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Live Music in East Delray

Did you know that research has actually shown that enjoying live music events is good for you? Yes! There are significant stress-reduction benefits to attending concerts or enjoying live music.

Here in Delray Beach we have so many opportunities to partake, and because maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to many residents, you’ll find most of us frequent live music venues.

Of course, we all have different favorites. Here are some of mine!

 

Johnnie Browns on Atlantic Ave is surely among the most popular among locals. Acts play every night of the week. Check out this fun lineup!

Monday: Live Elvis Night! A Popular local Elvis impersonator performs two shows at 7:30 & 9:30.

Tuesday: Hot Rod Show with a Rod Stewart look alike (!) starts at 8:00.

Wednesday: Classic Rock with The Flyers, an energetic trio that plays your favorites starting at 8:00.

Thursday: Thirsty Thursdays features a variety of bands that perform at 8:00 each evening.

Friday & Saturday: Rock n Roll n Ribs. (Yes, really! Enjoy ribs and live music every weekend from 9:00 -1:00AM.

Sunday: Rockin’ Sunday with Shaun Schumann runs from 4:00-7:00.

 

Other awesome local places to enjoy music, plus food and spirits, include:

Bostons on the Beach (known for Reggae night on Mondays!)
Deck 84
Blue Anchor
3rd & 3rd
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub

 

But why stick to restaurants and pubs only?

Old School Square offers three diverse venues for music. Check out the outdoor pavilion for Free Friday night concerts during season and special performances in and around the area. Indoors you’ll find the Crest Theater and The Field House. Look for special concerts here too.

The Arts Garage offers fantastic opportunities in many genres ranging from Jazz, latin, hip hop, rock & roll, instrumental, classic, opera, and more. There are always exciting performances at this special “bring your own picnic basket” venue.

Downtown Delray Beach offers something for all ages. Comment to let us know your favorite passtimes here. Bonus points if yours support the value of living healthfully!

Olio in Downtown Delray Beach Delights Palates

Recently as Amy and I were researching venues for an upcoming event, we came across the established and well-liked restaurant called Olio. It’s off The Ave in Delray Beach, so if you do want to get to the hustle and bustle after dinner, it’s only a block or two away.

We sat down with the General Manager of Olio, Jon Biscardi who helped us plan our event. What many local residents may not know is that Jon has been in the restaurant business locally for years. At one time with The Falcon House, 3rd & 3rd when it was 2/3rds and 32 East to name a few. Below are a few questions we posed to him to share with everyone.

Noreen & Amy:
How long have you been manager at Olio?

Jon:
After having been involved in the industry for several years, it’s nice to find a home here at Olio. I’ve now been here 4 years an really love it!

N&A:
What is your favorite thing about your job?

Jon:
Of course, the people! We have many loyal regulars that come see us often, whether for drinks at the outdoor bar, appetizers or full on dinner.

N&A:
What are your personal favorites on the menu?

Jon:
Too many to choose…  but if I had to pick one I’d say the Teriyaki Salmon. Many diners who wouldn’t usually enjoy a nice piece of Salmon come specifically for our version.

N&A:
Many of our readers are buyers who are moving to the East Delray area. What would you like them to know about your restaurant?

Jon:
First and foremost that we are “off” The Ave away from the traffic and crowds. But we’re close enough so that if someone did want to get there, it’s only a short walk away. We are also a sister restaurant to La Boheme on the Barrier Island closer to the beach on Atlantic Avenue.

N&A:
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

Jon:
We have two party rooms and can host gatherings. Whether it be a birthday party, business dinner, or fundraiser, we can put something together for those that need it.

N&A:
In your free time – are there East Delray attractions or locations you personally like to frequent?

Jon:
I love our beach! I also enjoy seafood and when I go out to eat will grab a bite at J&J Seafood.

Next time you’re planning a night out, try Olio! You’ll love the food and the people.
You can find them online at:
Contact info and hours as follows:
Phone: (561) 278-6633

Fax: (561) 278-4873

Email: info@oliobistro.com

Olio Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 10:30pm

Happy Hour: 4pm – 6:30pm

Address: 42 SE 2nd Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33444

Girls Night Out in Delray Beach!

