The South Florida Traveler » Shopping

Last Minute Shopping Anyone?

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:48:36 +0000

For me up north, the snow is keeping me inside, but for those people in Florida you are a bit luckier as you can get around. But, as you are preparing to finish up your holiday shopping what is open? Here’s a quick run-down on where to sneak in and pick up those last minute touches to make your holidays a little merrier.

Publix: All stores close at 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve and are closed all day on Christmas Day
Albertson’s: open until 3:00 pm on Christmas Day, 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve
Winn-Dixie: open until 4:00 pm on Christmas Day, 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve
Target: open from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
Wal-Mart: Closed Christmas Day
K-Mart: open from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm Christmas eve, closed on Christmas Day
Malls: All malls are closed on Christmas Day, Most malls closes at 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve

Image Credit: Saquan Stimpson @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Northwood Village Keeps on Growing

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:53:38 +0000

For those of you who have been around South Florida for awhile, you must surely remember when CityPlace used to be more of a ghetto than a tourist destination. After cleaning the area up, a huge amount of real estate development and some dedicated people devoted to change, CityPlace was transformed. OK, so I wasn’t around to see the transformation, I’ve surely heard stories, but now I feel that another area of West Palm Beach is worthy of recognition, a place called Northwood Village.

Northwood Village is located 1 mile north of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm Beach between North Dixie Highway and Broadway. It resembles a small town community where gated communities are extinct (somewhere finally!), neighbors gather for block parties, and familiar faces frequent the local establishments. It’s also a nice place for the Palm Beach crowd to escape from the island.

If you haven’t made your way over to this area, this weekend is an ideal time to do so as they are hosting their monthly art and wine promenade on Friday night (ok so you already missed this, but they do it every month). They are also hosting a few grand openings this month.

Tonight, the grand opening of Jade Kitchen. At the helm of chef/owner Wayne Devers, this hip New American restaurant offers inventive menu options without an expensive pricetag. Even better, they offer a great selection of wines by the glass. Come join in the fun at 6-8 pm tonight at 422 Northwood Road (561) 366-1185. They will be serving wine and hors d’oeuvres. Ribbon cutting at 6:30 pm.
On Sunday, December 14th, just down the street from Jade at 404 Northwood Rd, Cafe Centro will be unveiling their piano bar. The grand opening will take place from 7:30 – 9:00 pm and will include cocktails, tapas, delightful sounds of the baby grand and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 pm. For dinner reservations, call Terry at 561-514-4070.

If you can’t make it out there this weekend, no worries as these are sure to be mainstays in Northwood.

Photo credit: WTL photos @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Let the Festivities Begin!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:23:14 +0000

However you celebrate the holidays, one thing is clear – they are quickly coming up and the festivities are on. Whether you are looking to take part in a tree lighting ceremony, a shopping extravaganza or want to watch a holiday parade, you have plenty of options. Here are some taking place this week:

Come down to Worth Avenue on Tuesday, December 2nd for The Worth Avenue Promenade and Town of Palm Beach Tree Lighting ceremony. The stores will extend their hours and will be offering free refreshments. While you are there, enjoy the complimentary music from local bands and choral groups. There will even be live ballerinas dancing in the windows. After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be available for some holiday surprises. Starts at 6:00 pm.
On December 3rd, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at Burns Road Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Music, jugglers, Santa and snow – They will all be there. Takes place at 6:00 pm, 4400 Burns Road in Palm Beach Gardens.
On December 4th, make your way down to Delray Beach for the 100-foot tree lighting ceremony. Watch in amazement as the 3,000 hand-fluffed branches, 39,500 ornaments and the 15,500 lights come to life. Even more amazing, is that there will be a place for outdoor ice skating – even in Florida! This event starts at 5:00 pm and takes place at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue.
On the weekend, head up to Stuart. Festivities begin on Friday, December 5th, with the Soroptomist Christmas parade ending in the historic downtown. Saturday during the day, head on over to Hobe Sound and Indiantown as their holiday parades are scheduled. During the evening, head on over to the shores of the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno as there will be a military flyover by four F-18 jets. At 6:00 pm, there will be a boat parade featuring boats of all sizes to rev up that holiday cheer. The evening will conclude with an 8:00 pm fireworks display.
If you are located further south, you might want to check out the Holiday Fantasy of Lights taking place in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek now until January 4th. Daily from 6:00 – 10:oo pm, cars can make their way through this winter wonderland of more than 2 miles of illuminated lights. Cost is $12 for vehicles with 20 passengers or less.

