Empowering Women: Reflections on International Women's Day
#SoooBoca - March 8, 2023
Shamrockin' South Florida: Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Style
#SoooBoca - March 3, 2023
Business Is Booming In Boca Raton
#SoooBoca - February 26, 2023
5 Fabulous South Florida Restaurants To Try!
#SoooBoca - February 16, 2023
17 Coffee Shops in Boca Raton & Delray Beach To Love
Michele Bellisari - February 16, 2023
15 Fun Daycation Ideas To Do In South Florida
#SoooBoca - February 14, 2023
The 20 Best Bars In Delray Beach Florida
#SoooBoca - February 14, 2023
15 Best Pizza Places in Boca Raton and Delray Beach
#SoooBoca - February 12, 2023
South Florida Sportfishing
#SoooBoca - February 11, 2023
City of Boca Raton Is A Relocation Magnet
#SoooBoca - February 1, 2023
Lilly Pulitzer For The Florida Fashion Win
#SoooBoca - January 31, 2023
Visit & Play At 17 of The Best Florida Beaches
#SoooBoca - January 30, 2023
Galentine's Day | Top South Florida Creatives Have The Best Ideas For You
#SoooBoca - January 25, 2023
CELEBRATE VALENTINES DAY IN BOCA RATON STYLE
#SoooBoca - January 20, 2023
Top 10 Best Golf Courses In Boca Raton
#SoooBoca - January 19, 2023
Hello our #SoooBoca and South Florida friends! We took a quick trip to the Florida Keys to do a little fishing and Keys time stuff and thought that we would pop up a post with a list of marinas and boat ramps in our area that are open to the public!
Whether fishing, diving or pleasure boating there is a plethora of things to do on the water all over #SoooFlorida. From the beautiful blue Atlantic ocean to the intracoastal and local lakes we enjoy South Floridians love their water activities! Do you have a favorite marina? We would love for you to comment and share!
Fun fact…did you know about the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs a fantastic organization made up of 36 yacht clubs located around the state from the panhandle to the Florida Keys. Check out the boating activities and information about becoming a member of this boating organization.
Ladies Who Love To Fish
Since fishing has been a big part of our family we thought we would also add some great organizations that can help you learn how to fish! Yes ladies you can learn from some of the best in our fabulous state of Florida! Check out Ladies, Lets Go Fishing founded by Betty Bauman who says over 8000 women have learned to fish over the last 20 years due to her organization!
If diving and snorkeling are your thing you can get with local dive shops and dive boats that are all around South Florida. Looking to get more info on getting started we have a link to Yelp to help you out! Boca has some great shops including Force-E and Dixie Divers that can guide you on all your diving needs. Favorite dive shop? Lets us know in the comments below!
Lastly we have included some links to help you find public boat ramps and marinas around South Florida. Just click on the links and remember some require a city permit/sticker so know before you go! Please do you own due diligence and contact cities, counties and marinas for the most up to date information. We also like to travel and usually it involves water of some sort so check out our travel vlogs!
Thinking of buying a boat or a house that has a dock or slip? Let us know as we can refer you to yacht brokers we know and of course two of the #SoooBoca squad are Realtors (Michele Bee and Kylie Bee are with RE/Max Services) and can help you with buying that waterfront home for your boat…or boats!
Stay safe on the water, follow the rules and regulations and never drink and drive a boat. Please remember to do your due diligence and refer directly to any organizations or companies linked here for the most up to date information.
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
As a Realtor, mother, friend, and wife, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the importance of International Women’s Day and what it means to me in each of these roles.
This year the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme seeks to get the world talking about why “equal opportunities are no longer enough” – and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive.
Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
You can read more about the 2023 theme in regard to equality vs equity here.
Let’s Lift Each Other Up
As a Realtor and entrepreneur, I have seen the power of women in the workforce. I work alongside so many strong and capable women who are making their mark in the real estate industry. But I also know that there is still work to be done.
Women are still underrepresented in leadership positions, and gender bias can still be a barrier to success. International Women’s Day is a reminder that we need to continue to push for gender equality in all industries, including real estate.
Sally Watern
Celebrating Women’s Multifaceted Roles
As a mother, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the wonderful women I have met throughout the different seasons of my life, especially my mother-in-law, Sally Watern, who has inspired me and encouraged me through both good and bad times and those women in my family and my world who have been role models to me.
Roberta Muir Kendall
From my own mother to the teachers and mentors who have guided me, I am grateful for the women who have been there for me and shown me what it means to be strong, resilient, and compassionate. Something that is always a work in progress. I also want to use this day to continue learning from my daughters, Kylie and Alle, who have helped me be more aware of the importance of gender equality and who have encouraged me to fight for women’s rights.
Halle Alessia and Kylie Bellisari
The Power of Sisterhood on International Women’s Day
As a friend, International Women’s Day is a time to honor the friendships in our lives and to support each other in good times and bad and to celebrate the accomplishments of the women in our lives. I am blessed to have had some of my girlfriends for over 45 years in my life. This is a true blessing. PS…You know who you are. Today is about supporting each other through the highs and lows, and reminding each other of our own strength and worth. It’s also about challenging each other to be our best selves and to live up to our full potential. To my newer girlfriends…you rock and I appreciate you!
Captain Andy and Moi
As a wife, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the importance of equality in our relationships. Being in a marriage or a relationship is a balancing act. And, it’s about recognizing that both partners have valuable contributions to make, and that we should support each other in our personal and professional pursuits. It’s also a day to celebrate the love and respect that we have for each other as equals.
Age is Just a Number: Challenging Ageism on International Women’s Day
Lastly, ageism is another form of discrimination that affects women, particularly those who are older. International Women’s Day is an opportune time to speak out and speak up against ageism and stand up to those that continue to discriminate against women of a more mature age. It’s about recognizing the value and wisdom that come with age, and rejecting the harmful stereotypes and prejudices that can hold older women back. We need to continue to push for age diversity and representation in all areas of life, including in the media, in the workplace, and in our communities. Let’s celebrate the achievements of women of all ages on this International Women’s Day, and work towards a future where every woman is valued and respected, regardless of her age.
The Importance of Allies on International Women’s Day
In all of these roles, the vibe of International Women’s Day is one of celebration, empowerment, and determination. It’s a day to recognize the progress that has been made, but also to recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done. It’s a day to stand up for gender equality, stand up to ageism and to lift each other up, and to create a better future for all women.
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Fort Lauderdale, located in the sunshine state of Florida, is a popular vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and warm weather year-round. Often referred to as the “Venice of America,” the city’s 165 miles of navigable waterways make it a paradise for boating enthusiasts.
With its lively arts and culture scene, numerous shopping and dining options, and a variety of outdoor activities, Ft. Lauderdale offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination to unwind, explore and enjoy.
Back in the late 70’s, my family would take me and my siblings to Fort Lauderdale for Christmas and Spring Breaks, and little did I know how much of an impact those trips would have on me. All I knew was that I loved the warm weather, stunning beaches, and clear blue ocean.
Fast forward to today, and I now have the pleasure of living so close to this incredible city. As my kids have grown into young adults, we’ve continued to enjoy all that FLL, as we affectionately call it, has to offer, from its delicious food scene to its exciting events. Trust me, if you haven’t been to Fort Lauderdale yet, you’re in for a treat!
10 Not To Miss Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale
Here are 10 things to enjoy and do if you’re considering vacationing or planning a move to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida:
Explore the Intracoastal Waterway: Take a water taxi or rent a boat to see the beautiful homes and yachts along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Visit the Fort Lauderdale Beach: Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches and soak up the sun.
Fort Lauderdale is fast becoming one of the most sought-after places to live in Florida, and it’s not hard to see why. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm, sunny weather all year round, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place for those seeking an active and outdoor lifestyle. The city’s navigable waterways and yacht culture make it a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, while its thriving job market and growing creative community make it an attractive option for all who are considering a move here.
Additionally, the real estate market in Ft. Lauderdale has been booming in recent years, with a variety of housing options available, from luxurious waterfront estates to cozy beachside bungalows. All of these factors, along with Ft. Lauderdale’s vibrant arts and culture scene, foodie scene and fun vibe make it a great place to call home for those looking for a well-rounded and enjoyable quality of life.
Bonus! GoBrightline has stations in Fort Lauderdale so you can jump on travel to Miami, Aventura, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach now! Coming in later 2023 take Brightline to Orlando!
There are so many reasons to love the food scene in Fort Lauderdale! From fresh seafood to international cuisine and trendy farm-to-table eateries, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the city’s vibrant culinary culture is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and food events popping up all the time. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a delicious meal, Fort Lauderdale is definitely worth exploring. Check out some of our YouTube videos on foodie finds in Fort Lauderdale!
PS…love garlic crabs? Check out the best restaurant for just that at the Rustic Inn in Fort Lauderdale! We love it!
Fort Lauderdale Is The Place To Be
In conclusion, Fort Lauderdale is a dynamic city that offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is between December and April, when the weather is warm and sunny with low humidity. During this time, the city also hosts a number of events and festivals, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Tortuga Music Festival.
However, if you’re looking to save on travel expenses, consider visiting during the off-season, from May through September. While temperatures may be hotter and more humid, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the city has to offer, including its beautiful beaches and waterways. Finally, when you’re ready to explore beyond Ft. Lauderdale, be sure to visit nearby cities such as Miami and Palm Beach, each with their own unique attractions and experiences.
Check Out The YouTube Channel and Podcast
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement throughout the United States, and South Florida is no exception. We love getting dressed up and heading out to the different festivities and pubs around South Florida. The day is dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, and is celebrated on the 17th of March every year. In South Florida, the day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and celebrations that showcase the rich Irish heritage and culture.
A popular St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Florida is the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. The parade takes place in downtown Fort Lauderdale and is a family-friendly event. The parade features marching bands, bagpipers, dancers, and plenty of floats that showcase the Irish culture. Another favorite is the Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival along Atlantic Ave! Enjoy these parades along with live music, food, and drinks!
Celebrations
In addition to parades, there are several other St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that take place in South Florida. Get ready to experience Miami’s ultimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration, as the city prepares to roll out the green carpet once again for a fun-filled day of Irish-inspired festivities and cheer.
There are plenty of places to celebrate from Miami to the Palm Beaches! Here are a few fun things you can add to your St. Patrick’s Day calendar:
For those looking for a more low-key celebration, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants in South Florida that offer St. Patrick’s Day specials and events. Many of these establishments offer traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish stew. They also serve Irish drinks like Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Irish coffee. The atmosphere in these pubs and restaurants is lively and festive, and they are a great place to meet friends and celebrate!
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration and festivities in South Florida. The parades, festivals, and events that take place throughout the area showcase the rich Irish culture and heritage. Join the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in South Florida as local breweries bring out their best Irish and green beer, offering a unique taste of the Emerald Isle for all to enjoy.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly event or a night out with friends, there are plenty of options available in South Florida. So, put on your green attire and join the celebrations to experience the joy and excitement of St. Patrick’s Day in South Florida.
PS…You can now take the Brightline from West Palm Beach to Boca Raton, To Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Have You Considered Moving Your Business To South Florida?
The business boom is happening here in Boca Raton and South Florida! Have you been pondering moving your business to Boca Raton and South Florida? You are not alone! The South Florida business relocation migration is full on in play and happening every day! South Florida is a magnet for businesses wanting to get away from high taxes and less friendly business environments.
Due to the pandemic and people realizing they could work from almost anywhere, moving to Boca Raton and the South Florida business relocation idea became a reality for many corporations and individuals who find the lifestyle, weather and business incentives attractive.
Boca Raton has always been a popular city for vacations, second homes and snowbirds, but over the last several years, corporations have been landing their plane here and settling their headquarters right here in Boca Raton.
If you are considering moving your business to Boca Raton, take a listen to an interview I did with Jessica Del Vecchio, the Economic Development Manager for the City of Boca Raton on the #SoooBoca Podcast. She shares the allure of our beautiful community to companies and corporations from all over the globe that are moving their headquarters and themselves, their employees and their families to Boca Raton. The Office of Economic Development in Boca Raton is a wealth of information if you are thinking of making a corporate relocation to our popular city.
We are also fortunate to be getting a Brightline train station here in Boca Raton on the east side near Downtown Boca. Currently stations are up and running in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. As per the City of Boca Raton’s website, “Construction of the Brightline train station is estimated to begin in the fall of 2021 with an estimated opening date in 2022.” Just download the app and check out what all the buzz is about! Brightline offers free Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, Smart business class and Premium first class, special events and stellar service!
Also, just west of I-95 and Yamato we have a Tri-Rail station which also runs from Mangonia Park and West Palm Beach to Miami. You can check out that schedule right here. A cool aspect of Tri-Rail is if you want to take the train to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA) or Palm Beach International Airport (MIA) there are stations near by. Check out the website for rideshare and shuttle options from each station. With that being said, I have a family member that is a flight attendant who takes Tri-Rail frequently to FLL!
Boca Raton is a globally recognized city in the Southern part of Palm Beach County that has been a magnet for headquarters for a number of years. The pandemic was a defining moment for people and companies. With other states shut down, Florida was open for business for the most part. Boca Raton and South Florida became a very attractive proposition for company owners to relocate not only themselves but their headquarters to the South Florida area.
Boca has a number of living options and business opportunities here, including, BRIC – Boca Raton Innovation Campus, the former IBM campus, which is a 1.7 million square foot office park located off of Yamato Road and I-95 here in Boca Raton.
Boca Raton is located between Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport which is highly convenient, and if you are looking for corporate and recreational travel, Boca Raton Airport, is a popular flight facility that also services international travelers!
Palm Beach County Is Open For Business
Perhaps you have also perused the Business Development Board Palm Beach County and have noticed that Boca Raton is high on the list of many companies and corporations that are moving from New York, New Jersey and other high tax states. I can assure you, as a Realtor here, this is the topic of many conversations I have with people that are ready to make a move here.
According to Investopedia, “as of 2020, Florida had the fourth-largest economy in the United States behind California, Texas, and New York.” This includes tourism, agriculture, financial services, international trade, aerospace and life sciences.
Favorable business conditions, the weather, the beaches and all over enjoyable lifestyle is a huge draw to Boca Raton and South Florida in general.
If you are wondering why people and businesses love Boca Raton, check out the Pros and Cons of Living In Boca Raton post we did, with accompanying YouTube video. As a long time resident (think over 40 years), I still think it is one of the best places to live in the entire country! As an avid traveler, entrepreneur and Realtor, every time I get off the plane in Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach I am always still excited that my family moved here in 1978.
So now you have some great resources and information about moving your business to Boca Raton and the South Florida area. If you have any questions about making a move here, I would love to be your resource and Realtor. Make sure to check out the #SoooBoca Instagram profile and other local and lifestyle posts right here on the blog!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently.
As a South Florida Realtor, I am always on the look out for South Florida restaurants to try with my friends and family! I am on the go working with buyers looking to move to Boca Raton and also homeowners looking to sell their South Florida real estate and I really love to try neighborhood finds and unique restaurants as much as I can to dine at!
We have pretty much have all types of fantastic South Florida restaurants that cater to whatever your taste! From diners, to dives. BBQ joints to fancy ass restaurants!
There is no rhyme or reason to the order of the restaurant’s in this months blog post, all I can tell you is that they all offer something unique and special!
