Explore Martin County’s Vibrant History

December 21, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes

Martin County House of Refuge, Aerial Picture

From pirates and pineapple farmers to railroad pioneers, Martin County’s vibrant coastal lifestyle has attracted residents and visitors alike since the very beginning of time. The area is filled with a deep and colorful history that spans countless years of transformation and community spirit. Let’s take a journey back in time to explore how Martin County became an exceptional destination.

Martin County - Pineapples

A Cherished Past, and an Even Brighter Future

Florida’s Treasure Coast received its nickname after Spanish Fleets that shipwrecked along the coast in the 1700s. Gold, silver, and jewels were deposited into the waters and beaches, making it an excellent area to search for buried treasure. Treasure hunters, however, aren’t the only ones who have struck gold along the Treasure Coast. Otto and Ernest, two of Martin County’s earliest settlers in the 1890s, found their fortunes in pineapple farming. Soon after, farmers from across the nation flocked to the area to create a life of their own.

The Indian River became a highway for millions of pineapples, citrus, fish, and more shipped north annually, and Jensen even became known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World.” Enticed by the area’s thriving coastal lifestyle, railroad pioneer Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railway system further south, initiating trading from New York to Key West. The railroad brought about a new wave of excitement to the area, as more and more people were attracted to settle down in this coastal community. Today, the Storie continues to unfold as innovative visionaries recognize the best is yet to come. Stay tuned to be among the first to have a glimpse of the next Chapter of Martin County history with a very unique community concept.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

Today, Martin County has continued to grow into a world-class destination, but still stays humble to its historic roots. Residents have come together to preserve numerous historic buildings around the city that show the transformation of this tropical locale. Here are just a few of the cultural and historic landmarks that make Martin County irreplaceable.

Martin County House of Refuge

Photo Courtesy Of: House of Refuge

House of Refuge

Built in 1876, the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is Martin County’s oldest building, and the last remaining of ten cottages built along Florida’s coastline to provide shelter for shipwreck survivors. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum displays historical maritime artifacts, a model ship collection, shipwreck artifacts, and furnishings belonging to the House’s ‘Keeper’.

Martin County - Elliott Museum

Elliott Museum

Founded in 1960, the Elliott Museum showcases the ingenuity of local inventor Sterling Elliott and inspires creativity through history, art, and community culture. The two-story museum on Hutchinson Island is filled with something for every age and interest to enjoy, including a comprehensive assemblage of Model A trucks, the world’s largest collection of baseball cards, the history of local smugglers the Ashley Gang, and much more.

Stuart Heritage Museum

Housed in what was previously the Stuart Feed & Supply Store, the Stuart Heritage Museum celebrates and preserves the heritage, artifacts, and history of Stuart and its surrounding communities. Countless relics and artifacts span from the area’s Native American heritage up to the present day.

Martin County - Sea Turtle

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Martin County’s storied history, however, spans far past the land. The area is home to one of the bio-diverse lagoon ecosystems in the entire Northern hemisphere. For residents, keeping clean water a priority issue and educating on these waterways is equally as crucial. The 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center serves as a hands-on natural learning environment to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s marine life and local coastal ecosystems. With the help of over 250 volunteers, the team leads efforts in biodiversity research, long-term monitoring of water quality, and volunteer-driven restoration of oysters, seagrass, and mangroves throughout South Florida.

kayaking the st lucie river in martin county florida

A New Chapter in Preserving Martin County’s History

As Martin County continues to grow in popularity, residents have placed a high priority on clean water initiatives and open spaces that preserve the area’s future. Protecting these green spaces and creating new clean water initiatives are two central components of Storie, an innovative new community concept on tap for Martin County’s future. Storie, FL is a vision that has yet to be unveiled, but the designers are placing a high priority on creating a vibrant downtown, parks, educational opportunities, and plentiful outdoor activities for all Martin County residents to enjoy.

