Page 110 - Experience Magazine Spring 2023

WORTH AVENUE IMPRESSES WITH ITS
HISTORY AND HIGH-END ATTRACTIONS
PARADISE IN

PALM BEACH

As the saying goes, “If you haven’t been to Worth
Avenue, you haven’t been to Palm Beach.” Running
four blocks from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean,
the venerable byway is the upscale shopping and
dining epicenter of the town, which was established
as a resort by Henry Morrison Flagler, a founder of
Standard Oil, who made the Atlantic coast barrier
island accessible via his Florida East Coast Railway.
Now known as “America’s First Resort Destination,”
Palm Beach was incorporated in April 1911 and had
at its nucleus Flagler’s two luxury resort hotels: The
Royal Poinciana and The Breakers, the latter of which
still stands to this day.
Named after General William Jenkins Worth (an
American officer during the War of 1812) in 1913,
Worth Avenue’s west end was once home to Alligator Visitors wanting to stay nearby have an incredible
Joe’s Farm, where Joe entertained winter visitors with array of luxurious properties from which to choose,
his collection of alligators he often wrestled. The including The Breakers Hotel (founded in 1896),
avenue’s first steps toward becoming a fashionable the Colony Palm Beach Hotel, Brazilian Court Palm
mecca began with the construction of the Everglades Beach, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, and Four
Club in 1918, followed soon thereafter by the first Seasons Resort Palm Beach.
retail stores nearby. The area has been known for its The Brazilian Court Hotel, a member of Leading
high-quality merchandise since the 1920s; in fact, Hotels of the World, carries a prestigious AAA Four
Kassatly’s – an establishment founded in 1923 and Diamond rating, and with good reason. This private
known for its fine linens, sweaters, sportswear and and secluded historic property with elegant Spanish
sleepwear – remains a must-see stop on anyone’s visit architecture is infused throughout with Roaring ’20s
to Worth Avenue.
glamour and boutique intimacy, with just 80 rooms
The coconut-palm-lined street, which received a nestled into lush tropical courtyards and fountains.
major $15.8 million makeover in 2010, is now home Dining options in and around Worth Avenue are also
to approximately 250 high-end shops, boutiques, impressive, headlined by the acclaimed Café Boulud
restaurants and art galleries, including Chanel, Gucci, in the Brazilian Court Hotel and the three-Michelin-
Lilly Pulitzer, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Brioni, starred Florie’s at the Four Seasons. You can enjoy a
Salvatore Ferragamo, St. John, Mariko, Akris, Bottega fantastic meal al fresco overlooking the Atlantic at
Veneta, Daniella Ortiz, Max Mara, Vilebrequin and Breeze Ocean Kitchen, an intimate dining experience
more. At the east end of the legendary Worth Avenue with unforgettable cuisine at Renato’s, or a delicious
is The Esplanade at 150 Worth, an open-air shopping meal of classics like fresh Dover sole meuniere, rack
experience full of exceptional retailers anchored by of lamb, aged steaks and pasta at Ta-Boo – a staple of
Saks Fifth Avenue.

110 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE SPRING 2023