Around Palm Beach

Festival transforms streets into art

2008-11-14T12:17:00.005-05:00

On February, the streets of downtown Lake Worth fill with colors and art following a tradition that began in Italy in the 16th century and has endured over 400 years.

During the Street Painting Festival over 400 artists use the pavement as their canvas and express themselves. Their art transform the streets into a temporary outdoor museum of original pieces and masterpiece reproductions.

The festival also includes live entertainment featuring jazz musicians, classical music, dance, theatre, improvisation, and an array of street side cafes.

To see a visitor's review go to:

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/north-america/index.pl?read=249

Location:
Downtown Lake Worth

Lake and Lucerne between "J" Street and Federal Highway

For more information visit: http://streetpaintingfestivalinc.org/v3/home.htm

SunFest: Five days and nights of music, art and fireworks

2008-11-14T12:16:00.010-05:00

For five days and nights in the first week of May, Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival takes to the streets of downtown West Palm Beach.

SunFest is not only an opportunity for South Florida music fans to check out the best national acts --everyone from John Mayer to Fergie have graced the outdoor stages-- but is also a chance for local bands to introduce themselves.

This year a new event called New Music Night was added. For $15 dollars visitors got a selection of 15 bands ranging from ska (Cerveza) to piano pop (Gabe Dixon) to dreamy folk (Landon Pigg).

One of my favorite events takes place the last night of the event, when hundreds of fireworks illuminate the dark sky to end the festival, which will come back next year with more music and entertainment.

Fun facts
• SunFest is produced by a private nonprofit organization.

• More than 3,000 volunteers work under the direction of a 21-member board and a full-time staff of 10.

• SunFest raises more than $50,000 annually for other local nonprofit organizations.

• SunFest's local economic impact averages $16 million annually.

• SunFest attracts more than 275,000 guests each year.

• SunFest recycles close to 32 tons of paper, food, icebags and grease.

• SunFest brings in visitors from all over the world, making it one of Palm Beach County's largest tourism attractions.

To know what happened this year in SunFest visit: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/events/content/entertainment/events/guides/sunfest/index.html

For more information visit: http://www.sunfest.org/

Celebrating the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s

2008-11-14T12:05:00.004-05:00

If the life-style of the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s captures your interest, a new exhibition at the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture will allow you to experience a slice from each decade.

The exhibition Stuff! features everything from vintage household items and furnishings, to collectibles, clothing and memorabilia.
However, I’m looking forward to see the selection of 19 portraits of Hollywood screen legends from the Cuban-American artist Jay DePalma.

The collection Divas of Hollywood! includes portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davies, Audrey Hepburn and others.

Information:

Exhibit dates are Nov. 25 through Feb. 8
Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.Admission $6; $4 seniors and students; free for ages 13 and under.

Location: The Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture, part of Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.

(561) 243-7922

An Avenue with designers and History

2008-11-11T18:06:00.018-05:00

If money is no object, Worth Avenue is the place to spend some cash.

Worth Avenue boasts more than 200 shops, offering everything from world-class designer jewelry, clothing and shoes to internationally acclaimed paintings and antiques. Among the oldest retailers on Worth Avenue are Kassatly's Linens (1926) and Martha Phillips (1945).

But if you want to know more about the past of the famed shopping destination join James Ponce, the official historian for the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and The Breakers Hotel, on a historical walking tour of Worth Avenue. Complete with top hat, pocket watch and walking cane, Ponce assumes the persona of Henry Flagler during the tours as he shares the history of Worth Avenue and its environs.

Tours Information:

- Tour star at 11 a.m and are the second Wednesday of the month October thru April.
- Tours begin in the Gucci Courtyard, 265 Worth Ave., Palm Beach.
- The tours are free with donations collected for the Historical Society of Palm BeachNo reservations are necessary.

For more information visit: http://www.worth-avenue.com/

James Ponce: A Living Landmark

- A descent of the country’s oldest documented family
- Ponce was born in St. Augustine in 1917 and grew up in Henry Flagler’s presence
- Ponce’s father, a mortician, was the one to bury Flagler when he died in 1913.
- Ponce has worked at The Colony and The Brazilian Court
- He retired as assistant manager at The breakers in 1982
- He now functions as the hotel's resident historian, tour guide and lecturer.

