Boca Raton is home to literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, a restaurant for every palate, and every price point. When coming to Boca Raton to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must-visit for dinner? Below we give you a breakdown of some of our favorites. Dining in Boca Raton, especially on weekends and during the months of November through April, are extremely crowded. Some of the restaurants take reservations either through their own website or on websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp or Open Table.

Dinner…

• 2 Georges at the Cove: SE 3rd Ct. Dockside, an outdoor restaurant with a large selection of local seafood. A typical night includes great views of the intercostal and live music.
• Blaze Pizza: Federal Highway: Create your own pizza. This chain restaurant offers its diners the ability to customize their pizza every step of the way.
• Charm City Burger Co: E. Hillsboro Blvd. Fast Burger and Fries Joint, well-loved due to their classic take on burgers. Nothing fancy but it is delicious.
• Cheesecake Factory: Glades Road. The widespread chain restaurant is known for its cheesecake. Huge Menu, something for everyone!
• Dada: Swinton Ave (Delray Beach) Dada is an eclectic restaurant located in the oldest former home in Delray Beach, Florida. The restaurant is situated under large trees strung with lanterns and inside is a rotating selection of artwork created by local artists. The menu changes seasonally and showcases locally grown food.  Their Mojitos along with their watermelon “steak” are legendary.
• Deck 84: Atlantic Ave (Delray Beach) Situated along the Intracoastal Water, this casual dining spot features fresh seafood and several American style options. Come by car or by boat, you’ll be greeted with food and drinks with a tropical twist. Reserve an outdoor dining table for a warm, Florida breeze and waterfront views.
• Dubliner – Located in Mizner Park, this is where you should head if you are craving Irish inspired foods including their award-winning Shepherds Pie, Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, House-cured corn beef. Full bar and shows all major televised sporting events. Live music and entertainment seven nights a week. Same owners as Kapow Noodle Bar and Dada which we recommend for dinner as well.
• Flashback Diner: Federal Highway. 24-hour diner serving up American diner fare with a Mediterranean flair. Known for their large pancakes and shakes.
• Gary Rack’s Farm House Kitchen: Delray Beach. Gary Rack’s Serves both Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. They offer “clean eating” options. Their ingredients are seasonal, local and sustainably farmed and each menu item is designed to allow those ingredients to shine.
• I Heart Mac and Cheese– Looking for something a lot more casual? Check out Mac and cheese for grown-ups. About 5 minutes from campus
• Kanapai Sushi: Federal Highway. Sushi and Japanese BBQ restaurant featuring a revolving sushi bar. The sushi bar features boats that float by with fresh sushi and appetizers made by chefs in front of you. The restaurant also features a full Japanese menu and a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.
• Kapow Noodle Bar: Plaza Real. Located in Mizner Park, Kapow makes a creative twist on classic Asian dishes. Unexpected combinations and larger than life art on the walls make for an enjoyable, hip dinner. Expect a 30 minute or more wait, this a popular spot for students and locals alike.
• Las Fajitas: N Dixie Highway. Classic Mexican Fare. Careful, the Chips and Salsa are addictive.  Las Fajitas serves up tacos, flautas, enchiladas and a wide variety of classic Mexican dishes.
• Loch Bar – Located in Mizner Park, this Raw Bar and Seafood restaurant featuring one of South Florida’s largest raw bars, a substantial whiskey menu and a wide selection of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Loch Bar also features live music 7 days a week!
• Louie Bossi’s – Located on E. Palmetto Park Rd. High energy restaurant serving up Italian foods including house-made pasta, wood-burning Neopolitan pizzas, Sicilian entrees and their famous house-cured salumi.
• Max’s Grille: Mizner Park. Max’s Grille has been a staple in Mizner Park for the past 20 years. American style food with a twist and amazing hand-crafted cocktails.
• M.E.A.T Taproom: Federal Highway: A hidden gem, it’s hard to find but worth the hunt. M.E.A.T taproom serves pub-style dishes. Enjoy favorites such as Beer Cheese Soup, Brisket Burgers, and homemade bread pudding. Perfect spot to relax with a craft beer and great food.
• Mississippi Sweets BBQ: Federal Highway. Southern Style BBQ Restaurant with a plethora of comfort foods.
• New York Grilled Cheese– this is what you get when you take a classic grilled cheese out of the frying pan and into a waffle press. Add in their waffle fries in many combos and this is comfort food on a different level.
• Oishii – Located right next to UPark on 20th, this hibachi restaurant also offers sushi and bento boxes.
• Rebel House: E Palmetto Park Rd. Quirky restaurant with some familiar favorites (popcorn as the appetizer!) American Fare with some unexpected Twists. Fun Restaurant with unique twists on old favorites.
• Rise Sushi – One of the more popular Asian restaurants and sushi bar, located on SW 18th Street, not that far from FAU
• Rocco’s Tacos: Military Trail. Mexican Chain restaurant. Try the tableside Guacamole, you won’t be sorry. Rocco’s has classic Mexican dishes and some new favorites to discover. Always a wait no matter what day of the week.
• Willie’s Sushi Bar & Bistro – Located at 5030 Champion Boulevard. One part of the menu is sushi and the other is a bistro menu with a little bit of everything (steak, chicken pasta)
• Yard House: Mizner Park. High-end sports bar with American fare, located in the heart of Mizner Park. A late-night bite menu is a favorite of students.
• Yokohama Sushi: Located at  9168 Glades Road. A beloved favorite of FAU students…in a new location! Cozy Japanese restaurant where sushi is chief. Large menu featuring several types of sushi. Features a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Dinner And Hundreds of Dining Options appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Boca Raton is not only a college town but also a vacation destination for families looking to hit the beach and indulge in some of the luxurious offerings available around town. Boca Raton has a vast selection of hotel options; all in varying price ranges and distances from the Florida Atlantic University campus. There are a few different things to consider when booking a hotel to visit your student. Some may want a suite, free breakfast, close proximity to campus, or perhaps a hotel with a beach view. Some parents may want to bring the family dog along for the visit. And some may want to make a full vacation out of the trip and opt to stay in Delray Beach or Ft. Lauderdale. Whatever your personal preference may be, there is an option to suit your needs.

