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Delray Beach Awarded Most Fun Small Town in America

Tuesday, July 17, 2012 - 11:39am

Putting Delray Beach on the Map: Rand McNally and USA Today’s Most Fun Small Town in America!

DELRAY BEACH, FL- July 17, 2012

On July 17, 2012 at 3 P.M. local time, Delray Beach was named the Most Fun Small Town in America according to Rand McNally and USA Today’s Second Annual Best of the Road Competition.

Rand McNally and USA Today began their second annual quest to find the best small towns in America on May 4, 2012. The start of this process involved nationwide online voting by the public to pick 30 of the best small towns representing five categories. To ensure a great voter turnout, the Downtown Development Authority and a host of other organizations spread the word through a variety of media resources. Once towns were chosen, five traveling teams of two would be responsible for uncovering the best America had to offer in the categories of Best Food, Most Patriotic, Most Beautiful, Friendliest and Most Fun. After the online voting period, Delray Beach was chosen as one of the six finalists for Most Fun Small Town in America. The other towns in contention included Corning, New York, Santa Claus, Indiana, Denton, Texas, Buena Park, California and Geneva-on-the-lake, Ohio. Team Fresh Traveler, Anna Haas and Patricia Serrano, were chosen to visit these six towns and ultimately decide who deserved the title Most Fun Small Town in America

The weekend began bright and early with sunrise yoga on the beach with Jai Healing Hearts. After feeling rejuvenated, our visiting travelers were given a quick tour of historic Delray Beach and then promptly returned the shore for some outdoor fun. Delray BeachWatersports treated Team Fresh Traveler to the best of the best- diving the 100 year old ship wreck just off the cost and sailing the pristine Atlantic waters. After a non-stop morning, the travelers needed to refuel with a scrumptious lunch at Caffe Luna Rosa with a equally delicious view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Before the evening Road Rally, the Fresh Travelers stopped at Sandbar for a quick mixologylesson. They learned how to concoct some signature South Florida cocktails and took their feet off the accelerator for a moment, soaking in the pure, calm and breezy feel of this small beach town. After this brief recharge, they headed down to Old School Square for the evening Road Rally where country music sensation and hometown girl Amber Leigh performed for a crowd of Delray Beach fans. Mayor Woodie McDuffie delivered a heart-warming speech about why he loves Delray Beach and Jorge Pesquera rallied the crowd with the ever-improving stats on tourism in Palm Beach County. The city welcomed the two visitors with open arms and allowed them to discover that what makes Delray Beach so unique are the people who call it home. Immediately following the big announcement, the City of Delray Beach received this heartfelt message from Fresh Traveler Anna Haas. “We’re so happy for you guys. It was such a hard decision, but we just kept feeling our hearts pulled towards Delray. At the end of the day, it’s not just the activities, it’s the people. You guys deserved the title.”

The evening continued to Old School Square Museum where they were greeted by plundering pirates, in accordance with their current exhibit, Ahoy Maitz! Pirates & Treasures. After escaping the pirate’s grasp, our travelers moved down to Worthing Park for the final installment of the Road Rally. Citizens of all ages came out to support Delray Beach, meet the Fresh Travelers and be entertained by the extremely talented students from the Drew Tucker Music Academy for Kids. The night was a glowing success and would not have been possible without the great citizens of Delray Beach.

Team Fresh Traveler had only two days to spend in Delray Beach, and according to contest regulations, one of those days must be unplanned. Therefore, the second day of their stay was completely up to their discretion. The Team was able to discover Delray Beach for themselves with an early morning trip to Sea Turtle egg hatching sites along the beach, Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga Bootcamp by Sutrafit Adventures, an intracoastal sailing with Delray Boat Club and relaxing massages at the Seagate Hotel & Spa.

Their stay in Delray culminated with a 1950’s themed dinner at the Sundy House on SwintonAvenue. After a trip to Kismet Recycled Vintage Clothing and Naked Hair Salon to complete the authentic feel of the night, the duo was ready to drive down Atlantic Avenue in a 1957 Chevy Convertible. The evening was capped off with a performance by Anna Haas atKevro’s Art Bar. The mixture of Mad Men and salty sea air was intoxicating, and the perfect way for these travelers to say goodbye to our Village by the Sea.