Read the review of a Worth Avenue's visitor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34530-d105476-r3937301-Worth_Avenue-Palm_Beach_Florida.html

An authentic Greek grill

2008-11-11T18:06:00.012-05:00

Its exterior appearance is not charming like those other South Florida Greek restaurants. But the food at Souvlaki Grill it’s amazing.

Blue seat fill the bright, white dinning area just feet from the sizzling grill, so customers can watch while their order is being prepared.

The souvlaki, which refers to grilled meat or seafood, can be ordered as a skewer, sandwich or platter. My favorite is the souvlaki chicken skewer, but the menu alsooffers pork, lamb, beef, dolphin or shrimp.

The restaurant even prepares its own, tzaziki, a yogurt-based sauce and their pita is amazing.
Prices are reasonable- in the $3 to $11 range for menu items; sides and desserts are generally cheaper.

Location: Souvlaki Grill, 795 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach.
(561) 655-6333

Read the review of The Palm Beach Post's food critic Charles Passy: http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/hungryman/entries/2007/10/04/the_weekly_dish_kataifi_at_sou.html

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens comes to live in December

2008-11-11T18:05:00.005-05:00

Of West Palm Beach's 14 historic residential districts, El Cid has the grandest homes. The residences are some of the most beautiful examples of Mediterranean Revival and Mission architecture in the city.

In this neighborhood, just south of downtown West Palm Beach and with houses dating to the 1920s, is also located the former residence of sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-19852).

Now, the residence features a collection of 300 species of tropical palms and is known as The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. But what I love about this property is that displayed through the house, studio and garden are more than 100 works by the artist, including nine monumental sculptures, eight in brick and one in granite.

On Dec. 5 through Dec. 12, the gardens will come alive with the Festival of Trees. In this magical evening, visitors can travel through the gardens and view evergreens trees adorned with festive décor created by notable designers and sponsors.

This year, the theme and imagery of “Books Come Alive in the Gardens” will revolve around timeless classics and contemporary children’s literature. Dancers, singers and storybook characters will transport visitors to the land of holidays.

Location:

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach

(561) 832-5328
Price: Adults $10, students $5 children under 4 free.

For more information visit: http://www.ansg.org/index.htm

Taverna Opa: A festivity that never ends

2008-10-30T17:42:00.012-05:00

I enjoy restaurants that tell a story or take me somewhere that I’ve never been, but only dreamed of going. That happens every time I visit Taverna Opa, located at the heart of CityPlace in West Palm Beach.

The music, the decoration, the open kitchen and the fresh and authentic Greek menu at this restaurant/nightclub makes me feel as if I have just stepped in to the Greek Isles.

Taverna Opa is unique, how many restaurants do you know let customers dance with waiters on tables and throw napkins in the air as if they were confetti, all to the tune of some very loud Greek dance music? In this place you will experience all that. Also, they have belly dancers and after midnight they play international music as well.

There is also an outdoor bar, but the real fun is indoors in the dinning room where every so often the music stops and people scream Opa!, which means in Greek ' lets party ' or ' get down and dance.'

If you are planning to come here, I recommend you to do it with a big group, so your friends or family members can accompany you on this journey to the Greek Isles.

For more information visit: http://www.opapalmbeach.com/

A free trip to Palm Beach

2008-10-30T17:38:00.007-05:00

A couple months ago I decided to do something different on Saturday morning with my significant other. So we took our bikes, put a big bottle of water and snacks in a bag pack and made a journey to the island of Palm Beach’s beach. After all, we live relatively close.

The experience was quite relaxing, after all, you can listen to the waves crashing on the sand and smell the salty ocean air. Also, as you make your way on to Ocean Blvd., the homes there are breathtaking -- like the Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion.

The beach is even more beautiful. The water is really clear and there are no rocks at all. We brought big towels to lay on the sand and eat our snacks.But one of the things that I most liked about it was that we broke our usual routine and enjoyed the beautiful view without spending a fortune.

In case you don’t own a bike, the trip is even worth it by car. Just make sure you're not in a hurry so you can enjoy paradise.

Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum

2008-10-30T17:37:00.018-05:00

Burt Reynolds may not have been born in Palm Beach County, but the actor grew up here

This original Jupiter museum sheds light on the Hollywood actor, the first star to be paid one million dollars per movie, and his ties to our area.

