So is there an actual mouse and can I see its mouth?
October 29, 2007 8:00 PM Subscribe
Boca Raton, FL, USA and everything nearby -filter for dummy tourist.
I will be probably dropping there for a conference with a few spare days of touristy idleness in two weeks or so. Can you tell me what's particularly worth seeing and what's definitely worth avoiding? Local conditions or goings-on I should be aware of for around 10-20 November? I guess I'm looking for the kind of tips and updates that are not going to end up in your typical travel guide (which I already have). Some online browsing suggests that local transportation can be sucky, which bothers me considering I don't drive. I'm also somewhat of a cheap bastage and not really the sporty kind. Help?
I will be probably dropping there for a conference with a few spare days of touristy idleness in two weeks or so. Can you tell me what's particularly worth seeing and what's definitely worth avoiding? Local conditions or goings-on I should be aware of for around 10-20 November? I guess I'm looking for the kind of tips and updates that are not going to end up in your typical travel guide (which I already have). Some online browsing suggests that local transportation can be sucky, which bothers me considering I don't drive. I'm also somewhat of a cheap bastage and not really the sporty kind. Help?
Boca is kind of suburban. Not tons to see. If you don't drive, it's going to be pretty rough going.
posted by astruc at 8:27 PM on October 29, 2007
posted by astruc at 8:27 PM on October 29, 2007
Response by poster: Well, poo on my luck. Why the heck did they chose such a place for a conference? Sigh.
Should I rather stay in Miami then and only show up for the actual conference days, I take it?
posted by Iosephus at 8:40 PM on October 29, 2007
Should I rather stay in Miami then and only show up for the actual conference days, I take it?
posted by Iosephus at 8:40 PM on October 29, 2007
Miami is a different kind of hellhole...but I guess I'd take it over Boca Raton. You could drive up to the space coast, but that isn't much to look at. Unless you are looking at the natural beauty of Florida (hurry before it is all tarred over for yet another mall!), then it all pretty much looks the same.
I will say something good about Florida, though-- if you are into thrift stores at all, Florida is the place to score a mink coat or a set of golf clubs or an entire vintage set of china or a million other cool and unique things you might collect. People move with a life time of collecting and then croak and it all eventually makes it's way to the local Goodwills.
posted by 45moore45 at 8:46 PM on October 29, 2007
I will say something good about Florida, though-- if you are into thrift stores at all, Florida is the place to score a mink coat or a set of golf clubs or an entire vintage set of china or a million other cool and unique things you might collect. People move with a life time of collecting and then croak and it all eventually makes it's way to the local Goodwills.
posted by 45moore45 at 8:46 PM on October 29, 2007
Drive about 15 minutes south on I-95 to Delray Beach...Old Delray is a charming little section of Palm Beach County with wonderful shops including an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor and a few great bars. The beach there is wonderful too. I lived about 10 minutes from Boca for about a year. If you'd like more specific information about good restaurants in Delray, email me.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 8:51 PM on October 29, 2007
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 8:51 PM on October 29, 2007
Best answer: Having spent 6 years there, I can give you advice, if oddly limited. My advice is, soaking in the local culture involves, somewhat unfortunately, seeing the Boca people at their best. They are rich and insane. Furs in 90 degree weather. It's a sight to be seen.
Mizner Park - froufrou shopping at its finest. Watch the people...watching other people. All with the backdrop of a lovely faux "European village." Some good restaurants and fun shops in there, pricey though. The cinema in Mizner has (had?) a neat weekend program where they would show French movies and serve pastries on a Sunday afternoon. Too bad they closed the Animation Museum, which was right next door. They also closed Liberty, a really cool independent bookseller. But new things pop up every day, so check it out.
If you wander outside of Mizner you will be in my old 'hood - downtown Boca (all ten blocks of it). If it's not too hot, head East for a nice 20 mins walk to the beach. You can wander a few blocks up/down Federal Highway for a really cool little jaunt...antique stores, a couple random restaurants...but really, Boca is not a Walking Town. Boca, is a Driving Town. Rent a car or make friends with someone who has one.
The Boca Mall is a sight that must be seen (even if you just drive past). The Mall With Valet Parking, as I call it. A lot of super fancy stores selling crazy expensive haute couture to old ladies who've had every cosmetic surgery known to man...and then a random ghetto corner with Old Navy and Sears.
Drive along A1A (ocean drive) and look at the huuuuuuuuuuge houses that fancy people live in. Start at around Boca and go all the way up to the Palm Beaches (prob 20~ mins each way). There are plenty of "star homes" maps if you search around, but I think its much more pure if you just drive and stare.
