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| Jupiter Vacation Rentals |
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Wednesday, September 5, 2007
When you think of Palm Beach, the first things that probably come to mind are the high-powered home owners (the Kennedys, Rockefellers, Trumps, etc.), the lavish homes, and the unbeatable shopping on Worth Avenue. While this atmosphere might be right on cue for someone who thrives on glitzy and glamorous surroundings, it is definitely not the place for someone who wants to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Located to the north of Palm Beach where the beaches are pristine and the water is always inviting, Jupiter is an excellent alternative if your idea of vacation perfection involves countless waterfront pursuits and simply appreciating the natural beauty of coastal Florida. On and around the soft white sand, palm trees sway from the gentle ocean breeze as you enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the refreshing blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. To say that the magnificent Dubois Park, Carlin Park, and Ocean Cay Park are sheer perfection may actually be an understatement. As Jupiter becomes a more appealing prospect, consider the opportunities for excitement that also abound away from the water’s edge. Golf is a favorite Florida activity and Jupiter can certainly meet your needs at the PGA National Resort & Spa or the Golf Club of Jupiter. Feel like walking or hiking in search of breathtaking sights? The Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach offers sand dune nature trails, complete with interpretative signs, in addition to an organized turtle-watching program where you can view the nesting spots of the giant Loggerhead turtle. Since the great outdoors and more specifically the beach are the focal point for most of Jupiter’s attractions, it makes sense that you would want to stay as close to the entertainment as possible. Jupiter vacation rentals are not only located immediately along the sparkling white sands, but they also offer you the privacy and convenience you typically won’t find in other accommodations. Nestled along the shore and surrounded by palm trees and lush landscaping, you never have to worry about a noisy neighbor disturbing your relaxing peace and quiet. With the beautiful scenery all around your home away from home, you don’t have set out for the beach in order to appreciate the awe-inspiring views. Simply kick back on your private patio that overlooks the water to bask in the warm weather and serenity of your surroundings. And if the desire to sink your toes in the sand or enjoy a cooling dip in the ocean becomes too much to ignore, a private walkway will lead you to the sandy expanse where you can fulfill all of your water-filled dreams. When night falls on Jupiter, you will not find a happening nightlife or all too much entertainment with the exception of Club Safari. While you could always try West Palm Beach for more extensive options, your vacation rental may surprise with all it has to offer in the way of nighttime entertainment. Several Jupiter Florida rentals feature private pools and hot tubs, media rooms, wireless internet, and even game rooms that can extend the easygoing flow of the day into the evening. With all of these comforts of home at your fingertips, you’ll never want to leave your cozy abode after sunset. As an encouraging host that wants you to take advantage of its scenic splendor, Jupiter demands nothing of your stay besides the most rest and relaxation possible. To follow its guide and experience the most breathtakingly beautiful stay possible, consider a Jupiter vacation home rental whose amenities and location are beyond compare. When every second of the day comes without an ounce of stress, you can truly appreciate your vacation and leave feeling as if you actually got away from it all. Jupiter, Florida: Surprising Serenity on the Atlantic Coast Although Jupiter’s location in Palm Beach County, Florida may conjure up images of America’s wealthy elite and an unheard of amount of glitz and glamour, this northern town is actually a quiet and welcoming haven for tourists to the area. Focusing on its natural assets and offering an obscene amount of relaxation, there is no better place to cool your heels and enjoy Florida’s spectacular beauty. Since the further north you head from Palm Beach the more peaceful and less hurried it becomes, it is no wonder that you will find some of the area’s best beaches in Jupiter. Untrammeled by the flocks of tourists and untouched by condominium developers, these are not merely small strips of land but rather wide open spaces that rest along the shores of the Atlantic. While there are numerous available options and it is always easiest to simply select the one closest to your accommodations, there are definitely a few that you must check out. Even though the John D. MacArthur Beach is located on Singer Island, its preserved subtropical environment, extensive water frontage, and picturesque hiking trails make it the perfect place for an activity-filled day. Another option that is popular with families, Dubois Park features a soft sandy shore and shallow water where you can swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content. Just across the