Boca Raton

[ CULTURE | SHOPPING | HOTELS ]
[ SCHOOLS | HOSPITALS | RESTAURANTS ]

Boca Raton is a feast for the senses, rich in arts and culture; a city where celebrities, as well as food, tennis and golf, are a way of life.

Boca Raton is Palm Beach County's southernmost city, pulsating with vitality and a spirited lifestyle. Originally established in 1896, when Henry Morrison Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad came through, Boca owes much of its unique character to the signature designs of renowned architect Addison Mizner. Mizner's 1926 administration building, which has been converted into offices and a restaurant, and his grand masterpiece, the Boca Raton Resort and Club (originally the Cloister Inn) are testament to the city's legendary heritage. Boca is also home to Mizner's Old Floresta Historic District and the restored 1927 town hall and Florida East Coast Railroad Depot, dating back to 1930. The architect's characteristic Mediterranean style is still evident throughout the city, both in historical buildings and modern reproductions.

Boca's population grew tremendously in the 1960's with the advent of Florida Atlantic University and the corporate headquarters of several high-tech industries. Today, the city boasts a population of 70,000 and growing.

With five miles of stunning coastline and an exclusive look, which results

from strict building codes and low-density development, Boca Raton is enjoying one of the country's most rapid growth rates. Its appeal is punctuated by charming open-air shopping and dining districts, such as Mizner Park, a rich arts and cultural scene, dynamic sports like tennis and polo and a number of high-end residential developments. Add to that a healthy business community and an upwardly mobile population, and Boca is a city on the move.

Just north of Boca Raton is Highland Beach, originally developed as a source of "good water" for Boca residents. Incorporated in 1949, Highland Beach now has an estimated population of 3,100. -

By Daphne Nikolopoulos

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CULTURE / ARTS

Boca Raton Museum of Art

The city's principal art museum is redeveloping its current site to add variety to the galleries and sculpture garden. Look for Henri Matisse's 1925 charcoal work, Girl at the Piano, in the museum's remarkable collection. 801 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton (561) 392-2500

Boca Raton Old Town Hall

This eye-catching building, crowned by a gold dome, positively invites you inside. The hall, which is a modification of an Addison Mizner design, is the home of the Boca Raton Historical Society. Archivist Peg McCall has made this elegant building all the more inviting with a newly created permanent exhibition on Boca Raton's past. A recent highlight was a display of ironwork, furniture, pottery and tiles created in the 1920's by Mizner's craftsmen. 71 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561) 395-6766

The Boca Pops

Audiences have been hooked on the Boca Pops for 46 years. Currently led by music director/conductor Crafton Beck, the 1996-97 season promises performances from Marvin Hamlisch, Ben E. King and Crystal Gale, among others. The Boca Pops also performs a special concert for celebrants on July 4th and plays outdoor concerts at Mizner Parks open-air amphitheater. 100 N.E. lst Ave., Boca Raton (561) 391-6777

Caldwell Theatre Company

This highly successful theater often picks up plays straight from Broadway or Off-Broadway. It worked the other way around for shows like Papa-John deGroot's Hemingway monologue-and Cowgirls, a musical comedy about three classical musicians booked into a country-and-western saloon by mistake, which went from Boca to New York. 7873 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561) 241-7432

Florida Philharmonic Orchestra

Florida's unique regional orchestra has won acclaim with broadcasts, records and concerts featuring virtuosos, led by its internationally renowned conductor, James Judd. This year, the orchestra will play all five of Beethoven's piano concertos, and the spectacular 150-voice Philharmonic Chorus will perform Carmina Burana and Handel's Messiah. Peter Nero, popular conductor and pianist, brings a lush orchestral sound to popular hits in the Philharmonic "Pops" series. 980 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561) 392-7230

The Harid Conservatory

Provides training for gifted young dancers and musicians. The conservatory presents more than 75 public performances per season, including chamber-music recitals, orchestral concerts and two major dance productions 2E 2285 Potomac Rd., Boca Raton (561) 997-8920

International Museum of Cartoon Art

Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, Batman and the very first picture of Uncle Sam-they're all here! This brand new museum brings under one roof the only Cartoon Hall of Fame in the world and is based on the collection of Boca Raton's Mort Walker, inspired creator of the Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois strips. The museum's opening exhibitions featured Israel's leading editorial cartoonist, Zeev, and the greatest animated elephant of them all Dumbo. Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton (561) 391-2200

