Nothing warms our heart more than hearing how much our visitors love Martin County! So, we sent out an anonymous survey and asked people to tell us what they love about Martin County. Keep reading for their answers!
Downtown Stuart, Florida. Photo Courtesy of @groundfloorfarm.
If you just had one day to spend in Martin County what would you do?
“Watch the sunrise at Stuart Rocks Beach, eat breakfast at Maria’s, go on the Schooner Lily’s adventure sail, have cocktails at Sailor’s Return while the sun was setting and walk the riverwalk under the train bridge into downtown for dinner at the Boathouse.”
What’s your favorite hidden spot?
“Shepard Park is a wonderful city park that not everyone knows about. I love to take my 3 year old. It has a covered playground, sand to play in, new bathrooms, and a lovely water walkway to look for fish, see the mangroves and watch the sunset. Also, catch a sail on the Schooner Lily right from the park’s seawall.”
What advice would you give to someone visiting our area for the first time?
“Don’t waste your time on chain anything; we have wonderful downtown areas, both in Jensen and Stuart, and the shops and dining are unique to our area. Also, ask your servers and any locals about where to go and they will give you an earful! We all have our places we are passionate about.”
Favorite beach?
“Love the bathtub beach as it’s truly wonderful for all ages.”
Favorite outdoor activity?
“Sailing, well, any kind of boating and the beach.”
Best place to kayak?
“The Indian River Lagoon.”
Best place to catch a wave?
“Stuart Beach and the Rocks.”
Favorite place to paddleboard?
“Indian River Lagoon.”
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Best place for a bike ride?
“Jonathan Dickinson State Park.”
Favorite adventure for couples?
“The Schooner Lily.”
Best scenic drive?
“Indian River Drive.”
Best place to observe wildlife?
“Any of the charter boats or via kayaking or paddle boarding with a guide.”
Best outdoor workout?
“Running on the beach.”
Favorite yoga spot?
“Yogafish.”
Stuart Rocks Beach. Photo courtesy of @justinmichaelphoto via Instagram.
Best spot to watch the sunrise?
“Stuart Rocks Beach.”
Best place to watch the sunset?
“The Schooner Lily or the Deck Restaurant.”
Best local boutique?
“Gumbo Limbo Kidz.”
Best time of year to visit and why?
“We prefer November – May. The weather is beautiful and the wildlife is abundant.”
Most “Instagrammable” place?
“You won’t ever have trouble finding one.”
Favorite place for families with young children?
“There are so many; Indian River Park, Kiwanis Park, Shepard Park, Bathtub Beach, Stuart Ceramics, Florida Oceanographic.”
House of Refuge. Photo courtesy of @staceyvanduynphotography via Instagram.
Most unique museum or attraction and why?
“The House of Refuge: it’s full of history, it’s quick, and it’s on the beach!”
Favorite event?
“Saint Patrick’s Day on the Schooner Lily. Live Irish Music under sail.”
Favorite Art Gallery?
“Geoffrey Smith.”
Favorite place to watch a live performance?
“Downtown Riverwalk Stage.”
Favorite activity for teenagers?
“Getting ice cream in downtown Stuart and walking the riverwalk.”
Best farm to table restaurant or food truck?
“The District Table and the Ground Floor Farm.”
Gilbert’s Coffee Bar
Best cafe/coffee spot?
“The Blue Door or Gilbert’s Bar.”
Best breakfast?
“Maria’s Cafe or Osceola Street Cafe.”
Best brunch?
“Ground Floor Farm.”
Favorite lunch spot?
“Southern Pig and Cattle.”
Favorite restaurant for dinner?
“The Riverwalk Cafe.”
Best bar?
“Black Marlin.”
The Gafford. Photo courtesy of @cheftwils via Instagram.
Best happy hour?
“The Gafford or the Black Marlin.”
Best place for a casual dinner?
“The Deck Restaurant.”
Best place for date night dinner?
“The Riverwalk Cafe.”
Favorite cocktail?
“Irish Buck.”