The Dispatch: Palm Beach
a little black book for all of my favourite spots on & around the island
I’ve loved Palm Beach since birth. Literally: it was the first place my parents took me as an infant, and a place we returned to every winter in the years that followed. Landing there always brought a sense of relief — even as a child — and I vividly remember the scent upon arrival: green, fresh, humid… like sidewalks after a summer rain.
The city and surrounding area have changed so much over the years. Back then, it felt like no one under 70 lived there, and the restaurant and shopping scene catered exclusively to that crowd, rarely evolving year to year. Since then, though, there have been big changes. Some not-so-great (the traffic! the real estate prices! the… rather significant political shifts!), but many that are incredibly exciting. The restaurant scene has come alive. Young people have moved down in droves. The shopping is world-class. There’s a whole world of wellness to explore, and so much to do, from the polo scene in nearby Wellington to all the pop-ups at The Colony. And did I mention the thrift shopping??? So, allow me to share a few favourites, both new and old, from the little black book I’ve kept over my lifetime.
A quick note: This was written before recent, significant developments in the trade relationship between Canada and our closest friends and allies in the USA. With a largely mixed audience of Canadian, American, and International subscribers here, I’m pressing “send” on this in the spirit of optimism — hoping that anyone planning travel to the area finds it helpful, and that others might save it for a time when it feels right for them to go again.
Shopping
Worth Avenue Area: Adam Lippes (the most beautiful boutique I’ve seen in ages), Carolina Herrera (a pink jewel box worth visiting for the interiors alone), Kassatly’s (the oldest store in Palm Beach — they make the most beautiful bed jackets and pyjamas), Aerin, Jennifer Miller, Church Mouse
Palm Beach Other: Shop Cou, Palm Beach Book Store, Hampton Wines, Lori Jayne (a mecca for all things embroidered), Lycette Designs (for all my needlepoint enthusiasts. You think I’m kidding — I’m not), Julia Amory
Royal Poinciana Plaza: La Ligne, Hill House Home, Lingua Franca, Marissa Collections, Jenni Kayne, LoveShackFancy, Staud
If I’m honest, this isn’t my favourite shopping destination (weird energy is the only way I can explain it), but if you’re in town, it’s a must.
Thrift/Consignment: World Thrift, Goodwill, Nearly New Shop, City Girl Consignment, Dina C’s, American Thrift. I also recommend just hitting up any of the charity shops / Salvation Army / Goodwill / ReStore locations you pass. I’m hesitant to write this, but with so many people of means retiring in the area, it’s truly a treasure trove and you can often find the most amazing things in unexpected places.
If you have the time, I suggest an afternoon thrifting and visiting consignment shops in Boca.
Interiors: all of the incredible vintage shops along Antique Row on S. Dixie Hwy are truly world-class. If you’re into PB-style interiors, visit Casa Gusto, Casa Branca, Hive
Dining
Palm Beach Grill: my forever favourite — as elevated as comfort food gets
Renato’s: old-school, but the shell-back chairs and full plates of pasta always get me
Morton’s Happy Hour: their burger & dirty martini with hand-stuffed blue cheese olives live rent-free in my mind
Honourable Mentions: Buccan, La Bilboquet, Pink Steak (gives STK vibes in terms of crowd, but they make a fantastic filet), Blue Door, Oceano
Breakfast / Lunch
Aioli in West Palm: the best baked goods and breakfast sandwiches (prepare to find yourself going multiple days in a row as I did)
Chik Monk: amazing iced lattes and they also stock Aioli pastries
Other
Trivia night or any of the fun pop-ups at The Colony Hotel
Cocktails at HMF
Publix: the best grocery store in the world! The location in Palm Beach used to have valet parking — sadly, no longer.
Sprinkles Ice Cream: a classic for a reason
McDonald’s for Sweet Tea: I don’t want to admit to you how many of these I drink while I’m down south
Society of the Four Arts: those gardens!
Jog/walk along the Bike Path
If you’re looking for a place to stay (and you can’t stay with friends), I like Vogue’s recommendations. But honestly, always, The Breakers.
Shop the Palm Beach Look HERE.
photo cred: a mix of my own, Slim Aarons, Adam Lippes, @soujurnstyle, and Dana’s