America Voted for Stuart USA TODAY readers named Stuart the nation’s 2nd Best Coastal Small Town in 2024. A closer look at its riverfront, beaches, restaurants, museums and historic downtown explains the vote.
D rive across the Roosevelt Bridge into Stuart and the town appears below in a sweep of blue water, sailboat masts, tiled roofs and palms gathered along the St. Lucie River. Historic Downtown sits at the water’s edge, where Flagler Avenue and Osceola Street lead toward shaded sidewalks, old storefronts and a boardwalk that slips behind restaurants and parks. In April 2024, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Stuart the No. 2 Best Coastal Small Town in America. Stuart had nished second the previous year, then rose to rst a er four weeks of public voting, beating places such as Key West, Newport, Gulf Shores and Pismo Beach. ose of us who live here welcomed the distinction with considerable pride and a small amount of concern about future parking. Visitors should understand Stuart’s geography before arriving. Downtown overlooks the St. Lucie River rather than the Atlantic Ocean, while the beaches, Elliott Museum, Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center and House of Refuge are reached by crossing to Hutchinson Island. e separation works in Stuart’s favor. Downtown
o ers a compact base for walking, dining, shopping and evening entertainment, and the island is only a short drive away for surf, sand and marine attractions. A car is useful for exploring the larger area, but once downtown, it can remain parked while the free city tram and a comfortable pair of shoes handle the rest. e best introduction begins along Flagler Avenue, where boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants occupy buildings scaled for people rather than skylines. More than 50 locally owned businesses ll the downtown district, and their windows carry clothing, jewelry, coastal home décor, antiques, paintings, books and the occasional object no sensible person needs but may purchase anyway. Co ee Bar Blue Door is recognizable by its cheerful entrance and leafy courtyard, where a latte can gradually become a glass of wine as the a ernoon progresses. e streets are compact enough to wander without a plan, and the Riverwalk boardwalk is never far away. It follows the St. Lucie past docks, mangroves and waterfront lawns, with benches positioned for watching boats idle beneath the bridge.
12 Coastal Pearl Living - TREASURE
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