14 Days of Holiday Ideas

Right now I’m in the Philippines with my family and Lola Virgie visiting Titos and Titas that I didn’t know I had on my wife’s side. If I don’t accidently get swallowed by a whale shark while snorkeling, I at least hope to give you one last piece of advice to help you get through the holidays.  Let me explain…

See, I can’t paint or draw.  As a matter of fact, my handwriting stinks.  I’ve actually never written a handwritten note card for business. Only print. Everyone would think it was from a 3^rd grader or maybe a doctor… They would get my note and think it was some type of prescription and even Walgreens would never accept it. Or maybe they would, as those pharmacists maybe just have to assume if they can’t read it, then it must be a valid doctor’s signature.

I also can’t build things or solve puzzles like the Rubik’s cube. And that doesn’t bode well for constructing futuristic inventions. Now, I’m good with ideas. For instance, I’ve had the idea to build a pooper scooper thingamajigger that would dissipate every South Florida’s 10-pound little pooches, stinky doggie truffles. Go into any country club and there are multi-millionaires walking around with a Publix grocery bag cleaning up little Precious’s barkers’ eggs.  However, I’m also not a scientist (I somehow avoided chemistry in high school and college) which would be needed to invent some sort of environmental spray. I have no engineering skills. Wasn’t good in geometry, physics, pyrotechnics, or zoology.  The only astronomy information I know are all the streets in Juno Beach named after the constellations.

All of this is why I was fascinated by Leonardo DaVinci.  Right now, there is a Leonardo DaVinci exhibit in Boynton Beach at our local PBS station headquarters. It’s interactive, fun, and great for adults and kids (dancing, pinball, and basketball).  It’s also not too long and by appointment.

I’m involved in BBBS (Big Brothers Big Sisters) of Palm Beach and Martin County.  Since I have to come up with something to do once a week for my 11-year-old Little, I’m an expert at finding things for Grandparents to do with their grandchildren who are visiting in abundance. So starting with Leo, here are 14 things to do for grandparents, adults, and kids during the holiday season…..

1. Da Vinci Immersive Art Experience

Immerse Yourself in the Genius Mind of Leonardo da Vinci! Be transported back to Renaissance Italy through this groundbreaking immersive technology that brings da Vinci’s masterpieces, inventions, and incredible mind to vivid life. This award-winning interactive art experience allows you to lose yourself in the wonders of da Vinci’s genius through spectacular projections and Multimedia exhibits.

2. Night at The Garden

Night at The Garden is a breathtaking holiday celebration, taking you on an enchanted journey through light – featuring thousands of dazzling lights over 12 immersive displays – including Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden which has been transformed with technicolor flowers, magical sculptures, and a whimsical ambiance.

3. Mounts Botanical Gardens

I never knew Mounts existed for 20 years. It’s beautiful with different themes. Some interactive and fun areas. Right by Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is also terrific and more substantial, but it will be much more crowded.

4. Grandview Market

Grandview Public Market is fun. They have a hip food court and bingo on weekends. Go see the Christmas tree with a top off Sloan’s ice cream by Clematis afterward.

5. Wynwood Walls

I think Wynwood Walls is a must for all ages. Yes, there is now a small fee for entertainment but it’s highly interactive, selfies galore to show you are a good relative, lots of fun places to eat. Stop by the auto museum/guitar star for a quick stroll.  *Bonus* Take the Brightline.  It’s fast and you don’t have to deal with the crazy drivers south of Boca.

6. Pinball in Delray Beach

Silver Ball Museum will keep you entertained for a few hours. Old school pinball and video games and some new pinball that is mind-blowing. You’ll have fun yourself. And another Sloan’s down the street.

7. Go Karting

Lots of places for this. The one in Boca you see off of 95, Boomer was fine. Inside are lots of video games too to keep them occupied.

8. Snorkeling

My little said this was his favorite thing. Go to Key Largo, which is only a few hours away.  Call a few places for times and check the visibility a few days prior. You can do an early morning drive.  It’s a 2–3-hour boat tour and unforgettable snorkel over the reefs.We saw 4 massive Eagle Rays, beautiful tropical fish and breathtaking corals. Amazing for kids. Afterwards pick a seafood dive.  They will never forget that experience.

9. Frost Museum

If you haven’t been to Frost there, it’s sensational.  The outdoor spiral aquarium is insanely good with a plethora of sharks.  The interactive science museum and planetarium are so fun, educational and sophisticated. Excellent for adults and kids. Win-Win.

10. Flea Market & Butterfly World

Yes, the Festival Flea Market in Fort Lauderdale off the turnpike is kinda dumb. No, very dumb, but it can be fun to negotiate, people watch, and get a pickle on a stick. It also doesn’t break the bank. There is sure to be a terrible accordion player doing Neil Diamond classics in the food court. If the Little is bored, just down the road is butterfly world which is a sure good thing.

11. Busch Wildlife

I loved their old location but this new location in Jupiter Farms is even better. https://www.buschwildlife.org/ . It’s a very intimate zoo and animal hospital.

12. Ice Skating

I passed on participating but my Little loved it. Palm Beach Skate Zone is good but just make sure there is not a hockey game in advance.

13. Roller-skating

I shockingly did this, and didn’t even break a leg. Astro Skating Center is in Greenacres. Great 70’s disco music.

14. Kravis Center or The Maltz

You need a break from the Ice Skating and Roller skating. Dress up and see a play. Kravis and Maltz have good holiday events.

Jeff Lichtenstein, originally from Chicago, got his start in the home furnishings textile business where he traveled over 35 weeks a year selling fabrics. After the family business was sold, Jeff moved to Florida and became a real estate agent. Today he is the owner and broker of Echo Fine Properties, a luxury residential brokerage voted best brokerage of the year. Jeff manages a non-traditional model of real estate that mimics a traditional business model. Echo has 80 agents, an average of one million dollars per transaction and over 500 million in annual sales. Between traveling for work and annual family trips to national parks with his wife and 2 now adult children, Jeff has visited 49 states. He is also one of the few Chicago White Sox fans you’ll ever meet.  Some publications he has been quoted in.

Author of business & leadership book How Making a Sandwich Can Change Your World –  The Amazing Success of the PB&J Strategy – Available to Buy Now!

Feel free to ask him a question directly at jeff@EchoFineProperties.com including a complementary  valuation of your home.

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