As winter winds to a close, Delray is busting out all over.
Birdland
With daylight savings kicking in, there’s plenty of time to get out to Green Cay Nature Center to enjoy a sunset. Take a walk on the wild side to see unique birds and other fauna via the extensive boardwalk that winds through the lush wetlands—giving you primo viewing without the sandy feet. The boardwalk is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. To learn more about the wildlife that thrives in this delicate ecosystem, visit the nature center exhibits, open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, 561/966-7000, pbcgov.com/parks
Readers Who Lunch
Kate DiCamillo
The Palm Beach Literacy Coalition’s love of Literacy Luncheon on March 12 at the Kravis Center celebrates a very likeable spring critter: the bookworm. This year’s event features Newbery Award winner Kate DiCamillo, the New York Times bestselling author of Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux. Patron tickets are available for $250 and include a seat at the luncheon as well as the opportunity to meet this entertaining author at a private reception, with a 5 x 7 photo provided as a memento of the event. With more than a dozen programs countywide to improve the reading skills of children and adults, the Literacy Coalition offers many opportunities to get help or volunteer.
561/279-9103, literacypbc.org
Farm to Market
Jesse Goldfinger
With all the talk of “farm-to-table” among restaurants, the Woolbright Farmer’s Market brings that foodie trend to your own kitchen with ease. Provision like a pro with the freshest produce and veggies each season has to offer—and where “locally grown” is just as important as an organic certification. Owner Jesse Goldfinger also flexes his own green thumb to offer more than homegrown friendliness at his rustic roadside stand; the market is brimming with lush herbs for your table and plants for your garden. There’s also a new “juice truck” on site—and don’t forget all the flowers, potted plants, delicious breads, pies, cheeses and spreads from mom-and-pop purveyors. Up-front parking makes it easy to stop in.
141 W. Woolbright Road, 561/732-2454, produceandplants.com
The Eyes Have It
Hey batter, batter! We’re not talking about America’s favorite pastime; we’re referring to the kind of batting Lady Lash delivers with its expert eyelash extensions. Sport longer, thicker-looking lashes—without mascara. With maintenance every two to four weeks, you can hit a home run with glamour and shorten your daily beauty regimen. Frame your sexy doe eyes with Georgio’s signature brow tinting and sculpting to have your bases covered.
170 N.E. Second Ave., 561/865-5111, ladylash.com
Pick Me Up
Matt Williams
Leave it to a fitness trainer to come up with a delicious idea—that’s actually good for you. Matt Williams, a former schoolteacher and currently a trainer at Slash, was inspired by his students and clients to come up with an alternative to sugary, processed snacks. FroPro is a frozen, protein-packed bar that simplifies healthy eating on the go. With all-natural ingredients and flavors that sound like a decadent dessert, it’s an energy-boosting treat perfect for pre/post-workout or the afternoon doldrums on our warm South Florida days. How cool is that?! Available at these fine locations in Delray: Fit Food Express, Juicebuzz, Planet Juice and the Biostation. Gofropro.com
N.Y. State of Mind
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of NYC without leaving the 561 at the Big Apple Shopping Bazaar. Spend the day shopping among the iconic sights of New York, like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, all in air-conditioned comfort. With more than 60 shops, there’s literally something for everyone in this newly remodeled marketplace. And don’t forget another favorite attraction from the city, the deli! The best part is, since this little slice of Gotham is right in our backyard, there’s no need to wonder how you’ll carry your Big Apple deals on the flight home.
5283 W. Atlantic Ave., 561/499-9935, thebigappleshoppingbazaar.com
Delray After Dark
It’s pretty easy to find live music on the Avenue. Vintage Tap has made a big splash in Delray nightlife featuring a different band every night. As you walk down the sidewalk you can hear the Elvis impersonator crooning at Johnnie Brown’s, and with enough vodka the ’80s and ’90s tribute bands at The Hurricane beckon. And there’s always the relaxed reggae at Boston’s. However, the music scene off the Avenue is really thriving, so here are a few places you might not have come across. What all of these nightspots have in common is a unique, artsy vibe—and plenty of parking.
3rd and 3rd
In spite of a lack of signage, and its remote location on the outskirts of Pineapple Grove, 3rd and 3rd is a bustling hangout, much like the perpetual party house in college, only with adults sitting in a living-room setting, eating fabulous food, sipping cocktails and enjoying a variety of local musicians. No Cheetos and Old Milwaukee here. It’s hipster heaven for the 20- to 50-something crowd!
301 N.E. Third Ave., 561/303-1939, 3rdand3rd.com
Kevro’s Art Bar
On the south side of Atlantic Avenue, in a lone building in the yet-to-be-developed SofA district, this bohemian outpost hosts a lively lineup of musicians and artists. Part art-loft warehouse, part tropical patio, Kevro’s is a thriving pioneer in what promises to be Delray’s Next Big Arts District.
166 S.E. Second Ave., 561/278-9675, kevroart.com
The Beat Cup Café
This cool hangout sprang from the über artsy Salon Resta, which was never your average hair salon in the first place. Local artists and photographers displayed their work in the salon, and in the evenings musicians were invited for informal jam sessions. With the creative juices flowing, their cup runneth over to the space next door. The Beat Cup is part gallery, part coffee bar and part performance space. The “house band,” Michaux, plays regularly. You’ll always find something entertaining and thought-provoking here.
660 Linton Blvd., No. 110, 561/330-4693, thebeatcupcafe.com
