I was concerned about coming home. I’ve just completed my freshman year at the University of Florida—aka my first year of independence. For the past 12 months, I’ve filled my down time with everything from concerts and parties to campus and sorority events, but now I’m back home with my parents. So what is a returning college student—accustomed to busy social calendar—to do in and around Boca? Much to my surprise, plenty. In addition to several upcoming concerts (visit our A&E link each Monday for “The Week Ahead”), check out the following five suggestions for summer fun.
1. College Night at the Funky Biscuit
Looking for a little weeknight fun? This Royal Palm Place restaurant caters to the college crowd on Tuesday nights, with music and dancing starting at 8 p.m. The menu, meanwhile, includes a variety of salads, flatbreads, and sliders. Cover is $10. Visit funkybiscuit.com or call 561/395-292 for more information.
2. Turtle Walks at Gumbo Limbo
The life cycle of a turtle begins in our own beach backyard, and nature lovers can observe this miracle up close. Gumbo Limbo offers two-hour evening ecology walks (starting at 9 p.m.), hosted by one of the nature center’s experts on turtles. Tickets are $15 per person. Check gumbolimbo.org or call 561/338-1483 for information regarding scheduled dates.
3. July 4 in Delray
Nothing says red, white and blue like a spectacular celebration on the beach. This all-American, all-day party, which begins at 8 a.m. with a sand-sculpting contest, includes a rock wall, bungee trampoline, the ceremonial raising of a 60-foot American flag and much more. Boston’s on the Beach will keep the party going with blues music, drink specials and bar bites. The grand fireworks display is set for 9 p.m. For the complete itinerary, please visitgodelray.com/event/delray-beach-fourth-of-july-celebration.
4. Kayaking at John D. MacArthur State Park
Experience the great outdoors at the only state park in Palm Beach County, which covers 438 acres of lush landscape. The park attracts its share of water-sport enthusiasts, but we’re partial to kayaking. In addition to your swimsuit, we suggest wearing closed-toed water shoes to protect your feet. Kayak rentals run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and rental rates start at $12. For more information on rules and regulations, visit macarthurbeach.org.
5. iPic Theater in Mizner Park
This big-screen sensation is drawing raves from locals. The self-described stress-free movie-viewing environment is equipped with large comfy leather chairs, pillows, blankets and full food service for the first 20 minutes of any feature film. The experience comes at a price, but it’s worth it. Ticket prices start at $14 for non-members. Movies and times are listed at ipictheaters.com.
Kayla Dubnick is a psychology major and mass communications minor at the University of Florida. She’s doing a summer internship with Boca Ratonmagazine.
