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[ CULTURE | SHOPPING
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HOTELS ]
[ SCHOOLS |
RESTAURANTS ]
 Palm Beach: around the world it means beauty. The aura and mystique of Palm
Beach are renowned all over the world. For more than a century, the island has
been the favorite "winter playground" of high-society socialites and
celebrities. This legendary tropical paradise continues to lure the
international jet set with its palm-fringed beaches, opulent resorts and
lifestyle.
It all started in February, 1878, when the Spanish brigantine Providencia,
bound from Trinidad to Cadiz with a cargo of coconuts, washed ashore on an
unknown island. The strewn coconuts propagated and caused a wild growth of palm
trees-hence the name "Palm Beach."
But it was Henry Morrison Flagler who is credited with launching the
legend. Flagler's dream was to build a grand hotel for the passengers of his
Florida East Coast Railroad, and he selected Palm Beach. In 1894, his Royal
Poinciana Hotel became the largest resort hotel in the world and reputedly the
largest wooden structure ever built. Flagler's own marble mansion, "Whitehall"
(1901), is now a museum bearing his name; it is open to the public for a
fascinating look at turn-of-the-century life in the tropics.
The legend of Palm Beach lives not only in its historical landmarks, but
also in the architectural wonders of its contemporary mansions. From
traditional Mediterranean-style homes designed by Addison Mizner to sprawling
oceanfront compounds, Palm Beach real estate is among the most prized in the
world.
The island's cosmopolitan population, which swells from 10,000 in the summer
to 25,000 in the winter, has inspired a profusion of exclusive lodgings,
restaurants, nightclubs and shopping districts, including world-famous Worth
Avenue and couture boutiques.
For the sports-minded, deep-sea fishing off the Palm Beach coast yields
spectacular game fish. Diving, too, is particularly rewarding, with sightings
of shipwrecks, coral reefs and teeming marine life. One of the islanders
favorite pastimes is bicycling or in-line skating along the Palm Beach bike
trail, which winds past the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a glimpse at
multi-million-dollar yachts and mansions.
by: Daphne Nikolopoulos
[ Palm Beach Main Menu ]
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
The "Taj Mahal of the South," this is the house that Flagler
built. A tour gives you a taste of sheer luxury with the white and gold Louis
XVI ballroom; the table where Rockefeller, Astor and Woodrow Wilson dined; and,
you can peer through the windows of the rail entrepreneurs own private
railroad car. 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach (561) 655-2833
Hibel Museum of Art
The museum houses 380 works by Edna Hibel, famous for her oil glaze and
gold-leaf paintings. Shes also worked in sculpture, Japanese rice paper,
lithographs-on-porcelain and painting on glass. 150 Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach
(561) 833-6870.
Palm Beach Invitational
International Piano Competition
Each spring the Flagler Museum resounds with the playing of world-class
pianists. The 11th prestigious three-day event is in April. There's so much to
attract lovers of fine keyboard music, and for the performers, themselves, the
attraction is a tempting first prize of $15,000 along with a recital at Lincoln
Center in New York. The Piano Competition Guild also presents Sunday concerts
at the Four Seasons Resort. P.O. Box 3094, Palm Beach (561) 833-8817
Lois Pope Theatre Company
Louis Tyrrell has been running this innovative 250-seat theater since 1987.
It aims to bring to South Florida the highest quality productions of
challenging new American drama. Last spring, the Pope Theatre Company was one
of the first theaters in the country to stage Jack and Jill, the latest comic
work of the enigmatic writer Jane Martin. 262 S. Ocean Blvd, Manalapan (561)
585-3433
Royal Poinciana Playhouse
Perhaps the most glamorous theater in Palm Beach County, the historic
playhouse hosts top stars, performing hits from on and off-Broadway. Top
touring productions come here like An Inspector Calls, with its
self-destructing doll's house set. 70 Royal Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach (561)
659-3310
Society of the Four Arts
Exhibitions at these Mizner-designed buildings have included a fascinating
collection of American paintings, sculpture and furniture from the Colonial era
to the early 20th century. A concert season extends from December to February,
as well as a distinguished lecture series (speakers have included Sir David
Frost and General Colin Powell), film screenings and an annual flower show.
Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach (561) 655-7226
[ Palm Beach Main Menu ]
The Breakers
The Breakers, currently celebrating its centennial year, sits directly on
the ocean surrounded by a swimming pool, 21 tennis courts, two 18-hole golf
courses, a putting green, croquet courts and The Breakers Beach Club. Inside,
the resort has 572 guest rooms, the Florentine Dining Room, several bars and an
elegant ambiance. One S. County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 655-6611
Chesterfield Hotel
In the center of Palm Beach lies the Chesterfield Hotel, a charming
European-style four-star hotel with 53 rooms and suites. Featured in the
National Register of Historic Places, the hotel is the home of the famed
Leopard Lounge, where nightly music and dancing is a Palm Beach tradition. 363
Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach (561) 659-5800
The Colony Hotel
A prime location virtually on Worth Avenue and one block from the ocean
makes the intimate Colony Hotel an extremely attractive destination. Another of
Palm Beach's four-star hotels with 91 rooms and a meeting facility in a quiet,
private atmosphere, complemented by the Polo Lounge Bar, two restaurants and a
tiki bar. 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach (561) 655-5430
Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach
A classic marriage of Four Seasons and Palm Beach styles makes the Four
Seasons Resort one of the most elegant. With 210 rooms that feature spectacular
views and individual terraces, the oceanside resort offers a pool; tennis;
piano bar/lounge in the lobby; two acclaimed restaurants; and, a complimentary
children's program. 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach (800) 432-2335 / (561)
582-2800
Heart of Palm Beach Hotel
The name says it all-the Heart of Palm Beach Hotel is just steps away from
the beach, shopping and sports activities. All 88 rooms have refrigerators for
snacking, in addition to two restaurants, The Old Town Tavern and an outdoor
pool. 160 Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach (561) 655-5600
Palm Beach Hilton
The Palm Beach Hilton has 134 rooms, many overlooking the ocean. Water
sports, sailing, meeting facilities, a pool, tennis courts, sauna, Sandcastles
Restaurant and the Beachside Bar and Grill help define the Palm Beach
experience. 2842 S. Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach (800) 433-1718 / (561) 586-6542
Palm Beach Historic Inn
One of the few bed-and-breakfasts in Palm Beach, the Palm Beach Historic
Inn is true to its name-a preserved landmark building full of charm and island
elegance. The Inn's nine guest rooms and four suites are filled with modern
conveniences including cable TV and private showers. Guests are presented with
complimentary in-room continental breakfasts, making every morning a bright
one. 365 S. County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 832-4009
The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
Carrying on the legendary Ritz-Carlton tradition of impeccable personal
service and comfort, The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, on the ocean, has 270 guest
rooms and suites, 10 meeting rooms, three restaurants, a pool, seven tennis
courts, windsurfing, sailing and a fitness center with spa services. 100 S.
Ocean Blvd., Manalapan (561) 533-6000
[ Palm Beach Main Menu ]
Worth Avenue One of the best-known, exclusive shopping streets in the
world, Worth Avenue easily could be deemed a "shoppers paradise."
More than 200 internationally renowned shops, galleries and restaurants line
the street and fill the numerous Vias, not to mention the presence of the
prestigious Esplanade. (561) 659-6909
The Esplanade
The Esplanade, Worth Avenue's own Mediterranean-style jewel box, is an
open-air shopping plaza with a variety of upscale European and American shops,
anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. Shoppers are greeted with convenient valet
parking before encountering the exquisitely tiled fountain and tropical
atmosphere, leading into and interspersed with the shopping area. 150 Worth
Ave., Palm Beach (561) 833-0868
Plaza Del Mar
Located directly across the street from The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Plaza
del Mar is the place to shop in South Palm Beach. Shops, restaurants and
galleries make up an upscale outdoor, but covered, plaza. (561) 586-6447
[ Palm Beach Main Menu ]
Palm Beach Day School
A challenging academic and artistic education (Kindergarten through 9th
grade) has been the hallmark of this institution since 1921. The
student-teacher ratio is 6-1 and average class size is 11. The school's stated
goal is to prepare students to succeed at the best independent high schools and
universities in the country. 241 Seaview Ave., Palm Beach (561) 655-1188
[ Palm Beach Main Menu ]
264-The Grill Veal, burgers, meats, seafood, pastas and a full bar in
traditional Palm Beach style. 264 S. County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 833-6444
Amici Ristorante Bar
One of the best people-watching spots in Palm Beach, as well as a favorite
place for antipasti, wood-burning oven specialties and homemade pastas. 288 S.
County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 832-0201
Bice Ristorante
World-class Italian cuisine carried out in the legendary tradition that
began in Milan in 1926. 313 1/2 Worth Ave., Palm Beach (561) 835-1600
Cafe L'Europe
A new location and updated menu bring Cafe L'Europe into the 90's while
continuing a 15-year tradition of excellence in contemporary French cuisine.
331 S. County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 655-4020
Casablanca Cafe Americain
A creative Mediterranean-style menu in a delightful bistro setting. Open
for lunch, dinner and cocktails. 101 N. County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 655-1115
Charley's Crab
See Palm Beach Gardens listing. 456 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach (561)
659-1500
Chuck and Harold's
Classic Palm Beach, served Chuck Muer-style. Fresh seafood, salads and
pastas, presented on the patio or indoors, with a hopping bar. Always a
favorite for Sunday brunch. 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach (561) 659-1440
Cucina Dell Arte
Innovative Italian cuisine grilled seafood; fresh, imported pastas; and a
dynamic wine list. 527 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach (561) 655-0770
(Additional location in West Palm Beach.)
Jo's Restaurant
In a new, expanded location, serving fine wines, Thai with a twist, and
classics of continental cuisine. 375 S. County Rd., Palm Beach (561) 659-6776
Ta-Boo
An American bistro and bar with a coveted Worth Avenue view. Great for
lunch, dinner, dancing or cocktails. 221 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach (561)
835-3500
Testa's Restaurant
With a 75-year history of Palm Beach favorites-steak for two, raw fries,
seasonal stone crabs and strawberry pie. Great for breakfast, late-night snacks
and anything in between. 221 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach (561) 832-0992
[ Palm Beach Main Menu ]
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