Located along the Treasure Coast of Florida lies the charming city of Stuart. Contrary to its quaint size, Stuart has a renowned reputation and is currently listed as #6 on Southern Living’s list of best small towns in the south. A place where you can immerse yourself in coastal history and explore many sights, Stuart is the type of town where locals know everyone’s name. Given the title of “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, see for yourself the top 5 reasons why locals are in love with their little slice of paradise.

roosevelt bridge after sunset in stuart
Image Credit Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

1. A Vibrant Downtown

This quintessential town may be small in size, but it is filled with charm. With much to see and do, Historic Downtown Stuart is a highlight of the area. Located directly off the St. Lucie River, this downtown has a variety of award-winning restaurants for every palate including, Café Martier, an eclectic modern European café and speakeasy, and The Gafford, a sophisticated American bistro offering a mouthwatering menu of fresh and locally sourced specials. Shop till you drop at local boutiques and stores such as, Matilda’s, Gumbo Limbo and O’ Sole Mio. If you are looking for a lively art scene, this downtown has a plethora of art galleries and music venues including the 95 year old Lyric Theater. Stop by this charming downtown on Sunday mornings to explore the local greenmarket, and enjoy music from local musicians at Rock’n Riverwalk, a weekly waterfront concert series. Between fabulous shops and dining, a lively art scene and mile of riverwalk, Downtown Stuart is a gem in this small town.

lookout tower at the house of refugees
Image Credit Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

2. 152 Years of History

In the center of Martin County, Florida, Stuart is a city that has a long and rich history. Founded in 1870, this town embodies authentic Florida history and is home to many historic landmarks. Located right on the coastline is The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar, the oldest structure in all of Martin County. This former house once provided shelter for shipwreck survivors but now is used as a museum. Right up the road lies The Elliott Museum and the Historical Society of Martin County. The museum encompasses many local history exhibits pertaining to cars, artwork, baseball and more. Just two of many historical attractions, learn all about the history that makes this town so unique.

pier at hutchinson island during sunset in Stuart
Image Credit Courtesy of Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

3. Gorgeous Scenery

Located in the heart of Martin County, Stuart is home to breathtaking waterways and pristine beaches. Connected to the surrounding areas via bridges, there is a surplus of waterfront views. Feeding out into the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucie Inlet and Indian River Lagoon have several small islands and sandbars meant for gathering and exploration. The long shorelines of pristine beaches on Hutchinson Island are undoubtedly what draws people to Stuart. Clear waters and sunny weather make every day feel like a vacation. The barrier island also encompasses a wide variety of tropical wildlife, such as sea turtles, manatees, herons and egrets. Its lush landscape consists of gorgeous mangrove forests and untouched estuaries. Stuart is truly a nature lover’s dream. Tropical scenery and seemingly endless waterfront views transform this unassuming town into a scenic resort-style area.

4. Sailfish Capital of The World

A hotspot for deep-sea fishing, Sailfish Alley runs from Fort Pierce all the way down to the Palm Beaches. Located right in the middle of this oceanic phenomenon is Stuart, the “Sailfish Capital of the World”. Popular for sportfishing, Stuart has an abundance of sailfish, tarpon, lobster, snook, and more just yards from the shore. Between the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, there are a wide variety of places to boat and fish. For those longing for adventure, the Bahamas are only 55 nautical miles away by water. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing for sailfish or kayaking around the river, there are an infinite amount of ways to be active on the water.

5. Central Location

Stuart, Florida is the centermost point of Martin County. Surrounded by smaller adjacent cities such as Palm City and Jensen Beach, this area is a suburb for The Palm Beaches. A vibrant area with many attractions, shopping and dining, The Palm Beaches are a gateway to all things luxury. There is something that will pique everyone’s interest whether you’re exploring iconic Worth Avenue, visiting The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic landmark hotel, or taking in the lively and colorful ambiance of this famous area. Approximately an hour away from Stuart, take advantage of all this lively area has to offer while still embracing small-town living.

Located on the shoreline of the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge offers the very best of boating and golf course living. The 45,000 square foot Clubhouse is the heart of the community, designed to take full advantage of the stunning panoramic vistas of the St. Lucie River. Residents can also entertain themselves at the Lakeside Lifestyle Center, home to nine Har-Tru courts, eight pickleball courts, a spacious fitness center, a full-service spa, barbershop, and physical therapy. Harbour Ridge also features two USGA recognized championship golf courses: The River Ridge, a Pete & P.B. Dye designed course with tropical landscapes and vistas that can be played from any of the five sets of tees, and the Golden Marsh, a Bobby-Weed designed course with tropical charm, swaying palms, and sweeping vistas. Three private marinas on-site provide a combined total of 98 slips for boats up to 80 feet in length.

