Boca Raton and South Florida as a whole are renowned for their intercontinental diversity. There are few places in the world where you can find such a blend of communities. From Latin America to Eastern Europe, we're blessed to live in a place that magnetizes so many global flavors, cultures, and perspectives. Thanks to the many influences we've imported over the years, Boca Raton has become a renowned market for international foods. When the endcap at Publix just won't do, and you're looking for something truly extraordinary, try these Boca Raton international markets for the best of the world abroad!
West Boca's Somerset Shops sits just a few blocks west of the turnpike exit on Glades Rd. Within the interior of the shop is this quaint, but well-stocked Russian and Pan-Slavic market. Enjoy the very best of Russian, Polish, Czech, Ukrainian, and even Kosher foods at this longstanding nexus of Eastern European influence. These include canned and preserved goods such as pickles, sauerkraut, and deli meats - in addition to their hot bar offering many favorites for lunch.
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The United States of America is one of the youngest countries in the world, and a developed South Florida is one of its late risers. With so much of South Florida blanketed in swampland, deciduous woods, and palmetto scrub, Boca Raton's history is largely truncated to a minute quantity of time compared to other states along the eastern seaboard. With such a humid and hurricane-prone climate, South Florida didn't truly shine as a tourist hovel for decades, yet now is the brightest beacon in the United States. For those looking to move to Boca Raton, or those just visiting, here are a few of the most prominent historic landmarks in Boca!
Boca Raton Old City Hall
Without centuries of Medieval History, American landmarks are often either the ruins of past civilizations or the artifices of post-industrial development. Old City Hall, also known as the Town Hall was one of the first significant structures in Boca Raton. Designed by legendary town planner Addison Mizner, his flair for elegance has been preserved, as have some antiques from his collection. The building was commissioned in 1926, and once housed Boca Raton's first police station, fire department, and library. Today, the fire engine bay is a gift shop, and the building has been converted to the Boca Raton Welcome Center and Boca Raton History Museum. In 1980, the Old City Hall was officially added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
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Valentine's Day can be a... polarizing holiday. We're all searching for love, and the feeling we get when we're around the people we love. For whatever reason it may be, not all of us are happily married and planning our Boca Raton catamaran cruise for couples. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be exclusionary! For the single people out there (like your humble blog author), there's plenty to do and places to be in Boca Raton and beyond! Here are some of the choices for Valentine's Day singles events in Boca Raton and near you!
2nd Annual Single or Taken Crawl - West Palm Beach
- When: Saturday, Feb. 12th - Sunday, Feb. 13th, 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Where: Myers Lounge - 392B Clematis St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Cost: $15
Perhaps the most purposefully raucous of our Valentine's Day singles events near Boca Raton, there's always something to do and ways to turn up on Clematis St. Starting at the Myers Lounge, at the epicenter of Downtown West Palm Beach, this bar crawl will build upon the standard set in its inaugural year, and surely be an adventure for those looking to spice up the night.
Speed Dating at the Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge - Ft. Lauderdale
- When: February 9th, 6:30 PM (ages 25-39)
- Where: The Easton Rooftop Pool - 721 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Cost: $15
The Easton Rooftop...
Boca Raton is truly one of the most amorous places in america - where Tuscan-inspired architecture meets Parisian flair, all under the golden South Florida sun. For the many couples young and old that call Boca Raton their home, and for those still visiting during this busy tourist season, here are some of the best valentine's day events in Boca Raton!
Valentine's Day Champagne Food, Paint & Fun - Deerfield Beach
- Where: Painting with a Twist - 1185 S. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
- When: February 13th 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
- Cost: $50 per person
We're always happy to feature Painting With A Twist, the forerunner and standard bearer for the tipsy painting industry. Following this model, we now see several unrelated industries (such as the Tipsy Salon Bar) offering a glass of wine with your desired activity. We've seen it in countless romantic comedies, and even though its cliche, there's a reason our palates (and palettes) are so delightfully intertwined.
- Where: The Waterstone Resort - 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432
- When: Monday, February 14th 12 PM - 2 PM
- Cost:...
The SUPER BOWL is back! And while the usual favorite teams of Boca Raton visitors and residents - the Dolphins, Jets, Giants, and beyond are nowhere near Super Bowl contention, we're all pumped to enjoy the great American spectacle regardless. On Sunday, February 13th the Cincinatti Bengals and Los Angeles Rams take the field amidst a nationwide sigh of relief that Tom Brady isn't participating this year. For the best Super Bowl parties, events, and places to watch, read below. Enjoy the game, and may the best team win!
