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This Underrated Florida City Has Beautiful Beaches, Trendy Hotels, and Vibrant Street Art

Friday, June 3, 2022 - 1:54pm

Article by Travel + Leisure 

Delray Beach, Florida, offers so much more than pretty beaches. 

Delray Beach, Florida, is a small oceanfront city nestled between Boca Raton and Boynton Beach in Palm Beach County. The beloved beachfront locale is a favorite among locals, but it's yet to be uncovered by the masses.

Here, you'll find everything from trendy hotels to beautiful beaches, to seemingly endless dining options — not to mention a vibrant arts and culture scene that truly sets it apart from your typical Florida beach town. Ahead, our complete guide to Delray Beach, including where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat and drink.

Where to Stay in Delray Beach, Florida

Eye-catching artwork, mouthwatering food and drink offerings, and luxe accommodations — you'll find all this and more at The Ray. The 141-room property, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is sure to delight any design enthusiast with its impressive art installations, large sculptures, living walls, bespoke furnishings, and a spacious, open-concept layout. While The Ray is not located on the beach, it does have a rooftop pool for lounging and sipping cocktails. (Or, you can take one of the complimentary cruisers and bike to the sand.) Adjacent to the pool is the sprawling, greenery-filled Rosewater Rooftop, an all-day, indoor/outdoor drinking and dining venue that serves up refreshing drinks and delectable bites, plus a side of panoramic views.

 

Alternatively, those looking to stay right on the beach can reserve a room at Delray Sands Resort. This upscale, family-friendly property boasts 115 bright and airy accommodations, as well as an oceanfront swimming pool, whirlpool, and separate children's pool. Head out onto the sand, where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and private cabanas. Other amenities include live entertainment and three on-site drinking and dining options.

What to See and Do in Delray Beach, Florida

Wander through Pineapple Grove Arts District.

The arty Pineapple Grove Arts District is chock-full of murals and sculptures, as well as its fair share of eclectic galleries, whimsical shops, and one-of-a-kind eateries (more on that below). Don't miss the 15,000-square-foot Arts Warehouse, which is aptly located on Artist Alley. The warehouse houses a collection of galleries, exhibitions, and studios. Check the events calendar for a full lineup of workshops and programming.

 

Explore Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Stroll through the magnificent Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and you'll forget you're in Florida. The museum pays homage to Japanese culture and art with its fascinating exhibits. Then, take a scenic walk through the lush, landscaped gardens, which feature tranquil waterfalls, ponds, forests, and more (don't miss the impressive bonsai collection).

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of the city's street art.

For a closer look at the city's best works, put on your comfiest sneakers and embark on the Delray Beach Art Trail. Along the route, you'll pass over 40 pieces of art, including a slew of colorful murals. And if you need to beat the heat at any point, just pop inside one of the many galleries.

Hit the beach.

Delray Beach boasts two miles of soft, palm-tree-lined beaches, as well as tranquil blue waters. When you're not soaking up the sun from your beach lounger (which you can rent directly on the sand, along with umbrellas), dip your toes in the water or opt for a leisurely swim.

Where to Eat and Drink in Delray Beach, Florida

For Breakfast and Bites: Kick off your morning on a sweet note with a visit to The Modern Rose, which features a daily and seasonally rotating selection of freshly baked pastries, as well as savory sandwiches and breakfast classics like the PB&J served on brioche and toasted naan with whipped cream cheese, grilled caramelized peaches, honey, and cinnamon. The female-, Latinx-, and veteran-owned company also has more than 60 different boutique tea varietals, plus locally roasted coffee. The French Bakery is another excellent choice, with a wide selection of handcrafted, freshly baked breads, including the mini French baguettes, which are just as adorable as they are delicious. Alternatively, satisfy your sweet tooth with a hand-rolled chocolate almond croissant, vanilla or chocolate butter cookies, or a madeleine. Drooling yet?

For Brunch and Lunch: Snag a table at Lulu's Cafe & Cocktails, a trendy jaunt that looks as if it's been plucked right out of SoHo. Here, you'll find everything from breakfast burritos and croissant sandwiches, to salads and bowls, to charcuterie boards and chicken wings. Don't forget to stop by the jungle leaf-patterned bar for a handcrafted cocktail or two. If waterfront dining is what you're after, make your way to Deck 84, which overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Arrive early to snag a seat outside as you feast on delicious seafood like blackened shrimp Caesar salad, seared swordfish, fish and chips, or miso-glazed salmon.