Original Article Courtesy of StorieFL.com

Local Favorite Holiday Events on Florida’s Treasure Coast

December 5, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes

From boat parades and light shows to concerts and carnivals, Florida’s Treasure Coast hosts an abundance of events year-round to entertain residents of all lifestyles. The holiday season, however, is the most special, with events that have become traditions residents enjoy year after year. Discover all the exciting Treasure Coast holiday events.
The Port St. Lucie Community Center is taking the lights to the streets for this year’s Winter Wonderland Light Show. Synchronized to holiday music, six leaping arches provide a kaleidoscope of color, while trees are adorned with festive lights.
Explore Fort Pierce’s Heathcote Botanical Gardens in a whole new light this holiday season at their Garden of Lights event. For the entire month of December, Heathcote’s five acres of gardens will be illuminated with thousands of lights handcrafted into colorful seasonal and whimsical garden displays.
santa on a firetruck at Stuart Christmas Parade Treasure Coast Holiday EventsStuart Christmas Parade has been surprising and delighting visitors and locals alike for over 50 years. Head downtown on December 2 to soak in the holiday spirit, with floats designed around this year’s theme, “A Storybook Christmas.”
A holiday tradition for the whole family, over 50 local non-profits have created lighted Christmas displays for this year’s Carnival of Lights. Taking place at the Martin County Fair, guests can enjoy Christmas crafts, food trucks, carnival rides, and festive holiday music provided by local schools and musicians.
Boats decorated with lights for the St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade Treasure Coast Holiday Events Mariners are invited to decorate their boats both big and small with fun holiday decorations to show off in the St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade. The parade begins just north of the South Causeway Bridge, travels through the Fort Pierce Inlet, and ends at the Fort Pierce City Marina. Guests can enjoy viewing the boat parade from waterfront restaurants, parks, and other locations along the St. Lucie River route.
christmas lights at Festival of Lights in st lucie county Treasure Coast Holiday Events Start the holiday season in style at the Mid Florida Credit Union Event Center with their annual Festival of Lights. The event includes a holiday parade, a tree lighting ceremony, live holiday music, fireworks, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and much more.
While Downtown Fort Pierce is already recognized as one of the most beautiful Main Streets in America, the holiday season brings a new type of beauty to the region. The annual Sights & Sounds on Second Parade kicks off a night of holiday celebrations, with floats from local vendors under the theme “Country Christmas.” After the parade, stay downtown to witness the official lighting of Main Street.
Downtown Fort Pierce is also home to the Holiday Lights Spectacular, a dazzling light show that sparkles in the night sky during the holiday season. Over 100,000 lights are synchronized to holiday music, creating a must-see spectacle for both locals and out-of-town guests.
Grab a comfy blanket, a lawn chair, and bring the whole family together to watch the holiday classic The Polar Express at the Mid Florida Event Center. Taking place on the expansive outdoor lawn, guests can enjoy the Florida weather while enjoying free popcorn. Kona Ice will also be at the event with shaved ice cups.
Celebrate Hispanic culture at Veterans Park’s annual Noche Buena festivities. Celebrating the Hispanic version of Christmas Eve, residents are invited to enjoy a night filled with live music by four-time Grammy award-winning musician Tomasito Cruz, dancing, and delicious food.
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3 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in Dallas, Texas

| Read Time: 3 minutes

3 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in Dallas, Texas

As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, no city knows how to celebrate the holidays bigger than Dallas, Texas. With so much to see and do, we’ve narrowed the list down to a few of the area’s most anticipated holiday traditions.

