How To Live Like “Royale”-ty On Your Next Trip To Palm Beach

When Maxine Simmons (Kristin Wiig) sashays onto the 1969 Palm Beach, Florida high society scene on “Palm Royale" (Apple TV), her beguiling smile and saccharine sweet Southern accent mask a woman who’s desperate to climb the social ladder. Enter Maxine’s aunt-by-marriage, Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett), a bevy of longstanding socialites who will do anything to keep the interloper out, and an entertaining escape from reality ensues throughout the show’s 10 episodes.

In addition to its star-studded cast, “Palm Royale’s” set designs and costumes shine bright throughout the show, starting with the vintage Lilly Pulitzer dress Maxine pairs with a headscarf and white cat-eye sunglasses in the opening scene. Watching the glitz and glamour of the season in this fictitious account of late-1960s Palm Beach is inspiring people to visit “America’s First Resort Destination,” myself included.

On the heels of “Palm Royale’s” 11 Emmy nominations, here are a few ways you can live like “Royale”-ty in Palm Beach, any time of year.

Dress To Impress

Shop Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue has been the place to shop in Palm Beach for more than a century and is considered the most exclusive shopping district in the world. Saks Fifth Avenue opened its first store outside of New York on Worth Avenue in 1926, but it was another store that opened first. Kassatly’s, which opened on Worth Avenue in 1923 and remains open today, specializes in imported and domestic linens, designer lingerie, selected menswear, and more. Florida’s oldest jeweler, Greenleaf & Crosby has been on the avenue since 1933. Pop in to see what I think is a very “Palm Royale”-esque Paraiba Tourmaline diamond bracelet for a mere $544,000. 

One must-stop on Worth Avenue is the Lilly Pulitzer flagship store filled, with the designer’s vibrant prints in dresses, pants, shorts, shirts, beachwear, and more. Or custom design your own Lilly dress — the Worth Avenue store features an exclusive Custom Shift Shop in which a client can select their dress style, fabric, and embellishments to create a look all their own. Then, a local dressmaker whips it up and the one-of-a-kind dress is delivered to its designer.

Hunt for Treasures

For those of us whose budgets are more aligned with Maxine’s than Norma’s, Caroline Birthisel of Tampa suggests stopping by the area’s Goodwill stores at the end of the season. She says that when she and her sister shopped during their visits to Palm Beach the thrifty pair have picked up designer duds by the likes of Dior, with original tags still on.

Dine In Style

Stop For Lunch

After you’ve shopped ‘til you (or your credit cards) dropped, follow Worth Avenue east towards the Atlantic Ocean to The Colony Hotel. Make a quick stop in the effortlessly elegant lobby before adjourning to Swifty’s for lunch. In season, opt to dine al fresco around the pool to enjoy the cool Florida winter temperatures; in the summer, it’s a/c all the way indoors. Either way, the comfortable surroundings make it easy to linger over Florida-fresh dishes and classic cocktails.

thecolonypalmbeach.com, 155 Hammon Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Sit And Stay For Tea

On the weekends, indulge in afternoon tea at Café Boulud Palm Beach, a few blocks north of Worth Avenue within the unassuming yet luxurious Brazilian Court Hotel. Once you’ve selected your tea or coffee, or perhaps opted for a glass of bubbles like I did, an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts arrive. There’s no rush when it comes to tea at Café Boulud; rather, you’re invited to stay and enjoy yourself for as long as you’d like.

www.cafeboulud.com/palmbeach, 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Sip Poolside

Is there anything more “Royale” than enjoying poolside drinks and lunch? We certainly felt like “Royales” doing just that at Eau Palm Beach. The ceviche and tacos a la Breeze Ocean Kitchen were the perfect accompaniments to our piña coladas, mojitos, and strawberry daiquiris that we enjoyed between dips in the pool.

www.eaupalmbeach.com, 100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, FL 33462

Enoy A Steak

For a classic steakhouse dinner experience, make reservations at Harry’s West Palm Beach. The outpost of the flagship Harry’s in New York City, this upscale restaurant with a casual vibe impresses on many levels. Not only are the menus filled with delectable flavors and dishes for everyone, but the service is outstanding. If you’re lucky, Harry himself will stop by the table for a chat. 

www.harrysbarrestaurant.com, 384 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Savor The View (And Seafood Too)

If the night calls for seafood and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean, you can’t go wrong with Seafood Bar at The Breakers. Not only are the views unbelievable, but the fish is fresh, the salads are refreshing, and the sides, like blue crab fried rice, are decadent. 

www.thebreakers.com, 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Raise A Glass

Try A Grasshopper

The Grasshopper cocktail is featured prominently in “Palm Royale,” so I made it my mission to try my first during this recent visit to Palm Beach. Before dinner at Harry’s I opted for another green-hued drink, a Gin Rickey, its notes of cucumber, grapefruit, celery, and green apple whetting my appetite. After dinner, I was pleased to flip over the dessert menu to find a classic Grasshopper on the after-dinner drinks menu, featuring the classic ingredients: white crème de cacao, green crème de mint, cream, and grated Valrhona chocolate. My first foray with a Grasshopper, divine!

The atmosphere in HMF at The Breakers screams classic cocktails, so I opted yet again for a Grasshopper, though I found the lounge’s martinis, favorites, and originals quite tempting. When our charismatic waiter arrived with the classic green drink cocktail, I was once again pleased – I find the Grasshopper rich yet at the same time refreshing, the perfect after-dinner drink.

And unlike Ann Holiday (Mindy Cohn) in “Palm Royale,” I did not have any ill aftereffects after sipping the Grasshoppers. 

The Suite Life

Surround Yourself With Pulitzer Patterns

Through September 8, 2024, guests at the five-star Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa can stay in the vibrant and whimsical Lilly Pulitzer Suite, decorated and furnished in classic Lilly Pulitzer style showcasing the designer’s new Dandy Lions print. If the suite is booked, the Jonathan Adler-designed guest rooms in whites, blues, and yellows with pops of turquoise silver more than set the scene. Oh, and your four-legged friend can live the “Royale” life at Eau, too — dogs are welcome without any additional charge (donations to Big Dog Ranch Rescue suggested), and are offered amenities like treats and beds, bowls, poolside lounges and strollers to use during their stay.

Step Back In Time

Though it was built long before the late-1960s, it is fun to peek at how the other half lived with a tour of The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Built-in 1902, the “cottage” served as the winter home of railroad magnate Henry Morrison Flagler, considered the founding father of Palm Beach and indeed all of Florida.

www.flaglermuseum.us, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480