The museum is crammed with everything anyone has ever given Burt Reynolds. Every award, photo, key to every city, honorary Sheriff’s badge, poster and movie script can be found here!

Also, inside Florida's largest celebrity museum are hundreds of pieces of memorabilia from Reynolds' film and television career. Among the items on display are the boots he wore as Senator Dilbeck in the movie "Striptease," the canoe used in "Deliverance" and the helmet he wore in the original version of "The Longest Yard."

In addition, the museum provides educational opportunities to young actors and filmakers. Three times a week , different acting classes are taught and on Thursdays. They even offer a film-making and editing class.
Sadly, the museum is in jeopardy of disappearing to make way for a hotel, a marina and restaurants along the Intracoastal Waterway. To see more of this story visit:http://www.palmbeachpost.com/pbcnorth/content/north/epaper/2008/10/08/1008burt_museum.html

So plan your trips now, while you still can. And consider purchasing one of the Burt Reynolds coffee mugs or

t-shirts in the gift shop, to support the museum. However, if you can't make it in person, do yourself a favor and take a tour of the museum and test your knowledge of the actor's life in

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/accent/content/accent/burt.html

For more information about the museum visit: http://burtreynoldsmuseum.org/

A sunset date at Jupiter Lighthouse

2008-10-28T14:49:00.015-05:00

If you already have experienced a sunset at the beach, then you should try something unconventional. What about a sunset tour at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse?

On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, the lighthouse opens its doors to those who want to experience unforgettable views. At dusk, small groups are led up a spiral staircase and after a 108-foot climb, visitors can enjoy some of the best views of Jupiter and the stunning sunset.

When the sun disappears you’ll catch a rare slice of Florida history as the lighthouse comes to life. The heavy machinery turns a first-class Fresnel lens, a beautiful work of industrial art purchased from France in the 1850s. The beam it sends out can be seen for more than twenty miles and the red brick that holds it up was put together during the Third Seminole War.

The lighthouse also offers regular tours in their normal business hours, from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tours ending at 4 p.m.

Reservations are required for sunset tours and the cost is $15 per person. For more information call (561) 747-8380, Ext. 101.

For more information visit: http://www.lrhs.org/

I present you The Breakers

2008-10-28T14:48:00.028-05:00

Each city has a monument that represents a part of its History. St. Louis has its arch, New York has the Statue of Liberty and Palm Beach has The Breakers.

The oceanfront resort originally built by Palm Beach’s Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896 is all about the “good life” that Palm Beach symbolizes. Its luxurious rooms have lodged from famous artists to presidents.
In the main lobby and first public rooms one of the ornaments that stand out is the magnificent paintings on the ceilings.

On 1925, after a fire destroyed all-wood building, Flagler’s heirs were determined to build the world’s finest resort as a testament to his vision. In 1926, the New York City-based Turner Construction Company began work in modeling the new building after the Villa Medici in Rome. Seventy-five artisans were brought from Italy to complete the paintings on the ceilings of the 200-foot long main lobby and first-floor public rooms.

Eventually, a contemporary side to the resort, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, emerges.The hotel has a seaside golf-course, a 20,000-square-foot indoor/ outdoor spa, nine restaurants and bars and a high-end shopping concourse.

Historic Past

During World War II, the posh hotel temporarily served as a hospital. The makeshift hospital aided mostly troops, but had a baby doctor for the expectant mothers whose military husbands were stationed at nearby Florida bases.

On October, one of the few babies born in that period returned to The Breakers with her mother. Here is the story that The Palm Beach Post published.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search/content/local_news/epaper/2008/10/07/1007breakers.html

For more information visit: http://www.thebreakers.com/?ad=yahoo&keyword=the_breakers&camp=Main_Campaign&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=branded&utm_term=the+breakers&OVRAW=the%20breakers&OVKEY=the%20breakers&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=3807529021&OVKWID=38164058021

Belle and Maxwell's a captivating bistro

2008-10-28T14:48:00.023-05:00

In the middle of the Antique Row on South Dixie Highway, there is a cafe called Belle and Maxwell’s. It’s small, seating maybe 25 customers. But once you get inside, you are thankful for the limited space because it’s without a doubt one of the captivating features of this bistro that breathes comfort and charisma.

