Delray Goes to the Dogs! Spots that are Dog-friendly in Delray

in

Delray Beach is known for being very “fur baby” friendly. So, if you love your pooch like we do – and want to take him or her on your daily adventures – this is the town to do it in! There is so much that is dog-friendly in Delray!

Something for Everyone at the Lake Ida Dog Park

We are fortunate to have several dog parks throughout the East Delray Beach area, the most well-known being The Lake Ida Dog Park. This is one of the best spots that is dog-friendly in Delray and it’s quite massive! While it’s called a dog park, it also offers something for every member of the family! You’ll enjoy jungle gyms for those energetic kids, walking trails for active folks, and picnic tables and pavilions that are perfect for family gatherings or a quick lunch break in between activities.

The highlight, of course, of Lake Ida Dog Park, is its beautiful lake. On any given Saturday, it’s fun to see people with their dogs in tow enjoying the lake. They will be fishing, boating, or even kayaking – with Fido along and enjoying it all.

The dog park itself is divided into separate areas by size. There’s a space just for the little ones, and a separate area for the larger breeds. Dog bathing facilities are on the premises as well, so your fur baby won’t leave covered in mud and end up banned from the house!

Going for a Stroll and a Bite on Atlantic Avenue

If you are more apt to walk your dog, as opposed to going to dog parks, there are plenty of options. We occasionally walk our own dog along the Ave downtown. You’ll know Fido is welcome, because throughout town, retail owners keep fresh water bowls out on the sidewalks.

If you get hungry and want to grab a bite, there are several restaurants that are very dog-friendly in Delray, as well. We are fans of local favorite Deck 84, where you’ll find plenty of outside seating, live music and friendly staff who will supply a water dish for your dog. And, if she’s extra good, they will even bring a treat!

A few other Downtown Delray places that will welcome your pooch:

Boston’s on the Beach (You can enjoy the beach area from here, and they offer live music and scrumptious seafood dishes!)

Mellow Mushroom Pizza (a chain, but a good one!)

Dada (a local favorite off The Ave.)

Bru’s Room (perfect place to catch a game and give your furry friend an outing!)

 

Shopping and Sniffing at The Delray Beach Green Market

If you enjoy festivals and markets, well then, you may know Delray has plenty of opportunities to partake! Did you know the Delray Beach Green Market is a hub for dog family activity? Come out to browse prepared foods, shop for fresh ingredients for tonights’ dinner, or just walk around and be social.

You’ll be able to interact with plenty of other dog families, and many green market vendors sell items for your pets! From handmade leashes and accessories to locally-made dog treats… you and your furry friend will find it here! We like to seek out Tweetle Pet Products for their natural and organic treats for pets.

 

Frolicking at Beach Areas that are Dog-Friendly in Delray

What’s better than time on the beach with your puppy? It sure is fun to eat sand and romp in the waves! Some areas of the incredible sandy beaches in Delray are dog-friendly. The exact areas that are good for Fido are sometimes changing, so ask other dog parents at the green market or the Lake Ida Dog Park to tell you where they gather. (Beach access is being negotiated North of Anchor Park off A1A. Local city officials are currently doing a trial run, and the overall idea is to restrict access to pets early in the morning and again from 3-5…. check back for details!).

When headed to the beach, we suggest you bring lots of extra fresh water to rinse out sandy and salty mouths (it’s hard to remember not to drink the briny water!). Also, don’t leave your leash behind in the car. Tote it with you, because – even if you will allow your pup to go off-leash – it’s expected among beach-goers that you will have the ability to re-leash if needed).

 

There are so many options for friendly activities in East Delray near Lake Ida and Lake Eden. The variety of ways to have fun encourages a healthy lifestyle for the entire family – including the four-legged kids. Be sure to check out just the few mentioned here, and let us know about your favorites, too.

Mmmm Coffee! … Here are Our Picks for Delray Beach Coffee Shops

in

You want to meet up with a new client, a friend, or a colleague in Downtown Delray…  Or, you just want to get out of the office and work for an hour out in public. Coffee is the common denominator… So, where to go?  Well, when it comes to downtown Delray Beach coffee shops, there are several options. There is the option of a national chain of course. But, what makes our Village by the Sea extra special are the unique places. Depending on what my goal is, I have a few favorites that I’m partial to.

Coffee District

If meeting a client, I pick Coffee District, off The Ave in quaint Pineapple Grove.  This special place recently celebrated ten years and is a bit easier to get to, and offers plenty of parking. This is where one can enjoy a small bite, a cup of tea, or my personal fave –  a Mocha Frap extra crunchy. For those that aren’t coffee drinkers, they are also known locally for their selection of craft beer.

Noreen’s Tips: I like riding my bike to Coffee District with my laptop. When with a client, I also appreciate when the corner table is available – It’s a bit hidden, so I don’t get too distracted when someone we know walks in.

 

Subculture Coffee Roasters

On The Ave, look for SUBCULTURE Coffee Roasters, also a local favorite.  This is where the action is. You are bound to run into anyone and everyone here, so choose it when you want to be social. The shop’s mission is to foster a sense of community and culture. Stop in for a small batch of coffee to take home or enjoy there by the cup.

Noreen’s Tips: This place is open late, some nights until 2:00AM! Their calendar displays several events throughout each month. How fun! … Game night, trunk shows, tastings, music etc. Beer/wine specials accompany most events. On Sunday mornings, enjoy $5 Mimosas 11-2.

 

Capital One Café

Capital One Café is new to the scene in Delray Beach.  Is it a bank? Is it a co-working space? Or is it a coffee shop??  The answer is YES, all of the above.  An interesting concept, at this new gem of a spot you can do your banking, hang out for a cup of Peet’s Coffee, grab a quick snack, or bring your laptop and get some work done out of the office.

Noreen’s Tips: C1C (I just came up with that! 🙂 is quickly becoming a hub for Chamber of Commerce members, small business and community groups to gather and hear about various happenings in and around our community. So, come here to network!

 

The French Bakery

I’d be remiss if I didn’t brag on The French Bakery, off The Avenue on Federal Highway.  What makes this place very unique among Delray Beach coffee shops are their handcrafted breads and pastries. Get ready to drool, because they are prepared in view by French-trained artisans.  Oooo la la!  This is a fantastic spot to pop in for yum gourmet sandwiches and pastries, or just a quick meet up for a nice cup of tea or latte!

Noreen’s Tips: I’ve been known to bring my laptop. And if the weather is great, head here for sure. They have plenty of outside seating where you can find a quiet spot and get some work done.

 

So many great options for Delray Beach coffee shops!  Did I miss any? What are your favorites?

VIDEO: HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME OFFERS STAND OUT

in ,

Buying a home in Palm Beach County? It’s a competitive market for buyers. How can you make your offers stand out?

Trusted relationships with listing agents, deposits with offers, closing timeframes, inspection periods, assignable contracts… and more. In this video, Amy lists a few of the strategies that she and Noreen use to get their home buyers’ offers to the top of the list. Take a look!

VIDEO: CAN I BUY A HOME WITHOUT A REALTOR?

in ,

Can I buy a home without a Realtor? In this video, Amy addresses this great question from a buyer.

Her major points: You can buy a home without a Realtor, but it’s not a good idea!

Finding the perfect home for you is not the hardest part. The harder part is getting you to the closing table and into your new home. Who is getting your offers noticed? What happens when an issue comes up in inspection? What happens when there’s a problem with the appraisal? Who is negotiating all this? Who is reviewing title? Who is making sure your cash to close is ready to go and liquid? Our job is to foresee the items that come up and help you before it becomes an issue.