BIRD BRAIN TRIVIA NIGHT @ Civil Society Brewing – WPB (6:00pm)
BLINK-182 @ Hard Rock (7:00pm)
THE ARTIMUS PYLE BAND—HONORING RONNIE VAN
ZANT’S LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (9:00pm)
THE FLYERS @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter (9:30pm)
PARTY IN PARADISE: DELRAY’S TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT @ Old School Square (5:00pm)
VITAFUNK @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (2:00pm)
MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter (noon-10:00pm)
PUBLISHER
Dustin Wright
MANAGING EDITOR
Ava Bourbeau
EDITOR
Darien Davies
DESIGN
Richard Vergez
WRITERS
Ava Bourbeau
Darien Davies
Brian Hall
Haley Dockendorff
EVENTS
Danny Wright
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dustin Wright
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY
Greg Panas
Norton Museum of Art
Anna Mucci
Lesly Unruh
Roundhouse Creative
NPI Productions
John Finch
Botbox Productions
Brian Hall
CONTRIBUTING ARTIST
Erick Arenas
ADVERTISING
561-449-2263 info@theatlanticcurrent.com
THE COVER
: Greg Panas
THANKS
…to our advertisers who make this local mag you’re about to enjoy both possible and free. As you’ll notice, we’ve worked hard over the years to curate our sponsorships with businesses we know you’ll enjoy. They’ve become an integral part of our mag being one cohesive piece and we can’t thank them enough.
Please support us by supporting them.
READ LOCAL, STAY COASTAL
While sticking out the Summer in South Florida boosts our egos quite a bit, it leaves the tourism industry feeling a bit flat. We like to roll out the Staycation Issue every so often as a reminder that sometimes being a tourist means more than a New York accent and an out-of-state license plate. To us, it means making the most of where we live year ‘round, which also ends up meaning supporting local businesses. Help us help them.
Staycation is a state of mind, and when you live in paradise, it’s easy to forget that every day looks like a vacation here. So, in an effort to remind our readers of how good we have it, we created some niche itineraries filled with events, activities, shoddy directions, food recommendations, and plenty of our biased favorites. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired by a thing or two outside your normal realm of go-tos.
Outdoorsy
BY
PHOTO
GREG PANAS
Let’s be honest: Florida summers hit different. The sun doesn’t just shine, it scorches. But lucky for us locals, Jupiter offers a weekend full of shade-drenched adventures that keep you outdoors without turning you into a puddle. If you’re staycation-ing in Jupiter, you’re probably tired of the sun anyway.
Start your morning how all good ones begin: with a strong cup of coffee. Cruise into Cones & Coffee, tucked just off North Highway A1A right next to Blueline Surf & Paddle Co. (a local favorite). It’s an old-school ice cream shop vibe with new-school espresso. And it’s home to Pumphouse Coffee Roasters, serving some of the best cold brew and espresso in town (the kind of espresso that turns a regular Saturday into a solid one). Grab a seat under the wing shade, watch the morning crowd roll through, and fuel up for the day ahead. Bonus points if you go back later for ice cream. The mango soft-serve lands just right on a humid day.
But Shady in Jupiter
BY BRIAN HALL
Once you’re caffeinated, ease into some movement with an outdoor yoga class at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Beneath the sprawling banyan trees, you’ll move through a gentle flow with a salty breeze at your back and postcard views all around. If mornings aren’t your thing (and depending what day of the week it is), opt for an evening class at Sawfish Bay Park instead, where the sun dips behind the
Next, point your car north and cruise up to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The entrance is easy to miss if you’re not looking, but inside, you can explore your inner Trapper Nelson through more than 10,000 acres of true, wild Florida. You’ll find trails shaded by sand pines, oaks, and sabal palms. Set yourself up for success and pack some breakfast from Tequesta Table before heading in. Their Breakfast Burrito travels well and tastes even better when enjoyed on a pine-needle-covered bench with the hum of cicadas in the background. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a gopher tortoise slowly crossing the trail, which is a pace worth paying attention to. It’s a magical place, and not to be missed.
After your hike or the next day, it’s time to cool off the best way we know how: snorkeling under Cato’s Bridge. The current rips through pretty good during tide changes, but if you time it right, you’ll find a pocket of calm, clear water filled with snook, mangrove snapper, and the occasional manatee. The bridge itself casts just enough shade for you to float awhile without cooking, and there’s a certain magic in watching the sunlight ripple through the water from underneath.
PHOTO BY BRIAN HALL
Once you’ve had your fill of saltwater, lunch is calling, and it’s coming in loud from Cathy’s Beach Connection. It’s not flashy, which is exactly the point. Order the Cap’n Crunch Chicken Sandwich and thank us later. The sandwich has the perfect combo of crunch (yes, from fried Cap’n Crunch cereal), sweetness, and nostalgia, wrapped in a basket lined with wax paper. Sit under the shaded patio and watch the locals roll in, still sandy from the beach and always in no rush.