Naked Taco – West Boca Raton
Lets start with one of the newest South Florida restaurants we have tried! If you love fresh innovative food at a restaurant with a great vibe and fabulous staff, you have check out Naked Taco in West Boca! Trust me when I tell you the Lobster Tail Tacos are the bomb! Check out this video to see what we ordered…the dessert is crazy good!
Boca Raton is right next-door to Deerfield Beach and another of our favorite seafood restaurants is Whales Rib! Everything on the menu is delicious! We particularly love the rock shrimp they have and of course the whale fries! Check out this video to see what to order next time your swing by!
The Floridian – Fort Lauderdale
If you love 24/7 dining, you have to check out The Floridian on Las Olas! Bring your pet, Pet Friendly, with Free WiFi, The Floridian serves up classic diner favorites 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a casual, friendly environment.
The Standard – Boca Raton
If you love to brunch, check out The Standard in Boca Raton at Royal Palm Plaza off of Mizner Blvd. across from Alina Luxury Residences! Wow, this is such a great spot for dining and happy hours! Think hibiscus margaritas and mimosas + avocado toast, crab cakes and more!
My girls absolutely love The Alchemist in Wilton Manors and now I do too! Wow, what a fantastic location with crazy good coffee and their famous “slicers” are delicious! You can check out what we ordered and how much fun this cafe is, right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale!
South Florida Restaurants Rock
From the Florida Keys to the Palm Beaches we have many choices and opportunities to try classic restaurants like Joes Stone Crab in Miami to Okeechobee Steakhouse in West Palm Beach! And of course, who doesn’t love pizza! Check out our blog post on some of the best pizza places in South Florida, particularly Boca Raton and Delray Beach!
PS…if you love to dine at home, consider picking up your meal and taking advantage of some of the roadside BBQ stands and fish and seafood stores all over South Florida!
Make sure to tell us your foodie faves so we can try them out!
Family of Cooks and Foodies
As much as we love to dine out, we also love to hang around the kitchen and cook! So if you need inspo to create meals on a budget, check out these foodie ideas from my daughter, Kylie Bellisari’s TikTok channel for 5 ingredient videos to help you plan your meals on the fly!
PS…Kylie also prepares fun meals for her Lebasi – Picnic & Shop Grab & Go Picnics for the Romantic Foodie! Her baskets are inspired by European summers and she creates her beautiful baskets for clientele in both Pittsburgh and Boca Raton!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
I don’t know about you but the #SoooBoca gals love their coffee and as busy on the go entrepreneurs “coffee” is a main food staple for us! Coffee in Boca Raton is plentiful and there are all kinds of styles and recipes to enjoy!
Check out our list of where to get coffee in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, to start off your day or get a midday moment to relax and unwind!
Boca is a mecca for small business owners — this city takes pride in buying local and supporting our neighborhood shops. Of course we enjoy the occasional Starbucks or a quick pit stop at Dunkin’ Donuts, but what we really love is the home town brewed stuff. The slow roasted, cozy sitting cup of coffee.
First on the list, is the sweet, quaint shop right off of Palmetto Park Road ‘The Seed.’This spot popped up over night and since its curation has been a hometown favorite! Not only is the coffee toasty and amazing but the atmosphere is what elevates this cafe to the next level. The community tables are great for a large meet up and each seat has access to an outlet! If that doesn’t scream business meeting don’t know what does!
Saquellas
For a more traditional coffee experience stop by ‘Saquellas.’Located in the heart of downtown Boca this long standing Italian cafe is known for their creamy cappuccinos, lattes and all around smooth coffee. Pair it with any of the bakery items and you are sure to be drifting off into mid-morning heaven. Don’t worry about getting lost in the plaza, just keep an eye out for Saquellas signature red chairs and you will be one sip closer to our favorite iced latte.
Cote France Cafe
There is nothing more french than cake and coffee. ‘Cote France Cafe’is known for their authentic french pastries and steamy cups of caffeine goodness. Much like the sweet avenues of France this cafe is located on a cozy corner in the midst of Royal Palm Plaza — if you blink you may miss it. It is the perfect place for an after lunch pick me up or a feel good sweet.
Mane Coffee
We recently visited Mane Coffee and it was simply delightful! Boca Raton native Daniel Karram has opened his shop just off of Spanish River Blvd and Federal Highway and it has both indoor and outdoor seating. They select coffee from world class roasters around the United States and they also taste and try each coffee they offer. Specializing in pour overs: a single serve, made-to-order cup of coffee and customers can choose from 10+ coffees + new options from time to time!
Cosa Duci
A true sweet treat that happens to be located by some of our fave boutiques and thrift stores is on 20th Street near Florida Atlantic University. Cosa Duci Bakery and Cafe is simply as salute to all things delicious and the coffee is off the charts good. My personal fave is the cappuccino and a mini quiche! Their menu is diverse and they are open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner as they close at 6pm.
Tulipe Cafe
Courtesy Tulipe Cafe
Another addition to our #SoooBoca list is Tulipe Cafe, a parisian style spot for you to visit just on Powerline Road. Who doesn’t love a melt in your mouth chocolate croissant or tasty macaron or a french biscotti to dip in your coffee or cup of espresso!
If you are “old Boca” I want to pay tribute to a throw back spot called the Coffee Roaster out at Glades Plaza…oh my it was lovely. Remember those sandwiches and the outdoor garden? It was one of my faves to go to with my mom.
The Cozy Coffee (Getting Global)
Photo Credit David Dewitt
If you have not yet done so, check out this fantastic coffee resource online called The Cozy Coffee. From gear, to guides, to reviews, you will love this site for all your coffee loving needs!
Looking for fun events and what is happening around Boca after you have that cuppa joe? Click here to see a variety of local calendars!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
What are daycations anyway? Here is what Urban Dictionary says: A day trip. A day long vacation. Dictionary.com simply says: a day trip or one-day vacation. My favorite definition is from Wikipedia which calls it a holistay where you stay at home and participate in leisure activities within driving distances of where you live.
We are fortunate to live in an area where Boca Raton and Delray Beach offer a plethora of activities, parks, places, spaces and events to choose from. We are also lucky to live within an hour of many great cities and towns in South Florida like Jensen Beach/Hutchinson Island, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Miami just to name a few.
Boca Raton Beach
Are you ready to grab your travel tote and spend a day bopping around Palm Beach county for one of your daycations? Lets go!
If you want to get adventurous you could even take a ride to Key Largo for the day…for lunch. Snooks, Snappers, The Big Chill and Sundowners are a few of our faves and trust me I have done Key Largo in a day! From Boca it is typically no more than a two hour drive. And who knows…you may decide to spend the night!
Key Largo Sunsets
One Tank Trips
Keep an eye out for our “one tank trips” as we focus on local travel this year! Think Naples, Daytona or St. Pete! If you want to know the best things to do in these fun Florida spots click on the links to some great blogs!
YouTube Local Travel Playlists
Check out our travel playlist below on YouTube with locations from around South Florida and of course beyond. We love the Bahamas so that is included in our list too!
The #SoooBoca squad likes things on a shoestring budget so we look for destinations that are not expensive and that offer an experience whether that is simply biking to the beach, spending time at a local lake or relaxing with a good book at one of the great parks we have like Anchor Park or Atlantic Dunes Park in Delray.
One other idea is to take to the waterway and enjoy a lunch tour via Delray Yacht Cruises that launch from Veterans Park on East Atlantic Avenue.
Beaches and Boca
We also love to visit some of the beautiful fountains around Boca in Sanborn Square, Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place for our daycations. Plan a day around getting to know Downtown Boca and then visit the Boca Historical Society and Museum.
Perhaps the beach is on your mind (Florida has amazing beaches by the way so check out our great list)…rent a bike or take your own to one of the many beautiful Boca and Delray beaches.
Hit up one of the local restaurants on Palmetto Park Road like The Tin Muffin or Boca Beach House, grab some take-out for a beach picnic and relax with your toes in the sand.
If art is your jam plan your own Boca/Delray “art walk” to kick off your holistay! Start at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, have a coffee on Atlantic Ave, then head up to The Heart of Delray Gallery. Want more ideas? Click on our blog 15 Art Galleries You Will Enjoy! for some great choices to help you plan.
Tour Around West Palm Beach and Palm Beach
Another option is to buzz up to The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, then hit up Elizabeth Ave and Grandview Public Market, grab a bite at Restoration Hardware at their fabulous rooftop restaurant and then head over to Palm Beach to people watch, shop and explore some of the famous “Aves” like Worth Avenue!
Cabana Life
There are many hotels up and down our South Florida coast that offer day passes. You can lounge by a pool, reserve a cabana and just float the day away in pure bliss. Check out Resort Pass to see what is available for a fun day poolside!
A Spa Day Is The Best Day
We absolutely love a good spa day and have a great list for you to choose from in regard to doing a “spacation” if that is your cup of tea! We are fortunate to have a variety of spas all over South Florida and lets face it, there is nothing like a fabulous facial and massage to make any day simply divine!
Lake Ave – Lake Worth
We would love to hear about your daycation so let us know what you do so we can add to our list of #SoooBoca adventures! Don’t forget to buzz by our local calendar page to check out what is happenin’ in our sister cities here in So Flo!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca.
We love Boca Raton but we equally adore Delray Beach and the cool bar scene they have going on throughout the city. We put together a list of some of the best bars in Delray Beach to hang out at!
From rooftop to beach front, there is certainly a great bar to hang out at, at any given time! We love meeting friends and family on Atlantic Ave and beyond to catch up, have an appetizer and cheers to something in our lives.
New Kid In Town
Today, you have to check out THRōW Social® Delray Beach in Downtown Delray Beach! The newest hot spot to flamingle and play has landed in Delray Beach!
This Realtor has a new hot spot to share with my clients! #SoooBoca and at Halle Alessia Photography had an amazing time @throwsocialdelray at the VIP Grand Opening!
It’s a new fan fave for us! Congrats Ginger Flesher-Sonnier, you have a hit on your hands!
OPEN SEATING, THREE BARS, LIVE MUSIC & GAMES throughout the venue, inside & out. If you want to reserve certain areas or activities, like Cabanas, Board Game Lounges, Darts or Axe Throwing.
PS…I can’t throw and axe to save my life BUT I can throw back those delicious Liquid Lullabies ? all night long ?
I am sure we are missing a few and will be updating this list occasionally!
Just in case here is another link to round out the list of bars you can enjoy a cold beverage at!
Delray Beach Market is going through a “refresh” so stay tuned for more!
More To Do In Delray Beach
Not for nothing but we have even more ideas for you in regard to hanging out and playing in Delray Beach! Check out this blog post, stellar South Florida daycation too!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
“Where is the best pizza by me?” “Who has the best pizza in Boca?” “Where can I find a vegan pizza?”. Where are the best pizza places in Boca Raton and Delray Beach? Those of us at #SoooBoca cannot tell you how many times this question has been asked. Lucky for us…..and you, there are a host of delicious pizza restaurants nearby.
Unofficial Facebook Poll
With that being said, there are sooo many types of pizza to choose from in Boca Raton and Delray Beach AND pizza styles that people love from deep dish, to thin crust, to New York style to Neapolitan and California style I reached out to my Facebook peeps for suggestions on their best pizza places in Boca Raton and Delray Beach and of course they delivered!
Is it okay to put pineapple on a pizza? Inquiring minds want to know! Leave your comments below!
Prezzo Restaurant
As with almost anything, opinions vary greatly when it comes to pizza. People have STRONG beliefs both on where to eat and what to eat. We’ve done a bit of research (and eaten a LOT) and are happy to share 15 of our favorite local Boca and Delray Beach pizza spots.
Polished casual pizza dining experience that serves up award-winning (USA TODAY), authentic coal fired pizza, oven roasted chicken wings, homemade meatballs, Eggplant Marino (named after partner and NFL hall of famer Dan Marino), Paulie’s pizza, an amazing white pizza(one of our faves) named after our friend Paul Castronovo, and Anthony’s Classic Italian Salad. Their is one in Boca right by Trader Joes on Federal Highway.
NW 2nd Street in Boca is home to one of the area’s favorite restaurants. Since opening in 1977, Augy’s has become synonymous with pizza in Boca. Whether you are a fan of traditional, thin crust or Sicilian, Augy’s comes through. Fans love their crust and the fact that they are generous with their toppings, especially the cheese. They offer dine in, take out, delivery, and catering…meeting your every need. PS…love their lasagna!
If you love New York-style Pizza, then Bambini’s is perfect for you! Owned by the same people who own The Boys Farmers Market, this spot has been a fixture in Delray for years. All of their delicious pizzas are available for curbside pick up during this trying time, including their sausage, peppers and onions pizza and the incredible caprese salad pizza. Their menu is huge….and everything is always so good!
Fresh made! Real ingredients! Eco friendly packaging! No chemicals! No additives! Get fired up with Fast-Fire’d Pizzas from Blaze! Made just the way you want. PS…Did ya know that the head food gGuy Brad Kent is known as “the pizza whisperer”? Well he is! Order online for delivery or pickup. In East Boca and West Boca.
Located a Town Center Mall in the heart of Boca, this has been a “mall” staple like forever! CPK uses fresh high-quality ingredients to create innovative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, Thai Chicken, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken, cooked in an open kitchen. They offer soups and salads and even Take and Bake pizza.
With three locations in Boca Raton, this well-known restaurant consistently serves some of the best pizza we have ever had. Their specialty pies offer the most creative, and delicious, combinations in South Florida. Personally, we love the eggplant parm pie and Grandma’s square. And, for those days when you cannot decide if you want pizza or pasta, order the baked ziti pie. Who says you can’t have it all?
My husband swings by and picks up pizza from this restaurants frequently! They have pizza, subs, calzones, strombolis and salads! You can get a slice or a whole pie! You definitely need to try the Carnivore – Pepperoni, Sausage, Meatball, Bacon. Simply delish!
If you have never indulged in “New Haven” style pizza, run — don’t walk — to Nick’s. There is something special about their thin, crispy, coal-fired crust. Pizza cooked in their brick oven is spectacular. For the true New Haven experience, indulge in Nick’s fresh Rhode Island clam pizza. You’ll thank us later! In Boca and Coral Springs!
Located on Linton in Delray, this restaurant’s history has deep and authentic roots….. in Italy. It only takes one bite of their delightful pizza to appreciate this restaurant’s storied background. They are “passionate” about pizza! The “pizza” section of the menu is diverse…diners have to make some tough decisions….margarita, meat lovers, traditional….so many from which to choose! All pizzas are available in 3 sizes. If you can’t make up your mind, order a few!
If you’re a sauce lover, then Pizza Time in Boca is the place for you! Their sauce is, in a word, perfection! Pizzas come in medium, large, extra large and Sicilian. And, if you’re eating lightly, consider one of their “minis”. While this spot provides all of the traditional toppings, they also offer an array of gourmet options including, but not limited to, broccoli rabe, kalamata olives, artichokes and roasted peppers. Pick your favorites and enjoy! PS…the hubs frequently buzz’s by for a slice on the way home from work!
We always feel like one of the fam when we drop by Tomasso’s! This family-owned and operated spot has been a fixture in Boca Raton (on Palmetto, just east of 95) since 1981. An active member of the community, they also provide Boca with some fabulous pizza! They use only the highest quality ingredients and everything is made fresh, in house! Tomasso’s invites you to become a regular, offering a rewards program where you can earn free food. Added bonus, if you are looking to just “grab a slice”, Tomasso’s is your place.
