While Palm Beach alone can satisfy the visitor seeking nothing but the good life, the area boasts a lot of other options. For example:
Lion Country Safari, Southern Boulevard and Fla. Hwy. 80, West Palm Beach, 793-1084. Wildlife preserve where you can take a drive-through tour.
Norton Gallery of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 832-5194. A small museum with works by Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, Hopper and O`Keeffe.
Jai Alai, 1415 45th St., West Palm Beach, 844-2444. World`s fastest game features parimutuel betting.
Actor`s Repertory Company, 308 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach, 655-2122. Classical and comtemporary performances.
Royal Poinciana Playhouse, 70 Royal Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach, 659-3310. Broadway and off-Broadway hits.
Society of Four Arts, Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach, 655-7226. Classical programs, lectures.
Baseball Spring Training, Municipal Sports Stadium, West Palm Beach. Atlanta Braves, 683-6100; Montreal Expos, 684-6801.
Polo, Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, West Palm Beach, 793-1113.
Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater, 1001 Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, 746-5566. Known for quality productions.
Add to this other activities, including boating, swimming, 130 golf courses and more than 1,100 tennis courts.
For additional information, contact the Palm Beach Convention and Visitors Center, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fla. 33401, or phone 305-471-3995.
RITZY HOTELS AWAIT YOU IN PALM BEACH Among the hotels in Palm Beach, the Breakers towers above all the rest, not only in size (528 rooms), but in history.
At the turn of the century, Henry Morrison Flagler had two hotels in Palm Beach, the Royal Poinciana and the Palm Beach Inn on the ocean, which he renamed the Breakers after the waves that rolled ashore. Fires twice destroyed the hotel and the present one, built in 11 1/2 months, opened in 1926.
The Breakers last month was bumped from five stars to four by Mobil Travel Guide. Breakers officials said the hotel was undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation when Mobil conducted its inspection. The Breakers` dining room, which seats 750, honors about 200 special requests for dinner for items not on the menu or something the guest wants changed, an official said.
And, in response to changing tastes, the Breakers has just changed its winter rate structure, adding a European plan rate (no meals) of $189 a night, single or double, and a bed and breakfast rate of $199 a person, single or double. The hotel`s modified American plan rate is $235, single, and $265 a person, double. ”Today`s travelers would like flexibility in having their meals,” a spokesman said.
Two other Palm Beach hotels, neither on the beach but both with pools, also have completed renovation projects. The Brazilian Court with 128 rooms and six suites, set in a neighborhood a few blocks from Worth Avenue, recently underwent an $8 million facelifting by Dorthy Draper, Inc. Over the years its guest have included the Kennedys, Cary Grant, James Michener, Alistair Cooke and Richard Nixon. Rooms range from $150 to $230, single or double.
The Colony, with 100 rooms and suites and three penthouses, a few steps from Worth Avenue, also was spiffed up. Its room rates range from $130 to $200, single or double occupancy.
The Palm Beach Hilton, about seven miles south of Worth Avenue on Ocean Boulevard, is on the beach, but the hotel`s rooms and management are lackluster. Rates begin at $140.
An inland resort popular with golfers is the PGA Sheraton Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. Its features include four 18-hole courses, 19 tennis courts, a croquet complex, a beach on a lake, health club, pool and bike rentals. Rates for a double are $170 and $195.
Accommodations listings are available from the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fla. 33401; 305-471-3995.