footbridge from this 29-acre beauty, Ocean Beach offers rougher conditions that are just right for thrill seekers who love windsurfing or surfing. As Jupiter’s beaches highlight the surroundings beauty and the calm, relaxed way of life that pervades here, it becomes easy to see why other creatures might want to nestle in and enjoy the unceasing serenity. From May to August of each year, Jupiter and the surroundings North Palm Beach communities welcome giant Loggerhead turtles and their eggs onto their warm sands for another breeding season. Although you could go out on your own in search of the egg-laying sites, it is recommended that you join an organized turtle-watching program through either the Jupiter Beach Resort or the Marinelife Center of Juno Beach to avoid disturbing the turtles. When you aren’t touring the beaches or working on your tan, be sure to get participate in some of the exciting active pursuits that Jupiter has to offer. Golf and Palm Beach are virtually synonymous due to the fabulous weather that reigns on this area throughout the year, so get out there for a round at the Golf Club of Jupiter or, if you can swing it, on one of the fabulous, award-winning courses at the PGA National Resort & Spa. Out on the water, the crystal clear water and beautiful coral reef about a quarter-mile offshore also make snorkeling and scuba diving attractive options. While other activities such as fishing, canoeing, and cruising the waterways on a guided tour are sure to keep your itinerary jam-packed, set aside a little time to visit the town’s distinct feature, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Home to a small historical museum and offering a one-hour tour complete with information about the wars and shipwrecks that shaped the area, it is a worthwhile detour if only for the bird’s eye view. As the simple pleasures in life take center stage and tourist attractions fall by the wayside, invoke the easygoing spirit of Jupiter at all hours of the day by selecting a vacation rental for your accommodations needs. Whether you are relaxing on your private patio in the morning, walking to the beach in the afternoon, or resting in your spacious living room at night, Jupiter vacation rentals make it easy to experience the getaway you always imagined. For your next trip to the Palm Beach area, leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and surround yourself with pristine, natural beauty in Jupiter Florida rentals that rest just steps away from the Atlantic. Visit the Haghia Sophia in Istanbul - a last relic of Constantinople Anyone visiting Istanbul on a holiday is sure to love the city's most staggering landmark: the Haghia Sophia. As Istanbul's most remarkable building, the Haghia Sophia stands out amongst the city's sea of stunning architecture, acting as a solid testament to Turkey's long and ancient history. What's more, the Haghia Sophia has changed its faith twice over the years; but, whatever your religion, the stunning beauty of the Haghia Sophia is sure to appeal to your aesthetic senses. The most famous church in the Christian kingdom during the medieval ages, the Haghia Sophia was designed by two mathematicians from Athens during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, who aimed to create a structure that supported the world's largest dome. Constructed in 535 AD, the Haghia Sophia - whose name means Divine Wisdom - remained the largest dome in the world until St Peter's was erected in Rome. At the time of its construction, the dome of Haghia Sophia was so unusual for the architectural climate of the time that some faithful Christians refused to enter it for fear that the ceiling would fall on their heads! During the Fourth Crusade and the sacking of Constantinople by the Venetians in 1204 AD, the Haghia Sophia saw many of its ancient treasures being stolen and taken off back to Venice. As the most sacred space in the city, the Haghia Sophia saw its holiest of relics stolen - including a trace of Christ's blood, a piece of the Holy Cross and relics of St. John and St James - which were then taken to churches all around Western Europe and lost from the sight of Constantinople. However, the Venetians did not manage to steal Haghia Sophia's precious stone porphyry columns which, during the time of construction, were floated along the Nile to Constantinople, from what is now Sudan. The fall of Constantinople in the fifteenth century saw the advent of the Ottoman Empire, and in 1453 the Haghia Sophia was turned into a mosque. This development saw the building's many mosaics being either destroyed or covered with plaster, due to the ban on representational images in Islam. However, in the 1930s, a large number of mosaics were restored by a team from the American Byzantine Institute so people who visit the Haghia Sophia today can enjoy these important artistic monuments to the Byzantine Empire. Today, the Haghia Sofia has been transformed into the Ayasofya Museum; so people who visit Istanbul will be able to enjoy its ancient treasures and diverse history. And as many airlines offer frequent flights to Istanbul from London, you'll find it easy to get to this timeless monument of Turkey's turbulent history. ----- Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist. |
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