An Insider's Guide to Palm Beach
From the best shops to the greatest places to stay, The Scout Guide (TSG) Palm Beach editor Mary Monell plans the perfect trip to her city.
Where to stay for a getaway as a couple: The Brazilian Court is a perfect romantic getaway retreat. The luxurious boutique hotel provides impeccable service and is convenient to midtown. Be sure to wine and dine your loved one at the ever-famous Café Boulud. Equally as wonderful is The Chesterfield, only seconds from Worth Avenue and historic Via Mizner. Enjoy the Leopard Lounge or high tea at this wonderful boutique hotel. And don’t miss out on the charming Palm Beach Historic Inn. This unexpected bed and breakfast is just steps from the beach and centrally located between midtown and Worth Avenue.
Where to stay when traveling with kids: Located right on the ocean in Manalapan, Eau Palm Beach is an ideal resort when traveling with children—between a family concierge and family suites, you will be well equipped for your entire stay. Kids can enjoy daily activities at Aquanuts, diving under the sea at the Pirate Ship, or dressing up and putting on performances. You will have trouble getting them to leave!
Where to go for brunch: Eddie & Ozzie’s Table 26 will have you coming back for more. From the cinnamon doughnut holes and filet mignon Eggs Benedict to their famous Bloody Mary topped with 2 jumbo shrimp, you will have a hard time choosing just one item to indulge in.
Where to go for drinks: The Blind Monk offers a great selection of wine and craft beer. We suggest treating yourself to a mouthwatering cheese platter while you sip your drinks and enjoy live music or a movie on the big screen.
Where to go for dinner: The Grove. Located in Delray Beach just off Atlantic Avenue, this divine restaurant is a must-eat-at location. The menu changes bi-weekly, the atmosphere is similar to that of Northern California Wine Country, and the wine and cuisine are perfectly complimentary of each other. Plus, if you happen to be celebrating a special occasion, private dining is available.
Where to shop: First stop, Sunrise Ave. Mildred Hoit is filled with women’s contemporary clothing, fabulous accessories, and a special gift section for any occasion. Then stroll down the block to Stationer on Sunrise and enjoy being welcomed to a world of sensational stationery and invitations galore. Afterward, be sure to visit Pastel for unique clothing and toys for the little ones in your life. Next stop, Via Mizner. This charming location, just off Worth Avenue, brings you into a world of hidden gems. Be sure to visit CJ Laing for a gorgeous linen shirt for your man and endless vacation wear for yourself. Caryna Nina is the place for a custom outfit made of fine vintage fabrics that are truly one-of-a-kind. Leta Austin Foster will provide you with luxury linens so wonderful that you will want several sets. Last but not least, be sure to visit Delray Beach. The Ancient Olive is the perfect place to find a gift to take home for loved ones who couldn’t make the trip—flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegars, or Ancient Olive’s coffee is sure to delight. Quigley Maguire is a treasure chest of home furnishings and decorative accessories.
Best fests and other reasons to visit: Palm Beach International Polo Season begins the first Sunday in January and continues through April. Get glam in your best brunch attire and head to Wellington to mingle with the masses and sip Veuve Clicquot. FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, a 12-week equestrian extravaganza that runs from January through March, brings together the best of the best in show jumping and dressage. In addition to the competitions, enjoy shopping, wine and coffee bars, and various other activities. In December, Art Basel in Miami Beach brings people from around the world to delight in this exemplary showcase of modern and contemporary art. The Honda Classic brings the PGA Tour to Palm Beach as another attraction in late February/early March. Don’t miss the chance to see pros like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and more hit the links.
Where to get pampered: Visit Dris and Bernard at Le Bazaar for all your hair care needs. Whether you stop by for a quick blowout or the works, they will have you heading out on the town looking fabulous. You’ll also feel wonderful after spending a day at Kaffee’s Garden Spa. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi and The Garden Duo: a one-hour body massage and one-hour garden facial. Divine.
Secret gem: Panther Ridge Conservation Center is truly a hidden gem of Palm Beach. This amazing conservation center serves as a haven for almost two dozen endangered big cats. Set right outside of town in Wellington, at Panther Ridge you get a real glimpse of the wild. We highly recommend taking a tour to see these majestic animals.
Ideal Saturday: Start the morning off by hitting an estate sale at Kofski Antiques, where you are guaranteed to find some incredible treasures…no digging necessary. (Just be sure to be in line by nine!) Next, pack up a scrumptious picnic lunch and head to the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden. There you can delight in the gorgeousness of the gardens, sculptures and art all around. We suggest topping off the day by running by p.b. Boys Club and renting some surfboards and then heading down the street to Flagpole beach to catch some waves.
One piece of insider information: October is the ideal month to visit Palm Beach. The weather is just right. Not too hot, not too cold, and you’ll experience the most beautiful sunny days and breathtaking sunsets. It’s right on the verge of the beginning of season so no need to worry about this place being a ghost town…or packed with seasonal inhabitants.
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