Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Thanks to this winter’s Polar Vortex, I got an to enjoy an extended Florida getaway with my mom and daughter. After four (yes four!) flight cancellations, we decided to just stay put and went to spend some time with our cousins in Palm City.

We set out to explore one day and landed in the Treasure Coast town of Downtown Stuart which was so cute I wanted to share our adventures with you.  Stuart is celebrating their Centennial this May with a week of Celebrate Stuart activities so if you’ll be nearby, check it out.

Here are my top 10 family friendly things to do in Historic Downtown Stuart:

1) Ride the trolly.  As you walk around, you’ll soon notice a trolly running up and down the streets with a friendly driver who asks if you need a ride.  Jump on and enjoy a free tour.  They will drop you off wherever you want and pick you up again when you’re ready.  Our driver even gave us coupons for ice cream!

2) Shop till you drop.  Moms, kids and grandparents will find a lot of shopping opportunities.  Some of my favorites were Go Fish, Caramba! and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic.

3) Have lunch at The Pelican Cafe where you can sit alfresco at the “beach” and enjoy water views while your toes wiggle in the sand.  They give kids beach toys to play with which is a great distraction allowing adults to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet.  The Almost Famous Fish Tacos were delicious.

4) Walk around, take in the architecture and watch the laid back locals.  You’ll detox immediately.

5) Stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream where you can enjoy homemade chocolates, hand-paddled fudges and original recipe ice cream.  I highly recommend the toasted coconut ice cream.  Yummm.

6) Go for mommy and me pedicures at Tootsies.  This super-cute shoe store offers manicures and pedicures, something I’d never seen before.

7) Take in a show at The Lyric Theater which has ben offering concerts, plays, movies and dance performances since 1926.

8) Visit the Stuart Heritage Museum where you’ll find preserved artifacts, maps, clothing and furniture.  It’s open daily and admission is free.

9) Go for an afternoon or sunset sail with A Daze Charters. They’ll let you take the helm if you’re interested or you can just chill with a drink and light hors d’oeuvres.

10) Take a stroll on the scenic boardwalk and take some photographs.  It’s a great backdrop.

Bon voyage!