Delray Beach offers plenty to do and sights to see with friends, day or night. And, when you need a break from the kids and the SO, it’s really the perfect place for a fun girls night out… or a whole day for that matter!

Here’s just one itinerary we recommend – but of course there’s an unlimited number of fun options.

Our plan: Grab your BFFs and head over to East Atlantic Avenue for hours of fun, starting with a well-deserved stop for pampering at one of the area’s finest spas. You’ll make your way to a few stops and end with drinks at Delray Beach’s oldest cocktail bar. 

Stop 1: Seagate Spa

The Seagate Spa isn’t exclusively for hotel guests; book yourself and a couple of girlfriends in for an afternoon of luxury and pampering, including a decadent massage and a mani/pedi.

The Seagate’s 8,000-square-foot spa is located inside the Seagate Hotel at 1000 East Atlantic Avenue and offers a complete range of massage, skin care and body treatments. It’s the perfect retreat for young professionals, busy moms, and women in need of relaxing and invigorating spa experience. Going with friends just makes it more fun!

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit. A perk of booking at the Seagate Spa is all-day access to the hotel pool, jacuzzi, pool bar, tranquillity room and steam room. You could even come early for a workout in the fitness center.

The Seagate Spa is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Request an appointment online at www.theseagatehotel.com/spa-fitness.

Stop 2: Blue Gallery

There’s no better way to spend an hour or two with friends than at one of the finest art galleries in Delray Beach. Located at 600 East Atlantic Avenue you’ll find Blue Gallery, where contemporary art comes alive.

Blue Gallery features original collections from internationally-acclaimed artists, including Lenner Gogli, Iris Eshet Cohen and Marcus Botbol. You’ll discover awe-inspiring pieces of landscapes, abstracts, semi-realistic, realistic, and figurative styles all under one roof. And if you decided to add one of Blue Gallery’s beautiful pieces to your personal collection, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will even help you install it perfectly in your space.

Visit Blue Gallery online at www.bluefineart.com for information on the artists whose work is featured and for upcoming exhibitions.

Stop 3: The Old Arcade

What girls night would be complete without a stop for cocktails? For something a little offbeat, we like The Old Arcade, Delray Beach’s first and only Speakeasy bar, built in 1925 and kept secret until the end of Prohibition.

Tucked in behind Caffe Martier, The Old Arcade is a vintage-style bar serving classic cocktails with an updated twist ranging from price for $12 to $15. The bar boasts great ambience and talented mixologists who specialize in craft cocktails. The Resolution #9 is a fan favorite.

Visit The Old Arcade’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/theoldarcade) for a complete menu of restoratives, and make sure you enter through the back alley, especially if it’s your first visit. This secret bar can be tricky to find otherwise, but worth the effort.

 

We hope you enjoy this suggested itinerary! We are always up for a good GNO, so let us know your favorite ladies night destinations in Delray Beach!

What to Pack When Visiting Delray Beach

Packing for Visiting Delray Beach

Maybe you’re visiting Delray to see relatives. Or, perhaps you are coming here for your coveted vacation. (Great choice!) Maybe you’re on a house-hunting mission. Whatever your reasons for heading our way, it’s time to pack. What to include?

Did you ever notice how heavy your luggage is when taking a trip to a cold-weather climate or during a skiing vacation? Parkas, sweaters, boots and coats…. Ugh! They sure weigh more than your summer clothes. But you won’t have that problem when packing for visiting Delray, even in the coolest months of January and February!

It’s all about the shorts, T’s, sundresses, and sandals!

It’s just another great reason to visit Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.  When it’s time to pack, just throw in all the shorts, T-shirts, mini-skirts, short-sleeved shirts. Then, perhaps add a light sweater or two in case the temperature dips below 70 – which it does often at night during the winter. Winter coats are needed only once in a blue moon in our corner of paradise in the Sunshine State.

