Guide Me Home 2 Palm Beach County Fl

Although Jupiter is just a small town covering a little more than 21 square miles, there really is a lot to do and see. Because of the wonderful climate, we enjoy so many outdoor activities year-round; activities such as golf, tennis, fishing, boating, nature-walks and of course swimming in the warm Atlantic Ocean and walking along the beautiful Jupiter beaches at sunrise and sunset.

Known as a “beach town” we often forget Jupiter also has several other wonderful local attractions. Recently we had a 17 year-old young lady, Savanna, visit us from out of state. Before she arrived I pulled together information about local events and attractions that she might enjoy during her visit. When Savanna arrived on Saturday, I was very proud to present her with the results of my research - a whole stack of brochures I’d collected plus print-outs from the Internet about a bunch of things I’d found.

Of course one of the things high on Savanna’s list was shopping - what 17 year-old girl doesn’t want to shop?! Not surprisingly, one thing she selected was a visit to the Sawgrass Outlet Malls. I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it too – incredible bargains on designer purses and so much more!

Another thing Savanna selected was the Loggerhead Marine life Center in Juno Beach – who wouldn’t want to see these magical, beautiful turtles being nursed back to health? And in such a beautiful setting right alongside the Atlantic Ocean.

What really surprised me though was that Savanna put the Jupiter Lighthouse tour very high on her list of things to do during her one week visit. I was delighted because it had been several years since I’d visited the lighthouse and of course the lighthouse is the symbol of Jupiter and all its history.

There were just five of us on the tour – we lucked out because the tour immediately before us was just ending and there were about twenty people in it! When you’re walking up the very narrow stairs to the top of the lighthouse you’ll understand why 5 is far more preferable!

The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and shared a great deal of history with us, both about the lighthouse and about Jupiter. He was very patient and willing to spend as much time as we wanted in the grounds as well as in the lighthouse itself.

We had to climb several steps to get to the base of the lighthouse followed by 105 stairs to the top. You do get to stop every 25 steps or so and catch your breath if you need to so it wasn’t too bad at all. Once at the top the views are awesome! Here you are at the highest point for miles around. Look west towards the Loxahatchee River, look in front to the Intracoastal Waterway and look east to the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. What an absolutely idyllic spot!

Of course we took lots of photos as we listened to the tour guide tell us about the history of the lighthouse and the new lens that’s used in the lighthouse. I must admit it was difficult to concentrate on all of the tour guide’s information because the views were so spectacular!

If you live in the Jupiter area this is something you should enjoy every year or two. If you’re visiting you absolutely shouldn’t miss the experience.

As I drive around Jupiter showing property each day, it really makes me smile every time I pass one of the Town of Jupiter signs. They all bear the symbol that we all know and love: the beautiful red Jupiter lighthouse.

Posted By: Marion Suro

We have so many great restaurants in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, it’s difficult to know where to start. Have you been over to the new Carmine’s restaurants in the Bermudiana Plaza in Abacoa? It’s really convenient with lots of parking in the Bermudiana Plaza on the north east corner of Military Trail & University. WOW! Have they brought something really good to Abacoa!

Many of us locals know that Carmine’s has been a staple (since 1972) on PGA Blvd in the Harbour Financial Center for many years. There’s Carmine’s Trattoria - a great place to enjoy good Italian food: pasta, pizza, entrees and more. Then there’s the ever popular Carmine’s Delicatessen which has enjoyed an excellent reputation for many years with great produce, fresh fish, meat and poultry, prepared foods, bakery goods, wines and more. We “locals” even call the plaza Carmine’s Plaza!

Well, here we are with not just one but two great new Carmine’s eateries right here in the heart of Abacoa. There’s CG Burgers (CG for the owner’s name, Carmine Giardini) offering a great menu including awesome burgers from just $4.50 to a carving board of turkey breast, prime rib and filet mignon for a very reasonable $7 - $8. There’s also a selection of beers and wines to accompany your meal plus a great welcoming atmosphere with servers who seem genuinely pleased that you came!

