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.
You'd never know there was ever a recession based on the swarms of shoppers armed with bags from Gucci, Chanel, Armani, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, among others. And besides the boldface collection of couturiers there are also a good number of unique, independent boutiques. 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, 378 S. County Rd. (tel. 561/659-2154), a great consignment/thrift shop with antique furnishings and tableware, as well as lots of good castoff 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. Oh, and if you plan to put something up for consignment, make sure to use the special "donor's door" (a nice way of saying service entrance) on the south side of the building.
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, Barnes & Noble, Banana Republic, Armani Exchange, Pottery Barn, and SEE eyewear. Restaurants include a Ghirardelli ice-cream shop; Legal Seafoods; the legendary Tampa-based Cuban restaurant Columbia; Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood's Taverna Opa; City Cellar Wine Bar and Grill; Brewzzi; BB King's Blues Club; Blue Martini; 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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
