Why I Love Delray Beach… And Why it Might Be Exactly What You Need Right Now!

 Why I Love Delray Beach… And Why it Might Be Exactly What You Need Right Now!

By Terri Schmitt, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Executive Director

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much we’re all carrying. Healthcare work is demanding. Costs are rising. The news cycle never slows down. Yet, as clinicians, we continue to show up, day after day, giving our energy, focus, and care to others. It’s meaningful work, but it’s also exhausting.

That’s why I find myself coming back to one simple thought… We all need something to look forward to, something that helps us recharge not just professionally but personally.

For me, that place is Delray Beach and it’s exactly why I’m so excited to bring our NPACE community here!

My Perfect Day in Delray Beach

It starts early, just as the sun rises over the ocean, with a quiet walk along the beach, the sound of the waves, the warmth of the air, the meditative movement of limbs in motion and timing strides with my breath. Sunrise walks are one of those rare moments where everything feels calm before the day begins.

From there, my go to is good coffee. I am a coffee snob so either at Latte's and Licks or from The Seed Coffee + Juice Bar. That first sip is always so amazing! The vibe is slow, emphasizing not rushing and being present while I ease into my idyllic day. Then, its brunch. Brunch in Delray is non-negotiable. You might find me at Caffe Luna Rosa by the ocean or settling in for a Sunday jazz brunch at The Wine and Spirits Kitchen, which is one of those places where you end up lingering longer than planned.

The afternoon is for wandering and exploring. A stop at the Cornell Art Museum, a free brush with the creative tucked into Old School Square, followed by a visit to the Sandoway Discovery Center to reconnect with the ocean while learning. Followed by my favorite… time to just be through a beach chair, an umbrella for shade, and a good book, the former two supplied by the local beach rental company Oceanside Beach Service. This is absolutely my favorite beach activity! No notifications, no interruptions… just a moment to breathe. If it is truly my ideal day, then I would follow the beach reading with a visit to the spa at the beautiful Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa before getting ready for the evening.

Because Delray Beach evenings are something special, then back to my room to get ready in casual clothes for an evening filled with fun. Beginning with happy hour either at Park Tavern or El Camino—lively, fun, great places to talk or people watch, and great cocktails.

Then for dinner I am off to one of my favorites. You cannot go wrong with Dada (and yes—the mojito is worth it) or heading back to The Wine and Spirits Kitchen for charcuterie and tapas with colleagues. To end the night… Delray delivers. I like some laughing, fun, or live music and definitely games. My favorites are Honey for dancing, Throw Social for games or ax throwing in a great outside atmosphere, or nostalgic fun with pinball and old school arcade for a flat single fee entry at the Silverball Museum.

More Than a Destination—It’s a Reset

What I really want you to know… Yes, Delray Beach is beautiful. Yes, the food is incredible. Yes, the setting is hard to beat, but what makes this experience truly special is what happens when you combine it with the right kind of learning, fellow colleagues who are dealing with exactly what you are (community), and in a place that offers some peace.

At NPACE, we’ve always believed that continuing education should do more than check a box. It should energize you and sharpen your practice. Continuing education should remind you why you chose this profession in the first place! When you pair that with three days of pharmacology-focused, practical education, delivered by experts who understand what you face every day, it becomes something even more powerful. It becomes a chance to reset.

Come Fill Your Cup

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin…
If you’ve been running on empty…
If you’ve been meaning to take time for yourself but haven’t quite gotten there…

Consider this your invitation.

Join us in Delray Beach. Walk the ocean in the morning. Learn something new during the day. Laugh a little more at night and leave feeling just a little more like yourself again.