Right next door is Carmine’s Coal Fire Pizza Ristorante – my favorite! The extensive menu includes a great selection of antipasti, salads, pizza, panini and pastas. What a great idea to let you choose from several different pastas and sauces of your choice – kinda like mix and match to your own taste! You can also choose from an individual serving to a “family” sized serving for two-plus. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the service is friendly. Additional good news - there’s a great bar that you can also eat at and plenty of parking. Sounds like a recipe for success!

Carmine clearly recognizes the market potential in Abacoa with all the residential neighborhoods plus the industries moving in - Scripps® Florida, Max Planck and G4S Wackenhut to name a few. Thanks for introducing two good restaurants for us to enjoy right here in the heart of Abacoa’s growing community.

For more information call CG Burgers 561.340.3940 or Coal Fire Pizza 561.340.3930.

Posted By: Marion Suro

I was showing homes in Cambridge at Abacoa today and was excited to tell you about this wonderful neighborhood in Abacoa – right in the heart of Jupiter. Cambridge is situated just south of Frederick Small Road on the west side of Military Trail. This is the very heart of Jupiter and all that it has to offer: beautiful beaches, boating, golf, nature and so much more. If you’re thinking about location, location, location, it doesn’t get much better!

Cambridge was built in 2001 by DiVosta Homes which is now part of Pulte Homes. You know them! The builders who won the very highest acclaim in the 2009 J.D. Power & Associates home builder survey – they also won the award in several years prior!

Cambridge is a welcoming community with 77 single family and 132 townhomes. The townhomes in Cambridge vary from duplexes with two units in each building to row homes with six units in each building. The floor plans are very spacious and the space is very well used. The duplex townhomes have two-car garages with a good-sized courtyard patio between the home and the garage – a great area for entertaining or outdoor grilling and dining – of course with our wonderful weather you can enjoy the outdoors all year round!

As I’ve mentioned before, each community in Abacoa has a unique flavor. Cambridge has unique Mediterranean-Georgian architecture with lots of green spaces within a fairly small neighborhood. Cambridge is also surrounded by Natural Preserves so those of you who enjoy walking and Florida’s wildlife will be totally happy here.

One of the things that everyone loves about Cambridge at Abacoa is how close the recreational facilities are to all the homes. The community swimming pool, clubhouse and children’s playground are located right in the middle of the community with easy access from all the homes.

Cambridge is just a short walk or ride away from the Roger Dean Baseball Stadium, Abacoa’s public golf course and the Abacoa Town Center with a great selection of shops and restaurants. With the recent addition of the SCRIPPS research center (which will soon be accompanied by Max Planck) the opportunities for jobs and growth in our area has been greatly expanded. Things just continue to get better and better!

Of course Cambridge is also just a few miles from Jupiter’s gorgeous beaches and the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy watching the loggerhead turtles nesting on our beaches – what an awesome sight! Go deep-sea fishing, get out your surfboard or just bring your dog to walk or run with you on the beach – if you enjoy the outdoors you will not be disappointed.

Cambridge at Abacoa is just twenty minutes from the world-class shops and restaurants in Palm Beach as well as the Palm Beach International airport. Location! Location! Location! It’s what it’s all about …

Posted By: Marion Suro

Located in the heart of Abacoa, Jupiter, just north of Frederick Small Road and just west of Central Boulevard, Mallory Creek is only a short distance from Abacoa’s Town Center and all the restaurants, stores and entertainment that Abacoa offers.

Pulte/DiVosta started construction of Mallory Creek, Abacoa’s newest neighborhood, in 2006. Mallory Creek’s 500 homes feature a popular Key West style architecture with totally new floor plans for both single-family homes and townhomes. There’s something for everyone at Mallory Creek with the wide selection of floor plans ranging from 1500 square feet to 3,768 square feet of living space. The larger floor plans, the Azalea, Martello and Hemingway, all offer 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms.