The wide variety of homes for sale within the Harbour Ridge community offers varying price points and styles to suit every need. All single-family homes and condominiums have stunning views of the St. Lucie River, lakes golf courses, or nature preserves. Move-in-ready rental residences are also available for seasonal residents. Our complimentary digital brochure shares an even closer look at the amenities and lifestyle offered within this waterfront community. Visit HarbourRidge.com or call 772-336-3000 for more information.

Farmers’ markets have taken off in the past couple of years, and it’s easy to see why. The Treasure Coast’s tropical climate is perfect for fruits to grow, makes delicious beef and eggs, and gives everyone a good excuse to get outside and get together. After all, who could turn down a day that starts with watching the river go by as you eat breakfast, buying some of the freshest produce from local farmers and dancing along to live music?

Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market

We’d argue that although there are many amazing markets out there, none of them could come close to the Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers’ Market. There’s so much to check out here, and so much of it has been grown, raised or made right in here South Florida. One such example is the dips at Dani’s Healthy Organic Fun Food. Everything on the table is delicious, from the crackers to the amazing Lemon-y Artichoke Dip, and Dani himself made everything. Make sure to stop and grab a box of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled donuts from Cider Doughnuts. They’re freshly made right in front of you, and make for the perfect snack! If you want a gift to send to family up north that’s authentically Florida, grab them a box of oranges from Al’s Family Farms. Locally grown right in South Florida, you won’t find sweeter citrus anywhere else.

Stuart Green Market

The Stuart Green Market started out in the 90s by people whose dream it was to bring locally grown produce and goods to the people of Stuart. Roughly 30 years later, that dream is still alive, thanks to the vendors who show up every Sunday and the buyers who come to enjoy live music, shopping, and great food by the waterfront. No one can resist a salty treat from Sea Turtle Concessions, which serves up hot dogs and ice-cold drinks every Sunday at the market! Grab some produce from Whole Plant Food, or wooden bowls from Otton Wood making. Walk down the waterfront a little ways, and you’ll come across PJ Ranch, known for their sweet syrups! Whether you’re looking for maple syrup, mangrove honey from Florida mangroves, or sorghum, they have it all of the stickiest, sweetest stuff here.

When you’re purchasing fruit or honey from a farmer’s market, you’re getting more than just produce. You’re getting something that’s authentically Florida. Most folks think that that’s hard to find these days, but it turns out that it’s closer than you think. And Harbour Ridge is in the heart of it all.

Located just a short way from each of these farmer’s markets on the Treasure Coast, Harbour Ridge embraces the area’s authenticity in so many ways.

Harbour Ridge is one of Florida’s premier private waterfront golf communities. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes it the perfect place to live, and members and residents alike enjoy the well-rounded Florida lifestyle that it offers.

Harbour Ridge is the best of the best. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire course. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.

To learn more about the unique Florida lifestyle offered at Harbour Ridge and the wide variety of residential real estate offerings available, CLICK HERE. We will email you a digital brochure that highlights the amenities and lifestyle of our waterfront community.

January should provide anglers with lots of exciting action this year. Fishing in deeper water will provide you with better results on most days. Working your lures and baits much slower will also give you a better chance at success. Fish tend to become lethargic in cold water and are slow in moving to strike at lures. Finding water that is a couple of degrees warmer than the surrounding area can also give you an edge on finding fish. Water temperatures have been mild so far.

According to Captain Charlie, Redfish can be found around docks and sitting on the flats on warm, sunny days. Try a DOA shrimp around mangroves and docks for reds. The trout bite has greatly improved this past year and it should continue to get better. Snook season is closed for now and it will continue to be catch and release. Bridges, docks and the inlets will be the best opportunities to catch snook this month.

Bridges will continue to produce sheepshead, black drum, croakers, sand perch and bluefish. Most of the anglers on the catwalks prefer live or frozen shrimp for these fish. The drum and sheepshead have once again arrived early, and action has already been steady for these tasty fish. The inlet and turning basin will be full of bluefish, jacks and mackerel this month. Live or dead bait on a jig head will give you plenty of action along with silver spoons or shiny lures. Around seawalls, channel edges or deeper structure you can find grouper for catch and release action in January. Pompano fishing will depend on water temperatures for their location, but they will be in the area throughout the winter. Surf anglers will be targeting these fish on days when the beach is fishable. Enjoy fishing in January on the Treasure Coast!

The weather forecast is looking great for fishing, as well. The late summer atmosphere, along with the Atlantic Ridge Axis shifting from Central to South Florida means that the air and water temperatures are less likely to produce storms. Enjoy a few weeks of warm blue waters and mostly sunny blue skies.
The fishing and the weather make it great to spend time outdoors. One of the best possible places to cast is near Harbour Ridge – located on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The lifestyle of this private community is centered around the water and second to none.

