Book excerpt: Beautiful Delray Beach lies on Florida's Atlantic coast, nestled between a sea grape-filled beach to the east and rich farmland to the west. Throughout its prosperous history, this "Village by the Sea," as it is often called, has maintained its mystical, quaint charm. The numerous stories of Delray Beach, kept alive through many of the town's elders, are rich depictions of the American experience. The importance of the past continues to reveal itself in the stories and images of the courageous pioneers who came from Michigan, the Bahamas, and nearby Southern states in the late 1800s. Early pioneers were attracted to Delray Beach for many of the same reasons that bring people there today. The history of Delray Beach is intrinsically linked to the community support of and appreciation for agriculture, art, and architecture. The area is known for fertile soil, diverse crops, and the large colony of artists that call their bungalows and cottages along the Delray beaches home. Thousands of visitors annually flock to attend the numerous festivals held in the city's historic downtown streets. In both 1993 and 2001, Delray Beach received the prestigious "All America City" award from the National Civic League.