Belle and Maxwell’s is a combination of a living room and a Parisian café. Inside, two rooms have small iron dinning tables and chairs with colorful cushions. If you want to feel at home, then you can enjoy your lunch on a sofa and set your drink on an antique coffee table.

The decoration gives even more personality and uniqueness to the place. In the windows of the first room stained glass pieces stand out for their designs and colors, big and small lamps hang from the ceiling and the walls are cover with paintings. Shells are packed with different ornaments such as candles bases, glasses encrusted with seashells, candles in delicate boxes and even rings, necklaces and purses. If one of these pieces captures your attention it may be possible that you can take it home with you -- most of these items are the work of local artists and are for sale.

A walled courtyard garden in the rear is home to four more tables and a tiny fish pond. The patio’s quaint atmosphere is the perfect spot to enjoy an iced coffee or tea and leave behind the city noise.The menu is delicate but the sandwiches are big, the bread fresh, the salads are wonderful and the price is affordable.

In case you don’t know what to order , you can create your own sandwich. My favorite is the French baguette with grilled chicken, tomato and avocado. Also, if you can’t decide between the salad or sandwich, get a half portion of both.

Basic information

Address: 3700 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

Atmosphere: Homey, informal and comfortable

Price range: $4-$8 for soup, salads and sandwiches

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Enjoy some pictures of my last visit to Belle and Maxwell's

Kravis Center

2008-10-26T19:17:00.019-05:00

I already have plans for March of next year. Yes, I’m going to see Legally Blonde-the Musical. The show is leaving the stages of Broadway to visit Palm Beach County’s most prominent arts center: The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

It’s hard to name a cultural legend of recent memory that didn’t appear at the Kravis.

The Kravis is also home to most of the major cultural groups in the area: Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Opera, Miami City Ballet and the Palm Beach Pops. Also, the center offers classes, camps and other educational programs through the year.

Presently , while it enters its 17th season, the Kravis is still revolutionizing its formula. New this year is a $5 outdoor “Movies by Moonlight” series that takes place in the 1,400 capacity Gosman Amphitheatre. The center will even provide a free bag of popcorn.

For more information visit: http://kravis.org/

Worlds meet in the Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden

2008-10-26T19:16:00.013-05:00

The Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden is the perfect place to discover Florida's heritage and connection with Japan. The museum chronicles the Yamato Colony, the group of Japanese settlers that came to the area a century ago.

But this place also features spectacular gallery exhibitions and a world-class bonsai display. However, my favorite part of the museum was its beautiful gardens, in specific the area where tall bamboo thrives and makes different sounds when the wind blows. Also, the park offers 200 acres of gardens around the museum and there are also great resting benches overlooking the various ponds and artificial waterfalls.

In addition, the Morikami hosts a regular schedule of sado, or tea, ceremonies plus presentations, lectures, classes on calligraphy, sake tastings and Japanese traditional festivals. Another reason to visit the musuem is The Cornell Café that features a pan-Asian menu heavy on Japanese dishes.

For more information visit: http://www.morikami.org/

Rocco's Tacos: Authentic guacamole and other Mexican fare

2008-10-11T11:39:00.005-04:00

To be honest, I haven't eaten a whole meal at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar.

But I've definitely tried the famous guacamole and tortilla chips and I loved them.

The guacamole, created tableside is served in a rustic dark bowl and the chips have a fiery mix of spices. If you want less seasoning in the chips, just ask for it.

This restaurant, on Clematis Street, opened its doors last fall, and it doesn't matter what time of day you go --it's always packed.

Inside, the ceiling is dotted with pinpoints of light from star-shaped, punched-metal lantern chandeliers. Posters from old films line the walls and the place fills with music from around Latin America.

On my agenda, there is already a date picked to come back to the restaurant. This time I'm planning to eat the Rocco's namesake tacos and, of course, more guacamole. I will see you there!

Location: Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar, 224 Clematis St., West Palm Beach.

For more information visit: http://roccostacos.com/

An upscale culinary affair comes to Palm Beach

2008-10-11T11:28:00.006-04:00

In the upcoming week I'm planning not to eat at all… at my house.

That's because of the first-ever Palm Beach Restaurant Week is slated for Oct.
20-26. Organized by the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the event will showcase the culinary talents from some of the renowned island's finest chefs while providing a unique opportunity to dine at an array of top award- winning restaurants for an economical price.

