Travel Diaries: Palm Beach
Right after Memorial Day, we drove to Palm Beach…yes, you heard that right - we drove from Chattanooga to Palm Beach at the very beginning of summer. Caroline had a drive through 5th grade graduation, so we packed up, drove through graduation and hit the road south. Originally we had planned a three week adventure starting in the Netherlands, as well as taking the girls back to Paris and London and experiencing the countryside throughout the three weeks. Well, you all know how that story ends…COVID. About the time we were planning to celebrate the end of Caroline’s elementary school chapter of her life, not many places were open. Things were just starting to open up in Florida, so we made a reservation at The Breakers. We love Palm Beach and have definitely had some fun memories there, so this turned out to be the perfect place to spend a few weeks together. We not only needed a changed of scenery after the trials of homeschooling we all endured, but we also wanted to take advantage of Matthew working remote more than he will ever be able to again!
Being there a few weeks allowed us to discover new shops and new restaurants, and I would not be my mom’s daughter if I did not make friends with some shop owners while there (who I can’t wait to see when we go back over fall break). After being disappointed about not being able to go to Europe, this trip ended up being one of our all time favorites. I’ve taken notes of some of my favorite shops, to some of our favorite restaurants, to even the surf lesson Caroline took on a rainy day with huge waves…..
This trip was the end of a chapter for Caroline for sure. When I look back at these pictures, I realized this was the last time she took her American Girl to dinner.
A little breakfast game of hangman is always good for the soul. I love watching these two play!
Callidus was one of those shops I wish I could ship everything in the shop back home. It was gorgeous and the owner was so much fun to talk to. I cannot wait to go back!
Considering we locked the iPads in the safe this trip coming off of tons of online learning, I brought lots of other fun activities to do in the room while getting ready for dinner.
We did some Memorial Day shopping at The Royal Poinciana Plaza. Caroline loves Stoney Clover and I love just about everything else there!
We loved getting to see some of friends (who are more like family) who were quarantining down from New York in Vero Beach. This was definitely a highlight of our trip! This picture was taken after our first of three times to Pizza Al-Fresco….we LOVE the staff (and food) that much!
Sarah’s favorite place to shop is actually at the hotel, Coconut Crew.
Renato’s is one of our favorite restaurants. Delicious Italian food and the staff is amazing.
Caroline took a surf lesson through The Palm Beach Boys Club and she cannot wait to get back down there in a few weeks to take a few more lessons.
Sarah’s dress Sandbox Boutique in Chattanooga, Caroline’s romper Dillard’s Boutique, Yellow Dress Hemant & Nandita
I had no idea she packed this little ensemble, but she pulled it out to wear shopping on Worth Avenue and I told her she looked amazing!
We were headed into Palm Beach Grill in this pic, for the second time this trip!
I took Caroline on a day date while Matthew and Sarah swam. We got pedicures and while she had her pedicure, they served her mango sorbet. It was a perfect Mother~Daughter afternoon.
Caroline and I went out on the Banana Boat. My goodness, my arms were sore for three days because I was determined to not fall off! We had a blast though!
favorite restaurants. . .
Buccan - this is Matthew’s absolute favorite!
Pizza Al’ Fresco - this one is my favorite…I love the atmosphere and the staff is amazing…incredibly nice people!
Renato’s - this is a favorite of both of ours and the girls love it too!
Palm Beach Grill - we love Palm Beach Grill, not the best atmosphere for the beach, but we love the food!
Cafe Boulud - delicious Boulud restaurant located in the beautiful Brazilian Court Hotel
BrickTop’s - we did not make it to BrickTops’s last trip, but just about everyone recommends it!
Ta-Boo - we almost always eat at Ta-Boo, which has been around forever….just ok food, but fun atmosphere!
HMF Sushi Bar - some of the best sushi!! we love it!
Cafe L’europe - such a pretty place just down from The Breakers and the food is amazing too
Trevino - this was Caroline’s favorite meal last trip….we loved sitting outside!
CPB - located poolside at The Colony Hotel, I have only seen the setting and not actually eaten here, but hope to on the next trip to PB!
I’m sure there are more, but these are the ones we have been to and love! Enjoy reservation planning…it’s hard to narrow it down sometimes!
favorite shops. . .
Coconut Crew
Roberta Roller Rabbit
Palm Beach Boys Club
Aristocrat Kids ~ Palm Beach Girls Club
Michelle Farmer Collaborate
Callidus
Circa Who
Corrico Palm Beach
Stubbs and Wootton
Lycette Designs
Lilly Pulitzer (OF COURSE!)
Shop some of the things we packed. . .
I’m always happy to answer questions about our trips. Feel free to e-mail or message me. XOXO, Tracy