palm beach

In the late 19th century, Henry Morrison Flagler and a few other characters of the Gilded Age decided that the harsh northern winters were severely cutting into their ability to oppress the northern masses year-round. Wearing all that wool, how could they be expected to exploit workers? Settling temporarily in northern Florida, Flagler and Co. moved farther south, eventually stumbling upon the small Barrier Island of Palm Beach. One hundred years later the island of Palm Beach is still where the mega-rich go to escape the grind of winter life in East Egg. Easily bored, they have gone out of their way to cram as much bacchanalian debauchery into one island as possible.

RESTAURANTS: At chi-chi Amici, a small Italian restaurant, reservations are pretty much a must. In addition to an above average Italian meal your $100 will probably get you some star gazing as well. Visiting stars such as Leo and Jacko have sat down there to enjoy the duck. To eat anything that won't require taking out a second and third mortgage, try trekking over the bridge to West Palm Beach, where affordable fare is the norm. Eateries on Clematis Street, the heart of downtown, embellish standard TGI Friday's fare with sundried tomatoes, raspberries or both.

NIGHTLIFE: On the Island of Palm Beach there are three nightclubs. Only two are really worth discussing. Bradley's Tavern, once the grandest illegal casino in North America, is now a cheeseball bar that plays '80s hits at supersonic decibels. If you were a Kennedy, you would find your little brother drinking here. After last call at the country club, the true alcoholics of Palm Beach swagger to Club 251. They mingle with B-list stars and failed models turned trophy wives. Hint: pastel pants work best with yellow or orange cashmere cardigans. More traditional spring break nightlife can be found at the six "original" Irish pubs dotting Clementis Street (see restaurants).

NON-TOURISTY SITE, SHOPPING, PEOPLE WATCHING: Worth Avenue's people-watching and window-shopping distract from a nasty hangover. Palm Beach's commercial center of Worth Avenue is lined with shops selling everything from six-figure evening gowns to golf carts equipped with champagne chillers. Don't be offended by the icy reception you receive from the salespeople. It's not you--they treat everyone this way.

Even if you're not interested in seeing George Plimpton do body shots off of an over tanned cabana-boy, Palm Beach offers an opportunity to whittle away trust funds on a deluxe spring break.