Author: Jennifer Merril

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Where the animals reign in lush nature

If you would like to experience a beautifully shaded property that looks like a botanic garden with waterfalls but also is a zoo and a conservation center, then the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is for you. This is a place where they rescue, rehabilitate, and care for injured and endangered animals, and visitors have a chance to interact with some of the zoo’s residents.

Among the many animals at this zoo are bears, tigers, cougars, alligators (including a rare white one), otters, flamingos, a pair of capybaras, a bald eagle, a barred owl, lorikeets, scarlet macas, a Southern ground hornbill, a Baird’s tapir, koalas, sloths, lemurs, tortoises, servals, and a variety of monkeys. I went to visit with my friend Susan recently, and we saw lots of these animals.

We had heard that the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society does a lot of good in helping endangered wildlife. The organization sponsors conservation projects in many parts of the world; much of it deals with species that are represented in the zoo’s collection. Admission to the park is relatively expensive, but we understood that it is to help the conservation society do all its great work for the animals.

Two zoo residents here are a little famous! A female (Iyari) and a male (Zeus) Capybara in the Tropics of the Americas section have been featured on episodes of the TV show “Finding Florida” because zookeepers have been closely observing them as they realized the two had formed a bond. The Capybaras spend a lot of time together and share their food. Zoo workers are hoping that this new couple will breed. Susan and I got to see them from a distance while we were there. Another highlight for us at this venue were the many colorful flamingos in a gorgeous water setting, with some of them “mirroring” each other, a fascinating process we learned they do.

Some nice features at the zoo are its “Animal Experiences,” which cost extra, and its zookeeper chats, which are free. There is a daily schedule board near the entrance that indicates the sessions that visitors can attend for that day. Registration in advance is required for the animal experiences. The animals that participants can sign up to enjoy close encounters with include otters, giant aldabra tortoises, sloths, koalas, panthers, and bears.

Susan and I opted to attend two of the zookeeper chats—the howler monkeys and the Malayan tigers. What we came away with was how dedicated and passionate these staff members are about the animals in their care. The zookeeper for the monkeys stood in front of their outdoor habitats and told us all about these energetic animals, pointed out many of their habits and activities as the monkeys moved around, and answered any questions we had. He had a large group of people gathered around and kept us all entertained and informed.

Afterward, we walked over to the tiger section and listened in as we heard about Kadar, an older tiger who needs regular cold laser therapy to manage age-related stiffness, reduce inflammation, and increase his mobility. The zookeeper there told us we’d get to watch Kadar have this non-invasive treatment during his feeding time. It helps to treat chronic pain and arthritis while allowing the veterinarians to reduce reliance on medications. Observers got a unique experience as another zoo staffer proceeded to feed and apply the laser device to Kadar, who we were told would feel no discomfort from the treatment. We all were thrilled to watch this process so close up. And Kadar is a beautiful animal.

I learned that the Malayan tigers who live at the zoo play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their native habitats. And by visiting these tigers, you are saving tigers in the wild, according to conservationists. Once widespread, Malayan tigers are now only in isolated pockets, and zoo visitors are supporting initiatives to protect their dwindling homes.

In addition to helping with animal conservation, the Palm Beach Zoo is assisting with conserving tropical forests, which it says provide homes to over 63% of all land mammals, including tamarins and sloths, and is essential for human survival. The zoo is restoring its own forest by planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses that support native species.

While there, Susan and I encountered a very striking-looking tree that resembled peacock feathers flaring out. It is called a traveler’s palm, a member of the “bird of paradise” family. Known for its massive, fan-shaped leaves structured in a single plane, its thick trunk can reach up to 30–50 feet in height and the dramatic tree provides great impact in its environment. We had never seen anything like it before. The lushly landscaped Palm Beach Zoo is definitely a recommended outing.

For more information, go to palmbeachzoo.org.

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A beach day in the shadow of the pier

The longest pier in Broward County, at 976 feet, is the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, considered the crowning jewel of the beach, a landmark that attracts thousands of sightseers and anglers annually. I went there recently with my son Jacob—not to fish, but to walk the pier and take photos, to view wildlife, and to stroll along the beach.

We started with lunch at JB’s on the Beach, a nice seafood-focused restaurant overlooking the ocean. They have valet parking there, but we were planning to spend several hours at the beach that day, so we ended up parking in a parking garage just off A1A, not far away, and leaving the car there all day. Street and lot parking is at a premium in this area.

After lunch, Jacob and I walked the short distance over to the fishing pier, stopping to look at the screen for Spinner the Sea Cam, the city’s live underwater camera, at the entrance to the long pier. The sign next to the sea-cam screen says that Spinner is located at the end of the pier, 30 feet below the surface of the water. You can watch fish swim right up to it. It’s known as a fun, quirky local highlight showcasing the personalities and activities of the pier’s fish residents.

“Welcome to the amazing views of Deerfield Beach,” according to the city website. “Whether you are watching the early morning sunrise, a fisher on the pier fighting a feisty barracuda, or King Benny the Blenny yeeting sharks—we hope these awesome wonders will help serve as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to take care of the ocean and everything in it and around it.” (For more information and to watch a live feed of the sea-cam, visit DFB.city/beachcams.)

