Stroll Through Towering Trees at Mangrove Park

Even a dead end is cause for awe at Mangrove Park. When its boardwalk comes to an abrupt halt, the result is a dock with beautiful views in every direction. Grab a spot on one of its benches and look out across the ebbing waters, topped with speeding boats and fringed with flourishing greenery.

That greenery should look familiar, given that you've just cut right through the thick of it via the snaking boardwalk. True to its name, Mangrove Park features a wooden boardwalk that slices through vibrant mangrove forests. The namesake tree extends directly from the murky waters of the Florida wetlands, gnarled trunks and branches often leaning right over the railings of the boardwalk. Go for a walk or a run along the boardwalk and appreciate the natural beauty of your town along the way.

Mangrove Park
698 NE Fourth Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
www.boyntonbeachmarina.com/mangrove-park
www.yelp.com/biz/mangrove-park-boynton-beach

Strengthen and Sweat at Pilates of Palm Beach

Before they took up their posts at Pilates of Palm Beach, its instructors endured a challenging training program to gain their Power Pilates Certification. The certification requires the complete mastery of the classic components of Pilates, resulting in professionals who know precisely how to pass on the techniques to students in a safe, effective way. And that's just what instructors do at Pilates of Palm Beach.

You can opt for private, group, or public classes at the Pilates studio (or even sessions at your home). Regardless, you'll learn the foundations of Pilates core work along with other strengthening moves. If you want to deepen your practice, try one of the Pilates apparatus classes, which make use of the Reformer, Tower, Jumpboard, and Chair. Pilates of Palm Beach also offers classes tailored specifically to men, as well as yoga for a slightly slower workout.

Pilates of Palm Beach
901 N. Congress Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 244-5566
www.pilatesofpalmbeach.com
www.yelp.com/biz/pilates-of-palm-beach-boynton-beach

There’s Something Special About the Sorbet at TwentyTwenty Grille

It's not every day that you find a restaurant whose founders are on the front lines, but that's the case at TwentyTwenty Grille. Founded by a husband-wife pair of well-trained chefs, Ron and Rhonda Wiesheit, TwentyTwenty Grille has a slew of reviews that mention Chef Ron and Rhonda (who often seats guests) by name. Together, the duo created a menu that incorporates local ingredients into fresh, modern American fare.

Each meal consists of three courses, but it's what comes in between each course that has many Yelp reviewers talking. Chef Ron and his team craft sorbets to cleanse the palate from unusual ingredients. One customer recollects a concoction of kale, guava, and cumin; another notes that his sorbet contained bell pepper, butternut squash, and cilantro. They're the perfect way to transition from a first course like the duck tacos or pan-roasted diver scallops to the "middle" course, perhaps Vietnamese Chilean sea bass bun rieu or grilled New York strip steak. Save some room for the third course: dessert. Sticky toffee pudding cake and chocolate truffle torte are both on the menu.

TwentyTwenty Grille
141 Via Naranjas
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 990-7969
www.twentytwentygrille.com
www.yelp.com/biz/twentytwenty-grille-boca-raton

Spruce Up Your Space With Finds From These Two Retailers

Did you know that there are many affordable stores that sell furniture and decorations made specifically for apartment dwellers? Here are two websites to shop for apartment-friendly decor items!

Ikea
Ikea is everyone’s favorite one-stop apartment shop, beloved for its hip, modern aesthetic and impressively low prices. Here you’ll find everything from the perfect trundle bed to an artistic temporary light fixture that won’t jeopardize your security deposit, as well as all of the rugs, photo frames, and plants in between. Ikea also carries a wide variety of space-saving solutions for small spaces, which will help you to organize your space and keep it free of clutter.

West Elm
If your budget is slightly higher, West Elm is an equally stylish website with a bit higher quality selection of apartment decor items. Midcentury modern-inspired sofas and end tables are comfortable and compact enough for an oddly shaped apartment living room, while the wide selection of elaborate bedding, curtains, and rugs add a splash of color and texture to a cookie cutter living space. West Elm also offers a wide assortment of kitchen wares that can maximize space any kitchen.

Everglades Holiday Park: Home of the Gator Boys

Guests get a uniquely up-close look at the wildlife of Florida at Everglades Holiday Park in a variety of engaging ways. Perhaps the most popular way to appreciate the state's indigenous critters is by visiting one of the live gator shows, hosted by the Gator Boys. You may recognize the team's name if you watch Animal Planet, as the duo Paul Bedard and Jimmy Riffle star on their own program by the same name. Watch part of the pair or another member of the show's cast preside over the "Gator Pit" during the heart-pumping live show, and then hold a baby alligator afterwards.

Everglades Holiday Park also offers tours of the local habitat on airboats, and they're almost as popular as the gator shows. You'll get to spot the toothy animals in their homes atop the unique watercraft. The tour guide will point out other local critters, too, such as snakes and wild birds.

