Explore Stuart

HEADER.STUART BEACH

EXPLORE STUART
KNOWN as “The Sailfish Capital of the World”, Stuart is bordered by the St. Lucie River and is just west of the Indian River and Atlantic Ocean. Its abundant shoreline, natural beauty, charming Historic Downtown and lively Riverwalk keeps generations of families coming back again and again to this fantastic A1A destination.

With extraordinary beaches including the fabulous Hutchinson Island, abundant boating & marinas, golf and an impressive collection of restaurants and boutiques, you’ll wonder what took you so long to explore this wonderful year-round paradise. Visit the Oceanographic Coastal Center, take in a live performance at the Lyric Theatre, and don’t miss the Green Market held every Sunday from 9a-1p near City Hall.

Whether you choose to find your perfect beach spot and just hang-out, indulge in a little surfing, scuba diving or snorkeling, or do absolutely nothing at all, you’ll find Stuart eager and ready to oblige. If shopping is where you’d rather be, then make your way to the fountain in Historic Downtown as here’s where you’ll find an eclectic group of unique galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants all waiting for you to explore.

With an ever growing calendar of events, you’re bound to find something to excite and entertain you while you’re here and as the sun sets on your fun-filled day, prepare for a variety of dining options and lively nightlife. When you’re ready to rest, whether you choose a Resort, Hotel, charming Bed & Breakfast, Pet Friendly or RV/Campground property to call home during your stay, you’ll discover why visitors return to Stuart again and again. If you’re interested in reading more about the recent happenings, here’s a link to our Stuart Journal (blog) page.

 

Don’t Miss These…

 

05-22 PORT SALERNO WILLOUGHBY CREEK SHIP MERMAID 480x640PORT SALERNO: Over a 72-year period, what town was renamed 4 times and had segments of the TV series “Gentle Ben” filmed there? Originally named “Alice” in 1894 by Florida East Coast Railway engineers to honor Henry Flagler’s second wife, Ida Alice Shourds; fifteen years later the town was renamed “Mulford” by developer Benjamin Mulford who renamed the town after himself. After being confused for Fulford, another stop on the FEC Railway, the name was again changed to “Salerno” for the many emigrant settlers of the area from the Italian city of Salerno. In 1960, area business leaders added “Port” to the name in an effort to highlight this waterfront area. This is a pic was taken on the fantabulous Port Salerno waterfront and if you decide to come here and check it out, here’s a gps address you can use – 4745 SE Desoto Ave, 34997.

 

 

PORT SALERNO ELIZABETH GATEWAY TO TIBET-3 640x360PORT SALERNO:The Fish House Art Center is located on the site of one of the last operating commercial fish houses on Florida’s east coast on the scenic Manatee Pocket, it’s now home to eight resident artists’ studios. The resident artists work in their studios year round. The public is welcome to watch them work and purchase their creations. This is a pic of an extraordinary artist Elizabeth Ester Kelly in her studio Gateway to Tibet and if you decide to make your way to here, the Fish House Art Center is located on the waterfront in the historic fishing village of Port Salerno, 4745 SE Desoto Ave., 34997.

 

 

PORT SALERNO-THE TWISTED TUNA 1PORT SALERNO: A community with a history deeply rooted in the commercial fishing industry, today people are drawn to Port Salerno primarily for its restaurants, shops, and waterfront lifestyle. Honoring its fishing heritage and with attendance reaching nearly 40,000, every January Port Salerno hosts its annual Seafood Festival. Advance tickets are typically $5 and $10 at the Gate; children 12 & under are free. Due to the large crowds and number of children that attend, the Festival Committee requests attendees DO NOT bring dogs or other pets but DO bring a non-perishable food item to support the community food drive. This is a pic of The Twisted Tuna near the Gate 1 entrance of the Festival and if you decide to make your way here, here’s an address that will bring you close to the Gate – 4795 SE Dixie Hwy./A1A, 34997.

 

 

11-20-port-salerno-dock-music-wine-sign-1-optPORT SALERNO: Nestled on the scenic Manatee Pocket in the historic fishing village of Port Salerno you’ll find the fantabulous Port Salerno Waterfront District. As you stroll along the “PocketWalk” (the District’s boardwalk) you’ll find a dozen or so dining options, a handful of which are waterfront, and an artists’ community that’s home to resident artists where we’re invited to watch them create and purchase their unique works. Whether you arrive by boat or car, this stop is located on the site of one of the last operating commercial fish houses on Florida’s east coast and makes an A1A-mazing way to spend the day. We shot this pic near the Grove Dock Bar & Café and if you decide to come here and explore, make your way to 4745 SE Desoto Ave., 34997.

 

St. Lucie River Riverwalk

ROCK’N RIVERWALK: Stuart’s charming Historic Downtown makes our list of A1A favorite Sunday destinations because in addition to the eclectic group of small galleries, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, on Sundays there’s also a Green Market from 9a-1p (near City Hall) and from 1-4:00p there’s the Rock’n Riverwalk; a free open-air waterfront concert on the St. Lucie River. This is a pic of the Riverwalk stage and if you decide to make your way here and explore, you can use the address 61 W Osceola Street, 34994 to get you near the heart of the action.

 

STUART-STUART BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR 2DOWNTOWN: From cityofstuart.com & stuartmartinchamber.org we learned that when Stuart was first settled in 1870 it was originally named “Potsdam” in honor of the homeland (Potsdam, Germany) of the Stypman family, who owned what is now known as Downtown Stuart and who were among the area’s earliest settlers. In the 1880s, Homer Hine Stuart, Jr. purchased property and built a bungalow on the north side of the St. Lucie River. He donated land for a depot and in return, his surname was given to the railway stop when Henry Flagler brought his railway down the Florida east coast to Palm Beach. At the time, there was no vehicular bridge across the St. Lucie River and when general store owner Walter Kitching convinced Flagler officials to move the depot to a site in front of his general store, the name Stuart came to the south-side of the river with the depot. This pic was taken at the Stuart BoatHouse restaurant/bar which has outdoor seating and offers spectacular river views. If you decide to come here and explore the area, we’ve found luck parking near this address – 61 W Osceola St., 34994.

 

MEMORIAL PARK: Located adjacent to the courthouse in downtown Stuart you’ll find fantabulous Memorial Park that hosts year-round events including a weekly Food Truck Invasion, a weekend green market, nautical flea market, ArtsFest, Bike Fest, and the Stuart Seafood Festival. Inside the park you’ll discover a magnificent banyan tree, pathways that are broad and paved, soothing water features, pavilions, concert band shell, racquetball, shuffleboard, and tennis courts and picnic tables. Yet perhaps the most memorable aspect for us were the memorials and plaques honoring military members of the Marines, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. On Memorial Day, 2013, thirteen new war plaques were dedicated to honor those who have served in the various wars that have taken place throughout American History. We shot this pic at Memorial Park and if you decide to make your way here and explore, head to 300 SE Ocean Blvd., 34994. Explorers’ Note: The 30th Anniversary ArtsFest celebration will take place on Saturday (2/11) & Sunday (2/12).



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