Loyalty

When it came time for my husband and me to attend parent’s weekends at FAU, we often booked with the same hotel chain. We knew what to expect and after four years of football games and sorority family weekends, we acquired many points. These points can earn you free nights and breakfasts. Also, compare prices online. Oddly, you can find various prices for the same hotel on different sites. Another idea is to book through a website like Reservations.com or Hotels.com or Expedia so you can accumulate points there as well. Perhaps by graduation, your stay will be free, but it is strongly recommended that you try to book that graduation hotel a year in advance. (Same goes for football games and parents weekend.)

Hilton

There are several Hilton owned hotels within close proximity of the Boca Raton area, however, some are closer to FAU than others. The Hilton hotels closest to FAU are Hilton Boca Raton Suites, the Hampton Inn Boca Raton, and The Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton. Both of these hotels are about 3 miles from campus. But before you pull out your Hilton honors cards, there are a few other Hilton options to consider.

For those wanting to stay closer to the beach, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort and Spa is a great option. This hotel is beachfront, with a large pool and located near several popular restaurants. This hotel is about six miles from the FAU campus.

The Waterstone Resort and Marina will give you more of a resort feel, they have a few restaurants on-site and every room has a water view with a balcony. The Waterstone resort is located on Lake Boca and is about 1 mile from the beach. The Waterstone is about 4 miles from FAU’s campus. The Waterstone is pet-friendly, however, you must pay a pet fee of $125 a day.

We couldn’t talk about Boca Raton and not mention the Boca Raton Resort. The Boca Raton Resort was originally built in 1926 and was designed, partially, by Addison Mizner. (You learn more about him as you visit popular sights around town) The Boca Raton Resort is a Waldorf Astoria hotel, (which is owned by Hilton) it is a renowned, luxury resort. Situated along the Intercostals, guests have access to a private beach and world-class service. The Boca Raton Resort offers spa services, golf, ten dining locations, boating, shopping, and much more. Stays at the Boca Resort can be difficult, it does book up during the high season and prices can be high.

If you are looking for more of an extended stay hotel, close by in Deerfield is WoodSpring Suites. They offer free basic Wi-Fi and parking. queen beds. 100% Smoke-Free. Pet-Friendly. Great location near the ocean and beaches and Everglades. Between I-95 and 811 close to Boca Raton.