Royal Palm Dinner Theatre Centre

Comedies and musicals are the staple of this theater run by actress/director Jan McArt, who starred this year in the world premiere of the murder mystery musical, Oh My Giddy Aunt. Crazy for You, bursting with Gershwin tunes, is due in December. 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton (561) 392-3755

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HOTELS

Boca Raton Marriott

Situated at the epicenter of Boca Center, the 256-room Boca Raton Marriott is a haven for hotel lovers-everything your heart desires without ever leaving the premises. Just in case you do, though, an on-site car rental service is at your fingertips. Access to the exclusive shops and restaurants of Boca Center, a concierge level, outdoor pool and complimentary use of the adjacent Bally's Scandinavian Health Club make for a memorable stay. 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton (800) 962-9786 / (561)392-4600

Boca Raton Resort Club

The result of Addison Mizner's vision to build "the world's most beautiful playground," A rambling 356-acre estate with 963 rooms to experience, guests may choose accommodations in the modern 27-story Tower; the Cloister, the resort's landmark original Mediterranean Revival-style structure; the Palm Court Club; private Golf Villas or the Boca Beach Club. The Resort also offers two 18-hole championship golf courses, 34 clay tennis courts, water activities (snorkeling, windsurfing, the beach), 43 fully equipped meeting rooms, seven restaurants in the main hotel, including the renowned Nicks Fish Market, plus four more dining spots at the Beach Club. 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton (800) 327-0101 / ( 561) 395-3000

Embassy Suites

Convenience is the key at the Embassy Suites, considering the hotel is situated right at the site of Boca's Tri-Rail station. With 263 suites, fitness center, outdoor pool, 10 hospitality suites and the Palm Theater, Embassy Suites is ideal for business or pleasure. 661 N.W. 53rd St., Boca Raton (800) 362-2779 / (561) 994-8200

Radisson Bridge Resort

The Radisson Bridge Resort, Boca's second-oldest, albeit, fully renovated hotel, boasts some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and waterway in the entire city. The combination of 121 guest rooms/suites, each with private balcony; meals and cocktails at Watercolors Cafe or Carmen's (top of the Bridge); bicycle and wave runner rentals; use of the heated pool and sundeck; separate women's and men's saunas and health clubs; Sunday brunch; and meeting facilities ensures the most comfortable of stays. 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton (800) 327-0130 / (561) 368-9500

Radisson Suite

Winner of the Radisson President's Award for the past six years, the Radisson Suite Hotel is located next to Florida's Turnpike in the Arvida Parkway Center. The hotels 200 suites are each appointed with living and sleeping areas and many in-room amenities (VCRs, microwaves, mini bars, etc). A pool; fitness center; restaurants; shopping and professional services in the courtyard shops; and access to select local country clubs, golf courses and a jogging trail are just some of the Radisson's other perks. 7920 Glades Rd., Boca Raton (800) 333-3333 / (561) 483-3600

Sheraton Hotel

The Sheraton Hotel's 193 rooms cater to the needs of vacationing and business guests and groups with in-room jacks for fax machines and computers, as well as a complete Business Service Center and banquet facilities for up to 600 people. The property also has a pool, tennis courts and fitness center. The off-premises Bally's Scandinavian Health Club and nearby golf courses are available to guests as well. 2000 N.W. 19th St., Boca Raton (800) 325-3535 / (561) 368-5252

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SCHOOLS

Colleges and Universities

Florida Atlantic University

Established in 1961 and fully accredited in 1967. Originally planned to serve upper-division undergraduates, graduates and doctoral students, the college added freshman and sophomore classes in 1984. Its separate schools of study include arts and humanities, education and liberal arts. 777 Glades Rd., P.O. Box 3091, Boca Raton (561) 367-3000

Lynn University

A private four-year college with approximately 1,500 students, Lynn grants bachelors degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, the behavioral sciences, tourism and travel administration. Former NBC-TV newsman Irving R. Levine is the new dean of the School of International Studies. 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton (561) 994-0770

Palm Beach Community College, South

The oldest of Florida's 28 public community colleges, PBCC has served the community since 1933. Its South Campus is located on the northern edge of FAU's property; the school offers a broad number of majors leading to Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Also with campuses in Palm Beach Gardens and Lake Worth. 3000 St. Lucie Ave., Boca Raton (516) 367-4500

Private Pre-School
Elementary and Secondary:

