The city of Stuart has earned accolades in recent years, ranking number two on USA Today ’s 2023 list of the best coastal small towns in America and named the “happiest seaside town” by Coastal Living in 2016. The heartbeat of the city is the historic downtown district, which was established way back in the late 1800s and has evolved over the years into a vibrant area filled with arts, culture, and top-notch dining and shopping experiences.
“It’s the heart of our county,” says Candace Callahan, current executive director of Stuart Main Street, the nonprofit that has overseen the downtown district since 1987. “Being surrounded by water, we’re almost like a little island, so you get that coastal vibe. I see all different walks of life come through here day in and day out. It’s a perfect place to work, play, and live.”
Here, a look at some of the fun to be had in downtown Stuart, from history tours to arts excursions and a whole lot more.
Indulge in History
To learn all about Stuart’s rich history, pay a visit to the Stuart Heritage Museum . The building itself has an interesting backstory: originally built in 1901, it served as a general store until the owner tragically perished in a fire in 1943. It then became Stuart Feed Supply, which sold seed, fertilizer, insecticides, and pet and garden supplies. In 1988, the City of Stuart purchased the building to house a museum. Today, visitors can take in a wide variety of carefully preserved old photographs, memorabilia, school yearbooks, indigenous artifacts, and more.