Eleven of the island's eateries will be offering a three- course lunch for $20.08 (excluding tax, beverage and gratuity).

I think the value is great: At some of these restaurants, a dinner appetizer alone can run close to $20. I just hope that the establishments offer more than just sampler portions.

The list of participating restaurants includes: Amici, Café Boulud, Café L'Europe, Charley's Crab, COCO Palm Beach, Flagler Steakhouse at The Breakers and others.

To see all the participating restaurants visit: http://www.palmbeachfl.com/visitors/events/palm-beach-restaurant-week.aspx

An African safari experience

2008-10-11T11:23:00.010-04:00

Want to experience what it's like to touch a giraffe or watch lions and white rhinos from your own car?

The Lion Country Safari, America's first drive-through wildlife preserve, will give you the opportunity of an African safari and more. The preserve is divided into seven sections and each one is named according the species you can find there or from the places in the world they can be found.

For example, there's an area called The Gorongosa. Located in Northern Mozambique, the Gorongosa is one of Africa's famous wildlife areas and the domains of the king of the jungle, the lion.

Also, the park features a ferris wheel, water sprayground, petting zoo, merry-go-round, boat rides, aviaries, reptiles, and squirrel monkey exhibits.

Location: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee.

For more information visit: http://lioncountrysafari.com/

When art and heart convene

2008-10-11T11:14:00.012-04:00

If it's about art, at The Norton Museum you can find marvelous things.

Pieces with mysterious and vivid colors decorate its infinite walls and rooms, each one dedicated to a different type of art including: American, Chinese, European and Contemporary, and even photography.

In one of my last visits I come across the exhibit Eye Candy: Objects of Wonder and Delight, a selection of over 40 paintings, photographs and sculptures from the 18th through the 20th centuries. I was even excited to find out in this collection the artistic creation of one of my favorite painters, Pablo Picasso.

Also, this exhibit inspired me to pay attention to the little things in life that sometimes we are too busy to notice. Others featured artists include Jan Breughell II, William Michael Harnett, Robert Mapplethorpe and others. This exhibition is open to the public until December 21.

In addition, the museum isn't only known for its masterpieces, but also for its comunity work. On October 7, the Norton received the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries.

According to an article in the Palm Beach Post, the First lady Laura Bush presented museum director Christina Orr-Cahall with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, praising the museum for its creativity and children's programs.

The Norton was recognized for its programs serving schools and young people. They include its Progressive Afterschool Art Community Education program, school tours and accompanying curriculum packets, partnerships with Conniston Community Middle School and U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts, professional development workshops for teachers and a summer intern program.

Location: The Nortom Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach.

For more information visit: http://www.norton.org/

Noche: Lights, music, fare and dance

2008-10-11T11:04:00.012-04:00

When the clock marks 10 p.m., from Wednesday to Saturday, Noche transforms from a chic restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens to an extraordinary dance club.

The center tables are moved away and vivacious music will make even the most inflexible person move to the beat.

If you are tired of dancing then you can go to Noche's terrace, overlooking a quiet marina, and chat with your friends while tasting some culinary recipes of the chef. The food is free!

One of the most interesting things about Noche is that every day they have a different theme.
Wednesdays are called Ultimated Ladies Night and ladies can enjoy their favorite drink for just $3 all night.
On the other hand, on Thursdays is the latin evening and a live salsa band plays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. That night, I suggest you to try a Mojito, the Cuban drink is really refreshing and after dancing salsa it may help you to keep moving. Finally, Fridays and Saturdays a DJ will keep the party going until 3 a.m.

Location: Noche, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens.

For more information visit: http://www.nochepalmbeach.com/

Fright Nights in South Florida

2008-10-09T18:25:00.034-04:00

Maybe you are tired of thinking what costume to wear this year to your friend 's Halloween party or what movie to rent in case you are planning to stay at home?

I do. So this year I decided to get into the Halloween spirit by visiting Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds. This event, open to the public from October 9 through Novemer 1, will feature haunted houses, South Florida's greatest collection of strange people, a special fright zone, and horror films will be shown on the scream screen.

In case you get too scared , as the Fright Nights’ website announced , then perhaps “a Monster Midway of rides, games, food and fun is more to your liking ."

Fright Nights will run:

Thursdays 6-11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 6 p.m.-midnight
October 26, 6-11 p.m.

