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Delray’s Highly Anticipated ‘Savor the Avenue’ Dining Event Returns Monday, March 24

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 4:03pm

WHAT: Savor the Avenue returns to Downtown Delray Beach Monday, March 24, 2025. Savor the Avenue is a world-renowned culinary experience featuring downtown Delray Beach restaurants serving four-course meals at the Nation’s Longest Dining Table while raising funds for a local nonprofit organization. Reservations went on sale back in February; there are limited seats still available! 

 

WHEN: Monday, March 24, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

 

WHERE: Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach. Event spans five city blocks from Swinton Ave. to East Fifth Ave. (Atlantic Ave is closed to traffic during the event.) 

 

WHO: Participating restaurants include Avalon Beach House & Campi Italian, Caffe Luna Rosa, City Oyster, Elisabetta’s, Le Colonial, Lemongrass, Lulu’s, Rocco’s Tacos, Rose’s Daughter and Brulé, Table 165 and Vic and Angelo’s. 

 

DETAILS: The prestigious culinary event, hosted by the Delray Beach DDA, continues to be recognized around the country as one of the most fun and sought-after experiences. The event is reservation-only and typically sells out within 24 hours. It attracts about 1,000 guests each year and thousands more come downtown to stroll the Avenue and see the beautiful tablescapes created by each of the participating restaurants. The restaurants compete for the “Best in Show” table. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and walk the Avenue to view the beautifully decorated tables. 

 

A portion of the proceeds this year will be donated to CROS Ministries, which provides food for the homeless and food insecure in Delray Beach through food pantries and its Caring Kitchen. More than $80,000 has been donated to local charities since the event started 15 years ago.

 

Thank you to our DDA Partners and Savor the Avenue Sponsors who make this event possible: Rothman Health Solutions, Champion Porsche, Los Linderos Tequila, Grimes Events and Party Tents, International Materials, Gelato & Co, Sundy Village/Pebb Capital, Pineapple Carts, and Living FLA.

 

For photos of 2024 Savor the Avenue, go to: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/h7n6i29a5oy292ohkso08/AFtBSMUxVkocyJM_EcRy6j0?rlkey=18bjfvo73bouox048pzj0kvqc&st=sa6cz0ei&dl=0 

 

To learn more about Savor the Avenue, go to https://downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheave

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Delray Beach Named Best Beach in Florida by USA TODAY for Second Year in a Row

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:57pm

Delray Beach, Florida (May 28, 2025): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce are proud that Delray Beach has once again been named the Best Beach in Florida in USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the second consecutive year that the city has claimed the top spot on the prestigious list.

To determine the winner, an expert panel selected a shortlist of Florida’s finest beaches. The public was then invited to vote daily for their favorite destination, with voting concluding on May 19.

The top 10 winners for Best Beach in Florida are ranked as follows:

  1. Delray Beach
  2. Clearwater Beach
  3. Treasure Island Beach
  4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
  5. Stuart Beach
  6. Bowman's Beach
  7. St. Pete Beach
  8. Siesta Beach
  9. Destin
  10. Anastasia State Park

“We’re thrilled—but not surprised—that Delray Beach has earned this recognition again,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “USA TODAY’s readers are simply confirming what we already know: Delray Beach isn’t just the best in Florida—it’s one of the best in the world.”

Stephanie Immelman, CEO of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, added: “In Delray Beach, the beach is just the beginning. Our internationally recognized Blue Flag beach is complemented by a walkable downtown full of unique restaurants, local boutiques, and inspiring art galleries. With year-round events and a welcoming, engaged community, Delray Beach is the kind of place people fall in love with—and keep coming back to.”

Learn more at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-beach-in-florida-2025/.

 
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Delray Beach Nominated for "Best Beach in Florida” Again and Ready to Defend its Title!

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:46pm

Delray Beach, FL – April 21, 2025: Delray Beach has once again been nominated for Best Beach in Florida by the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards! After taking home the title in 2024, Delray is back in the spotlight—selected by USA TODAY editors and a panel of travel experts as a top contender for this year’s award.

Voting is now open!

  • Cast your vote daily starting today, Monday, April 21 at 12 p.m. through Monday, May 19 at 11:59 a.m.
  • The winner will be revealed on May 28.

The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best of the best, spotlighting standout destinations and attractions across the country.

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, is calling on the community to help Delray Beach bring home the title once more! 

Delray Beach has also been recognized with the prestigious Blue Flag two years in a row! Delray’s Municipal Beach is one of only two Blue Flag destinations in the continental United States. The international designation is awarded to beaches that meet a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria. 

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Downtown Delray Encourages Holiday Shoppers to “Shop Small” at its Numerous ‘Mom and Pop’ Legacy Retailers

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:42pm

Delray Beach, Florida (November 7, 2024): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is getting ready for Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024 by highlighting Delray Beach’s many small businesses and urging visitors and locals to “shop small” this holiday season. Downtown Delray Beach boasts more than 125 retail shops, with 96 percent of them designated small, independent businesses. 

 

Small Business Saturday, which was founded by American Express in 2010 and official cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2021, is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities by shopping small. Small Business Saturday is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

 

While Downtown Delray Beach continues to welcome new restaurants and retailers, Delray Beach native and Executive Director of the Delray DDA, Laura Simon, has a special appreciation for the mom and pop, legacy businesses that have stood the test of time. “Our long-established small businesses truly embody the spirit of our downtown,” she shared. “As the city grows and attracts thousands of new visitors each year, these businesses remind us of our roots and the soul of Downtown Delray Beach.”

