Beyond Brevard: Girls Weekend Getaway

Every once in awhile, every girl deserves a little R&R and lucky for us, there are no shortages of cool places to visit within a few hour’s drive. For this trip, my friends and I chose Palm Beach for a quick visit.

Busy season runs November through May, which makes the two-hour drive South even more exciting knowing you will basically get the town to yourself if you head down in the summer months. Palm Beach is full of luxury shopping, beautiful blooms, white sandy beaches and mouthwatering cuisine. It has been called the playground of the rich and famous and with celebrity homes there for Jimmy Buffet, Tiger Woods, Bill Gates and Donald Trump, we know that’s more than just a rumor.

In Palm Beach, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a place to stay, but one of my personal favorites is The Colony Palm Beach (www.thecolonypalmbeach.com). It’s a large pink number that was originally erected in 1947, is filled with Old Florida charm, and within walking distance to the beach and the shopper’s haven known as Worth Avenue.

A few other popular resorts include the iconic Breakers Hotel, Eau Palm Beach and the Brazilian Court Hotel. If you are travelling with a large number of girls, and want more space and privacy, try an online lodging site (such as Airbnb) to select the amenities and location best suited for your party.

Palm Beach is filled with shopping for every budget. On Worth Avenue, you will find world-famous luxury boutiques and stores such as the Lilly Pulitzer flagship store, Chanel, Gucci, J. Mclaughlin, Neiman Marcus and so may more! The redesigned Royal Poinciana Plaza is another must visit, filled with fresh blooms and a garden-party vibe. Be sure to take note of the black and white checked floor! They have unique stores like Stoney Clover Lane that offers customizable lifestyle and travel accessories, Cynthia Rowley and Alice + Olivia.

Other worthwhile stops include The Skinny Dip – filled with unique and emerging designers; Rosemary Square for more budget-friendly shopping; Northwood Village – trendy shops and hip boutiques that feature original art; and N. and S. County Road – where you’ll find a slew of unique shops and boutiques with a local vibe.

A proper girl’s trip is not complete without a bike ride along Lake Trail with views of Lake Worth lagoon and the opulent lake-front mansions. Another must-visit is the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, featuring Whitehall, a 75-room Gilded Age mansion filled with history and charm. If you’re an active group, there are a number of fun activities to round out your visit including snorkeling the Blue Heron Bridge, a boat ride to Peanut Island, late night clubbing and dancing at Cucina Palm Beach, touring the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse or visiting manatees at Manatee Lagoon!

One of my favorite ways to really get to know a new destination is to sample a variety of restaurants and cafés. Breakfast at one, lunch at another and dinner at yet another. If you plan ahead, you can sample a few really great places recommended by locals by reading reviews on restaurant apps such as www.opentable.com or www.tripadvisor.com.

One place we about died over on our recent trip is the Grandview Market on Clare Avenue in the warehouse district. Part chef/restaurant incubator, part indoor industrial food hall with live entertainment and a variety of vendor food options – from super fancy to super simple – this place is packed with indoor and outdoor seating and a covered patio that is dog friendly.

Other tantalizing options include Surfside Diner for breakfast, Pizza al Fresco or Café Flora (located behind Lilly Pulitzer) for lunch, cocktails at the Breakers, and Buccan or Cucina for dinner. And take it from us, Sloan’s Ice Cream is a sure bet to end the night on a sweet note.

NOTE: Many of the establishments listed above may be closed or have limited/restricted hours and accessibility due to the Coronavirus. Please call or check online before making any plans.