Along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Martin County is filled with plenty of ways to explore its local surroundings. Whether kayaking the Indian River Lagoon, sailing the Atlantic Ocean, biking through state parks or strolling around boutique shops, the possibilities are endless. Yet there are still an abundance of other options to explore the area that provide a glimpse into the hidden gems and captivating stories that surround the county. Walking tours allow residents and tourists to explore the city in a new way while discovering the region’s best dining, breweries, wildlife and more! Let’s get out and explore what Martin County has to offer.
Go for the Gold – Treasure Coast Wine and Ale Trail
For those who revel in the world of craft breweries, the Treasure Coast Wine and Ale Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore ten local craft breweries, one winery, one cidery and one meadery that line the Treasure Coast. Begin the journey by downloading the Treasure Map or picking up a physical copy at any of the participating locations in Fort Pierce, Vero, or Stuart. Then, gather a group of friends and head out to visit each place on the list, sampling locally made craft beers or wines and earning stamps along the way. Once the Treasure Map is filled with a stamp for every location, participants can redeem their “gold” by showing a staff member at the final location their completed map. The treasure has varied by time of year, including t-shirts, commemorative pint glasses, and more. Notable stops include Fort Pierce’s Sailfish Brewing Company, known for their locally-crafted Sailfish ales, and Vero Beach’s Walking Tree Brewery, a site brimming with rich history as the original Naval supply warehouse during World War II.
Explore Your Natural Side at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
If those searching for an opportunity to bask in the beauty of Florida’s natural wonders, the Guided Nature Walks offered at Jonathan Dickinson State Park may be an ideal match for such exploration desires. Located in Hobe Sound, Jonathan Dickinson State Park proudly boasts one of the most expansive state parklands in Southeast Florida, covering over 10,500 acres. Every Friday at 2 pm, visitors can enjoy a peaceful journey presented by seasoned nature guides along the scenic River Trail. Journey through captivating landscapes of pine flatwoods, with towering slash pines and saw palmetto bushes or pass through the canopies of cypress trees along the Loxahatchee River. Kids should keep their eyes peeled for gopher tortoises, egrets, herons, scrub-jays, river otters and more. The trail is ½ mile long, making it welcoming for individuals of all skill levels, even those beloved leashed pups! Park entry fees will apply but the guided walking tour is free. Participants can learn about the background of local Florida vegetation and the natural wildlife that lives within the park, while soaking in the postcard-perfect panoramas that epitomize Florida’s natural wonders.
Hear Spooky Stories in Port Salerno
Ever wondered what it’s like to be on popular TV shows like Ghost Hunters or Ghost Adventures? Well, the Port Salerno Ghost Tours offers the same experience on Saturday nights at the Fish House Art Center. Using many of the same instruments on the famous TV shows, the Port Salerno Ghost Tours present a unique night of spooky stories, ancient legends, history and paranormal activity. The two-hour walking tour is open to the public and tickets cost $20 per person. The weekend ghost hunting tours are sure to provide a night of thrill in historic Port Salerno.
The Chef’s Table
A Taste of Downtown Stuart’s Historical Dining District
Foodies and history buffs alike can discover Downtown Stuart’s exquisite dining experiences through The Flavor Excursion, a walking tour guided by local experts. This one-of-a-kind tour allows individuals to experience delectable gourmet food tastings paired with a unique history session on Stuart’s Old Town. Totaling over two hours split between five carefully-chosen stops, visitors can savor local gems including the Stuart Coffee Shop, Gilbert’s Coffee Bar, Riverwalk Oyster Bar, Cafe-Martier and Signature Sweets. The food journey takes participants through local coffee havens, a delicious sweets shop, waterfront restaurants and more, all while absorbing the unique stories and flavors that shape the heart of Stuart. Find out more about Stuart’s Historical Downtown Food Tours and book the next one here.
Future Outdoor Destinations to Explore in Martin County
Visitors to the Treasure Coast may soon have a new way to enjoy a leisurely stroll at Storie, an innovative new community concept on tap for Martin County’s future. Storie is a vision that has yet to be unveiled, but the designers are placing a high priority on clean water and open spaces that all Martin County residents could enjoy. A vibrant village center, new parks and fields, educational opportunities, and plentiful outdoor activities are just the beginning of ways this eco-minded neighborhood would bring together the community. To receive a copy of the StorieTime magazine with more details on the vision for this community, or to be among the first to see the vision video upon its release, register your interest at Register Now.