 

Some of those legacy businesses include:

  • Richwagen’s Delray Bike & Sport: A family owned and operated bicycle shop that has been serving the Delray Beach community since 1961. 
  • Nina Raynor: Since 1958, this family-owned and operated designer boutique has offered evening wear, special occasion, resort casual, accessories and more in Delray Beach. 
  • Delray Camera Shop: A photographic equipment and supplies retail shop now located at 217 NE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach. The Delray Camera Shop opened in Downtown Delray in 1965. 
  • Avalon Gallery: The art gallery features an extensive collection of glass jewelry, lamps, ceramics, metal and Judaica representing 120 different artists from the United States and Canada. Avalon Gallery was opened in December 2004 by John Terry and Mavis Benson, Chairperson of the Downtown Delray Merchant Association.
  • Kilwin’s: Since 1947, Kilwin’s has been a celebrated part of Americana, having a reputation for providing high-quality chocolates, ice cream and confections combined with excellent service. Kilwin’s has been in Downtown Delray since 2001.
  • South Ocean Beach Shop: This beachside boutique has served Delray Beach since 1980 (that’s 44 years!). The shop offers resort wear for women and men.
  • Blue Gallery: A Delray Beach landmark for over 18 years, Blue Gallery mixes sophisticated flare with contemporary art. It features original collections of internationally acclaimed artists painting landscapes, abstracts, semi-realistic and figurative styles. 
  • Just Hearts: This legacy business has anything and everything your heart desires, from art to paperweights to kitchen utensils. They also carry a full line of Brighton products. The store first opened in downtown Delray 30 years ago!
  • Periwinkle: Periwinkle combines outstanding quality with color and style, offering a carefully curated, diverse assortment of clothing, accessories and home décor. The downtown Delray location opened in 2008.
  • Kokonuts: Started by Alex and Fawn Srulovic, the designer swim and resort wear store first opened its doors on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray in 2008. The couple recently purchased Tootsies Footwear and both stores are now in the same location at 400 East Atlantic Avenue. The Srulovics also own Azuri boutique, Koko Shoes and Dunes Surf Shop on the beachside of Atlantic Avenue.

 

Check out the Downtown Delray Dining and Shopping Guide here: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/flipbooks/dining-shopping-2024/

 

For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach retailers, please visit: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/shopping. 

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Delray Beach DDA Highlights Local Small Businesses in Honor of “Small Business Saturday”

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - 3:36pm

Delray Beach, Florida (November 1, 2023): The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is getting ready for Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2023 by highlighting Delray Beach’s many small businesses. Downtown Delray Beach boasts more than 125 retail shops, with 96 percent of them designated as small, independent businesses.

 

Small Business Saturday, which was founded by American Express in 2012 and official cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2021, is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities by shopping small. Small Business Saturday is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

 

Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA, said: “In Downtown Delray Beach, small business is key. The fabric of our downtown is mom and pop stores, our vibrant and delicious restaurants, creative art galleries, hotel accommodations, educational museums, coffee shops, bakeries, candy stores, and much more! We are proud of our many small business retailers and hope visitors and residents alike will celebrate them by shopping small this holiday season.”

 

Get to know a few of Downtown Delray Beach’s longtime and newer small businesses here:

  • Richwagen’s Delray Bike & Sport: A family owned and operated bicycle shop that has been serving the Delray Beach community since 1961. 
  • A Little Wyld: Co-owned by designer Amanda Perna, who also runs her fashion house House of Perna and Neon Bohemians out of Downtown Delray Beach. A Little Wyld, which opened in Pineapple Grove in 2021, is a loving-curated, woman-owned boutique for kids, gifts, home, and women. 
  • Surf District Surf Shop: A local surf and paddleboard shop located in the historic 1895 Train Depot in Downtown Delray Beach. 
  • Nina Raynor: Since 1958, this family-owned and operated designer boutique – and legacy business – has offered evening wear, special occasion, resort casual, accessories and more in Delray Beach. 
  • Delray Camera Shop: A photographic equipment and supplies retail shop now located at 217 NE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach. The Delray Camera Shop is a Downtown Delray Beach Legacy Business, having been here since 1965. 
  • Periwinkle: A proud member of Delray Beach’s downtown community for over 10 years, Periwinkle has something special for every woman. Owned by Carrie Delafield, who also owns and operates Morley and COCO & CO on Atlantic Avenue. 
  • From Roehm With Love: This Downtown Delray Beach legacy business located in the Pineapple Arts District is a quintessential European style heart & soul felt flower shop. Family-owned and operated; the shop first opened its doors in 1998.
  • Deke’s: Delray’s espresso bar and specialty coffee roaster provides the best coffees from around the world. 
  • Stitches by the Sea: A unique needlepoint shop owned and operated by a family with four generations in the needlepoint industry. A haven for those that are experienced or those that want to learn this fabulous craft, Stitches by the Sea opened on Atlantic Avenue in 2011.
  • The Original Popcorn House: A family-owned and operated gourmet popcorn store that hand crafts and hand-sifts each batch of popcorn. Its flagship store opened in 2014 in a historic house built in 1903 by early settlers of Delray Beach.
  • Tootsie’s: Located right on the Avenue, Tootsie’s offers fabulous and trendy shoes. Founded in 2005. 
  • Avalon Gallery: The gallery features an extensive collection of glass, jewelry, lamps, ceramics, metal and Judaica representing 120 different artists from the United States and Canada. A legacy business in Downtown Delray Beach, Avalon Gallery was opened over 30 years ago by John Terry and Mavis Benson, Chairperson of the Downtown Delray Merchant Association.

 

For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach retailers, please visit: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/shopping. 

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