- 1103 N. Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
- Event Begins @ 5:30 PM
- Cover Charge: $34.95
Just to the south in northern Broward County lies Pompano Beach, a city we do plenty of work in, especially with so much New Construction happening in the newly revamped beachfront. The cover charge gets you entry to this otherwise casual yet eclectic American-fare restaurant, remodeled and revamped for the Super Bowl. Galuppi's will feature an endless buffet of game day bites, desserts, and light entrees, a massive jumbotron, raffles, and so much more. Just a quick jaunt from Boca Raton. A visit to Galuppi's might be well worth your Sunday!
In the midst of a red hot housing market and critically low home inventory, area developers are seeking to accommodate the influx of people moving to Boca Raton. Florida has always been a premier destination for retirees and semi-permanent vacationers, but in light of the recent global events, Florida has become more than a place to lay back between the swaying palms and avert the state income tax.
As a response to the overwhelming quantity of new residents moving to Boca Raton, the vast swathes of open farmland strewn across the westernmost reaches of Boca Raton are rife for the picking.
Map View of the West Boca Corridor - North of Clint Moore Rd. and West of 441
From Farmland to Housing
With the value of land skyrocketing and the demand for space at an all time high, GL Homes has taken up the mantle as the first to land their bid, developing land north of Clint Moore Rd. and west of State Road 7 (US 441). GL Homes is noted for its luxury developments, such as the ultramodern and sleek Lotus, The Bridges and the noted 55+ active adult Valencia Communities.
The initial plan is for 1,250 homes. 1,000 will be dedicated single family housing, while another 250 will be utilized for the workforce. In addition, GL plans to add 679 new homes on Glades Rd. Between State Road 7 and Glades Rd. According to VP of Develoment Kevin Ratterree, these homes will be built upon 300 acres of recently acquired farmland purchased by the prominent local developer. z
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Boca Raton Real Estate may not be the first place you think of when choosing a place to plant fruits and vegetables. After all, under the bright lights of Mizner Park and amidst the salt spray that pleasantly wafts across the Intracoastal, it's easy to see why some may be confounded when imagining planting veggies in Boca Raton. However, with subtropical climates that yield a balmy, temperate winter season, the hour is almost always nigh to plant something of value here in Boca. During these cooler, more crowded months, it makes more sense to enjoy time outdoors, and away from the throngs of holiday vacationers. Without further ado, here are 5 fall and winter vegetables to consider planting in your Boca Raton garden this year!
Carrots
These bright orange root vegetables are easier than they may seem! Great for elevated, deep container gardens, their growth ensures a low commitment of space in your garden. If there's anyone who values a square foot of Boca Raton real estate. While we have no issues with adequate sunlight and fresh air during our "wintry" months here in Boca Raton, we'd be remiss if we didn't remind our readers that carrots are very high in beta-carotene, a key component in producing Vitamin A in the body - which keeps the...
With 2021 in the rearview mirror and the heaviest throes of the pandemic seemingly behind us, the world is looking to travel once more. While Florida and Boca Raton by extension have remained a beacon of light for those relocating to South Florida or seeking a more resilient community free of lockdowns, it hasn't been all sunshine and roses (ok, maybe it's been close). Bloomberg.com has done an excellent job with their travel blog, identifying 24 other destinations alongside Boca Raton real estate as the places to go in 2022. For our part, we've assembled a few more reasons to join us here in Boca Raton, whether for a quick jaunt, or a lifetime!
We can't call them experts unless they've stayed a week (or three) in our beautiful sunny home, but we're eager to see what their travel team had to say about Boca Raton. Their claim: Boca Raton is suddenly more than a retirement hovel, offering more options for young people to "join their grandparents."
The outsider perspective maybe that Boca Raton is still a retiree-dominated landscape, but their claim that Boca Raton is slowly morphing into an extension of Miami's vibrancy is well-founded. More than just golf courses, country clubs, and high-end shopping, Boca Raton offers more budget-friendly gastropubs, youth attractions, and nightlife in districts like Mizner Park. Furthermore, the meteoric rise of FAU's student population to nearly 40,000 students has led more young people to seek housing closer to the water at spots...
Boca Raton is truly a centrifuge for all things, classy, festive, and exciting. Beyond the borders of our beautiful oceanside city are a great many opportunities to enjoy the vibrancy of South Florida. From family-friendly events, concerts, nightlife, and charity drives, there are always things to do in Boca Raton (and nearby). Here are a few of the many ways our community will gather this January. Get out your calendar and read on! There might just be something special in store for you.
Boca Raton
- Thursday, January 6th - Friday, January 7th
- 10:00 PM - 2:30 AM
- Fifth Avenue Shops - 1954 NE Fifth Ave. Boca Raton, FL 33431
Morton Hospitality once again is ready to light the night for those with a little extra to give. This semi-regular meetup at the Fifth Avenue Shops allows VIP access and safe, vibrant transportation from Boca Raton to downtown Ft. Lauderdale, where one of Broward's preeminent nightlife destinations awaits. For a minuscule entry cost, skip the line, the gas pump, and the uber queue and get straight to the party!
