Delray Beach – Village by the Sea

Delray Beach, Florida is America’s village by the sea. It has a great mixture of small town charm with a bustling main street featuring many clothing boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Forget the car rental, everything here is so close, including the luxurious accommodation, and did I forget the beach!

Winter season brings all the snowbirds from as far as Canada to this tropical warm climate, with the city and locals entertaining those traveling from far to escape the brutal winters. Let me share some of the wonderful experiences that I had visiting this magical beach town.

Reminder of years gone bye

Silverball Museum was a great find just off the main Road (Atlantic Ave). Beautifully and colorfully painted, it grabs your attention while walking by, but once you enter, memories and fantasy’s of my youth were brought back to life. The Silverball Museum has collected vintage arcades and collectors pinball machines including Indiana Jones, Black Lagoon and The Adams Family, over and above all the vintage machines from the early days of pinball playing days. It also boasts the only 22ft Shuffle board table in the entire United States, and I thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing my youth as I played all the games available. 

Restaurants and Live entertainment

Along Atlantic Avenue, the main street taking you to the beach, restaurants are scattered throughout. On the Tuesday evening I was surprised to see Rod Stewart frequenting the stage of Johnnie Browns Grill. Of course it wasn’t really Rod Stewart but George Orr, a musician covering the music of Rod Stewart as a tribute band. He does such a fantastic job, that you could very easily be caught thinking that it was truly the legend himself. 

While staying in Delray Beach I too had some wonderful seafood dishes at Deck 84 with the beautiful views of the Intercoastal water way. It was an excellent way to sit back and relax during the dinner hours while enjoying the “Catch of the Day”.

One evening for desert we found Dr Doodles Gourmet Emporium. The delicious food was certainly highlighted by the beautiful store design and layout. In addition to serving me the tasty desert for the evening, they also had a “Doggie Ice-Cream” for my favorite guy to cool off. 

Art and Culture 

Downtown Delray Beach, long known for its eclectic community and vibrant atmosphere, has become a cultural mecca. Renowned works of art adorn fine galleries and unique shops abound. The many art festivals and theater performances are a few favorites among visitors and locals alike. The Friday that I happened to be in Delray Beach, I joined the Art Walks and got to explore the heart and soul of the art scene.

Delray Beach seems to always have some fun and exciting events, even hosting their own annual Fashion week in January. It’s a great experience with them closing the road, transforming the usual road into a chic runway. It’s a great opportunity and platform to meet and see like-minded creative individuals in Downtown Delray Beach.

Where to stay

Delray Beach, Florida was voted “America’s Most Fun Small Town” by Rand McNally and the charming historic downtown Atlantic Avenue Colony Hotel is located in the heart of dining and nightlife. The intimate 70 room hotel has 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom guestrooms. Owned and operated by the same family since 1935 the Colony Hotel & Cabana Club is sustainable, green, eco-friendly, authentic and pet friendly. The beachfront Colony Cabaña Club offers the guests private ocean access while staying at the Colony Hotel.

Whether traveling for business, vacation or visiting with family and friends, the Colony Hotel & Cabaña Club I’m sure will make your stay as enjoyable as mine was.

Delray Beach, Florida is a picturesque holiday vacation spot that a few people are fortunate to call home. With all that the city is doing and activities, Delray Beach will impress you this coming migration south!