Growing up in Palm Beach felt like living inside a dream—a quiet, sun-lit world wrapped in elegance and ease. As a child, I mostly felt everything more than I understood it, seeing the world through a soft, halo-like glow. I remember living rooms with pristine white carpets you practically tiptoed across, as if you were entering a cloud. Dinner at our neighbors’ or friends’ houses always felt serene and untouched, like scenes from a perfectly staged memory. In my memory, Palm Beach wasn’t just beautiful—it was a utopia. A place where the air itself shimmered and time moved a little more gently.
Growing older, the glamour unfolded—the charity galas, the polished storefronts, the movie-like Worth Avenue, the dresses, the diamonds, the way evenings felt special for no reason. That charm shaped me.
What captivated me most, though, was the ocean, especially at night when the moonlight stretched across the water like a path you could walk on; the palm trees’ silhouettes dancing with the wind. Those moments made me feel like I wasn’t just living in Palm Beach; I was living. Fully. Completely.
It was the feeling in the air—a feeling that has never left me. A warmth, a familiarity, a sense that this island holds pieces of my story no matter where life takes me. I’ll carry that feeling forever. When I would travel and someone asked where I’m from and I said, “Palm Beach,” they’d respond, “Where’s that?” These days, it’s the new hot spot—and for good reason.
Now that Palm Beach is changing—growing, evolving, speeding up in ways I never imagined—how do I feel about it? Honestly, I think it’s beautiful. It’s a 2026 mood: bold, energetic, and full of new voices. Incredible businesses are moving in—innovative restaurants, art galleries, boutique hotels, and concept stores that never existed before—giving the island a vibrancy that feels alive in every corner. Creativity is flourishing everywhere: murals brighten alleyways, pop-up events fill the streets, and local entrepreneurs are building spaces that feel fresh and modern while still honoring the town’s elegance. At times, the town is so busy I barely recognize it. Sidewalks hum with foot traffic, cafés overflow with chatter, and even the quiet residential streets have a sense of motion. I was used to Palm Beach being my quiet haven, my place to disappear from the world. But even with all the transformation, it still is— how can it not be? This is paradise.
The changes don’t erase the past; they build on it. And instead of resisting the growth, I’ve learned to find inspiration in it. Palm Beach will always be my constant, even as it becomes something new. And in that blend of nostalgia and reinvention, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for the island that raised me.
I’m excited for what’s to come on this island, but that movie-like feeling—that magic I was blessed with—is mine to keep and hold forever.