Marriott

There are several Marriott brand hotels near FAU, the closest being Fairfield Inn & Suites, Courtyard, Boca Raton Marriott, Towneplace Suites, and Springhill Inn & Suites. These are just to name a few, there are several more within the area. All of the hotels listed are within a 3-mile radius of FAU. The closest, however, being Fairfield inn followed by the Courtyard.

The Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites are both pet-friendly, both with an extra charge of $100-$125 for the entire length of stay.

Marriott also has quite a few beachfront resorts. One that I have stayed at was the Delray Beach Marriott. This Marriott is about 20 minutes from the FAU campus, however, it is a great option for those looking to tie in a getaway while visiting their student in sunny South Florida. The Delray Beach Marriott is located in the heart of Delray Beach, FL. It is situated on Atlantic Avenue, which is bustling with restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, and boutiques. The hotel is directly across the street from the beach. The Delray Beach Marriott also boasts a full-service spa.

Holiday Inn

There are two Holiday Inns located near FAU’s campus. Holiday Inn North Boca is less than 2 miles from campus. A stay at the Holiday Inn includes a free breakfast. It is just a short drive from campus and located near many shops and restaurants.  Holiday Inn Express Boca Raton is a little further west, approximately 5 miles west of FAU.

FAU discounts

Some hotels within the area offer FAU special rates:

Best Western Plus University Inn: 10% off and complimentary shuttle service to FAU

Fairfield Inn & Suites Boca Raton: Special FAU rates available

Hilton Boca Raton Suites: Special FAU rates and complimentary shuttle service to FAU

Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center: Special seasonal rates

Wyndham Boca Raton: Complimentary shuttle service to FAU

For more information on special rates, click here. Book that hotel, pack up your Owl gear, and head on down to Boca Raton! Go Owls!

Finally, while visiting, make sure you see our list of recommended restaurants.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Hotels appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Students are lucky to have so many great dining options at FAU, but sometimes the mid-day hunger requires a venture out for a great lunch. Whether you are a student looking for something other than the campus options, or you are a family looking for something yummy after that campus visit, lunch can be the best meal of the day.

Here are just a few of the many great places that the FAU/Boca area offer:

Beehive Kitchen–  About 10 minutes from FAU, they are known for their build your own bowls.

Charm City Burger Company– Located in Deerfield Beach, their burgers are a must.

Cannoli Kitchen: N Federal Highway: Fast Italian food and a large selection of Pizza, indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t miss the chance to try their cannoli, made fresh when you order.

Fran’s Chicken Haven– This is a must when you are craving fried chicken (get it topped on waffles – as they say, “waffles, whipped cream, a chicken breast, and thigh … oh my!”

Fresh Kitchen– Located at 5550 N. Military Trail, great when you are looking for something fast and healthy like their bowls, pressed juices and homemade teas.

Ichiyami Buffet and Sushi– over 100  sushi rolls, chines, all served buffet style.

Kanapai Sushi: Federal Highway. Sushi and Japanese BBQ restaurant featuring a revolving sushi bar. The sushi bar features boats that float by with fresh sushi and appetizers made by chefs in front of you. The restaurant also features a full Japanese menu and a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.

LocalGreens: Just opened last year, offers a health-focused menu with the convenience of fast food. Provide fresh, local ingredients. You can purchase salads and bowls here and even customize your own meal. Great for on the go college students trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Located at 1841 S. Federal Highway, Ste. 400, Delray Beach.

New York Grilled Cheese– this is what you get when you take a classic grilled cheese out of the frying pan and into a waffle press. Add in their waffle fries in many combos and this is comfort food on a different level.

Oishii– when you are craving sushi and hibachi, less than 5 minutes from campus.

P.F. Chang’s– Located down the street from FAU in the University Commons shopping center, they are known for their Asian-inspired dishes, sushi, dim sum, noodles, and rice.

Playa Bowls– Located on East Palmetto Park Road, try their acai or pitaya bowls.

Ramen Lab Eatery: 2nd Street. A new restaurant in Boca, expect to wait for a table. Ramen Lab offers a variety of Asian Style food and Ramen options that are customizable.

Shake Shack– Located at the University Commons shopping center, down the street from FAU, it is the go-to place for burgers. You’ll probably make many trips here so make sure one of those includes trying their ‘shroom burger.

Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox: Federal Highway. Home of Southern Style Blue Plates specials, Tucker Duke’s features a large variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and house specials such as Nashville hot chicken and fried green tomatoes.