After waiting on pins and needles for two weeks, Delray Beach received word of their win and could not be more honored. Delray will now be featured on a Travel Channel Special on the Best Small Towns in America, airing July 25th at 8/7 central. The Town will also be displayed in the 2013 Rand McNally United States Road Map, along with winners from the other categories. We can truthfully say Delray Beach has been put on the map.

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For more information on the Rand McNally USA Today Best of the Road Competition, visit http://www.bestoftheroad.com/

CONTACT:
Downtown Development Authority
85 SE 4th Ave, Ste 108
Delray Beach, FL 33483
561.243.1077
Contact: Laura Simon
lsimon@dowtowndelraybeach.com
www.downtowndelraybeach.com

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Presenting 4th Annual Tastemakers of Delray Beach

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 11:38am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Experience two nights of food, wine and cocktails in Downtown at Tastemakers of Delray Beach!

Presented by Delray Beach Magazine & Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

DELRAY BEACH, FL, (July 10, 2012) Delray Beach magazine(JES Publishing), in partnership with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority(DDA), presents the Fourth Annual Tastemakers of Delray Beach, a food and beverage tasting event. The event will take place Thursday, August 9 and Friday, August 10 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. This premier culinary event has been overwhelmingly successful in South Florida, showcasing the vibrant Downtown Delray Beach and all it has to offer all year round.

“We are proud to be able to partner with the DDA and the Downtown Restaurants again on this fabulous culinary experience and feel it is a wonderful way to discover the variety and charm of Downtown Delray Beach,” says Candace Rojas, Delray Beach Magazine.

Tastemakers of Delray Beach Passports are on sale now for the two day strolling international food event, featuring 21 of Delray’s premier restaurants within the downtown area. Each participating restaurant has designed a special culinary delight that is reflective of their chef’s specialty. In order to participate you must purchase a Passport at any of the participating restaurants for $30 cash (quantities are limited). A portion of the Passport proceeds will benefit the Delray Beach Public Library Centennial Celebration.

Participating Restaurants: 50 Ocean, 75 Main Delray, Atlantique Café, Boheme Bistro, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Cut 432, Deck 84, Lemongrass Asian Bistro, Max’s Harvest, Off the Ave, The Office, Olio, Orange Leaf, Park Tavern, Salt7, Sandbar, SolitaDelray, Sundy House, Vic & Angelo’s, Ziree.

The way the event works is with a purchased passport, which is similar to a ticket, attendees visit each restaurant for a sample tastes that has been prepared. Once the attendees have received their taste, the passports will be stamped and they can visit the next restaurant. The program is designed to be held on two evenings in order to allow people time to experience all 21 restaurants and not to feel pressured to complete in one night. Delray Beach DDA and Delray Beach Magazine also include in the passports, offers from each restaurant that can be used from now until September 30, 2012. To see the full section of the offers and tasting visit: http://downtowndelraybeach.com/savor-and-tastemakers

“Downtown Delray Beach is a trendy and vibrant resort town, filled with entertainment, amazing history, culture and fantastic dining. We are excited to be a part of this continued tradition that the Delray Beach Magazine has brought to our Village by the Sea. We look forward to showcasing new restaurants along with those that have been a part of the community for years,” expresses Laura Simon, Associate Director, Downtown Development Authority, Delray Beach. “Night & Day Downtown Delray, We’re Just What You Need”™

For more details log onto http://downtowndelraybeach.com/savor-and-tastemakers or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/delraydda or www.bocamag.com/blog/tastemakers-of-delray-beach/

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About the DDA (Downtown Development Authority):

For the past 41 years, the Downtown Development Authority has assisted in successfully branding and promoting Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea. The Delray Beach DDAwas created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach. 

The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include: Marketing and Promotions of the Downtown Businesses; Place Making, Economic development programs; the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail awareness campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly. 

About JES Publishing:

JES Publishing publishes the award-winning Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazines, as well as several custom publications. This family of magazines has long set the standard for magazine publishing in the state of Florida and has been recognized numerous times by the Florida Magazine Association as best in its class for consumer publications. For information on subscriptions or advertising, please call 561/997-8683.

