Stuart town

The main strip of Stuart is a one-block area on Osceola St. As one drives by, it looks dowdy and not worth a stop, but once one walks around, it's a fun spot! Up close, the historic storefronts and Lyric Theater are lovely, even though the sidewalk needs a revitalization. Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream which has delicious chocolate ice cream that isn't too sweet, and a pretty interior. Earthtones is a gift-shop with funky, colorful items galore. There are almost no empty storefronts in this commercial area, which is a rare thing these days. Coffee Bar Blue Door is a cute place, on a side street in a historic house with a garden filled with tables, and occasional live music. Its indoor space is very cool, with a window nook, though small.

Walk to the water and you will find the gorgeous Stuart Boardwalk and a stunning stage for music performances right on the water! It is super fun to catch some live music here on the terraced grassy area by the water. On Sundays from 1-4pm October-May there is live music called Rockin Riverwalk, and a happy crowd. 
Follow the boardwalk all the way to the end, enjoying wonderful breezes under the Federal Highway bridge along the way. There is a pier that runs under Federal Highway, providing a walk with lots of shade and cool breezes off the water!
At the base of the bridge is Hudson's on the River, one of the best restaurants in Florida. It is a gorgeous restaurant with seating outside on the river and an interior full of colorful murals and beautiful lights. Their food is consistently excellent- try the tropical sushi roll- yum!! 
At the base of the pier is Watefront Sailfish Lounge which has romantic outdoor seating overlooking the water. The breeze is great here. Try their short rib tacos, which are delicious. 
At the end of the boardwalk you come to glorious Sunset Bay Marina and stylish Gilbert's Coffee Bar, a wonderful place to watch the boats while sitting above the water. 
An old-style Florida place for live music every night and open mic nights (sign up at 6:30pm on Mon and Tues nights) with talented musicians is Terra Fermata, a short walk away. They have a huge outdoor area with tables galore where you can hang out under a mango tree with fellow music lovers. This is an older, funkier crowd than places like Gilbert's. 
Lyric Theater has good performances too, and has an adorable historic interior.
Pick up some goodies and enjoy the live music at the Stuart Farmer's Market (Green Market) on Sundays 9am-1pm, at Flagler Park.
Walk a little south on Colorado Ave to Kiwanis Youth Park to let your kids have a run around on the colorful submarine playground and amazing accessible playground with unusual equipment. There are cute mini-houses kids can play inside. Nearby is Memorial Park, which is a bit rundown. At Christmastime it has a circle walk of Christmas trees decorated by local real estate companies. It is a pleasant enough outing, if a bit dinky. The royal palms at the entrance, in two long rows with lights around their trunks, are pretty. The wastewater plant is between Kiwanis Youth Park and Memorial Park, and there is a pungent smell at one of these parks, depending on the wind direction.
While in Stuart, have a wonderful swim or walk at Chastain Beach on Hutchinson Island. You will be amazed at the clear, clear water and the abundance of shells!
A really fun place to spend a few hours with your family is Sailfish Splash Waterpark, a beautiful park with a lazy river, splash playground, and two tall slides.

Directions

The main strip of Stuart is on Osceola St between St Lucie Ave and Colorado Ave. You can park for free along the road there or on SE Ocean Blvd.
From Highway 95, exit at Kanner Hwy and follow it for six miles to the northeast into Stuart. At the circle, go straight onto Colorado Ave. The downtown area is on your left. There are one-way streets. Drive around them to find a parking spot along the road.
Hudson's on the River, 351 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994. Open 11am until 9 or 10pm. 
Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream, 31 SW Osceola St, Stuart, Florida 34994.
Earthtones, Purveyors of Cool Stuff, 43 SW Osceola St, Stuart, FL 34994, call (772) 288-1010.

Click on map for interactive view