The iconic Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier has been loved for generations. It stretches well into the ocean with great views, has a well-stocked concession stand for fishing amenities (fresh and frozen bait, rod and tackle rentals), and carries a storied history, including a dedication by President Gerald Ford in 1976. The pier serves as a symbol of the town, and the area around it provides a community gathering hub and entertainment spot, including hosting special events like “Pier Under the Stars.” Visitors can take scenic walks along the Atlantic in the clean sand, walk on the (not-so-sandy) green turf that runs just behind it, or go up on the “boardwalk” that runs along the back of the restaurants. For some, it’s the quintessential Florida beach experience. 

The first wooden Deerfield fishing pier was reportedly built in 1951–52. Because it was low and close to the water, it was a place for community members to gather and fish. In 1956 it changed hands, and new management built a restaurant, tackle shop, and chum machine. This all  brought fishermen flocking to the pier. Then in September 1960, Hurricane Donna wiped out the pier, destroying the wooden structure and sending planks floating away; the pier was rebuilt by 1963 through a city bond issue. Through the years different people leased the pier, though it was hard to turn a profit. The last lessee turned the pier back over to the city and became the pier manager, organizing events like fishing contests.

Today, it is a bustling pier, filled with several people fishing and cutting up their catch on tables while we were there, and others just watching the pelicans and other wildlife and taking in the ocean breezes. Jacob and I walked to the end of the pier and enjoyed the scenery. The cost to enter the pier is typically $2 for sightseers and $4 for those there to fish.

After we left the pier, we strolled along the boardwalk and listened to a pair of musicians playing at one of the restaurant patios; took a walk on the turf on the other side of the pier, taking in the sights there; and finally walked barefoot along the surf until we found a good place to set up our towels and enjoy the beach. From there, we could see the pier jutting out in the distance—it was a lovely day at the Atlantic.

For more information, go to www.deerfield-beach.com/1420/International-Fishing-Pier.

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Bustling farmers market on the waterfront

Did you know that one of the best farmers markets in the country can be found in South Florida? Yes, if you head up to downtown West Palm Beach on a Saturday, you’ll discover a cacophony of sights, smells, and sounds near the Intercoastal Waterway, in Centennial Square, and down Clematis Street. This is the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, where large crowds show up every weekend for this highly rated market.

With more than 130 vendors, the GreenMarket is in its 31st season, which opened in October; this year, it’s extended through the end of May. This season’s theme is “From the Ground Up.” In 2025, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket once again excelled in USA Today’s 10 Best contest for “Best Farmers Market.” This Readers’ Choice poll highlights the top 10 farmers markets nationwide. The GreenMarket maintains its status as a leading market, securing the No. 1 position in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and achieving No. 2 in 2024 and 2025.

After hearing a lot about this well-regarded farmers market, I went to check it out recently with my husband and another couple. Of course, with the popularity of this event, the free parking garages had already filled up by the time we got there, so we ended up paying $15 for a spot in a nearby garage. Early birds will have better luck, though. We had packed the car with soft coolers to store our purchases, as well as reusable tote bags to carry everything through the maze of vendors. We grabbed our bags and headed to the market.

There, we found the usual fresh vegetables and fruits (some very exotic), along with breads and baked goods, apple cider donuts and other sweets, Cuban coffee, teas, smoothies, spices, herbs, flowers, plants, dog products, and local wares. And that’s just a sampling of what there is. We experienced the fragrant smells of several kinds of delectable foods. Many of them, such as empanadas, crab cakes, and lobster rolls, you can get to eat right there, or bring them home to heat up later. And merchants sell a lot of local goods that you may not find anywhere else.

While strolling past the packed vendor stalls and plethora of savory and sweet offerings, you can also enjoy live music, some interesting workshops, lovely flower trellises, and the waterfront with its seagulls and assortment of sand sculptures. Deeper into the thick of it, the market gets very crowded, with some long lines, and even though there are picnic tables to sit at to enjoy your purchases, the tables all seemed full. (We ended up eating at a nearby restaurant but still got to sit out in the fresh air.) Also making their way through the crowds are lots of leashed dogs, adding to the hectic but fun and colorful scene.

This all started back in 1995, when former West Palm Beach Mayor Nancy Graham, inspired by the public markets of Europe, sought to establish the first weekly public farmers market in Palm Beach County. She envisioned a weekly green-market where people could buy fresh produce from local farmers as well as interact with friends and neighbors. She recalled that in the European markets, the people selling products knew their shoppers’ names, and the shoppers could ask questions about their wares. So she wanted to make that happen here.

In November 1995, when the West Palm Beach GreenMarket first opened, it took place in the parking lot of the old city hall and featured just 13 vendors. Despite its humble beginnings, the market became a hit, and local residents started to make it part of their routine to come to the GreenMarket on Saturday mornings. After moving to another location in West Palm Beach, the market eventually expanded to its current waterside locale in October 2010, in a place as well known for its beautiful scenery, Intracoastal breezes, and communal plazas as it is for its wide selection of fresh and delicious things to buy.

The GreenMarket is now an integral part of the bustling Saturday experience in downtown West Palm Beach. We’re glad we got to enjoy it—and take some of it home with us.

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Waterfront Commons. For more information, go to www.wpb.org/Residents/Community-Events/Events/WPB-GreenMarket.