photo credit: mandj98 @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Let it Snow

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:38:12 +0000

Moving to Florida from the Midwest, I often get asked the question, “Don’t you miss the seasons?” What do you mean? Don’t I miss the winters when it would get down to -44 degrees wind chill, where I’d wear flannel lined pants, scarves to cover my face so I could barely see, my eyes watering as soon as I left the building, my fingers turning purple and my body being numb because it was so cold outside? Nope, can’t say that I miss that. Though, I do miss that fresh coat of snow that lines the street when you wake up in the morning. Is it going to make me move back? Highly unlikely.

So what do you do if you live in Florida, and you want that white snow experience? Head on over to the Dolphin Mall. That’s right, snow flurries are predicted at this mall in Miami. From November 26th until January 4th, Dolphin Mall’s Magical Snowfall will take place in the Ramblas Plaza. This will take place at 7 pm daily and at 9 pm on the weekends. Children are encouraged to participate in this magical experience by waving magical wands (available to children under 12 whose parents sign up for the mall e-bulletin). When they wave their wands at promptly 7:00 pm, the snow will return during the daily holiday show.

Photo Credit: Shahram Sharif @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

The South Florida Traveler: Take 2

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:58:12 +0000

For the past few months, I have been busy blogging away at Southern Byways, but I am happy to let you know that I am back, and will be keeping you updated on the best of South Florida. And for those of you who missed me while I was gone, here’s a little sampling of what I was up to:

America in Bloom named Stuart, Florida, one of America’s most beautiful cities. They were noted for the special attention they pay towards environmental awareness. To find out what other cities made the list, check out my post.
Ready to Chill? Orlando just opened “the coldest place in town.” This frozen palace straight from Antarctica, titled Ice Bar Orlando, will whisk you away from the Florida sun and take you into a 27-degree nightspot.
What Travel Personality are You? This fun quiz will help you plan your perfect getaway by matching your personality to your ideal destination.
Dining Deals in South Florida and Nationwide: If you are looking for a way to cut your spending, without changing your lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place. These restaurant deals offer half-price or discount dining to favorite locations in the South Florida area.
Think Globally, Eat Locally: A look at the trend towards eating locally and a quick guide to area farmer’s markets.
Miami Shop! Are you looking for some new shops to checks out in the area, this is the perfect guide as Riki takes you on a walk of the best places to go.
Clowning Around: …and you thought you were too old to join the circus.

Stay tuned!

Photo Credit: Laurence & Annie @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

A Great Find in Wellington

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:32:24 +0000

I’ll be honest. I live in West Palm Beach, and when I need something, I don’t think twice about running to The Gardens Mall. Clothes, shoes, accessories or the perfect gift – they have it all. Well, until now. About 6 months ago (though I might be off on this), a great new store opened up at The Mall at Wellington Green called Ma Cherie d’Amour. It is changing my regular visit to Palm Beach Gardens and instead, I find myself driving out west. Ma Cherie is a French Lingerie store located right outside of Dillard’s on the first floor. They offer French lingerie, swimwear, sleepwear and a luxurious line of skin care products. They have even been known to host a wine tasting or two. They have started bringing in some other products to diversify their offerings, but it is the French lingerie that was and still does win me over, as it creates a feeling of elegance and sophistication.

I’d definitely recommend visiting this location the next time you find yourself in the area. They do have a website, but I feel that it offers a different feeling than what you experience when you stop by the actual store.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler