A CULTURAL PARADISE

Jump right into a host of events and activities presented by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

Ahhh . . . winter in The Palm Beaches. When the weather is perfect and Florida’s Cultural Capital thrives with music, dance, theatre, visual arts, science, history, festivals and more. Culture is everywhere you look in The Palm Beaches, inside and out. Luckily, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, can help—whether through its unique Cultural Concierge program, events calendar or its VISIT Florida-designated Tourism Information Center.

Boasting over 200 cultural organizations and 75 kilometres of pristine beaches and azure water, there’s something for everyone in The Palm Beaches. Take Old School Square, for example. When Delray Beach Elementary School opened, students and teachers could never have imagined these classic buildings would one day be the heart of a superb cultural complex in one of the county’s most vibrant downtowns. Today, the Cornell Art Museum hosts the works of internationally renowned artists specializing in various media. The Crest Theatre presents productions ranging from cabaret to classic works. The Fieldhouse building— formerly the gymnasium—is now also a performance venue.

From Old School Square, drive south a few minutes to explore Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a nine-hectare coastal facility in Boca Raton, which educates guests about Florida’s unique coastal and marine wildlife. Located on a barrier island, Gumbo Limbo features a new boardwalk trail, a sea turtle rehabilitation facility where you can get up close and personal with the patients, large outdoor aquariums, a butterfly garden and more.

After touring Gumbo Limbo, step back in time at the Boca Raton History Museum, housed in Boca’s historic 1927 Town Hall, to learn about the colourful history of this glamorous town. You might even hear a tale or two about the town’s larger-than-life founder and famous architect, Addison Mizner, who never ventured out without his pet monkey on his shoulder. (The monkey once ran for mayor of Palm Beach but that’s another story.)

Speaking of Boca, the Boca Raton Museum of Art is a work of art in itself. Situated in Mizner Park, it inspires you from the moment you arrive. Wander through collections of art, sculptures and photographic works of the masters and avant-garde works of new masters. Later, top off your day exploring Mizner Park’s many local boutiques and restaurants.

In Juno Beach, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a perfect place to learn more about Florida’s beloved sea turtles. In The Palm Beaches, females nest from March through October. In fact, The Palm Beaches is home to one of the world’s most densely populated sea turtle nesting beaches.

These are just some of the destinations awaiting you in Florida’s Cultural Capital. So, what are you waiting for?