WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (January 31, 2017) – Situated along 47 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches from Boca Raton to Jupiter and Tequesta, America’s First Resort Destination® offers a proud tradition of hospitality to all who visit. In 2017, The Palm Beaches’ collection of 39 distinctive towns and cities continue their legacy as a welcoming destination with an updated calendar of lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, questioning and intersex (LGBTQ) annual events, accommodation packages and experiences for those relating to gender and non-gender specific lifestyles.

Whether it’s a night of cabaret and cocktails at The Royal Room, an immersion at one of the destination’s 200 cultural venues, stomping the divots at the 8^th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament or enjoying the best in an alfresco lifestyle – shopping, dining and fitness, The Palm Beaches offer something to suit the tastes of every traveler. Its doors are open for all to explore the local gay community in Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, home to gay bars and restaurants or to pop into Compass, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of The Palm Beaches, to learn about local LGBTQ social groups and community events.
 
A sample of upcoming events and offerings popular to the LGBTQ community include:
 
ACCOMODATIONS:
 
Best of The Boca Raton
The Boca Raton, , has been redesigned as an icon of elegance with more than 80 amenities for every type of guest. Upon arrival, choose to experience the Best of Waldorf Astoria with a special package to include a variety of activities ranging from adventure-driven to those centered on relaxation. Visitors can expect exceptional restaurants, luxurious spas and unparalleled service. Book now with rooms from $417 per night and receive a $100 resort credit based on a two night stay.
 
‘Luxe Romance’ Honeymoon Package at The Brazilian Court Hotel
The ‘Luxe Romance’ honeymoon package, starting at $2,015, includes a three-day, two-night stay at The Brazilian Court Hotel. LGBTQ honeymooners will receive a chilled bottle of champagne upon arrival, “Mr.& Mr.”, “Mrs. & Mrs.” or “Mr. & Mrs.” embroidered plush beach towels, a private Chef’s Table dinner at Café Boulud and a personal chauffeur from hotel to beach. Salon services at Frederic Fekkai, daily breakfast in bed, and the ingredients to create an intimate in-room wine-salt therapy bath at turndown succeed in creating a one of a kind honeymoon experience. General restrictions and black-out dates apply.
 
Palm Beach Getaway at Chesterfield Hotel
The Chesterfield Hotel, Palm Beach, is located in the heart of a residential section of Palm Beach and just two blocks north of the world famous Worth Avenue. Designed in the manner of a European bed and breakfast, it features newly renovated suites, including an 1800-square-foot penthouse with an outdoor deck and Jacuzzi. The Palm Beach Getaway package features luxurious accommodations in a room or suite, continental breakfast for two, and a romantic dinner with a bottle of wine and live entertainment in the Leopard Lounge. Prices from $420 per night. Offer valid through April 30, 2017.
 
The Colony Palm Beach
Since 1947 The Colony has been at the center of Palm Beach social life hosting U.S. Presidents, European royalty and American “Snowbirds” down for the winter season. Its location is ideal; adjacent to world famous Worth Avenue in the center of the town and a short block from Palm Beach’s most renowned beach. Standard double rates from $499 per night.
 
Beauty & The Beach at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is an intimate ocean retreat that offers a quintessential, new-fashioned luxury to the Palm Beach experience. Set on seven oceanfront acres, the resort offers thoughtful amenities designed to encourage a vacation experience with playful touches that appeal to the modern luxury traveler. Immerse yourself in in the many wonders of the Eau Spa. Explore the Self-Centered Garden and relax in the shallow spa pools or sunbathe and take a dip in the Atlantic. The Beauty and the Beach package includes overnight accommodations and one 60-minute spa treatment at Eau Spa per day.  Restrictions may apply. Rooms from $879 with a two night minimum.
 
Soak Up The Sun In Style at Seagate Hotel
Beyond the charming, beach-chic façade, relax in contemporary comfort surrounded by 7,000 gallon aquariums, a 2,500 gallon shark tank, and sea-inspired fixtures evoking tropical tranquility.  Enjoy luxuriously appointed guest rooms with the finest features, a full-service spa and fitness center, a poolside paradise, six distinctive dining venues, and endless amenities. The Soak Up The Sun In Style package includes a one-night stay in Deluxe accommodations, Seagate signature beach towel, luxury beach bag and sunscreen. Rooms from $499 per night. Use promo code: PKGBCH.
 