texas holiday events near wildcat the December 2-30: Christmas Lights, Chocolates, & Sips Tours Both Christmas light enthusiasts and holiday treat connoisseurs alike love to sit back, relax, and enjoy the spirit of the season on Dallas’ Christmas Lights, Chocolates & Sips Tour. Recognized by USA Today as one of the top things to do in Dallas during the holidays, a private heated motorcoach will drive guests first to premier local dessert venues for scrumptious holiday treats. Afterward, the lively host will guide guests through magical holiday displays spread throughout Park Cities and Downtown Dallas.
holiday events in texas the klyde warren park tree lighting A treasured Dallas tradition, the Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park is a festive day filled with fun for the whole family. The outdoor festival features everything from holiday crafts and photos with Santa to face painting and snow flurries. As the sun sets, the day culminates with a live show featuring holiday performances, visits from Santa’s friends Frosty and Rudolph, and the annual tree lighting.
holiday events include christmas 5k Dallas’s most festive holiday 5k is back and bigger than ever! The first-ever Charlie Brown Christmas 5k is the perfect place for families to show off their best holiday attire and spread the joy of the holiday season. A Snoopy Kids Dash kicks off the event, followed by a 5k fun run/ walk on the Trinity Skyline Trail with beautiful views of downtown Dallas throughout. Post-race refreshments and an appearance by Santa ensure the fun doesn’t stop after crossing the finish line.
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A Local’s Guide to Spending a Sunday in Downtown Stuart

October 4, 2022 | Read Time: 3 minutes

sailfish fountain in downtown stuart florida

Named America’s Happiest Seaside Town, the City of Stuart is a hidden gem on the Treasure Coast that offers people a chance to join a lively and close-knit community. The city boasts many annual events such as arts and crafts festivals, shopapaloozas and Halloween and Christmas celebrations. However, every Sunday in Downtown Stuart, there are plenty of fun activities happening all day long. From farmer’s markets and live music to many restaurants and boutiques, here’s how the locals enjoy their Sunday in Downtown Stuart.

Stuart Green Market:

Located at Flagler Park, the Stuart Green Market brings to Downtown Stuart a myriad of freshly prepared, high-quality goods each week. From produce to freshly baked bread, handcrafted soaps, handmade paintings, locally created artwork, jewelry and more, this market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Courtesy trams are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays to help you get from parking to the downtown area seamlessly.

produce and plants at stuart's outdoor market

Rock’n Riverwalk:

After a stroll through the farmer’s market, follow the sounds of music to the iconic sail shades of the Riverwalk Stage. Rock’n Riverwalk, Downtown Stuart’s signature waterfront concert series, takes place every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by Stuart Main Street and the Historic Downtown Business Association, people can relax in the shade, dine al fresco and enjoy local musicians as they play a variety of music.
band playing on stage at riverwalk
Photo Credit: Steven Martine, Stuart Main Street

The Best Brunch Places in Town:

Whenever hunger strikes, there are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance from Flagler Park to enjoy. If you’re looking to dine with waterfront views, The Boathouse offers a mix of everything including seafood, salads, sandwiches and sushi rolls. For those looking for a cozier brunch option, the Osceola Street Café offers a quaint atmosphere where one can enjoy homemade breakfasts, baked goods, and specialty soups, salads and sandwiches. With a casual upscale dining atmosphere, the Spritz City Bistro offers an array of classic American cuisines. Finally, Café Martier at the Post Office Arcade is an eclectic modern European café that features a wine garden, breezeway piano bar and a speakeasy.
plates of brunch food and glasses of juice

Locally Owned Shops and Boutiques:

Featuring everything from fine art and home décor to accessories and clothing, Downtown Stuart contains dozens of unique, independently owned boutiques to explore. For cutting edge women’s fashions and jewelry, check out Aphrodite Style, April Daze, The GypSea Cottage, Matilda’s and Radiant Outfitters. Looking to re-decorate your home? Decorators Finest, Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic and Sandy Bar Cove all offer beautifully selected items for the home. Rare Earth Gallery also sells handmade artwork for the perfect gift. All these locally owned shops and more are just a walk down SW Osceola Street away.
interior of a boutique in downtown stuart
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An Insider’s Guide to One-of-A-Kind Dining Experiences along the Treasure Coast

| Read Time: 6 minutes

exterior of hudsons on the river
Renowned for its fresh ocean dishes and mouthwatering coastal cuisines, Florida’s Treasure Coast is a food lover’s paradise. This tropical locale along the east coast is home to some of the top restaurants, with award-winning dining options for every time of day and every discerning palate. Here’s a glimpse into just a few of the incredible dining experiences that make the Treasure Coast irreplaceable.