CONTACT:
Downtown Development Authority 
85 SE 4th Ave, Ste 108 
Delray Beach, FL 33483
561.243.1077 
Contact: Laura Simon 
lsimon@dowtowndelraybeach.com
www.downtowndelraybeach.com

Delray Beach Magazine
5455 N Federal Hwy, Ste. M
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561.997.8683

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Downtown Delray Beach presents Savor the Avenue 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 10:37am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feast at Florida’s Longest Table, Thursday, March 29 on Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue!  

Savor the Avenue benefits Office Depot Foundation and is presented by Delray Beach and Boca Raton magazines along with the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority,

Xanté and Rutherford Wine Company

DELRAY BEACH, FL, (Feb. 21, 2012):The Fourth Annual Savor the Avenue, an elegantepicurean experience held each year on Delray Beach’s famed and historic Atlantic Avenue, will take place on Thursday, March 29, 2012 beginning at 5:30pm. Florida’s longest table will feature a four-course dinner provided by 18 of Delray’s premier restaurants.  Make your reservations now!

The estimated 1,000 guests will reserve their seats with one of the participating 18 restaurants, with $5 from each reservation benefiting the Office Depot Foundation. Participating restaurants are: 32 East, Cabana el Rey, Carpe Diem by Café de France, CaffeLuna Rosa, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cut 432, GOL! Taste of Brazil, La Cigale, Lemongrass, Max’s Harvest, Prime, SpoonFed, Sundy House, The Office, Tramonti, Tryst, Union and Vic & Angelo’s. Each dinner is paired with select wines that are presented by Rutherford Wine Company. The menus can be viewed at http://downtowndelraybeach.com/other-events and the March/April issue of Delray Beach magazine.To participate, guests should make reservations directly with the restaurant of their choice, and all reservations should be made by March 23, 2012. Prices are established by each restaurant and range from $55 to $89.

“Historic Downtown Delray has something for everyone both night and day, from fine art and fabulous fashions to incredible cuisine. Savor the Avenue is a wonderful community event that showcases some of the finest restaurants in the area,” says Marjorie Ferrer, executive director of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Savor the Avenue will begin with a cocktail party hosted by Xantè at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner seating at 6:15 and a 5-block-long “grand toast” at 6:30 p.m by the Mistress of Ceremonies, Suzanne Boyd, News Anchor, CBS 12. An after-party following dinner will be sponsored by Hangar 88, at 19 N.E. Third Ave., Delray’s newest nightclub in the heart of downtown Delray Beach. The after-party will feature entertainment and drink specials with Xanté.

“Delray Beach continues to grow as an international destination for dining, and we are proud to sponsor and host this unique event once again this year,” says Margaret Mary Shuff, publisher of both Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazines. 

Sponsored and co-hosted byDelray Beach and Boca Raton magazines and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, Savor the Avenue’s dining table will be 1,361 feet long, stretching from Swinton Avenue east to Fifth Avenue (U.S. 1) lined with beautiful palms.  “We are excited to have several additional sponsors and features this year to assist in enhancing this amazing event. A special thank you to the Delray Garden Center and JM Lexus,” says Laura Simon, associate director of the Downtown Development Authority. 

Not only will this evening showcase Delray’s fine restaurants, it will also include informal modeling from many downtown Delray fashion boutiques. Another feature new this year is a table-decorating contest among the restaurants; the winner will be announced during the evening by the president of the Office Depot Foundation, Mary Wong.

 “The Office Depot Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of this extraordinary event for the third year in a row,” Wong says. “The donations we receive help us make a profound difference to children and families right here in South Florida. We are exceptionally grateful for this opportunity”. 

For details and menus, please visit http://downtowndelraybeach.com/other-events. For more information about the Office Depot Foundation, please visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.

 # # #

 About the Downtown Development Authority:

For the past 40 years, the Downtown Development Authority has assisted in successfully branding Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea. The Delray Beach DDA was created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach. 