ANNUAL EVENTS:
 
International Gay Polo Tournament: April 6 – 9, 2017                                        
From elaborate tailgate competitions to the constant flow of champagne, enjoy the festivities of the 8^thInternational Gay Polo Tournament in The Palm Beaches. Set at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, North America’s only high goal polo venue, the 2017 International Gay Polo Tournament will take place April 6 – 9, 2017. The Gay Polo League (GPL) VIP Tent on tournament day is the ultimate in polo experience with table-side service, an open bar and VIP parking. GPL represents a wide range of ages, backgrounds and skill levels, and competes in mainstream matches and events while sharing enthusiasm for the sport.
 
PrideFest: March 25 – March 26, 2017
With over 20,000 attendees annually, PrideFest of Lake Worth has grown from a small celebration to one of the largest festivals in South Florida. Since 1992, this festival has developed into The Palm Beaches’ largest gay and lesbian visibility event. This two-day occasion, from noon to 6:00 p.m. both days, brings together a community of local residents and guests to honor the passion for diversity and growth in community throughout the area. Live musical entertainment, merchandise booth vendors and local foods fill the space and invite all to celebrate LGBTQ pride with its annual parade. The Sunday Parade on March 26, 2017 begins at 11:30 a.m. in downtown Lake Worth along Lucerne and Lake Avenues. 
 
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS:
 
Delray Center for the Arts 
Delray Beach Center for the Arts provides culturally enriching programs and unique arts and entertainment offerings to The Palm Beaches. From musicals and plays, dance and variety shows, Broadway Cabaret, music and concerts, comedy, films, lectures and literary events, the Center’s calendar varies throughout the year. Upcoming events include Beehive, The Musical on January 27 – 29, Pump Boys and Dinettes on February 3 -5 and The Doo Wop Project on February 8.
 
Kravis Center For The Performing Arts
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a growing national and international reputation. True to the spirit in which it was created, the Center is expanding programming by initiating projects on local, national and international levels. Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary Season, the Kravis Center provides a diverse array of artistic, theatrical and cultural programming. From blockbuster Broadway hits, to concerts, comedy, regional arts performances, arts education programs and more—the Kravis offers experiences for audiences of all ages. This season, enjoy performances by the Miami City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra as well as a comedic piece with author Dan Anderson narrating his work, Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. Tickets from $20 and range with performances.
 
Norton Museum of Art
The Norton is internationally known for its exhibitions and collection of American, Chinese, Contemporary, and European Art – and Photography. From its founding in 1941, the Museum has been acclaimed for masterpieces by Gaugin, Monet, Picasso, and many others. Explore the Chinese Collection as well as its Photography Collection spanning decades in the works. This year, explore the Norton Museum’s exhibition Spotlight: Recent Acquisitions, in celebration of Black History Month or check out the Norton’s sixth RAW (Recognition of Art by Women) exhibition, which will premiere the first solo museum exhibition of artist Svenja Deininger. Admission is free for all visitors through December 2018.
 
The Royal Room at The Colony Hotel
Hailed the “best place for Cabaret on the planet” by The Palm Beach Post, the Royal Room at The Colony Hotel features sizzling, song-filled performances by fast-rising performers straight from New York City’s leading Cabarets.
 
The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum
The Wick Theatre, located in the former Caldwell Theatre, presents spectacular musicals ranging from timeless classics to lesser known shows throughout the year. The Costume Museum at the Wick Theatre is an astounding exhibit of the finest costumes ever brought to the Broadway stage by the most honored and respected designers in the history of the American Musical Theatre. This incredible venue houses a collection of original costumes from over 35 Broadway productions and revivals.
 
LUXURY & VINTAGE SHOPPING:
 
Antique Row
Located in West Palm Beach, Antique Row is a charming district with over 40 antique shops offering an impressive selection of 17th to 20th century antiques, fine and decorative arts, period deco, vintage and modern furnishings, and much more.  All within walking distance, this vast array of quality antiques stores, specialty shops and art galleries are complemented by several award-winning restaurants.
 
Dina C’s Fab & Funky Consignment Boutique
Owner Dina Capehart offers a curated collection of clothing and accessories dating from the 1940s to the present time by such designers as Azzedine Alaia, Christian Dior, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, Pucci, Galanos, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and Pierre Cardin. She also has a separate men’s boutique.
 
Serendipity High Fashion Consignment Boutique
This shop, just east of Town Center at Boca Raton, offers couture clothing and accessories from Chanel, Hermès, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, Fendi and YSL, among others.
 
