Perfect in Palm Beach

February is my favorite time to visit Palm Beach. Perfect weather, great seafood, and the sunshine caressing your SPF'd skin. The stereotype of Palm Beach is the moneyed matriarchs meandering around in madras while marinating in martinis (not easily said after a martini) and while that is occasionally on display in Palm Beach there is more to the tony town.

During my recent visit I had the pleasure of seeing where some of that money goes...charity. You remember that wonderful thing that people do to help others and not simply because it lands you in the society pages. One that should get your attention is Quantum House. This organization helps families whose children are receiving medical treatment in Palm Beach. The place feels more like a boutique hotel so families can relax and recharge. It is a wonderful program that you'll want to make a donation to as soon as you finish that martini. What? All your money is tied up in cash? Well don't worry they will gladly accept your time (Kenny G stops by to sing to kids and well-known chefs stop by to make dinner). However, if you're too busy jet setting around to donate your time at least have someone on your team figure out how to untie some of that cash you've been wondering what to do with lately. You'll hardly notice it's gone but the families that are benefiting from your renewed generosity will be eternally grateful.

After my visit to Quantum House I managed to get in a little shopping on Worth Avenue, eat in a few of the little restaurants that are as classic as the dayFlagler last stepped foot in them, and then stop by the interesting "Cocktail Culture" exhibit at the Norton. After all that I was ready for the main event of the season - W.E.F. The Winter Equestrian Festival draws the international horse set out to Wellington to compete over twelve weeks. A regular Who's Who of the equine world all out to show off their talent. And it is more than horses running around with chic riders. Retailers from Hermes to the always charming couple at E. Vogle have been attending the show for years. Although the vendor that seems to be on the top of many exhibitors' list is Josey's thanks to the helmet cleaning service. After a long day of showing, that helmet is going to smell and Josey's can fix it. It's enough to make you want to have the farm polish up your Hermes saddle and get back into riding full time. Or maybe you are trying to make your life simpler and get back to basics. If so you could still do the horse thing but go out to one of the state parks where you'll see wild deer, all kinds of bird life, and the occasional 15ft alligator. Just remember this is NOT where you pick out the leather for your new boots. So many options to choose. While you are trying to decide, sit back and enjoy the show along with the last of your martini:

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