Once you’re refueled, head inland for a shaded bike ride through Riverbend Park. The hard-packed trails twist beneath a thick canopy of cypress, oak, and pine, where gators sun themselves beside the river, turkeys scurry through the brush, and hawks call overhead. Bring a cruiser or rent one onsite. No mountain bike required, just a little curiosity and a large bottle of water. There’s something wildly calming about being under the ancient oaks, especially in the late afternoon when the light filters through like stained glass.
As the day winds down, there’s only one place to be: Guanabanas. It’s tucked away just far enough under the palms that you feel like you’ve found a secret. Grab a table in the shade, order the Mexican Street Corn Flatbread and a Kona Big Wave, and settle in for some live music with a breeze off the water and good conversation nearby. The vibe is casual, the drinks are strong, and the fish tales get longer by the hour.
End your shady staycation with a night at Jupiter Reef Club. It’s not big, and that’s the charm. Right on the beach, with a pool, hot tub, and salt air in every direction, it’s the kind of place you could spend a week. But even one night there feels like a full reset. Crack a window, fall asleep to the sound of the waves, and wake up salty, revived, and wondering why you don’t do this more often. Paradise doesn’t always require a plane ticket, sometimes it’s right in our own backyard.
your wheels,
That’s right, it’s the city that has been dubbed the top Trending Destination by Trip Advisor in their Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Awards. The pressure is on. Flightless birds that we are, however, we get to keep rediscovering what makes our backyard a destination, past just when it’s trending. Our latest attempt at this is getting to know West Palm Beach by bike. We’re pairing that with the fact that West Palm has a reputation as a foodie destination to explore, eat, and peddle, peddle, peddle our way through a weekend.
Whether you rent a BrightBike or use your own trusty wheels, please do consult an actual map—I can’t be held accountable for wrong turns.
BY BIKE IN WPB
BY AVA BOURBEAU
andtheopenroad.
If you’re picking up a BrightBike, start by downloading their app to view the map of docking stations and their rental options. You can choose between hourly rentals or purchasing a membership pass. A full-day rental is $24, but they have options starting at just 30 minutes. Our itinerary will begin at Station 113, located at 885 Chase Ave., just off Okeechobee Boulevard and about a block from the water. Be sure to check your app to confirm there are bikes docked at the station before parking there.
From there, you can take the scenic route south, or the shortcut down South Olive Avenue, to The Norton Museum of Art. Norton is absolutely a name you’ve seen on West Palm Beach’s Yelp page and probably every other guide to visiting the city, but it’s a cliché for a reason. Norton is a cultural and artistic hub in West Palm Beach that offers more than just an impressive gallery and a permanent collection filled with high-brow names like Matisse, Braque, and O’Keeffe. Even if you’re someone who can’t stand still long enough to pretend to read every title card, Norton hosts workshops, live music, and has a really fun gift shop that’s particularly helpful if
you’re looking for a unique gift to give an art-lover in your life. We highly recommend spending an hour or two at the museum, or even just enjoying a bite inside their restaurant, aptly named The Restaurant, overlooking the sculpture garden.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTON MUSEUM OF ART
A handful of blocks south is Civil Society Brewing, where you’ll want to try one of their many rotating IPA’s. Even if you don’t like IPA (guilty), it’s worth a try. Once you’re hoppy and hydrated, there are a few directions your wheels could take you. Across the street is Steak Shop by Rancher’s Reserve, a boutique butcher shop that serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, where the burgers are so local that even the cow was raised in-state. Another local gem is Zipitios, just a few minutes south by bike, where you’ll have some of the best birria tacos you’ve ever tried. If your pedals are willing to really work for it, Tropical Smokehouse and Cholo Soy Cocina are an additional 10-minute cruise south. On the way, grab a bottle of organic wine at West Palm Wine Co. for later and browse some records at Rust & Wax Record Shop. Just remember, this is an outand-back—what goes south must also return north.
BY
PHOTO
ANNA MUCCI
For dinner (and cocktails) after a long day, reward yourself with panoramic views and a rooftop dinner — leave the bikes downstairs. The Ben is a tried and true, but for a newcomer, try Top of the Rox.
If you’re going all in on a staycation, pop over to Palm Beach’s pinkest hotel: The Colony. This whimsical, boutique hotel is worth the splurge to truly make a staycation feel special. Besides, after a full day of exploring
West Palm Beach by bike, you won’t be making it very far past the pool loungers. We’re blurring the lines between West Palm Beach and Palm Beach a bit, but as two veins of mid-Palm Beach County, we didn’t think we could do one without the other. At any rate, you’re opening yourself up to the culinary experiences on Palm Beach Island as well this way. Rapid fire recommendations include: Buccan, Cafe Boulud, Henry’s, Sant Ambroeus, and Cucina.