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A rest stop unlike any other, at the Everglades

“It’s both a rest stop and a destination.” That’s what my friend Susan said when we went to check out the newly opened Everglades Elevated Boardwalk rest stop along Alligator Alley.

Travelers now have a new way to get a glimpse of the Everglades while driving on I-75 between the east and west coasts of Florida. This lush new complex and nature park is located at Mile Marker 35 of Alligator Alley, 10 miles west of the toll booth in Weston.

Like any regular interstate rest stop, it has picnic tables, restrooms, and parking with easy on-off access from the highway. But the similarities end there. The newly designed and beautifully landscaped rest stop also includes an expansive maze of boardwalks, a viewing tower, gardens of native foliage and vegetation, and informative exhibits about the Everglades. Kids (and grownups too) can be educated while taking a pit stop in their travels!

Just opened in October, what once was a basic truck parking lot has been transformed by the Florida Department of Transportation over the past two years into a peaceful green oasis for the whole family. There is a big playground for the kids as well as a plaza with a 15-foot bronze alligator. There is plenty of parking here, and all the features are free.

After we parked, Susan and I started at the “This is Alligator Alley” sign, which led into a lovely landscaped, pavered clearing with illustrated plaques telling us all about the area. “The Everglades is an ecosystem like no other on Earth,” one states. “This sawgrass marsh is like a vast, shallow river flowing south from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Once stretching across 4,000 square miles, the Everglades is only half that size today due to development and farming.”

We read the other informative signs in this area and then walked over a small road to begin exploring the maze of pathways. When we got to the lilypad-covered pond in the center of the boardwalks, we stopped to take in the lovely scenery there and the striking wooden tower above us. The tower is about three stories high, and you can reach the top either by wooden stairs or by the long gradual ramp going all the way up, making it fully accessible. Once up there, the observation deck offered us expansive views of the Everglades and the dramatic Florida skies.

This rest stop is also a good spot to see wildlife and do some bird watching. While we didn’t see any alligators that day, visitors have been able to spot them (of course, from a safe distance on the raised boardwalk!). Watching the sunrise or the sunset from this venue is also supposed to be a very serene experience.

Throughout our walk around the gardens, Susan and I stopped to look at more plaques that describe and illustrate the types of birds, trees, weather, and other features found in the Everglades. You can definitely leave this place with some new info and fun facts about this part of South Florida.

We also went inside the small museum-like building there, a type of visitors center providing even more information—lifelike exhibits, large photographs, informative plaques on the walls, and, in the center of the room, a large replica of the local area with labels indicating what everything is, which was really helpful. We learned a lot about the Everglades.

Who would have ever thought, back when the original Alligator Alley was notorious as a dangerous, dark two-lane highway, that there would one day be a lushly landscaped destination rest stop just off this road? With the old Alligator Alley, the Everglades came up much closer to the road, with alligators and local birds right on its shoulders. In 1992, this road was replaced with a safer, wider, four-lane version that became part of the I-75 highway. Today, solid fencing keeps alligators from wandering onto the interstate.

And now, from the safety of the new Everglades Elevated Boardwalk, visitors can still enjoy looking out for local wildlife, with the immense, wide-open Everglades in all its beauty just a short distance away. Not a bad thing for a rest stop!

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A trek through verdant nature in Davie

There once was a dairy farm in Davie that was slated to get developed as a golf course and golf community. But in 1980, Broward County officials decided to protect and conserve this property for residents’ enjoyment, and it eventually became Tree Tops Park. Right in the middle of residential Davie, locals now have a beautiful 243-acre community park, featuring nature trails, a thriving forest, a 1,000-foot boardwalk extending over a restored freshwater marsh, pavilions, gazebos, and even an equestrian center and equestrian trails.

Tree Tops Park’s conservation success story is evident in its lovely preservation of ancient live oaks, wetlands, and tropical hardwood hammocks. And now it’s all part of Broward County Parks and Recreation.

My friend Susan and I recently planned an outing to Tree Tops. We brought sandwiches and drinks and found plenty of tables under a beautiful oak canopy to sit at, where we enjoyed a quiet weekday picnic in nature.

You can get lost in the beauty and peace of this park, surrounded by trees, fauna, foliage, and water. And there is so much to do here. Various features include playgrounds, exercise stations, hiking, observing native plants and wildlife, climbing to the top of an observation tower, boating, fishing, and more. Visitors can rent canoes to explore the waterways, landscapes, and archaeological sites within the park. Equestrians love the 8 miles of dedicated horse trails.

There is also a large event hall, which is where Susan and I headed after we had our picnic lunch. We were driving through the park, looking for signs for a “visitors center,” but they didn’t have any, only to the “park office.” When we got inside that building, Oak Ridge Hall, we realized that’s the place we were trying to find; it has pamphlets, maps, informational displays on the walls, and other things to guide visitors. We just wished they had better signage for visitors looking for the building.

Oak Ridge Hall is a 3,440-square-foot, multipurpose building of natural wood set against an oak hammock and with a beautiful outdoor patio nestled within the trees. This building includes a reception hall, meeting rooms, catering kitchen, and bathrooms. It is available for event rentals.

After we walked all around this grand hall, inside and out, and got the lay of the land, we headed over to our next destination: the boardwalk over the marshland. There was a nice, quiet paved trail to lead us there.