New & Noteworthy Restaurants

plate of food from stuart's cafe martier
Image Courtesy of Café Martier
For farm-to-table favorites, Colab Kitchen in Stuart features everything from vegan-friendly flatbreads to lemon ricotta pancakes and waffles. The open-air backyard area is a favored spot to dine, with a patio area, lawn games, and plenty of places where people can spread out, lounge, and enjoy good food. Colab Kitchen also features its own fresh market to shop for local produce, house-made bread, pastries, and more.
Hudson’s on the River is a brand-new restaurant designed to bring friends and family together in a relaxed atmosphere. This trendy waterfront restaurant combines a unique location underneath the Roosevelt bridge with tropical design flair. Hudson’s is known for its fresh seafood and sushi, along with a unique roster of mixed drinks.
Stringer’s Tavern and Oyster Bar in Stuart provides a flavorful menu of fresh oysters, classically reimagined seafood dishes, hand-crafted cocktails, and the area’s largest selection of rum. This restaurant is also very fond of the historical influence of boat builders and surrounds guests with the city’s unique history.
Located at the Post Office Arcade in Downtown Stuart, Café Martier is an eclectic modern European café that features a wine garden, breezeway piano bar, and a speakeasy. This vintage chic eatery serves everything from brunch omelets and waffles to pan-seared scallops and hand-cut ribeye for dinner.

Dining Landmarks

Established in 1991, Luna Italian Cuisine is a restaurant icon within Downtown Stuart. This casual Italian restaurant is known for its specialty pizzas, and irresistible homemade garlic knots.
Located at the edge of the Riverwalk, Stuart Boathouse boasts views of the St. Lucie River from every seat. This serene Stuart centerpiece is open seven days a week, complete with a mouthwatering American-style menu that will make any visitor a regular.
Jan’s Place in Jensen Beach is a family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving delicious food for over 20 years. The restaurant is open seven days a week serving breakfast, brunch, and delicious homemade pastries.

Best Private Club Dining

For a night at home, this private club community offers three restaurants ranging from formal waterfront dining to a la carte casual fair. The Grille Room is a favorite casual spot for lunch, dinner, and drinks in a casual, comfortable setting. The Dockside Pavilion is one of the favorite pub venues among members, hosting a la carte dining while enjoying live music, cocktails, and watching the beautiful sunset colors reflect on the estuary waters. Finally, as more formal dining venue, the elegant Riverview Dining Room hosts the Club’s gala affairs, with a variety of dining areas to suit any mood.

Hidden Gems

steak plate closeup
Located in Stuart, South Fork Kitchen and Bar focuses on a farm-to-table approach, sourcing only the freshest local ingredients available. This casual atmosphere is known for its vast wine selection, and one of the best burgers in town.
Talk: House provides an intimate and relaxed dining experience, with an innovative menu focused on the freshest ingredients. Popular menu items include the cashew-crusted salmon and specialty New Zealand rack of lamb.
Located in a cozy Key West-style house just outside of Downtown Stuart, Casa Bella provides creative and authentic Italian cuisines. This family-owned restaurant focuses on homemade food and pasta using the only finest ingredients.
Since 2009, The Chef’s Table has been pairing bold New American and Italian cuisines with a friendly atmosphere. Understated yet elegant, the main dining room is centered around a family heirloom, a well-loved table that seats up to six. The restaurant’s executive chef creates seasonal menus that showcase handmade pastas, the freshest local seafood, choice meats, and peak of the season vegetables.