PHOTO BY LESLEY UNRUH
Return your BrightBike overnight, but if you’re not completely tuckered out, take a sunset cruise on the Lake Trail before making your way back to Station 113 to turn it in. You may look like a kook cruising Palm Beach Island on a BrightBike, but the sunset views over the Intracoastal views are worth it. Pop back over the bridge to drop off your bike and thank your trusty wheels for carrying you on a successful staycation.
PHOTO BY ROUNDHOUSE CREATIVE
A Healthy Day in Delray?
No Sweat.
BY DARIEN DAVIES
Having fun and embracing a health-focused staycation.
Most often when you think of vacation, you think of letting loose. There are no rules! This could mean staying up late, gorging out on all the decadent food you shy away from during normal life, and enjoying the bubbly while still in your hotel robe at whatever o’clock you decide to greet the day. But there is the possibility of enjoying a healthy vacation that is actually good for you! I know, sounds kind of granola, but hear me out. Picture this: you are enjoying exercise, fresh air, healthy bites, outdoor perusing, and some much-needed R&R… you are smiling, you are rejuvenating, you are enjoying yourself… and go! Your fun Delray weekend awaits, my friend, and it knows you’ll be pleased.
Start your staycation on the right foot...
by joining some of your neighbors for Celis Run Club’s Saturday morning jaunt. This 7:30 a.m., 3.2-mile trek (run or walk) will afford you a tour of Delray while getting a much-needed endorphin boost (don’t lie, you need it). A delicious bonus will be an acai smoothie (almond milk, acai, peanut butter, granola, strawberry, blueberry, banana, coconut flakes, and honey) at Celis Juice Bar when you’re done, which you can enjoy as you stroll over to the Summer GreenMarket. Nothing says health like a tote bag full of local produce, after all.
This open-air market at Old School Square will run up to the last Saturday in July and features more than 40 premier food vendors participating, offering everything from farm-fresh eggs, produce, flowers, baked goods, and more.
If you’re craving some reprieve from the sun (or you missed the window for the Summer GreenMarket), Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market may be calling your name instead. On top of offering fresh, locally grown produce, they also invite you to enjoy their ready-made sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as a fantastic wine offering. Grab yourself some tasty treats, some wine (bring your own cups,
just FYI), and some fruit, and head to Veteran’s Park or the beach for a picnic along the water. There’s plenty of seating, plenty of people watching, and you might even recline to the napping position.
Another local favorite is Fit Food Express, which is a tasty health food restaurant that specializes in organic juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and pre-made and pre-packaged meals. Grab yourself some grub to go and enjoy a light bite in the sunlight. If you’re now needing some air conditioning, the Arts Warehouse is your refreshing ticket. This rehabilitated warehouse provides studio space for local and international artists, plus rotating exhibitions, and admission is delightfully free.
If you did yourself a weekend solid, it’s about time to check into your local hotel. A personal favorite is Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas, which is a hidden gem in Delray that features not only luxury villas but also two saltwater swimming pools, all within a few blocks of the beach and the Avenue. Did I mention the tiki hut?
If you like more of a VIP room service type of vibe, The Seagate Beach Club is right down the street and offers all the amenities
you’d ever want, as well as a private beach club with cocktail service, to boot.
After a well-deserved nap, head to the Avenue for some fun. A great spot for a refreshing mocktail is Elisabetta’s Ristorante, where they’re dishing up a Cherry-Basil Smash, made with Michigan orchard cherries, agave nectar, local citrus juice and fresh basil. There’s a lovely little upstairs bar with views of the Avenue if you’re lucky enough to nab a spot.
Technically not in Delray, but very worth the 10 minutes north, is Driftwood. They also have a diverse mocktail menu, and many of the herbs used in the drinks are grown in their own onsite garden. Try a “Paradise Punch” for a delightfully refreshing palate warm-up. Since you’re probably also actually famished, snag a table at Driftwood and allow yourself to be wowed by their humble roots (again, the roots are right outside), locally sourced ingredients, and absolute genius in the kitchen. Honestly, you’ll go crazy deciding what to order, so ask for help — and then seconds.
For a sweet treat, head to Cream for some froyo on your way to your hotel and pat yourself on the back for a day well done.
PHOTO BY BOTBOX PRODUCTIONS
The good news is that you’re only a few blocks from the beach, so if you’re still staycation-ing, head to the sand for the sunrise. It always seems impossible until it’s done, but always worth it in the end.
If your staycation stars align, you should plan to head to Coco Market on a Sunday. Held once a month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’re invited to enjoy free yoga led by movement experts, followed by workshops, activities, unique vendors and healthy food and drink.
