This fall, chase the last notes of summer sunshine to Martin County, Florida, home to Stuart, aptly named America’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. This easy-to-get-to area, encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island, is accented by miles of beaches and 75+ parks–all within two hours or less driving time of four international airports: Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando.
Read on to find out the top five reasons Martin County is your destination for welcoming autumn and an ideal place to disconnect while you reconnect:
1. Get your groove on! The 30th Annual Dancin’ in the Streets street party and music festival returns to Historic Downtown Stuart on Saturday, August 19. The longest-running music festival in Martin County will take place on multiple stages with over 20 bands and a national headliner–TBD–from 3 p.m.-midnight. Every year, the streets of Downtown Stuart shut down and the community comes out for a day of live musical performances, food, drinks, vendors, kids activities and of course–dancin’ in the streets! Private concert tickets are available at The Lyric Theatre box office or online at www.LyricTheatre.com and include admission to Dancin’ in the Streets. Advance tickets are also available at Earthtones (43 SW Osceola St., Stuart), Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream (31 SW Osceola St., Stuart), The Lyric Theatre Box Office (59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, www.LyricTheatre.com), Seacoast Bank (all Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach and Indian River county locations), Sneaki Tiki (211 S Colorado Ave. #1, Stuart), Terra Fermata (26 SE 6th St., Stuart). www.StuartDancinintheStreets.com
2. Cowboys in Florida? Dust off the Stetson and break out the boots and Wranglers for a foot-stompin’ great time at the 70th Annual Indiantown Rodeo in Indiantown, Florida, October 13 and 14, voted a 2016 Top 20 Event for the fall by the Southeast Tourism Society. This unique event dates back to 1947 and features live music and endless entertainment. Held in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, this sanctioned event is one fans won’t want to miss. Watch the heart-racing action: steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riders, cowboys and team roping. New this year–Team Ghost Riders, which brings the jungle to the arena with three of the best sheep dog-riding monkeys in the business. www.IndiantownRodeo.com
3. Take flight! Save the date for the 27th Annual Stuart Air Show in Stuart, Florida, November 3-5, recognized as a 2016 Top 20 Event for the fall by the Southeast Tourism Society. The Stuart Airshow draws 40,000 spectators and is the largest show in Southern Florida. This exciting show blows guests away with amazing performances, fireworks, carnival rides and live music. Friday night, catch an air show with nighttime aerobatics and a fireworks display. Purchase a ticket to enjoy the VIP Dirty Flight Suit Party where guests can mingle with pilots and Stuart Air Show performers while savoring dinner and drinks. On Saturday and Sunday, watch a WWII battle reenactment and weapons demo, enjoy amusement rides and a dedicated area for children’s activities. The Stuart Air Show is an event that honors the past, inspires the future and is entertaining for all. www.StuartAirShow.com
4. November 17-19, the 30th annual Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival comes to Martin County, an affordable weekend outdoor festival featuring music and fun for all. Pineapplefestival.info
5. Named after prolific inventor Sterling Elliott, the nearby Elliott Museum hosts a dynamic and interactive collection of antique automobiles, vintage boats, an extensive baseball collection and a deep trove of Treasure Coast histories and stories. In addition, the museum displays an array of traveling exhibits. For the music lover, the historic Lyric Theatre offers a wide array of first-class talent nearly 300 days a year. This acoustically amazing theater features concerts from classical to rock and roll, and theatrical performances by local and national talent. Book a Friday or Saturday show and stay the weekend to savor all Martin County has to offer.