Mouthwatering Menus

plate of food from district table
Image Courtesy of The District Table
Located in the heart of Downtown Stuart, The Gafford is a sophisticated bistro offering high-end American cuisine. This family-owned and operated restaurant is known for its exceptional fresh fish, beef, and daily specials. The Gafford has also won Open Table’s Diner’s Choice Award four years in a row.
District Table & Bar in Port Salerno, Florida, is a seasonally driven restaurant with Southern roots and a laid-back atmosphere. From small plates meant for sharing to the freshest Florida seafood and Prime grade beef, The District Table fulfills every craving.
Just outside Palm City’s limits, Oak & Ember is the latest concept in new steak dinner restaurants by Kyle Greene. This steakhouse is known for its delectable meats, craft cocktails, fine wines, and an ambiance that sets the tone for a memorable evening. They also have a second location that will be opening in Downtown Stuart this fall.

Waterfront Dining

table setting outdoors at kyle g's
Image Credits Courtesy of Kyle G's

Overlooking the Saint Lucie River and the Roosevelt Bridge, TideHouse is the perfect place for food, drinks, and beautiful views. With indoor and outdoor seating available, this restaurant provides a mix of Florida seafood, shareable plates, and a creative cocktail menu.

As a Port Salerno icon, The Twisted Tuna is the city’s largest waterfront restaurant, offering 10,000 square feet of indoor dining on two floors – each with panoramic views of the St. Lucie River. Nightly live entertainment, a diverse food and drink menu, and great views make this spot a favorite among locals.

Located on Hutchinson Island, Kyle G’s is an award-winning restaurant boasting spectacular ocean views. Open for every meal, this seaside dining locale has created an amazing menu from sunrise breakfast and brunch to fresh oysters, seafood, and steaks.

Sailor’s Return is a favored spot for boaters, offering 930 feet of docks right in front of the restaurant. This waterfront restaurant provides guests with a wide variety of food from seafood and steaks to classic American fare. For a quick cup of coffee or a sweet treat after dinner, Gilbert’s Coffee Bar is also located in the same plaza.

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7 Places You Can Only Enjoy in St. Lucie County

September 29, 2022 | Read Time: 5 minutes

two people horseback riding on the beach

From stunning beaches to miles of nature trails, one Florida region has yet to lose its natural charm. Nestled along Florida’s Treasure Coast, St. Lucie County embraces a unique way of life, with plentiful attractions that allow residents to take full advantage of the area’s beautiful natural surroundings. But it’s not just sunny skies and natural beauty that attracts families to the region. Here are some of our favorite St. Lucie County places to visit.

sailfish jumping from water with boat in background
baseball player at clover park
shopping plaza exterior
boy at aquarium glass looking at sharks
Perhaps one of the rarest adventures in the city, the beaches of Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce are the only place in Florida that permits horseback riding. Riders over 10 years old can embark on this unforgettable adventure, with a slow-paced, gentle ride down the secluded and rustic Atlantic shoreline.
sailfish jumping from water with boat in background

St. Lucie County is known for providing nonstop action for anglers of all skill levels. Staying inshore on the Indian River Lagoon is packed with spotted sea trout, snook, snapper, black drum, and flounder. Or head to the offshore waters to catch grouper, snapper, and mahi-mahi. Fort Pierce also marks the northern point of Sailfish Alley, a hotspot for sailfish that runs down to The Palm Beaches. If that’s not enough fishing excitement, the west end of the Bahamas is just 80 nautical miles away.

For avid golfers, there are plenty of championship golf courses available. The PGA Golf Club and Saints Golf Course are favored choices for championship golf designed by golf legends. For a fun evening with the whole family, Pop Stroke‘s two mini golf courses, golf simulator bays, on-course service for refreshments and cocktails, and more provide an interactive and competitive atmosphere for the whole family. Future residents of Wylder will also enjoy their own championship golf course within their community’s gates.
baseball player at clover park

Sporting enthusiasts love coming to St. Lucie County during spring training season, as Clover Park is the spring training hub for the New York Mets, the summer home of the St. Lucie Mets, and the hub for all New York Mets minor league operations. Scoring tickets to the game provides an up-close and personal experience at the ballpark no bad seats in the house. When the players aren’t in town, the Sports Complex is used for a variety of events ranging from festivals and concerts to RV shows and baseball tournaments.

