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Wh er e to sp o t wildlife The beaches may be full of sunbathers by day, but by night they are filled with hundreds of turtles, all clambering ashore to lay their ever-so precious eggs. Best time to catch a glimpse of these endangered species is between March and October. And if you go with a guide, then ask about the interesting journey the turtles took to get there.
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Wh er e to te e up If you’re looking for a spot of golf, look no further than the world renowned Fazio Course at the PGA National Resort & Spa. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, this legendary course should be the top of your to-do list. And once you’re feeling sufficiently golf’d out, retreat to the clubhouse where you can ask where to find the best sports massage to knead away that post-golf tension.
T h e L o c al P ers p e c t i ve: Mike May, an esteemed Palm Beach based Golf Writer, suggested Banyan Golf Club and The Club and Admirals Cove if you’re looking for the private course experience. Overall, though, he named PGA National Resort & Spa, The Breakers and Boca Raton Resort & Club as the best courses in the area, whilst Shawn Reed, Special Projects Coordinator at Palm Beach County Golf Course, names Osprey Point as one of his all-time favourites. The fact that it was recently named as the World’s Best EcoFriendly golf facility is just a bonus.
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Wh er e to f ind lo c al ar t
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Wh er e to go for a dose o f histor y
Henry Morrison Flagler’s house, come museum, is the perfect place for any history buff. Once home to the American industrialist and oil tycoon, the museum now proudly hosts an array of everchanging historical exhibitions from oriental art through the ages, to 19th century American-Indian photography. Ask a curator which of the 75 rooms contains their favourite exhibit.
Explore pieces from local artists at the Edward and Deborah Pollack Fine Art gallery. Open since 1971 this art duo sell and display pieces from some of Florida’s most prized artists, including Hermann Herzog and Anthony Theime. If you want to learn more about the local work, then be sure to ask Deborah where you can buy her book ‘Palm Beach Visual Arts’.
T h e L o c al P ers p e c tive: Christina Woods, arts writer, believes you’ll get the best insight at one of the many art festivals and fairs held year-round in Palm Beach County. From ArtiGras in Jupiter to Delray Affair in Delray Beach, you’ll discover an open-air showcase of a stunning variety of art and artists.
T h e L o c al P er s p e c t i ve: Benji Studt, an Environmental Program Supervisor, reckons you’ve got the best chance of spotting stunning wildlife at Pine Glades Natural Area, Riverbend Park or Snook Islands Natural Area. Looking for marine life in particular? Head on over to the Phil Foster Snorkel Trail, Peanut Island and Dubois Park. Get that camera ready.
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Wh er e to while away an af terno on
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W h er e to ge t th e p er fe c t Palm Be a ch war dr ob e When it comes to shopping, it’s all about Worth Avenue. Think chic boutique stores and up-scale designer shops, where you can buy anything from a swimsuit to a jet ski. But if you really want to look the part then head straight to Calypso St. Barth or Stubbs and Wooton for the ultimate stylish beach wardrobe. When you are shopped out ask an assistant where’s best to grab a good lightbite.
T h e L o c al P ers p e c t i ve: As a verified Fashion Blogger at The Modern Savvy – we’ll take Alyson Seligman’s word for it when she says we should pay a visit to iconic Palm Beach brand Lilly Pulitzer for all of our holiday wardrobe needs. She also loves Rapunzel’s Closet, Sequin and Island company, amongst many others…
Proud host of the International Boat Show every March, West Palm Beach is the perfect place to eye up some of the globe’s largest and most lavish yachts. Whether you’re thinking of buying one of these floating palaces, or simply there to browse, make sure you head to the Palm Harbour Marina. Why not ask a deck hand how much it is to charter your favourite boat for the day?
T h e L o c al P er s p e c tive: If you’re not up for ogling at yachts, Christina Woods, local art writer, suggests an afternoon at The Boca Raton Museum of Art and Mizner Park, where you’ll be able to enjoy anything from fine art to shopping and dining.
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Wh er e to sh op for mor e than c lo th es
With over 40 shops to choose from in West Palm Beach’s Antiques Row, its best to work from top to bottom as you weave your way through the maze of 17th to 20th century antiques. A treasure trove of vintage and modern pieces, WPB Antiques Row has long been a hit with collectorjunkies. If you spot someone who looks like a regular to the row then ask them where you can find period-deco furnishings.
T h e L o c al P er s p e c t i ve: Stephanie Hill is a Fashion Blogger at The Style Bungalow, so is an expert when it comes to knowing where to shop. Her favourite places include Antique Row, CityPlace and The Gardens Mall (one of her favourite malls in the world).
Wh er e to danc e un t il th e e ar ly h our s o f th e morning
Don’t expect to come to Hookah for a chat, since all you’ll be able to hear at this nightclub is pumping dance music. Things tend to kick off around midnight, guaranteeing you’ll be able to dance the night away and well into the early hours of the morning. When you’ve finally called it a night ask a bouncer which late night joint is still serving food for your post-party munchies.
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Wh er e to p a ddle b o ar d
An unbeatable spot to paddleboard is Peanut Island, where you’ll find calm, sparkling waters ideal for all abilities. It’s one of Florida’s best snorkelling spots too, so you can just imagine the beauty and wildlife that awaits here. Spend a whole day here exploring the waters above and below the surface.
T h e L o c al P er s p e c t i ve : A local in the know, James Weiland thinks beginners should enjoy the calm waters of Tequesta. If you’re experienced or fancy an adventure, the breaks on the ocean side in Jupiter and the wildlife in McArthur State Park are sure to delight.
