editor’s letter

New Year, New Discoveries

There’s no better time than now to reacquaint yourself with the best of our hometown

In this issue we take a look at some of the smaller farmers in our area (page 42), people who bring us fresh vegetables and goods directly from their own land—an ongoing trend that Delray, like most of the country, has embraced for decades now. In days past, I recall going to Neal’s for the best tomatoes, Merkel Brothers for orchids, Mr. Penny for fresh greens. Now all that and just about everything else is all in one place now: The Delray GreenMarket every Saturday on the grounds of Old School Square.

Like everything else in our city, the GreenMarket, where most of these vendors can be found, has grown into a place where living the good life is easy now. In fact, all of Delray has become that. What used to be breakfast at Ken & Hazel’s or the Green Owl or Sande’s has morphed into elaborate brunches at most major dining spots downtown. There are art galleries and clothing stores and small parks and bike lanes; Jazz on the Avenue is back. If the Old School Square loss could be resolved, we’d really have our mojo back—in spades.

Delray has always been a place that keeps evolving, and nowhere is it more evident than when season is in full swing. Which brings me to the sheer joy of being a tourist for a change. Like when we headed west to see our favorite attraction, Lion Country Safari (page 48). I still love how it feels to enter that park, to see herds of antelope and miles of open space, driving past ostriches and emus and ancient tortoises. The care and conservation efforts at this venerable attraction are reason enough to visit, but we’re also a little partial to the rhinos and giraffes.

So it’s that time of year—to get out, explore, rediscover South Florida and the charming town we get to call home. Take a ride on the Lady Atlantic. Find a restaurant you haven’t tried. Visit the Arts Garage.

I wish you a great start to this New Year, and new adventures right here at home.

FIVE (MORE) THINGS I LOVE ABOUT DELRAY

[ 1 ] How leafy Atlantic Avenue is as the trees grow [ 2 ] Laugh with the Library [ 3 ] Free parking at the garage before 4 p.m. [ 4 ] Buying makeup at Blue Mercury [ 5 ] The Classic Margarita at El Camino