As a travel planner,  part of why I do what I do is to give people the gift of time. Time to experience, time to relax, time to be present and enjoy the ride–all instead of spending time working out the logistics.

I always try to take time to recharge, reset, and just go out and explore. There is so much to see all around us- you just have to dig a little deeper, and drive a little further- and so many unexpected places and experiences open up. 

For our second 36-hour women’s getaway, this same concept inspired my partner on this awesome project, Ana, and I to plan every detail, take care of the logistics, and maximize the fun--the itinerary is NEVER shared until we’ve hit the road and started the adventure!

WHERE WE BEGAN

The Jupiter Lighthouse is just one of 30 standing lighthouses in Florida. Built in 1860, jutting out of our coastline, as a beacon to anyone traveling nearby, it reaches 105 steps into the sky. From the top, we observed the inlet and the ocean and its sheer vastness. From here we experienced something extraordinary–a literal and figurative change in perspective. That’s one of the magical things about traveling and adventures–the literal change in perspective shakes up the figurative perspective in the best possible way. Search, climb, arrive, soak it in. Don’t just do it for an awesome Instagram post. The Ficus Altissima by the entrance was the perfect shady spot to sit, chat, and enjoy our surroundings. 

Vero Beach

Since this was not a road trip with kids, we got to pop into a great home-grown small business as our next stop. When was the last time you visited a distillery (if ever)? The Indian River Distillery is just one of 49 rum distilleries here in Florida. They recently celebrated their first anniversary with a “focus on true small-batch distillation, particularly their rum "Treasure Fleet," crafted from sugar cane syrup for a light yet rich vanilla profile.” We were taken on a tour of the distillery, learned about the process of making rum, and enjoyed some delicious cocktails and tastings. 

Mckee Botanical Garden is hosting A TROPICAL FLOCK: AVIAN AVATARS BY THE MYTH MAKERS until the end of April. These incredible sculptures are made from environmentally friendly materials, and they’re just so cool! Even after this exhibit is gone, being in a botanical garden, surrounded by beautiful nature, and hearing the soft sound of water is worth the visit. There’s an overall feeling of serenity and beauty in this place. 

ENJOYING FLORIDA’S AMAZING WATERWAYS

Driving down A1A along the Treasure Coast, you can explore 3 counties of Southeastern Florida. The same coast is dotted with very different architecture, stunning views, and beautiful foliage at times. For me, driving parallel to the ocean has a special, calming effect.  

Pontiki Cruise on the Saint Lucie Rivers allowed us to view the area from the water, looking into shores lined with beautiful homes, as we crossed under the Roosevelt and Ernest Lyon Bridge. In the current state of the world, especially since October 7th, we felt it was necessary to share just how much our hearts stand with Israel, so we decided to create an Israel-themed party with Israeli food, decor, dress, and a playlist filled with songs that helped connect, come together, and sing. Being together, sharing our love for Israel, and sending positive vibes to everyone there felt right.

SO WHERE DID WE STAY?

Hutchinson Shores Resort located on Hutchinson Island/ Jensen Beach was just beautiful and quaint. Set right on the beach, the air here was exactly what we needed. The small-town feel, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities we live in perfectly complemented everything this trip was meant to deliver. Each participant was given a towel with a road map designed on it to use on this beach day and to serve as a reminder, or way back to this moment, and this mindset whenever they need to tap into it. 

DAY TWO - SO MUCH IN STORE

The Elliott Museum is located in Stuart and the city, just like the city is so much more than expected.  Unless you are from the area, you most likely have not heard of this Museum, and it truly is a gem. It really has something for everyone.

We got a chance to board an old school bus from 1931, peek into what an old pharmacy truly looked like, and get a better understanding of life at a traveling circus, through the miniature circus display. They even had incredibly preserved vintage bicycles, cars, and even airplanes. It felt like stepping back in time or into our grandparent's photo album. My favorite experience at this museum was when I took my kids: my daughter tried to look through the receiver of a telephone instead of speaking into it because the object was just too foreign to her!

The gorgeous beach at Coral Cove will make you feel like you are not in Florida. The amazing Anastasia limestone rock formations truly make you feel like you’ve been transported to another continent. This type of limestone is found underground and underwater throughout Florida but it rarely emerges the way you can see it here. If the water and weather permit, get close enough to see the shells, and fossils that came together to form the rock. Take off your shoes, walk, take pictures, get lost in the moment, and just soak it all in.

FOR THE END OF THE TRIP - JUST A WHOLE BUNCH OF NOSTALGIA TO WRAP UP

“Like a kid in a candy store…” that’s how all of us felt when we walked into the Bulk Candy Store. Who doesn't love candy?  When it's available in bulk, and in the rare flavors you can't find everywhere, it's even better! After getting sugared up and taking a few treats for the road or kids at home, it was time to keep feeling like a kid again!

When you take time away from the family and adult responsibilities, there’s nothing more fun than playing! The Silverball Pinball Museum features 87 different pinball machines, all in their own category- skeeball, Pac-Man, basketball, and more. I love that this is called a museum because it's the furthest thing you would think of in terms of a museum. You don’t just admire the machines, you get to play!

Our second 36- hour trip was filled with elements of nostalgia, beauty, fun, and appreciation of outdoor beauty while exploring our amazing state of Florida--just a little out of our comfort zones. 

As the great Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.” So don’t miss it! November is coming sooner than you think so sign up for the next 36-hour Getaway!

PS: To read about the first adventure, click here.