JJ Saves The Holidays

First Things First…
Here are some of the best lights in South Florida as taken by our video department. Send to your friends and loved ones up north and gloat!

2nd Things Second.

Voting is now open in the Palm Beach Post “Best Of” Competition! Since it’s the holiday season and if you enjoy our column, we would appreciate a vote for Echo Fine Properties in the ‘Best Real Estate Company’ here. As ole Mayor Daley did for JFK in my hometown of Chicago, vote often!

3rd Things Third.
Two of the questions on the real estate exam are about blockbusting and steering. I learned both from Rob Reiner when I was a kid.

Most of you younger than me know Rob Reiner, who was tragically murdered this week, as an incredible director. Before that, he played Mike Stivic, who starred in All in the Family. All in the Family was the #1 rated television program for five years in the 1970s, based on Till Death Do Us Part. I watched reruns of it, as we all did, since there was no streaming. To me, AITF is still the best program for its combination of writing, real laugh-out-loud humor, ability to discuss real subjects, and at times shine a mirror on America. Rob Reiner was more liberal but also the conscience of the program. For those of you under fifty, AITF is worth streaming and an important watch for kids.

One episode was about blockbusting, in which a Black real estate investor/Realtor went to the 704 Hauser Street neighborhood and offered an outrageous amount to one family. Once that home was sold, other neighbors fled and the prices would drop. All things that echoed real life. Laws were put in place to stop this sort of thing. Here is an early clip about one such instance.

RIP RR

Now on to today’s JJ…

I’m sure Kathy Sisson is a nice person. I’ve actually never met her nor even heard of her until a few days ago. But I feel for her and want to save her from being cursed, house-egged, and worse. Ms. Sisson writes for The Every Mom and has an article titled “99 Things to Do with Kids During Winter Break.”
#1 is to make a family travel bucket list.
#2 is to choose your family’s word of the year.
#3 is to create a family vision board for the new year.

Me, I’m sensing open rebellion from the little ones, so I skipped a few numbers down. #11 is to get cozy on the couch and have a family read-a-thon. #16 is reflect on and share gratitude for the past year. #22 is have a no-spend “yes day.”

Kathy — stop. Stifle yourself!
You grandparents who are expecting your kids and grandchildren to come back and not only not rip up the house — do not listen to this lady. You are going to need activities to keep the hyperactive little ones busy. That is where I come into play.

Here are 19 things for adults and kids to do this holiday season in South Florida.

1. Ilumina at Mounts Tropical Garden Festival

I loved this. You will thank me! For all ages. Plus, you get to use your iPhone as it’s pictures galore. A lot of residents don’t even know about Mounts Botanical Gardens. It’s on Military Trail, just west of Palm Beach International Airport. You’ll pull into the entrance and think Jeff has pulled a goof on you as it looks like a dead-end parking lot. But it isn’t…

Mounts has been around for over forty years. In the daytime, there are beautiful gardens — Oriental, English, Rose, and much more. But this year the light show they they are showcasing is over the top. It’s beautiful, fun and will fill up your photo space. You do need tickets and it takes a good hour and half to get through. I recommend getting there right around sunset while there is still a bit of light out.

2. Egyptian Pharaohs

Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II is a breathtaking immersive experience created in collaboration with leading Egyptologists and brought to life with stunning 3D reconstructions by Ubisoft — making its North American debut this October at South Florida PBS.

3. Eataly & Snowfall at CityPlace

Eataly just opened up. Go early as it’s packed. Get food, go shopping, and each hour there is snow falling in Florida. Don’t worry — you can still wear shorts.

4. Jupiter Lighthouse

How many steps are there to climb the iconic Jupiter Lighthouse? No checking Chat… Answer: 105. The history of the lighthouse is a must for anyone living in the Palm Beaches, as it’s such an iconic spot. The tours go over the history of Jupiter and you get your steps in. Tip: Get ‘Em Up early and go for the sunrise over the Atlantic. Breathtaking and there is the iconic Jupiter Lighthouse diner across the street for breakfast.

5. Holiday in Paradise

Synchronized night music and light shows from 6–10 pm, plus the Ferris wheel. Best of all, Sloan’s Ice Cream is next door.

6. Winter Wonderland Outdoor at The Ben

Cookie decorating, ice skating lessons, NHL Day, ornament decorating, s’mores activation, live music, and Santa on Ice. Tickets are needed for ice skating.

7. Lanterns & Lights Safari Nights

Lion Country Safari has its own lantern show.

8. Night at the Garden

A breathtaking holiday celebration taking you on an enchanted journey through light — featuring thousands of dazzling lights over 12 immersive displays at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

9. Morikami Museum

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is also terrific and more substantial, but it will be much more crowded.

10. Wynwood Walls

A must for all ages. Yes, there is now a small fee, but it’s highly interactive, selfies galore to show you’re a good relative, and lots of fun places to eat. Stop by the auto museum/guitar store 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.

11. Pinball in Delray Beach

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

12. Go-Karting

Lots of places for this. The one in Boca you see off I-95 (Boomers) was fine. Inside are lots of video games to keep them occupied.

13. Snorkeling

One option is to rent a kayak or take a ferry to Peanut Island — just check high tide times. Or go to Key Largo, which is only a few hours away. Call a few places for times and check visibility a few days prior. It’s a 2–3-hour boat tour and unforgettable. We saw four massive eagle rays, beautiful tropical fish, and breathtaking corals. Amazing for kids. Afterwards, pick a seafood dive. They will never forget it.

14. Frost Museum

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

15. Flea Market & Butterfly World

Yes, the Festival Flea Market in Fort Lauderdale off the Turnpike is kind of 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 one is bored, Butterfly World is just down the road.