When you’re ready, head back to concierge and request a late checkout, stating the pool and a refreshing beverage are calling your name. It’s your staycation after all, home can wait.
BY
PHOTO
JOHN FINCH
BOUGIE IN BOCA
Living luxe without breaking the bank (maybe a little, though).
BY HALEY DOCKENDORFF
When you live where most people only dream of vacationing, it can be easy to overlook the resort-like features of South Florida. If your budget is tight — or if you can’t fathom getting on an airplane right now — a staycation can be just as relaxing, if not more, than a destination vacation. Why sit in a tin can of a car or plane for hours when you can soak up all the vacation vibes in your own backyard? Plus, you won’t have to be paranoid about bed bugs or lost luggage.
The great thing about a staycation is a bigger budget now that you’re not spending an arm and a leg on travel expenses. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the luxury world of Boca, look no further than the town’s literal and figurative crown jewel — The Boca Raton.
With its historic presence in Boca Raton’s skyline (and the flamingo-pink Tower), you won’t even need directions to find it. The Boca Raton is private to guests and members, so to enjoy the luxurious amenities, we suggest booking a night or a weekend at one of five different hotels available on the resort grounds. The resort is split into “Harborside” and “Beachside,” with water taxis and pastel Moke’s shuttling guests between them. There are tennis courts, a pristine golf course, a sprawling pool, and more than a dozen different restaurants for your dining pleasure. The resort is a gorgeous display of Boca Raton’s history — celebrating its centennial anniversary this year — and an ode to Addison Mizner’s iconic architecture.
Booking an experience at the five-star Spa Palmera is a must if you’re looking to transform into your bougiest self. Anything from signature spa packages to the salon to couples’ massages and cleansing baths is offered here. There is even an all-day café!
But, if you’re looking to be bougie but on a friendlier budget, skip the hotel stay and instead stick to the rest of our suggestions below. There’s no place like home, right?
The first suggestion is an obvious, but necessary, one. While some of you might have the beach integrated as a part of your daily routine, we know better than most that life gets in the way, and even if you live a few miles from the beach, it can be hard to get there and truly relax between snowbird season and windy winters.
A staycation is your chance to soak in the beach parks in a way you haven’t before. Go ahead and leave the chairs at home. Nothing says luxury like having your beach chairs and towels set up for you and Oceanside Beach Service offers rentals at Red Reef, Spanish River, and South Beach.
If you’re more the active type, don your finest country club attire, gold watches, and designer sunglasses and mosey on up A1A to the Alan C. Alford Red Reef Family Golf Course. What’s more luxe than a tee time on the water?
It is open to the public with views of the ocean as it runs parallel to the beach. The nine-hole course also offers a discount for Boca Raton residents.
PHOTO BY NPI PRODUCTIONS
After you’ve tanned or had your tee time, head over the bridge on Palmetto Park Road into Downtown Boca. You’ll pass Luff’s Fish House, a Boca Raton staple seafood restaurant. Bringing the Florida Keys to the East Coast, you’ll find a seafood lover’s dream menu here. All seating is first come, first serve, so make sure to plan ahead. Remember to ask for their signature Key Lime Pie!
Then, cruise down Camino Real Road, snap the perfect picture of the Instagram-able rows of royal palm trees, and soon you’ll see Royal Palm Place, home to several high-end restaurants and bars that will make you wish you could eat there every night.
Twenty Twenty Grille is one of our favorites, offering a one-of-a-kind, intimate dining experience (seriously intimate, there’s only a handful of tables in the restaurant) with fresh, organic produce.
Another nod to Boca’s history and Addison Mizner’s defining architecture is in the heart of Downtown Boca: Mizner Park. Filled with luxury retailers, fine dining, and twinkling lights, Mizner Park is the perfect one-stop shop for all things bougie that you’ll need on your staycation (or to just treat yourself!).
Pop into Kendra Scott and leave dripping in gemstones. Stop at Bluemercury for a three-figure, but oh-so-worth it, moisturizer that will last for weeks and remind you of daily luxury. Tommy Bahama will have the perfect button-up … even for the husband with no sense of style, and Cotton Natural has a whole store of resort wear made of cotton, the standard in breathable and beachy fabrics.
While you’re in Mizner Park, you’ll want to stop into Kapow! Whether you’re there on a weekday for happy hour or a weekend for brunch, you won’t regret ordering for the table and trying a bite of everything.
For decadence most of us will never be able to afford, The Boca Raton Museum of Art is just around the corner, packed with the rich culture and history of the city — for window shopping purposes. Tickets are free for children under the age of 18, and they’re only $16 for adults.
So, rather than spend hundreds of dollars on travel expenses, spend some time in a city that elite New Yorkers only get to vacation in. Everyone can use a day to be bougie; at least, that’s what we believe, and where better to be bougie than Boca.