Once we got to the “boardwalk,” we realized this structure wasn’t really walkways made of boards. The floor of this raised walk is cement, not wood, but the side rails are wooden boards, and regardless, we loved the lush natural views all around us. This Marsh Observation Area covers 23 acres of freshwater marsh.

Next, Susan and I wanted to go find the Observation Tower, which is in a different part of the park, so we walked back to our car parked in front of Oak Ridge Hall, and drove to the parking lot indicated on our paper map. Nearby is the 28-foot-high wooden tower, which is only handicap-accessible for the bottom half, with ramps that lead from the ground up to a wooden landing. At the landing, it’s only accessible by way of climbing three staircases to get to the top. Once up there, it’s a great place to observe birds, wildlife, and the dense vegetation all around.

After that, we drove to a small lake we had seen earlier, with picnic tables dotting part of the perimeter, and enjoyed the quiet scenery and wildlife. Even an iguana walked out to the end of a pier and gazed over the water, seeming to also enjoy the nice day.

There is much more to see at Tree Tops Park, including a lakeside cottage (also available for rental), gopher tortoise preserves, a Sam Jones exhibit and statue, a campfire ring for Scouts and other youth groups, and a biking/jogging path that connects to Pine Island Ridge Natural Area. From Tree Tops, it’s easy to access Pine Island Ridge, another park offering its own peaceful connection with nature.

During the week, there is no fee for entering Tree Tops Park. On weekends and holidays, the gate entrance fee is $3/vehicle. Entry is free for people who walk, ride bicycles, or come by horseback into the park. Visit www.broward.org/parks/Pages/Park.aspx?=40.

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Vintage cinema in Fort Lauderdale

On a nondescript street in Fort Lauderdale, a few blocks from Las Olas Boulevard, is an interesting landmark—the Savor Cinema—which has been through quite a lot in its storied history. Dating back to the 1940s, it was originally constructed as the First Methodist Church of Fort Lauderdale. From outside, it still looks like a renovated church.

Broward County eventually took over the building and converted its use; it served such county functions as a family counseling center, a depot for courthouse records, and a narcotics storage location. In the mid-1980s, the building was retrofitted as a stage theater for use by actress, director, and playwright Vinnette Justine Carroll, the first African-American woman to direct a Broadway show, and it became the Vinnette Carroll Theater.

In the late 1990s, activity in the theater declined, and the county handed management of the building to the Broward County Film Society. A second renovation began, and the theater was fitted with film projection equipment. Around 2000, the movie theater opened as the Festival Arts Cinema, used mainly for the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF). It was later renamed Cinema Paradiso, in homage to the Oscar-winning film, and the theater opened as a year-round art-house cinema.

A few years later, the theater went through a third renovation—this time updating the projection and sound equipment, redoing the seating setup, which used to be a theater-in-the-round, installing plush seats, and updating the lobby. It was renamed Savor Cinema in 2016.

Today, the Broward County Film Society still updates the theater, functioning as its headquarters, and it is a predominant feature during the annual FLIFF. The theater specializes in foreign, American independent, and retrospective films; I recently saw a good South American film there. They also hold live theater performances, along with “Candlelight Concerts,” and the facility can be rented for private events.

Savor Cinema is home to two annual film festivals, with the shorter one coming up next month: FLIFF Shorts will be held Nov. 6–9. Officially the Savoir-faire Shorts Film Festival, it’s a companion event to the larger festival. FLIFF Shorts is a four-day film fest dedicated to showcasing short films and featuring innovative shorts from various countries. It provides a platform for local and international filmmakers to share their work in an event celebrating cinematic creativity. It hosts awards in categories like Best of Show, Best of Broward, and more. 

Coming up in 2026 is the 40th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. FLIFF 40 will be held Feb. 20–28 and will screen more than 60 films at the Savor and throughout Broward County. FLIFF presents American indies and studio films, international films, and student films. It also features special tributes and seminars and introduces filmmakers to South Florida audiences. “Considered one of the most important regional film festivals in the U.S., the festival’s commitment to first-time filmmakers and innovative programming make it one of the most exciting film events in Florida,” according to FLIFF.

When I was at Savor Cinema for a regular Thursday night showing with my daughter, we saw people enjoying the canopied garden courtyard outside the building. There is a large assortment of tables, chairs, and couches—a nice place to sit with a drink before a movie or to gather during the private events there. The space features terra-cotta pavers with the names of donors, celebrities, and filmmakers who’ve attended the annual film festival or Savor Cinema.

Inside, it elicits an old-fashioned movie lobby. The walls are covered in movie posters and Hollywood-type photographs. There is a small concession stand that sells the standard theater snacks as well as a selection of drinks and cocktails. Heading through the double doors into the single theater, we saw that it wasn’t crowded, it was easy to snag a close-up seat. Patrons walk in on the ground level, and then the seats are in a steep incline all the way up to the back. There was some audiovisual and musical equipment jutting up on the low stage in front of the screen, which unfortunately was a little distracting from the first row.

The theater has a musty smell and definitely feels and looks its age. But the ambiance is a quaint tribute to its long and fascinating history! Whether you come during one of the film fests held at this location, or you’re just getting out for a typical night at the movies—experiencing this simple, charming theater is like a trip back in time.

For more information, go to https://fliff.com.

