My Palm Royale at Palm Beach: Lindsay on Location
The highly anticipated Apple TV show, Palm Royale is finally out. The series with an epic cast is based on the high society living in the Palm Beach area with a side of fashion, secrets, and of course drama. For my next Lindsay on Location for Access Hollywood, I headed to Palm Beach to see for myself If I too, just like Kristen Wiig’s character, could make my way into the exclusive Palm Beach scene. But I found out quickly not only is it very exclusive, the history behind it all goes very deep. Not sure I am gonna make the cut, but I am always up for a challenge. Let's do as the Palm Beachers do!
But first, let’s break down why Palm Beach became such a hot spot during the Gilded Age.
Palm Beach was known as America's first Resort Destination. It was developed by Henry Flagler and became the winter haven for Northerners and a playground of the rich and famous in 1880's. This time period was known as the Gilded Age. Dubbed The Gilded Age by Mark Twain in 1873, it was a time of unparalleled growth in technology. And when people got rich and the rich got richer. Flagler founded Palm Beach, but needed a way for people to get there. So, he built a railroad from north to south. If you build it, they will come, right? Well, the elite wealthy will come. They were the only ones that could afford the journey for travel leisure.
Since all the wealthy headed south for the winter so did the luxury fashion designers and brands. So in 1918 architects Addison Mizner and Paris E. Singer decided that there needed to be an area for these designers to have their stores and also an exclusive club. Worth Ave was designed in the Mediterranean style. They wanted you to feel like you were in Europe. It housed some of the top designers around the world and still does today. Worth Avenue also inspired Rodeo Drive. Historian and guide Rick Rose took me around to check out all the famous spots and to give me an insight as a local. Check out his latest book, “Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town.” He is the man in town that knows all! You can also take advantage of his weekly guided tours. I highly recommend!
In the show Palm Royale, Kristen Wiig is on a mission to become a member of Palm Royale. There are a few exclusive clubs on the Island. But one of the most exclusive and oldest (we couldn't even film outside of it. They had security tailing us) is the Everglades Club. Created in 1918 buy Paris Singer (as in Singer sewing machines) and Addison Mizner. They wanted a private club that felt like you were in Monte Carlo. Mizner the architect was known for this mediterranean design and also his pet spider monkey Johnnie Brown. Which was just as famous as Mizner if not more. You can see images and statues of spider monkeys all over Palm Beach. JB as they called him, even ran for Mayor of Palm Beach. The monkey only lost by 4 votes. The clubs on the island play an important role in the social and cultural life of the area. The Everglades Club is basically impossible to become a member. You pretty much have to be born into it. But if you are lucky you can be invited as a guest. Think presidents, celebrities, or the extremely wealthy. Famous members: Kennedy's, Vanderbilts, Post, Pulitzer etc...
Fashion played a major part in the success of Palm Beach from the beginning. And one of those designers started everything in a little juice bar. Lilly Pulitzer just celebrated 65 years of the brand. Her husband's family was in citrus so she wanted to start a juice shop in Palm Beach. She got juice stains on herself all the time, so she created dresses with bright and electic prints to hide the stains. Her best friend just happened to be Jackie O. Jackie O wore a Lilly dress on the cover of a magazine and that cemented her success and career. A lot of the looks worn in Palm Royale are vintage Lilly Pulitzer.
Historical Society of Palm Beach is having an exhibit called Endless Summer showcasing the famous fashion over the years and all the celebrities and socialites that played a role in that history in Palm Beach.
My home for the week was The Colony, also known as Pink Paradise. It made it’s debut in 1947. Quickly it became a go-to hot spot, and has been ever since. You walk into the doors and you feel like you are in a movie set. From the famous pink throughout the property, the hand painted walls, quirky details, and art deco design. Sitting by the pool feels like a scene where Dean Martin or Gwyneth Paltrow will walk by at any minute. I love that it feels like retro Hollywood and modern glam all at the same time. So much of the show Palm Royale is mirrored by the feel and design of The Colony. We even had a beach butler (Chris) who set us up on the beach with everything we needed to fully move-in. And you can ride around in style with their pink defender or palm tree designed golf cart.
Now that I have the perfect hotel, what do the Palm Beachers do?
Polo is massive in Palm Beach. And I got to have my pretty woman moment. This was my very first Polo Match. We attended a match at the National Polo Center –But you have to look the part as well. Don't forget your hat and champagne. Did you know that each player comes with at least 12 horses each to the matches. I was blown away at all the horses and most come from Argentina.
Turns out I am good at filling in the divots. At half-time everyone goes onto the field and helps fill in the holes so that the horses don't trip. You also get free champagne if you pitch in. I told them I could do this all day long. I am not good at just sitting back. So I had to give it a go. They only would like me to use a wooden horse (rightfully so) but I am not too bad. I have so much respect for the players. It is hard!
In Palm Beach you have to golf. They have some of the best courses. Right on the water. You might want to duck while playing with me.
Let’s go boating! I cruised around the island on my Palm Yachts. Even though I was surrounded by the biggest yachts I had ever seen, my little cute pink boat did the trick. I was looking to get my invite from the water by getting up close and personal with the mansions. I even got close to Sylvester Stalones place. He has his own beach!
Let’s Eat and Drink like a local!
Palm Beach Spritz- Dr. James Munyon created homeopathic remedy company in 1903 that he sold door to door. His Munyon’s Paw-Paw tonic became very popular. Paw Paw is slang for Papaya. He passed away and no one saw it again, until 2022 when two friends brought it back to life. Created here in Palm Beach. It is an aperitif honoring so much of the original receipe. You mix equal parts Paw Paw, Prosecco, and Grapefruit soda.
I had one of the best meals of my life in Palm Beach at Buccan. I even got to have a cooking class with Michelin nominated Chef Clay Conley. We made a local grouper with his take on street corn and a shishito pepper puree. But something I knew Mario and Kit would love, is his famous Key Lime Tart. Florida has the best citrus. And it's the most amazing combination of refreshing citrus with a light sweetness.
Did you know where the name Palm Beach came from? In 1878 when a ship called the Providencia wrecked and washed ashore. The boat, which travelled from Cuba, was loaded with a cargo of 20,000 coconuts. They were taken by the locals and quickly planted which grew into palm trees. From this moment on, Florida’s most famous tree was created, and so was Palm Beach.
Palm Beaches is a place of true rest and relaxation and the place to dodge winter as their season is January- April. It is not for the budget traveller, but even walking the streets you do feel like you are part of high society, even for the afternoon.