PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla., February 23, 2004 – With winter shed, spring ushers in Value Season in Palm Beach County, when reduced rates and value-added packages start at the destination’s most luxurious resorts and special bargains begin at leading attractions. From mid-April and lasting until December, vacationers can get a head-start on summer fun with relaxing, sub-tropical getaways amid 47 miles of beaches, crystal blue waters and continuous warm weather in this American paradise.

            In addition to these appealing offers, the Palm Beach County 2004 Visitors Guide    and its supplement, “$1000 Worth of the Palm Beaches Free” are excellent resources that provide travelers with two-for-one offers; savings on shopping, dining, sports and attractions; sightseeing cruises; bike rentals; and two-for-one theater tickets and museum admissions.

~ Music and Arts Abound~

            Black Gold Jubilee, Belle Glade – “End of Harvest” is a celebration of rich soil, called “Black Gold.”  The festival includes live bands, “country fixin’s” and much more. April 24. A $2 parking fee applies. (561) 996-2745

            SunFest 2004, West Palm Beach  – Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival featuring the biggest names in entertainment, over 200 fine artists and crafters, youth park, water activities, fireworks, food and more. April 28 - May 2.  Adults $14 in advance; $17 at the gate; $35 adult five-day in advance; $40 adult five-day at the gate; seniors over 65, one day tickets are $8 at the gate; kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. (561) 659‑5980.

Fourth on Flagler, West Palm Beach – Palm Beach County’s biggest and best Independence Day celebration, features nonstop live entertainment on three stages, an interactive kid’s area, street performers and the best fireworks in South Florida. (561) 659-8007.

Bon Festival Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach – Inspired by Obon, Japan’s traditional three-day holiday honoring ancestors, the Morikami celebrates Bon Festival in one fun-packed evening with special fireworks display. Aug. 14, 5-9 p.m. (561) 495-0233.

~Turtle Watching, Marine Life, A Water-park, Boat Tours & Safari: Family Fun~

Located in a 1936 beachfront home, the Sandoway House Nature Center provides a living history lesson to visitors. The Center’s beachfront environment is home to a myriad of plant and marine animal species, many of which are endangered and its world-class shell collection includes more that 10,000 shells. (561) 274-7263.

At the 760- acre John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach, park rangers lead moonlit walks on the beach to observe the nesting behavior of loggerhead sea turtles. After sunset during the summer months, female sea turtles crawl onto moonlit beaches well above the high-tide line, dig a hole in their flippers and bury as many as 120 eggs. Visitors can stroll along the 1,600-foot-long boardwalk.

Coconut Cove Water-park offers a great opportunity for families to cool off during the hot summer months. The park offers a 986-foot river ride, a sea monster walk lagoon, two 22-foot water slides, and a children’s water playground. Admission for adults (12 and over) is $9.25 and $7.25 for children. (561) 274-1140.

The Sailfish Marina is offering a new Boat and Bicycle Tour that combines a narrated Palm Beach “Now and Then” Tour with a guided Bicycle Tour on the Lake Trail in Palm Beach.  Cost is $40 per person. (561) 844-1724.

The Lion County Safari in Loxahatchee, is a fun 4.2-mile drive-through safari, in which visitors can view a thousand animals roaming free and enjoy the walk-through park with an Animal Theater, petting zoo, Lory bird feeding exhibit, boat tour, paddle boats, miniature golf, restaurant, gift shops, picnic area and campground. (561) 793-1084.

 ~Lavish Comforts: Fabulous Prices~

            The Delray Beach Residence Inn by Marriott, offers an all-inclusive package from June 1 through September 30 with rates beginning at $109.  The package includes a Queen Bedded Studio with full kitchen and private balcony, a full hot breakfast buffet, high speed internet access, parking, weekday evening reception Monday - Wednesday and poolside BBQ on Thursdays.

            At the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, world-class golf, a luxurious European-style spa, and top-notch health and racquet club facilities come together in a racquet sport enthusiasts “Tennis Package” offered May 10- Sept. 30 with rates beginning at just $79.

Unlimited access to 19 HarTru Tennis courts, superior accommodations with private balcony or terrace, full breakfast and access to the resort’s Health & Racquet Club’s fitness and training facilities are included. For reservations call (800) 633-9150.

            Situated between glamorous Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean, The Colony affords guests in the 90-room boutique hotel an atmosphere of casual elegance. From April 27 through May 2, their “SunFest” package includes accommodations and a full breakfast for two, with rates beginning at $169 per night. For reservations call (800) 521-5525.

            Beyond the breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway from guestrooms atop the new Yacht Club, premier resort destination Boca Raton Resort & Club also offers eighteen-hole golf courses, 30 tennis courts and an award-winning elegant spa. From May 28- Sept. 30, “The Best of Boca” package combines deluxe accommodations, breakfast and dinner, unlimited golf green fees, unlimited tennis court time, complimentary use of the fitness center, supervised daytime children’s programs, valet parking and $300 worth of Boca Bonus certificates for shopping, activities and sports. Rates beginning at $320. For reservations call 800-327-0101.

            Families with flexible travel schedules can enjoy the legendary style and service of Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach at surprisingly affordable rates.  The property introduces per-night room rates as low as $225 for guests who stay on Sunday through Wednesday nights, June 1 - September 30.   Children will enjoy the royal treatment, with a fun toy on arrival, a spacious guest room overlooking the ocean and an invitation to the resort's complimentary Kids For All Seasons children's activity program, which operates 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. An evening turndown, with milk and cookies, completes a busy day of play. (561) 582-2800.

            The charming Chesterfield hotel is ideally located in downtown Palm Beach. A three night, four-day Value Season “Kids Getaway” package with rates beginning at $585 includes spacious accommodations, breakfast, a gift basket filled with bubble baths, soaps, a Teddy Bear at the “Build a Bear” workshop, a visit to the Dreher Zoo at the Science Museum, children’s videos and milk and cookies at turndown. For reservations call (800) 244-6023.

            With luxurious accommodations and one half mile of private beach, the legendary Breakers, Palm Beach offers travelers resort credit based on the number of nights booked. Through May 15, $200 per room in resort credit is provided to guests booking 3-nights, $400 is offered to guests booking five to seven nights and $600 is offered to guests staying eight or more nights. The credit can be used for retail, dining, spa treatments, golf, tennis, watersports and children’s and family programs. For reservations call (888) 273-2537.

            The glamorous Ritz Carlton, Palm Beach is enticing visitors through April 30 with their “Winter Warmer Package.” With rates starting at $380 per night, this package includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary valet parking and a $50 resort credit each day, which can be applied towards dining, activities or spa treatments.

Palm Beach County presents “The Best Of Everything®”- from distinctive attractions and an assortment of cultural venues to top-notch festivals and edge-of-your-seat sporting activities.  All who visit this sub-tropical paradise will find cities that are rich in diversity and home to warm, friendly people. For more information on Value Season, call the Palm Beach County CVB at (561) 233-3000 or visit our online pressroom at www.palmbeachfl.com.

###