Everglades Holiday Park
21940 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
(954) 434-8111
www.evergladesholidaypark.com
www.yelp.com/biz/everglades-holiday-park-fort-lauderdale-3

Explore the Great Outdoors at These State Parks in South Florida

Give yourself a break from the fast-paced culture of South Floridawith a visit to a state park. You don't even have to leave the city to enjoy these glimpses of pristine Florida landscape! Here are two Florida state parks that you're sure to enjoy.

Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is the biggest urban park in Florida. Here you can hit the beach or enjoy the more traditional park services like camping, fishing, and hiking. Take a dip in the saltwater lagoon before sitting down to lunch at The Blue Marlin Fish House restaurant. Oleta River State Park is also a popular destination for mountain bikers, as it provides more than 10 miles of challenging trails.

The Barnacle Historic State Park
The Barnacle Historic State Park is located right within the city limits of Miami. The park is one of the few places that remain where you can see South Florida's natural landscapes as they were before the area was developed. Built in 1891,The Barnacle was once the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, a renowned yacht designer, seafarer, and photographer. Enjoy a picnic on the park grounds after you take a tour of what was once his home.

Sweetwater: An All-Occasions Dining Destination in Boynton Beach

Whether you're looking for a gastropub-type atmosphere for after-work drinks and nibbles, or you're seeking a romantic date night destination, locals will likely point you in the direction of Sweetwater. In other words, this Boynton Beach restaurant is versatile and popular for many occasions. Regular diners say the hand-pulled mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and olive tapenade is a must-try dish, and popular entrees include the skillet seared lamp chops and the kobe beef hot dogs topped with pineapple chutney.

The food at Sweetwater is good, but you should know that Sweetwater is best known for its extensive list of hand-crafted cocktails, which are expertly prepared by the bartenders. The drink list includes plenty of classics, but the real buzz centers on the bar's house originals, so look for something that sounds intriguing and take the plunge!

Sweetwater
1507 South Federal Highway
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(561) 509-9277
www.facebook.com/sw1933
www.yelp.com/biz/sweetwater-boynton-beach

Want to Clean Your Oven Without Chemicals? Here’s How!

Your secret recipe for lasagna might be a smash hit within your family, but its cheesy, greasy droppings have left their mark on your oven. You don't have to reach for a chemical cleaner, however. Instead, rely on a little bit of elbow grease and these three steps:

1) Gather your supplies.
Here's what you'll need to tackle your oven's caked-on grease and grime: liquid dish soap, white vinegar, water, and baking soda. (You can add a few drops of scented essential oil to the mix, if desired.) Combine the ingredients to form a paste (recipe here).

2) Spread and sit.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves, and spread the paste all over the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. For maximum effectiveness, allow the paste to sit at least eight hours—or longer, if possible.

3) Rinse and shine.
Using a damp cloth, wipe the paste from the oven. This will likely require several wipe-downs, so be sure to rinse the towel frequently throughout the process. Should grease remain in any particular area, reapply the paste mixture to the spot, allow it to sit an additional 30 minutes, then rinse. Repeat as needed.

How to Clean an Oven With Baking Soda and Vinegar [The Kitchn]
How to Clean an Oven Naturally [MNN]
Make Your Own Inexpensive Natural Oven Cleaner [YumUniverse]

Experience 200 Acres of Traditional Japanese Culture at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

Step into the quiet villa, and as you take in the serene, manicured gardens, discover a variety of authentic Japanese cultural experiences at the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens. Since its opening in 1977, the museum has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida.

Morikami “strives to spread appreciation for the living culture of Japan,” according to the museum’s website, through rotating exhibitions, educational outreach programs, and traditional festivals several times a year. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in the tea house, or browse the three exhibits full of Japanese cultural artifacts. Explore the expansive botanic gardens and world-class bonsai collection that sits upon the 16 acres surrounding the museum buildings. Or take a stroll along one of the nature trails on the 200-acre property.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children, and free for children under 6.

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road
Delray Beach, FL 33446
561-495-0233
www.morikami.org
www.yelp.com/biz/morikami-museum-and-japanese-gardens-delray-beach

Rollatini Restaurant: A Lake Worth Italian Bistro

The outside might be in a nondescript shopping center, but Rollatini Restaurant transports diners to an Italian bistro when they walk inside. Located in Lake Worth, Rollatini features classic cuisine in an atmosphere that is every bit as classic. You’ll like the dining area, with its comfortable seating and interesting décor. There are even tapestries floating across the ceiling! The menu has a lot of tasty options, including the garlic knots and one of the best pizzas around. Having trouble deciding? As the friendly wait staff for some guidance. Whether you get the lunch special, early bird special or go to the main menu, you’ll find good food, big portions and a great price.

Rollatini Restaurant
7125 Lake Worth Road
Lake Worth, FL 33467
(561) 721-0089
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/12/1411168/restaurant/Miami/Rollatini-Italian-Restaurant-Lake-Worth
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rollatini-restaurant-lake-worth

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