V and S Italian Deli– When you are craving a fresh Italian deli sub, this is where you want to head.

Yard House– Located in Mizner Park, this is a great place to go if you are looking for a wide variety of menu options from seafood and steaks to pasta and pizzas and everything in between.

Yokohama Sushi: Federal Highway, Located next to Kanapai. Cozy Japanese restaurant where sushi is chief. Large menu featuring several types of sushi. Features a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.

Yolk: opened in Boca January 2019. Offers upscale breakfast and light lunch fare. Offers unique twists on classics. Indoor and outdoor seating and is located very close to FAU. 5570 Military Trail Ste. 402, Boca Raton.

Be sure to save this list so you know where to go the next time you visit your Owl!

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Lunch Bunch appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Most college kids sleep late. It’s a well-known fact. So, going out for breakfast on weekends, in particular, may not be an option. Brunch, however, is generally a good option on weekends and there are quite a few choices not far from FAU’s campus. However, if you can get your student out of bed early and breakfast is what you want; check out our blog Wakey, Wakey Eggs & Bakey.  Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections.

Brunch…

50 Ocean: S. Ocean Blvd (Delray Beach) Located directly across the street from the beach, this second-floor restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. 50 Ocean offers up brunch, lunch, and dinner. They are known for their Bloody Mary bar that includes over 30 ingredients to make something unique.

Deck 84: Atlantic Ave (Delray Beach) Situated along the Intracoastal Water, this casual dining spot features fresh seafood and several American style options. Come by car or by boat, you’ll be greeted with food and drinks with a tropical twist. Reserve an outdoor dining table for a warm, Florida breeze and waterfront views. Make sure you sample the Crab Cake Benedict followed by the pastry of the day.

Dubliner: For a real Irish breakfast, try their Sunday Brunch served from 11 am – 3 pm. Chicken & Waffles, Corned Beef Hash, Irish Breakfast, Brisket Grilled Cheese and of course Irish Coffee, Bottomless Mimosas and Build your own Tito’s bloody mary.

Gary Rack’s Farm House Kitchen: Delray Beach. Gary Rack’s Serves Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. They offer “clean eating” options. Their ingredients are seasonal, local and sustainably farmed and each menu item is designed to allow those ingredients to shine.

Max’s Grille: Mizner Park. Max’s Grille has been a staple in Mizner Park for the past 20 years. American style food with a twist and amazing hand-crafted cocktails. If you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, look no farther than the Crème Brulee French Toast.

Park Tavern: Great Sunday brunch spot. Also, open for dinner. But it gets pretty crowded, pretty quickly. Reservations are recommended. The Menu features some unique offers along with old favorites. Great food and cocktails.

Rebel House: Palmetto Park Road. Quirky restaurant with some familiar favorites (popcorn as the appetizer!) American Fare with some unexpected and unique twists on old favorites. Reservations are a must for their Sunday Brunch. They are well known among students for their Eggs Benedict and southern style French toast.

Tanzy: 301 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561/922-6699 at Mizner Park. Try their eggs, chicken & waffles,  french toast, gravlax plus salads, sandwiches and more. Imbibe in their San Marzano Mary, bottomless Mimosas or Italian Ice Mimosa

The Office: They are located 201 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444. A modern, retro gastropub located on the Avenue. Brunch available Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm. Try their bottomless bellinis, margaritas, mimosas and Bloody Marys. Pair it with their brunch favorites including eggs, fried chicken & waffles, french toast, omelets and more.

Tom Sawyers – 1759 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton. Located near campus, students like their country breakfasts & comfort food.

Tucker Dukes: Located at 1658 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Enjoy a Southern breakfast with everything from eggs, waffles and french toast to shrimp and grits, pancakes and their famous burgers. Add their bottomless bloody mary, mimosa, poinsettia, and bellini for the perfect brunch.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Brunch is Breakfast plus Lunch plus Fun appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Football season is upon us and other than making sure you will be properly attired in Red and Blue and that your Owl fingers are up, you will need to know where to go to tailgate and pre-game. Pre-gaming, according to Urban Dictionary, generally means drinking before going to an event where drinks that you will purchase are more expensive. I believe the term crazy fun was included in the description as well.

