Florida Part 2 - Palm Beach☀️

As I write this blog post it is snowing big flakes right outside my window, so I’m thankful to be transporting myself back to the fabulous beach and warmth and fun my friends and I had just a few weeks ago. I’ve spent a good amount of time on the east coast of Florida, but never in Palm Beach. My friend Julie was already in Orlando with me and when Cheryl joined us we headed down for a week at the beach. Just a little less than a two and a half hour drive from Orlando. Does the beach ever get old? Nope!

We stayed at the Marriott Ocean Pointe - a beautiful resort right on the beach. Quite large - it has 5 buildings most configured as villas with kitchens, living/dining rooms, bedrooms and balconies. Lots of nice amenities with multiple pools, mini golf, grilling areas, family games and entertainment.

Upon arrival while waiting for our villa to be ready lunch was the first order of business. Right at the pool - why not! Pretty sure I had fish tacos but I was too hungry to get a picture.

We spent lots of time on the beach. A long walk every morning sometimes starting with sunrise. Is there a better way to start the day? That question is for everyone but Julie😂 Sunset is more her thing - no judgement Julie! You always contribute in so many ways to the fun!

Palm Beach and the surrounding waterfront area is very fancy. It is described often as glitzy and I would say that is an apt description. I don’t think it’s a stretch to call it the east coast Hollywood. Even has a street of upscale boutiques on Worth Ave that looks very much like Rodeo Drive. We didn’t really spend anytime there other than a scenic drive to see it, and catch a glimpse of the amazing Breakers Hotel. Next time I will make it a point to at least have a drink there as the inside must be spectacular.

We ate some delicious food. There was no lack of restaurants to choose from but we gravitated to places where we could sit outside by the water. Jupiter is the next town north and has a cool area on the marina with the Jupiter Lighthouse to make it even more picturesque.

U-Tiki was a favorite. Wonderful cocktails, appetizers and fresh seafood. The entrees have a choice of side and the U-Tiki potatoes are direct from heaven. I don’t think I want to know what’s in them but can confirm they are fantastic. Not a bite was left behind.

We also ate at the restaurant right next door called Jetty’s. We went early and they had an early bird special that was an incredible deal. Not sure if they offer it at the busier time of year but worth checking out. I had the crab cake and coconut shrimp special. Delicious!

Since it was still my birthday week and brunch is my absolute favorite thing to do on a weekend, the ladies agreed to join me at RH in West Palm Beach. RH as in Restoration Hardware. They have I believe in 5 of their stores across the country these fabulous gorgeous amazing restaurants. The food is delicious but you would have a difficult time finding a prettier place to enjoy a meal. I’ve been to the one here in Chicago and hope to visit the other locations someday to compare. I am not a big bacon eater but theirs is something very special.

After brunch we walked across the street to a beautiful shopping area and courtyard called Rosemary Square. Lots of great stores, restaurants, bars and places to people watch in a very Florida motif.

If you heard rumor of a 700 ton sand Christmas tree would you insist on seeing it? Of course! So one morning we headed down to Centennial Square in West Palm to see it for ourselves. Totally worth it! Especially since we were able to get delicious croissants at Loïc and see fun murals along the way.

Not just one huge sand Christmas tree but 4 more amazing sand creations. Sandiland!

This blog post would not be complete with out a shout out to our love of the pool noodle. I’ll take the heat here for being the wet blanket initially. Pool noodles were not around when my kids were young - so I had no appreciation of their immense worth when enjoying hours in a pool. When purchasing them was suggested by Julie I was a naysayer. At $5 each I thought it was an unnecessary expense. I hang my head in shame. When Cheryl arrived and joined Julie’s team for a big thumbs up for purchasing the noodles I relented, and will admit to being fully on Team Noodle now. We left them at the pool to pay it forward for hours of enjoyment for the next lucky group.

We had such a great time. Lots of laughs and the entire season one of School of Chocolate on Netflix. Thanks Julie and Cheryl for being such great friends and travel buddies. It wouldn’t have been nearly as great without you both. One last sunset and we all headed home. Thanks for coming along. The best is yet to be🤗