Wh er e to dive Known for its incredible underwater marine life, The Palm Beach boasts some of the best dives on the South-East coast. But nothing quite compares to the marine diversity of the Blue Heron Bridge where you can catch a glimpse of anything and everything, from manatees to sea turtles and from rays to seahorses. And at only twenty feet, even the most cautious divers will be tempted. If BH bridge has wet your diving appetite, then ask your instructor which wrecks are also worth a visit.
T h e L o c al P ers p e c tive: Who better to ask about diving than Environmental Analyst and Artificial Reef Coordinator Jena McNeal? Apparently, one of the best sites is the ‘Wreck Trek’, where on one drift dive you can see up to four different wrecks, such as the United Caribbean, the Sea Emperor and the newest addition to the county’s wreck collection, Ana Cecilia.
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Wh er e to ge t a fr ui t smo o thi e?
Having been open for more than one hundred years, it’s safe to assume that The Tropical Fruit Shop know how to make a good smoothie. Since 1915 this local favourite has continued to make delicious concoctions for all of The Palm Beaches. Why not ask the server for the smoothie of the day?
T h e L o c al P er s p e c t i ve: Yelp Community Director Blue Arauz believes you’ll find the best smoothie at Don Victorio’s Market, a hub of organic produce and home to a popular juice and smoothie bar.
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Wh er e to de ep - se a f ish When it comes to angling it doesn’t get much better than the Atlantic. So charter a boat for the day and head to the waters around Singer Island where you can try your hand at deep-sea fishing, and attempt to catch anything from kingfisher to snapper. Ask you your skipper to point out the other aquatic wildlife around, including dolphins and manatees.
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Wh er e and wh en to f ind farmers mar ke t A hit with all the foodies, the West Palm Beach Greenmarket is home to 80 vendors all selling scrumptious culinary delights. Open every Saturday along the scenic waterfront, shoppers are invited to peruse this gourmet maze of fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, bread, deli items and more. If you’ve got a specific something in mind then ask a local for some advice.
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Wh er e to c a tch some waves
Wh er e to ge t br e ak fast to go If you’re looking for a breakfast on-the-go then Patrick Leze is your answer. Tucked along Sunrise Avenue on Palm Beach, this delightfully delicious patisserie makes a ton of warm, fresh pastries every morning. From croissants to pain au raisins, there’s a treat for all preferences and flavours. While in the queue ask the person to the left where you can find the best coffee, and go there next.
T h e L o c al P ers p e c t i ve: Blue Arauz is pointing us in the direction of Delicias Cuban Bakery, which is hidden within a gas station. A true insider secret.
Palm Beach’s Reef Road is by far and away your best hope of catching big waves. Reaching heights of up to 15 feet, this popular hangout is a surfer’s paradise. And even if you’re not planning on riding the waves, this spot still makes for some excellent people watching. If you’re thinking about returning, then ask a local or life guard what the upcoming weather forecast is, to ensure you get the best of the waves.
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Wh er e to e a t e thni c fo o d
Nowhere knows how to do Floribbean cuisine like El Bohio. But don’t let its casual façade fool you, since this small holein-the-wall serves some of the best Cuban sandwiches in town (plus, their empanadas aren’t bad either). Once served, ask owner Blas Serpa where he thinks the best spot for a post-sandwich cerveza is.
T h e L o c al P er s p e c tive: For something truly one-of-akind, Blue Arauz recommends the Queen of Sheeba, which happens to be one of the only Ethiopian restaurants in the region. Alternatively you can grab some delicious Caribbean cuisine at Kersmon (the highest rated restaurant on Yelp in The Palm Beaches).
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Wh er e to ge t fr esh c aug ht shr imp
Cheap, cheerful and delicious – the local Surfside Diner is beloved for its excellent choice of fresh seafood dishes. The shrimp fettuccine is definitely worth the queue, and if you’ve got room then so is the sesame crusted yellowfin tuna. Make sure to ask the server what the catch of the day is – it won’t disappoint.
T h e L o c al P er s p e c t i ve: We went back to James for this one, and he’s adamant the most consistent waves are in Jupiter. You’ve also got the best surf shops here, so you’ll be able to deck yourself out like a pro.
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Wh er e to go for happy h our Fill the hours between lunch and dinner with a trip to Palm Sugar, where their three-hour happy hour is sure to keep you entertained. But be warned, their delectable Asian-fusion sharing plates mean that there’ll be no room left for your dinner reservation at 8pm. So cancel the table and order a Lychee Sakatini and a duck tacuito before asking the waiter what bar they’d head to next.
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Wh er e to ge t innova tive cuisine
Expect huge portions of comfort food at the Alchemist Gastropub. With speak-easy vibes and an excellent collection of cocktails (if you’re taking the ‘hair of the dog’ approach) this local hideout is the ideal place to nurse a sore head. If you’re up for round two, then ask behind the bar where they would suggest going out.
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Wh er e to ge t some qui e t time An oasis haven of tranquillity, The Bethesda-By-The-Sea Church is a hidden gem located on Palm Beach. Since 1889 this religious house has opened its doors to those looking for guidance or just some peace and quiet. Equipped with a stunning court yard and the Cluet Memorial Garden, Bethesda is perfectly quiet and calm. If you spot a clergy member then ask about the fascinating history of this religious sanctuary.
T h e L o c al P ers p e c tive: Shawn Reed thinks we should be enjoying the serenity of Green Cay Wetlands Center. It’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers, and no doubt a calming environment to spend some much-needed down time.