At FAU, the most popular places to Pregame, also known as tailgating, tend to be:

• The Irishmen – Located on 1745 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (extremely close to campus) closes at 2 am. Similar to O’Brian’s, people come here to drink and watch the game either before, during, or after the Owls play. It’s within walking distance from the stadium, making it a great place to head to after the game.
•  O’Brien’s Irish Pub- Located on  51 SE 1st Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Closes at 2 am. This is one of FAU’s major hotspots, especially on Tuesday nights when it is College Night. O’Brian’s is a great place to head to before or after the game to keep the party going.
• The Rat’s Mouth (located behind the stadium).  The Rat’s Mouth is home to the tents of several on-campus organizations and several of the fraternities and sororities game day activities.
• PBC Parking Lot – Located to the right side of the stadium, this is where some people tailgate as it is less crowded than the main lot behind the stadium. Parents and alumni mostly tailgate at this lot, as it has a lot of open space and is not being controlled by the frats.

I have experienced all of these and yes, crazy fun is a perfect description, but so is hot, crowded and loud. Fortunately, the crazy fun outweighs the others; therefore pre-gaming still comes highly recommended.

Are you an Alum of FAU? Head over to the Marleen & Harold Forkas Alumni Center prior to each home game for a tailgate to remember. Before each game, the alumni center features a DJ, bounce houses, kids activities, and performances by the marching owls and the FAU cheer & dance team. Several foods and beverage options are available; FAU Alumni Association members receive a free beer. Don’t forget this is an air-conditioned venue, a great place for alumni to cool off before the games.

Here are a few things to know before Tailgating At FAU:

• We recommend arriving early if you plan to tailgate or park on campus.
• There are several parking zones on campus during game days. Click here for a detailed map of game day parking.
• Tailgating can begin up to 4 hours prior to kickoff. Small generators are allowed. FAU is a smoke-free campus, therefore, tobacco is forbidden. Kegs are not permitted. Tailgating will end about 1 hour prior to kickoff.
• The Owl Walk is 2.5 hours before kickoff. Fans line the pathway from the Owl’s bus to the locker rooms and cheer on the Owls and their coaches.
• FAU has a clear bag policy, small bags (4.5 x 6.5) are allowed in addition to a clear bag following a screening process

I’ve been to my share of pre-games and football games and both are a lot of fun. Actually one might say they kind of go hand-in-hand. The Owls have a new head coach for the 2020 season, Willie Taggart. Owl Fans near and far are excited to see what Coach Taggart brings to Boca Raton! Click here to learn more about FAU Football and here to learn about proper game day attire if you are a student and here for some great suggestions for parents.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource here. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Where to Pre-game At FAU appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Let’s face it, these are odd and crazy times! Things look very different at FAU this semester but one thing is still for sure; we all still love to visit our Owls and they love visits from us. There are plenty of different food options that offer outside and patio seating, are operating at 50% capacity indoors, and others provide pick up or delivery to adhere to and cater to potential COVID-19 related concerns. Check out some of these places to eat.

Dining

• 2 Georges at the Cove
• Charm City Burger Co:
• Dada
• Deck 84
• Dubliner
• Kapow Noodle Bar
• Loch Bar
• Louie Bossi’s
• Max’s Grille
• Rocco’s Tacos
• Yard House

Outdoor Activities

There are also many outdoor activities to participate in to make memories in a safe and socially distanced manner.

• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: About 4 miles from FAU, Gumbo Limbo is a must-see. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a local favorite. Gumbo Limbo features a boardwalk, a butterfly garden, a small museum, and large outdoor tanks featuring Florida sea life and tropical fish. Gumbo Limbo is also a Turtle rehabilitation center; they rescue injured or sick turtles and eventually return them back to the wild. Gumbo Limbo also has a canoe, kayak, and paddleboarding tours of the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Tortuga Trail: Located on campus, The Tortuga Trail is a natural scrubland that is home to box turtles, owls, and various species of Florida birds and plants. There are 3 trails within the preserve area, all varying lengths.  The trail is free to FAU students and their guests.
• Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: About 15 minutes from FAU, Morikami features beautiful, lush Japanese gardens featuring bonsai trees, waterfalls, and flowers. The gardens are inspired by famous gardens found in Japan. Morikami also features several exhibits, a theater, and a café.
• Beaches: We wouldn’t be talking about Boca Raton if we didn’t mention the beach; your student is going to school only about 5 minutes away from one. There are several beautiful beaches and parks right down the street from FAU. Palmetto Beach and Spanish River Park are popular among students.
• For those feeling adventurous, take a trip out to the Florida Everglades. The Florida Everglades is home to several different species of wildlife such as birds, fish, and yes-even alligators. Taking an Airboat is basically a rite of passage in Florida and is a great way to tour this beautiful land.
• Maybe a nice stroll along a beachside pier is what you’re looking for. Head on down to Deerfield Beach, about 20 minutes from FAU, and take a nice walk along the beachfront pier. Fishermen can partake in fishing off the pier; fishing rods and bait are available for rent. The pier is a beautiful spot for taking in some of South Florida’s sights and it’s located on a popular beach.