You HAVE to go to the beach - you've probably seen nicer beaches where you're from, with whiter sand and bluer waters. BUT! - if you go South beyond Boca on your way home you can hit a few of the beaches and check out the more classically "beachy" strips of A1A just before Ft. Lauderdale. These beaches have the same vibe similar to what existed there in the 1960's. This is where you'll find trinket stores selling souvenirs and candy, ice cream parlors, surf shops and beachside bars serving umbrella drinks. The beaches in Boca are also decent, by east-coast FL standards, although parking can be pricier.
The Morikami Museum is absolutely amazing. Be sure to check it out if you can.
As far as nightlife is concerned - Boca has a few puke on the floor college bars, a lot of upscale martini lounges, and little in between. If you can make your way up to Delray Beach (it's about 5-10 miles north of Boca) you can find a lot of really cool, arty and funky clubs, galleries, piano bars and restaurants - within a few block there's a great mix of different vibes and types of people. If you want a short version of "SPRING BREAK" inanity, including drunken frat boys, head south to Ft. Lauderdale's Riverfront. If you want to know what it feels like not to be good enough unless you have a mountain of cocaine in your Mercedes, continue south to Miami. One interesting note on Boca nightlife though - if you are having a real late night and make a sober friend with a car - you can always carry on your drink fest past the usual 2AM last call by heading to West Boca (which is annexed and does not fall under the same rules). The bars there are allowed to stay open until 4am - the caveat being they are mostly sports bars and/or redneck bars. Still - when you aren't ready for your night to end, that's where you go.
If you have a specific interest or scene, pick up one of the alternative weekly papers (New Times, etc) and check out the listings. The happiest moments I ever had in South Florida involved spending the day with friends at the beach, swimming and lying in the sun, then going out to one of the beachside pub/grills and having some beers and food. And when it cools down later, getting some coffees and sitting at a nice cafe or getting ice cream.
Check out the listings in the alternative weeklies to get an idea of the food available or look on sites like Chowhound for local reviews. There's a decent variety but Boca's strengths overall lie in its Thai, sushi and "upscale eateries", as well as its "wings & beer" sports pubs.
posted by SassHat at 8:52 PM on October 29, 2007
Mizner Park - froufrou shopping at its finest. Watch the people...watching other people. All with the backdrop of a lovely faux "European village." Some good restaurants and fun shops in there, pricey though. The cinema in Mizner has (had?) a neat weekend program where they would show French movies and serve pastries on a Sunday afternoon. Too bad they closed the Animation Museum, which was right next door. They also closed Liberty, a really cool independent bookseller. But new things pop up every day, so check it out.
If you wander outside of Mizner you will be in my old 'hood - downtown Boca (all ten blocks of it). If it's not too hot, head East for a nice 20 mins walk to the beach. You can wander a few blocks up/down Federal Highway for a really cool little jaunt...antique stores, a couple random restaurants...but really, Boca is not a Walking Town. Boca, is a Driving Town. Rent a car or make friends with someone who has one.
The Boca Mall is a sight that must be seen (even if you just drive past). The Mall With Valet Parking, as I call it. A lot of super fancy stores selling crazy expensive haute couture to old ladies who've had every cosmetic surgery known to man...and then a random ghetto corner with Old Navy and Sears.
Drive along A1A (ocean drive) and look at the huuuuuuuuuuge houses that fancy people live in. Start at around Boca and go all the way up to the Palm Beaches (prob 20~ mins each way). There are plenty of "star homes" maps if you search around, but I think its much more pure if you just drive and stare.
You HAVE to go to the beach - you've probably seen nicer beaches where you're from, with whiter sand and bluer waters. BUT! - if you go South beyond Boca on your way home you can hit a few of the beaches and check out the more classically "beachy" strips of A1A just before Ft. Lauderdale. These beaches have the same vibe similar to what existed there in the 1960's. This is where you'll find trinket stores selling souvenirs and candy, ice cream parlors, surf shops and beachside bars serving umbrella drinks. The beaches in Boca are also decent, by east-coast FL standards, although parking can be pricier.
The Morikami Museum is absolutely amazing. Be sure to check it out if you can.
As far as nightlife is concerned - Boca has a few puke on the floor college bars, a lot of upscale martini lounges, and little in between. If you can make your way up to Delray Beach (it's about 5-10 miles north of Boca) you can find a lot of really cool, arty and funky clubs, galleries, piano bars and restaurants - within a few block there's a great mix of different vibes and types of people. If you want a short version of "SPRING BREAK" inanity, including drunken frat boys, head south to Ft. Lauderdale's Riverfront. If you want to know what it feels like not to be good enough unless you have a mountain of cocaine in your Mercedes, continue south to Miami. One interesting note on Boca nightlife though - if you are having a real late night and make a sober friend with a car - you can always carry on your drink fest past the usual 2AM last call by heading to West Boca (which is annexed and does not fall under the same rules). The bars there are allowed to stay open until 4am - the caveat being they are mostly sports bars and/or redneck bars. Still - when you aren't ready for your night to end, that's where you go.
