Kim Seng/Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
“That’s it!
“End of an era!”
At least for the winter.
As Rhode Islanders, it’s a pretty common practice.
No, like 15,” my mom, Joslin Leasca, interjected.
“Was it?”
“It’s OK, you tell the rest of the story,” my mom said.
“We stopped in Stuart, and we just loved the town,” my dad continued.
“It was great.
It was more our style of living.”
He paused before adding, “And it’s on the water.
Beautiful ocean, the beautiful St. Lucie River, the Intercoastal, great boating, great people.
Nice, very friendly people.”
“It’s just got the right vibe.”
Stuart has an essence.
The sun here feels like it’s kissing you good morning.
The downtown looks like a Norman Rockwell painting, if Norman Rockwell also loved Tommy Bahama shirts.
It’s simply charming.
And, as my parents explained, there are just “very friendly people” everywhere.
Surely, my parents and their dog will be there to welcome you.
It’s a rare, true,hidden gem.
Here, everyone says hello to their neighbors.
Not to mention it’s just steps from the best shopping and dining in town.
Elliott Museum
Those looking for a bigger museum experience will find it at theElliott Museum.
“Both grandchildren love that they get to pat the stingrays,” my mom shared.
“My favorite beach is Santa Lucea,” my dad told me.
“It’s just pristine.
The dog can go there.
It’s very wide open.
There’s not a lot of people, and it’s just absolutely stunning.”
Other favorites at the top of their list include Stuart Beach, Bathtub Beach, and Fletcher Beach.
GypSea Cottage
GypSea Cottageis a treasure trove of Florida-ready clothing and accessories.
The gallery specializes in local artists, with works ranging from fine art paintings and handblown glass to pottery.
Colorful waterfront homes along the the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida.Credit:Kim Seng/Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
(The oat milk flat white is fantastic.)
Don’t forget to pick up a bag of beans, roasted in-house, before you leave.
The Gafford
Have a more refined dining experience atThe Gafford, where local ingredients are sourced for every plate.
Sunset over Shepard Park and the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida.Kim Seng/Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Kilwins of Stuart
Do not leave Stuart without getting at least a scoop fromKilwins of Stuart.
Go ahead, get that chocolate-dipped cone.
And maybe some sprinkles, just because.
Santa Lucea Beach, located on southern end of Hutchinson Island.Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
PBI offers daily domestic and international flights, making it a convenient jumping-off point.
However, my dad is a particularly big fan of the smaller Vero Beach Regional Airport.
“It’s like the TV showWings,” he explained.
The Elliott Museum is home to collection of classic cars, baseball memorabilia, and displays on local history.Ian Centrone/Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
“Very old-school.”
However, if you might wait awhile, Brightline has announced it’sadding a stop right in Stuart by 2026.
By car from Miami:Stuart is about a two-hour drive north of Miami, via Interstate 95.
Shops lining the streets of downtown Stuart, Florida.Courtesy of City of Stuart, FL
The coastal journey is a beautiful one, offering glimpses of the ocean along the way.
However, the town does offer a local bus service.
Surf ‘n’ turf from the Oak and Ember Steakhouse.Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Stuart Beach in Martin County, Florida.Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on Hutchinson Island.Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
