy bistro, and more than 150 different boutiques, art galleries, and antiques shops along Atlantic Avenue and Swinton Avenue.
“You’re in good hands” at Hands’ Stationers (561-276-4194), 325 E Atlantic Ave., where this family-owned office supply store has served downtown Delray shoppers for 75 years with its stock-in-trade being a wide variety of art supplies—including inks, canvases, paint, papers, and drafting tables—as well as local books and memorabilia, children’s books, and fun ephemera. Closed Sun.
Serious readers will love the Levenger Outlet (561-347-3707 or 1-888-592-7461; www.levenger.com), 6000 Glades Rd., at the Town Center, where fine reading accessories are sold, including pens, briefcases, lamps, leather goods, reading tools, and furniture.
Go shopping at Mercer Wenzel (561-278-2885), 401 E Atlantic Ave., established in 1930. It’s perhaps the very last old-fashioned two-story department store left in Florida, and the current owner—who bought the place in 1957—still works in the men’s department. Selling sensible resort wear for men and women, children’s clothing, and home decor in a setting where Sinatra croons; yes, you can find old-fashioned handkerchiefs, robes, and slippers here, too. Open 9 AM–5 PM Mon.–Sat.
A popular stop for mystery authors on book tours Murder on the Beach (561-279-7790; www.murderonthebeach.com), 273 Pineapple Grove Way, has hundreds of your favorite authors in stock, with a special emphasis on Florida authors and who-dun-its set in Florida. Open daily.
In the Pineapple Grove historic district, you’ll find great shopping at the Ocean City Lumber Company (561-276-2323). This one-time lumber yard is now an entertainment district. Browse through the trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants in the former lumberyard and areas between NE Second Avenue and Pineapple Grove Way.
Every Saturday from November to May, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fresh cut flowers and arts and crafts, can be found at the Boca Raton Greenmarket (561-368-6875), Royal Palm Plaza south parking lot (intersection of South Mizner Blvd. and Federal Hwy.). The nonprofit market also features a continental breakfast and live music 10 AM–noon.
GETTING COZY AT MURDER ON THE BEACH
Downtown Delray
Delray Beach Greenmarket in the Park (561-276-8640), in downtown Delray Beach, 20 North Swinton Ave., is the place to go for fresh produce each Saturday October through April.
Special EventsLast Saturday of the month: Take a 30- to 60-minute Nature Walk through sand dunes and gardens at the Sandoway House Nature Center (561-274-7263; www.sandowayhouse.com), 142 S Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, while discovering the beautiful flora and fauna of Florida. The $4 fee also includes admission to the nature center (see Nature Centers).
January: The first-class Annual Downtown Delray Festival of the Arts (561-278-3755), on Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, offers works of art for everyone’s taste and budget, from $50 to more than $20,000. Free parking and no admission.
When the sun goes down in January and the temperature begins to dip into the 60s, Floridians call that a cold night, so there’s no better way to warm up than with the sizzling Art & Jazz on the Avenue (561-279-1380, ext. 17; www.downtowndelraybeach.com), Delray Beach. Restaurants, art galleries, and shops along Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove Way open their door in the evening from 6 to 10 on selected Thursday nights October through June. Call for dates. Free.
February: For more than 20 years, the Annual Outdoor Juried Art Festival (561-392-2500) at the Boca Raton Museum of Art (561-392-2500; www.bocamuseum.org), 501 Plaza Real, Mizner Park, Boca Raton, has been showcasing works of art from more than 250 artists from around the world. (See Museums.)
You’ll discover flora, fauna, and fun at the annual Everglades Day Festival (561-734-8303), Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge at 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach. Educational activities and live animal presentations are featured. Free.
March: The Hatsume Fair at the Morikami Museum (561-495-0233; www.morikami.org), 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, celebrates the first bud of spring. The festival features three entertainment stages and has demonstrations ranging from martial arts to bonsai care. Artisans and food vendors are also present at the Morikami’s largest event. (See Museums.) Admission fee.
Start the year with the Oshogatsu-Japanese New Year Celebration at the Morikami Museum (561-495-0233; www.morikami.org), 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach. The annual event features a sado tea ceremony, hands-on calligraphy and New Year’s card making, and games. (See Museums.)
The two-day Annual Boca Bacchanal—A Celebration of Wine (561-395-6766) is presented by the Boca Raton Historical Society, Boca Raton. The festival, a benefit for local children’s charities, features a gala auction. Admission ranges from $85–100 per person. Usually held at the Centre for the Arts in Mizner Park (501 Plaza Real).
Pack your breath mints and head to the Annual Garlic Fest (561-279-7511; www.dbgarlicfest.com), Old School Square Grounds, in downtown Delray Beach.
March–April: Learn about the galaxy at the Sandoway House Nature Center (561-274-7263; www.sandowayhouse.com), 142 S Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, through telescopes and lectures at the monthly Astronomy Night, usually held on Wednesday. The $3 fee also includes admission to the nature center (see Nature Centers).
April: The annual Kidsfest (561-368-6875) is one day of continuous entertainment and activities held at the Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton (see Museums). Admission $5.
Hands-on activities take center stage at the Morikami Museum’s Children’s Day Celebration (561-495-0233; www.morikami.org), 4000 Morikami Park Rd., where you’ll learn the fine art of Japanese toy making, origami, and fish painting or make a giant carp streamer. Several stages feature Japanese and American performances. $5 for all ages. (See Museums.)
August: Bon Festival, inspired by Obon, a three-day holiday honoring ancestors, is celebrated at the Morikami Museum (561-495-0233; www.morikami.org), 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach. Highlights include taiko drumming and traditional Japanese folk dancing, followed by an evening ceremony where lanterns are lit and placed on the Morikami Pond to guide the ancestors’ souls home. The evening culminates with a fireworks display. Adults $10, children $5, under 3 free. (See Museums.)
October: Don’t miss the annual Delray Beach Orchid Society Show & Sale (561-404-2000; www.aos.org) held at the Old School Square, 51 Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, where you’ll see the best of elegant and colorful orchids, along with a variety of supplies and classes on “how to” care for them. (See Historic Sites.)
October–April: Free outdoor movies are shown on one Friday night each month at the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion (561-243-7922), Delray Beach. If you don’t have your own lawn chair, you can rent one. From 6 PM on.
October–June: Downtown Delray Beach sizzles with Art & Jazz on the Avenue (561-279-1380, ext. 17; www.downtowndelraybeach.com). Restaurants, art galleries, and shops along Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove Way open their doors on select evenings from 6 to 10 on selected Thursdays. Call for dates.
November: The Southern Handcraft Holiday Show & Sale showcases beautiful decorations, ornaments, and more to decorate your home with Southern flair. Located at the Old School Square, 51 Swinton Ave. (see Historic Sites), Delray Beach. The annual three-day event is Thursday through Saturday.
December: The Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade (561-845-9010; www.bocaratonboatparade.org) lights up the holiday night as colorful boats sail up the Intracoastal Waterway from Boca Raton toward Delray Beach.
The family-friendly, nonalcoholic First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration (561-279-1380; www.downtowndelraybeach.com) is held each year all through the downtown Delray Beach area.
