No matter what your budget, be sure to take a stroll down Worth Avenue, the "Rodeo Drive of the South" and a window-shopper's dream. Between South Ocean Boulevard and Cocoanut Row, there are more than 200 boutiques, posh shops, art galleries, and upscale restaurants. If you want to fit in, dress as if you are going to an elegant luncheon, not the mall down the street.
Despite the presence of the usual suspects (Gucci, Chanel, Armani, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, among others), Worth Avenue is not impervious to the mainstream. Several chains such as Victoria's Secret and Limited Express have snuck in here, but so have a good number of unique boutiques. History Buff, 32 Via Mizner (tel. 561/366-8255), is a virtual museum selling every genre of original historic autographs, some dating back to the 1600s, as well as vintage signed photos, first-edition books, and memorabilia. For privileged feet, Stubbs & Wooton, 4 Via Parigi (tel. 561/655-4105), sells velvet slippers that are a favorite of the loofahed locals. For rare and estate jewelry, Richter's of Palm Beach, 224 Worth Ave. (tel. 561/655-0774), has been specializing in priceless gems since 1893. Just off Worth Avenue is the Church Mouse, 374 S. County Rd. (tel. 561/659-2154), a great consignment/thrift shop with antique furnishings and tableware, as well as lots of good castaway clothing and shoes from socialites who've moved on to the next designers or, worse than that, to the big gala in the sky. This shop usually closes for 2 months during the summer; call to be sure.
City Place, Okeechobee Road (at I-95), West Palm Beach (tel. 561/820-9716), is a $550-million, Mediterranean-style shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that's responsible for revitalizing what was once a lifeless downtown West Palm Beach. Among the 78 mostly chain stores are Macy's, FAO Schwarz, Benetton (which contains an in-line skating track), Armani Exchange, Pottery Barn, and SEE eyewear. Restaurants include a Ghirardelli ice-cream shop, Legal Seafoods, City Cellar Wine Bar and Grill, and Cheesecake Factory. Best of all is the Muvico Parisian, a 20-screen movie theater where you can wine and dine while watching a feature.