Price: $20 advance; $25 at the gate

For more information visit:http://www.southfloridafair.com/frightnights08/index.html

One city and many places to visit

2008-10-09T18:24:00.028-04:00

Since I was little, I remember listening to my grandmother say the phrase “Tiene de todo, como en botica,” something you can translate as “It has a bit of everything.”

That's what I keep thinking every time I visit CityPlace.
From Italian to Chinese restaurants, movie theater to stores -- and did I mention nightclubs?

In CityPlace there’s always something to do and somewhere to go, even if you have a small budget. If this is your case, I have a solution. On Thursdays and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. live music comes to the plaza.
You can grab a chair and listen to the band play or ask someone “shall we dance?”

A list of my favorite places:

- Field of Greens, salads and sandwiches are their specialities
- Il Bellagio, an italian restaurant
- Sephora, leading beauty retailer offering the finest in fragrance, cosmetics and facial skin care products in the industry.
- Taverna Opa, a new greek restaurant and club

For more information visit: http://www.cityplace.com/index.cfm

Il Bellagio, a short visit to Italy

2008-10-09T18:24:00.027-04:00

Sometimes I think in a past life I was Italian. Why? I love bread and pasta.

In my quest looking to please my palate I found Il Bellagio, a restaurant that captures the experience of dining in an authentic Italian “piazza,” with their little tables covered by big umbrellas, their menu in Italian and they even baked their own bread!

Located in CityPlace, the restaurant faces the courtyard fountains, which every 30 minutes perform exciting, choreographed displays of dancing water, light, and sound. The prices are affordable.

One of my favorite dishes is Pollo Parmigiana and Rigatoni Catania.

Buon appetito!

For more information visit: http://www.ilbellagiocityplace.com/

Oktoberfest: A celebration of German culture

2008-10-09T18:21:00.022-04:00

For a long time it has been my friend Jahn Morales' dream to visit Germany, above all to experience for the first time one of the most famous festivities that takes place every year in Munich: Oktoberfest.

So, a couple weeks ago Morales packed his bags and traveled to Germany.

For sixteen days the festival, or as the locals in Munich fondly refer to "Wiesn," welcomes millions of people, tourists and residents, that come to taste the food, dance to the beat of traditional German music and of course drink a lot of beer.

But if you can't travel so far to experience and celebrate the heritage of the Old Country, you may get the sense of what this event is all about by visiting on Friday the American German Club of the Palm Beaches, in Lake Worth.

Some highlights of the event:

- Unlike Germany this event just last nine days
- Featured German bands such as the Heldensteiner and Bayerisch Bluat
- Authentic German food such as pork schnitzel, sauerbraten, roast loin of pork, rotisserie chicken- Imported German drinks as well as arts and crafts, souvenirs and a carnival for children and adults.

Price: Adults $7; children under the age of 12 free with adult.
Location: American German Club of the Palm Beaches, 5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth.

Warning: If you are fascinated by this event and yearn to go to the real Oktoberfest in Munich, you must wait 343 days, 12 hours and 48 minutes for the grand opening next year.

Paddling through tropical settings

2008-10-09T18:20:00.009-04:00

A year ago, on my trip to Kauai, Hawaii, I experienced my first kayak adventure.

I found myself in paradise-- paddling through the river, observing breathtaking views and being in direct contact with Mother Nature. From that experience I decided that, once I got home, I needed to find a place where I could repeat that same exciting journey.

During my search it wasn’t difficult finding places in Palm Beach County where I could discover the flora and fauna of South Florida while kayaking.

However, the Jupiter Outdoor Center was the one that caught my attention because of its unusual activities and its diversity of natural places that you can explore: The tropical wilderness of the Loxahatchee River, the clear waters of the Indian River and the majesty of the coastal ocean.

Some of my favorite activities are:

Coral Core Tour
- Not only you will paddle along the coast, you can also go snorkeling or just take a dip in the refreshing water.
- At the end of the day, a boat will take you and the kayaks back to Jupiter Inlet and you can enjoy a boat ride to the center.
- A tour guide shows you the way

Price: $42 per adult and $34 per child

Sandbar Sunset Tour
-On this tour you will set off with a guide from the center
and paddle west to the sandbar where you will have a beautiful view of the sunset.

Price: $27 per adult and $22 per child.