If you have a specific interest or scene, pick up one of the alternative weekly papers (New Times, etc) and check out the listings. The happiest moments I ever had in South Florida involved spending the day with friends at the beach, swimming and lying in the sun, then going out to one of the beachside pub/grills and having some beers and food. And when it cools down later, getting some coffees and sitting at a nice cafe or getting ice cream.
Check out the listings in the alternative weeklies to get an idea of the food available or look on sites like Chowhound for local reviews. There's a decent variety but Boca's strengths overall lie in its Thai, sushi and "upscale eateries", as well as its "wings & beer" sports pubs.
posted by SassHat at 8:52 PM on October 29, 2007
Best answer: Here's a link to the city's official website:
http://www.delraybeach.com/
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 8:54 PM on October 29, 2007
http://www.delraybeach.com/
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 8:54 PM on October 29, 2007
Also, if you have any other questions, free feel to Mefi mail me. Also, it's not "Mouse Mouth" - it's "Rats Mouth." There are some big ass rats but you don't see them much unless you go poking around where the everglades used to be...
posted by SassHat at 9:15 PM on October 29, 2007
posted by SassHat at 9:15 PM on October 29, 2007
Best answer: Delray is *north* on I-95. I agree it is much nicer. Though Morikami isn't bad for a couple hours of wandering around a Florida-acclimatized Japanese garden.
To elaborate on my former post, go west and a bit south (out of fancy ass Boca proper) to Loxahatchee Road where these guys will take you for a cruise through some sawgrass. It's actually pretty neat if the weather is good.
posted by casarkos at 10:22 PM on October 29, 2007
To elaborate on my former post, go west and a bit south (out of fancy ass Boca proper) to Loxahatchee Road where these guys will take you for a cruise through some sawgrass. It's actually pretty neat if the weather is good.
posted by casarkos at 10:22 PM on October 29, 2007
Right...it is north...The point is, just get out of Boca.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 11:32 PM on October 29, 2007
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 11:32 PM on October 29, 2007
Best answer: If you love plants visit the Fairchild Garden in Coral Gables, an hour drive from Boca.
posted by LoriFLA at 5:26 AM on October 30, 2007
posted by LoriFLA at 5:26 AM on October 30, 2007
Bonus if you like pop art. Roy Lichtenstein's sculptures are on exhibit.
posted by LoriFLA at 5:29 AM on October 30, 2007
posted by LoriFLA at 5:29 AM on October 30, 2007
Best answer: I currently live here so if you have any questions, feel free to email me.
The weather at the beginning of November will be pretty much the same as it is now. Highs in the mid 80s, lows in the high 70s. Expect rain. Humidity isn't as bad as it is during the summer, but might be more then you are used to experiencing.
I'm going to agree with several other commentators that your are best off renting a car. Although you can easily call a cab, the best and most affordable way to see the area is by car. If you are staying within downtown Boca, there are several options, including Mizner Park, to waste your time in. It has a great movie theater and tons of restaurants in a variety of price ranges (tipping towards the higher end of the scale) as well as a pretty busy nightlife on the weekends.
Delray Beach is a 15 minute drive north. Head up Federal Highway to Atlantic Ave. and park. From there you can walk to numerous bars, restaurants, galleries and shops. Head east and over the bridge and you are at the beach.
Alternately, head 15 minutes south on A1A from Boca to Deerfield Beach and you'll get a bit more of the old Florida lifestyle. A1A is a two lane highway that runs north and south along the coastline. Deerfield has a variety of spots right on the beach that are more casual then Boca or Delray.
Do you like to bike ride? Any of these locations are a reasonable bike ride from Boca. If you are looking to head west and see some of the Everglades, then you are best off driving. There are also several free parks that offer some great bird, turtle, fish and alligator sightings.
You do not want to stay in Miami and make the hike up to Boca every day. The drive is an hour each way and not the most enjoyable of rides. You are better off making a day trip to South Beach. Head there early enough to get lunch, cruise some of the hotel bars, walk along the beach, hit some of the shops and galleries. Unless you are really into the club scene, you are better off saving your money and heading up to downtown Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale for the night.
It's really not that bad. Many people have come to visit and end up moving. Have a great trip.
posted by jessica at 6:54 AM on October 30, 2007
The weather at the beginning of November will be pretty much the same as it is now. Highs in the mid 80s, lows in the high 70s. Expect rain. Humidity isn't as bad as it is during the summer, but might be more then you are used to experiencing.
I'm going to agree with several other commentators that your are best off renting a car. Although you can easily call a cab, the best and most affordable way to see the area is by car. If you are staying within downtown Boca, there are several options, including Mizner Park, to waste your time in. It has a great movie theater and tons of restaurants in a variety of price ranges (tipping towards the higher end of the scale) as well as a pretty busy nightlife on the weekends.
