There’s simply one thing rejuvenating concerning the really feel of the nice and cozy sunshine, the sound of waves hitting the shore and the scent of the salty sea breeze that has a therapeutic method of stilling the soul. Life just lately threw me and my husband a really painful, sudden curveball that despatched us right into a state of deep and sudden grief. Desperately needing a brief escape and a psychological reset, we began brainstorming choices for a fast getaway.
With three days earlier than the weekend, my husband thought we must always make a journey to a vacation spot that was someplace: 1) we had by no means been earlier than, 2) “comparatively” near Nashville by airplane, 3) proper on the ocean, and 4) the place the climate was heat and sunny. After hasty analysis, we landed on the vacation spot of Palm Seashore, Florida, and whereas we weren’t completely positive what the world needed to supply, it was 80 levels with sunny skies that February weekend, was proper on the water and solely a two-hour flight from Nashville. We started working reserving flights, a resort and a rental automobile, and had been prepared for our subsequent journey, hoping we made the appropriate transfer.
Fortunately, we took the appropriate gamble. After an in depth quantity of ocean remedy, dawn and sundown walks, new eating places and delightful websites, it was simply what we would have liked for a little bit break from actuality, and a spot I might suggest to anybody to go to. Listed below are the important thing takeaways from our four-day journey to Palm Seashore which may enable you to plan your personal little quiet ocean escape!
Expertise Vibrant Magnificence at Each Flip
Touchdown in Fort Lauderdale, we rented a automobile to benefit from the views of the well-known scenic A1A. After making a final minute – scrumptious – pit cease at Greek Islands Taverna for lunch, we had been on our method. Home windows down, we felt the ocean breeze and soaked within the sights of palm tree-lined byway with huge ocean views and cloudless skies, feeling a way of freedom from the burden we had been carrying throughout our hour drive to Palm Seashore.
Arriving in Palm Seashore, we had been bowled over by its commanding, vigorous magnificence. Our eyes had been mesmerized by the colourful colours of shiny, blue sunny skies, turquoise waters, vibrant inexperienced hedges (my favourite being the “autograph plant”), palms gently waving within the breeze, and tropical flowers blooming at each flip. Including much more colour to the Palm Seashore palette had been the breathtaking pastel sunrises over the ocean and sunsets over the bay every night. Coming from the stark distinction of Nashville within the lifeless of winter, it was revitalizing to say the least. Now, I’ve to confess that the atmosphere was elevated by the truth that in all places we seemed we had been surrounded by extravagant wealth – seashore mansions, Ferraris and Rolls Royces, completely manicured hedges, and pristine streets. However each facet, each pure and man-made, was beautiful in its personal proper, leaving us with a strong lasting impression.
E-book a Room on the Palm Seashore Historic Inn
One resort saved arising repeatedly as we had been researching the place to remain throughout this last-minute journey. It had glorious critiques, was near the seashore, and was at an inexpensive value level in comparison with each different beachfront resort close by. We took an opportunity and booked it, crossing our fingers that we made the appropriate name. Trying again, it was precisely what we had been on the lookout for and precisely what we would have liked. The Palm Seashore Historic Inn is such an enthralling gem within the coronary heart of the quiet, secure, quaint, and prosperous metropolis of Palm Seashore. Every room is uniquely adorned in a South Florida vibe, and the ladies who run the Inn had been form, welcoming and accommodating with each interplay. One block from the seashore, this boutique resort offered complimentary umbrellas, chairs, and towels to take a look at for enjoyable on the seashore, in addition to limitless snacks and the choice to lease bikes.
We knew we wished to get as a lot ocean time in as potential, and we undoubtedly made probably the most of our time on the Atlantic shore by staying right here. Each morning, we’d stroll to the seashore earlier than dawn to observe the solar come up over the ocean, praying and sitting in content material silence, taking in God’s magnificence from the shoreline. If that is the kind of low-key, relaxed expertise you’re looking for, I can guarantee that you’ll have stayed on the proper place!
Two blocks away from the Palm Seashore Historic Inn lies the well-known Value Avenue, what I take into account the Rodeo Drive of Palm Seashore, lined with luxurious boutiques and eating places. Additionally inside fast strolling distance is the town’s predominant avenue on S Nation Street, sprinkled with charming cafes (we beloved the Surf Aspect Diner for breakfast and Blue Provence for unimaginable French pastries), high-end eating places and distinctive outlets. With its excellent location, nice vibe, and type workers, I extremely suggest the Palm Seashore Historic Inn to anybody on the lookout for a relaxed keep by the ocean!
