About The Author

Paulette Klein

Paulette is a freelance writer and the creator of LifeTraveledInStilettos.com. She writes and blogs about travel, parenting, relationships, and adjusting to the next chapter of life. With coffee in hand, you will find her searching for her next big adventure or lost somewhere in a shoe store.

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Boca Raton, FL Things To Discover Travel

Discovering The Chinese Lantern Festival — Where The East Meets The West (Boca That Is)

After months of reading about this year’s Chinese Lantern Festival and seeing the gorgeous pictures posted all across social media, I was ecstatic to learn the festival tour dates included stops in my home state of Florida.

Sunset Cove Amphitheater, one of this year’s stops, is located inside South County Park on the southwestern edge of Palm Beach County.  This amazing festival of larger than life illuminated lanterns will run from February 24 to April 9, 2017, lighting up the night skies of West Boca Raton with an array of dazzling, beautiful and whimsically-colored magical creations.

Even before reaching the entrance, visitors are greeted by a several spectacular lanterns hinting at this year’s theme – “The Wild”. Thankfully I had my camera fully charged and ready to capture the magic in order to share it with you.  If you’re looking for a unique place to snap a few stunning Instagram worthy photos, then this is the place.

Upon entering the main festival area, I was stopped in my tracks from the breath-taking view unfolding in front of me from over 800 glowing lanterns, featuring animals from Africa, Asia and America in beautiful natural settings.  In addition to the hundreds of brightly lit lanterns, the festival also has nightly Kung Fu and Chinese Performances, animated life-size dinosaurs that you can climb on and ride, Chinese artisans and of course a Chinese food stand (limited to stir fry, spring rolls and Lo Mein noodles).

Along the main path you will be delighted by a display of gorgeous playful dolphins before entering an area featuring native Florida wildlife.

Entering the lands of Asia, you will find these fierce looking tigers.

The Magical Forest features a whimsical scene of ladybugs, dragonflies, butterflies and humming birds.

The most spectacular section of the festival showcases “Under-the-Sea” themed lanterns suspended over a large lake.  The sea creators are simply breath-taking, casting a shimmering reflection off the mirror like water.

I loved this unique illuminated lantern adorned with hundreds of China plates and saucers.

If you happen to be visiting the South Florida/Palm Beach County area from February 24th to April 9th, the Chinese Lantern Festival should be on your list of fun things to do.

Tips:

  • The festival primarily focuses on the incredible artistic lantern displays.  It took a little less than an hour at the festival to see everything.
  • Discounted tickets can be purchased on line or through Group On.
  • Skip the VIP parking fee and park in the free lot which is located only a few feet away.
  • The food booth does not offer a large selection.  Springs rolls were 5 for $5.00 and the Vegetable Lo Mein was $8.00 for a small but hardy bowl.
  • Wear comfortable flat shoes, as you will be walking on uneven soft grassy areas.
  • Professional cameras are welcome.  For the novice photographer, turn your flash off to create more vivid photos of the displays.

Directions and Admission:

Sunset Cove Amphitheater
12551 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33498
(Follow the Park Road and Signs to the Amphitheater Grounds)

When:  February 24 – Sunday, April 9 – Wednesdays through Sundays, 5:30 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
(No Admittance After 9:30 p.m.)

​Ticket Prices:
Online: $22 adults/$12.50 children – click here
At The Gate: $25 adults/$15 children

Parking:
General Parking is FREE.
VIP Parking is Available for $5.00

 

 

If you go, let me know what your favorite display was.

 

Inspiration

10 Inspirational Quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the few people who was born into this world and became a rare and precious gift to humanity.  He spoke the truth, guided with wisdom and changed the course of history.  Although his time on earth was but a brief moment, his inspiring teachings are just as important today as they were when he first spoke them; and will be just as important for generations to come.

In this age of unrest and uncertainty, let us find comfort, understanding and hope from his teachings.  Martin Luther King Jr. advocated love and kindness as the foundations for real change.  Violence and anger only create more violence and anger; but love, in its purest form can create real change and understanding.

As we take this day to humbly reflect on his wisdom and to honor his legacy, may his profound words seep into your soul and ignite the love, kindness, understanding and tolerance Martin Luther King Jr. wanted us all to learn.

10 Inspirational Quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.

1|  “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

2|  “The time is always right to do what is right.”

3|  “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

4|  “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

5|  “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

6|  “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

7|  “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”

8|  “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

9|  “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

10|  “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

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