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Up close with the animals at HAPPI Farm

There’s a small animal-petting farm just off Orange Drive in Davie that isn’t fancy, and it’s not much to see from the outside—but it’s quite special once you get inside. What you’ll find at HAPPI Farm is a nice way for a variety of folks to get up close to farm animals and other creatures, to feed the animals, and to ride a horse or pony.

HAPPI stands for Horse and Petting Pal Interaction, and that’s what they’re all about. Established in 2011, the interactive HAPPI Farm is a nonprofit organization and animal-assisted learning center. The welcoming staff there offer therapeutic riding lessons, equine vaulting, birthday parties, school field trips, and much more.

“We reach out to individuals and groups of all ages, and to those ‘at risk’ or with special needs,” according to HAPPI Farm’s manager. “Our primary goal is to utilize animal-assisted learning and equine therapy to help as many students as possible to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Our programs are natural, safe, fun, and effective! We offer therapeutic horseback riding scholarships to US military veterans.”

In addition, for a $10 donation, people of all ages can drop in during open hours for a walk through the farm and to meet the animals, including being taken on a short horseback ride. My adult son Jacob (on the autism spectrum) and I went to visit recently, and enjoyed our time there. HAPPI Farm is not fancy or expansive—it’s laidback, simple, cluttered, and usually muddy—but you can get down and dirty around the animals, pet some of them, and feed many of them. Visitors can bring cut-up apples and carrots for the animals or buy the food there to give them.

Parking is free and kind of haphazard in a gravel lot right in front of the farm. Jacob and I got out of our car and were soon greeted by a couple emus wandering around on their own. I had to search for the place to make our donation—it was just inside one of the barns, and they also sell the animal food there. We were able to walk around freely and go anywhere on the property. There was one long gravel driveway with barns and animal enclosures on either side—that was the extent of it. We decided to start on the left, explore everything there, then turn around at the horse yard at the end, and walk back to explore the other side of the drive.

Visitors see the horses right away, some being ridden and many in their enclosures. Also on the property are goats, pigs, llamas, chicks, ducks, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, ​a miniature donkey, lamb, alpaca, hedgehog, and miniature bull. ​Reptiles recently were added to the petting farm. Jacob and I enjoyed walking around at our own speed and seeing—and sometimes petting—the various animals on-site.

Because it’s a farm, no sandals or open-toed shoes are permitted. They recommend old shoes or rain boots. We both wore old sneakers. And when we got hot and thirsty, snow cones from a makeshift snack bar were a refreshing treat. The snack bar is right next to a bouncy house (not recommended on a really hot day though), which is a perfect add-on for kids’ birthday parties at the farm. Their parties include the petting farm and short horse rides. The venue is open seven days a week, and parties must be booked in advance.

For an additional $30 for 30 minutes, children and adults can take an on-farm private riding lesson. These horse rides are by appointment only. Professional riding instructors supervise the lessons, assisted by a horse handler and side walkers. Lessons can be oriented to accommodate students with special needs. Participants learn safe equestrian skills and good horsemanship.

The equine therapy program there improves muscular strength, motor coordination, flexibility, posture, balance, endurance, as well as confidence and independence skills. Additionally, hands-on equestrian activities are offered for those who want to develop a relationship with horses and to learn safe equestrian skills. Activities include how to care and feed horses, grooming, saddling, tacking, and leading a horse.

HAPPI Farm promotes unique human-animal bonding for all kinds of people. It’s been beneficial for those with autism, Down’s syndrome, amputations, behavioral and communication disorders, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and visual impairment. But it’s for anybody who would like to come to the farm to pet and feed some animals—and maybe ride a horse.

For more information, go to www.happifarm.org.

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Exploring science in West Palm Beach

“Open Every Mind to Science”—that’s the slogan of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach. It provides visitors, schools, and campers with science programming and tech ventures based on computer coding, robotics, and other science programs. Although it’s not as large as some other science centers, the Cox Center offers an educational and entertaining experience, especially for kids. It has interesting displays, both inside and out. I went to check it out this summer with a friend.

The Cox Center occupies Dreher Park alongside the Palm Beach Zoo, and visitors can get deals for entrance into both facilities. Formerly the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, this museum has been serving Palm Beach County since 1961, and it’s undergone much renovation and expansion since then. It’s in the midst of an expansion project right now, and we had to walk past construction zones to get into the main building, but it’s still worth a visit. The grand opening to the public is targeted for 2027.

In November 2021, the facility announced its expansion plans along with a name change, thanks to a record donation from Howard and Wendy Cox: “Their $20 million lead gift serves as the keystone for a $115 million capital expansion campaign to take the new Cox Science Center and Aquarium into the future with expanded exhibit and programming spaces, including one of Florida’s largest aquariums.” This expansion plan will also include a three-story, state-of-the-art building with a larger exhibition gallery, enhanced programming spaces, and a full-scale restaurant.

However, Cox has already dramatically renovated its campus in the past decade, including a reconstruction of its 5,000-square-foot Hall of Discovery, a full-dome planetarium, a 1,000-square-foot early childhood exhibit, more than 80 interactive exhibits, a modernized theater, and a new science laboratory. The facility serves more than 300,000 visitors annually, including 130,000 through field trips and educational outreach into schools and classrooms. While we were there, summer camps were going on, and the kids were having a blast.

