Flagler Museum is in one of the most beautiful waterfront settings in Florida. Wow, it's a joy to take in the tropical paradise here at Palm Beach! As you drive over the two bridges to get here, you see so much blue around you! Once at the mansion, regal palms lead in two rows to the handsome ironwork gate. Inside there is the grand hall and grand staircase that leads to bedrooms of every color and theme. An exhibit gallery has interesting exhibits relevant to the history of the house and area.
Downstairs there is a gorgeous music room with sculptures, paintings, and musical instruments. The organ's pipes you see are actually decorative- there are over 1200 pipes hidden behind it. The grand ballroom is impressive. A courtyard with sculptures and a bold design lies in the center of it all.
Outside one can walk on lawns that lead to the coconut-tree-lined shore. The water on the intercoastal waterway is clear as it laps the shore. Marvelous views of West Palm Beach and its waterfront stretch before you. Around the corner from the house are benches and palm trees on the water, a huge Kapok tree, Seagull Cottage (the oldest house on Palm Beach), and a long paved walking path called the South Lake Trail. Walk this path and also check out the side streets on this beautiful part of the island. At the south end of the South Lake Trail, check out Society of the Four Arts Gardens, a free garden that is very beautiful.
The most impressive part of the mansion is the railcar pavilion, in 19th century Beaux Arts style! Here, glass everywhere reveals blue water on all three sides. There is an expensive cafe inside the railcar pavilion (open Dec-May) where you can eat a high tea at lunchtime with views. You enjoy little tastes of fancy sandwiches and desserts, and it's very romantic! You can also buy a picnic lunch to go in a little white box, and sit on the chairs and tables outside in the coconut grove to enjoy it.
Inside the actual railcar it's fun to see what luxury Flagler enjoyed! I love the blue ceiling in the railcar. It's also interesting to see the wicker "rolling chairs" in the pavilion- these were used in Palm Beach until 1915, two years after Flagler's death, because he did not allow horses or cars as means of transportation in the town.
If you can take the free guided tour, do, because it's fascinating to learn about Flagler's life and the times back then.
After your visit, drive across the bridge a few minutes to West Palm Beach and enjoy a meal outdoors in a great tropical setting at ER Bradley's Saloon. Check out the historical pictures on the walls near the bathrooms.
Check out Midtown Beach for a wonderful swim.
Flagler Museum is located at 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach 33480, call (561) 655-2833.
Exit Highway 95 at Okeechobee Blvd and head toward the ocean. Turn left on Quadrille Blvd and follow it across the bridge. Turn right on Cocoanut Row. The museum is on your right.
Open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), Dec 25, and Jan 1.
Admission is $18 for adults 18 and over, $10 for teens, $3 for children 6-12 yrs old, and kids under 6 are free.
High tea at lunchtime in the railcar pavilion costs $22 per person and reservations are not required (open Dec-Mar, closed Mondays).
Gem
Tue, 11 Sep 2012
It's so beauitful
Last Updated: Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:36:13 GMT
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