When Tucci’s claims “The Char is Flavor”, they are telling the truth. There is something irresistible about their crust. At #SoooBoca we can’t pass up their white pizza….and we always enjoy the fresh house salad AND an order of “Tucci’s wings”. (Does that sound like too much food? We don’t think so!) The combination of the rosemary and garlic spiced wings topped with caramelized onions and parmesan makes our mouths water.
Thin crust Chicago pizza? We have to admit, we didn’t know this was even a thing. But, according to the owners of Windy City Pizza, it’s not only real, it’s a tradition. They shared: “according to Chicago locals, deep dish is for tourists”. Their claims are as bold as their pizza. A visit to this Delray shop includes dining on a thin, crispy crust pizza covered in the toppings of your choice. Order one of their specialty pies or create your own. And, don’t forget to check out the rest of the menu; it’s filled with yummy Chicago favorites. PS…they have S’mores pizza! To die for!
Okay! I have heard raves about this new pizza joint across from Mizner Park! IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Here are the deets! From their website: Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza was born from the idea that an extraordinary pizza requires the utmost attention to detail and the finest ingredients, the necessary tools for an artist to produce a masterpiece.
Chef Renato Viola came to settle in Miami Beach under the O1 Visa category, reserved for those with “Extraordinary Artistic Ability” of internationally acclaimed fame. Recognizing that his talent would be the foundation of a revolutionary pizza joint, he opened Mister O1 with the intention of creating something truly extraordinary.
In the Boca Raton – Live, Work, Play Facebook group, several people have raved about Sicilian Oven so we knew we needed to add this to our list! According to their website, Sicilian Oven offers a new way of dining. Many of these recipes have been handed down from generations through the DiSalvo and Garavuso families. We do this because we love it. You will not only love the taste, you will taste the love.
After one bite of his Detroit Style pizza, you can taste Samir’s passion for pizza. After much anticipation, Samir finally opened Rara’s Pizza & Wings in the Shoppes of Loggers’ Run. DSP is a type of Sicilian pizza that has a lighter and pillowy texture than a traditional square pie, baked in automotive pans constructed with blue steel, in the Motor City itself. The caramelized, crispy and chewy cheese crust and savory tomato sauce on top will have you reaching for more. Samir uses only the finest ingredients in his pies, including cheeses from Wisconsin and 24 month aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Wings are also a specialty on the menu and the blue cheese dressing is made in house and can be addictive! Go check out Rara’s in West Boca, it’s definitely worth the trip!
An old Boca Raton High School friend, Grant Averill and his wife Teresa, have recently opened Stoner’s Pizza Joint, with only 5 franchises in Florida and this is the first in Palm Beach County. Everything is handmade, nothing frozen. They make the best homemade Ranch dressing, special recipe for our marinara and they smoke their own wings. PS…try their Stoner’s Half-Baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert!
There You Have It
If you are looking for the best pizza places in Boca Raton and Delray Beach we have a great list for you! If you couldn’t tell, we really love our pizza! Did we miss something spectacular when compiling our list of favorites? If so, please comment and let us know. We are always willing to “take one for the team” and try a new restaurant. And, we would love to share your favorite with our friends and neighbors!
PS…
As always, please reach out to the establishments listed for pricing, updates and details. Trust with readers is very important to me and I strive to only recommend products and restaurants with the best information I can share with my reader’s interest in mind.
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Our boat is based in Lighthouse Point, not too far from the Hillsboro Inlet and the Boca Raton Inlet.
Our 42′ Post has an air conditioned salon, enclosed head (toilet), kitchen and 2 staterooms.
Specializing in sportfishing off the South Florida coast from Fort Lauderdale to the Palm Beaches!
We fish for mahi, snapper, wahoo, kingfish, grouper, sailfish and tuna!
Charter Rates 2022
1/2 Day Fishing (4 Hours)
$700.00
3/4 Day Fishing (6 Hours)
$900.00
Full Day Fishing (8 Hours)
$1100.00
Tournament Fishing
Contact For More Information
Bahamas
Contact For More Information
Intracoastal Happy Hour or Lunch Cruise
Contact For More Information
Accommodations
Contact For Suggestions including short term rentals!
Contact Us To Schedule Your Charter
About Captain Andy Bellisari
As a lifetime member of the big game sportfish community, having grown up in Boca Raton the son of well-respected sportfish captain, it was quite natural that both my passion and career has revolved around blue water fishing and sportfishing vessels.
The assorted assets that I have captained have afforded me an extreme knowledge of both the waters and fisheries from Florida’s Eastern seaboard all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula South to include the Caribbean with enough time in the Bahamian islands to consider them a second home.
I have been fortunate to work for assorted owners whom have had the same passion for blue water game as I and have thus been able to participate in a myriad of world-class IGFA tournaments year after year. These assorted tournaments have allowed me to gain a lifetime of knowledge of how to successfully compete at the highest level.
My experiences have afforded me the opportunity to build winning teams with the most knowledgeable of seasoned pros combined with many learning novices.
Historically I have been involved in all aspects of the sport fishing and boating industry to include sales, consulting, deliveries and as noted big game tournament fishing to include blue marlin, sailfish and wahoo.
I look forward to fishing with you and your families here in South Florida!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. PS…Captain Andy is her hubby!
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca.
Information in regard to real estate on this website should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the State of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Business is booming in the City of Boca Raton! Sooo much is happening in Boca Raton and South Florida from commercial real estate deals to tech companies migrating to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and the Palm Beaches! Plus residential relocation moves are at an all time high!
Each quarter Boca Raton Economic Development puts out a great report that does a great wrap up including what restaurants are coming to Boca Raton, businesses relocating here, city rankings from national news sources and websites.
As a long time resident of Boca Raton, one of the things that I love about living here is the proximity to cities and municipalities all over the Tri-County area!
Accessibility To All Things South Florida
Want to head to Miami from Boca Raton? Jump on the Tri-Rail and soon (4th Q 2022) Brightline. Thinking of moving your business to Boca Raton, lets get you connected with my friends over at the City of Boca Raton and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
How Many People Are Moving To Florida
One Okaloosa Economic Development Council reports, as per Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, our state grew by an estimated 329,717 new residents between April 2020 and April 2021. Move.org reports Florida was the No. 1 destination for relocating Americans in 2020.
Check out and subscribe to the podcast! I do monthly updates sharing information about what is happening around our city and South Florida communities!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Lilly Pulitzer shops throughout South Florida are the perfect place to go to, to outfit your entire family, office and home! At #SoooBoca we are Lilly regulars; we love the bright cheerful patterns, the easy to wear clothes and simply fabulous accessories. No matter what the occasion, Lilly seems to always be my go to staple in my Boca Raton closet!
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon and other retail affiliate links. If you purchase I will earn a small commission from these companies. Shopping through these links helps support my business. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
The Story of Lilly Pulitzer
Today, the brightly colored floral apparel that signifies the designs by Lilly Pulitzer has become synonymous with South Florida. The socialite was living in Palm Beach when she leveraged her husband’s ownership of citrus groves and began selling fresh squeezed juice.
Her dressmaker designed a “uniform” for her to wear while she worked; something to hide the stains resulting from splattering citrus. The brightly colored dress was such a hit with her juice clients that she she transitioned her efforts and the “Lilly Pulitzer” brand was born.
Now in operation for sixty years, this iconic resort wear brand has certainly stood the test of time.
Lilly for Everyone
While the brand initially produced women’s “shift dresses” it has grown and diversified over the years and now serves people of all ages. Women’s apparel has expanded from simple dresses to include tops and bottoms, loungewear, activewear, rompers, shoes and swimsuits.
The line for girls emcompasses everything from dresses and rompers to swimwear. There is also a large selection of “matching items”, perfect for those mother/daughter photo ops! If you were hoping to include your husband and sons in your family picture, you are all set. The brand now provides matching swimwear for men and boys.
Lilly Pulitzer Accessories Are Everything
As the company grew they also began to produce of classic yet trendy accessories, many of which (including scarves, notebooks and agendas) feature the iconic “Lilly Pulitzer” prints. The brand also shares a line of sunglasses, jewelry, bags and travel accessories. PS…love their earrings and bracelets!
Palm Beach was home to Lilly Pulitzer and her influence remains strong today. The stores are located throughout South Florida and, when traveling the area you are sure to see her timeless fashions well represented.
At #SoooBoca we LOVE our Lilly! Her styles are perfect for all of the things we love to do and there is a store conveniently located in the Town Center mall here in Boca.
I was gifted this cool cooler for my birthday a few years ago and it is truly one of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer items! Functional and fabulous! Click on the pic for deets via Amazon.
Sunshine Sale
A favorite time of year for me is when Lilly Pulitzer has their “sunshine sale”. I save gift cards from my birthdays and holidays that my family have given to me to get extra discounts on Lilly clothes and accessories that I love including home decor items!
Casually Elegant Fashion
We can dress casually for a day of window shopping and lunch, don her spectacular swimwear for a visit to the beach or pool, and dress up and accessorize for a dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. We adore her products; their patterns always make us smile. And, in keeping with times, Lilly now offers the ultimate accessory, a line of machine washable face masks.
Giving Back To The Community
I for one have shopped at Lilly Pulitzer here in Boca at Town Center Mall during one of their shop and share events. The brand partners up with local non profits frequently! For example, Lilly Pulitzer was a corporate sponsor of the 2022 Kips Bay Show House Palm Beach which supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.
Lilly Repurposed
Now y’all know I love to thrift and buy via consignment online and here locally! I have scored amazing Lilly Pulitzer accessories, dresses, skorts and more via Poshmark! Was thrilled to discover that
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
#SoooBoca loves to visit the best Florida beaches with our family! We are always on the look out for hidden beach gems and fun things to do at the beach!
Summer beach vacations are all about relaxing, romping in the ocean, making sandcastles and in our family eating, listening to music and playing old school games like Euchre and Yahtzee!
I recently had the pleasure of enjoying some time over in St. Pete (one of many great Florida beaches) at a fun throw back motel on Treasure Island. The sunsets, the beachy vibe and old Florida feel made for a fabulous and quick well needed getaway!
Disclosure: The links in this post/on this page are affiliate links via Amazon and other companies and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission.
Planning Your Beach Vacation
While you are planning which Florida beach to visit check out what made our beach bag essentials list to make your day even more enjoyable! Just click on the pics further down to get more details! PS…don’t you love the hat…perfect for your Instagram pics!
I made a list of beach communities around Florida to share with you including our own beautiful Boca Beaches. I know we have many more Florida beaches to discover and explore by the way so let us know your favorite beaches so we can spend some time at them too!
Lastly don’t forget to update your swimsuit wardrobe! The #SoooBoca gals can always find a reason to add new swimsuits to our stash and enjoy shopping at Swimland in Royal Palm Plaza, Mora Surf Boutique in Deerfield Beach, Boca Surf & Sail just to name a few local shops!
After a day at the beach there are plenty of things to do around #SoooBoca or any of the cities and towns near the beaches I have highlighted! So make some “cool” plans to balance out our hot, hot summer FLA nights!
We chatted all about some new summer faves that came on my radar to throw into my beach bag!
These particular items are “Product of the Year” winners which is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation backed by votes from over 40,000 consumers. Phew that is amazing!
Love the convenience of this particular suncreen. Inspired by the Honu, the Hawaiian sea turtle, this is an SPF 50 sunscreen with a patented extended wand design that allows us humans to protect every inch of our shells – including hard to reach places like our backs, necks, and shoulders…sooo brilliant!
If you are considering planning a visit our Florida beaches I hope you have a great time! I know #SoooBoca always comes back from the beach feeling relaxed and refreshed! Happy Summer!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
My name is Michele Bellisari and I am the Founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle and Media!
Enhance your brand’s visibility, audience reach, and relevance with our tailored social media, blog, and video content. We can design a personalized package and strategy for your business’ social media and online marketing campaigns including promoting your business, brand and event! Click here to learn more about #SoooBoca!
Examples of What We Can Offer (For Pricing Please Email Us Directly):
Social Media Posts, Advertising, Sponsored Posts and Email Blasts
Exclusive Social Media Posts On #SoooBoca® Media Channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter)
Calendar Listings
Banner Ad Rotations
Sponsored Blog Post
Podcast and YouTube Interviews
Sponsored Emails and Inclusion in our Weekly Weekend Scoop Email
Photography – Branding Shoot | Realtor Headshots
Styled Social Media Photography (Custom Pricing)
Event Collaborations & Partnerships
Please call to discuss details! We partner with public relations and advertising companies, brands, restaurants, non profits, businesses and groups in Florida and nationally!
Expectations When Promoting Your Event Include:
Event Promotion By #SoooBoca® to include 2 Complimentary Media Passes/Tickets
Backlink from your site (when possible) to the #SoooBoca® website
#SoooBoca® included as a sponsor of your event when possible (we will provide logo)
Influencer Event Coordination
Do you want to have a private influencer event at your place of business? No problem!
We can coordinate small, intimate events for you that will get your message out to 1000’s of local and global connections. Lets talk!
For more information on how to amplify your business digitally click below to contact us!
Whether you’re visiting Boca Raton, Florida for business or recreation, or you call this blissful place home, make a round of GOLF one of your top priorities. If you are looking for the best golf courses in Boca Raton, look now further! Boca has many outstanding options for the avid golfer, including a wide variety of courses and plenty of tee times to fit your schedule.
Now don’t let the title fool you, we have included Boca Raton golf courses along with some great courses in the Palm Beaches and Miami! Just scroll down further towards the bottom for those links!
If you love going to golf tournaments, there are many to choose from throughout the year in South Florida. Check out this link to plan your golf vacation or outing!
Public Golf Courses In Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach
With wildlife ranging from Canadian geese totters and from foxes to iguanas, Southwinds offers a serene setting where a walk in nature is occasionally interrupted by the swing of a club. With water on nearly every hole, as each hole has a different character, shot placement is a must.
The winner of numerous award throughout the years, Southwinds is proud to be a certified Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. Great course, great layout, nice folks.
Having received numerous awards since its opening in 2010, Osprey point golf course is one of the top public golf courses in Florida, featuring 27 holes spread out in three nine-hole courses, Osprey point also provides a serene setting with a platinum paspalum turf, which presents a lush playing surface from tee to green, the surroundings are so beautiful and all the artificial features are natural in appearance that strangers were unable to distinguish them from nature itself.
The Alan C. Alford reef golf course is located between the Atlantic ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, north of Palmetto park road and south of Spanish River Boulevard, on U.S. highway A1A [north ocean Boulevard]. The 9 holes,1357 yard course provides breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic ocean and the holes ranging from 64 to 227 yards in length.
The course was designed by Charles Ankrom and offers tees, fairways, and greens with seashore paspalum grass, which provides bright, vibrant color and superior play surfaces. They also have special amenities such as :
It’s located in Boca Raton, Florida, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Florida with exceptional living standards and quality of life. It is conveniently located between West Palm Beach International Airport and the Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Every member of the staff is focused and energized by consistently delivering warm, friendly, personalized service.
Whether serving food poolside or organizing one of their renowned golf tournaments, their staff delights in pampering visitors in ways that make them feel like a very special guest. This warm approach gives Boca Lago a comfortable and embracing air seldom experienced in today’s country club environment.
