Diversity Rules Magazine

Joey Amato is the founder and publisher of Pride Journeys, an LGBTQ travel website and syndicated col- umn. For more LGBTQ travel ideas, please visit www.pridejourneys. com. On my recent visit to The Palm Beaches, I wanted to explore parts of the region I hadn't had the chance to visit when I lived in the area a li le of a decade ago. Palm Beach County en- compassed dozens of ci es and towns, each with its own unique charm and a rac ons. While most people think of Florida's beaches as the main at- trac on in the Sunshine State, Palm Beach County stretches all the way to the Everglades in the west and has developed into one of the top agri-tourism des na ons in the country. I began my trip in Delray Beach, the town I used to live in. One of Delray Beach's hidden gems is Morikami Museum and Japanese Gar- dens. Guests get to experience authen- c Japanese culture and stroll through acres of lush trails transpor ng them to a different land. I didn't even feel as if I was in Florida as I spent me at the reflec on pond, the bamboo forest, or the old museum. While in Delray Beach, head to the Pineapple Grove arts district, a stretch of downtown devoted to art galleries, cafes, and bou ques. Swing by City Oyster on Atlan c Avenue for lunch and try order the Lob- ster Roll. You will not be disappointed. From Delray Beach, head north on I-95 – or jump on the Tri-Rail to West Palm Beach and visit the Norton Museum of Art. During my visit, the museum was exhibi ng Origin Stories: Photography of Africa and Its Diaspora, a col- lec on that confronts the intertwined rela onship between iden ty and colonialism in commu- ni es across the African con nent. The museum also contains a perma- nent collec on of Asian and European artwork. A er the museum, take a walk along Clama s street, the dining and en- tertainment hub of West Palm Beach or journey over to Palm Beach Island, where the world's wealthiest people go to play during the winter months. Man- sions and sprawling estates surround the island which includes many historic proper es including the Flagler Museum, The Breakers and Mar-a-Lago, which was originally built for cereal company heir- ess Marjorie Merriweather Post. There are many hotels located on Palm Beach, but they can get a bit pricey depending on the me of year you visit. A great op on is the Hilton West Palm Beach, located across the street from Rose- mary Square and within walking distance to many of the area's main a rac ons. The luxurious prop- erty features a grand lobby, large fitness center and massive outdoor pool, perfect for a nice relaxing dip a er a long day of sightseeing. Grab dinner at Table 26, one of West Palm Beach's most popular LGBTQ-owned restaurants. My guest 6 | Diversity Rules Magazine | Mar 2022 Pride Journeys Palm Beach, FL By Joey Amato

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