Palm Beach
photo by Winter Teems
Declared a “veritable paradise” by Henry M. Flagler in 1893, Palm Beach has been the stomping grounds for the uber rich and famous for the past century. With beautiful beaches, over the top accommodations, the finest designer stores, and world renowned chefs, Palm Beach, FL is the place to visit for a luxury vacation.
How To Get There
Zip down south on I-95 to exit 70A at Okeechobee Blvd, head east over the bridge, and enter the entirely different world that is Palm Beach. Just over 3 hours from our coast to theirs, we recommend driving yourself around town, preferably with your windows down to take in all the island has to offer. Do yourself a favor and watch the speed limits on the island, slow is part of the experience.
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History
Historians agree that the island received its name from a shipwreck named the Providencia that washed upon its shores in 1878. En route to Barcelona from Havana with a cargo hold stocked with 20,000 coconuts, early Florida settlers planted the non-Florida native coconuts in an attempt to embark on a commercial coconut business, hence, the island is inundated with palm trees.
Experiencing a growth spurt in the 1890’s with the arrival of Henry M. Flagler, the island quickly became the place to be. Just as he had worked his magic in St. Augustine, Flagler began buying acres of land on the island of Palm Beach. Of all the places he helped develop, in 1902 Flagler picked this as home when he built himself a massive private winter retreat for entertaining. Firmly established as the ultimate winter destination for the super rich of the Gilded Age, the town was later incorporated on April 17, 1911 and the rest is history. From The Donald to the heirs of American royalty, they all call Palm Beach home.
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Where to Shop
The east coast equivalent of Rodeo Drive, Worth Avenue offers the finest in designer stores. Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton are just a few upscale flagship stores that call Worth Ave home. Nearly 250 shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries can be found the main avenue and the impressively adorned alleyways called Vias. At the eastern end of Worth Ave lies150 Worth, an open-air assortment of chic shops anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. Across the way, Neiman Marcus awaits.
Two stores not on the Ave that we simply adore are C. Orrico and Rapunzel’s Closet. Located at 336 S. County Road, C. Orrico truly represents what Palm Beach living is all about. As one of the Lilly Pulitzer flagship stores, the bright pinks and greens invite patrons to take a lighter look at life. Rapunzel’s Closet, often frequented by celebrities at their location at 326 South County Road, offers the newest and hippest fashions available.
With influences from around the world, Miami Beach is truly a one of a kind city where visitors are sure to experience a fusion of art, food, and culture unlike anywhere else in the world. The ultimate Floridian arts getaway, it has reinvented itself to become an international destination at the cutting edge of contemporary visual and performing arts. With the height of the season ahead of us, make it a point this season to experience .
With influences from around the world, Miami Beach is truly a one of a kind city where visitors are sure to experience a fusion of art, food, and culture unlike anywhere else in the world. The ultimate Floridian arts getaway, it has reinvented itself to become an international destination at the cutting edge of contemporary visual and performing arts. With the height of the season ahead of us, make it a point this season to experienc
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Where to stay* (and eat well too)
The obvious go-to luxury place to stay, play, and eat has to be The Breakers. Now in its 2nd century, this legendary hotel has had many years of perfecting the most extraordinary beachfront experience. With stunning views of the “breakers,” a myriad of restaurants to choose from, and 540 lavishly decorated rooms, the Breakers is a great choice, especially for families. Standard guest rooms vary as low as $269 during the summer months and bump up to $499 during the winter.
Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Palm Beach, The Brazilian Court offers a more quiet and comfortable luxury. Built in 1926, the verdant courtyards of this old-world European style hotel beckoned guests such as Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, and even housed Rose Kennedy’s overflow holiday guests. Recently renovated in 2008, the hotel boasts 80 custom designed rooms and suites with a warm but lavish “home away from home” feel with mahogany crown molding, hand-forged bronze fixtures, wood shutters, and plush beds topped with imported linens. Located inside is Daniel Boulud’s much celebrated Café Boulud, now in its 8th year. With its menu divided into four sections, Chef Jim Leiken provides a well-rounded menu. The house made Orecchiette and the Tarte Provencale were delectable. Not to mention the beautiful artistry behind the deep purple of the Tuna Tartar with roasted beets and a Meyer lemon-caviar coulis or the rich, velvety Chocolate Peanut Bar. We implore you to treat yourself to a Lotus Leaf with Zen Green Tea liqueur, fresh ginger, lemon, and lychee- heaven in a glass. The Fall Back Flavors event commemorates the hotel’s 85th anniversary with a one of a kind, 20’s inspired tasting menu at Café Boulud, starting at $923/night plus tax, now through March 31, 2012. Regular rates start at $319/night.