Regardless of how you choose to visit your student this school year, we hope you make the most of your time with them in their college town by seeing their favorite places (walking or driving), meeting their friends, and catching up on all the fun times they are having. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Safest Places to Visit Your Student This Semester appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

After their successful fall 2019 season culminating with a bowl game win, FAU football is ready to show that they can play. I have been going to Owl football games since their program started and continued, as two of my girls became students. The big rival game is against FIU (we’re the reigning champs). An Owl home game is an experience, from the pre-gaming (ask your college student) to the Owl Walk (two and a half hours prior to each home game when fans line up in the Rat’s Mouth and cheer on the players as they walk in the stadium) to the actual game itself.

Of course, the 2020 season will look a little different since the plan is to keep the stadium at 20% capacity. However, as Covid-19 cases decrease in the state, that number could change.

HaveUHeard that FAU has a Clear Bag Policy for football games? I have been at many games at The Burrow over the past few years, and always, there is a student or a parent with a handbag, backpack, or camera bag in their possession. Very small clutches measuring 4.5” x 6.5” (about the size of a hand) are allowed. There is nothing worse than being denied admission, especially close to the start time of a game. So your choice is to go store it in your car (an invitation to have it stolen). FAU does not have a place to check items at the gates and any bags left unattended will be disposed of. A full list of prohibited items can be found here. Most stadiums implement a clear bag policy, so why not have a bag that still has style? HaveUHeard has partnered with Score Gameday bags. Use the code HUH15 for a 15% discount.

Tickets on Sale NOW!

Season tickets are on now but if your plan is to come for a game to visit your student, you may want to start booking your hotel now. Parent’s weekend hotels and game day tickets should be reserved as soon as possible. If a parent wants to sit with their student, the student has to sit with the parent who purchased the ticket. It is very uncommon for any parents to be in the student section of the football stadium. When looking for a hotel, prepare for some sticker shock, as you will notice the rates are sometimes high what you would pay for a weekend with no events. (This is especially true over parents and homecoming weekend)

The biggest rivalries where it is tough to score a ticket will be the November 14th game against Florida International University and the Homecoming Game. The dates of Homecoming week are TBD.  The parent’s weekend game can also be tough to score tickets to; parents weekend will be September 24th – 26th. The game is on Saturday, September 26th against USF. Florida Atlantic’s first home game will be against Stony Brook on September 12th.

Students get sent an email to their fau.edu address with a link to download the free ticket to the home football game. It is recommended to download your ticket as soon as you get the email, especially for a big game because tickets could get sold out.

2020 Football Schedule

September 19 – Owls vs. Georgia Southern (at Georgia Southern), 4 pm

September 26 – Owls vs. University of South Florida, home at 6 pm

October 3 – Owls vs. Charlotte, home at 6 pm

October 10 – Owls vs. Southern Miss. (at Southern Miss.)

October 24 – Owls vs. Marshall (at Marshall), 2 pm

October 31 – Owls vs. UTSA, home at 12 pm

November 7 – Owls vs. WKU, home, 6 pm

November 13 – Owls vs. Florida International University (at FIU), 7 pm

November 28 – Owls vs. Middle Tennessee (at Middle Tennessee)

December 5th – Conference USA Championship

Plan Ahead

If you are planning on coming for Homecoming or Parent’s Weekend, you may want to book a hotel for Friday through Sunday so you can take in the parade on Friday and the game on Saturday. Read our blog on hotels here.