The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include: marketing and promotions; economic development programs; security and crime prevention; traffic and parking; clean and safe; reviewing the city’s comprehensive plan within the DDA boundaries and housing and improvement of coordination with local boards and city departments. In addition to the main areas mentioned above, the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail awareness campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly.

 About JES Publishing:

JES Publishingpublishes the award-winning Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazines, as well as several custom publications. This family of magazines has long set the standard for magazine publishing in the state of Florida and has been recognized numerous times by the Florida Magazine Association as best in its class for consumer publications. For information on subscriptions or advertising, please call 561/997-8683.

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For Information Contact:
Laura Simon, Associate Director
Downtown Development Authority
561-243-1077 or 561-573-3672
lsimon@downtowndelraybeach.com

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Downtown Delray Beach is Just What You Need For the Holidays!

Monday, November 28, 2011 - 10:36am

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Downtown Delray Beach is Just What You Need for the Holidays! 

Delray Beach (Nov. 23, 2011):Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority and all the businesses in Delray Beach invite you downtown this December to experience fabulous shopping, dining and all the festivities that this Village by the Sea has to offer!  The Night & Day Downtown Delray December 2011 promotion is Holiday Happenings showcasing that Delray Beach is “truly the place to experience this Holiday Season”, expresses MarjorieFerrer, Exec. Dir., Downtown Development Authority (DDA). 

Downtown Delray Beach is home to some of the most unique, one-of-a-kind shops, fine art galleries and exquisite restaurants that line the famed Atlantic Avenue and fill the eclectic Pineapple Grove. “The December Holiday Happenings Brochure captures just a few of the many shops and restaurant offers and events that will make your gift giving easier and certainly more enjoyable”, comments Laura Simon, Associate Director, Downtown Development Authority. 

The Holiday Happenings 2011 Brochure highlights businesses providing unique gift ideas, such as Avalon Gallery, Luckie Street Boutique, Caffe Luna Rosa and many more!  Residents and visitors can find a brochure at any of the shops and restaurants located in Downtown Delray Beach, just look for the poster in the window. The brochure can also be downloaded at www.downtowndelraybeach.comor on facebook.com/delraydda where we will also be providing daily updates. 

The DDA (Downtown Development Authority) wants to provide the locals and visitors a cheerful experience this shopping season. This festive atmosphere with the 100ft Christmas tree at Old School Square to a beautifully lit Sphere Christmas tree illuminating A1A will make you feel like celebrating.  The streets are lined with twinkle lights and bright starfish, the storefronts are decorated while the warm tropical breezes fill the air. Where else would you want to be this Holiday both Night and Day but Downtown Delray?    

 “Downtown Delray Beach hopes this Holiday is extra special, so come downtown for friendly service, unique shopping and lots of cheer.” Night & Day Downtown Delray! We’re Just What You Need for the Holidays!

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About the Downtown Development Authority:

For the past 40 years, the Downtown Development Authority has assisted in successfully branding Delray Beach as the Village by the Sea.  The Delray Beach DDA was created by Resolution 9-71, which became law on March 22, 1971, as a dependent district of the City of Delray Beach. 

“The DDA Mission is to enhance and stimulate balanced economic growth through position marketing activities that engage Downtown businesses, residents and visitors while creating a clean, safe, physical and experiential place to live, work and invest.”

The main areas of involvement in downtown redevelopment include: Marketing and Promotions; Economic development programs; Security and crime prevention; Traffic and parking; Clean and safe; Reviewing the City Comprehensive Plan within the DDA boundaries; Housing and improvement of coordination with local boards and city departments.  In addition to the main areas mentioned above, the DDA also works closely with merchants to develop seasonal retail awareness campaigns to generate traffic and sales and has created a powerful website (www.downtowndelraybeach.com) that attracts thousands of visits weekly.

 Contact:
Laura Simon, Associate DirectorDelray
Beach Downtown Development Authority
Office: 561.243.1077, Cell: 561-573.3672
 lsimon@downtowndelraybeach.com 

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Downtown Delray Celebrates the City Centennial and Heritage Month throughout October

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - 11:35am

MEDIA RELEASE: CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE – DELRAY’S CENTENNIAL ALL MONTH LONG

Presented by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority! 