For Dinner: Rose's Daughter is a dinner-only Italian eatery owned by local chef Suzanne Perrotto. Options abound, from made-from-scratch pizzas to heaping portions of pasta. If you're craving seafood — specifically shellfish — look no further than Mussel Beach, where the mussels are imported daily from Prince Edward Island. Meanwhile, date night calls for a romantic dinner at the Mediterranean-inspired Joseph's Wine Bar and Cafe, where the owner, Joseph, is waiting to welcome you. Oenophiles will especially love it here, as the wine list spans more than 2,000 bottles.

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Construction Notification: The Hampton Inn Project

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - 5:02pm

Construction Notification: Hampton Inn Project

401 NE 2nd Street, Delray Beach, FL  33483  

Every Saturday : February 12th - April 23rd starting at 4AM

An early morning concrete pour has been scheduled for every Saturday starting February 12th through April 23rd, at the Hampton Inn project located at 401 NE 2nd Street, Delray Beach. Construction will be on site at 4:00 AM in preparation for a 5:00 AM concrete pours. The pours will consist of approximately 300 cubic yards of concrete or thirty truckloads each.
 
The early morning concrete pours will aide in limiting Traffic Disruptions, while also allowing for enough time to complete the Concrete Pour in the afternoon. Supply Chain issues and the shortage of truck drivers has also made it difficult to maintain a steady supply of concrete, especially for the size of these pours. These early morning Saturday pours shall provide consistent concrete service minimizing the time required to complete the pours, thereby minimizing the impact to traffic.
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PRESS RELEASE: Delray Beach Fashion Week 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 5:53pm

10th ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH FASHION WEEK 2022

Delray Beach, FL (January 14, 2022) …Downtown comes alive with style! Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Delray Beach Fashion Week from February 23-27, 2022. Experience spectacular fashion, local designers, art, and beauty at this special event created by the Downtown Development Authority and the downtown merchants. Join us for exciting fashion shows and events including the opening runway show, fashion show luncheon, sunsational shop & sip event, trunk shows and in-store events. Preview spring and summer styles with all items shown on the runway available for purchase throughout the downtown retail shops.

Events will take place throughout downtown Delray Beach starting with the opening runway show.  Tickets will be on sale beginning January 10, 2022 at www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families

“The DDA and downtown merchants are proud to produce this award-winning event for its 10th year,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, DDA. Delray Beach Fashion Week is a unique, fun, and all-encompassing opportunity to share with our local residents and visitors the fashion and beauty that is found right here in downtown Delray Beach.”

DBFW 2022 EVENTS:

Event details updated and tickets available on www.DelrayFashionWeek.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022:  Opening Night - “Living in Paradise” Fashion Show Experience

Overview: “Living in Paradise” opening night runway show will feature over 30 retailers highlighting the “best of the best” that their stores have to offer.  Styles from upcoming spring and summer season will be showcased by over 70 models with hair and makeup done by local salons. Enjoy tropical décor, live musical entertainment, step and repeat photos, downtown merchant pop up retail and food tents, a cash bar offering wine, beer, champagne, and a lounge.

Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM

Location: Park at Old School Square, 44 NE 2nd Avenue, downtown Delray Beach

Tickets:  $50 per person for special VIP seating & special access to lounge area 

All proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

 

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022: “Colors of the Tropics” Fashion Show and Luncheon

Overview:  Celebrate the Colors of the Tropics with a themed runway fashion show featuring more than 40 Spring and Summer resort looks from over 20 downtown Delray Beach shops and local designers.   The luncheon includes opening reception, three-course lunch, silent auction, and entertainment at Meso Beach House. Each guest will also receive a welcome cocktail, swag bag and entry into a raffle package worth over $500.

Time: 11:30AM – 3PM: 11:30AM – Welcome Reception, 12PM - Luncheon, 12:45PM - Fashion Show, with silent auction and entertainment throughout the event.

Location: Meso Beach House, 900 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach 

Tickets: $125 per person includes reserved seat luncheon, welcome cocktail, swag bag, silent auction, fashion show with over 40 looks, entertainment. All proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

Parking: Complimentary valet parking will be available.

