When my husband was in the hospital, more specifically in the ICU, I asked him what he wanted to do when we finally got out and went home. He told me very specifically, "I want to watch the moon rise over the ocean in Jupiter." Five years later, on our anniversary week, we did exactly that. At about 2 a.m. on Wednesday morning, he watched the stunning white moon rise over the ocean in his favorite place, Jupiter, Florida.
If you don't know, my husband is a second-generation Jupiter native. His father was born and raised in Jupiter and only moved to Georgia after all his sons began to have children and relocate to the area. He loves it and tells stories about his magical childhood growing up in the best place on earth. They can trace their family history back two generations to the Pennocks and their move to Jupiter to grow ferns for the floral business they owned in Pennsylvania. His parents lived one street over from his grandmother his great grandparents, and one town over from his maternal grandparents. He and his best friend, Beth, spent all their days exploring, playing in the river, and eating fresh fruit from the trees when they got hungry. To this day, he will not eat any processed coconut as he tells me, you just don't know what it is like to eat one off the tree. I agree; it sounds like pure magic, and it was the perfect location to spend our 29th anniversary, which we celebrated last week.
We were guests at the stunning Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa directly on the ocean. We arrived late on Sunday, and sliding the balcony's glass doors open to hear the ocean was a true delight. Our king suite was on the ocean side, and the view was something out of a movie. The sounds, smells, and views were the most relaxing tonic. As soon as he walked onto the balcony, he turned to me and said there was nothing like how it smelled here. I watched as he took deep breaths and instantly shed his stress.
I knew the time in Jupiter would benefit him and us. The hotel was incredible, their service was 5 stars, and the lazy schedule was exactly what we needed. We had a spa, pool, and beach right at our fingertips, along with delicious food, a whole coffee + breakfast café, and so much we could quickly drive to if we wanted to leave the resort. We spent our time walking on the beach, reading, playing cards, shelling, eating fantastic food, napping, shopping, and walking on the beach looking for shells again. It was all I could have planned and more, the perfect four nights in the ideal setting.
Having been to Jupiter many times, this was my first time at the resort. It is part of the more extensive Opal collection, a grouping of stunning properties committed to excellent service and a wonderful stay. Our hotel concierge was terrific. Jared emailed me beforehand asking what he could do to make our stay its best. He recommended places to eat and things to do and stayed in touch via email and texts while we were on the property and in person at the desk. He made three reservations for us, all to unique places that served us the best dining experiences. He, along with the rest of the staff, was kind, courteous, and so helpful. With a quick text, I could change a reservation, request wine glasses, and even let them know how we slept, which was one of my favorite first texts I received. There is nothing like sleeping well and waking up to a stunning sunrise on the ocean.
Our room was large and perfect for our time in Jupiter. We had a king bed, small sectional, bar area, full refrigerator, microwave, and coffee station. We could start our day with coffee, keep leftovers for nibbling, chill wine for late-night movies, and play cards at our table for four near the balcony. Our room could have easily housed a young family with one or two children, as there was plenty of room to add a portable crib. The balcony is glassed to a safe height, so I would have felt OK with my children watching the ocean and eating a meal with me outside. There are two chairs and a small table, which is perfect for a couple or two children. The view, as I stated, is pure magic.
If you are in the area or looking for a little beach getaway, I highly recommend the resort. When you call, ask for Jared and let him know I sent you. I assure you that your service will be as lovely as ours. Make sure not to miss the daily warm-baked cookies at 3 p.m. in the lobby and the champagne available from 3 to 6 p.m., also in the lobby!
Where we ate -
Jupiter Donuts - go early, as they close when sold out.
Subculture Coffee - we both agreed it is the BEST coffee we have ever had.
Lynora's: Go on Monday and order the meatballs, a Margherita pizza, and any freshly made pasta. Also, save room for the limoncello mascarpone cake.
Lucky Shuck - amazing seafood and raw bar with a view of the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. We enjoyed happy hour on Tuesday (all day) and ate raw oysters, tuna tacos, deviled eggs, shrimp and sweet corn hushpuppies, and finished by sharing an amazing key lime pie.
Dune Dog is a local spot that is super popular and truly delish. I had the sea dogs (fish strips), he had a footlong with all the fixings, and we shared the rings and fries combo. It was absolutely yummy and perfect for lunch. The signs about their lobster dinner had me drooling.
Lattitudes - on the property, and so yummy. We had an amazing breakfast, and the view from the ocean side was ... five stars!
Beach Market Café is also on the property. Their menu is extensive for grab-and-go, and they are known for their blueberry muffins and acai bowls. I had an iced coffee and a muffin, and both were delicious!
Where we shopped (all thrift + vintage) -
Here are my thrift spots and I am ranking them in the order of my favorites!
Habitat for Humanity
Jupiter Medical Center Thrift
St. Vincent de Paul
Quantum House Resale Shop
Goodwill
And the thrifting in South Florida is epic, so plan accordingly
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