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Archive for April, 2009

West Palm Beach Attractions – Pura Vida Scuba Diving Author: Lauren Apr 29

Guests at Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort, rejoice – if you’re not so much a fan of the sand in between your toes, wash away your worries and take a trip to a completely different world.

Sure, Jaws doesn’t exactly give you the warmest, fuzziest feeling in the world but I assure you, diving headfirst into this experience won’t leave you unsettled or screaming.pura vida scuba diving

Pura Vida, meaning “Pure Life” in Spanish, is one of Palm Beach’s Scuba Diving centers offering a variety of services involving ocean fun.

The center offers a variety of packages; even those available for visitors interested in diving but are not legally certified to do so. First time diving packages are available as well as full educational courses designed to help the experienced diver progress in his or her skill. For more information on their packages, visit their Web site.

Even if you enjoy a day filled of boutique shopping on the beachfront, you can peruse and find rare treasures on the floor of the ocean. That’s right, Palm Beach offers reef diving and wreck diving. Pura Vida is a PADI IDC Center, only minutes from downtown and easily accessible.

Pass fish floating by in the reefs or roam the wreckage to encounter fascinating finds of eels, turtles, sharks, stingrays and more. Go weightless with the sand at your feet and the sun overhead and dive on into the fun whether you’re a seasoned diver or new explorer, suspended in another world is the way to go.

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South Florida Events – SunFest Musical and Art Festival 2009 Author: Lauren Apr 28

As you could probably tell by now, I’m all about everything that’s fun under the sun – now, I’m taking it literally.

SunFest 2009Tomorrow marks the beginning of SunFest, Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. Founded in 1982 and held annually in downtown West Palm Beach, it attracts more than 280,000 visitors during the first week of May.

Held from April 29 until May 3, the festival grounds are sure to be brimming with activity. Featuring an impressive entertainment lineup on 3 different stages featuring well known artists like 311, Citizen Cope, David Cook, James Taylor and Matt Nathanson. For a full listing of SunFest’s entertainment lineup, check the festival’s Web site.

Guests at Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort, you’re in a prime position to stroll on in to the festival only a short ride to Flagler Drive away (20 MI). For those of you wanting in on the wild weekend, book your bed now.

Personally, I’d be satisfied with the music selection over the course of the festival but the fun doesn’t stop there. Opening Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. juried artwork will be on display from over 165 national artists with tours and demonstrations available to visitors. This exhibit features paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, pottery and ceramics.

Alright, so if you’re not what you consider the “artsy” type, there’s more even you can appreciate at this downtown destination worth your while.

On the waterfront float barges boasting extracurricular activity – Captain Morgan’s Oasis invites visitors to enjoy drink specials, house DJs and dueling pianos while riding the waves of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Too much to do and too little time only makes mentioning SunFest that much more important – create your own oasis and soak up the sun while you mingle with artists into next week, whether it’s through photography or funky music, SunFest is the place in West Palm Beach this weekend.

Ticket and festival information can be found here.

Admission varies depending on duration of pass. 1-day: $31, 5-day $65. Youth 6-12, 1-day: $10, 5-day: $22, Children 5 and under: Free

Parking not controlled by SunFest – see website for more information. Coolers, pets, scooters/bicycles, professional still/video cameras, weapons not allowed inside SunFest gates.

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West Palm Beach Events – Sweet Corn Fiesta Author: Lauren Apr 24

Food and fun, as I’ve said before, is in no short supply in West Palm Beach, but today I thought I’d mention something with a good “maize”ure of wacky. sweet corn fiesta 2009

The 6th Annual Sweet Corn Fiesta is on for this weekend Sunday, April 26th, 2009. Palm Beach County is the cream of the crop when it comes to sweet corn, boasting cultivation of 27,000 acres yearly – that’s some serious stalking.

What’s even sweeter is the option of strolling through Yesteryear Village, a historic collection of 20 restored buildings where actors in costumes intermingle on the streets. Handmade crafts are put up for sale and their makers include weavers, spinners, and candledippers that price tag their items post production, the likes of which is demonstrated to onlookers.