Advent Lutheran School

Serving students in first through eighth grades, the school is a member of the National Lutheran School Associations Florida/Georgia district. 5001 N.E. Fourth Ave., Boca Raton (561) 395-3635

Clerisy Academy

A newcomer to the educational scene in Boca, Clerisy Academy is a private school open to all faiths, and caters to the needs of academically gifted students. The school offers classes to students in kindergarten to fifth grade. 625 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton (561) 368-6083

Donna Klein Jewish Academy

Widely respected, the school opened in 1979 with 50 students. Current enrollment is more than 10 times that number, with students in kindergarten to eighth grade. Emphasis is on both Jewish and secular studies. 9701 Donna Klein Blvd., Boca Raton (561) 852-3300

Pine Crest School at Boca Raton

A lower-division branch campus, it serves students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. Graduates of Pine Crest-Boca are encouraged to continue their education at the parent school in Northeast Fort Lauderdale. 2700 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton (561) 852-2800

Pope John Paul II High School

The school, known affectionately by its students as "Pope," opened in 1980, and is staffed by an order of Carmelite brothers and friars. Quickly gaining a sterling academic reputation, which compliments its fine athletic programs, Pope also offers its students numerous community-service opportunities to assist the areas less fortunate. 4001 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton (561) 994-8998

St. Andrews School

Opened in 1962, St. Andrews offers a coed program for day students and residents in grades six through 12. Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and a member of The National Association of Independent Schools, 99 percent of graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities. 3900 Jog Rd., Boca Raton (561) 483-8900

St. Joan of Arc School

Due to its popularity, prospective students (kindergarten through eighth grade) of Boca's oldest Catholic elementary school are often wait-listed and chosen on three criteria: the school appears to be a suitable educational environment for the child; the child's siblings already attend; and the family is a member of St. Joan of Arc Church or another local Catholic parish. 501 S.W. Third Ave., Boca Raton (561) 392-7974

St. Paul Lutheran School

St. Paul is well known for its commitment to Christian education and service from preschool to eighth grades. 701 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton (561) 395-8548

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HOSPITALS

Boca Raton Community Hospital

Not-for-profit. Emergency room: Entrance on Meadows. Specialities: Cancer care, outpatient surgery, rehabilitation, maternity/pediatrics and women's center. 800 Meadows Rd., Boca Raton (561) 395-7100

West Boca Medical Center

For-profit, owned by Tenet Healthcare Corp., Santa Monica, Cal. Emergency room: Entrance on south side. Specialities: Pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, obstetrics, cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy and outpatient surgery. 21644 State Rd. 7, Boca Raton (561) 488-8000

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SHOPPING

Shopping in Boca is punctuated by charming open-air districts and magnificent indoor malls, featuring exclusive specialty shops.

Boca Center

Formerly known as Crocker Center, Boca Center is an all-inclusive complex chock-full of 30 unique and exclusive shops, eight restaurants and a liberal sprinkling of salons and art galleries. And for the ultimate in convenience, the Boca Raton Marriott is located directly at the hub of the Center. Town Center Circle, Boca Raton

Mizner Park

Not to be missed on the shopping circuit is Mizner Park, a one-of-a-kind, outdoor, Mizner-style community-a favorite since 1991. On a single visit, one can browse through a myriad of upscale shops, attend a book signing at Liberties, catch a movie at the AMC multiplex theater, tour the International Museum of Cartoon Art, hear a concert at the open-air amphitheater and relax over coffee at one of the numerous cafes. As if that weren't enough, various community events are held year-round. 407 Plaza Real, Boca Raton (561) 362-0606

Royal Palm Plaza

Known by insiders as the "Pink Plaza," Royal Palm Plaza is Boca's oldest shopping venue. Eighty shops, seven restaurants, Jan McArt's Royal Palm Theatre and the Little Palm Theatre can all be found clustered amongst Spanish-style courtyards, fountains and lush tropical greenery. 315 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton (561) 395-1222

Town Center Mall

Another favorite, the giant Town Center Mall is great for indoor shopping in cool comfort. Housing 154 specialty stores, five department stores, including Bloomingdales and Saks, and a Food Court with over a dozen menus from which to choose, the Town Center Mall is ideal for one-stop shopping. 6000 W. Glades Rd., Boca Raton (561) 368-6000

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RESTAURANTS

Boca Raton

Auberge Le Grillon

A five-star restaurant in Boca, fine French cuisine and wines. 6900 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561) 997-6888

