Delray Beach, with its central location on the Gold Coast, offers a vast array of shopping opportunities ranging from quaint marketplaces located right in Delray Beach to mega malls and quality outlet shopping in nearby Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Ft. Lauderdale.

Walking Distance The Colony is right in the heart of Atlantic Avenue, a treasure trove for the recreational shopper showcasing more than 300 different boutiques and galleries.

A sampling of the unusual includes home and fashion accessories from 5 continents (in a Soho-like emporium); children's clothing from California and Europe, estate jewelry and antiques, mystical books, upscale custom designed jeweled pieces, and art and craft supplies of all types.

• Escentials - Apothecaries for body, home, spirit. (561) 276-7070
• 531 East - Tropical clothing, accessories, and gifts. (561) 272-3278
• 531 East Too - Tropical gifts, home accessories. (561) 272-3278
• Baobab - 'Expect the unexpected'
• Leather Attic - Everything in leather
• Salutations - Stationery, gifts. (561) 266-6558
• A few blocks away is historic Pineapple Grove, quickly becoming the new center of art and culture - home of the Photographic Centre, Old School Square, Ocean City Lumber shops and historic train depot, flea market and consignment shops.

• Outlet Shopping - Levenger and ABC Carpet are right in Delray -10 minutes from The Colony
• Mizner Park in Boca Raton -deluxe shopping & restaurant complex. Great strolling in the evening. 10 minutes from The Colony
• Sawgrass Mills Outlet - One of the largest discount outlet malls in North America - 60 minutes from The Colony
• Worth Avenue in Palm Beach - 30 minutes from The Colony Hotel
• Major deluxe malls (15 & 45 minutes from The Colony)

• Delray Beach 30 minute Historical Walking Tour. (561) 243-0223
• Old School Square Cultural Center and Museum. (561) 243-7922
• Cason Cottage (one of Delray Beach's oldest houses). (561) 243-0223
• Sandoway House Nature Centre (561) 274-7263. For adults and children of all ages.
• Palm Beach Photographic Centre and Museum (561) 276-9797 Classes and photo museum.
• Ramblin' Rose Riverboat. Excursions on the Intracoastal Waterway from Delray Beach to Boca Raton or Delray Beach to Palm Beach. Commentary on the magnificent homes and history of the area.
• Delray Beach Tennis Center (561) 243-7360. Court rental, private instruction or group clinics. 6 blocks from The Colony.
• Regal Delray Movie Cineplex- 18 theaters in a beautiful complex. (561) 272-2900
• Delray Beach Public Library - 2 blocks from hotel. It's fun to browse - and relaxing! (561) 266-0194

• Morikami Museum Japanese Gardens and Cultural Museum. Spectacular exhibits and gardens. Serves authentic Japanese fare (561) 659-6555
• Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex - Nature Center and Boardwalk Trail. Outdoor exhibits include loggerhead turtles, sharks, butterfly garden. 40' viewing tower of Intracoastal Waterway and Boca Raton environs. (561) 338-1473
• International Museum of Cartoon Art. (561) 391-2200
• Sea Mist Fishing Boat Sailing Daily 8AM, 1PM, 7PM (561) 732-9974.
• Loxahatchee Canoe Trail and rentals. (561) 733-0192

• Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (Whitehall). Flagler's historic Palm Beach mansion. (561) 655-2833
• Norton Museum of Art features national and international exhibits. (561) 832-5194
• Mounts Botanical Garden-horticultural display and learning center. Guided tours. (561) 233-1749
• Hoffman's Chocolate Shoppe & Gardens. (561) 967-2213. Watch chocolate being made, then stroll through lush gardens. 15 minutes from hotel
• Loxahatchee Everglades Tours (561) 482-6107 Boca Raton. Explore Everglades in airboat 1 -2 hour tours (30 minutes from The Colony)
• Sailfish Marina. Popular "Keys-like" restaurant; arts and crafts show Thurs nights (561) 844-1724; Water taxi rides (561) 930-8294

• Glades Tours Ecology and Everglades custom tours with historical narration. May include a lunch cruise on Lake Okeechobee or a BBQ, visit to Caloosa Indian ruins, air boat ride, agricultural tour of farms and vegetable packing plants. Optional colorful multi- media presentations. (561) 924-2003
• Lion Country Safari -A drive through preserve of wild exotic animals and zoo. (561) 793-1084
• Knollwood Groves/Hallpatee Seminole Village (561) 734-4800 Lake Worth. Authentic display of native Seminole Indian culture. Tram ride through groves. Saturday alligator wrestling show.
• Dozens of other attractions including sugarcane, citrus & vegetable packing plant tours; cycling around Lake Okeechobee (bike rentals); birdwatching with the Audubon Society of the Everglades; canoeing or kayaking tours; hiking & walking trails; trap & skeet shooting, polo watching...