Mallory Creek homes include several upgrades such as granite counters and stainless steel appliances plus a selection of wood cabinets and floor tile to choose from. If you choose to buy a new home, you’ll be able to make your own selections and of course, I’m always available to help you make those decisions.

Mallory Creek features lakes, bridges, benches, green spaces and wide boulevards which give the neighborhood a very spacious and open look and feel. The community offers two clubhouses each with a heated swimming pool plus a fitness center. There are also play areas for children and, like all of the Abacoa communities, Mallory Creek’s pedestrian-friendly streets have lots of trees and tropical plants that will quickly become very lush and colorful as they mature.

Abacoa was planned to be a development where people can live, work, study, relax, exercise, shop, dine and enjoy entertainment all in one place. Has it completed its goal? You be the judge…

Lighthouse Elementary and Independence Middle schools are just a short walk/ride from Mallory Creek and of course Florida Atlantic University is in Abacoa Town Center.

The number of jobs available in Abacoa continues to increase as Scripps continues to build its research facility and Max Planck makes plans for their new facility right next door.

Abacoa residents can relax watching a game at the Roger Dean Baseball Stadium - Spring training ground for the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals; they can play golf at the public, 18-hole Abacoa Golf Course or take an exercise class at one of the health and fitness centers in Abacoa Town Center.

There are lots of boutique shops along Town Center Drive and Main Street in Abacoa. It’s very relaxing to stroll around and meet the local store owners and their employees.

And, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you need go no further than Abacoa Town Center with a great selection of casual and more upscale restaurants to choose from. There’s Rooney’s Irish Pub, Jumby Bay Grill, J.J. Muggs, Nature’s Way, Costello’s Pizzeria and The Bistro.

Call me today and I’ll introduce you to Mallory Creek in person!

Posted By: Marion Suro

Abacoa is a wonderful place where people can live, work, learn and play. There’s the Abacoa Golf Club, a beautiful 18-hole public golf course; Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur campus with the Wilkes Honors College, the Lifelong Learning Society and the Hibel Museum of Art; Scripps Research Facility; the Roger Dean Baseball Stadium which hosts Spring training for the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals; the South Jupiter Community Park and the Skate Park.

Illustrated Properties’ Abacoa office is located right in the heart of Abacoa in the Abacoa Plaza on the corner of Military Trail and Donald Ross – right in the middle of all that Abacoa has to offer.

Abacoa and the immediate area boasts some excellent schools. Beacon Cove Intermediate School and Independence Middle are located in Abacoa. Lighthouse Elementary, Jupiter Middle, W.T. Dwyer High School and Jupiter High School are situated just on the perimeter of Abacoa.

Where else can you find all this within minutes of your dream home?

Abacoa has several wonderful neighborhoods that you’ll want to look at - each is unique with a different flavor. I’ll be sharing each of them with you over the next few weeks so come back and visit often!

Posted By: Marion Suro

I can’t believe it’s time for the JUPITER JUBILEE already!

The Jupiter Jubilee is organized by the Town of Jupiter for residents and visitors. This year’s event is on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 from 11:00am to 5:00pm at the Jupiter Community Center, 210 Military Trail, Jupiter (just south of Indiantown Road).

Each year the Jupiter Jubilee features entertainment and showcases civic, educational and cultural aspects. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate all that Jupiter has to offer. The more we learn about our community, the more we appreciate and enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer.

This year’s theme is “Celebrate GREEN!” It will focus on Jupiter’s natural beauty and the importance of conservation. In the spirit of GREEN, you’re invited to walk or bicycle to the event – great for your heart and February is American Hearth Month! To encourage you to recycle and not use plastic bottles and aluminum cans, you’ll get your FREE Jupiter Jubilee Souvenir Cup to fill with water at the Jupiter Utilities Water Oasis!

It’ll be a great time full of fun, education and mingling – so come and enjoy! I’ll see you there!

Posted By: Marion Suro