Summer is here and so is the urge for a summer vacation — or two. Not everyone wants to hop on a plane and it takes way too long to drive out of Florida. Luckily, there are plenty of great 48 hour getaways you can get to by lunch time, complete with great food, family friendly fun, and gorgeous beaches.

All summer long, MIAbites will be featuring #TravelThursdays with easy to get to destinations and guides on how to make the most of your adventures. So grab your weekend bag and jump in the car and you’ll be there before you know it.

THIS WEEK WE'RE VISITING: Hutchinson Island in Jensen Beach

Hop in your car and head north on the turnpike, just a half an hour past West Palm Beach, you’ll find the quiet beach town, Hutchinson Island located right off of Stuart in Jensen Beach. Coastal Living called Hutchinson Island “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” in 2016 and once you’re there the instant smile on your face will have you agreeing as well.

WHERE TO STAY: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

This isn’t a beach town lined with hotels, you’ll really only find a few places to stay. Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa opened this past winter and boasts 178 coastal-inspired guest rooms and suites, a gorgeous pool, a delicious restaurant, and a wonderfully relaxing spa. It’s actually the first beach resort to have been built in the area in over 20 years.

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WHERE TO EAT: Drift Kitchen + Bar | The Gafford

If you’re not looking to leave the property, you can easily enjoy all three meals of the day at Drift Kitchen + Bar onsite at the hotel. Check out the short rib hash with rosemary braised beef, Yukon gold potatoes, peppers, and sunny side up eggs at breakfast. The burger is a favorite lunch dish, and you can’t go wrong with the blue crab crusted grouper at dinner. For those looking to step off site, head into town and make your way to The Gafford. This family-owned spot serves elevated comfort food. Dishes like chicken fried steak over a bed of mashed potatoes pair oh-so-well with any of their delicious soups.

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WHERE TO DRINK: Reflections Pool Bar

Dune Beach Bar or Reflections Pool Bar at Hutchinson Shores Resort has a full bar and poolside dining so you never have to move from the chair you’re tanning in. Try the Basil Blossom made with Bacardi grapefruit rum, fresh strawberries and basil, fresh pressed lemon juice, and touch of agave nectar for a refreshing taste of summer.

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WHAT TO DO FOR FUN: Hang on the beach or check out Historic Downtown Stuart

Relax! This is the kind of spot you runaway to when you’re looking to completely reset. Take a long walk on the beach or hang out in one of the cabana beds by the pool. Schedule a massage appointment at the spa to jump start the relaxation process. For those looking for a more active experience, take advantage of the nearby horseback riding beach tours. If you are determined to get out and explore a bit, head over the bridge to Stuart and check out the historic downtown area. This cute shop lined street has plenty of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Hutchinson Island is the perfect weekend gateway you didn't know you needed.

Keep checking back every Thursday for the latest edition of Travel Thursdays with MIAbites, as we continue to supply you with exciting destinations you can be settled in by lunch time.