It’s noted for its exceptional course conditions and country club amenities. Golfers can enjoy the championship course, a multi-million-dollar Key West style clubhouse, fully stocked golf pro shop, comfortable locker rooms, driving range and practice putting and chipping greens.
Stop by the 19th hole, the Deer creek grille for drinks and exceptionally fresh food prepared by their renowned chefs. Social clubs are welcome to use their facilities. Deer Creek is the preferred course for several golf schools in the area for players who want to learn, or golfers who want to improve their games.
175 acres of pristine land in Boca Raton, FL, is a beautiful 18 hole championship golf course. Designed by world renowned golf architect “Gentlemen Joe Lee” with over 200 courses to his credit worldwide, including noted Florida clubs: Walt Disney World Palm & Magnolia, the Original PGA, Hamlet, Turtle Creek, Tequesta, Banyan & Broken Sound.
If golf is your passion, this truly is your paradise. Whether you are linking up at their practice facilities or gearing up for a day on the greens, their magnificent 18 hole, championship golf course is your playground. With a variety of social and competitive golf programs organized by a first-rate professional golf staff, you’ll relish every round. When visitors come over, they see that golf at the club is more than just their championship course!
The club also features well-maintained practice facilities featuring an outstanding short game complex, social and competitive golf play all year long, men and ladies golf association leagues, member-staff events, weekly social mixer and many more.
Bocaire is more than just a Boca country club. It is a spacious friendly neighborhood with unparallel services and exceptional amenities. It is an intimate community with 237 custom-built estate homes on minimum1/3 acre lots, situated amidst magnificent fairways, serene lakes, and beautifully landscaped vistas.
You deserve the finest of amenities and services, and they have tailored their community to cater to your family’s active lifestyle. It is a golfer’s paradise, situated amidst magnificent fairways, serene lakes and beautifully landscaped vistas within the 18-hole, par-72 Joe Lee designed golf course. No tee times, no reservations, and no membership cards because their staff knows all members by name.
Its luxurious 36,000-square-foot clubhouse was designed to be relaxed, yet sophisticated. Featuring personalized services, delicious cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere for friends to meet, their clubhouse puts each individual member at the center of the Boca Rio experience.
Here you can plan a formal event or enjoy a quick casual meal after a round of golf. Or you can simply relax and enjoy a game of cards with friends in the comfortable setting. Boca Rio’s clubhouse features amenities found only at the finest golf clubs: an elegant dining room, grill room, lounge, his and her cards rooms- all with wonderful golf course views- as well as lavish men and women’s locker rooms and a full-service golf shop.
In the heart of South Florida, you’ll find one of the most exclusive golf and country clubs- The Broken Sound Club. Located in beautiful Boca Raton, their private club lifestyle is second to none. The broken sound club is an award-winning, year-round, private golf and country club community.
As a five-star platinum club of America- the ultimate recognition of club excellence- Broken Sound is known for its warmth, elegance and genuine hospitality all joined together.
Part of the Boca Raton landscape for over 50 years, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club is an oasis in downtown Boca, nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway and Capone island. Founded in 1959, the land that became Royal Palm was owned by Arthur Vining Davis.
Mr. Davis wanted to sell some of his estimated 100,000acres in Florida, and the land he chose for the community was a premium location with boundaries of the Boca Hotel and Club, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Hillsboro River and federal highway. At the time the 450-acre parcel was home to a nationally renowned polo field and was a major focal point of palm beach society.
Hotel and Resort Golf Courses
If you are planning a vacation in our beautiful area, check out some of these fabulous hotels and resorts that also have amazing golf courses!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” — Plato
Live music in South Florida is a scene that we all enjoy. As always please reach out to any venues mentioned to get updates on dates, times and pricing. If you live in Boca Raton or are considering moving to Boca Raton, the music scene in South Florida is fantastic!
Disclosure: The links in this post/on this page are affiliate links via Amazon and other companies and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission.
#Soooboca loves music! From dancing in the kitchen with a cold glass of chardonnay to all the live music available to us right here in South Florida!
There are so many fantastic bars and music venues locally it would take us months to visit them all so we thought we would share a few right in our own Boca Raton, Delray Beach and South Florida backyard.
Our family has run the gamut with our love of live music including concerts back in the day at the Hollywood Sportatorium and Miami Stadium to Revolution and Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale to a first date to see Charlie Daniels play at Crystal Lake Country Club on the golf course in Deerfield Beach.
Hardrock Live Hollywood Florida
More recently we enjoyed seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd on their “Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour” at Seminole Hardrock Live in Hollywood and it was fantastic…plus we got to see the new guitar hotel which is even more stunning in real life!
Heart Guitar
We have spent time at venues in the Palm Beaches including Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach, Bamboo Room in Lake Worth and Banana Boat in Boynton Beach and of course Coral Sky Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairgrounds attending just a few Jimmy Buffett concerts tailgating!
Lets face it…cool venues, cool drinks and cool bands are a great way to balance out our hot and steamy weather especially after a day at one of our local beaches!
Live Music Is All Around Us
Our friend Rob Concierge has put together a great website for live music in South Florida that you need to buzz by at Weekend Broward Palm Beach. He is a wealth of knowledge about the local musical scene so I asked him how we can support local bands. His incredible support and information during Covid-19 in regard to the venues and musicians locally was incredible, so thank you Rob!
“The talent pool is fabulous here in South Florida and many of these hard working musicians are found via word of mouth, which is great, as they have fans that do follow them. Another great way to support these bands is to always share the latest concert or performance date on your social media including tagging the band and the venue so even more people discover these talented musicians!”
No matter what kind of music you love there is a variety of music all over our area in bars, restaurants, amphitheaters, theaters and casinos.
If you are craving a little night music check out some of the live music Delray Beach has to offer and live music Boca Raton has on the local calendars. We have put together a short list of places for you to enjoy…you just never know… someone you are listening to today at one of the many open mic nights and jam sessions held weekly around our cities may very well be the next Ariana!
Throw Social Delray Beach – 29 SE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Tin Roof – 8 East Atlantic Ave.
Death or Glory – 116 NE 6th Ave.
Arts Garage – 94 NE 2nd Ave.
Boston’s On The Beach – 40 S. Ocean Blvd.
Johnny Browns – 301 E. Atlantic Ave.
Deck 84 – 840 E. Atlantic Ave.
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub – 2885 Federal Highway
#SoooBoca – Boca Raton Podcast
Boca Raton Live Concerts
At this date there are no concerts scheduled in or around Boca Raton or in Downtown Boca. Typically there are great tribute bands playing for free, ticketed concerts, movies and fun events at Mizner Park. Remember to check with the city directly for updates on when concerts will be happening and for dates, times and prices.
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
I don’t know about you, but all of us at #SoooBoca LOVE a fabulous Florida coastal vacation! Luckily, we live in the vacation capital of the world! Florida is home to so many spectacular beaches, both popular spots and some untapped gems. If you, like us, are thinking about some time away, consider these great beach staycations. So lets start close to home right here in Boca Raton and The Palm Beaches!
As a long time resident of beautiful Boca Raton I can attest to the fact that it is a great Florida coastal vacation spot! With a variety of clean and fun beaches to visit and play at! Perhaps stay at The Boca Raton Beach Club or The Waterstone which both are on the water!
We are fortunate to be in a county full of a fabulous beaches include Delray Beach, where you can enjoy food and fun at the restaurants right there on A1A and Atlantic Ave, perhaps plan a stay at Crane House or the Opal Grand Resort and Spa or buzz up to the Lake Worth Beach & Pier (see the original Casino built in 1920).
Lets not forget Palm Beach where you can rub elbows with the oh so wealthy at the beautiful beaches there and then walk or uber over to Worth Ave for a cool cocktail and afternoon happy hour at one of our faves Taboo!
If you are planning to stay in Palm Beach make sure to check out and stay at the iconic Colony Hotel!
Miami Beaches
Another great Florida coastal vacation spot included Miami Beach! You can hang out and eat at celeb style restaurants and bars all along the 2 miles stretch of South Beach, stay at one of the deco style hotels or one of the new trending hotels like Pharrell William’s gorgeous The Goodtime Hotel.
Some other beautiful beach locations for you to add to your agenda should be Crandon Park, Haulover Beach Park. and Sunny Isles Beach Park.
Having spent many years playing on the Fort Lauderdale beaches as a teen I can absolutely share what a cool city this is to do a Florida coastal vacation. Think 24 miles of stunning beaches and more in a town that is perfectly located between Miami and the Palm Beaches! What I love about this area is you are surrounded by cities like Deerfield Beach, where you can fish right off the pier, Hollywood Beaches 2.5 mile boardwalk and Pompano Beach, a true sportfishing haven, that are all amazing for a great Florida coastal vacation.
Treasure Island
Just a four hour trip from Boca Raton, Treasure Island is an ideal place to visit. Comprising three beach areas over four miles, you will have plenty of spots to explore. Mid-Island is home to most of the lodging, shops and restaurants. Located there is also a beach trail where you can walk or bike! Sunshine and Sunset beaches are found at either end of the island and are more residential. Make sure you check out the boardwalk by Sunset Beach, a perfect place to fish!
St. Pete Beach
A visit to St. Pete’s beach will provide rest and relaxation along the shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the sun, sand and everything this fabulous location has to offer.It is one of the best beach towns for families. Well-known hotels including the Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort and the historic Don Cesar Resort, combined with a host of private vacation homes and condos, means there is no shortage of places to stay. Visit the Chihuly Collection to view breathtaking glass sculptures and take some time to explore the many parks and gardens in the city.
Boca Grande
One of Florida’s “hidden gems”, Boca Grande is located Northwest of Fort Myers. Popular for some of the best fishing in Florida, Boca Grande is home to some truly spectacular beaches. Consider staying at the Gasparilla Inn and Club, this simply gorgeous property is the perfect place to relax. If you happen to head there, consider a side trip to Cayo Costa, a barrier island accessible only by boat. This magnificent site is worth the trip!
Sanibel Beach/Captiva Island
One of #SoooBoca’s favorite vacation spots, without a doubt, is Sanibel and Captiva. These two islands are some of the best beach towns on the Gulf side of Florida and have some of the best shelling in the state. You cannot believe the quality and quantity of the shells! With a host of lodging available, you will have your choice of places to stay. South Seas Island Resort, on Captiva, has beautiful pools and beaches and a host of amenities. Consider renting a golf cart for your stay and explore the island!
Cedar Key
If you are craving a “small beach town” type getaway, then Cedar Key may be just the place for you. Located about an hour from Gainesville, it offers old-world, small town charm. Think about renting a cottage and definitely take time to explore the lovely town. Fun fact, Cedar Key is well known for its clams….be sure to indulge while you are there. Cedar Key is a special place to visit.
Anna Maria Island
Home to seven miles of beaches along the Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is a true vacation destination. With a variety of vacation rental properties available, you have a host of choices about where to stay. Beachfront rentals are popular and are available with any number of bedrooms. You can travel with your extended family. Even better, some are even pet friendly! Finally, there are tons of restaurants to take advantage of, as well as watersports, fishing and some fabulous nightlife. Travel time from Boca is about three hours and forty-five minutes….not a bad trip. Honestly, you will feel like you’re visiting another world!
Where Do You Plan On Visiting
Without a doubt, planning a Florida coastal vacation is always a great option if you need to get away for some me time! The spots above are some of the best beaches in Florida. The opportunity to get away and relax and recharge is something we should all take advantage of. The fact that these amazing beaches and beach towns are all within driving distance of Boca Raton make them even more attractive….and affordable.
Explore these beach locations online. And, when you visit one, let us know where you stayed, restaurants you visited and the best things you did! If you’ve vacationed on one of the beaches recently, share your experience. We are already planning our next trip!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
If you are thinking of moving to Boca Raton, you are probably researching our fabulous city on Google, Facebook, Twitter and asking people who live in South Florida the pros and cons of living or moving to Boca Raton! Am I right? Of course I am LOL! ( Okay with that being said, you might be thinking Delray Beach, Highland Beach or even Deerfield Beach which are all just minutes from Boca)
As a long time resident here, I met my husband here, raised my kids here and moved here in high school, I think I can give you, without a doubt, a great perspective on living in Boca! Yup, we Boca locals call it just that…Boca.
Boca Raton is perfectly situation on the border of Broward and Palm Beach counties which means, you are about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and only about an 45 minutes from Miami. You can live in East Boca, West Boca or Central Boca by the way. Lots of choices and different styles and types of communities here.
2. The weather is pretty much amazing all year long. As I write this blog post it is breezy, sunny and about 85 degrees. Now that doesn’t suck! The annual average temperature in Boca does vary as we are in a tropical environment. So think of it as warm and hot with a dash of humidity from about May through early December. Summers are hot here but you get used to that!
3. Parks and rec…not just a show on Netflix! When I tell you we have the most amazing parks and recreation that would be an understatement. From waterfront parks, ball fields, tennis, pickle ball, sports activities, picnic areas, playgrounds, beach front and beyond we are well situated when it comes to parks. My kids played sports at and enjoyed birthday parties at Patch Reef Park, Sugar Sand Park, Red Reef Park and Spanish River Park (over by the beach).
Parks and Beaches
4. Another great reason to move to Boca Raton is… the Beaches! Boca has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the state of Florida hands down. You can visit my blog on local beaches and options throughout the state of Florida. The city back in the day had some major vision in regard to keeping our beaches pristine, easy to access and literally our crowing gem to our beautiful city. Two miles of sandy, salty and sensational beaches are right here in beautiful Boca Raton!
Dog Park and Dog Beach
5. Dog beach and dog park! Yup…Boca is pretty dog friendly! I have two dogs myself and my neighborhood is full of dog walkers…which I see all over the city throughout the communities when I am driving around. Check out the city link to get your permit to take your pup to Bark Beach and Mizner Bark Park
6. How about airports! Dude…we have our very own Boca Raton Airport right in the heart of Boca. Fly private or fly your own plane to Boca Raton! We are close to three airports…Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport and Miami International Airport. If you are traveling for business or pleasure it is great to have these options! PS…
7. I get asked frequently about schools in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County. You can see all of the school ratings for our area schools at greatschools.org. My husband and I went to public schools here and sent our kids to the same ones we went to. There are many options for your to choose from including private schools all around Boca Raton.
Florida Atlantic University
8. Lets talk higher education in regard to colleges and universities. So lucky to have Florida Atlantic University (Go Owls), Lynn University, Everglades University and Palm Beach State College right here in Boca. Did you know that FAU has a medical school and a nursing program? Being that we are well located in South Florida we are in close proximity to the University of Miami, Nova and FIU. One thing we did when our daughters went to college was set up Florida Prepaid which was fantastic for our family. I myself am a University of Florida gator and proud of it!
9. Calling all foodies! We are bigtime food fanatics in our family and we love trying new restaurants and spots around Boca Raton and South Florida. The selection is vast and diverse. From traditional American fare to sushi, Peruvian, Cuban, Greek, Italian, seafood, pizza and more. You will find both high end and dives that have great food. If you need suggestions reach out via email or on Instagram for my suggestions! PS…if coffee is your jam check out our post on 17 Coffee Spots in Boca/Delray
Great Restaurants
10. Sports…youth sports programs here in Boca Raton are plentiful from SABR Soccer, Boca Hoops Basketball, Boca Jets Football, Lacrosse, Softball and more! Plus a skate park and shuffleboard courts! Youth sports are near and dear to my heart. My kids played Boca Hoops and softball when they were younger.