Other Game Info

Make sure you’re in Owl red and blue for the game by reading our student and parent gameday attire recommendations. And of course, you will want to know where to pregame. We’ve got that information here.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Are You Ready for some Football? appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Dad’s weekend isn’t exactly official at FAU, meaning that there isn’t one specific weekend that it is called for, but some sororities and fraternities have one. The sorority I am in does not have a specific weekend exclusive for dads, but there are several weekends throughout the year that you are meant to invite your family to. Whether you have a specific Dad’s weekend or not, there are plenty of things to do when your dad comes to town that will make your time with him special.

Going to school at the FAU allows you to have endless possibilities for activities to do with your dad. For those dads looking to relive their college experience, there are floods of parents that go out during Happy Hour. It is extremely relaxed and always a good time. There is both outside and inside seating and parents can get a glimpse into the college lives of their students. My parents love it- we get to go to the bars and have some great bar food for lunch.

For those students 21 and up, I would recommend going out in Boca or, just a short drive away, the Avenue in Delray. Some of our Boca favorites include

• O’Brian’s Irish Pub: The Irish Pub that draws 21-year-olds near and far. Known for their Friday night block parties and fun drinks.
• Dubliner: Irish pub featuring live music, karaoke, and trivia nights.
• Yard House: While it is a Full restaurant, Yard house features a large bar with over 100 beers on tap.
• Black Rose Irish Pub: Both indoor and outdoor bar space featuring several TVs and live music several nights a week.
• Nipper’s Bar and Grill: Nipper is a Local Legend, one of the only local places that stay open past 2 am. Nipper’s is a casual bar that features pool tables, games, and live music.

If you decide to head to The Avenue in Delray, check out:

• Salt7: Salt7 is for the partying crowd, a live nightclub featuring DJs every Friday and Saturday night. Brunch at Salt7 is also an experience; it turns into a full-blown party with music and performers.
• Honey: Honey has a lounge area with small tables, excellent small plates, and specialty cocktails. Honey has a DJ or Live music almost every night of the week.
• Bull Bar: Somewhat of a dive bar but always a good time. Bull Bar is a local favorite featuring a good variety of beers on tap, TVs, and live music.
• Sandbar: All outdoor, oceanfront tiki bars. This bar serves up tropical drinks on its sandy patio. Live music and yard games set the tone at this casual, beachfront bar.
• The Office – another popular spot located on the Avenue. DJ

A fun thing to do with your dad if  you are 21 or older is to hit up some of the breweries; here are the top ones:

• The Funky Buddha Brewery & Lounge: Smalls plates, live music, and in-house brewed beer make for a great evening at this quirky location.
• Prosperity Brewers: One of the newer breweries calling Boca Raton home, Prosperity Brewers is located in the warehouse district. Prosperity has 8 beers on tap and features season beers throughout the year. Great Casual brewery to kick off the weekend.
• SaltWater Brewery: Located in Delray Beach, SaltWater featured a tasting bar, live music, brewery tours, and a beer garden with rotating food trucks.
• Park and Ocean – Located in Birch State Park, this restaurant, and garden have their own in-house brewery offering specialty beers. Great place to chill
• LauderAle – Located just outside Port Everglades, this is one of the first nano breweries in South Florida. Serving blondes, imperial stouts, and seasonal and special releases.
• Invasive Species –  Located in Flagler Village. Rotating drafts, outside beer garden, beer to go, and food trucks on the weekends.

My parents and I love to eat at all of the amazing restaurants in town, so when my dad comes up, we always try to eat somewhere new and different. Whether it is breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner we are always guaranteed a good meal, and it’s nice to have dad pay for it! There are so many great restaurants located right on the water and the area is just beautiful.

There are also tons of different nature and outdoorsy activities to do with your dad – check out our suggestions in Nature vs Nurture. Wherever you go or whatever you do, make the most of the time you have with your dad when he comes to visit you. Having your dad come spend time with you at college will make memories that you will always remember!

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Weekend with Dad -Here’s what to do! appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Owl-always love football! I love going to FAU football games- there is nothing like game day. HaveUHeard how FAU got its colors? In the conference room of the second floor of the Weir Plaza, it was suggested by Adelaide Snyder, the first employee and Vice President for University Relations that blue and tan for the sea and sand be FAU’s colors. Roger Miller, then the top administrative officer had just retired from Army JAG as a colonel and he said he never wanted to see the color tan again. So Adelaide brought the chart of colors in again and got the men (at that time there were no other women) to approve French Blue and Silver Grey.

