Posts

Delray Beach Holiday Events – 2018!

in ,

Welcome to the December Holidays – a month long celebration in Delray Beach! This is just one of countless reasons why we LOVE living, working and playing in Delray – our unique Village by the Sea.  

 

Delray Beach 100-foot Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 29th

 

Delray Beach is widely known for the 100 Ft Christmas tree, which is the crown jewel of the entire season!  The holidays start with a city-wide celebration of the lighting of the tree – which is impressive, for sure, standing 100 feet tall! And, it actually houses a gorgeous display of vignettes inside.

The tree is positioned on the grounds of Old School Square in the center of downtown, where kids of all ages can enjoy the tree, plus a visit with Santa, ice skating on the skating rink, putt putt golf, or a ride on the antique merry go round! It’s truly enchanting, so we recommend you earmark some serious family time to enjoy it all!

 

Delray Beach Menorah Lighting

Sunday, December 2nd


The fun continues after the Christmas tree lighting, with the lighting of the Menorah to kick off Hanukkah.

 

 

Holiday Market at The Arts Warehouse in Artists Alley, Delray Beach

Weekend of December 7th

 

Did I mention the shopping events??  Another new “not to miss” this season is the Holiday Market at The Arts Warehouse in Artists Alley, happening the weekend of December 7th! Local artisans will be showcasing one of a kind gifts – great for those hard to buy for on your list.

 

The Delray Beach Holiday Parade

Saturday, December 8th

After these lighting events, we then look forward to the Holiday Parade, this year taking place on Saturday, December 8th along Atlantic Avenue. You’ll see carolers, elves, ballerinas, nutcrackers, dancing teddy bears, Santa on the fire truck… You name the holiday icon, and they walk, dance or ride along in the parade.

 

The Boynton & Delray Holiday Boat Parade  

Friday, December 14th

 

Local restaurants and private homes along the intracoastal play host to those of us that really do enjoy celebrating the season with this event. Boat owners go all out and decorate/light up their boats of all shapes and sizes and parade along the water way. What a sight to admire!  

 

Heads up!
Various events, various dates in Delray


Mixed into the month of December are celebrations are all the opportunities to socialize with our neighbors while supporting some our key local non-profits.  

Carols by Candlelight Concert, Empty Bowls, Mix & Mingle at The Sandoway House, Christmas at Cason Cottage and new this year is the Jingle Mingle Drum with Food Trucks, Caroling… These are all events to look up, attend, and enjoy!  

 

Delray Beach New Year’ Eve Celebration of First Night

Monday, December 31st


The Grand Finale of the Holiday Festivities is The New Year’ Eve Celebration of First Night. This is a true tradition for many of us!  Music out on the Ave… shows, activities for the kiddos… all ending with the spectacular fireworks from the top of the parking deck.


The month of December flies by in Delray Beach, but the memories made during the season last a lifetime!

Live Music in East Delray
in

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

in ,
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!

in

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!

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?