“Engineers on a Roll” is a hands-on exhibit specially designed for young children, combining elements of an engineering lab, playscape, and climbing area, focused on introducing basic engineering, science, and math concepts through play. There’s a “river of balls” that children can direct, sort, and experiment with, encouraging them to explore and learn.

If ocean learning sparks young ones’ curiosity, they can check out Explorers’ Cove, where little adventurers can dive into a world of ocean discovery, with up-close investigations and interactive adventures. Kids can look for sea treasures, climb through an underwater adventure, and look through microscopes for close-up views of ocean life.

In the Florida Exhibit Hall are “Aquariums of the Atlantic,” with 10,000 gallons of water housing native fish such as queen angels, spadefish, moray eels, and stingrays. The different habitats on display here will take you through the depths of our coral reefs and Florida’s diverse ecosystems of the Everglades, the Gulf Stream, and the open ocean.

Outside in “the backyard” of the museum, there’s a quarter-mile-long Fisher Family Science Trail, which connects 15 new exhibits, including the FPL SolarScape, an interactive splash pad, a gem panning station, an amphitheater featuring live science shows and seasonal concerts, and and a dinosaur walk. Dino Trek, the cool dinosaur garden, drew in even us older visitors. Families can imagine trekking through a prehistoric wonderland and pose for pictures in front of the life-size dinosaurs.

For more adventure, there is a limited-time exhibition, Mission Aerospace, which invites visitors to “embark on a multilayered exploration of aviation history, aerospace milestones, and some of NASA’s trail-blazing discoveries that are shaping our world every day.” For an additional cost, explorers can go on this mission through Sept. 28 and learn about NASA’s exciting new vision for the future, its research, and the global benefits it’s providing. Group discounts are available.

So, Cox Science Center is constantly growing and expanding and bringing more mind-opening science fun to families in South Florida. You may have to pardon their dust for a while, but a trip there may be well worth it in your near future.

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, go to www.coxsciencecenter.org.

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Gumbo Limbo Come for the views, nature, conservation

If you would like a nature center with a coastal tropical hammock, located on a barrier island, complete with a boardwalk stroll through the coastal forest, a lush butterfly garden, resident sea turtles, and, most impressive of all, a 40-foot-tall observation tower featuring a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area, look no further than Gumbo Limbo in Boca Raton.

Driving along Route A1A in the past, I would see signs for Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, and from the outside it seemed like a nice, tranquil park at the edge of the Intercoastal Waterway. So my friend Susan and I went to check it out recently. I have mobility issues until I get my knee replaced, and stairs or steep inclines are hard for me. I knew that this venue boasted an ADA-accessible switchback ramp to ascend to “Jacob’s Outlook,” at the top of the observation tower, and I wanted to be able to make my way up there and enjoy the spectacular views.

And did we ever. After entering the main building, we were handed a map and made our way out to the Coastal Hammock Boardwalk, a 1/3-mile elevated walk through the forest leading to the new, modern observation tower. There are two ways to traverse the circular boardwalk to reach the tower: a longer path curving around to the base of a large wooden staircase, or a short walk to the ADA-compliant switchback ramp. We chose the latter.

The impressive observation tower, which juts through the green canopy of trees, is just a year old. The old tower had fallen into disrepair and was torn down. For years, nothing was there. But then work began on this state-of-the-art structure, which finally opened to the public in June 2024, and it’s stunning. The 700-linear-foot ramp is spacious and wide, with nice wood craftsmanship and handrails on either side. As we made our way upward, we followed the shallow-ramped walkway while it wrapped around the structure and switched directions, and we stopped occasionally to look out at the different views.

Emerging up in the fresh air at the apex of the tower, we found it nice and breezy—and the panoramic view from Jacob’s Outlook? Fantastic! We could see the Intercoastal, all the trees and nature below us, nice homes, and landmarks of the city in the distance. We slowly walked around and took it all in. Once a knot of visitors headed back down, Susan and I sat on one of the benches and relaxed in the peaceful quiet. A plaque nearby read, “A vista to inspire the soul from the depths of the ocean to the skies above.” And that’s what it was.

The 20-acre Gumbo Limbo Nature Center was founded in 1984, a cooperative project of the city of Boca Raton, the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District, Florida Atlantic University, and the Coastal Stewards. “A beacon for environmental education, research, and conservation,” it provides refuge to plants and animals, including some rare or endangered. It is free to enter the park, but we contributed to a donation box at their welcome desk.

Gumbo Limbo’s Marine Science Lab, run by FAU, is well known in this area. Its Visitor’s Gallery, with an educational display, was designed to create public awareness about the fragility of sea turtles, South Florida’s ecosystems, and the Atlantic Ocean. FAU’s Marine Lab graduate students serve as community outreach ambassadors at the gallery.

The main venue was under some remodeling and construction when Susan and I visited, so we didn’t get to see everything. We walked around the outdoor marine aquariums, which usually hold a variety of native fish, resident sea turtles, and other marine animals. Gumbo Limbo also includes a sea turtle sculpture garden, the butterfly garden, an amphitheater, an outdoor classroom, and the Ashley Trail, a mulch-and-sand pathway that leads to the “Chiki Hut” overlooking the Intercoastal.

We had trouble finding the butterfly garden—the signage wasn’t clear, and because of the construction going on, we had to walk out to one of the two parking lots and then into a separate shady section of trees and bushes to find the butterflies flitting among the flowers. But once there, it was very secluded and bucolic.