11. Lifestyle! The quality of life in Boca Raton is exceptional. Mainly due to the weather, options of things to do, places to go, coastal living vibe, beaches and overall management of the city itself.
12. No State Income Tax – enough said. Plus Homestead Exemption if you are making your property your primary home.
Outdoor Shopping
13. Shop Until Ya Drop! What can I say about shopping in Boca! World class, designer, fun, boutiques, big box, strip malls, outdoor malls and stand alone stores are a huge part of the Boca Raton landscape (sans neon signs…they are not allowed, nor are car dealerships in the city…fun fact I bet you didn’t know). Let me also add, some of the best thrift store shopping you will find anywhere! Boca has some serious shoppers, who also like new things pretty frequently, so, many times a day thrifting and shopping at consignment stores
14. Art and culture surround us! From the Boca Museum to a new venture called Zero Empty Spaces at Boca Center. Head up to Delray Beach too and their arts district to check out different galleries and murals! Not to mention that during season, when it cools down a bit, we have some fantastic outside art shows around Boca.
Boca has a great vibe, under 100K people, but…has a smaller town feel, especially in East Boca.
Housing Market
Housing Market
The housing market is on fire across the country and never more so than in Boca Raton and the surrounding South Florida cities. What that means is that prices are high and getting higher as of this post. If you are thinking of making move, note that we are not currently seeing an end to the rush to move to South Florida or Florida in general.
There are plenty of non gated communities around Boca in case you were wondering and if you are looking for gated or membership communities that typically have clubhouses, golf courses and amenities Boca Raton has a multitude to choose from including new construction communities.
Now if a single family home is not your jam or in your budget condos, townhomes and villas are plentiful all over Boca Raton. As a matter of fact, the inventory levels for these types of properties are better as of the writing of this post vs single family homes so…if you are thinking you want to move here and you don’t “need” a single family home, consider the more plentiful arena currently of the condo market.
Traffic is busy…just like any city. Certain times of the day or specific roads can get pretty backed up during season. Reach out to me for some of my favorite short cuts (wink wink)
Hurricane Season
2. Hurricane Season…hey from June 1 – Nov 30th…we are in the bubble…I have a great article on the blog that will give you tips and strategies on how to get through and handle the storms that occasionally come through. Our motto is just be prepared in regard to your home, your insurance, your supplies and whether or not you want to stick around or leave.
Final Thoughts
Living, working and playing in Boca Raton has been one of the best gifts I have been given in my life. My dad moved our family here in 1978 and frankly, I have loved every minute of it. It’s the kind of place you love to share with the world and the kind of place you are grateful to live in.
If you are thinking about moving to Boca Raton, reach out to someone who really knows Boca…like me…I love it sooo much I started a blog called #SoooBoca Lifestyle. You can read and watch more about the town I love so much right there.
Boca Raton Podcast
About Michele
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Welcome to Pompano Beach – South Florida’s latest hot spot! If you are considering relocation and love the sun, sand, and fabulous things to do, this lovely town is the perfect spot for you. Pompano Beach is rich with history!
According to the Pompano Beach Historical Society, Pompano Beach celebrated the 100th anniversary of its incorporation on July 3, 2008. It is the second oldest city in Broward County, and the fifth oldest in all of South Florida.
As a local Realtor, that has enjoyed all that Pompano Beach has to offer, I can tell you it is a fun place to live and hang out! Just a few miles down the road from Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton and just north of Fort Lauderdale, it is the perfectly placed city. Close to everything, yet its own little enclave in South Florida!
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Throwback and Memories of Pompano Beach
Back in the day my dad had a condo just on the border of Lauderdale by the Sea and Pompano Beach and we always were hanging out at the beautiful beaches, spending time at the Pompano Beach Pier and dining out at the restaurants like Bobby Rubino’s Place For Ribs (now closed, but hey, I was there the last night it was open in February 2022 getting my baby back ribs and reminiscing with the bar crew and staff) and The Purple Pickle at The Pompano Fashion Square (now Pompano Citi Center).
Now, if you’re planning a move to Florida, you already know that the weather can’t be beat! It is simply beautiful. But warm temperatures and sunny skies are not the only reason to choose Pompano Beach. Consider some of the fabulous things to do here!
As per the website, “Pompano Beach is located on the southeast coast of Florida, midway between Miami and Palm Beach, (approximately 33 miles to both cities). Pompano Beach is in the heart of everything! Minutes from Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach is the third largest of Broward County’s 29 municipalities. Conveniently located close to major shopping and attractions, Pompano Beach is only 12 miles from the Ft. Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades. Pompano Beach provides the lifestyle of a quiet seaside community with the benefits of a major metropolitan area.”
Pompano Beach Pier
Lets talk about the Fisher Family Pier in Pompano Beach! As per the city of Pompano Beach Website, “This newly constructed fishing pier is one of a kind! It measures almost 900 feet in length with ability for patrons to sight-see and/or fish. The end of the pier is also built in the shape of a Pompano Fish. This is a great tourist attraction.” The bait shop is open, you can get annual fishing memberships, and just take a stroll if that is something you enjoy!
Hillsboro Beach Lighthouse
This iconic lighthouse is truly a vision! We love seeing it from all angles, coming into Hillsboro Inlet on the Belli-Sea, going out to the Atlantic to fish, viewing it from Hillsboro Inlet Park or if you are lucky enough, to view it from your home! You can take a tour but you do need to coordinate that as it does involve specific times of the year and a boat ride!
Beach Front
Honestly, Pompano Beach has a very cool vibe happening! With 3 miles of beautiful beaches it is a great destination for a long weekend or even a daycation! The sand is soft, the water is clear and it is oh, so relaxing. Bring your chair, an umbrella, and a picnic, and just hang out.
Pompano Beach Real Estate
If you are thinking of making a move here or you already live here and want to be up to date on the real estate market, check out this Market Snapshot!
OMG, there are so many. We would never be able to mention them all. That said, consider drinks and dinner at Beach House Pompano, Oceanic on the ocean by the Fisher Family Pier is a great spot for cocktails, conversation and dining!
Another #SoooBoca fave is Houston’s on the Intracoastal just off of Atlantic Blvd on the west side of the bridge! Take your boat and go for lunch or happy hour!
If you love diners, check out Lester’s Diner right in Pompano Beach! And if you are a donut peep, like me, you have to grab a coffee and donut at Dandee Donuts!
Water Sports
Incredible Water Sports: If you like to snorkel or SCUBA, Pompano doesn’t disappoint. Pompano Beach Drop Off, Suzanne’s Ledge, The Nursery, Copenhagen, Labontee. SS Copenhagen and Lucky Lady Wreck are all a diver’s dream!
Make sure to check out this website, South Florida Diving for all the information about diving and snorkeling events including “drift diving”. PS…South Florida Diving Headquarters is located at the Sands Harbor Hotel & Marina.
Parks and Recreation
Awesome Parks: Pompano Beach is home to a host of fabulous local parks,more than 50 in total. Some have playgrounds and splashpads (perfect for the kids), others welcome dogs and some even have boat launches. You can visit a different one each week of the year and never repeat!
Sportfishing In The Atlantic Ocean
Planning a sportfishing trip? Look no further than Pompano Beach! This paradise for water sports is home to a variety of sportfish, including sailfish, tuna, wahoo, marlin, dolphin, and grouper. You can book a fishing charter for a half or full day and enjoy the thrill of the hunt on the Atlantic Ocean. With a number of experienced fishing charter companies operating in Pompano Beach, it’s easy to find the perfect trip for your needs. So why wait? Start planning your sportfishing adventure in Pompano Beach today! Check out the Belli-Sea 42′ Post for all your sportfishing chartering needs!
Water Taxi Tour
You don’t need a destination to enjoy the Pompano Beach Water Taxi! It runs Friday and Saturday nights and has multiple stops along its route. Take it to dinner or just to see the sights.
If you are a history buff make sure to plan to spend some time at the Sample-McDougald House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lovely colonial home is a great spot for your Instagram photos. The site is also host to a broad range of special events including wedding! So plan your special event today right here in Pompano Beach!
Shop Til You Drop
While Pompano is quaint and home to a host of small business owners, you still have access to big box stores. Visit the Pompano Citi Center for some open air shopping and dining at some of your favorite spots.
Learning Opportunities
In addition to a fabulous local library, Pompano is also home to the Blanch Ely House Museum. Take a trip and learn more about local African American leaders and the work they did. This venue is “a thriving venue showcasing the significant social and cultural milestones of Pompano Beach’s Northwest Community, while also serving as active cultural hub offering a variety of artmaking and storytelling workshops.” according to The Pompano Beach Arts site.
Are You Feeling Lucky?
If so, head on over the Isle Casino Pompano Park for poker, craps, roulette, slots and of course great dining, and more! We have definitely enjoyed their fantastic Sunday brunch with our family and then spent a couple of hours hitting the slots!
Something Wonderful Is Happening At The AMP
The Pompano Beach Amphitheatre is an awesome venue that regularly hosts musical guests. Check out their schedule and see who is coming! “The Amp, North Broward’s 3,000 seat amphitheater, is once again featuring major concert performances and music-themed festivals on the breathtaking grounds which can accommodate an additional 7,000 patrons.” according to the website!
This is just a sampling of all that Pompano has to offer. Whether you are single, a couple, or a family, Pompano Beach has something for you – it is the perfect place to call home!
Live Music
#SoooBoca Is Sponsored By Michele Bellisari – Real Broker LLC
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in the Palm Beaches or Broward County, please connect with us so we can help you!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Bar carts are the new “it” item in home decor. They are incredibly functional, providing a space for your glassware and spirits while enhancing the appearance of the rooms in which they sit. They are the perfect “home accessory”.
As a Realtor, I get to see some amazing home decor and patio decor and one thing that I have seen over and over again is…you guessed it…bar carts!
I recently purchased the prettiest pink bar cart from HomeGoods that I keep in my kitchen! It has wheels and is the perfect size! It was also deeply discounted and thus affordable and useful!
HomeGoods Bar Cart
Other Ways To Use A Bar Cart
Now, keep in mind, a bar car isn’t just for storing your fabulous collection of liquors and cocktail things…a bar cart has many uses especially when entertaining.
Consider using a bar cart as a coffee bar, to hold your office supplies, in your nursery or like I do (when not entertaining) as a plant stand with, my Lilly Pulitzer for Target plates on the bottom shelf!
Disclosure: The links in this post/on this page are affiliate links via Amazon and other companies and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission.
Bar Carts: The Perfect Purchase for Any Home
And, a new and expertly styled bar cart is an ideal way to make your home a bit more inviting.
After all, who doesn’t love a cocktail!
Styling Your Bar Cart
If you already own a bar cart, our tips below can help you give it a bit of a facelift. If you don’t, consider purchasing one. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and in all price ranges. This is a home improvement that doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Once you have your cart, consider these ideas.
Maximize Your Space
Stock the essentials, not everything. You want your cart to be a beautiful focal point in your room, not an overcrowded storage area. You don’t need to display each and every glass and decanter you own. Select a few special pieces. And, consider changing them when the occasion demands. Perhaps you have beautiful Christmas glasses that can be displayed during the holiday season and replaced with more classic and neutral pieces throughout the year.
Stock Your Florida Favorites
Of course, you will want to be able to offer your guests the standards from your bar: high-quality vodka, gin, whisky (rye, bourbon, and scotch), rum, tequila, cognac, and bitters. That said, it’s always special to stock some locally produced offerings. Consider trying a bottle of Miami Club Rum, Fat Dog Spirits Vodka, or an artisan whisky from Citrus Distillers. Surprisingly, Florida is home to a number of distilleries, many of which welcome visitors.
Keep it Fresh
When you live in South Florida, there is no excuse to not have something fresh and alive on your bar cart. Of course, a small plant is always a good choice. But so is fresh fruit. We live in the citrus capital of the world. A small bowl of lemons or limes will brighten up your bar! This is an especially good idea when you have guests; the fruit can be used to garnish drinks.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!
Fabulous bar accessories are everywhere and are the ideal way to add a splash of color or flair to your bar cart. Consider straws, wine charms, or a beautiful bottle stopper. Elegant decanters are also eye-catching pieces. Make sure to include things of varying heights and sizes. And, try this. Set up the bar cart completely. Then, step back, take a look and remove one item. Just as when you get dressed for an occasion, you don’t want to be over-accessorized.
Keep Things Cool
A small but beautiful bowl for ice and/or a wine chiller are the perfect practical addition to any bar cart. Available in different shapes, sizes, and colors, these are stylish items that make your bar interesting as well as functional.
Creating a stylish bar cart is a great project. Browse the multitude of pictures online. Make lists of what you like, what you don’t, and what you know are the “must-haves” for you, your family, and your friends.
Passion for Repurposing
Once you have an idea of what you’d like to accomplish, take a look through your closets and cabinets. It’s likely you have hidden treasures that will work to help create your dream cart. And then, do some shopping. Whether you choose to shop online or venture out (safely of course) to some of Boca and Delray’s awesome shops, you are sure to find exactly what you need.
When you have everything at home and have created the perfect cart, send us a picture! At #SoooBoca, we love decorating, shopping, entertaining, and especially cocktails. We cannot wait to see what you have created!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
I have been going to the Florida Keys since the late 1980’s when I had an overnight date, and my first rum runner along with a “floater” with my soon to be husband. We listened to Jimmy Buffett before his song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and did some offshore fishing! (Florida Keys Reopens to visitors on June 1st. Please verify this directly with Monroe County)
We have loved introducing our daughters Kylie and Alle to one of our favorite vacation destinations to enjoy all the things we have, from fishing to sunsets to just chillin’ out and hanging with the fam.
I have never forgotten that feeling I had crossing over from Dade to Monroe County and literally felt a shift in myself…a calm came over me…it was the strangest thing and I just kept on coming back!
We love Key Largo and the Upper Keys with all our hearts. It is a short drive for us from Boca Raton and a non stop flight from many places to Key West, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International if you don’t live locally.
I do believe the Florida Keys should be on every traveler’s bucket list for a variety of reasons including the beauty, peacefulness and history of that very special part of the world.
1988 Holiday Isle – Islamorada
Things to Do in the Florida Keys
From sport fishing, both offshore and back country, to snorkling, diving and just relaxing by a hotel pool there are many things to do.
I love exploring the art galleries, shops and of course spending time at one of the many wonderful waterfront restaurants in the Keys. The daily fresh catch like mahi or snapper is always a great choice coupled with a Key Lime Martini or refreshing sweet tea.
Take a drive from Key Largo to Key West and stop along the way for lunch! Feed the tarpon at Robbies and check out the Dolphin Research Center while you leisurely drive while enjoying the the water views.
Fun Fact: You will enjoy Overseas Highway and the 42 bridges including the fabulous Seven Mile Bridge that links the Keys to each other and the mainland. Trust me on this one.
I hope you enjoy your time in the Keys as much as we do! Make sure to let us know what you have enjoyed the most. I know you will come back feeling refreshed and relaxed after a vacation to any of the many fantastic spots we have highlighted in this post!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Between the cities of Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach, in eastern Broward County, lies Lighthouse Point, a spectacular city comprising fabulous homes, beautiful parks and delicious restaurants. Minutes to Boca and Fort Lauderdale this waterfront community is easy to get to! Is it time to make a move to Lighthouse Point?