Fun for the family is as plentiful as the produce at this year’s fiesta. Children’s rides and activities are free with admission. Food, country music, and contests only add to the “cropload” of excitement to be found on the fiesta grounds – in particular, the Adult International Corn Eating Contest where you can challenge the 2008 Corn King.

Growing more corn than any country in the world, West Palm Beach’s fiesta for the most fruitful crop in the county is worth checking out and you can learn more about it here.

Drop in for the fun over food during your stay at Hilton Singer Island’s Oceanfront Resort and have a weekend we’re sure won’t be any bad kind’a corny.

Admission: Adults $7, Children (6-11) $4. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Parking is free. For additional information call (561) 996-0343.

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South Florida Restaurants – Blue Martini Author: Lauren Apr 23

If you’re off to the coast for some fun or for business, there’s only seven miles to heaven for guests at Hilton Singer Island’s Oceanfront Resort who don’t want to miss sampling West Palm Beach’s nightlife. Mix and mingle with your favorite martini flavor in West Palm Beach’s hot spot specialty shop. Don’t worry, we won’t tell your boss, either.

martini

Blue Martini, a premiere martini lounge in West Palm Beach boasts a variety of 25 specialty martinis made in-house. From classic mixes like the Down & Dirty (vodka and olives) to exotic concoctions like the Brazilian (acai-blueberry vodka and pink lemonade), you’re bound to find something you like, and with a bite. Whether you fancy citrus or chocolate, Blue Martini’s got you covered. Impressed as I was with the creativity of each concoction (and their catchy names), I was pleased to find this lush lounge serves up more than martinis. Italian, Australian, and California wines are just the beginning with well-known names as Ecco Domani, Penfolds, and champagnes as topnotch as Dom Perignon and Taittinger.

If the selection of spirits doesn’t have you salivating, the lounge’s menu will. Lighter fare is featured with offerings of bruschetta and caprese salads, as well as fantastic flatbreads with tenderloin and portabella mushrooms, barbeque chicken and more. If you’re a little hungrier than munchin’, the Seared Ahi Tuna is served up on Asian Seaweed Salad with another salad of calamari, wasabi and Blue Martini’s signature sesame seed sauce. Fear not, however, if you’re not a fan of fish – an 8 oz. serving of Mint Marinated Rack of Lamb is served on seasoned rice, among other tasty selections.

In my personal opinion, I’d have to say the dessert selection is as sweet as the array of specialty martinis – finish your night off right with a Vesuvius Cake made from an absolute mess of brownie crust, New York Style Cheesecake, chocolate ganash, chocolate truffle, and chocolate mousse topped with chopped walnuts and white chocolate chips.

Lighter fare or just for drinks, Blue Martini features daily events and happy hour specials, not to mention the space to accommodate intimate parties of 300 or full-scale shindigs of 1,000 on the outdoor patio, stage room or the VIP lounge.

See you in the stage room and raise your glass with whatever you fancy, be it a Pink Passion or Almond Joy, West Palm Beach welcomes you.

Daily hours: Monday – Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.; Friday – Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.; Sunday 4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

For weekly specials and scheduled entertainment or booking information, visit Blue Martini’s Web site call 561.835.8601.

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South Florida Entertainment – Clematis by Night Author: Lauren Apr 21

Sure, we’re big fans of basking in the sun on the beach and kicking back in the sand but there’s more fun to be had – when the sun sets, the music begins and West Palm Beach can toot its horn over this one.

We’ve mentioned Clematis Street before but kept to its charming allure of boutiques and various venues to find fashion and fun from the Intracoastal Waterway through downtown.  I’m thinking that a weekly featured, fantastic show of musical talent and tunes is definitely a winner of its own specific mention.clematis-street-west-palm-beach

Clematis by Night is produced by the City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Office in partner with the Division of Community Events keen on drawing on the inescapable delight in a vast array of music. Performances are scheduled weekly by music groups to the tune of Latin, R&B, reggae, rock, blues, soul, and swing.

