So you’ve just moved to Jupiter – the city not the planet. Since all you can see when looking out the dorm window is a lot of trees and construction, you’re probably thinking, what is there to do around here. Well to start, the trees are there to make the campus look pretty and the construction is the Scripps buildings that will be opening soon.
Within walking distance [5-10 minutes by foot] there is Rooney’s and Jumby Bay. They are your typical local pub and grill. Nothing that spectacular but you can walk there and eat for about $10. In the vicinity you will also find the closest Starbucks to the campus.
If you have a bike, then you have more options. There is a shopping center – a 10-minute bike ride away – that has your morning and afternoon smoothie fix, Tropical Smoothie. This center also contains all your grocery needs, a.k.a. Publix. The closest thing that will keep you entertained on your bikers distance is Blockbuster, which if you buy a monthly pass for 30 bucks, gets unlimited movie rentals.
Now if you have a car you are set – you can actually go places and be entertained!
The closest movie theatre to campus is the Downtown at the Gardens Cobb Cinemas [10 minutes south], which has comfy chairs but has crazy parking and lots of teenagers running rampant. If you want no people around and don’t mind uncomfortable chairs, you have two options. One, PGA Cinemas [10 minutes south], which plays top hits and indie movies. Two, Jupiter Cobb Cinemas [15 minutes south], which seems to have parking problems as well but not many preteens.
The best place to sit and enjoy the beach – not to mention a great study place – is at the Juno Beach Pier [10-15 minutes]. It only costs $1 and you can stay as long as you want – well sun up to sun down. It’s relaxing and you don’t have to worry about getting sandy. Another must-see place is the Jupiter Lighthouse. There are numerous tables and shady areas that look over the intracoastal – which makes a great place for relaxing and cramming for midterms.
The Gardens Mall [10-15 minutes] is going to be your mall of choice. It’s the best place to go for department stores, but most of the other shops are expensive boutiques. If you want cheap deals your best bet is to drive the 30 minutes southwest to the Wellington Mall.
The best place to take a date – and impress them – in the Jupiter area is the Jupiter Maltz Theatre. The Maltz has a wide array of shows ranging from musicals to famous magicians and psychics to classic rockers. A great place to take your date for dinner is the Nippon Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant. Their food is good quality for your buck and the best part is you get to sit on the floor if you want to.
While Jupiter may not have a giant red spot on it, it does have its fair share of relaxing spots and plenty of cool places to check out.