Those who call LIghthouse Point home love the community feel, spectacular water views and laid-back and relaxing atmosphere. The variety of residential properties includes everything from smaller inland condos and apartments, non-waterfront properties and magnificent luxury waterfront homes.
If you are a local boater, you are likely familiar with the Lighthouse Point Marina which is family owned and houses 100 wet slips. Boats dock regularly and visitors enjoy the lovely area which is home to a dock house, rec rooms, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts and more, all available exclusively to dockage customers.
Visitors are welcome to dine at the popular Marina restaurant, The Nawti Dog Marina Cafe. This fabulous spot is right on the water and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be warned, they are closed on Tuesdays! For dog lovers, put this restaurant on your list! Pups are invited to dine with their owners and the restaurant even offers them a special menu.
LHP Yacht Club
Operating since the 1960’s the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club is still a popular location today. Their marina offers full-service facilities and their location can’t be beat. This private club includes a spa and fitness space, fabulous tennis courts and a swimming pool. Dining and entertainment facilities are top notch and they host beautiful weddings year-round.
And finally, LHP has some awesome restaurants, and you know how much those of us at #soooBoca love to eat out! We already shared our appreciation for the every-popular Nauti Dog, at Lighthouse Point Marina, but thought we’d spotlight a few more of our local faves.
First, no discussion of LHP restaurants would be complete without a mention of Cap’s Place. This historical spot (open for well over 80 years) is located on an island just off Lighthouse Point. To dine there you can take their motor launch to their Island and enjoy an out of this word meal in Broward’s oldest restaurant.
Finally, add these spots to your “don’t miss” list. Papa Hughie’s Seafood Word is great for sushi, seafood and craft beer and Le Bistro offers gourmet food on Federal Highway
Hillsboro Inlet
The Hillsboro Inlet, home to a picturesque lighthouse, connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal. If you are a boater living in Lighthouse Point, this is the inlet closest to you! This beautiful spot is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. And, honestly, it is a must see. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the park and don’t forget to actually visit the Lighthouse. Take lots of pictures, this is a great Instagram photo spot!
And, if you love fishing, make sure to visit the Hillsboro Inlet Fishing Center. They run awesome half and full day charters and you can even plan a trip to the Bahamas!
Hillsboro Mile
If you want a glimpse of the Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous type homes, please take a drive down Hillsboro Mile. Homes located here have magnificent waterfront views, as the narrow stretch lies directly between the Atlantic and the Intrarcoastal. As you drive down the street make sure to look east and west, the homes are truly breathtaking. Fun fact, in December of 2018 one of the largest (and the most expensive) homes on Hillsboro Mile (33,000 plus square feet) sold for $42.5 million dollars.
A Few More Favorites
We love Lighthouse Point and visit regularly. When we visit we make it a point to drive by the Psychedelic Art House on Sample Road. The colorful murals are beautiful, and are truly a sight worth seeing. We also always stop for a brief rest at the bench at the end of Sample Road. This single bench on the intracoastal offers an unmatched look into life in Lighthouse Point. On any given day you can find families enjoying the weather and fishing or residents just relaxing. It is one of the “perfect spots” in South Florida.
Belli-Sea Sporfishing Charters
Fishing in Lighthouse Point
Because we love to fish, no trip to LHP is complete without a visit to Custom Rod and Reel. Operating for over 40 years, this shop is a fisherman’s dream. In addition to the top-line merchandise they carry, they also custom build fishing rods and lures. Trust me, this is the BEST place to shop for your fishing gear!
In Lighthouse Point, the weather is beautiful throughout the year. The summers can be hot and humid with regular afternoon rain showers. Winter time, December through March is cooler with the occasional sweater weather opportunity.
For more information on this fabulous city just click this link and get even more details on what is happenin’ in Lighthouse Point!
Thinking of Moving To South Florida?
If you can’t tell, we LOVE Lighthouse Point. It’s a quick 25 minute drive from the Boca Raton area and the atmosphere is so very different. This city has small town appeal and waterfront beauty, both of which make it worth visiting. Take our advice and make the trip. You can thank us later.
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
Great news for Boca Raton and Brightline! Here is the latest! We are sooo excited to have the Brightline station open in Downtown Boca on December 21, 2022! Not only is it a connector to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami it is convenient all things Boca Raton!
The station is adjacent to the Downtown Boca Raton Library and sooo close to Mizner Park, Palmetto Park Road, Royal Palm Plaza and all things happening in the downtown area!
Powered by
Brightline is a high-speed passenger rail service that connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Florida. With top speeds of 79 mph and convenient stations located in the heart of downtown, Brightline makes it easy to travel between South Florida’s most popular destinations. Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting friends and family, or just looking for a quick and hassle-free way to get around, Brightline has you covered. Plus, with comfortable seating, WiFi, and on-board dining options, you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Experience the future of transportation today with Brightline.
Press Release
MIAMI (DEC. 15, 2022) – Brightline, today announces that tickets are on sale for the highly anticipated launch of service for Boca Raton and Aventura. To commemorate the launch of each new station, Brightline will host ribbon cutting ceremonies on December 20, 2022.
The first day of service for the Boca Raton and Aventura stations will be December 21, 2022. One-way tickets are on sale starting today for as low as $10 and can be purchased on Brightline’s app or website.
Brightline’s initial schedule for each new station is designed to optimize commuter patterns and will focus on peak morning and evening weekday service. During non-peak hours and weekends, Brightline will provide service approximately every other hour. Regular hourly service will continue in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and MiamiCentral. For more detailed schedule information, please check www.gobrightline.com
ABOUT
Brightline is the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America. The company currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with stations in Aventura and Boca Raton opening for service on December 21, 2022 and its Orlando station beginning service in 2023. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel, offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. Brightline plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Living in Florida is gift for many reasons. Want to known one of my favorites? Here’s a hint; it’s two words: Stone Crabs! Being that they are in season from October 15 to May 15, it seems like the perfect time to share a little bit of my love affair with them. Check out some of my favorite things about stone crabs. PS…I have a short list of some great stone crab spots you might want to try!
Due to Covid-19 please verify what restaurants are open, who has in dining and curb side service, what locations like green markets are happening.
Disclosure: The links in this post/on this page are affiliate links via Amazon and other companies and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission.
Joe’s Stone Crab
Lets start with Joes! Did you know that when Joe of Joe’s Stone Crab Miami first opened his restaurant in 1913? Folks did not know much about stone crabs and they actually did not serve them at the beginning.
According to the story shared on their website, it was Joe’s meeting with a Harvard scientist that introduced him to this delicacy. Together, they realized the claws were delicious when correctly prepared and stone crabs became a hit!
A Foodie Fave
No surprise that Joe’s Stone Crab is one of my favorite places to eat one of my favorite foods. It’s an institution. So much so that Food & Wine Magazine name them as one of the 40 Most Important Restaurants of the Last 40 Years! Don’t be surprised to see someone famous eating at the table next to you. Diners at Joe’s have included presidents, athletes, movie stars, musicians and social media influencers!
You haven’t experienced all that is Florida until you head to South Beach for lunch or dinner at Joe’s. Here’s my advice: order the wedge salad, the hash browns, the creamed spinach AND the stone crab claws. They come medium, select, large and jumbo by the way ( I always go for the large or jumbo personally)
Honestly, my mouth begins to water when the waiter places the bib around my neck! Want to take a sneak peek inside the restaurant and get the expert advice on how to eat and crack stone crabs just take a moment to watch this video.
Visiting the Stone Crab Capital of The World
Looking for a day trip? Head southwest to Everglades City, also known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World. This small fishing town is home to stone crab fisherman; in fact many restaurants receive their crabs from here (including Joe’s).
There is no shortage of places to enjoy them here either – consider visiting some of these well-known establishments: Triad Seafood Market and Cafe (known for its super casual atmosphere), Grimm’s Stone Crab (a seafood market well-known for its crabs) and City Seafood (which serves stone crabs right off their boats) as well as Camelia Street Grill These are just a few of the several local spots well-know for their super-fresh crabs.
There are stone crab claws for sale all around South Florida on the weekends! It’s nearby, the crabs are fresh, and you can shop for so many other yummy treats to go with them. When I can combine stone crabs and the green market it’s going to be a good day.
Watching a Stone Crab Eating Contest
Yes, this real! Annually, for the past eight year, Keys Fishery has held their Stone Crab Eating Contest in Marathon. Want to try the claws from the host restaurant? You can take a day trip to Marathon where you can eat in or buy them fresh, or you can order them online and have them shipped to your home.
Eating with a Mallet
Even when they come cracked (which is the perfect way to order them if you are eating them the day they are purchased) a mallet is useful to have on hand!
Whole (not cracked) claws can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. (Make sure they are packaged and kept on, not in, ice). Ready to eat? Wrap them in a towel and hit them with your mallet (or heavy spoon) and dig in. Make sure to get every last bit of yummy meat!
Indulging in the Meal
The #SoooBoca gals do not live by stone crab claws alone! The sides, condiments and dessert are all an important part of the experience. We asked some Boca locals their favorite things to eat with stone crabs. Oyster stuffing, hearts of palm salad and lobster mac and cheese were some of the favorites along with a crisp glass of chardonnay.
As for condiments, while some enjoy drawn butter, mustard sauce was the winner (everyone loves Joe’s recipe). Finally, don’t forget dessert. Overwhelmingly, props were given to key lime pie. That combination of tart and sweet make it the perfect way to end a delicious dinner.
Next time you are wondering what to have for dinner, consider some of Florida’s famous Stone Crab Claws. Eating in or out, they are simply delicious and so much fun to eat!
Do you have a favorite place for stone crab claws in South Florida? Here are some of ours in no particular order
As always please make sure you verify all information with events and restaurants directly!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
As a busy Realtor, mom and wife, I have to always remember to schedule my mammograms. Stop what you are doing, and make a call to your physician or breast care center and make your appointment!
Interview with Suzan Pooran
On this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Suzan Pooran as she shares her journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer, her treatment as well as tips and information you will find to be useful and helpful.
Suzan works at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging Center, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2020. She shares her story in regard to her diagnosis, her double mastectomy and her journey having her surgery, early detection of breast cancer, working with her multi disciplinary team, radiation and chemo, recovery and tips for friends and families who want to help out.
Ep 056: Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Interview With Suzan Pooran
The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging
We are fortunate to have West Boca Medical Center located here in Boca Raton on 441/State Road 7, just north of Palmetto Park Road and South of Glades Road.
Among many of its services, it is also home to a top notch diagnostic breast imaging center. In fact, The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging has been named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence from the American College of Radiology.
Their services include scheduling a breast MRI, breast ultrasound, diagnostic imaging and mammograms.
This October marks the 36th year since the American Cancer Society marked October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What began as a week long event in 1985 has grown to a month long global campaign.
Today, medical groups, non profit organizations, government agencies and the general public all work together during October to raise money and increase awareness.
About The Breast Center
The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging focuses on comprehensive breast care including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast conditions.
Because early diagnosis and accurate imaging is a critical aspect in breast health, this center is incredibly valuable. Among its offering are:
The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging focuses on comprehensive breast care including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast conditions.
Beginning at age 40, women should get a screening mammogram performed annually
The Breast Center at West Boca Diagnostic Imaging offers 3D Mammography which is designed to find cancers that may be missed with conventional mammography.
All mammogram studies are interpreted by a breast fellowship-trained and board-certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging.
The multidisciplinary team includes a patient navigator, medical oncologists, a pathologist, plastic surgeon, radiation oncologist, fellowship-trained radiologists, and breast surgeons.
The Breast Center also offers three different types of breast core needle biopsies, MRI-guided, ultrasound-guided and stereotactic guided. They also perform seed localizations.
Other services include: access to clinical trials, genetic counseling and high risk assessments, personalized follow up programs and surgical consultations.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime”. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
Over the years, early identification has improved and new treatments have been discovered, offering hope to the many women who are diagnosed each year.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events in South Florida
Whether you want to simply donate, walk, run, bowl, paint or do Zumba, there are a variety of events that you can get involved with right here in our local Boca Raton and South Florida community!
And, perhaps most importantly, reach out those you know who have suffered from breast cancer in the past or are currently fighting this disease.
Ask how you can help honor their success or help them through their treatment. A small act of kindness goes a long way.
Go Pink Luncheon
Have you purchased your table for the 18th Annual Go Pink Luncheon yet?
You won’t want to miss this year’s Keynote Speaker, Professional Ballroom Dancer, “Dancing with the Stars” judge, and Breast Cancer Advocate Derek Hough!
Of course, these are only a few of the great things happening locally. Please, let #SoooBoca know about other awesome ways to participate this month as well as throughout the year!
Sponsored: This post was sponsored by West Boca Medical Center. All opinions expressed in this blog post, vlogs, emails and social media are my own. Please reach out directly to the sponsor in regard to facts and information provided about their service or business. I have been compensated, but that does not impact my views or opinions. Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
It is always a great time to visit our local parks here in Boca Raton! If you live here or are visiting here there are many parks to choose from that have tons of activities and fun things to do!
We have included several parks, not just six sooo scroll down to the end to see our other faves! For other events around town click out the Buzz in Boca and subscribe to our Amazon Alexa Daily Flash Briefing the “Boca Raton Lifestyle Buzz” just download the Amazon Alexa app on your phone and in the menu go to Skills & Games then search Boca Raton Lifestyle Buzz, tap on it and hit enable. Each day you can ask Alexa: What are my flash briefings (and yes you can add others they have a great list to choose from).
This is a beautiful newly renovated park. It still has the same structures but newer. How about that carousel? Great for all ages and awesome Instagram pics too! They have slides, a multi-tiered climbing structure, a spray mister, swings. You should try the climbing structure. It’s wide enough for adults to fit in and chase after their kids easily.
The playground also has access for children with disabilities. They have the Willow Theater that hosts films and live theater productions throughout the year. They also have a water spray area and if you ever get too hot while playing outside, take a chance to visit the Children’s Science Explorium. There are lots of stuff to see such as traveling exhibits. Many of the sports leagues utilize the fields and the basketball courts at Sugar Sand Park in East Boca in between Camino and Palmetto Park Road on Military Trail.
Patch Reef is a very large park and back when our kids were younger we went to many birthday parties and of course Boca Jets Football! This big park has beautiful, well-kept landscape. There are lots mature trees that provide shade and give you a cool feeling. They have ball fields, pavilions, and playgrounds. Let your kids enjoy running around, a splash pad, swings and Pirates Cove Playground! There are outdoor restrooms and pavilions that you can rent for your own parties, picnics and gatherings. The park has a tennis center, a community center, very long biking and walking trail. There is also plenty of parking space. A park you’ll surely revisit!
This park has it all! Talk of soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, an amphitheater, a dog park, water park, nature trails and children playgrounds. If you love music Sunset Cove is a big feature of South County Regional Park as is Coconut Cove Waterpark. Another great attraction of is the Daggerwing Nature Center. Daggerwing is a nature park & exhibit hall with live animals & interactive features, plus scenic boardwalk trails. If you love golf then check out Osprey Point Golf Course It’s a beautiful and attractive place. Take a walk an enjoy nature from a close view. Enjoy SCRP!
94.4 Acres in size! Looking for a beautiful beach and park combo that’s very clean and not crowded? This is the place you are looking for! The ocean views and Intracoastal views here are stunning, with beautiful blue-colored water. This park is a great place to take a swim, surf, sunbathe and also take pictures. You can go jogging, read a book or just relax. You can also catch the surfers out at the end of 40th Street and of course you are also close to Bark Beach too…Boca’s only spot of the beach that allows your pup to frolic and play!