There also is a sea turtle hospital on the property, which focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, researching, and releasing sea turtles. If anyone encounters an injured sea turtle or other wildlife, they can call the 24-hour rescue line (561-212-8691). Gumbo Limbo is a special place, and well worth a visit.

For more information, go to www.myboca.us/2485/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center.

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A feast for the senses at farmers market

Are you looking for a large farmers market in Broward County that provides fresh produce from local farms; international foods to purchase from vendors and eat in a tiki-hut pavilion or bring home to cook; and lots of crafts, handmade goods, and clothes to buy from local artists and crafters? Would you like to listen to live music played by talented multicultural musicians while you shop?

Then the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood is the place for you. This huge, airy marketplace follows the model of a true farmers market where each booth is a separate business. While not all the food is from local farms, there is a bounty of seasonal, fresh foods here, along with a large selection of artisanal goods. Established in 2010, the Yellow Green Market likes to say that it “connects local producers and artisans with the community.” Reportedly the largest farmers market in South Florida, it also resembles a bustling flea market in some sections.

My husband and I went on a recent weekend. The weather was good and we enjoyed walking around and exploring the huge, busy marketplace under blue skies. We took along our own canvas bags to bring our purchases home, and it’s good thing we did, because the walk between the parking lot and the entrance was a long one.

We started with an early lunch at a picnic table in the thatched pavilion. Nearby food stands included aromatic meals from Jamaica, Peru, Argentina, Bahamas, and more. My husband got Thai food, and I had fresh beef from a barbecue place where you can watch the whole savory, steaming process of beef being sliced from slabs hanging there. It smelled magnificent.

We listened to minstrels playing music nearby as we ate our lunch.

Then we headed out to do some shopping. I enjoyed the cacophony of sights and aromas surrounding us. There were merchants set up both inside and outside on the sprawling property. The smells of savory foods, fresh produce, beautiful plants and flowers, and other fragrant products made for a pleasant experience as we strolled along, and the music and festive sounds made it even more fun.

The main market is housed in a 100,000-square-foot converted warehouse; it used to be a sheet metal fabrication site. It is open on the sides, so you still get an airy feel while walking the aisles among the hundreds of vendor booths. I read that this building gets stuffy and uncomfortable on hot days. We went on a day with no humidity and nice breezes, so we were fine there.

We explored all around, appreciating the vast culinary and cultural variety in this place. There were spices from all over the world, French crepes, Turkish coffee and snacks, Louisiana gumbo, tortillas being freshly produced, oysters and lobster rolls, baklava and other delectable ethnic desserts, many kinds of juices, smoothies, and frozen drinks, and a guy cutting off juicy pieces from a whole pineapple for us to sample.

We bought a lot of fresh fruits and some veggies for a salad, and then went to another stall and got a variety of empanadas to heat up later for dinner with my son. We also picked up plump brownies from a dessert stall, and then found a homemade pasta place, where we bought some stuffed raviolis to have for dinner another night.

We explored the lively flea market booths as well, and I got a sundress from a boutique. There was a fragrant stall full of many essential oils, and I bought a couple that smelled great and might be useful (one was “insomnia oil”). There were artisans displaying Argentinian clothing, hats, jewelry, and cork purses from Portugal. Vendors sold crystals, soaps, skincare products, and more. There also was a kids play area, and lots of dogs being walked or pushed in a stroller.

One end of the warehouse has colorful bars and places to sit and drink. Earlier in the day the bar area wasn’t too crowded, but I’m sure as the day goes on, more people come to enjoy libations there.

The one downside: It costs a minimum of $10 to park near this market. The parking lot we used wasn’t even paved, and it was a long walk to get to the venue. Not a good deal.

The Yellow Green Farmers Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. There is paid parking in three different lots. For more information, go to ygfarmersmarket.com.

 

 

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Gliding through the ‘Venice of the U.S.’

A great way to show visitors the sights of South Florida along the water is to take a scenic boat ride. My twenty-something kids were visiting recently, and we decided to try Fort Lauderdale’s Carrie B Cruises. We are glad we did.

Cruising the area on the largest sightseeing boat in Fort Lauderdale has been a local highlight for residents and visitors for more than 30 years. Carrie B Cruises likes to call it the “Venice of America Tour.” It’s a 90-minute, fully narrated, paddlewheel-propelled boat ride for around $30 a person (or $19 for children). You can buy tickets for one of three time slots: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. You get to ride along the historic New River as well as on the Intercoastal Waterway. You can see the impressive Millionaires Row and learn about the mansions of the famous and wealthy. You glide past super yachts and can catch a glimpse of the busy Port Everglades.

For our tour, we bought our tickets in advance online and printed them out. As recommended, we arrived at the downtown waterfront area around 30 minutes early to find parking. The dock is located on New River Drive East, just a block off Las Olas Boulevard. We found street parking a couple blocks away from the dock and paid through one of the parking kiosks nearby. There also are parking garages in the area. After parking, we got to the dock area a little early and sat on benches facing the New River, a nice area with beautiful views of the waterfront.