New Year's is here! With 2020 firmly in the review mirror and the reintegration of normalcy a constant effort through 2021, we're thrilled for the upcoming 2022 New Year! For Realtors, we expect a year of booming markets, a major movement, and continued prosperity. For the rest of us, there's plenty to be pumped for as well. Read on to find out where the best New Year's Eve events, parties, and exclusive reservations can be found throughout the area.
- Where: The Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club - 1400 SW 65th Avenue. Boca Raton, FL 33428
- When: 7:30 PM - 12:30 AM
- Cost: $149.95/per person
The Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club is thrilled to unveil their special evening at their prestigious clubhouse, featuring live tunes from their in-house DJ to complement a 5-hour open bar replete with fine cocktails, wines, and on-the-rocks options. With your ticket comes a meal to remember, featuring a vast selection of small plates and hors d'oeuvres to complement the main course of filet and marinated shrimp skewers.
What's better than the holidays? For family, we come together and share our love for one another. For singles, it's cuffing season. For charities, it's giving season. We simply can't get enough of the joy, cheer, and goodwill that this time of year seems to bring. Perhaps the only thing better than the holidays, are the holidays planned properly. We all have memories of the holiday cliches: missed flights, dad's standing with their arms crossed and an open trash bag ready for gift wrap, the neurotic planning that goes around dinner, and even the ridiculous Black Friday bonanza. Simply put, Santa makes a list, checks it twice, and so should you before you come.
The 47th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade is on! Here's what you need to know.
When?
Saturday, December 18th. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where?
The parade begins at the Delray/Boynton Intracoastal. Boca Raton viewers will be attending the parade at Red Reef Park. Space is LIMITED! Plan accordingly.
parking
Parking opens at 4:00 PM sharp. Arrive early for choice parking. Ridesharing/carpooling is highly encouraged. Space will be limited and open to first come first serve. Bike racks will be provided for the many incoming cyclists we expect to attend the parade as well.
Seating
Limited bleacher seating will be available. Feel free to bring your own chairs and blankets for a closer view of the water. Click HERE for a map of the seating and...
Without further ado, we're happy to share the many beautiful displays of Christmas lights & holiday cheer found around town and nearby! Read on and click the links to see where your family should consider attending this holiday season.
- Tradewinds Park & Stables - 3600 W. Sample Rd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073
- Monday, December 6th - Sunday, January 2nd. 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tradewinds Park, renowned for its versatility in our community, has served children and families of all ages for decades. From its numerous athletic pitches, 5K pathways and the impressive Butterly World, Tradewinds in nearby Coconut Creek has been a boon to our community for years. Each December, ending in early January, the Holiday Fantasy of Lights displays over 3.5 miles of Christmas lights and animated displays.
Christmas With...
Boca Raton can't claim to fit the traditional holiday vibe: peppermint candies, snow-swept meadows and towering coniferous forests. However, what our city lacks in North Pole energy, we make up for in every which way. It's days like these that the weather politely reminds us of the many reasons people move to Boca Raton. Learn more about the upcoming December events as we turn our calendar and ready ourselves for a riveting holiday season!
- Saturday, December 4th. 11 AM - 5 PM
- Mizner Park Ampitheater - 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL
The Palm Beach Vegfest saw its nascent stages take place further north in Palm Beach proper, with today's iteration perfectly suited for the vaunted Mizner Park Ampitheater space. The VegFest is part trade show, part food festival, with vegan food trucks, product presentations, and even live games and performances. Far from exclusionary, the founders of the event encourage all to attend, especially non-vegans. The exposure means the world to these small, cruelty free businesses, and the event if FREE to attend!
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As America's only subtropical climate, Florida has the lone benefit of growing some of the most exotic fruits & vegetables found anywhere in the world. Much like our state plays host to some of the most extreme and distant equitorial invasive species, we also enjoy the upside of such a unique clime - fresh fruits and vegetables! Florida is fortunate to grow fruits with origins in East Asia, The Middle East, Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America. Warm weather climates often play a role in increased biodiversity, so while you're searching for your new Boynton Beach home, be sure to consider venturing out and trying these 5 exotic fruits found almost exclusively in Florida!
Jackfruit
For those who've never seen them, Jackfruit is one of the most alien looking fruits one could imagine, and they might be the heaviest. These harshly spiked dinosaur eggs often far exceed the size and weight of watermelons, and look more like they would be flung from a catapult than eaten at home. Jackfruits are harvested at both young and ripe stages, with the unripe flesh serving as a go-to meat substitute in vegan dishes such as "pulled jackfruit," giving the perfect consistency to match tender shredded meat. When ripe, these goopy yellow pods are the direct source of flavor for Juicy Fruit gum! Be wary when prepping on your own, however, as these delightfully...
