AROUND TOWN

THE CURRENT

REAL ESTATE CHIC OASIS

REDISCOVER PARADISE LOCALLY AT THE PINK PALM TREE AIRBNB

For friends Lisa Karbon and Aspen Potter, a fun road trip was the catalyst for them to transform a 1950s home into a destination rental.

Following a trip to Disney World, Potter asked Karbon if they could drive to Fort Lauderdale to check out a property that had fl ipping potential before heading back to California, where the two reside. Potter had

done a few fl ips in the past with her vacation rental home management company and was in the market to invest in another property. Upon seeing it in person, Karbon recalls telling Potter she should name it the Pink Palm Tree.

“From there, ideas started spewing from both of us,” shares Karbon. “We feed off each other.”

The duo agreed to tackle this rental project together. They collaborated on the interior design, while Karbon handled the marketing and creative management components and

Clockwise from left: Aspen Potter and Lisa Karbon; the rental’s outdoor mural; the Pink Palm Tree pool.

Potter took care of the permits, taxes, and fi nancials.

“Lisa’s so good at seeing the vision and coming up with these incredible ideas, but she’s never really had the opportunity to just go out there and do it,” says Potter. “That’s when I was like, ‘I want to bring you in on this.’”

Offi cially dubbed the Pink Palm Tree, the rental home is now an Instagrammable paradise in Coral Ridge, ready for locals and visitors alike to book vacations, bachelorette parties, and more. The home can accommodate 12 guests and features chic interiors, a pool and patio, and several murals for the perfect photo ops. Locals interested in the home can book via Airbnb. (instagram.com/ thepinkpalmtreeairbnb) —M.P.

WISH LIST STYLE for Good

This October, treat yourself to fashionable accessories that will make you look and feel good. Every purchase from Fort Lauderdale–based Simbi— an accessories line that encourages, empowers, and inspires—enables positive change for Haiti and its residents through clean water, job creation, and business opportunities for its local partners. The brand started when friends Lori Manuel Steed and Birgit Grossmann Coles dreamt up an accessories line to benefi t Haitians following the country’s devastating earthquake in 2010. Shop boho-inspired pieces ranging from inspirational charms, enchanted gems, power beads, and vibe catchers to a selection of colorful, quick-dry scrunchies, hair ties, and headbands in nearly endless patterns. Everything is made using organic, biodegradable materials and follows a philosophy of upcycling. (simbihaiti.com) —M.P.

Lori Manuel Steed and Birgit Grossmann Coles are behind the altruistic accessories brand Simbi.

THE CURRENT

STAYCATIONS Astronomical Oases

TWO ZODIAC-INSPIRED STAYS WORTH A VISIT

Written in the Stars

Have the ultimate girl’s weekend with the W Fort Lauderdale and the “It Was Written in the Stars” package, dedicated to celebrating each astrological sign. Guests who book a minimum of two nights will enjoy two cocktails from a secret zodiac menu featuring a drink inspired by each sign, a signature manicure with glitter and charms, and a pajama party in one of the hotel’s oceanfront suites, complete with a henna artist and psychic. (wfortlauderdale.com)

COURTESY OF W FORT LAUDERDALE

The Celestial Experience

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy some spectacular views of the shimmering night sky. Hillsboro Beach Resort offers this and more with its new Celestial Experience. Tucked away from high-traffic areas in South Florida, the resort’s private setting allows visitors to relish the night sky and rent a Zhumell telescope for some serious stargazing. After meeting with the Constellation Concierge, guests will receive a sky map to guide them in locating constellations, all viewable from the beach. There are also resort-specific itineraries crafted for each zodiac sign that enable guests to dig deeper into astrology all night long. (hillsborobeachresort.com) —M.P.

HILLSBORO BEACH RESORT

HAPPENINGS 2 EVENTS NOT TO MISS

Artwork by Ariel Collins

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ARTFUL MINDS

Check out “Artful Minds” October 6 at MAD Arts in Fort Lauderdale. The exhibition will explore the relationship between art and mental health via works by artists who either live with mental illness or who address the theme of mental health in their pieces. Funds raised will benefit host NAMI Broward, an organization dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with mental illnesses and improving the quality of life for all individuals affected by these diseases. (namibroward.org/artful-minds)

Artwork by ANgela Rush

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PUMPKINS & PALM TREES FALL FEST

Bring your friends and family out to the second annual Pumpkins & Palm Trees Fall Fest at the LOOP on Fort Lauderdale Beach October 23. The fete will feature fall flavors, local vendors, live music, and more in celebration of fall’s arrival—Florida style. A pumpkin patch, trick or treating, and lawn games will round out the experience. (theloop flb.com/events/pumpkinspalmtrees) —M.P.