Harbour Ridge is one of Florida’s premier private waterfront golf and country club communities. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes it the perfect place to live, and members and residents alike enjoy the well-rounded Florida lifestyle that it offers.

Harbour Ridge is the best of the best. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.

Between the excitement of the Space Coast and the glamour of the Palm Beaches lies a special gem that many people have never heard of. The Treasure Coast, a unique paradise with a friendly atmosphere and small-town charisma, is also home to the charming city of Stuart. Originally used as a pineapple farming area and a stop for trains carrying cargo, the town has since established itself for offering boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and tons of entertainment while still maintaining its small-town atmosphere and connection to nature. Here, it’s not rare to be greeted with a warm smile and a friendly hello. The residents at Harbour Ridge are always ready to chat about their favorite local spots.

Stuart offers a quaint and laidback lifestyle like no other. In 2016, it was even designated as ‘America’s Happiest Seaside Town’ by Coastal Living. With a stroll through downtown, residents can grab a bite to eat, visit the weekly Stuart Green Market, experience live entertainment and enjoy access to the St. Lucie River. From the historic downtown shopping district to the beaches and Intracoastal Waterway, Stuart exudes a unique charm not found anywhere else.

Stuart’s quaint atmosphere is also enhanced by its connection to nature. It’s not uncommon to catch glimpses of your natural neighbors such as blue herons, manatees or dolphins on a morning walk around the downtown boardwalk. Boating here is a very popular pastime. Stuart is even known as the Sailfish Capital of the World for its abundance of sport fishing opportunities. There’s so much to do here, yet it remains away from it all.

Located on the Treasure Coast and just minutes from Downtown Stuart, Harbour Ridge is Florida’s premier private waterfront golf community. Its waterfront location on the St. Lucie River makes it the perfect place to live, and it’s treasured by members and residents alike.

Harbour Ridge offers the best of the Florida lifestyle. The two championship golf courses wind along the river with beautiful views throughout the entire courses. Residents can entertain themselves at the new Lakeside Fitness Center or explore the surrounding area with kayaks and boat rentals from the on-site Marina. An active calendar of events informs residents of the activities that will take place in the neighborhood, and consists of everything from sporting events to dinners and social gatherings.

If you are searching for the big game and your personal best catch, then Florida’s Treasure Coast is your ideal fishing location. Loaded with massive grouper, snook, snapper, wahoo and sailfish, the crystal blue waters off the shore of the Treasure Coast are just waiting for your next adventure. We have narrowed down a few of the area’s tops spots to guarantee your next cast is your biggest and best yet:

4. Sailfish Point
The North side of the Saint Lucie Inlet is an area known as Sailfish Point. The Sailfish Point area provides an excellent fishing spot, primarily for Snook between the months of April and September. Use caution when boating in this area as it’s a maze of shallows that can ground your boat in the blink of an eye but when you find that sweet spot, the fish will come biting in droves.

3. Hells Gate
The name is much more intimidating than the location. It’s actually very peaceful. Getting there is also fairly easy. As you round the Southernmost tip of Sewalls point, and start heading North up the Saint Lucie River, the narrowest point (about 1/2 a mile North West of the point) is an area known as Hells Gate. It provides some excellent year round fishing. While you’ll find the docks an excellent place for Snook year round, the Channel side provides a solid fishery for Ladyfish and Bluefish from December to March.

2. Bessie Cove
Just South of the Stuart Causeway, on the East Side of the River, you’ll find the Bessie Cove area. All along the area is a large grass flats area, as well as a large number of docks. The grass flat, as well as the other flats areas in the river, is a good spot for catching some Seatrout from November to April, while the docks can be a good place to find Redfish and Snook. The Redfish bite is good from November to March, while the Snook bite is best between April to October.

1. Harbour Ridge
Topping the list is Harbour Ridge This unique community located on the wide water of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River is a local fishing haven. The estuary shoreline is a haven for anglers, as the river is teeming with redfish, snook, tarpon and trout. Of course, deep sea sportsmen cherish the open ocean and the waters off Stuart, known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.”

Unique to this list, and many other communities in the area, Harbour Ridge boasts its very own marina, allowing residents to easily access their boat and the local waterways. Harbour Ridge is home to three private marinas with a combined 98 slips, ranging in size from 24 to 60 feet. The Marina’s friendly and knowledgeable staff is on hand to guide and the active yachting and sailing neighbors will delight you with parties, events and stories of “the one that got away.”

For more information, Harbour Ridge’s ideal waterfront lifestyle and the surrounding waters, click here!