Spanish River Park has everything you need. Beach access, picnics, grilling, showers, you can all enjoy these here! There are also many shaded areas in case you wanna get out of the sun. Enjoy one of Boca’s most popular parks right on A1A.
5. Spanish River Sports Complex at Countess De Hoernle Park
What a fabulous facility and park! The Count and Countess De Hoernle were beloved in Boca Raton and here is just another reason why. With a plethora of baseball/softball fields, football and soccer fields, a playground and a beautiful lake to enjoy and walk around this is very popular spot. Pondhawk wilderness park is nearby. Not to mention the T-REX Trail if you like to bike, jog or walk through nature. The City of Boca Raton has the annual Fourth of July Fireworks at this park a not to miss event!
These parks are in East Boca off of Federal Highway near 5th Avenue. Currently there is a walking track with exercise stations as well as baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, soccer field, tennis court, volleyball and playground. If you want to picnic, bbq and enjoy this lovely park it is easy to get to and never overcrowded.
**The restoration project is expected to include boat ramps, kayak launch, parking, access, canoe trail revitalization, boardwalk replacement, exotic vegetation removal, mangrove habitat establishment and enhancement and coastal hammock development. For more details, please visit the Rutherford Park & Lake Wyman Restoration ProjectOpens a New Window. page.
For the most updated information on Boca Raton parks and beaches click here
Coming Soon
Wildflower Park! It is currently closed due to construction but is at the Intracoastal Waterway in Boca Raton at Palmetto Park Road by the Palmetto Park Bridge!
Hidden Gems in Boca Raton:
South Beach Park (County Park on the beach in Boca Raton)
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
The mad rush of homebuyers has definitely slowed down and home sellers need to get back to basics in regard to selling a home! Sooo, today is all about leveraging luck to help you sell your home! There are many people that believe lucky charms will help you sell your home! I am one of them (along with a few other things like having a clean home, staging, decluttering and curb appeal to name a few).
If we have not met, I am Michele Bellisari, a Realtor with Real Broker LLC, based in Boca Raton and serving home buyer and home sellers throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties!
When it comes to selling your home there are many rituals, superstitions and lengths sellers (and Realtors) will go to get a home sold. So lets get started with talking how lucky charms help you sell your home!
Disclosure: The links in this post/on this page are affiliate links via Amazon and other companies and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission.
Attracting Luck To Your Listed Home
I interviewed Realtors and home sellers and they shared what works for them to help bring them buyers, outside of marketing, advertising and open houses, so here are my Five in the Hive tips on attracting luck to sell your home:
St. Joseph Statue
1. St. Joseph Statue is the #1 response I got when I asked my sellers and other Realtors what brought them luck when selling a property! The Patron Saint of Real Estate buried a variety of ways in in a variety of locations, this $10.00 statue seems to be the most popular method to bring luck to a home seller and a listing. A prayer is said upon burying St. Joseph and once the home sells it is dug up and cleaned up and put in a special place to be honored inside your new home.
Smudging Your Home
2. Smudging your home with sage…yup…smudging is an age-old method where you walk around your home saying an Indian prayer and keeping one window open to let bad vibes, negative energy and old arguments fly out the window thus clearing the house of all that old crap and opening your home up to good energy, vibes and a contract on your home.
Feng Shui
3. Is Feng Shui your lucky charm? Buyers like the feeling of balance and calm when they look at homes and Feng Shui is a great way to open up energy and bring a little luck to your home showings. Clearing clutter and having 7 lemons in a bowl for luck to clear out negative juju are popular techniques to help bring you luck in selling your home.
Psychic
4. Maybe Psychic assistance is the route for you to find luck! According to an article written by Lew Sichelman “sticky emotions and anti-sale energy” can hamper you selling your home. But no worries, just hire your local psychic or witch to cast a spell on your home to help it sell fast and for a great price!
Fresh Baked Cookies
5. Old school but still considered a lucky charm for many is simply baking a tray of chocolate chip cookies. The aroma might entice a buyer to fall in love with your home…hold on though…what if someone doesn’t like the sweet smell of baked goods?
Lifestyle
Bonus Tip + Plan Bee (and my preferred method) is build on the lifestyle you are selling, now that will bring you luck baby! Coastal living is my thing personally and my locale so anything that I can use that reminds a buyer of the ocean, the beach and South Florida is my “lucky charm”.
Fragrances – But Not To Cover Up Any Smells
Think a fragrance, some palm fronds in a flower vase, having sea shells out etc to create a vibe to connect your home to a buyer!
I believe we do make our own luck and sometimes we do need to search for luck and pray for luck! One last, but very important piece to this post and additional bonus Five in the Hive tip would be, hire a fabulous Realtor with a track record to bring you luck!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
We love to venture all over for good food…good crab in particular and it seemed perfectly timed to celebrate my birthday at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse in fabulous Fort Lauderdale in Broward County… Garlic Crabs for everyone! Our server was fantastic and the food was amazing! We love to experience different food spots around South Florida so check out our vlogs and reviews!
Location, Location, Location
The location is so cool with being close to the Fort Lauderdale Airport you can watch the jets landing while you enjoy your garlicky meal! You can order the World Famous Golden Crabs, World Famous Garlic Crabs, Alaskan King and Queen crabs, lobster, shrimp, fish like grouper, mahi-mahi and of course stone crab when in season which is November 15 – May 15. Never had a stone crab…it is one of life’s great foodie pleasures!
If you love clams, oysters or conch they have plenty of that as well but frankly we went for the crabs baby and my birthday celebration was in full swing…literally! The menu is huge! By the way…crazy good caesar salad and yummy glass of chardonnay to round out this delish meal! PS…if you prefer or cannot eat shellfish The Rustic Inn has steaks and burgers too!
The Rustic Inn Crabhouse is about a 30 minute ride from #SoooBoca and a straight shot south on I-95 and super easy to get to plus the parking was a breeze. Whether you are vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton or even Palm Beach this is a not to miss throwback seafood destination you don’t want to miss out on.
Lunch is a great time to go as traffic on I-95 is not too bad at that time of day or after 6 ish at night…we drive around South Florida alot so don’t forget to to use your map app on your phone for directions and traffic updates!
Plan to relax and take your time … enjoy the views, the company you are with and the food especially those garlic crabs sooo yummy…it truly is a special restaurant that has been around for 55 years! Don’t forget to look at the “celebrity” photos all over the walls too… a fun and nostalgic way to spend your South Florida day!
Don’t forget to click on our travel, local, foodie, real estate and calendar links for lots of local information because we are #bocalocals and #livelikelocals Follow us on Instagram stories for timely and fun posts where ever we are getting our nom nom on!
#SoooBoca xo
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home?
Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
If you know you know! South Florida summers are relaxing, a little less crowded and lets face it, the “snowbirds” head north. This isn’t just until August, the lull lasts until late October so if you are thinking of planning a Florida vacation, this is a great time to do it!
Snappers Key Largo
While getting away is always enjoyable (nobody loves a vacation more than me), “summering” in Florida provides a host of opportunities. On behalf of those of us at #SoooBoca, consider these 10 reasons to enjoy South Florida summers.
Plus, I have a great YouTube video with my Realtor pals sharing even more ideas on things to do around Florida in the summer!
Easy Restaurant Reservations
Making restaurant reservations, in season, has always been a challenge. But, when summertime rolls around, reservations at South Florida’s most popular, and most delicious spots, are much easier to obtain. Make a list now of all the places you’ve been wanting to try and get ready for some superb meals. Here are five fabulous restaurants to try this summer or anytime!
Great Hotel Rates
Consider a “staycation” at one of the best hotels, locally. We have a great article here on the blog called 15 Fun Daycations In Our Own Backyard! Hotel rates in Florida are significantly less expensive during the summer than the rest of the year. Take advantage of the great deals and summer specials available and check out some luxurious spots.
Space at the Beach
If you’ve been to any of our local beaches the winter and spring, you’ve seen, first hand, the crowds. Oh my goodness, people have practically been sitting on top of each other. South Florida summers means we have beaches with room to spread out. Bring a blanket, an umbrella, and your friends. Enjoy the sun, the surf, and the sand! Check out Visit and Play at 17 Of The Best Florida Beaches here on the blog to help you plan your beach getaway!
The boys of summer, our Florida Marlins, are playing baseball and the stadium is welcoming fans. Check their calendar and pick a game (or a few) to attend. The facility is fantastic and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
During the high season, many of South Florida’s family favorites are, in a word, mobbed. The idea of being so close to so many people can be off-putting. But, during the summer some of the most amazing spots are much emptier. Like animals? Plan a visit to the Palm Beach or Miami Zoo, or Lion Country Safari. Or, stay cool at one of the area’s awesome water parks. Coconut Cove, in Boca and the Rapids Water Park, in Riviera Beach are great fun!
Sportfishing
Boating
If you love to fish and boat, the waterways here are a little less crowded! There is nothing like taking a day to do some fishing, book a fishing charter on the Belli-Sea or simply cruise up and down the Intracoastal in South Florida! We are blessed to have a plethora of marinas and public boat ramps in our area and frankly all over the sunshine state! PS…I know all the best boating communities in South Florida like Lighthouse Point and Boca Raton!
Year Round Living
At #SoooBoca, we LOVE our summers in Florida. And this year we plan to take advantage of everything this season offers. Did we leave something awesome off our “Sensational Summer in Florida” list? If so, let us know. We’re making plans right now and would love to add to it!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Every summer I enjoy discovering new books to read (or to listen to on Audible). I love to put together an annual summer reading list for myself and my friends and this year’s version is now here! I included light, biographical, coffee table and society books that may peak your interest.
So whether laying inside with the air conditioning blasting, by the pool, under a shade tree or at the beach I truly try find time to read a few choice books each summer and hope you will too.
Disclosure: The links in this post/on this page are affiliate links via Amazon and other companies and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission.
Summer Beach Reads
Finding a good book (and might I mention an old favorite) to drown yourself in is just good therapy in my opinion. I researched and crawled around the Amazon charts for some great suggestions that have great reviews that might appeal to you.
Summer Reading Ideas
Now one thing I want to point out that as a certified workaholic I try to stay away from too many business and marketing books these days, sorry not sorry.
I consume a ton of blogs, social media and vlogs on YouTube to satisfy my “learning” need so I really try to focus on light and easy reads vs something I feel the need to take notes on.
However, with that being said, I have included a few of my quick read marketing and branding books on my summer reading list that I think you will enjoy and that might inspire you in your own business or if you are considering starting a business.
The books I chose are in no particular order and I have not read them all. Just click on the links for short summaries! PS…don’t forget to peruse your local library online for lists and suggestions too!
I would love to know your choices so send me your list via Instagram direct message or a comment below! Flip your way to some sense of summer with some of these great books!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
“Often It Is What We Hold Onto That Holds Us Back” – Cheryl Richardson
Whether you are making a move or just tired of clutter, today you will get some great tips on how to declutter your house! Isn’t any season a great time to consider doing a little declutter action in your home and life…but where to begin? I have a knack for clearing the clutter quickly in my house and I love executing this quickly!
Taking one day to declutter is in my DNA and something I personally like to do and get done…thus waving at my mess and donations in the rear view mirror!
GET YOUR ROOM BY ROOM 7 DAY DECLUTTER CHECKLIST CLICK HERE
I have put together a one page easy to follow room by room declutter your home checklist for y’all by the way so you are not on your own! You can do this in a day or you can tackle one room per day for an hour and be done in 7 days!
As I mentioned I am a declutterer and tidier by nature in my own life, home, car and real estate business so when Marie Kondo started popping up on my Twitter feed I had to see what all the buzz was about and I am so glad that I did!
PS…if you are thinking of selling your home any time soon once you de-clutter, use what you have left to stage your home!Check out this video for some great tips on that! Get Your Home Value Today!
“Does it spark joy?”
This is the question that Marie Kondo, decluttering sensation and author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, poses to her followers. She is the founder of KonMari Media, Inc. and has a show on Netflix called “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo”. This is a great new binge to watch and learn from. You will be enhanced, charmed and pulled into her philosophy of organization and decluttering for a happier and more simplified life.
The Home Edit
This Netflix sensation is fantastic if you need ideas on how to organized and declutter your house. Think organizing with a dash of design and style and you have some beautiful inspiration to make your home amazing with pops of color and function! From freezer organization to holiday decor you will love checking out their blog for tips and ideas!
Getting Started
Less is more. Period. A few years ago when we had to store household items in a portable storage unit we ended up giving away, selling or throwing out over 60 percent of it. Out of sight, out of mind is what happened. Who knew we were already KonMarieing!
I find starting with small spaces like my master bathroom is a great place to begin. I recently went through my drawers and under that sink and threw out tons of stuff, picked up some organizing drawers and got rid of old makeup (ladies you know what I am talking about…samples, expired items, yucky eyeliner and icky makeup sticks).
At the end of the day the simplest way to clear the clutter and bring good energy into your living space includes, as Kondo suggests, to “take an inventory of what you have” dump it all in one room and then see what “sparks joy” and remove the rest. In other words as she implies, “We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.” Brilliant!
Don’t Forget These Places
Bedside Tables – Those drawers are full of stuff, organize and put only what you will use there. Think face wipes, emory board, notepad, pen, any sort of things that are essential to you.
2. Under Your Bed – They say putting things under your bed is not Feng Shui and frankly it collects dust. Get rid of the crap!
3. In Those Storage Benches – Nice try! If it truly is a great use of space (which it is in our home) then use them, if not, you know what to do!
4. Sheds – I have never met a shed yet that is not a cluttered mess. Go through that and keep what you need and toss or donate the rest.
5. Bathtub/Shower – Just sayin’. You know who you are.
I Never Thought About These
Branded items in your home like liquid soap and shampoo bottles create “visual clutter” in our lives. How can you fix this? Simple…decant what you have into clear pump bottles and containers. Kondo says, “By eliminating excess visual information that doesn’t spark joy, you can make your space much more peaceful and comfortable.”
Everything should have a place. Meaning if you cannot put it away easily you probably need to make some changes.
Living in an event heavy community like Boca Raton and Palm Beach County means “swag bags”. My goal is to appreciate the bag but not bring it home. Thanks to “thinking like Marie Kondo” I only take what I need from my bag and I leave it behind for the organization to reuse again.
Lack of Space? Get Creative
I think everyone has a pain point in their home or apartment and mine is a lack of closet space or a fabulous walk in closet. Couple that with no basement (South Florida probs) and only a garage for additional storage and the need to declutter is real.
I am always looking for creative ways to store items I truly need without cluttering up my actual living space. From shoe organizers, decorative boxes, under the bed storage, racks and benches that can store seasonal items like sweaters I have found there are great ideas on Pinterest and YouTube that can help you find some smart storage suggestions.
GET YOUR ROOM BY ROOM 7 DAY DECLUTTER CHECKLIST CLICK HERE
Alternative Decluttering Methods
Lastly another method of decluttering I have used is the four box method. Super simple in which I get four boxes and use one box for donations, one for what you are going to keep, one for trash and one for storage.
If the direction you are heading may be exploring minimalism, which is a cool mindset by the way, then check out The Minimalist Home.
