Day On, Day Off: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and Jensen Beach
When it comes to things to do in Jensen Beach, Florida, we have the perfect ways to spend two days – the first occupied with the offerings at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa; the second, a full day in town.
Day On at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
Yoga on the Beach
Begin your day at the resort on the pristine white sand beach with a yoga session, led by someone from the resort’s fitness center. Depending on the schedule, Hutchinson Shores Resort also offers special fitness classes on many mornings – check with the concierge for details.
Breakfast with a View
On vacation, it can often feel like you have permission to eat whatever you want (and you do!) but it’s nice to have healthy – and delicious – options available to keep you feeling good. At Drift Kitchen + Bar, the resort’s on-site restaurant, you get ocean views (and al-fresco dining, if you’d like) plus handcrafted coffee at the Barista Bar, and breakfast choices like granola parfaits, smoothies, omelets, breakfast paninis, Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, the smoked salmon (a guest favorite – cream cheese, sliced tomato, capers, red onion, toasted bagel), and more.
Pool Time
© Stephanie Monette-White @thehappeninghousewife
There’s direct access to the beach, with plenty of cabanas and umbrellas available, making it easy to post up for the day. But if you feel like you got your dose of the beach earlier in the morning during yoga, try one of the heated outdoor pools (that’s right, there are two). The sun deck makes it comfortable to bounce back and forth between taking dips and relaxing in the shade, and the Reflections Pool Bar offers light fare and tropical libations to fuel you up and cool you down.
Dinner and Drinks at Drift
End the day where you started. Drift offers fresh seafood and Italian specialties in a chic, contemporary space overlooking the ocean. Whether you’re relaxing with a quick bite at the Chef’s Bar, eating al-fresco on the Ocean Verandah, or celebrating a special occasion in the private dining room, Executive Chef Michael Volger’s menu is stocked with fresh, delicious guest favorites like the rigatoni Bolognese, the center cut NY strip, and the crab-crusted grouper.
Day Off in Jensen Beach
Breakfast at Aunt D’s Kitchen
Red countertops and stools and black and white floor tile help make the retro aesthetic pop at this cozy diner in Jensen Beach. The style wouldn’t matter much if the substance weren’t there, but it is. The eggs, omelets (the Country Scramble with sausage, peppers, onions, potatoes, and cheese smothered in creamy sausage gravy is delicious), pancakes, and French toast are a few of the cornerstones of this menu that is a slice of Americana.
Take to the Water
Yesterday was all about enjoying the water in a relaxed, leisurely way, so today is about getting out and exploring. Native Water Sports, just a mile from Aunt D’s, offers kayak rental and an experienced guide to take you on the water (note: you must call ahead to reserve your time slot). Your route will depend on the day, your experience, and your mood (and make sure to reserve a time beforehand), but typically, kayakers will venture out on the Indian River, the St. Lucie River, or the freshwater marshes along the coast. Expect to see wildlife like fish, birds, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and the occasional gator.
Stroll Back in Time at the Elliott Museum
It isn’t just the 90 vintage cars that make the Elliott Museum in Stuart (just three miles south of the resort on the same peninsula) worth the stop, but the wide collection of Americana like bicycles, boats, baseball artifacts, art, and more (think: a Florida voting machine from the infamous 2000 Presidential election). But again, this is the place for car-lovers because of the unique way you view them. Using a touchscreen, museum-goers request specific cars which are pulled out of the racked organization system and put on a turntable, giving you a 360-degree look at the vehicle. Among the cars in the collection: a 1903 Cadillac Roadster, a 1909 Ford Model “T” Touring Car, and a 1930 Chevrolet Half-Ton Roadster pick-up truck.
Dinner at 11 Maple Street
This elegant and inviting restaurant is often the site of “special occasion” dinners – just don’t forget to plan ahead and make a reservation as they are currently required. Chef Michael Perrin’s dishes resemble works of art and are crafted with care, and, as often as possible, locally-sourced, with meat from humanely-raised animals. The menu changes season-to-season to reflect rotating tastes and the availability of ingredients, but one guest favorite is the full-of-flavor, fall-off-the-bone grilled Berkshire baby back ribs with lemongrass and ginger.
Where to Stay Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
