West Palm Beach: Antiquing/Flea Markets/Vintage Shops
 

I've heard that the Palm Beach area has some great antique shops and estate sales. Any recommendations from those in the know ?

There's a whole section of west palm called Antiques Row, about a mile or 2 long stretch of Dixie Highway just south of downtown west palm and just west of the island of palm beach. you can probably google it

Lake Avenue in Lake Worth has quite a few antique stores.

I don't know about antique shops, and I am sure they are really pricey, but I recommend you go to consignment shops or thrift shops. Over in Naples, they are an absolute goldmine of cool things from people who are downsizing, etc.

Its always fun poking around all the consignment shops in Palm Beach....Goodwill, The Church Mouse (i think its called)....you will find unbelievable things!

The Palm Beach/West Palm Beach has the highest concentration of historically preserved residential districts in Florida...as a result, the antique business has thrived there for a long time. Some of the largest antique shows in the country take place in West Palm Beach in January, February and March. Antique Row is basically South Dixie Hwy south of Okeechobee Blvd...but it's true that you can find good deals going all the way down to Lake Worth. Arguably, this is the best place for "antiquing" in the state of Florida. For accommodations, try either Hotel Biba (simple, but unique) or Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast (more upscale, charming and historic).

Does any one have any info/experiences at Hawk's Cay..down in Marathon, (the keys)?

We went there for a week and enjoyed it. It's been a while.

Coincidentally, just returned from Hawk's Cay resort today after a 5 day stay...the five coldest days the keys have had in a hundred years! The place is really well kept and the staff very friendly and accomodating. That said, we found the dining situation sort of skimpy. There was one restaurant off the main lobby that seemed to be closed the entire time. This meant we had to drive or take a shuttle to a bar/restaurant at their marina (since it never cracked 60 degrees and the winds were fierce). But the pools and activities (when the weather is warm) are really nice.If the weather is bad in the keys, you're out of luck because everything(entertainment, drinking,eating,exploring) is centered around being outdoors.
Bottom line: January is "iffy".

All of Florida is a gold mine for pre owned goods. They don't call it God's Waiting Room for nothing. January is an iffy month for going to the beach, but a great month to take advantage of theatre, museums, dining etc. This last 2 weeks is a huge exception to normal January weather.