Bistro Zenith

Reservations are recommended, appetites are required for this new addition to the Boca dining scene. Chef's specialties include grilled chicken "under the brick" and blackened and grilled filet mignon of tuna. 3011 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton (561) 997-2570 (Additional location in Palm Beach Gardens.) Gatsbys Eighteen pool tables, four large-screen TVs, live entertainment, happy hour and a full bar in a cigar-friendly environment certainly enough to make you hungry for great appetizers and light dinner items. 5970 SW. 18th St., Boca Raton (561) 393-3900

La Villetta Ristorante Italiano

Dinner at La Villetta is a complete Italian experience: It transcends a meal. Menu highlights include whole yellowtail snapper in sea salt and risotto with truffles and porcini mushrooms. 4351 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561) 362-8403

Maxaluna Ristorante

Always a favorite for residents and visitors alike. Dine inside or al fresco on Maxaluna's tastefully prepared Northern Tuscan cuisine 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton (561) 391-7177

Max's Grille

Located in the center of Mizner Park, Max's is a must on the Boca culinary circuit. Menu items include American specialties reflective of different ethnic and regional ingredients, as well as staples like meatloaf and seared tuna. 404 Plaza Real, Boca Raton (561) 368-0080

Maxwell's Chophouse

Outstanding steaks served in an elegant, clubby setting, replete with mahogany, wrought iron and brick. Also noteworthy are the succulent chops, grilled fish and three-pound Maine lobsters. Cigar friendly. 501 E. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton (561) 347-7077

Meson Madrid

Spanish Mediterranean specialties with kick. Maine lobster, mariscada, seafood dishes and paellas. 2000 N.W. 19th St., Boca Raton (561) 447-4006

Mezzanotte

A Miami import, Mezzanotte represents Boca's "new chic" for food and nightlife. Cocktails at the bar, exquisite Italian cuisine and late-night dancing (even on the tables!) to music spun by the in-house DJ. 150 E. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton (561) 361-0111

Midos

Feast on sushi and sashimi or enjoy dinner cooked to order and a show at the hibachi-style communal tables. Prime Japanese cuisine. 508 Via de Palmas, Ste. 76, Boca Raton (561) 361-9683

Monty's Stone Crab

With a menu featuring a variety of fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, poultry dishes, steaks, pastas and desserts, not to mention the freshest stone crabs, you won't go hungry. 2300 Executive Center Dr., Boca Raton (561) 994-5626

Mykonos

World-class Greek specialties-moussaka, spinach pie, kebabs, steaks and chops. 2499 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561) 392-5258

Pete's

For more than eight years, Pete's has served food and wines with spectacular views on the side. Experience the baked escargot and brie and triple rich fudge brownie with whipped cream. 7940 Glades Rd., Boca Raton (561) 487-1600

Espana

Muy Bueno! Providing all the makings to transcend you back to the Motherland: authentic Spanish tapas, entrees, Margaritas, Spanish coffees and best of all live entertainment that makes you want to Cha Cha Cha! Cigar friendly. Royal Palm Plaza, Boca Raton (561) 361-7576

The Crab House

Known for steamed and garlic crabs, ocean-fresh fish and live Maine lobster-a haven for seafood enthusiasts. 6909 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton (561) 750-0498 (Additional locations in Palm Beach Shores and Jupiter.)

Delray Beach Restaurants

Busch's Seafood Restaurant

A tradition in seafood in the Palm Beaches for more than 50 years. Steaks, seafood and space for your boat (docking facilities available). 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561) 278-7600

Dakotah 624

An American bistro serving cuisine with New Orleans, San Francisco, New England and "Floribbean" influence and flair. 270 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561) 274-6244

Damiano's

Featuring a menu rich in transcontinental cuisine, including Florasian (Florida products with an Asian influence), French, Italian and American selections. Dinner served Tues. through Sun. 52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach (561) 272-4706

Erny's

Delray's ever-popular saloon offers some of the friendliest food and spirits in town in a relaxing atmosphere with nightly piano entertainment. 1010 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561) 276-9191

Fifth Avenue Grill

Perfectly mixed cocktails are sure to be savored in this suave piano bar, with dining-room offerings of prime steaks and gourmet seafood. 821 S. Federal Hwy., Delray Beach (561) 265-0122

Splendid Blended

Aptly named for a "marvelous mixture of foods and sauces." Continental cuisine, pastas, chicken and steaks. 432 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561) 265-1035

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