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Wildlife Weekend
Animal lovers have a lot to keep them interested in Jupiter. From organizations that specialize in bringing nature to the masses, to a host of stunning locales where the masses can experience nature for themselves, this South Florida enclave has something for just about everyone. First on your list must be Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, an animal hospital that also works wonders as an entertaining and educational destination. Like a zoo, but more hands on, and like a museum, but more real, Busch will satisfy every zoological curiosity. A few miles down the coast in Juno Beach is The Juno Beach Marinelife Center, a similarly hands-on sea turtle sanctuary. Just a short ways north, Blowing Rocks Nature Preserve is a Nature Conservancy-sponsored stretch of land where you can venture onto untouched beach dunes, coastal strands, mangrove wetlands, tropical and oak hammock, as well as a rocky limestone shoreline. While you're here, marvel at the migrating birds and abundance of flora and fauna.
If you've got the chutzpah to take to the seas and plunge down into the murky depths, opportunities to get even closer to the untamed wild come a dime a dozen. Enlist the help of a company like Jupiter Dive Charters, and then head out! At Loggerhead Reef, you can actually swim alongside wild sea turtles. If you make it to Captain Kurle's Reef during the months of January and February, you just might get to watch some sharks mate. Watch the teeth! If you haven't the temperament for shark hankypanky, perhaps the Goliath Grouper is more your speed–large and in charge, but not especially predatory. Find him and lots of his buddies in a spacious undersea cave known as Hole in the Wall.
River Voyage
This tour is like the boat ride in Apocalypse Now, but with tiki bars instead of violence and existential dread. The intent here is to cruise up and down the rivers and canals, taking in the sights and sounds, and tying up at the occasional marina to see what's happenin'. First, one must choose one's method of travel. Canoe Outfitters of Florida can set you up with everything you need for a proper canoe excursion. If you set out from Jupiter Hills Lighthouse Marina in Tequesta, you can rent your choice of a pontoon, ski or deck boat. If you'd prefer a guided tour, board the Manatee Queen for a specialized journey around the waterway.
Once you push off, cruise past landmarks like the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, a bright-red icon that hearkens back to the days of yore. At some point, you might want to tie up and stretch your legs on Jupiter's Riverwalk, a leisurely riverside walkway that stretches on for miles. When you thirst needs a-quenchin', set sail for the Square Grouper, a tiki bar made famous by the Jimmy Buffet-Alan Jackson duet "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." The margaritas are cold, the live music is groovy, and the dress code ranges from sand-caked beachwear to evening casual. For a full-on fine dining experience, dock at Jetty's and sit down to some of the river's finest seafood and steak.
Burt Reynolds Bender
Without a doubt, Burt Reynolds is an American institution, and Jupiter is proud to call him its favorite son. He is a Hollywood legend, star of such award-winning cinematic classics as Smokey & the Bandit, Citizen Ruth and Boogie Nights. He is an honorary Sheriff's Deputy in 11 cities and counties, as well as the states of Arizona, Hawaii and South Carolina. Burt Reynolds is a film icon, Burt Reynolds is a mustached hero to children young and old, and Burt Reynolds is the law. The following tour will afford travelers the opportunity to pay just a modicum of the homage due this untouchably talented gentleman.
Stop by Burt Reynolds Park in central Jupiter for a picnic in the shade of the trees dedicated to the man in question. Bask in the glory of a landscape only nature could create, and of which only Mr. Reynolds' name is worthy. Next, cross the river and head for the lighthouse, home to the headquarters and museum of the Loxahatchee River Historical Society. There, you'll find a Deliverance-evoking look at the effects the Mighty Loxahatch' has had on the region. Finally, race Cannonball Run-style down Highway 1 to the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum, a Burt-sanctioned repository of movie memorabilia, sports collectables and items awarded to the man himself (such as keys to cities and honorary Sheriff's Deputy badges). Now you have done your duty as a faithful fan.
Golf Getaway
Florida is famous for its golf, and the Jupiter area is no exception. No visit to this fair city would be complete without a survey of the links. Begin at the Golf Club of Jupiter, open to the public and centrally located in Jupiter proper. After nine or eighteen, move on to the newer, Joe Lee-designed Abacoa Golf Club, also in Jupiter and also public.
When you tire of the pedestrian quality of the public courses, cruise on down to Palm Beach Gardens and enter the Mecca-like realm known as the PGA National Resort. Home to its own hotel and cottages, as well as events such as the Honda Classic, this sprawling paradise will have you playing, living, eating, and breathing nothing but golf for the entirety of your stay.
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