Whether you’re a hiker, biker, beach lover, hunter, or kayaker, Port St. Lucie’s natural wonderlands provide a place for every activity. Savannas Preserve State Park boasts over 17 miles of multi-use nature trails to explore by foot, bike, or ATV, while canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the wetlands are popular recreational activities. Only accessible by boat, the St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park takes visitors through mangrove forests and hammocks of live oaks to a neatly preserved Atlantic beach. During the summer months, the island is an important nesting area for loggerhead, leatherback, and green turtles, and it is not uncommon to see hatchlings making their way to the water.
shopping plaza exterior

From local boutiques to novelty stores, the downtown Fort Pierce area is filled with shops any fashionista would love to peruse. Artists cherish the several galleries throughout the downtown district, with large art pieces, and murals scattered throughout the city. On Saturdays year-round, the lively Fort Pierce Farmers Market fills the area with delicious foods, farm-fresh goodies, distinctive artwork, and more to peruse – all while enjoying waterfront views. For those just wishing to soak in the Florida sunshine, Jetty Park is a favored destination. Afterward, nearby waterfront restaurants are well-known for their laidback atmosphere and seafood staples, including Square Grouper Tiki Bar, Sunrise Sands Beach Resort, Taco Dive, and more.

boy at aquarium glass looking at sharks

History is also intertwined into many of St. Lucie’s attractions, ensuring the lifelong learner has plenty to explore. Take a self-guided tour along a heritage trail, learn the history of the Navy SEALs and how they first began training in Fort Pierce during WWII, or go straight to the St. Lucie County Regional History Museum for a glimpse at the foundation that the St. Lucie County is built on. For more ways to explore the incredible wildlife of the area, airboat rides along the St. Lucie River and the St. Lucie County Aquarium are both dedicated to educating the public on the diversity and complexity of Florida’s marine environments.

The Ultimate Guide to An Unforgettable Buckhead Experience

September 22, 2022 | Read Time: 3 minutes

group of women shopping near buckhead
Known for its beauty and affluence, Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most prestigious neighborhoods. This dynamic suburban town just north of Downtown Atlanta is a trendy and chic destination, with critically acclaimed restaurants, renowned shopping, intriguing art installations, and memorable landmarks all within easy reach. Here’s a closer look at just a few of the locals’ favored destinations.

Shop at One of the Best Shopping Malls in the Southeast

For the fashionista always searching for the latest trends, Lenox Square Mall has an array of stores to choose from. With four stories and more than 250 stores, the mall ranges from exclusive designer boutiques to casual staples, ensuring plentiful options for every member of the family. Five restaurants and an extensive food court make the mall a popular dining and entertainment venue.

Explore Local History at the Atlanta History Center

book bindery in buckhead
What once began as a small historical center has grown over the decades to encompass 33 acres of curated Goizueta Gardens, four historic houses, varied programming, and award-winning exhibitions. The Atlanta History Center showcases all of Atlanta’s vast history, from the state’s original Muscogee and Cherokee inhabitants to present-day stories of Atlanta citizens. Visitors can also explore nine distinct gardens with acres of preserved woodlands or discover some of the city’s oldest surviving houses that are on property.

Admire Contemporary Artwork

Buckhead Art & Company is one of Buckhead’s hidden gems, and a premier destination for contemporary artwork. This locally owned art gallery provides a space for local artists to flourish, with a 4,000-square-foot gallery that exhibits proactive pop works, harmonious landscapes, timeless paintings, meticulously crafted designs, and more. All the pieces within the gallery are also for sale, allowing visitors to take home any vibrant artwork that catches their eye.

Discover an Ancient River in a Modern City

river and trees in chattahoochee national park

For those who cherish spending a day outdoors, the Chattahoochee National Park is a great place for a picnic, bike ride, or a leisurely stroll. Over 48 miles of rivers flow through the park, offering excellent opportunities for a leisurely paddle, canoe, or kayak ride to observe the area’s flora and fauna. Fishing in the Chattahoochee River yields year-round catches of trout, bass, catfish, and other species.