 

Friday, Feb. 25, 2022:  Sunsational Shop and Sip Event

Overview:  Join us for a Sunsational Shop & event throughout downtown Delray Beach. Check-in at Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel and receive a complimentary beverage, light brunch bites, and a goodie bag of shopping specials, then stroll downtown to shop the many retailers seen in Fashion Week. Passport provided to each attendee to be checked at every participating location, with all completed passports will be entered into a raffle for a Downtown package. Turn in the passports at the post-event reception at Johnnie Brown’s. Enjoy complimentary parking along Atlantic Avenue.

Time: 10AM – 3PM. Check-in: 10AM-11:30AM

Location: throughout Downtown Delray Beach. Check-in at Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel, 233 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach

Tickets: $25 per person available online in advance and on-site. Includes continental breakfast at check-in, Fashion Week Swag Bag (with coupons to shoppable stores), free parking certificate, access to Ride Freebee, & raffle prize opportunities at the post-event reception. All proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children and Families.

 

Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022:  Sand & Sea Fashion Event

Overview:

Join us for a runway event featuring swimwear from our downtown Delray Beach retailers & designers. Swim show includes ticketed seats and complimentary cocktail & passed hors d'oeuvres at Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel concluding the event. Limited seating available.

Time: 3:00PM

Location: The Ray Plaza, 233 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach

Tickets: $40.00 per person includes a fashion show, entertainment, and luxury lounge. All proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

 

Sat. & Sun., Feb. 26-27, 2022: Downtown Delray Beach Craft Show

Overview: Howard Alan Events and the Delray Beach DDA present a juried art show stroll along NE 4th Ave. Experience over 100 artists and vendors.

Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: NE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach

 

Sunday, February 27, 2022:  Fashion Trunk Shows & Instore Events

Overview

Fashion trunk shows, in-store events, and shopping throughout downtown Delray Beach.

Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Throughout downtown Delray Beach; Parking free downtown until noon and available at Old School Square Garage—95 NE 1st St (FREE until 4 PM; $5 Flat Rate after).

 

TICKETS: Available through www.DelrayFashionWeek.com  All proceeds benefit local Delray Beach non-profit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. VIP Pass: $200 and includes: VIP access to all events, reserved front area seating, Amanda Perna bag (valued at $140). Individual tickets:  Opening Night- “Living in Paradise” Fashion Show Experience - $50, Colors of the Tropics Fashion Show and Luncheon - $125, Sunsational Shop and Sip - $25, Sand & Sea Fashion Event - $40.

 

CHARITY

BENEFICIARY: All proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families  www.achievementcentersfl.org 

 

SPONSORS: Thank you to the Delray Beach Fashion Week 2022 Sponsors who make this event possible: (As of 01.14.2022): Gold - Baldheaded Crypto Guy, Caner Windows, Ormonde Productions; Silver – The Colony Hotel, Johnnie Brown’s, Meso Beach House, Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel.  Parisi Events DDA Official Partners: Menin Development, and 4th & 5th Delray, Sundy Village-Pebb Capital, Grimes Events & Party Tents, and International Materials.

 

RETAILER PARTICIPANTS: Please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com  for the list of participants.

 

HAIR SALONS/MAKE-UP PARTICIPANTS: Please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com for the list of participants.

 

INFORMATION:   For more information, event details, and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, facebook.com/DelrayFashion, #DelrayFashionWeek, or phone: 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC 

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

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About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors. Official Partners of the DDA include Menin Development, 4th & 5th Delray, Sundy Village-Pebb Capital, Grimes Events & Party Tents, and International Materials. For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

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DOWNTOWN DELRAY BUSINESS CONNECTION | JANUARY 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022 - 4:53pm
Downtown Delray Beach businesses,
Check out the January 2022 Downtown Delray Business Connection Newsletter for what to look forward to in the new year:
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JOB OPENING: Strategic Marketing Manager - Downtown Development Authority

Wednesday, December 29, 2021 - 2:49pm

WE ARE HIRING! Please review our job listing below & e-mail lsimon@downtowndelraybeach.com with a resume & cover letter if you are interested.

Interviews will be scheduled at the beginning of the year and the position is for immediate hire:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

 

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