Travel

Stuart, Florida

America's Happiest Seaside Town

          When Stuart, Florida was dubbed “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” some might have wondered why especially with an eight-way intersection appropriately named “Confusion Corner.”However, there is no confusion about what makes people happy here. Weather temps are a common attraction. Sunshine streams down 236 days a year on average (best places), Winter lows bottom out around 55 degrees and summer highs crest around 90 (usclimatedata). However, the weather is not everything. Stuart’s Historic Downtown District welcomes visitors by turning up the heat with southern charm and hospitality. The community oozes with the small-town feeling, where everyone is known by their first name.

Photographer RK Spradlin (2019)

Historic Downtown Stuart
Photographer: Joe Molina (2016)

      Nestled along the banks of the St. Lucie River, the historic downtown district is filled with over fifty locally owned boutiques, art galleries and restaurants that have been transformed into Florida, 1920 (Winston). You will find treasures and charm on every corner. Strolling along the sidewalks or dining outdoors is popular as the gentle breeze from the river caress patrons enjoying Mahi Mahi at Mulligans Beach House restaurant, a Krueger Salad at the Pelican Café or a Tomahawk Ribeye at The Stuart Boathouse. Come by car or by boat, the Riverwalk boardwalk stretches from the Sunset Bay Marina along Flagler Park just beyond the Riverwalk stage, where Stuart MainStreet presents free year-round music events, encouraging community spirit and camaraderie (historic downtown Stuart). Every Sunday 1-4 p.m. the Riverwalk Stage, backdropped with the St. Lucie River, comes alive with musical talent for Rock-n-Riverwalk. Vocalists and musicians from a variety of genres perform, to the crowds’ delight. Picture yourself enjoying the afternoon or evening beside the St. Lucie River (Stuart Mainstreet)

Lyric Theatre
         Photographer: RK Spradlin (2019)

      Don’t leave Stuart’s Historic District without visiting the iconic Lyric Theatre. It was constructed in 1914 initially as a silent movie house in at another location but the Lyric’s involvement in entertaining the community with elegance, grandeur and style has lasted over a century (Luckhardt & Luckhardt, 2012). Variety shows, concerts, musicals, stage productions, symphony orchestras, and much more from the performing arts are awaiting you at the Lyric (Lyric theatre).

Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge
Photographer: RK Spradlin (2019)

      Entering the 19th century on Florida’s seacoast was anything but easy and the House of Refuge Museum is a must-see part of history from that era. Constructed atop the “St. Lucie Rocks,” the House of Refuge sits at the ocean's edge on Hutchison Island. It served as a haven for shipwreck survivors during the 1870s. If wild waves did not crush survivors on the reef, the keeper doctored, fed and cared for those, mother-nature washed ashore (houseofrefugefl). Visiting the house, you step back in time. A living room, parlor, kitchen and bedroom furnished with period household items give visitors a glimpse into the early coastal settlers’ solitary, secluded, lifestyle amid the howling wind and salty sea spray.

Jupiter Lighthouse
Photographer: RK Spradlin
(2017)

      A similar attraction is a few minutes south of Stuart at the mouth of the Loxahatchee River. The Jupiter Lighthouse overlooks the inlet, an active guard, signaling mariners of the dangerous shoals and reefs between Florida’s coast and the Gulf Stream. The museum and scenic grounds are open year-round for tours, weddings, family or maternity celebrations (celebrations booked in advance). Climbing the 108-foot tower, 105 steps in all, to the observation deck is challenging, but worth the effort. It is the “best view in Palm Beach County” as the website claims (Jupiter lighthouse). The guided tour features early Florida history lessons of the lifestyles of local Indian tribes and early settlers.

      The approximately 69 miles of beach between Martin and Palm Beach counties are picturesque, but a tropical paradise can be found at Bathtub Reef Beach. The shallow reef, just offshore, breaks the wave action creating a beautiful lagoon. It is a perfect place for snorkeling or scuba diving along the reef. The whole family can enjoy sun, sand and surf, even tiny tots playing in the water. The sun and shallow depth produce tepid water temperature, much like bath water (Martin, 2019). The azure blue sea beckons you and even during the winter, it is warm enough for a Florida girl to take a dip. The next time you are looking to become one with the beach, check out Bathtub Reef Beach.

References

Best Places. (n.d.). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/florida/stuart

Luckhardt, A. L. & Luckhardt, G. E. (2012). Historical vignettes: Stuart’s three Lyric Theaters have offered entertainment since 1914. 8 May 2012. Retrieved from https://www.lyrictheatre.com/news/118-historical-vignettes-stuarts-three-lyric-theatres-have-offered-entertainment-since-1914

Lyric Theatre. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lyrictheatre.com/

Historical Downtown Stuart. (n. d.). Retrieved from http://www.historicdowntownstuart.com/

House of Refuge. (n. d.). Retrieved from https://houseofrefugefl.org/

Jupiter Lighthouse and Museum. (n. d.). Retrieved from https://www.jupiterlighthouse.org/

Martin County. (n.d.). Bathtub Reef Beach. Retrieved from https://www.martin.fl.us/BathtubReefBeach

Martin, J. (2019). Bathtub beach in Stuart, Fl a family favorite. Retrieved from https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/stuart/bathtub-beach.html
Molina, J. (2016). Historic Downtown Stuart Photo. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/miamiboy/with/28521879480/

Mulligans Beach House. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mulligansbeachhouse.com/stuart/

Pelican Restaurant and Beach. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pelicancafeandbeach.com/

Stuart Boathouse. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://stuartboathouse.com/

Stuart Mainstreet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://stuartmainstreet.org/

U.S. Climate. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/stuart/florida/united-states/usfl0468

Winston, S. (n.d.). Historic downtown Stuart – Restaurants, theatres and museums. Retrieved from https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/eat-drink/historic-downtown-stuart-restaurants-theaters-museums.html