Events scheduled for the Centennial Square weekly “Fountainside Series” can be found in a monthly calendar on the website for the area’s Hot Spot to Chill.

Featuring rotating talent groups every Thursday from 6:00 pm – 9:30 p.m., it’s the best deal in downtown for fun with the perfect price: free!

Two of my favorites in “harmony” and at one location: trendy finds with music in mind. Be sure to tune in and don’t forget to find a hot spot of your own to relax after your concert in the city’s center at Hilton Singer Island’s Oceanfront Resort.

Photo by Donald Albury available under GNU Free Documentation License v. 1.2

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Singer Island Attractions – Sunset Catamaran Cruise Author: Lauren Apr 17

Are you a beach buff? Like to soak up the sun while you’re stretched out on the sand?

We sure do. What we like even more is an excuse to sneak away and snuggle up to a sweet deal in a super destination.

Sunset

Take your romantic rendezvous to the next level when you visit Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort. Riviera Beach Marina boasts beautiful waterways and the perfect opportunity to savor the sounds of the ocean and the gentle rock of the water as you coast on a Sunset Catamaran Cruise.

You’ll have no worries skimming the water on the Hakuna Matata (no really, that’s its name) while basking in the setting sun’s rays and sipping on cocktails and cold beverages in the midst of music, both natural and instrumental. Before you set sail, don’t forget cool cuisine is in no short supply and sail the water on a full stomach after a visit to the Sailfish Marina Restaurant.

Travel listlessly on the lagoon, without worry or care and have a few laughs to spare as each cruise night hosts a different theme! Offered weekly from Tuesday to Friday from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., it’s the perfect way to end your day as you relish in the wonder at a tropical sunset.

Enjoy an exceptional evening experience while toasting your time spent in the lap of luxury and reserve your romantic getaway with Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort Romance Package. Add a sweet treat to your tender take on the day with room service’s Fried Cheesecake, the house favorite for the hotel – it doesn’t get better than a dinner and drinks at dusk on the water.

Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children – for more information call: (561) 881-9757

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Singer Island Attractions – CityPlace in West Palm Beach Author: Lauren Apr 16

Character can be found in more places than those on a stroll at the beach, and Hilton Singer Island Resort isn’t the only place “singing” the praises of CityPlace in West Palm Beach.

We’re a big fan of fun and fashion, and what’s better than a convenient package of both in the same place?

CityPlace in West Palm Beach, Florida

CityPlace, while reminiscent of Italian town centers, has as much a modern twist as it does history. Harriet Himmel Theater hosts many events, even those booked privately! Originally the First United Methodist Church, the three-story open-truss and cypress stake in time is a phenomenal addition to this bustling city center reaching the hearts of history buffs and party planners. Not to mention a few unusual programs courtesy of the local companies.

Palm Beach County’s biggest boasting subject draws travelers and locals alike with a variety of over 60 shops from Barnes & Noble to Armani Exchange, all peppered in among 25 restaurants serving up Japanese, American, Italian and seafood (shocker!). It’s all delicious, but if you have a splurge in mind, the Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a guest favorite.

There’s more – and our favorite part? A constantly updating and expanding calendar of live entertainment in the grandeur of the plaza! Improv comedy troupes and soloists, jazz bands and feature parties are only a smidge of what you’ll find at CityPlace. While sampling super cuisine, you can learn to cook it too with regular technique classes hosted by the folks from Williams-Sonoma.

Be sure you don’t miss more sales and specials (we just love little AND big finds to share) offered by local businesses while booking your getaway stay on Singer Island.

Prepare yourself for non-stop day at CityPlace – Harriet Himmel Theater, the shops, restaurants, events, specials – by checking out the Web site.

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South Florida Travel Deals – The Florida Staycation Author: Steven Apr 13

Private Beach at Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort

I’m always talking about how Singer Island is a fantastic place to travel, but I should point out that you don’t actually have to travel that far at all. Presenting The Florida Staycation by Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort.

