Green Cay Wetlands

12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach FL
Open weekly, from sunrise until sunset

Since I moved down to Florida, it has become one of our regular rituals to head down to the wetlands and walk the elevated boardwalk.  Not only is this a great place to get some fresh air and exercise, but it offers some of the most exquisite views of nature.

What we love most about this place is that you are bound to see something new with each visit--giant alligators basking on land, a group of baby gators along the water's edge, many different species of birds, and even a bobcat from time to time.  This place is a photographer's haven.  And on any given day you are bound to find a number of avid birdwatchers posted along the boardwalk with their professional equipment.

Every so often, Brian and I are able to catch our favorite one-armed alligator moseying along in the water close to the dock of the nature center--we've come to the assumption that he lost a battle to one of the larger inhabitants of the wetlands.  

Walking the entire boardwalk once around is about 1.5 miles, but its easy to complete 2 to 3 laps when you are paying more attention to the surrounding sites.

Note: If you like this place, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands are just right around the corner and offer similar features.

 

Morikami Japanese Gardens & Museum

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach FL
Tuesday thru Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm

It was another gorgeous day here in South Florida--75 degrees and sunny--and too nice to stay indoors.  So Brian surprised me with a trip to the Morikami Japanese Gardens this morning.  We've been hearing from so many people that this is a must to check out, for its gorgeous gardens and its picturesque views.    

When we first walked through the doors of the museum out to where the gardens are, we were immediately looking out onto the large pond that the garden surrounds.  To the right at the start of the gardens tour is the James & Hazel Gates Woodruff Memorial Bridge, one of the main focal points of the gardens.  As we followed the tour around, we came across so many beautiful and unique sites--the giant white, neon orange, and striped coy fish that swam around at the base of a waterfall, the little armadillo roaming around the gardens and digging for insects, the flat garden with its perfectly raked swirls, and the "Shishi Odoshi" bamboo water feature.  Everything was just perfect, and peaceful at that.  

Admission is $13 per adult, but this is definitely one of those experiences that make it worth every penny. I mean, I must have taken 50 or more pictures on the trail.  Also, if you have a smart phone, there is an app you can download to listen to a guided tour.  This place will appeal to a variety of interests--for the educational aspect, gardening and landscaping enthusiasts, photographers, nature-lovers, and touristy people (like myself).

The Beat Cup Cafe

660 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach FL
Open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm
Friday and Saturdays, 10 am to 3pm & 9pm to 2am

An eclectic little cafe off the beaten path--I just happened to stumble upon this fun little spot while in-between meetings today, thanks to a little Google searching and a super-grumbly tummy--and have to say that this is one of the most unique concepts I've seen so far while in South Florida.  As soon as I walked in, I was immediately drawn in by the industrial-esque exposed pipes and beams that line the walls and ceiling, the many pieces from local artists hanging throughout the space, the mini soundstage complete with a drum set, chalkboard menu boards hovering over the cafe counter, and a foosball table in the back corner.  To the left, an open doorway leads to a superbly awesome little salon, Salon Resta, that is connected to the cafe--an unexpected and creative feature that really adds to the charm and atmosphere to this place.

The Beat Cup Cafe

The restaurant is currently undergoing a menu change, removing some less popular items to make room for some new favorites so the selection was slightly limited for lunchtime--but I was more than impressed and my tastebuds very satisfied from what I ordered.  A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, bacon, chipotle mayo, and goat cheese between a toasted ciabatta roll.  To drink, a delicious 'cold brew' coffee with half and half, perfect for a mid-afternoon caffeine fix.

They serve up hot and cold beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as breakfast and lunch.    A broad genre of musical talent can be enjoyed here on certain days of the week as well.

I love coming across gems like this--totally added to one of my new spots to frequent.

Boston's On the Beach

40 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach FL

Open Monday 11am-2am; Tuesday until 1am; Wednesday & Thursday until 12am; Friday until 2am

Saturdays 7:30am-2am; Sundays until 12am

Super dog-friendly and in a prime location--I've been here a few times now for both breakfast and lunch and have had a great experience each time.  On weekends they serve breakfast until 11am, and portions are very generous for the price.  To satisfy our need for sustenance after a night out celebrating the New Year, Both Brian and I each ordered the Beach Special--two eggs any way you like it, two blueberry pancakes, two breakfast potatoes, and toast, along with a tall glass of OJ all for just over $20 for the two of us.  Now I call that a deal!

[menu]

But one of the fun little features about this place, besides its perfect spot along A1A running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, is its Pooch Patio.  Bring your dog and sit out at one of the tables on the green street-level patio section.  The staff will bring your canine companion a giant bowl of fresh water on the house.  Treat your pup by ordering one of the items from the doggy menu, such as scrambled eggs or a 100% beef hot dog.  Of course, Brewster-man would barely touch his water, so he just laid under our table and enjoyed the fresh air.  What a silly little chicken.

Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade

Boynton Beach Inlet, Boynton Beach FL
Start of Parade  6:30pm

Tonight we went to the 42nd annual Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade--a truly unique annual holiday event.  A stream of more than a dozen boats of all sizes, strung up and decked out in bright and festive holiday lights and decor, all traveling from the Boynton Beach Inlet to the C-15 Canal in DelrayBeach.

We brought Brewster and watched the hour-long parade from the end of Promenade Park in Boynton Beach for prime viewing close to the Marina.  (Tip: if your dog is sensitive to sounds--you may want to leave 'em at home, or make sure you hold on to them tight--Brewster wasn't the happiest when some of the boats' horns sounded!)
So many different types of watercraft came floating down the canal--large boats lined with elegant twinkling white lights, crazy multi-colored lights, tiny little decorated boats.  One boat came floating down the canal with their passengers rocking out to Gangnam Style.  Definitely a fun little experience!

Happy Holidays!

Delray Beach's 100-ft Christmas Tree

Old School Square, Delray Beach FL
Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:15pm

The holiday season is officially in full swing, so I am on the hunt for festive activities and events for Brian and I to do since this is our first Christmas together.

Tonight we went to Delray Beach's 20th anniversary of their 100-ft Christmas Tree-lighting ceremony.  What a show!  I've never seen such a sky-high Christmas Tree before in my life--the tallest and most perfectly cone-shaped tree, with red ornament bulbs, and a giant star on top.

With the sound of the final countdown to the tree-lighting--5...4...3...2...1--thousands of beautiful bright lights illuminated the Christmas tree.  As an added treat, the lighting of the tree was celebrated by an absolutely stunning fireworks display, with fireworks shooting from both the tree-topper and in the background.

Afterward, we walked down Atlantic Avenue to check out the street festival, taking in the smell of cinnamon-sugar roasted nuts, the sounds of local bands playing, and even a local artist carving out an ice sculpture! What an amazing way to kick off the holiday season.  I love this time of the year!