Dressing up is still casual.

Most venues in our communities are quite casual. But if you plan on dining out at some nice restaurants when visiting Delray, women will need a few cocktail dresses and you’ll want to pack some dress slacks for the men. Breathable fabrics like silks, linens, and light cottons are practical and in fashion all year long.

Although smart summer casual is the theme, you’ll also see more sparkle in women’s fashion than you’ll find up north. And, for men, brighter colors are more prevalent in our climate. So, pack some color and sparkle – or go shopping in downtown Delray for some local flair.

Plan on sandals and loafers.

Leave the boots and clunky shoes home, too. South Floridians – and those visiting – wear loafers, tennis shoes and flip flops – or a smart sandal – just about everywhere. (Ladies, don’t forget to invest in a pedicure before you head this way – or make an appointment at one of our fantastic spas for your first full day!)

Gear for the beach and the course.

Finally, don’t forget a few bathing suits. Yes, we said a few! Your relaxation plans may bring you to the pool in the morning and beach in the afternoon. You’ll want to have a cute – and dry – option for each. (Plus, you want enough sets so the same visitors to the beach or pool don’t think you own only one suit!)

You’ll also need the sunscreens or oils of your choice, to go along with another crucial fashion item — and necessity — to protect your eyes from the bright sun. Sunglasses are a staple here.

If you are a golfer, a good windbreaker is a must during the winter. And if you are thinning above the hairline, we suggest a hat to keep your scalp freckle-free. Remember, as much as we love our time in the sun, it can be damaging. So take precautions – and enjoy!

 

Most importantly, don’t worry too much about what to bring. You can always pick up a few items in our local boutiques and stores, or in one of the great surf and souvenir shops. New clothes make great souvenirs, and they will serve as reminders to come visit us again some time soon!

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

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

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?

Downtown Delray Beach Happy Hours to Check Out – Plus Noreen’s Fave Pairings

Looking for some Delray Beach Happy Hours? In America’s most fun small town, there are options a-plenty!

How early would you like to start? SALT 7 on the Ave offers happy hour from 3-7pm. They offer $5 Martinis in luscious flavors like Cucumber Watermelon or Blood Orange, plenty of beer and wine options, and a nice selection of small plates starting at only $3! Insider tip: The outside seating here is fantastic – it’s the place to be on a temperate South Florida evening.  

Noreen’s Picks: $5 Cucumber Watermelon Martini paired The Fillet Mignon bites

 

City Oyster is another local, favorite, offering happy hour 4-7pm daily at the bar. You’ll enjoy half-price drink specials and $1 raw bar offerings. For many of us, this is the ideal neighborhood place – the one where everyone knows your name!

Noreen’s Picks: See Wayne or Teddy at the bar and ask them to surprise you with a special cocktail made just for you!

 

Or how about “working late” at The Office? Happy hour here is 3-7pm. A lovely outside seating area at the bar is the perfect setting for drink specials starting at only $3 and food options $4+.

Noreen’s Picks: Blood Orange Martini with Fried Green Tomatoes

 

If you seek a laid back Key West-style option, Crane’s Beach House does a festive happy hour winding down the week on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 5-6pm at their tropical tiki bar along the pool. Live music adds to the island ambience. A variety of 50% off drink specials are on the menu, but the sangria is the way to go!

Noreen’s Picks: Try the red sangria! So refreshing!

 

Further east along the beach, look for Boston’s on the Beach!  This classic Delray Beach happy hour spot is offers specials daily from 4-7pm with half-off drink and food specials.

Noreen’s Picks: You can’t beat the value of the one dollar bud light drafts paired with a half- pound of peel and eat shrimp!

 

These are just a few of our personal favorite Downtown Delray Beach happy hours. There are many more options, some inside the local hotels, some stand-alone bars and restaurants. Check out our Dining and Nightlife page for an overview of the area’s hottest spots.

Let us know which are your happiest of happy hours around town. We’d love to feature your favorites in future posts!