Located in the heart of Martin County, Stuart’s historic downtown is bustling to the brim with activities and fun. Whether you’re looking for a girls’ trip, a family getaway or a cultural experience, downtown Stuart has something for everyone. We took a day to see it all. Here’s one of many reasons to plan your trip now:
Culture
Stuart’s historic downtown is home to galleries, museums and even a farm! Enjoy the cultural experiences of downtown at these fantastic local gems.
The Stuart Heritage Museum is downtown’s own history museum, tracking the area from early settlement to now. Located in the historic Stuart Feed Supply building, visitors enjoy an escape into the past with every step further into the museum. Immerse yourself in the history of Stuart and Martin County with the free tour offered every day anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Focusing on authenticity, even the cases of artifacts were in Stuart’s original stores in the early 1900’s. The tour never gets close to boring with guides that seem to know interesting stories about every section, and the exhibits provide a chance to explore our area through models, photos, paintings and restorations. From the Seminole Indians to the pineapple and flower plantations of early settlement up to Francis Langford’s life and local heroes of World War II, the Stuart Heritage Museum offers a deeply engaging insight into the culture of Martin County and particularly downtown Stuart. It is history heard, seen and felt all around. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.stuartheritagemuseum.com/
Downtown Stuart is also home to an outstanding variety of local galleries, each with their own specialties and unique finds. In the heart of downtown is Rare Earth Gallery, owned by Becky and Steve Binder, who bought the business from a “master potter” and transformed the old and dusty pottery studio into a haven for handmade art from local to international artists. Recognized as one of the top ten places for gifts in Stuart, Rare Earth Gallery received the Best Gallery Award by Hometown News in 2016 and 2017. With an expanded exhibit, the gallery houses the works of over 75 artists and offers unique takeaways from each of them. With “20 different types of media–glass, wood, paintings,” Steve says their specialty is “unique handmade art.” Offerings include paintings of the downtown itself, lamps from the Philippines, blown glass molded around shells, and a constantly updated inventory. Rare Earth Gallery is a destination for any art-minded or exploring visitor. Their website: http://store.rareearthgallery.com/
Gallery 36 is another one of downtown’s one-of-a-kind galleries. With a focus on pure and natural photography, owner and artist Lisa Ledlum describes her gallery as a “fine art boutique gallery… created from my dream and vision to share my passion of photography and the arts with the world around me.” Designated the Best Gallery in Martin County and Stuart Magazine Reader’s Favorite Local Gallery, Gallery 36 is a prolific experience in the arts. The gallery, which is purposed to inspire a deep connection to art and true meaning, was destined to be nowhere else but downtown Stuart. Lisa describes the area as “a place where the community and the visitors can come together to shop, dine and be entertained… We truly are fortunate to be part of this little slice of paradise.” Working to increase downtown’s culture even more, Lisa works with another local gallery and organization, the Arts Council of Martin County, to represent Martin County’s artists and growing cultural scene. Gallery 36, and all the culture of downtown Stuart, embody the gallery’s motto: “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” -Thoreau. For more information, please visit their website: https://gallery-36.com/.
Downtown Stuart, rich in history and art, past, present, and future, gives visitors the exciting opportunity to be immersed in the culture of such a unique area. For a full list of downtown’s amenities and activities, please visit their website: http://www.historicdowntownstuart.com/