Worth Avenue
An enchanting resort destination in Palm Beach, Florida with European sophistication and inimitable style and grace, Worth Avenue is one of the most beautiful and luxurious shopping venues in the United States.
 
DINING EXPERIENCES:
 
Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour
The West Palm Beach Food Tour is a delicious and entertaining way to learn about West Palm Beach with 13 food and drink tastings from six of the best local restaurants. Embrace the opportunity to meet chefs, try a dish that’s been featured on the Food Network and discover the fascinating history of the local downtown area on a leisure one mile outing. Private tours and cooking classes are also available. Adult tickets start at $65 with an option to add extra alcohol pairings. Save an extra 20 percent when signing up with the discount code: LGBTQI.
 
H.G. Rooster’s 
H.G. Roosters, located in West Palm Beach, is the heart of The Palm Beach’s gay nightlife.  With daily specials, shows and events scheduled every night of the week, it’s always good time at Roosters.
 
Poolside Brunch at Hilton West Palm Beach
Hilton West Palm Beach is the only spot in downtown West Palm Beach where visitors can float on a giant swan or unicorn, enjoy a tasty brunch, practice yoga, try a few lawn games, and much more. While dining on favorites such as Nutella French toast, Okeechobee street corn, and chicken and waffles, relax by the hotel’s vibrant pool and jam to the beats of DJ Adam Lipson. Bottomless mimosas, sangria and bloody Mary’s are also available. Be sure to arrive early to participate in poolside yoga, led by expert Jennifer Martin, before chowing down. Entrées up to $18. A la carte brunch begins at 11:00 a.m. with bottomless sangria, bloody Mary’s, mimosas for $25 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Yoga is $10 at 10 a.m. and taught by Jennifer Martin (complimentary for hotel guests).
 
The Mad Hatter Lounge 
Just six miles south of West Palm Beach, The Mad Hatter Lounger is one of the area’s most popular gay bars. The friendly neighborhood lounge has a large patio, a pool table and video games, light food, and a good mix of cocktails, beers, and wine.
 
Rhythm Café 
Located on West Palm Beach’s Antique Row in a converted 1950’s drugstore, Rhythm Café has been treating the fabulous locals/visitors of The Palm Beaches to the finest, creative home-style cuisine since 1988. Featuring a tapas-tizer menu, redesigned fish menu, renowned entrees, and homemade desserts.
 
Table 26
Located in the heart of the historical Mango Promenade district in West Palm Beach and two blocks south of the Norton Museum of Art, Table 26 is a neighborhood restaurant in a sophisticated, casual setting.  Chef Joe Ferro has created delicious dishes to bring back the basics of Global cuisine. This unique neighborhood eatery has a full-service bar and complimentary valet.
 
About Discover The Palm Beaches
Discover The Palm Beaches, formerly the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official tourism marketing corporation that promotes the collection of 39 cities and towns and 15 tourism districts spanning more than 2,200 square miles and 47 miles of pristine beaches from Boca Raton to Jupiter and Tequesta, commonly referred to as “The Palm Beaches.” Tourism is among Palm Beach County’s major industries, generating $4.55 billion in direct visitor spending and supporting more than 60,000 jobs. Once recognized as a tropical escape for elite travelers in the late 1800s, America’s First Resort Destination® is making its resurgence as The Best Way To Experience Florida®, welcoming a record-breaking 6.9 million people in 2015. The Palm Beaches are home to nearly 17,000 hotel rooms, ranging from historic resorts to boutique inns. The destination features more than 100 family-friendly attractions, world-class luxury and antique shopping experiences, 125 miles of peaceful waterways for on- or in-the-water activities, more than 150 artificial reefs that line the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf Stream current, 160 golf courses, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving entertainment scene boasting more than 200 art and culture organizations. For more information about The Palm Beaches, visit www.ThePalmBeaches.com and connect on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @PalmBeachesFL, YouTube at Discover The Palm Beaches, and the hashtag, #ThePalmBeaches.
 
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Editor’s Note: Hi-res images and video of The Palm Beaches can be downloaded here.
 
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ashley Svarney, Director of Public Relations & Communications 
Discover The Palm Beaches
asvarney@thepalmbeaches.com
Office: (561) 233-3030; Cell: (954) 592-6683
 
Kayla Lynskey, Account Manager
Development Counsellors International 
kayla.lynskey@aboutdci.com 
Office: (212) 444-7199