I’m all about the Red and Blue on game days and I am somewhat about the fashion. But I also want to be comfortable especially on those Florida humid days when you are packed in a stadium and it is more than 90° out and the humidity is stifling. Here are my suggestions for what to wear to the game for parents.

You can wear officially licensed Owl wear or just dress in their colors. Here are some great suggestions for us Moms and Dads from cotton tops and t-shirts to comfortable dresses for the moms and collared shirts, polos, or jerseys for dads or just a super comfortable, breathable tee. Throw in some accessories including a regulation stadium bag and a logo-ed skin for your cell and everyone will know you love the Owls.

As Game Day gets closer, FAU will announce what colors students are expected to wear. For example, they may announce that a game will have a “white-out” or a “blue or red-out.” This means Owl students should wear a blue, red, or white outfit! Want to know the actual primary colors- FAU gives you the graphic versions.

We think the best in authentic college clothing, accessories, and fan gear is Fanatics. They carry brands such as Jordan Gear, Vineyard Vines, Stance, Columbia, Dooney & Bourke, Tommy Bahama, Vera Bradley, Orca, Southern Tide, College Row One Shoes, Johnnie-O Clothing, and Peter Millar Clothing. Add in everything you need for tailgating including NCAA tents, tables, and chairs, waterless face tattoos, eye black, jewelry, and more.

For shorts or jeans (only if it is cool out- even ’70s will still be hot), I like American Eagle’s mom jeans or denim shorts.

If wearing a comfortable dress is the way you want to go, definitely check out some of these fun Game Day dresses from Redbubble.

If you are like me and more about ‘repping the school’s colors, just look for red, blue or silver. Throw in some accessories including a regulation stadium bag from SCORE! The Official Game Day bag (you even get a 15% discount- get code by clicking on the link), cute red and blue earrings and everyone will know you love the Owls!

We would strongly recommend leaving the high heels at home as you will be walking to the stadium and climbing stands. I love wearing Converse sneakers or Adidas Stan Smith, depending on my outfit. For cooler weather, I even have worn flat boots.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Putting Together Great Owl Outfits appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Whether you are coming down for a mother-daughter sorority weekend or just to spend time with your daughter, you will find plenty to do together. Shopping in Boca Raton is easy to find. There is a plethora of shopping right near FAU, including plenty of big box stores, but the kind of shopping that may come after the call that cries, “I have nothing to wear,” exists too.  These also may be the stores you may want to visit should you get lucky enough to partake in a Mother-Daughter weekend.

Right across the street from FAU, you will find University Commons. University Commons is home to Nordstrom Rack and a new but becoming a favorite boutique, Etiquette Boutique. After shopping, have lunch at J. Alexander’s, P.F. Chang’s, Shake Shack, or Mario’s Osteria.

Further east from campus is Mizner Park, home to many small shops and restaurants. Mizner Park is also home to a few favorite boutiques among FAU students such as Francesca’s, LF Boca, and Shusha Boutique. The Town Center Mall of Boca Raton, 10 minutes from campus, has Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sears, Saks, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales as anchor stores. The Town Center mall is home to several popular stores like Forever 21 and American Eagle, and several high-end stores such as Gucci and Tory Burch. The Town Center is a large mall that is home to over 100 shops and several restaurants; there’s something for everyone.

Shopping Maybe?

It’s inevitable that in four years at FAU, a little shopping expedition may be called for. I’m not going to lie, it’s one of my favorite past times. Should you get down to FAU for a little mother-daughter time, you may find yourself at one or more of these. And when you’re done, you and your daughter may want to indulge in a mani-pedi at Snappy Nails or Venetian Nail Spa, two of the favorites among Owls. Be sure to remind your shopper to ask for student discounts; many stores offer one with an ID. Some of the salons do as well.

If a movie night is what you are looking for, head to the Cinemark Palace 20. There are, as the name says, 20 movies to choose from; all in fabulous reclining chairs with reserved seating. There is also the iPic Mizner Park, which offers a more luxury movie-watching experience.  Perhaps something will be going on at the Sunset Cove Amphitheatre while you’re there or maybe a stroll through the Japanese Gardens at Morikami is in order.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

The post Mother-Daughter Time appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.