Previously featured in our “5 Florida Hotels You Need to Know”, The Omphoy is a truly a one of a kind boutique hotel experience. From the suede walls down the hallways to the four post lounging beds by the pool, this Asian inspired hotel is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. With everything anyone would want from a boutique stay, our favorite feature on property is the new Michelle Bernstein Restaurant conveniently located downstairs. As one of our favorite restaurants of all time, this simply sophisticated oceanfront spot offers up some of the most sensational textural masterpieces one could ever dream of experiencing. All of the dishes we enjoyed seemed to include something creamy, crunchy, and something with substance. Starting with the Market Greens salad including whipped goat cheese and grilled peaches to the appetizers including shrimp topped with popcorn, we could not get enough. Here, not only is the food spectacular, the service is stellar and the ambiance is elegant. Every one in the restaurant is treated with importance with the warmest welcome handshake at each table and suggestions from the knowledgeable staff. Rates start at $210 for Standard Room and $750- $1199 for Oceanfront Suites.
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Wine and Dine
With dining experiences as rich and intriguing as its residents, it was difficult to narrow down the choices of best independent eateries. Here are our picks for must eats in Palm Beach.
Bottomless mimosas, traditional choices like fresh waffles, and original creations make Nick and Johnnie’s at 207 Royal Poinciana Way the perfect spot for brunch. The waffles are yummy, but the inspired Palm Beacher Omelette is our favorite. With shaved asparagus, grape tomatoes, goat cheese and truffle, your taste buds will wake up every morning craving this egg delight.
Hidden in Via Mizner near the west end of Worth Ave lies Pizza Al Fresco waiting to transport you to old world Italy. With a beautiful, “al fresco” dining area and warm, welcoming staff, the incredible food is the icing on the cake, or should I say the cheese on the pizza? Known for their incredible Lobster salad, this hidden Palm Beach treasure did not disappoint. You can’t go wrong with the signature Al Fresco pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto and arugula, or the over-the-top Palm Beach pizza decorated with brightly colored smoked salmon, caviar, red onion, capers, and sour cream. The house made desserts include a decadent chocolate mouse cake, incredible gelatos and palate-cleansing sorbets.
Buccan is the island’s “it” place to be. Its sophisticated rustic look creates a comfortable atmosphere that invites patrons to stay for hours. Miami chef, Clay Conley, offers a changing variety of small plate menu items so everyone can get a little taste of the progressive American cuisine. To say that the food is spectacular is an understatement. The Rock Shrimp Tempura offers a spicy crispness, while the Confit Duck Leg with pureed celery root, julienne apples, fennel and an apple cider demi glace provides a crispy sweetness (or fav duck dish ever by the way). Our pick is one of the large plate offerings of Chicken Breast “Cuit Su Vide” with the fois gras and leg rillette, spaghetti squash, Brussels sprouts and black truffle sauce. Guests are welcome for a quick bite at the bar, a specialty cocktail in the lounge, or for a long, leisurely evening at 350 S. County Road. Be sure to make reservations in advance, they are booked early.
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What To Do
Besides driving along scenic Ocean Boulevard or house-hunting for your next mansion, there are a wide variety of things to do on Palm Beach. These are our favorite picks.
An event we never miss is the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival. In it’s fifth year this 5-day celebrity chef extravaganza that will take place in various locations across the island. From December 9-13, tops chefs, including our favorites Michael Schwartz, Michelle Bernstein, and Daniel Boulud, will travel to Palm Beach for this culinary showcase. A limited amount of tickets are available so we highly recommend getting your tickets in advance as the event has sold out in the past. Tickets and more info can be found at pbfwf.com.
Whitehall, now known as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, played a key role in creating the winter season for Palm Beach as Flagler’s private winter retreat and wedding gift to his third wife. Once a place bustling with fancy soirees and a guest list that read like a roster of the who’s who of the time, Florida’s first museum offers a glimpse of life during the Gilded Age with guided tours, changing exhibits, and special programs. For more info, check out www.flaglermuseum.us.
Led by a local expert, Island Living Tours provides driving, walking, and biking excursions with a historical account of Palm Beach, they also feature the island’s cultural attractions, examples of its famed architecture and some of its elusive sites, including homes of the rich, famous and infamous. Different outings offered include a 3 hour driving tour of the island, a shopping tour of Worth Ave, and a tour of Antique Row. Contact Island Living tours at www.islandlivingpb.pb to book your tour.
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Nightlife
Not tired (or full) yet? Well if you are looking to get your groove on and you don’t have a ticket to Donald Trump’s $250K member dues private club Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach still has plenty for you to do late night.
For us Cucina Dell Arte is the place to be. Like their sister restaurant Nick & Johnnie’s, Cucina’s serves wonderful menu items including traditional as well as creative Italian dishes. However, around 10 pm each night, the tables are cleared out of the room and the dance music begins. Where Palm Beach lets it’s hair down, this is also a incredible place to people watch.
With incredibly luxurious experiences, Palm Beach simply spoiled us. Leaving behind the charm and elegance of the island is no easy task, but we take a deep breath and remember that we will be back in a few weeks for the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival. There isn’t a single sense that can wait.
