West Palm Beach Hotels, Attractions, and Information

Written by Beth Garrett

When one stands by the beautiful fountains at City Place or enjoys dinner at one of Clematis Street's many fine restaurants it is hard to imagine that only ten years ago West Palm Beach was a dying city.

History of West Palm Beach

When Henry Morrison Flagler came here in 1893, he immediately recognized the potential of the area that has since become West Palm Beach. With it?s beautiful crystal clear waters, sparkling blue skies and year round summer weather. Flagler had a dream of building the most popular resort town in all of North America. Flagler originally established West Palm Beach as a commercial city for his workers. He then proceeded to name all of the streets after native tropical plants such as Clematis, Narcissus and Banyan. The City Place In West Palm Beach

area soon became a bustling frontier town with saloons and stores lining the streets.

Since Flagler?s days, West Palm Beach has had it?s share of good and bad times. It has watched it?s property value hit rock bottom and then seen it increase twelve-fold. It has endured a depression and several recessions and celebrated great economic booms. Tourists travel from all over the world to spend time here, retirees choose to spend their glory years in this tropical environment and more and more young couples are choosing to start families here. West Palm Beach has gone from a tiny frontier town to the heart of South Florida.

City Place and Clematis Street

West Palm Beach revitalization program has definitely put the city back on the map. City Place, which opened in the Fall of 2000, is West Palm Beach?s eating, drinking, shopping and playing Mecca. With it?s upscale retail stores, phenomenal restaurants and outdoor concerts, City Place has brought thousands of new visitors to the city. Seen all there is to see at City Place? Hop a street car and ride over to Clematis Street. On Thursday nights this is the hottest place to be in South Florida. Clematis by Night The Kravitz Center In West Palm Beach

is a weekly street party that features free concerts played by the area?s most talented musicians. Enjoy one of My Martini?s 65 different concoctions or sip on a double latte from Starbucks. Dance the night away at Bliss or catch a ball game at Spanky?s sports bar.

Cultural Events in West Palm Beach

For patrons of the arts West Palm Beach offers a wide variety of museums, theaters, and cultural events. The Norton Museum of Art is recognized internationally for it?s permanent collection featuring some of the finest artists that represent the Renaissance, Baroque and Contemporary periods. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is in it?s tenth season. Plays, operas, symphonies, ballets and a wide variety of concerts all share Restaurants In West Palm Beach

the stage at the Kravis Center. Probably what has brought West Palm Beach the most attention year after year is the annual Sunfest event. Sunfest, which is celebrating it?s twentieth year, is Florida?s largest music, art and waterfront festival. This five day cultural event features national acts (past participants include Bonnie Raitt, Chuck Berry and Jimmy Buffet), a juried art show and craft marketplace, and a fun filled family atmosphere. Sunfest, which is in the first week of May not only brings in people from all over but helps extend the tourist season as well.

Fun Things for Kids to do in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach also has numerous places for kids and parents to have fun. Palm Beach Zoo features over 400 animals from around the world, many of which are endangered. Florida panthers, Bengal tigers and the always cute and playful otters are just some of the animals visitors can see. Next door to the zoo is the South Florida Science Museum. This museum has a planetarium, an aquarium, and many interactive exhibits. Laser and light shows accompanied by today?s popular music will have the whole family singing. Lion Country Safari is America?s first drive through cageless zoo. Over 1100 animals such as lions, elephants, and zebras call Lion Country Safari home. City Place also offers wonderful activities, such as games, arts, and crafts on the second Saturday of every month.

Additional Things to do in West Palm Beach

Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at the West Palm Beach Green Market is located on Narcissus Avenue. Help fight AIDS by participating in the yearly AIDS walk and Run for Life which takes place in October. During the holidays join other revelers at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Centennial Square on Clematis Street.

With so much to do, see, and eat West Palm Beach has again become a strong beating heart in Florida. Henry Morrison Flagler?s vision has finally become a reality.