Just remember to bring to the tours a towel, plenty of water, snacks, a change of clothes, sun protection and a camera so can you share your pictures with me, maybe?

For more information visit: http://jupiteroutdoorcenter.com/

Colors and expressions

2008-09-18T17:10:00.011-04:00

For more than half a century, the art of Ecuadorian painter Oswaldo Guayasamín has never touched U.S. soil.
On Friday and through December 6, the Schmidt Center Gallery at Florida Atlantic University will host Of Rage and Redemption: The Art of Guayasamín, a traveling exhibition surveying the work of this Latin American artist who knew how to represent in his art not only the afflictions of his compatriots but also their culture and their virtues.
In Guayasamín’s paintings, three of the themes most often found are the maternal love which can be seen in “Mother and Child”, the atrocities of the war reflected in “Dead Children” and the dilemmas of the poor and the oppressed represented in “The Bull and the Condor”.
For more information visit: http://www.fau.edu/artsandletters/

A night to remember

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Every Thursday, Clematis by Night gives an opportunity to have fun before the weekend arrives .
The free event in Centennial Square, downtown West Palm Beach, features the area’s best rock, R&B, reggae, latin, soul and swing live music; plus a taste of great food and sidewalk shopping. Also, singers such as Natasha Bedingfield and the new group Menudo have graced the outdoor stage.
On Thursday, the group Cricklewood will get the party started with a variety of Rock-n-Roll, latin and swing music, while the last Thursday of September will be the chance for the band Jahfe to bring their Haitian influenced roots, rock and reggae to the stage.Want to know what is the fall schedule for Clematis by Night? Visit: http://www.clematisbynight.net/

B is for Bradley’s

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To visit E.R. Bradley’s Saloon is to find a place where one can relax and socialize, while enjoying special cuisine, drinks and an amazing view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Launched in 1984, Bradley’s opens its doors 365 days a year and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at reasonable prices.
But one of the most interesting things to see is how it changes into a club on the weekends. After 8 p.m., the lights go down and the place explodes with life while a DJ plays current hits and music from the 1980s.
For more information visit http://www.erbradleys.com/

A temple of history

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Massive marble columns that look very much like a temple to Apollo mark the white façade of Whitehall, the Palm Beach home of Henry Flagler.
Flagler, a key figure in the development of the eastern coast of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean and founder of what became the Florida East Coast Railway, commissioned architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings, the same responsible for his Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, to design the splendid Gilded Age mansion.
The designs for Whitehall were the fullest expression of their conviction that architecture was the highest form of artistic endeavor and a cultural influence.
Today, the mansion of the man also known as the Father of Miami, is a museum where visitors can see different exhibitions and discover a monumental example of high culture and high technology.
For more information visit http://www.flaglermuseum.us/

A journey back in time

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Have you ever wondered where Palm Beach’s name and coconut palms came from?
If you want to know the answer, drop by the corner of Third Street and North Dixie Highway, in downtown West Palm Beach. There, you will also find the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, built on the restored base of a 1916 county courthouse.
The museum takes its visitors back in time through its displays featuring tools and cannonballs from the Atocha, a Spanish galleon shipwrecked in 1622, as well as china from the long-gone Royal Poinciana Hotel, furnishings created by Mizner Industries in the 1920s, a police pass allowing Palm Beach Daily News Editor Ruby Edna Pierce back on the island after the 1928 hurricane and a roulette wheel from Col. E.R. Bradley's Beach Club casino.

Interesting facts:
- In February 2002, the Palm Beach County Commission voted to restore the county’s original 1916 courthouse.
- The courthouse was hidden since 1969 when a modern addition was erected around the building.
- The renovations took six years and cost $18.5 million.
- The renovated courthouse houses a 3,500-square-foot museum that tells the story of Palm Beach County and surroundings from millions of year B.C. to the 2000 presidential election.
- Admission is free.

Welcome!

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Known for its tall palm trees, beautiful beaches and warms temperatures, Palm Beach County is one of those places where it's easy to find rest. However, this paradise has more to offer: fascinating history, remarkable restaurants and events that honor the cultural diversity of the county.
Through this cyber adventure, I will reveal those places and occasions that I have experienced as a resident of the county for seven years. I hope this blog will be the medium that helps you discover what to do in Palm Beach County.
For more information stay tune.