Indulge in Critically Acclaimed Restaurants

group of friends dining in buckhead

Known among gourmands and foodies as a top dining destination, Buckhead has an array of extraordinary restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and eateries. Enjoy innovative and carefully curated farm-to-table menus at Atlas Buckhead or Aria Restaurant. Head to Storico Fresco for fresh pasta dishes, Chai Yo for a high-end take on classic Thai dishes, or another of the many eclectic international cuisine venues. No matter where residents choose to dine, there is a perfect choice for every mood, taste, and occasion.

Read the full article here & learn more about the Buckhead lifestyle.

Discover Downtown Sarasota’s Culture and Entertainment Venues

September 20, 2022 | Read Time: 3 minutes

exterior of venue in downtown sarasota

Located in the heart of Florida’s Cultural Coast, Downtown Sarasota boasts an abundance of arts, music, and entertainment venues throughout this quaint, yet cosmopolitan city center.  Here are a few of the world-class entertainment destinations that await exploration.

The Bay Park

The scenic nature of The Bay Park along the shores of Sarasota Bay is a unique backdrop for three exceptional venues. This spectacular waterfront setting is undergoing a transformation to integrate the flora and fauna of the Botanical Gardens with a new Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Symphony. In addition, walking trails, fishing piers and boating access make this 53-acre park a central component of the Sarasota lifestyle.

aerial of the bay park aerial

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Located within The Bay Park, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is one of the area’s premier entertainment venues. Since its inception in 1970, the Van Wezel has presented spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras, and a compelling mix of classical, modern, and ethnic dance. With over 100 events annually, there is sure to be something to entertain every cultural enthusiast.

aerial of the van wezel performing arts center

Sarasota Opera House

Known as “one of America’s finest venues for opera” by Musical America, the Sarasota Opera House has provided world-class performances since 1960. This internationally acclaimed professional company showcases the best in opera music. Innovative technology ensures visitors of any language can follow along easily. Sarasota Opera House is also the only company in the world to have completed the entire Verdi Cycle, a unique undertaking to perform all 39 works of renowned Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Nearby Main Street also is home to Gallery Row and dozens of top-rated restaurants and boutique shopping.

Ringling Museum of Art

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official art museum of Florida. Established in 1927, the museum’s collection consists of more than 10,000 pieces from across the globe, celebrating every historical period from ancient to contemporary. The campus is located just five minutes north of One Park Sarasota, along the Sarasota Bay Coastline. The impressive campus is also home to a circus museum, the Asolo Theater, and the recently restored Ringling mansion.

The Historic Belle Haven

Immediately adjacent to One Park within the Quay, this three-story building is an architectural jewel filled with culture and history. Built in 1926, the Belle Haven’s Mediterranean Revival design has become a landmark piece of the Bayfront, as well as a designated historic structure by the city of Sarasota. Currently under a full restoration with GreenPointe developers, this important landmark along the bayfront is a symbol of pride for the city, hosting numerous art shows and events throughout the year.

exterior image of the historical belle haven

Theatres and Museums Abound

The Florida Studio Theatre is a local favorite within Downtown’s Rosemary District, bordering the Boulevard of the Arts. The Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Sarasota Classic Car Museum can be found nearby, adjacent to the Ringling Museum campus. The Asolo’s innovative programming is focused on drawing patrons from every generation, including youth training, lifelong learning for adults, and professional development for educators. The slate of plays run the gamut from contemporary drama to classical comedy, introducing audiences to many talented artisans from around the globe.

St. Armands Circle

Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands Circle is an internationally renowned entertainment destination. St. Armands Circle brings outdoor European flair to life, with an atmosphere of genuine warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. This one-of-a-kind marketplace features exceptional local galleries, gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques, and luxury retailers.

Original story published by One Park Sarasota 

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