Party Bus Responsibly

South Florida is arguably one of the funnest times to be had anywhere. From the hot sandy beaches to the cool nightclubs and back to the sweaty dive bars dotting the shoreline, you don't have to look far to find a good party. But partying responsibly can be difficult in such a car-centric culture. As tourists and transplants quickly discover, Floridians drive everywhere. And all that responsible driving can seriously get in the way of all that drinking. Or is it vice versa? Regardless, there is now a solution. After the concept proved so popular in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach is now getting its very own bus loop. The Delray Bus Loop makes its debut rounds Friday. Check in at the Delray Beach Public Library (100 W Atlantic Ave.) anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. to receive your wristband and bus loop card (the cards are checked off at each location and are valid from 6 to 11 p.m., with buses running until midnight). The bus loop consists of six to eight buses throughout the downtown area making several stops at local hot spots, including Bull Bar, Sundy House, and Kevro's Art Bar. Each bar offers a complimentary cocktail, though please remember to still tip the servers. You can spend as much or as little time as you want at each location, hopping on and off the buses at any of the stops. It's the best of bar hopping without all that pesky walking or illegal drunk driving. Designated drivers and volunteer bus loop ambassadors get to ride along for free, enjoying the drunk antics of others if not the drunkenness itself. At the end of the night, your designated driver or local taxi service will deliver you safely home to sleep until the inevitable hangover arrives. The cost is $25 at the door or $20 in advance. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to volunteer as a bus loop ambassador, visit busloop.org, or call 954-574-6000.
Fri., Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m., 2011