Before we get into this week’s edition, if you haven’t already, please subscribe below as it’s the best way to support this publication!

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, lets get into it …

The History of Palm Beach Island …

How did Palm Beach County come to be in the first place? Palm Beach Island is one of the wealthiest places on Earth, with the average home value over $10 million dollars, but we have one man in particular to thank for that distinction.

Before Henry Flagler, Palm Beach Island was a lightly settled area, with several parcels of land being claimed in Lake Worth and some connection with the old, established settlement of St. Augustine in the north north. However, it was far from the luxurious destination it is today.

Henry Flagler was an associate of John Rockefeller of Standard Oil, and was majorly involved in the railroad industry. Doctors advised his wife to move to a more “temperate climate” due to her failing health, and so Flagler moved to St. Augustine and found that he quite liked it.

He is responsible for expanding the railroad down through southern Florida, opening the original Breakers among many other hotels, and beginning the transition of Palm Beach from a strange, remote area to the destination it is today.

Just about everything seems to have his name on it around here, from Flagler Ave to Flagler steakhouse to the Flagler museum, which will tell you more about the man than the former two options.

If you have any interest in the history of the local area, this is a subject it’s worth going deeper on.

You can check out the museum’s website here.

The Greatest Beef Carpaccio Sandwich …. Ever?

While this may be up for debate, the book is closed on this one in my eyes. If you have not yet been to Buccan sandwich shop and tried their beef carpaccio sandwich, you are missing out on the tastiest sandwich in not only the county but maybe … ever. And I’m not kidding.

I have been to both locations of Buccan sandwich shop, at different hours, on different days of the week, and there always seems to be a line. The item itself is comprised of beef carpaccio, arugula, parmesan, crispy and balsamic onions, on a baguette … it makes me wish they were open even as I write - but sadly it closes at 3:30 daily.

If you live in Palm Beach County, or visit regularly, and you’ve heard of Buccan, you need to try the sandwich shop as well. It’s not just the restaurant itself that earns the reputation.

If eating raw beef isn’t your style, do not worry - there are other options, including a delicious buffalo chicken sandwich, a caprese, and a “steak bomb,” as well as your more typical Italian on the menu as well.

No matter what your preferred taste is, do yourself a favor and go to either the one on the island or the one right off South Dixie, a few minutes from downtown. Truly the most excellent sandwich that’s publicly available, although if you think you know of one better please reply and let me know where else has a sandwich worth trying.

You can check our their website here.

Palm House

While the oldest hotel in the area is The Breakers, the newest hotel is an establishment worth visiting as well.

The Palm House hotel opened right around Christmas this year, on Royal Palm way near the beach.

Right around opening I visited for a drink in the lobby - there’s a beautiful restaurant, bar, and the pool is right through the entryway. It looks like something out of a movie.

While the hotel is new, the property has simply been renovated - and so it’s done a tremendous job “blending in” to the aesthetic of Palm Beach.

While I have no reason to stay there given that I have a perfectly fine residence here already, the least I can do is recommend visiting if you’re into classy dining & new experiences. And if you’re an out of towner reading this and enjoy exploring new hotels, it could be worth your while.

As always, if this piques your interest in any way, you can check out their website here.

The 4th Of July In Palm Beach County

I assume many of you are reading this on Wednesday night, so I’ll start off in the only way I can - our beautiful country, The United States Of America, turns 249 years old this Friday. The celebration is typically marked by fireworks, the grilling of meats, and a few drinks by the pool.

But, specifically, what is there to do for the 4th around Palm Beach County? If you’re looking for plans, I have you covered.

West Palm Beach Area

If you’re based in West Palm, you are no doubt familiar with the 4th on Flagler. There will be plenty of opportunities for firework viewing downtown, and should be concessions around as well if you’re looking for food or drinks while you’re there.

The firework show is on a barge in the intracoastal waterway. Great viewing from anywhere and a great time if you like people and action.

If the crowds are too much, you should be able to catch the action in peace from any rooftop or along the water.

Fireworks start at 9pm and there will be a mechanical bull in the area …

Event details can be found here

Delray Beach Area

If you’re close to Delray, there’s a slew of 4th of July activities to partake in. You can head down to East Atlantic Ave near A1A for the fireworks themselves, but there’s a whole day of action ahead besides that.

There will be a beach volleyball tournament beginning at 8am on the municipal beach across from Casurina Road. Additionally, there will be a snorkel tour of the “Delray Wreck,” with equipment provided. You can contact Ciera Heigel at 561-243-7358 if interested. For the record, this is not sponsored … but it could be a good time !

After that, beginning at 6:30, there will be live music of various types, with the fireworks beginning at 9pm.

Event details can be found here

Jupiter Area

If you’re in the Jupiter area, you’ll have plenty of options for the 4th as well.

As far as activities, show up at the Abacoa Pavilion on either the 3rd of the 4th for live music, baseball at Roger Dean stadium at 6pm, and fireworks beginning at 9pm. Additionally, Das Beer Garden is hosting a 2-day 4th of July party. If that’s your scene, feel free to pop in before or after the game, or before or after the concerts, or … any time in between!

Details for the Abacoa festivities can be found here.

If you’d rather watch fireworks on the water, North Palm Country Club is hosting a watch party for the fireworks with live music beginning at 4pm. The restaurant will be open all day, and you can sneak in a round in the morning if you’d like with tee times beginning at 8am (if they’re still available.)

While this is a topic for a different edition, North Palm is my favorite golf course in the area. If you’re a golfer and have never played there, try it out.

If you’d like more details on the Jupiter 4th of July scene, you can look online here.

That’s all I got for this week’s edition - I’m tremendously excited to celebrate the 4th with all you beautiful people, at least in spirit ! Whatever you plan on doing, even if it’s stay at home, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Besides that, I appreciate each and every one of you who reads these every Wednesday night. If you have any feedback for me please reply to the email and we’ll be in touch!

And if you haven’t already, subscribe! As you’ve noticed by now, it’s 100% free.