Palm Beach is one of those vacations destinations with a true “season”. Curtis and I enjoyed the quiet and laid-back atmosphere of the off-season during our July visit, but I am sure the season – roughly November to May – is quite something to experience as well. Whenever you go there is lots to see, and eat, and do, and shop, etc … And my recommendations below don’t even include destinations on our list for the future like the Henry Flagler Museum and the botanical gardens. But from just a little bit of time there I have a few suggestions and don’t worry, I’ll add to this as we explore this Florida gem more and more. If you do go in the off-season, keep in mind the hours might vary and it is always best to call ahead. And if you do go during season, plan ahead with reservations.
Worth Avenue Shopping
The unique architecture and sheer beauty of this storied shopping street and the vias, is reason enough to visit Palm Beach. It is unlike any shopping I’ve ever experienced. It reminded me of my time in Dallas, at Highland Park Village, but on a completely different level. The nooks and crannies filled with so much personality and design – fountains, mosaics, painted ceilings and beautiful archways – reminds me of a European town. Regardless, I feel transported far away from my day-to-day life and always find something worth taking home. Click here for a map and parking information if you’re planning a trip.
Aerin – Every piece is thoughtfully curated with the eye and attention to detail that the brand is known for! On this last visit I was lucky enough to find some Rebecca de Ravenel earrings on sale and I’m always a sucker for a sweet scent, and I wear this one.
Lilly Pulitzer – If you go to one Lilly Pulitzer store in your life, may it be this one! It is bright and happy in a way only Lilly can be! A true dream would be to have a custom shift made one day. Take them up on their offer for a class of bubbly and get to shopping.
Kassalty’s – A Worth Avenue icon, this retailer of fine linens, and sportswear is one of a kind. The ladies nightgowns, the cocktail napkins, the precious heirloom baby gifts – it is a must visit destination.
Frances Valentine – I’m a sucker for the beautiful embroidery and colorful whimsy! They were warm and welcoming when Curtis and I popped in.
Bonpoint – Absolutely beautiful children’s clothes, I obviously had to go in!
More shopping:
FS Henemader – The most incredible antique shop of my dreams. The passion for decorative arts and thoughtful collections shines through in a way I’ve never seen elsewhere! Until I visit again, I’ll be shopping their finds on Chairish.
P.B. Boys Club, P.B. Girls Club, and Aristokids – This was a great spot for souvenirs for our girls. They have the Palm Beach Boys Club and the Palm Beach Girls Club. Everything from clothes and shoes (for kids and adults) to toys and other playful accessories.
Lori Jayne – So many incredible items for personalization and gifting. I don’t even live nearby and plan to be in touch for various upcoming birthdays and special events.
C. Orrico – A Palm Beach institution, so much preppiness under one roof with labels I love like Lilly Pulitzer, Sail to Sable, and more.
The Church Mouse – So technically this is in the thrifting category but it is in a class of its own! A beautiful selection of all kinds of consignment goods that goes toward the outreach of the town’s church, Bethesda-By-The-Sea.
The Royal Poinciana Plaza – A beautiful shopping center and a product of the 1950s and John Volk. A bevy of high end stores like Hermes and Oscar de La Renta. I love popping into Roller Rabbit, Stoney Clover, and Assouline. This last time I decided on my next visit I’m going to come back with a Lingua Franca sweater. Now I just need to decide what I want embroidered!
On My Radar:
Amanda Lindroth – So far this wicker wonderland heaven has been closed both times I’ve stopped by, but I am hoping that the third time is the charm.
Lycette – I don’t needlepoint YET but I’d still love to see this needlepoint mothership!
Ala Von Auersberg – I hope to make an appointment the next time I’m in town to see even more of their beautiful pieces in person.
The Breakers, Signature Boutiques – Whether I stay there or not, the next time I visit I want to check out these shops. I’ve heard nothing but good things, and I have a weakness for hotel gift shops!
Galleries
I can’t believe I didn’t think about it before Curtis and I went together, but I should’ve made plans to visit some of the galleries. Curtis has started following contemporary artists, and as we strolled Worth Ave his eyes kept catching pieces he recognized. So next time I’ll call ahead to see how open the galleries are, since I image some are appointment only – not that we’re the buyers they are hoping to attract, but I’m sure there are many who are amenable to visitors who aren’t necessarily serious collectors.
Thrifting:
I’ve never really been able to properly thrift on any of my visits, and I am determined to change that! The spots that have been recommended to me are:
Community Thrift Store, West Palm Beach
Restaurants:
Swifty’s – I loved everything I had when I stayed at The Colony last fall, so much so that I made Curtis drop by with me on our way out of town. Such great ambiance, wonderful food, and a great chance to see the absolutely beautiful refresh of the storied Palm Beach hotel. Their crushed avocado is delicious, in large part due to housemade chips unlike any I’ve ever had. My friend Blaire (@texaflora) and I agree that they are like a savory and slightly sweet sopapilla chips.
Le Bilboquet – Such an experience, and in the words of Curtis “Am I back in Paris?” We took a break from Worth Avenue shopping and ate lunch here and enjoyed every bite. Curtis loved the Croque Madame and their seasonal burrata is on my reorder wish-list.
Buccan – Sarah Tucker raved about the Sweet Corn Agnolotti and the dish lived up to the hype. This is a must visit Palm Beach restaurant, especially for Italian lovers.
Seafood Bar – Not only is the location fabulous, perched on the Atlantic at the historic Breakers Hotel, but the actual bar of the restaurant is a tank with sea life to watch as you drink and dine. On top of all of that, everything we tried was delicious. I had the surf and turf and the gorgonzola truffle fries cannot be missed.
I am quite sure this barely scratches the surface, but I am also sure that if you need a good place to start, these are some experiences that we enjoyed!
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