Delray Beach is a 15 minute drive north. Head up Federal Highway to Atlantic Ave. and park. From there you can walk to numerous bars, restaurants, galleries and shops. Head east and over the bridge and you are at the beach.
Alternately, head 15 minutes south on A1A from Boca to Deerfield Beach and you'll get a bit more of the old Florida lifestyle. A1A is a two lane highway that runs north and south along the coastline. Deerfield has a variety of spots right on the beach that are more casual then Boca or Delray.
Do you like to bike ride? Any of these locations are a reasonable bike ride from Boca. If you are looking to head west and see some of the Everglades, then you are best off driving. There are also several free parks that offer some great bird, turtle, fish and alligator sightings.
You do not want to stay in Miami and make the hike up to Boca every day. The drive is an hour each way and not the most enjoyable of rides. You are better off making a day trip to South Beach. Head there early enough to get lunch, cruise some of the hotel bars, walk along the beach, hit some of the shops and galleries. Unless you are really into the club scene, you are better off saving your money and heading up to downtown Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale for the night.
It's really not that bad. Many people have come to visit and end up moving. Have a great trip.
posted by jessica at 6:54 AM on October 30, 2007
If you don't drive you're going to have to either make a friend who does, or resign yourself to walking around Boca, which will suck. I guess your being cheap precludes a craiglist ad looking for a driver for $50/day + gas.
Bring a good book and spend your free time by the pool. The sunshine is 90% of the attraction of S. Florida anyway.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:01 AM on October 30, 2007
Bring a good book and spend your free time by the pool. The sunshine is 90% of the attraction of S. Florida anyway.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:01 AM on October 30, 2007
A lot of us here are assuming the OP is merely carless -- I read it as "don't drive." Clarification?
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:03 AM on October 30, 2007
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:03 AM on October 30, 2007
Response by poster: Sorry for the confusion, don't drive as in no license and more embarrassing yet don't know how, never really learnt, etc. Didn't dismiss any of the driving comments upthread since it was pretty obvious from same comments that I was going to need serious taxi-ing. Hopefully I can combine it with the local bus (if it doesn't suck that bad) and the local train ride and not spend too much. I hadn't thought about a driver, perhaps I can check local ads and such once I'm there.
Thanks for all the information, very useful and it looks like if I wish I can be pretty busy poking my nose in interesting places after all, besides the lounging and all that.
posted by Iosephus at 7:27 AM on October 30, 2007
Thanks for all the information, very useful and it looks like if I wish I can be pretty busy poking my nose in interesting places after all, besides the lounging and all that.
posted by Iosephus at 7:27 AM on October 30, 2007
I'm sorry, Iosephus, but local transportation absolutely sucks rocks all over Florida, and I say that as a native-born Floridian. I don't know if the train (there's, like, one) down to Miami is convenient to where you are staying or not. Personally, I've always agreed with a friend who called Kissimmee and Miami the armpits of Florida, but the zoo down there is worth seeing most days.
What you will probably enjoy most in Boca is the change from what you are used to. We don't have rusty-amber-orangey maple trees, we have palms. Everything is still green. You can almost always go swimming down here; though it is a little cool for us in November, it will still be warmer than you are used to. You'll find great seafood and lots of carb- and calorie-laden Southern-style fare. Areas of Boca, as mentioned above, are fantastic for people-watching, as you will find lots of characters, and even if you don't drive your hotel will likely offer some way to get to the local tourist traps aka shopping centers, so you can at least do some souvenir and Christmas shopping.
posted by misha at 10:58 AM on October 30, 2007
What you will probably enjoy most in Boca is the change from what you are used to. We don't have rusty-amber-orangey maple trees, we have palms. Everything is still green. You can almost always go swimming down here; though it is a little cool for us in November, it will still be warmer than you are used to. You'll find great seafood and lots of carb- and calorie-laden Southern-style fare. Areas of Boca, as mentioned above, are fantastic for people-watching, as you will find lots of characters, and even if you don't drive your hotel will likely offer some way to get to the local tourist traps aka shopping centers, so you can at least do some souvenir and Christmas shopping.
posted by misha at 10:58 AM on October 30, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
A road trip down the Keys is wonderful if you go at the right time of year. The water is visible from both sides of the 2 lane road in many sections and although the big chains are around, there are still many little mom and pop roadside restaurants. Key West always has something going on and it has some gorgeous sunsets. Boca Raton itself is mostly typical surburban sprawl...I'd take the Keys in a heartbeat over staying in Boca Raton. If you go, pick up one of those little highway coupon books that are available at the reststops and some restaurants along the way. There are hotel saver coupons so if money is a factor you could probably find accomodations for around $50 a night with the exception of Key West which can get pricy (but again, it's not high season yet so you might get lucky).
posted by 45moore45 at 8:21 PM on October 29, 2007