When we book a stay with Airbnb.com for a house in Northwood we did not realize what a great neighborhood we would be in. If you love architecture this is a must, if you like to visit a turnaround neighborhood, see a cool mix of architecture - this is it. Also fun food places just a short walk.
Although touted as an alternative destination this single street of maybe a couple of dozen shops and eateries is totally disorganised. A high proportion of shops were closed - a few with explanatory signs in the windows such as 'on vacation' - others looked closed but on further inspection proved to be grudgingly open. The antique shops ranged from those with frankly ridiculous prices - cheap wicker chairs you could buy in Europe for $ 25 priced at $ 400 - whilst another shop had prices so modest it seemed like a mistake. Most of the sleepy looking places to eat had hardly any customers and none had a look that would grab you off the street. Northwood may be trying to define itself as other than the glitzy downtown West Palm Beach but the important point about being alternative is to say what you are rather than what you are not. If this is supposed to be a trendy artistic enclave then it's not that appealing. Okay if you're passing by but not worth a detour.
If you like it Local, and who doesn't, come to Northwood Village for a fabulous variety of foodie haunts, great watering holes and impressive contemporary art plus furniture and clothing. It is truly a village and just seedy enough around the edges to make it comfortable, like your favorite jeans. Nothing too slick here, but that certainly doesn't mean it's not quality. Just real comfortable. Feels like home to me. This is where I take out of town visitors.
If you want to see how Palm Beach was 40 years ago this is the place. Beautiful 1940s and 30s architecture wonderful parks terrific restaurants interesting people and great shopping. Best of all you can see all this for free and if you do go shopping its not going to cost you an arm and leg. so don't Miss this opportunity see Florida the way it used to be.
Great shops, excellent restaurants - great people watching on weekends. Harold's coffee plays the best music and pours a great cup. Artsy, young atmosphere.
Interesting variety of eateries plus many, many different shops & galleries etc! You must check the Old Northwood scene out! We go there at least once per month and do different things each time!
The Northwood neighborhood is full of cute little shops and restaurants, with pretty street-scaping and lots of free parking. Our photo club went there on a Friday evening and walked around taking pictures. We'll do it again.
Attended a monthly Friday evening event. Sip and Stroll drink wine and visit shops and vendors. Nice vibe, friendly people and unique shops. Something to do before dinner.....
Discovered about ten years ago by artists, shop owners, restauranteurs, and gallerists as the next place to inhabit, Northwood in West Palm Beach is a happening, bopping, very happy place. Get your artist's groove on here by visiting second-hand furniture shops like Circa Who; galleries like Art House 429, and coffee shops or restaurants that suit your taste, as they abound. Good on-street parking. Happy shop owners. An overall wonderful vibe. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
We had lunch in one of the restaurants then walked the street - shops painted bright colors and a drive around the neighborhood abutting Spruce Street contains beautiful older Spanish style homes. Not far from the Maritime Museum.