Discover the Paradise of Peanut Island
Desirous to take a while to discover exterior the quick space, we determined to spend our first afternoon at a close-by island oasis that I had stumbled throughout on Instagram. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a soothing day surrounded by lovely sights, loads of water actions, and tropical wildlife, then it is advisable to add Peanut Island to your itinerary! After a fast 20-minute drive from Palm Seashore adopted by a ferry experience, (until you could have entry to your personal boat, in fact) yow will discover your self on a low-key, distinctive, and semi-private island for a enjoyable afternoon of snorkeling and absorbing the solar.
When visiting Peanut Island, you’ll should carry your personal towels, seashore chairs, snorkels, and meals, as there are not any provides on the market on the island itself, and alcohol is prohibited besides within the designated camp websites. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling are the highest actions right here, the place you’re certain to see a wide range of shiny tropical fish, starfish and coral. If you happen to’re actually fortunate, you would possibly even spot sea turtles and manatees! The 1.25-mile path across the island’s perimeter is the right alternative to get your steps in whereas iguanas would possibly lazily cross your path. On the path you’ll additionally catch a singular glimpse of historical past, as Peanut Island can be dwelling to an unsuspecting bunker, inbuilt 1961 for President John F. Kennedy. Whereas we spent a pair hours on the island, it might undoubtedly fill a day’s value of enjoyable. Be ready for a go to you’ll always remember!
Be aware – If you happen to don’t spot a manatee within the waters of Peanut Island, after you come back to shore, take a fast drive to Manatee Lagoon, the place you’re virtually assured to see many sightings of those docile creatures!
Take within the Sights and Bites on Clematis Road
After some temporary analysis of issues to do round Palm Seashore, I discovered that Clematis Road in West Palm Seashore was famous as a hotspot for bars, eating places and purchasing. Whereas comparatively quiet in the course of the day, it undoubtedly got here alive at night time! We spent our first two nights beneath the outside palapa bar at E.R. Bradley’s, grabbed ice cream at Sloan’s, and stumbled upon stay music on Thursday night time at Centennial Sq. that drew a giant crowd. We additionally had unimaginable Italian meals at Lynora’s – however be ready to attend should you go on a weekend night time. It was completely packed, and for good cause!
For individuals who love a great number of contemporary meals and native delicacies, it is advisable to be sure you go to the West Palm Seashore GreenMarket, held each Saturday from 9am-1pm on Clematis Road. With 130+ distributors promoting every thing from guacamole and contemporary squeezed mango juice, to French pastries, native seafood, flowers, crafts, presents, and different items, this market is ranked as one of many high ten within the nation by USA Right this moment, and is THE place to be on Saturday mornings. You’ll get the total native expertise, and have some contemporary, wholesome breakfast and lunch choices. It’s a win-win, so don’t miss out.
Seize a Meal at Benny’s on the Seashore
Regardless of no eating places or bars on the seashore by our resort, we did have an unimaginable lunch at Benny’s on the Seashore, which was a stunning 20-minute drive down Ocean Avenue. Located on a pier with the waves crashing under and the seagulls watching overhead, we ordered the Palm Seashore shrimp tacos (with arugula – unimaginable!) and Mahi Mahi fish tacos, and ended the meal with their well-known house-made Key Lime pie (additionally scrumptious!). Their stay music within the bar space would additionally make for a good time, however sadly we had plans to observe the Presidential motorcade so we couldn’t stick round, however I encourage you to!
Soak within the Seaside Class of the Breakers Palm Seashore
The epitome of seaside luxurious, the Breakers Palm Seashore is a resort it is advisable to peruse, even should you aren’t staying there. With luxurious rooms, extravagant floral preparations, opulent inside design, breathtaking ocean views, completely manicured landscaping, a top-of-the-line golf course, five-star eating places and each different lavish amenity you’ll be able to think about, a visit to Palm Seashore warrants a go to to the Breakers. Whereas I don’t assume we are able to afford to remain there anytime quickly, it was a spot I’m so glad we visited. For now although, on our subsequent journey we are going to make sure to seize a espresso or lunch right here and soak within the lavish vibes. To not be missed!
Embark on a Sundown Cruise
There’s no higher approach to see the sundown than from the water. As a enjoyable expertise on our final night time, we booked a sundown cruise on Motuni, a two-hour catamaran tour that left from West Palm and cruised across the bay, previous Peanut Island to the ocean and again. We sang alongside to tunes and loved the sundown with just a few drinks in hand whereas gawking at extravagant multi-million greenback Bayfront estates – every extra grand than the following. It was undoubtedly a enjoyable approach to finish our journey, and a good way to see sights solely seen on the water!