DELRAY BEACH, FL (OCT. 5, 2011):The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) launches the Night and Day Downtown Delray promotion for October 2011 “Celebrate our Heritage”, in honor of the City’s 100th Anniversary. The DDA and the historic downtown businesses have collaborated to create an exciting Night and Day brochure filled with offerings and events for the entire month. 

As an independent taxing district of the City, the DDA’s main mission is to market the downtown and the businesses within it. The Night and Day Downtown Delray, We’re Just What You Need”, an award winning marketing program that was developed one year ago by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, continues this month celebrating the City Centennial all month long. 

“The October 2011 Brochure is filled with tributes to this amazing Village By the Sea from the many businesses that have been here for over 20 years or are located in a historic building,” explains Laura Simon, Associate Director, DDA. “Some of the  businesses such as Hand’s Stationers who has been serving customers both local and from around the world for over 6 decades, or 32 East who has been one of the most successful fine dining restaurants in Downtown Delray.” These are just two of the over 50 offers that are promoted within the Night and Day Downtown Delray brochure. 

Downtown Delray Beach is filled with history but far from old fashioned, with the over 20 galleries, 300 shops or boutiques and 130 eateries, Delray truly has what you need. This month the DDA and the businesses want to share this with everyone and have printed over 10,000 brochures that are placed throughout Downtown as well as listing the calendar online at  http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com/monthlypromo/. 

We are excited to promote in this month’s brochure, the historic Colony Hotel and Cabana Club who has created a Delray Centennial package! Throughout the month of October guests are invited to stay at the Colony Hotel for only $100.00 per night double occupancy. With your room you will receive many wonderful amenities and discounts.

  • 2 Glasses of wine at the Porch Bar
  • Breakfast at the Skylight Lobby
  • Discount on lunch at the Cabana Club
  • 10% Discount in all the Colony shops
  • Discount on a Historic Segway Tour of Delray and discounts on a Yoga Class at the Colony Hotel

Take advantage of this historic offer especially the night of Oct. 6th which is the City Street Celebration of the Centennial from 6:30pm -10:30pm. “What better place to be during such an incredible mark for Delray Beach”, expresses Marjorie Ferrer, Executive Director, DDA. 

These are just a FEW of the over 50 happenings taking place in Downtown Delray during October 2011:

Oct. 6               City Centennial Celebration on the Avenue – Free to the Public event  Incorporation 100 Years ago
Oct. 12 & 25     Murder on the Beach Bookstore will be holding lectures from the local historian authors
Oct. 21             Experience the Centennial Gallery Stroll from 7-10pm
 

Throughout October here are many of the business offers:

  • Ora Sorensen Gallery is offering discounts on limited edition prints and original greeting cards.
  • 32 East Restaurant is hosting Centennial Sunday Funday’s with great deals on wine!
  • Gol! Taste of Brazil is offering a Grilled Pineapple Dessert in honor of the pineapple farms from 1911.
  • George’s Shoe Repair: this iconic, local shop has been fixing shoes for over 40 years. He has a great promotion this month bring in 3 pairs of heels to save and he will throw in the 4th for free!  And the Trouser Shop this month is offering great deals on shorts while Jen Scoz Designs is providing a 10% off her exclusive line of jewelry and clothing. 

“There are many more of these wonderful tributes, events, festivals, tours and exhibits that we really want to encourage the public to take advantage of this month. The Night and Day Downtown Delray campaign is gearing up for an exciting year and we are proud to be kicking it off with the merchants in such a wonderful way,” says Marjorie Ferrer, DDA. 

The Downtown Development Authority would like to thank the sponsors for October and express that with their support we are able to expand the reach of the exciting message about Delray Beach. This month’s sponsors are:

  • Presenting Sponsor – Florida Public Utilities
  • Howard Alan Events and Festivals
  • Delray Beach Magazine
  • WPTV Channel 5
  • SCP Printing and Graphics 

All the details, amazing sweepstakes registration and contact information is available on the website www.downtowndelraybeach.comor follow us on facebook.com/delraydda. 

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