This exciting new package gives Sunshine State residents (and anyone else, of course) a fabulous opportunity to strike out from the daily grind, put up their feet, and discover warm Southern hospitality, Florida-style. Visit an incredible West Palm Beach hotel, and use this chance to explore the vast entertainment and recreation of South Florida.

Hit up Clematis Street for shopping with personality and fun nighttime events, make it a couples’ match at one of several renowned area golf courses, take in a little culture at the Norton Museum of Art, find a fresh, flavorful meal either on-site at Coconuts on the Beach or any of our fine South Florida restaurants, or our personal favorite, lounge out and forgets the cares of the world on our private walk-up beach.

With the The Florida Staycation Package, we want to help you have a great time. This brand new package includes: 

  • Buffet Breakfast for Two at Coconuts on the Beach
  • Complimentary Beach Chairs at our Private Beach
  • Complimentary Cocktails*

Make your summer vacation a Florida Staycation at the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort. Learn more about this and all of our packages here.

*Must be at least 21 years of age to receive this gift

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South Florida Restaurants – Sailfish Marina Restaurant Author: Steven Apr 10

South Florida dining is known for a lot of things: freshness, locality, creativity, fusion and, of course, some of the world’s very best seafood. Conveniently for guests of Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort, one of the top places to sample the signature tastes of South Florida is less than two miles away at the always popular Sailfish Marina Restaurant. Rev up your appetites and prepare for an unforgettable meal.

South Florida Restaurants

A bustling all-day hangout for locals and tourists alike, the Sailfish Marina Restaurant serves up crazy-good plates of grub from breakfast to dinner, all the while offering guests incredible waterfront views to drink, lounge and chat to. In the morning we’re all about the “The French Riviera”, the signature French toast with a well-seasoned custard, granola and raisins. You can’t go wrong with the Galley Benedict either, a perfectly-executed version of everyone’s Hollandaise-smothered favorite.

For true Florida dining however, be sure to visit the Sailfish come dinnertime. A remarkable display of seafood, much of it provided that day from local fisherman who work out of the Marina, will have your mouthwatering with anticipation. You really can’t go wrong, but if there’s only time for one visit, go with famous stone crab, the Abaco grouper and don’t miss an order of the Conch Fritters, a hot, crispy take on the Key West favorite. There are daily features as well, so don’t be afraid to dive in if something catches your eye!

Tuesday nights, Sailfish Marina Restaurant hosts live music, and a bountiful breakfast buffet is offered on Saturday and Sunday, to there’s always something special going on.

Daily Hours: Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; High Tide (limited menu) 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

View the menu or learn more about Sailfish Marina Restaurant here.

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Top Florida Museums – The Norton Museum of Art Author: Steven Apr 08

You already know that Singer Island and the Palm Beaches are fabulous destinations for dining, shopping, golfing, and fun family entertainment, but this splendid stretch of South Florida coastline is also a choice place to find fascinating historical and cultural exhibits. From our incredible collections of museums and historic buildings, to the history of Singer Island itself, knowledge buffs hungry for something more will have no trouble finding it.

A fast favorite of any first-time visitor, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL is among the most celebrated art museums in Florida and even the nation, having received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service just last October. Presented at a beautiful White House ceremony, this is the highest national award an American museum can receive.

The Tetons and the Snake River (1942) - Ansel Adams

The Norton Museum of Art is a stunning facility housing a collection of over 5,000 permanent pieces to complement a bustling roster of traveling exhibits. While the museum has expanded the diversity of its collection in recent years, the Norton is best known for a distinguished selection of American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. 2003 saw the completion of the Gail and Melvin Nessel Wing, adding 45,000 sq. ft. of gallery space.

Current feature exhibits include Natural Affinities, a study of American landscapes by Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams, Selections from a Vanished World, a stunning portfolio from Russian American photographer Roman Vishniac, and on loan from the Brooklyn Museum, Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism.

The museum is also available for event rental. Start here if you have something like that in mind.

The Norton Museum of Art is open daily except for Mondays during the summer. Adult admission is a reasonable $8 for the gallery viewing, $12 to include access to all traveling exhibits. Learn more about the museum.

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