We'd be lying if we weren't a little excited for the end of this work day and the moments ahead with our friends and family. Thanksgiving is the ultimate opportunity to take a much needed break while the holidays ramp up, and the antecedent to when the holidays truly begin. We think its a sin to watch our local craft store skip straight from pumpkins to peppermint. In honor of Thanksgiving and the many special people we have to thank, the Champagne & Parisi Team has assembled our official (way too short) gratitute list. We wish we had the words to thank everyone, but we'll start with these amazing contributors to our tremendous 2021. THANK YOU!
We wouldn't be a real estate brokerage without our team of 100 agents - all of whom are family to us. In our years of service to our community, we've seen our fair share of Realtors come and go. We couldn't be more thrilled with this team of hardworking, intelligent, and perhaps most importantly, compassionate Realtors we've assembled through the years. Our team looks out for each other as much as they do for our clients, and the success we've built upon...
What an interesting couple of years it's been, especially for holiday logistics. Not everyone will have their family pile in this year, and not everyone wants to be saddled with three days of cooking and cleaning. Fear not! These incredible Boca Raton restaurants offer pre-fixe, a la carte, dine-in, and take-out options to keep the labor off your plate and the good food on it!
Once again, Farmer's Table finds its way into our Boca real estate blog. In the past, it's been for their fastidious attention to detail when developing their menu. Their food is delicious and reflects their mantra of "feel-good food" through their selection of ingredients and standard of quality. For a place that deals in only the crispest, freshest, and cleanest - you're sure to win big by choosing Farmer's Table for your Thanksgiving restaurant.
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Whether looking to live full time, seasonally or simply invest in our explosive Boca Raton housing market, there are significant factors to consider when making your investment - especially as a landlord. Our rising prices, prime real estate, and a seemingly unyielding quantity of new candidates flocking to rent your home are substantial contributors to our overall buyers' boom. Still, there are many unique challenges that we face in our Boca Raton real estate market. Here are 5 of those challenges, as part of our rental home investor's guide, learn and adapt - as we've done over the years in South Florida.
Consider Flood Insurance
Hurricane Andrew was our (no pun intended) watershed moment. Building codes were updated, new preparedness measures were adopted, and the entire real estate market was forced to adapt from breaking ground to final sale. A plurality of South Florida real estate from Homestead to the Palm Beaches is less than 30 years old, with much of it post-dating Hurricane Andrew's landfall in 1992. With wind damage largely mitigated, we now turn our attention to some of the most deleterious elements of hurricanes, and our summer storms in general - flooding. Whether it be a massive storm or days of ongoing subtropical downpours, did you know most homeowners insurance doesn't come with flood coverage? This simple, specialized insurance could save...
Compared to other investment opportunities like the stock market or cryptocurrency, real estate is the most reliable, dependable, and longstanding. Despite the still substantial risks and high upfront cost, the physical backing of a manmade structure provides you with all the collateral you'd need to back your initial and ongoing investment. It's important to know what factors increase or devalue the price of your home. Some seemingly innocuous choices can have longstanding ramifications. These are 5 avoidable things that can devalue your Boca Raton home if you're not careful.
Neglected Exterior
We're sure that much like your dating profile, the home you've listed on the market has more than meets the eye. However, that first glance, that initial impression, is a massive determinant of action or inaction. As Realtors, we put a major emphasis on our headshots, clothing, and general disposition. Much like ourselves, our homes are a reflection of who we are. If we choose to neglect the exterior and detract from the curb appeal, we are only harming ourselves, and forcing otherwise interested parties into a hard pass.
Outdated Kitchens
The kitchen is one of the most significant...
It may have been a sweltering summer, but on this fresh, beautiful November 1st morning we're all reminded of why so many choose to spend their lives in Boca Raton. Whether spending a weekend, a season, or a lifetime, Boca Raton is certain to provide a vibrant slate of family-friendly and adult events alike. For our part, we've put together a list of some of the many November events in Boca Raton to check out. See below for the details!
- Where: The Addison of Boca Raton, 2 East. Camino Real. Boca Raton, FL 33432
- When: Wednesday, November 3rd. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
The Police Athletic League is a renowned nationwide organization known for its congealing effect on communities. The PAL uses the community-building impact of sport to uplift families, prevent juvenile crime, and develop stronger ties between the police offers who patrol our neighborhoods and the people who live amongst them. Join the Boca Raton Police Athletic League to celebrate 30 years of community bonding and athletic endeavor!
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