Looking around Delray, you can't help but notice a wonderful sense of community pride. Recent revitalization and restoration projects have attracted many upscale shops, restaurants and art galleries to the historic downtown district. So many, in fact, that Delray is now considered a trendy, hip, happening vacation spot, not unlike South Beach in Miami.

Delray's beaches are manned by a well-trained and award-winning lifeguard staff year-round. The lifeguards pride themselves on their awards in national competitions and are extremely thorough when it comes to protecting you and warning of any conditions (such as unusual currents or man-o-war) as needed. At one end of the public beach is a haven for windsurfers and the sort. Colorful sails flutter in the breeze as guests to this corner prepare for a ride on the waves. Surfers report excellent conditions at Delray Beach and often travel even from the West Coast to catch the perfect ride.

Also up by the "surfer beach" is Atlantic Dunes Park, which is a public park with beautiful views. Unique nature and paved walking trails run throughout the park. Try a picnic in the pavilion at sunset-Delightful!

Should you prefer to be out on the water instead of in it, there are excellent fishing opportunities in Delray Beach. Saltwater fishermen often cast out right at the beach. The more industrious can either charter a boat privately or join a large group out of a marina (Try the Delray Marina-(561) 243-7252 for info) for a day of Sailfish and Marlin fishing in the deep seas of the Atlantic.

If you prefer fresh water fishing, Lake Ida Park has some of the best around. Lake Ida is home to a wonderful stock of bass and the like. And while the fisherman in your group is busy catching dinner, the rest can jetski, water-ski, sail or set up a picnic or barbecue. If you haven't had enough watersports during your stay, try heading out west of Delray Beach to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can ride airboats and do a little alligator watching and learn a little more about the native flora and fauna of this beautiful area.

As you leave the Old School, you may see a bright light. Actually, it's a bunch of bright lights surrounding the new nationally renowned Delray Tennis Center which plays host to many professional tournaments (Virginia Slims, for instance) and players. Further out Atlantic Avenue lies a bargain shopper's paradise- many, many stores, giant flea markets, malls and outlets, along with movie theaters, and places to visit should it rain.

Other sites to take in while you're visiting include the beautiful Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This enchanting place can give you a real sense of peace you may need while on vacation. There are also wonderful places to read a great book besides the beach. The Delray Library has a wonderful selection of the newest reads and is very accessible. Take you book back to one of those sidewalk cafes or venture out to one of Delray's many municipal public parks. The Sandoway House Nature Center and The Marine Nature Center are intriguing, educational spots to take inquisitive minds. Guides there can teach you or your youngsters about the rite of spring that Delray is famous for- the birthing of thousands of baby sea turtles along the beach each year.

If you love golf, you can't beat the public courses in Delray. They are accessible, well maintained and reasonable. The levels of challenge are also varied so the seasoned pro can have just as much fun as the first-time bucket-o'-balls golfer.

It's easy to get around in Delray. The flat roads provide skaters, bikers and walkers with a welcome path. Busses and trains can get you around town or out to one of the other nearby towns and cities. The Palm Beach International Airport is only 20 minutes away, and Delray Beach is an easy exit off of Interstate 95. And just in case, the hospitals and medical facilities in Delray are excellent.