Your Florida Property Stop
Palm Beach On Foot presents: Autumn on the Lake Trail, Palm Beach
A cool place for a walk or a run: Palm Beach, a barrier island and site of fab ocean-side estates and lush tropical greenery, isn't all about sandy beaches. On the west side of the island, the Lake Trail winds for miles along the Intracoastal Waterway separating Palm Beach from downtown West Palm Beach. On any given day you'll find residents and visitors enjoying the path, but it's particularly popular in fall, winter and spring, when Florida gets a break from the heat.
Palm Beach is known worldwide for its posh estates and wealthy residents. The population of the island swells in fall and winter, when the North is in the deep freeze. The average high temperature in Palm Beach, meanwhile, is in the mid- to upper-70s, even in January. No wonder residents and visitors enjoy a lot of outdoor activity, like a walk on the Lake Trail, which runs along the west side of the island.
Tree-mendous: Coconut palms and Royal palms are favored along the Lake Trail and throughout Palm Beach. Residents also like to grow bananas because they like the tropical look.
Historic site: Heading north on the Lake Trail, you'll pass the site of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, built by railroad mogul Henry Flagler in 1894. It was a grand affair and had room for 2,000 guests. It was torn down in 1936.
Tree-mendous: Coconut palms and Royal palms are favored along the Lake Trail and throughout Palm Beach. Residents also like to grow bananas because they like the tropical look.
Historic site: Heading north on the Lake Trail, you'll pass the site of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, built by railroad mogul Henry Flagler in 1894. It was a grand affair and had room for 2,000 guests. It was torn down in 1936.
A different way to work the net: You may be stuck at the office working on the web, but you could be stocking up on bait fish in the Intracoastal Waterway off the Lake Trail. This shot was snapped outside the Flagler Museum just a few yards from the path.
Improve your outlook: While you're getting a workout on the trail, all you need to do is glance over your shoulder for a panoramic view of downtown West Palm Beach. (Photos and text by John Nelander)