Embrace a Slower Tempo with Sunrises, Leisurely Walks & Seashore Time
As a local San Diegan, my preliminary thought of our seashore time was grabbing just a few beers at a seashore bar and taking within the ocean views. That was NOT the expertise supplied on the island of Palm Seashore. However after a day, I started to embrace this new, quieter, therapeutic actuality of our trip. There’s nothing fairly just like the soothing feeling of watching the dawn, or strolling alongside the vastness of the ocean, listening to the repetitive gradual crashing of the waves and having time to work by means of issues in your thoughts with out distraction. Two days in a row, we checked out seashore chairs, towels and an umbrella, and made our five-minute trek to the seashore, organising store within the sand to chill out, take heed to the waves and really feel the solar on our pores and skin. I even napped on the seashore, one thing I hadn’t executed in years, giving myself permission to totally chill out, be current, and simply benefit from the second. Backside line, the beachside vibe wasn’t what I anticipated – it was so a lot better. If you happen to enable your self to embrace the completely different, slower tempo of life in Palm Seashore, it is going to be an pleasurable, therapeutic expertise. And if you’re craving a livelier tempo, you’ll be able to at all times head proper over the bridge to West Palm for a enjoyable time! One of the best of all worlds.
For a change of surroundings, (as should you might ever get bored with the ocean views), take a protracted stroll by means of the gorgeous neighborhoods. We completely beloved our walks on Ocean Blvd, with the ocean on one aspect, and unimaginable mansions on the opposite. every distinctive property for miles made for entertaining mornings that glided by method too quick!
On our final day in Palm Seashore, I left my telephone behind and took a protracted stroll alongside the shore on my own, accumulating shells, praying, and quietly working issues out in my thoughts as I walked within the water and listened to the waves. I can pinpoint that last seashore stroll to a therapeutic and therapeutic time for me that I’ll at all times bear in mind.
Trying again, our getaway to Palm Seashore was the very best resolution we might have ever made. Not solely did it present the chance for reflection and therapeutic throughout serene dawn and ocean walks, but it surely was a fully attractive trip vacation spot that I might extremely suggest to anybody seeking to ebook their very own little quieter ocean getaway in South Florida. Get pleasure from your ocean remedy!
A Be aware on Grief
I’m sorry if this is likely to be a little bit miserable after a light-hearted journey publish, however whereas social media makes every thing look grand, and it typically instances doesn’t floor us in actuality. That may be very laborious to see whereas going by means of ache and evaluating the lives of others who’re solely sharing their spotlight reel of life. All of us expertise highs and lows, and I made a decision that I wished to share this facet of our lives too, within the off-chance that it’d encourage or assist only one different particular person studying this. If you’re going by means of a making an attempt time, experiencing grief or emotional ache, or, in our case, infertility and miscarriage, you’re completely not alone.
Individuals cope by means of grief in very alternative ways, and a few methods work higher for others. Regardless, I feel it’s vital to permit ourselves to actively search pleasure to seek out peace to persevere, and never really feel responsible for doing so. God needs pleasure for all of us.
My husband and I discover immense pleasure by means of touring, exploring new locations and making an attempt new issues. Brady encouraging us to make a journey the week after our painful, traumatic miscarriage was precisely the distraction we would have liked to reset our minds and assist us start to climb out of the deep depths of our grief. I do know if we didn’t search pleasure that week, we’d nonetheless be perpetually caught within the first week of mourning, months later. It offered us with reward to mirror on the truth that God is in management, and whereas I wouldn’t want our struggles on anybody, we are going to proceed to lean into Him and belief that His excellent timing and His causes can be revealed in time.
I wish to share our now five-year journey of infertility and IVF finally, however I additionally know that each one of us as human beings all have a cross to bear, which could come by means of in numerous methods. Whereas our unhappiness from our loss will at all times be with us, in that second we selected to hunt pleasure by means of journey, and looking out again, it was what we would have liked for our souls to start the therapeutic course of, and I actually hope you can also search pleasure to assist throughout instances of nice ache, whether or not or not it’s by means of taking on a pastime that has at all times you, having fun with a street journey, sharing a heart-to-heart with a pal, or touring to a brand new place to expertise one thing new. You deserve pleasure, and you’re so beloved by the Lord.
