Best places to encounter MLB players during Florida spring training (SE FL)
This week, iFollo.com is your source for the best places to encounter the players and fans that have flocked to Florida and Arizona for Major League Baseball spring training.
iFollo.com leaves Southwest Florida and heads east, across Lake Okeechobee, to the southeastern portion of the state.
Today's blog will feature the cities of Jupiter and Port St. Lucie. Friday's scope will shift to the Central Gulf Coast.
The Sunshine State is home to 15 big league spring training operations. Life in the Grapefruit League means longer bus rides for teams because the distances are much more spread out than in Arizona's Cactus League.
Jupiter is home to the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins. Port St. Lucie is spring headquarters for the New York Mets.
MLB.com provides an excellent map noting the locations of each team. The smaller, more accessible layout of spring training stadiums present a fantastic opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with players.
Below is a breakdown of the hotspots in this area.
Jupiter - Home of the Cardinals & Marlins
Roger Dean Stadium (Facility shared by Cardinals & Marlins)
4751 Main Street
This spring training venue is located within the most affluent geography of any spring training operation. Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Mike Schmidt, Celine Dion, Bill Gates and Jack Nicklaus are among the many celebs with residence in Jupiter or the neighboring city of Hobe Sound.
The player and fan activity of this area is centered in Jupiter and to the south in the communities of Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.
Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant and Nick's Tomato Pie are prominent spring training dining options in Jupiter.
Duffy's Sports Grill boasts two Jupiter locations. This local Florida chain is always hopping with players and fans during March.
Abbey Road Grill & Raw Bar and the Waterway Cafe are well known hangouts in nearby Palm Beach Gardens.
West Palm Beach's CityPlace offers outdoor shopping and dining opportunities. Ruth's Chris Steak House and the recently opened, McCormick & Schmick's, are popular spring training haunts.
Port St. Lucie - Home of the Mets
525 NW Peacock Blvd
If Jupiter represents one of the more attractive spring training settings, Port St. Lucie could be characterized as the area with the least to do for fans and players.
Many Mets' personnel and followers venture south to Palm Beach County for more ample dining and entertainment options.
Port St. Lucie Blvd and US Highway 1 are the two main corridors of Port St. Lucie.
Tutto Fresco and Shindig Pub are prominent spots along Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Sebastiano's, on US 1, is also a popular March venue.
Azure, located in the PGA Villages complex, hosts a bevy of activity during spring training. PGA Villages offers great golfing options for players and fans alike.
The nearby city of Stuart is home to King Neptune Restaurant and two locations of the previously mentioned Duffy's Sports Grill. This community is a popular spot during spring training.
Photograph Source: Travelbrunch.com
