Can’t you just feel those  tropical Palm Beach breezes?
A great migration takes place each winter when seemingly three quarters of my friends head to Florida, most to Palm Beach; I jokingly refer to it as “Newport South.” When you consider the sensibilities both towns share, it’s no surprise. I was made aware of this yet again on my recent visit — what touched me was not how much Palm Beach has changed but how, in an endearing way, it has appeared not to change. Like Newport, PB has built up a patina, generation upon generation, creating “good bones.”

48 hours is the perfect amount of time to check out the offerings and still get some rest.
Take careful notes, as you will surely want to return for a longer sojourn…

WHERE TO STAY

The Breakers: The granddaddy of them all…a fixture (in different incarnations) since the early days of Palm Beach, starting in the late 19th century.

And then there are the  “three graces,” as I like to call them: The Colony, The Chesterfield (pet friendly!) and The Brazilian Court (below, respectively). Boutique hotels with much to commend them…charm, venue and setting (right off Worth Avenue) and, of course, the requisite verdant courtyards, blue pools and comfy rooms.

DINING, PLUS

Two new restaurants, from the same three man team of Piper Quinn, chef Clay Conley (below) and Sam Slattery, have made a well-deserved name for themselves…buccan (yes, with a small “b”) and Imoto (meaning “little sister” in Japanese) right next door. Don’t miss them!

Beautiful setting for cocktails?
The Seafood Bar at The Breakers and the Flagler Steakhouse at their golf clubhouse.

Cappuccino?
Cucina (with a different vibe late at night when the young crowd can be found dancing on the bar) and Testa (to include their strawberry pie.)

Ice Cream?
Sprinkles! If you enjoy homemade ice-cream, gourmet coffee drinks, or a tasty snack, you’ll love it!

Dining outside, to include kids and dogs?
Pizza Al Fresco, on Via Mizener

New American fare every night?
The Palm Beach Grill

SHOPPING

On and off Worth Avenue, down the  intimate Vias, around the corners, hiding down the side streets, Palm Beach is truly a shopper’s paradise, made all the more seductive by its compact size, chic presentation of goods and thoughtfully curated selection of irresistible must- haves.

My mother’s wise counsel rings in my ears…”when you see it, buy it.”

And varied…probably one of the few towns where you might hear the word consignment mentioned in the same breath with Neiman Marcus.

Trillion: Let your clothes speak for you, before you do! Trillion offers both Mens’ and Ladies’ wear from local and Italian designers. 

Be sure to stop in Jennifer Miller for trendy statement jewelry pieces that will compliment any outfit.

Mary Mahoney: After 20 years at a variety of locations, Tara Tobin and Mary Mahoney (on the right) have opened a niche emporium on Worth Avenue.

Wm. Eubanks: Need to spice up your living room or just want to be inspired? William R. Eubanks is the perfect place to make your interior decorating dreams come true.

And the in-season pop-ups, like my Lyford Cay friend, Amanda Lindroth

Leta Austin Foster & Associates: Known to her friends as Letsie, and adored for her beautiful and different home decor treasures.

Also, don’t overlook the pockets of shops scattered on South County Road…between Worth and Royal Palm, and just off Royal Poinciana Way.

Or the volunteer-run consignment shops like Church Mouse.

Need a beauty fix? You can squeeze in a break  because three good hair salons  are right in the midst of all these shopping temptations…Julio at Shibui Salon, Rick at Rick Harrington Salon or Bernard & Dris at Le Bazaar.

DO

Dancing Friday night at buccan and The Colony.

6 mile bike path along the Intracoastal Waterway; pick up at the Peruvian boatyard dock.

Slip into the Four Arts library for a break. Take a seat and  peruse their large collection of magazines from around the world; be sure to walk through the garden, too, before you leave the grounds.

DON’T MISS

 The Garden Club of Palm Beach House and Garden tour Sunday, March 7th (whose funds make possible a number of Palm Beach beautification projects,to include the living plant  “Green Wall” at the corner of Worth and South County and the fountain at Town Hall).

West Palm Beach!! It’s only a “stone’s throw” (1/4 mile) over the Middle Bridge to happen’ WPB.

Check out the consignment and antique shops on South Dixie Highway (many of you reading this may be coming to Palm Beach specifically for this time-honored ritual; remarkably good prices even after all these years.)

Kofski Estate Sales: Pick up treasures from Palm Beach estates or yachts on the market…and it’s the best people watching in town.

Hive: Everyone’s talking about this home and garden emporium in WPB filled with collections to accessorize and transform your home.

City Girl Clothes Consignment: Consignment shop meets stylish boutique. With current and trendy clothes this shop has it all, from everyday brands to designer labels. 

Brass Scale Antique Shop: Handpicked unique and unusual objects can be yours!

And the restaurants, etc.:

Grato: (sister to buccan and Imoto) for brunch on the weekends (don’t deprive yourself of their divinely decadent lobster eggs benedict over fried green tomato with jalapeno hollandaise or their bourbon French toast with poached nectarines).

 

Table 26: This nautical themed eatery encompasses world class comfort food with a swanky bar that reminds me of Newport.

The Kitchen: Step into Chef Matthew Byrne’s Kitchen and experience excellent high quality dishes and supreme service.

Johan’s Swedish Coffeehouse and Cafe: Clean, minimalist, all white Scandinavian feel (punctuated by purple velvet wingback chairs) with a superb coffee list and savory sandwiches (be sure to add their decadent cookie “chocolate biskvi” to your day.)

And the frosting on the cake? Living Newport: Houses, People, Style received a shout out from the Shiny Sheet (Palm Beach Daily News) for being the 2nd best seller in Palm Beach bookstores the week of February 21st.

Many mercis, Britty! xo