When it was time for our tour, we showed our ticket printouts and then it was a quick process to board the boat. The lower level is enclosed, with an air-conditioned interior, a full bar, a snack bar, tables to sit at, and restrooms. We headed upstairs for fresh breezes and great views. The upper level is huge and there was plenty of seating to pick from, in rows facing forward, in the shade or in the sun. We ended up moving around this deck during the journey, viewing different sides of the water and getting pictures from various angles. Most people didn’t stay put, roaming around the vessel as needed. It was very casual and fun.
We started our cruise heading out the New River from downtown Fort Lauderdale, passed lots of lovely canals (reminiscent of Venice, Italy, as in the tour’s nickname), and went onto the Intercoastal, heading all the way toward Port Everglades before making the return trip back. Our tour guide was very entertaining and comprehensive and gave us a lot of fun facts about the glitzy mansions and beautifully landscaped properties that we slowly passed by, along with the mega-yachts docked along the way, and other landmarks and points of interest. Occasionally gliding past us in the opposite direction were other fun tourist and party boats.
It’s been said that sightseeing rides like these are the water version of Hollywood, California’s celebrity star tours. For my kids and me, our highlights that day were discovering the variety of large mansions in Millionaires Row and learning their fascinating stories; going out in the wide-open waters toward the colorful, bustling Port Everglades (a very busy cruise-ship port); and gawking at the Bahia Mar Marina displaying a surprising array of massive yachts. We thought that some of the mega-mansions and surrounding scenery were stunning. Our guide gave us a little history about the area, interesting information about the company CEOs and other multimillionaires who owned some of the homes, and some witty anecdotes about these properties.
The Carrie B staff were friendly, and the prices were reasonable, for both the tickets and the refreshments. The ride was smooth, and the boat—which can hold up to 300 passengers although that day was not too crowded—is big enough so that we never really felt any swells. We got to see the sights of this beautiful city and all the water features from a different vantage point than we normally would. What’s not to like?
There are other tour boats you can take for a longer day and for more of a party experience. But for showing family members visiting from out of state all the beauty and opulence of the area in a compact time, the Carrie B provides the perfect excursion!

For more information and tickets, go to carriebcruises.com.

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Private, peaceful paradise among the palms

There is a small country road off bustling Atlantic Avenue in west Delray Beach that quietly leads to a hidden lush oasis—the Paradise Palms Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. This place combines beautiful nature and creative artwork unlike anything I’ve seen before. The unique Paradise Palms does not advertise its existence online, there are no signs to tell you where it’s located, it’s totally gated off, and visitors can enter its grounds by appointment only. I wouldn’t have known about it if someone hadn’t told me. And that’s the way they like it there.

If you’re fortunate to make an appointment and get into this 20-acre secluded paradise (it fits its title!), you can stroll through numerous well-curated gardens, groves, and micro-forests containing a plethora of plants, shrubs, and trees, including one of the most extensive palm tree collections in the country. You can see 2,500 palms in their natural environments, with at least 450 different kinds to enjoy. There are numerous pathways throughout the gardens, with ponds and bridges along the way, and breathtaking vistas.

I went with three friends one Thursday afternoon, and we were the only ones in the entire botanical park, except for some staff members. It was like we were walking through our own elegant estate. We were impressed by the large number of outdoor sculptures interspersed throughout the property, artfully situated among the landscaping of palms, vegetation, rock gardens, and cacti. We enjoyed rounding a bend and coming across yet another unique sculpture. The collection comes from all over the world, and the pieces are widely varied in style and materials used.

These sculptures have been collected over the years, some of which were commissioned for Paradise Palms, and many of them works by professional sculptors. Others are creatively made from old trees that were repurposed as art, or driftwood from nurseries, one painted a bright red. There was so much to see, a feast for the eyes. We especially liked “Guardian of the Garden,” a dramatic metal statue of a goddess with multiple horns on her head, sitting nestled among the rocks.

Paradise Palms has been an ongoing project since 2013, when 5 acres of land were acquired for this ambitious verdant undertaking. Later, two more sections, of 5 and 10 acres each, were added to make it the expansive, impressive estate that it is now. Delray Beach residents Mark and Kathryn are principal supporters of the gardens, which were developed by horticultural consultant Paul Craft and other landscape professionals.

Featured is a half-acre “open-air” conservatory of rare shade palms from Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and the Americas, in an artificially created rainforest. This environment is controlled by a complex mister system. My friends and I also appreciated the bucolic, Asian-themed zen garden. In addition, the grounds boast a yoga platform hidden in a small bamboo forest; a pond with koi fish; a tiki hut; a huge ficus tree; a butterfly garden; a miniature village for kids; and a “mini mountain” covered in trees, plants, and succulents that thrive in desert-like conditions.

We were given brochures with a map when we first entered the park, which helped us identify what we were encountering. Informative, illustrated signs are also posted along the paths to give visitors lots of details about what they’re seeing along the way. And the site’s management lets you roam the grounds on your own, but they’re frequently around to answer any questions.

Paradise Palms is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is “to preserve and promote knowledge and enjoyment of the more than 500 species of palm trees in this garden as an educational and aesthetic experience for visitors, enhanced by a variety of modern and contemporary sculptures.”

It was definitely an aesthetic experience that day for four women who felt very lucky to have discovered these secret gardens filled with displays of modern art. It was a lovely, peaceful afternoon that you wouldn’t expect just off the main drag of a busy city.

Paradise Palms Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is open by appointment on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. For information, go to paradisepalms.org.

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