Within the city limits of northern Palm Beach County is a treasure known as Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area.  The natural area protects “slash pine flatwoods, live oak hammock, cypress swamp, hydric hammock and tidal swamp and mangrove habitat”. The natural preserve is located at 12201 Prosperity Farms Road, right off Prosperity Farms Road, not to far from the Garden’s Mall in Palm Beach Gardens.  Follow the winding drive to a small parking area and prepare to step backward in time to the old Florida of the first settlers in South Florida.

Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area consists of 4 trails. Each of the different trails are described on the information board and it describes which type of wildlife you may expect to see on your hike. If you prefer…

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 I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.  Have you ever wondered when did ice cream become bad, fattening and taboo?  It is usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavors. Doesn’t sound sinister.  It’s time to revisit summer days of our youth and dive into a guiltfree, delicious ice cream cone.  

Before the development of modern refrigeration,I ice cream was a luxury reserved for special occasions.  With South Florida’s sunny days and tropical climate, it is typical to spend a day out on the salty beaches. Everyday is the Palm Beaches is a special occasion.  There is nothing more enjoyable than to cool down with an ice-cold confection occasionally. An ice-cream cone…

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South Florida is known for its lush tropical environment. Take your garden design to the opposite side of maintenance.  Reduce watering, fertilizing and consider installing a dry garden? How about a distinctive theme that looks great during all seasons? The climate in Palm Beach County can be thought-provoking when trying to garden.  Maybe you are a “green thumb” gardener or a weekend garden warrior fitting it in when you can, succulents are an easy fit.  

Succulents can survive strong winds, occasionally cold weather, drought, heat and poor soil. Besides having the ability to grow under almost any condition, agaves, yuccas and succulents all give your gardens such a variety of contemporary, architectural shapes. Think of raised gardens that use…

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En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and it refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view. Plein air artists capture the spirit and heart of a landscape or subject by integrating natural light, color and movement into their works. French impressionist artists, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cezanne, as well as other artists of that period who painted outdoor landscapes, were best known as the greatest plein air artists.

The largest en plein air gathering of its kind in South Florida is hosted by the Lighthouse ArtCenter. The Festival awards over $15,000 in prizes and 35 of the top plein air painters in the country participate. The public can observe artists painting at locations in Palm…

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On a summers night, what could be more romantic than a breathtaking sunset and a stroll through a peaceful garden with someone you love? Partake in something new this weekend, try the Sushi and Stroll Summer Walks at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is having a cultural event this Friday, July 12, 2018 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.   They welcome guests to take part in the occasional chance to stroll the gardens at sunset during their Sushi & Stroll evening.

Visit the 6 distinct Japanese inspired gardens within the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.  Make the special evening complete and enjoy the finest Japanese sake, Pan-Asian cuisine, food trucks and ice-cold beer.…

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Have you ever heard the expression "eat like a king"? The Town of Jupiter has an all-time favorite diner for locals and visitors alike. It is a tiny diner known as the Royal Café. Royal Café is where you go to get feel-good, old fashioned love on a plate. The café is family owned by a hands on, delightful couple, Rick and Amy Biederwolf. From the moment you walk into the vintage café you are welcomed. It's hard not to feel like you're visiting a neighbor or sitting down at Grandma's kitchen table. The warm smiles and genuine interaction from servers goes beyond the common conversation. 

A diner is a small restaurant found predominantly in the Northwest and Midwest offering a wide range American food as well as a sit-down counter with welcoming…

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The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society announced that for the fourth consecutive year, it has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. When the Palm Beach Zoo receives five consecutive years of excellence, it will join a select assemblage of others listed in TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame.  This recognition allows TripAdvisor to freely honor businesses that are top tourism award recipients with the public.

Stroll the Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, with a libation or two, wild friends, a designated driver and good old rock-n-roll music at the Roar & Pour event on July 28, 2018. The Rock and Roar event at the Palm Beach Zoo is presenting an amazing tribute band, Majesty of Rock. The sunset happening will also…

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Have you ever heard of a Swedish Coffee house?  Swedish tradition of a coffee break is called fika. A fika isn't just a coffee break.  It's a moment to leisurely slow down and appreciate the good things in life.  It’s a simple concept. It's a chance to take a break, with a cup of coffee or tea with alone or with a friend and a bite to eat.

In the American culture, coffee has come to be more about grabbing a 16-ounce-grande-whatever, in a paper cup to go, coffee is more about fueling up and going fast. Coffee was the choice over tea after the Boston Tea Party, it was considered unpatriotic to drink tea. Colonists soon found that they could import coffee grown in Central and South America. By the beginning of the 1900's, fast moving Americans half of…

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There's no escaping the fact that when it comes to food trends, South Florida is a bit behind the curve. Boca Raton is a foodie city. Boca Raton residents and visitors expect the trendiest, or at the very minimum, the freshest and best-prepared food.   The Gluttonous Goat is a gastropub in east Boca Raton. A restaurant brings a Florida-focused aspect to the epicurean scene with modern American comfort food with a wicked Caribbean-Creole-Asian twist.  One of the fastest growing restaurant trends today is the gastro-pub. This venue combines imaginative, upscale culinary techniques with the casual dining experience of a pub. The moniker is a fusion of gastronomy and pub, coined in the early 1990’s.    The locations design is…

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July 4th fireworks in Palm Beach County can be fun for the entire family… but what about our fury family members? Before you take your pet outside to enjoy the fireworks remember that loud sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. Running away from the noise is a survival instinct.

Eighty percent of pet owners have owned a pet that is afraid of fireworks. The loud noises and bright flashes can actually cause anxiety for animals. According to Cesar Millan, renowned dog expert, fireworks are closer to the ground, than other loud noises like thunder, more vibrant, and are accompanied by sudden booms, flashes and burning smells. Dogs experience the world through their senses — nose, eyes, ears. The typical Fourth of…

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