National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO)
I would love to hear about your organizing and decluttering successes! Once you start if you are like me you will be on a mission to clear that clutter and simplify your life! PS…Don’t forget to get your declutter checklist!
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker, LLC. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials.
South Florida barbeque restaurants are a #SoooBoca fan fave! Did you know that May is National Barbeque Month? With Memorial Day and July Fourth around the corner we thought this would be a good time to get our South Florida barbeque and grilling thoughts down on the blog for you!
If you know anything about the #SoooBoca gals and this local Realtor, you must know we live with a family of grillers and we love good barbecue. From grilled veggies to chicken, pork butts, burgers and hotdogs to ribs, steaks, shish kebabs and fish we love it all.
Living in South Florida means we can cook outdoors and fire up the grill at any time of the day or night. Whether you use a gas grill, charcoal or wood the type and style of barbecue varies regionally and globally.
When my family moved to Boca in the late 70s we had the great opportunity to enjoy many a meal at Tom’s Place. Back then you could get a rib dinner for less than $4 that included cornbread, vegetable of the day, potato salad and rice with gravy. Those tender ribs and the greens were pretty much a weekly meal for many of us.
PS…if you are thinking of making Boca Raton and South Florida your home start your search here!
BBQ Shrimp
I can still remember that incredible smoky barbecue smell that would waft around the Glades Road and Dixie Highway area and if the wind was blowing the right way we could even smell those grilled ribs at Boca High.
BBQ Tips From Travelers
I was flying recently and got into a great conversation with some gals from Alabama who were heading this way for vacation and I asked them what they loved to grill and they had some amazing suggestions like a country boil in foil with shrimp, potatoes and corn.
Ready, Set, Grill!
So, let’s talk about foil for a minute. How much do we love to throw a stick of butter and almost any veggie in foil and throw it on the grill?
A foil favorite in our house includes regular potatoes cut thinly, with a stick of butter, parmesan cheese and some salt and pepper. Try it. You can do the same thing with sweet potatoes, brown sugar and …oh ya…butter.
Local Experts Say…
My good friend Doug Mosley, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Bowl knows a thing or two about barbecue and I asked him if you really need an expensive fancy grill to have good barbecue and his answer was unequivocally No!
As Mosley says, “I’ve enjoyed great barbecue that was fixed on a homemade contraption that began as a discarded 55-gallon steel drum. The key is to know your grill, in other words, have a complete understanding of how your grill burns, ways to regulate temperature and where the hot and cold spots are on the cooking surface”.
My husband is another great griller. He has grilled on beaches, boats and in the backyard forever. He’s a fisherman and I can assure you we have had fish prepared many different ways but we all agree that a piece of fresh mahi or snapper grilled in foil with lemon juice, white wine and … yup a stick of butter and seasoned properly is a simple yet absolutely very #SoooBoca dish!
A few months ago Kylie and I were driving back from a local airport on a mission for takeout and voila…out of nowhere we both saw a little place on the side of the road and pulled a quick U-turn, stood in line and picked up some amazing BBQ for a Friday night girls night in.
Thinking you want to buzz up to West Palm and Jupiter…check out these great barbeque places while you are there! Starting with Mrs. Smokeys Real Pit Bar-B-Q on Military Trail or drop by Fall Off The Bone in West Palm Beach off of Tamarind!
We know there are more South Florida barbeque restaurants to check out, so please share your faves with us via a message on our Facebook page!
Parks and Rec
There are plenty of spots to grill around Boca at parks and the beaches so check out some fun spots for you to coordinate your barbeque.
PS…would love to know your favorite BBQ sauce so we can add to our collection!
This article first appeared in the Boca/Delray Newspaper.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a property in Florida, let our real estate crew help you with that purchase or sale! If we don’t live in your community, we know someone that does and we can refer you to the best agents globally!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Boca Raton Is An Amazing Place To Live, Work and Play
My name is Michele Bellisari and I am the Founder of #SoooBoca®Lifestyle & Real Estate. One of the things I love to share with the world is the Boca lifestyle!! As a long time resident, I can tell you there is nothing like living in Boca Raton! There is something for everyone here in Boca Raton!
I started this website as a love letter to the city of Boca Raton and South Florida so I could share things to do, places to go, businesses to see, restaurants to visit, hidden gems, hotspots, events, real estate and more with visitors and residents!
I love discovering and sharing all aspects of the Boca lifestyle, from fabulous foodie finds, new and established businesses, thrifting options, beaches, boating, parks, events, holiday and business roundups and more right here in Boca and South Florida!
Ask Michele Bee
If you need recommendations for things to do in Boca Raton, places to go, hotels to stay at or even your next daycation, shoot #SoooBoca® an email or text! I love to share my faves!
If you have happened upon this blog because you are considering a move to Boca Raton or South Florida grab my relocation guide and begin your search for properties under the real estate tab! If you are thinking of selling, I have resources for you too under that same tab!
Boca Raton and South Florida is a marvelous place to live, work and play! I raised my family here and love where I live! Get ready to explore and if you have a fun find, share it with me so I can highlight it on the #SoooBoca® Instagram account or Facebook page!
Thanks for being part of the Boca Raton community and welcome to #SoooBoca®
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida.
“Breakfast is everything…at least in the #SoooBoca world! There is something extra special about going out for breakfast with friends and family and lucky for us, some of the BEST breakfast spots in Boca Raton and South Florida are located right here; we don’t have to go far. Check out where to get breakfast in Boca Raton and hit up some of our favorites. Oh and for you “coffee or tea” only for breakfast…check out coffee spots in Boca Raton and Delray Beach we love!
Located in Royal Palm Place, this restaurant specializes in breakfast. No wonder it’s one of our fave breakfast spots in Boca! The menu is HUGE and offers the perfect array of both sweet and savory items. If you are hoping to indulge…..look no further; the options are endless. We are fans of both the croissant french toast and the eggs benedict. And, we love that they offer a breakfast flight; you can select three of their yummy pancakes. It’s perfect for when you can’t make a decision. Finally, we rate their beverage selection, including cocktails, an A+.
If you haven’t been here yet…..run, don’t walk, for a spectacular breakfast. Keke’s is known for its super-fresh and always delicious offerings. If you are in the mood for some awesome stuffed french toast, this is the place to be. Their menu includes the full array of breakfast items including waffles and pancakes and a host of egg dishes. The Boca restaurant is on Palmetto Park Drive east of 95 in the old K-Mart plaza. It’s a great place to grab breakfast on your way to the beach!
Talk about the perfect name for a great breakfast spot in Boca, Yolk is known for its creative menu, private label coffee, and generous portions. It has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Just watching their food come out of the kitchen makes our mouths water. Don’t believe us, check out their Instagram feed. As would be expected, the egg offerings are extensive. You can customize your omelet or choose from one of their specialties. (The kale scrambler is a #Soooboca favorite.) Finally, we love that they offer a “sweet single” a single piece of one of their yummy treats! Breakfast should always have dessert right??
Locally, Tom Sawyer’s is synonymous with breakfast. And for good reason; they have been serving breakfast in Boca Raton for 32 years! With over 100 dishes on the menu, there is something for everyone. Known for their “breakfast in a pot” and “breakfast skillet”, this spot is also praised for its homemade baked biscuits and pastries. Everything is always fresh, hot, and delicious. If you are looking for something sweet, try cinnamon bun french toast. It’s spectacular. To be honest, we suggest dining with a friend. One of you go sweet, the other savory…and share. It is the best of both worlds. If you haven’t been to Tom Sawyer’s for breakfast, plan to go!
It would simply be wrong of us not to include Bagelworks in our list of breakfast favorites. Some of us truly believe that bagels are the perfect food! You can really have a bagel for breakfast, lunch or dinner LOL! This spot, located on Glades Road, is well-known and well-respected as one of the best spots for a yummy breakfast. Their breakfast menu includes freshly baked bagels, breakfast wraps, sweet options (including waffles and pancakes), and eggs. And, don’t forget the always fresh and yummy delicacies like lox and salmon. Everything here is consistently good. Take our advice, grab a dozen bagels and some cream cheese on your way out for the rest of your family. They’ll be eternally grateful!
Open 7 days a week, from 8:00am – 3:00pm, Boca Beach House serves breakfast….. beach style. Breakfast tacos and banana bread french toast are two great options on their broad based menu. And, how’s this for innovation — you can order a side of nutella for any of your griddled treats. Who doesn’t want to eat at a restaurant that knows the value of Nutella! Make it a point to meet a friend for breakfast here, you’ll be glad you did.
When a restaurant shares that they offer “authentic French food and baked goods” we simply cannot resist a visit. Brunch at this local gem is not to be missed. In fact, just reading the menu makes our mouths water. The sweet waffles are an indulgent treat. Take our advice and stop by the bakery and bring home some scrumptious treats for later. You’ll be glad you did.
For you donut lovers out there, you have to check out Duck Donuts over at Polo Club Shoppes! They love to create donuts and smiles and boy do they have a great menu! They have made to order donuts, featured donuts and special occasion donuts yum! Couple that with their fresh coffee and you are ready to run and do your deals in heels! This fun donut stop started in Duck, North Carolina and ps…Quack gives back so if you are a local non profit connect with them!
If you haven’t been to Flakowitz have you even been to Boca? This place is an institution. Take the word of their many loyal followers and put this spot on your “must eat at” list. Specializing in “Jewish Deli” favorites, breakfast is hearty and yummy. And, it’s our favorite spot for Mazto Brie (that delicious fried combination of matzo and eggs that you can top with syrup or sugar, and butter). Honestly, don’t wait for Passover, order it today!
This Boca Italian espresso bar has lovely indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for breakfast. When you visit it FEELS like your dining in Europe. They have a full array of baked goods, spectacular oatmeal and, even a “Tuscan Sensation Every Day Brunch” when you want to relax and indulge. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with friends or family here.
Welcome to The Griddle, an amazing coffee shop on Spanish River Boulevard. In operation since 1945, this restaurant is part of the history of Boca. If you live here, you know full well how spots, especially restaurants, fall in and out of favor. The longevity of The Griddle speaks volumes. We have been known to order, and of course share, biscuits and gravy and the corn beef hash…oh my! Their breakfast is comfortingly traditional and always hot and delicious. Stop by and try it out; we bet you will be back for more!
Oh boy! If you love pancakes…and we love em! We always took our girls here when it first came to Boca! Still a fan fave for many, this is the place to be! PS…if you love crepes too they have an amazing selection! As per their website The Original Pancake House was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953 by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke. Drawing upon their many years of experience in the culinary field, and their extensive working knowledge of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes they were able to offer without compromise this unique and original menu which has gained national acclaim.
We love the vibe at First Watch and the fact they have sooo many options to choose from! Located over on St. Andrews, they offer healthy options like the ever popular avocado toast, to omelets and frittatas to power bowels and egg-sclusives! Fresh and fab they serve breakfast, brunch and lunch!
Smoothies
Breakfast Thoughts
Clearly, we don’t have the time, or space, to share all of the phenomenal breakfast spots in Boca. My goodness, we’d be here all day. That said, feel free to comment and share your favorites, along with why you love them. We’re always looking for someplace new and yummy in South Florida. It’ll be our excuse to go out, once again, for breakfast!
Are You In The Mood For Brunch In Boca Raton?
Well here is a little reminder…if you want to find the best brunch in Boca Raton, many of the breakfast spots we mention offer that as well! Craving a refreshing Mimosa or spicy Bloody Mary? You can also brunch at Oceans 234, Louie Bossi in Boca and Waterstone Resort and Marina!
PS…do you have breakfast for dinner? Inquiring minds want to know! This may or may not include pizza, so check out our blog post on where to get great pizza here!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon and other retail affiliate links. If you purchase I will earn a small commission from these companies. Shopping through these links helps support my business. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
If you are thinking it is time to get out of the winter and get down to South Florida, I have another hidden gem for you! As a lifestyle blogger and Realtor, there is nothing I enjoy more than exploring these hidden gems in South Florida. Lets visit Highland Beach!
Did you know that when you head east on Spanish River Blvd towards A1A, and hang a left to go north, that you are heading into Highland Beach? Yup!
Take A Tour With Me
This is a cozy residential strip along the beach, with amazing views of luxury homes and high end condos on both the east and west side of the road.
The Town of Highland Beach is 1.1 square miles, has it’s own police department, library and water services and the median home price is $591,500. Highland Beach real estate is higher end and if luxe is on your radar this is the place to be. If you think you might be in the market lets chat by the way,
Easy to get to, as it is between Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Palm Beach International (or if you fly private, Boca Raton Airport).
Friends and Food
I am fortunate to have friends that live in Highland Beach and always enjoy an invite to hang at the pool and beach. One of my friends has a great “deck” where we enjoy the view of the ocean, sea life and windsurfers from. And yes, sipping on something fun like Prosecco and enjoying a charcuterie board with local delights including smoked fish dip (check out Old Dixie Seafood for that delicious snack).
Highand Beach is a very relaxing community to visit and live in. The properties are mostly on the beach or intracoastal waterway. There are a variety of options if you choose to rent there or you want to purchase. Many of the people that live in Highland Beach are part time.
If you love to dine out, Delray Sands Resort is a great place to have cocktails, brunch and stay for vacation. We have had so many great times there and the views are simply stunning!
The sunrises from the beaches are amazing + many of the properties in Highland Beach also have a west view for some colorful sunsets too!
The proximity to Delray Beach and Atlantic Ave is fantastic. Literally a short bike ride or Uber to all things happening just to the north of Highland Beach. Restaurants like Bostons on the Beach and Deck 84 by the beach or on the water, art shows and out door events are happening at any given time.
To the immediate south, you have all things Boca Raton! From Mizner Park, to Town Center Mall, lets face it, world class shopping in Boca! To the Boca beaches and parks which are fantastic, all kinds of restaurants to choose from and plenty of out door activities to choose from. PS…you can also join The Boca Raton Club if you like the feel and style of a country club, enjoy tennis, golf and a social membership.
If you buzz further south past Boca, you have Deerfield Beach at your finger tips! Gotta love all that is there to enjoy! From the pier, the restaurants like Oceans 234, The Cove and Whales Rib, the shopping including Island Watersports, Target (no, we don’t have one in the city limits of Boca Raton), and some great thrifts including the Goodwill Superstore. Check out 18 Cool Things To Do In Deerfield Beach here on the blog!
Making A Move To Highland Beach
The great thing about Highland Beach is that it is less hectic and touristy then some of the other cities here in South Florida. It is fairly quiet and almost 100% residential, as there are no retail stores at all along that A1A stretch.
You have the best of both worlds when you live in Highland Beach. The quiet and sereneness of a small town feel with access to big city life from Miami, Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach!
About Michele Bellisari
Michele Bellisari is the founder of #SoooBoca® Lifestyle & Media based in Boca Raton and a Realtor with Real Broker. If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Boca Raton and any of the surrounding cities let her help you out! Thinking of purchasing a vacation home? Michele blogs, vlogs, posts and shares all things Boca Raton, South Florida & Beyond from events, people, food, travel, home decor, fashion, beauty and real estate! You can find more at www.soooboca.com and on all the socials @soooboca. Information in this post should be verified with your accountant, attorney and or financial planner as well as the state of Florida. Information in posts should be verified independently. Information deemed reliable, not guaranteed.
Lets face it there are a million things to do in Palm Beach county and here is just another example of a daycation, staycation or vacation right in our beautiful South Florida community!