There's a river about 2 miles off I-95 in Jupiter that only one other river in Florida can match. The Loxahatchee is one of just two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in the state (the other is the Wekiva near Orlando), and its wild stretch starts right at Riverbend Park. You paddle out on tea-colored water under a canopy of cypress, ducking branches as the river twists, with an eye out for the turtles that gave it its Seminole name, "river of turtles."

That's the lead this weekend. Build the rest around it: a West Palm roaster on the way up, a $50 cheesesteak deal in Delray, and Dan + Shay on Saturday night.

The Paddle: Riverbend Park, Jupiter

Riverbend is a 644-acre county park at 9060 W Indiantown Rd, about 2 miles west of the I-95 and Turnpike interchange. Jupiter Outdoor Center runs the rentals right at the launch: single kayaks from $40, tandem kayaks and canoes from $60 (Riverbend is the only spot where they rent canoes), and bikes from $20.

The river starts out narrow and twisty, so in spots you'll go over, under and around fallen trees. Keep watch for otters, turtles, deer, herons and ospreys along the way. If you'd rather stay on calm water, the park has 5 miles of its own paddle trails, plus nearly 10 miles of shell-rock trails for biking or walking. The park is open sunrise to sunset.

The Coffee: Subculture, West Palm

Swing by 509 Clematis St in downtown West Palm on your way north. Subculture roasts its coffee in small batches in house every day, the single origins rotate through the year as new lots come in, and the cakes in the case lean vegan. Grab a latte to go. You could easily lose an hour here, but you've got a river to catch.

The Lunch: Big Al's Steaks, Delray

Big Al's has been serving Philly-style cheesesteaks at 450 E Atlantic Ave long enough to be named a Downtown Delray Legacy Business. For Restaurant Month they put together a $50 cheesesteak meal for two, and they're one of the spots keeping that deal going through Oct. 31. If you're ordering beyond the deal, the Big Al's Cheesesteak and the Triple Threat are the most popular dishes on Yelp.

The Show: Dan + Shay, West Palm

The Young Tour pulls into iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm, on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 PM, with Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross opening. If "Tequila" or "10,000 Hours" is anywhere on your playlist, this is your night.

The Insider Move

Book a half-day kayak instead of the 2-hour rental. Florida Rambler puts the classic run from Riverbend down to Masten Dam and back at about two to three hours, and it covers the best cypress scenery on the river. Rentals start at 9 AM (8 AM if you reserve ahead). Want the trails too? The $50 Pedal & Paddle adds a bike to your day.

At Big Al's, the Restaurant Month mobile pass ended Sept. 30, so just ask for the $50 deal in person. The 4th & 5th Delray Garage at 25 SE 4th Ave is practically around the corner.

Going lawn at the amphitheater? Live Nation sells lawn chair and blanket rentals, plus prepaid parking, as add-ons, so grab them when you buy your tickets.

What People Are Saying

Florida Rambler, a longtime Florida outdoors site, calls the Riverbend launch the start of one of the best kayak trips in southeastern Florida. One of its writers even had a peacock wander over and join their picnic in the park. Over at Big Al's, a Tripadvisor reviewer from Philadelphia said it's the real thing, a little pricey but worth it, and gave a shout-out to the outdoor seating on the Ave.

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