Palm Beach Travel Guide
It never fails. The minute February rolls around I start to crave some serious vitamin D like nobody's business. Yes, even me, the certified snow queen needs an escape to the warm weather in the depths of winter. I just like to remember what it feels like to wear flip flops again, to not have ten layers on at all times and to twirl around in a dress again. It's really the little things.
So when work and play came together in the most fabulous of ways a few weeks ago sending Erin and I down to Palm Beach, Florida to shoot Elizabeth McKay's fabulous new spring collection, it was like the sunshine stars aligned. We got even luckier to join forces with the absolutely lovely ladies of Palm Beach Lately - Beth & Danielle - so they could give us the insiders scoop to their stylish backyard. I devoured their Palm Beach Guide before got down there, and I highly recommend you do to if you are planning a trip.
We had the absolute joy of staying at The Colony Palm Beach during our stay, and it also served as a backdrop for so many of our shots because it's so darn charming. I'm old school at heart, and absolutely adore places with a Slim Aarons vibe. The Colony is just that, plus a whole lot of heart. Every single member of the staff felt like a friend by the end of our stay and bent over backwards to make our time there memorable. I so hope to come back one day on an actual vacation when I can just sit by the pool all day, cocktail in hand, to really soak it all in - you know, for research purposes...
LONG SLEEVE TUNIC (COMING SOON!) | HAT (SIMILAR) | SHORT SLEEVE BLOUSE (COMING SOON!) | JEANS | SUNGLASSES | SHOES
DRESS (COMING SOON!) | BAG | SUNGLASSES | SHOES
We met up with the stylish sister duo - Beth & Danielle of Palm Beach Lately - the first morning of our trip, and they honestly were beyond lovely. They are just as charming as they appear on instagram (maybe even more so, if that's possible!). They acted like our own personal tour guides (and even had a welcome basket at the hotel when we arrived!). So after we quickly realized we loved them, we hit the Palm Beach streets running. Here are some of my favorite spots they shared with us.
Side note: can we talk about Elizabeth McKay's collection for this spring? So timeless, yet so fun. This shoot made me CRAVE spring.
Where to Stroll
MAJOR ALLEY
The pictures above and below are on a charming little street called Major Alley. And oh my goodness, this little alley made me crave spring in the worst possibly way. I had almost forgotten what flowers looked like. A stroll through was so good for the soul. I highly recommend scoping it out if you are ever in the area.
ThE ROYAL
Where beautiful aesthetic meets every store you could possibly want, The Royal takes shopping to an entirely new level. I would say I want an exact replica here in Rhode Island, but that could be dangerous. But I still want it. Haha. You could easily spend half a day meandering through all the pretty and stopping in for some delicious nibbles.
SWEET STREETS OF PALM BEACH
The beautiful thing about Palm Beach is that it's well, beautiful. My favorite thing to do when I travel is just walk and find new and inspiring places that just seem to pop out at me. This happened every where I looked in Palm Beach. I love getting lost to find my hidden gems on every trip, but having Beth & Danielle show us their favorite places was such a gift!
We were so sad to see Beth & Danielle go, but they left us with all the knowledge to properly conquer their gorgeous little town. And we had lots of ground to cover based on all their fabulous recommendations! I only hope I can repay the favor when they visit New England (hint, hint Beth & Danielle)...
GINGHAM DRESS | GINGHAM BLOUSE | STRIPE DRESS | HAT (SIMILAR) | JEANS | BAG | BAG | Palm BEaCH BAG: From SEQUIN, PALm BEACH $98 | SHOES | SHOES | EARRINGS
Where to stay
The Colony Palm Beach
We hit the jackpot with this gorgeous hotel, it was exactly what we were looking for and more. It really made me wish I could call my girlfriends and have them meet me there for a fabulous girls weekend. Or an weekend getaway with Andrew. It's sophisticated without feeling overly stuffy, and I just love that. I would stay here again in a heart beat!
The BRAZILIAN COURT
We passed this beauty while we were strolling, and it's definitely got that old world vibe as well. Right in the heart of downtown and minutes from shopping and restaurants, this is a fabulous option if you are looking for luxury with a little personality.
THE BREAKERS
You can't mention Palm Beach without mentioning the Breakers, and once you visit, you can see why. It's honestly hard to miss! It's as grand as they come, and worth a visit if you don't stay there.
Full disclosure, we stopped by Eau Palm Beach because we saw pictures of it online that looked really fun, and we were very underwhelmed. Or maybe overwhelmed by everything (the smell in the lobby literally knocked us off our feet - so strong). It felt a little Vegas in its opulence - which isn't my thing. But it is a very popular hotel - so check it out if that interests you! It's right on the beach, so that is a definite win.
Gingham blazer | gingham TOP | JEANS | BAG | BAG | Palm BEaCH BAG: From SEQUIN, PALm BEACH $98 | SHOES | SHOES | EARRINGS
Where to shop
Worth Ave
Palm Beach makes this one easy. If there is anything Palm Beach does better than the rest, it's shop. It's own little (or not so little, I suppose) Rodeo Drive, Worth Avenue (and the surrounding area) has literally every store you could possibly dream of. You could spend an entire day getting lost in all the pretty little alleys, and exploring all the interesting shops. Perhaps stopping for a cocktail along the way. Just a friendly suggestion for your itinerary. I'm always here for you.
GINGHAM DRESS | PRINT TUNIC | JEANS | BAG | SHOES
Where to eat
This was primarily a work trip, so we didn't get a ton of time to really explore the food scene, but these were the restaurants recommend to us over and over. Some we had the pleasure of checking out, others we have saved for when we return. You always need an excuse to return, right? TIP: Be sure to make reservations!
Dinner
Buccan
Ta-boo
Polo at The Colony Hotel
Café Boulud
LUNCH (or brunch)
Sant Ambroeus
Surfside Diner
Island Bee
Pizza Al Fresco
Green's Pharmacy
MAXI DRESS | STRIPE DRESS | LIGHT BLUE PRINT DRESS | NAVY PRINT DRESS
What to do
Now, I wouldn't blame you a tiny bit if you came to Palm Beach and did absolutely nothing, but if you do want to pull yourself off a lounge chair for a moment, there is plenty to do on this pretty stretch of sand (aside from shopping and eating of course).
Flager Museum
Antique Row
Society of the Four Arts
Bike The Lake Trail
Palm Beach, Beaches
You can't talk about Palm Beach and not mention it's stunning stretch of sand. Lined with breathtaking homes and rows of Palm trees, it's perfectly picturesque. Do as the locals do, and just hop the wall to find your own little ocean oasis all along Ocean Blvd.
So there you have it! My little take on this little piece of heaven also known as Palm Beach. A huge thank you again to the ladies of Palm Beach Lately for giving us such a lovely look into their home sweet home.
STRIPE TOP | WHITE TOP | SHORTS
PHOTOGRAPHY: ERIN MCGINN | CLOTHING: ELIZABETH MCKAY | STYLING: ABBY CAPALBO
