Boating Along the Treasure Coast
Take a weekend to explore the small and friendly ports along the Treasure Coast of Florida.

Winter and early spring are a great time to explore the Treasure Coast of Florida. Explore these ports before hopping over to the Bahamas or transiting the Okeechobee Waterway to the Gulf Coast. Take a long weekend to explore the revitalization in Fort Pierce. On your way south, stop at Hutchinson Island to be pampered at the Hutchinson Island Marriott. Then head to Stuart, the Sailfish Capital of the World and finish your weekend in Jupiter where you can enjoy crystal clear water only minutes from Palm Beach.

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Day 1: Fort Pierce Fort Pierce has an infinite string of delightful restaurants and exciting entertainment choices. After you make your way past South Bridge you will enter a new channel and cruise your way into downtown Fort Pierce and to the docks of the Fort Pierce City Marina (1 Avenue A, 772-464-1245, www.fortpiercecitymarina.com). Fort Pierce has undergone a huge transformation in the last several years and become a destination instead of just a stopover. The revitalization efforts have been focused around the marina so boaters docked at Fort Pierce City Marina are in the heart of all the action. On the marina premises there are two great places to great a grab a drink or bite to eat. Try the Original Tiki Bar & Restaurant (2 Avenue A, 772-461-0880) for food or drinks in a casual, tropical themed atmosphere. Equally good is Cobb's Landing (200 N. Indian River Dr., 772-460-9014) that overlooks the waterfront. They have daily lunch and dinner specials along with a signature Mojito Bar. Venture out on foot to visit one of the ten restaurants located within three blocks of the marina and you will find something for ever yone- Japanese, French, seafood, and Italian. Local weekend activities are abundant and there is entertainment for everyone's taste. Only two blocks away theater lovers will be delighted to find the Sunrise Theatre (117 South Second St., 772-461-4775) one of the oldest theaters in Florida that was totally restored 3 years ago. Also notable is a street festival called Sunset Magic (1 Avenue A, 772-464-1245) held every Friday night between 6-9 pm at the Fort Pierce City Marina. This event is perfect for families as there is Caribbean music, kid activities, and street performances. Before leaving, grab a couple scoops of traditional, homemade ice cream at Uncle Carlos (141 Melody Lane, 772-672-4401) and stock up on fresh fruits, vegetable and homemade treats at the local Farmers Market held on the southside of the harbormasters building every Saturday morning, rain or shine! Day 2: Hutchinson Island If you are looking for a tie-up away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Stuart try docking at Hutchinson Island Marriott (555 NE Ocean Boulevard, 772-225-6989, visit website) only 2 miles from the St. Lucie River. While at the Hutchinson Island Marriot you'll experience South Florida atmosphere without the conges- tion of South Florida. Beautiful, quiet beaches run the length of the island and visitors can visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center (890 NE Ocean Boulevard, 772-225-0505) only a short walk away. This is a fun way to explore the wildlife and aquatic life on the island. There are nature trails with guided walks, a children's activity Pavilion, a Stingray feeding program, and Game Fish feeding at the Game Fish Lagoon.

The Treasure Coast has a variety of fresh seafood to choose from and locals enjoy grilling fish, shrimp and even lobster. For more information about St. Lucie Florida or to plan your next visit to St. Lucie Florida visit www.visitstluciefla.com

While docked at Hutchinson Island Marriott visiting boaters can rent jet skis, kayaks, go parasailing or head out on the a 62 foot fishing boat- The Lady Stuart I. The Hutchinson Island Resort has an 18-hole golf course, 13 tennis courts, unspoiled beaches & a 77-slip marina. The marina is part of a 200 acre beautifully landscaped resort and guests have access to all facilities at the resort - including a spa, private beach, restaurants, pool, fitness center and more. Stop into Latitudes Tiki Bar (555 N.E. Ocean Boulevard, 772-225-3700) a poolside bar and restaurant ser ving hot food and cold drinks. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Baha Grille (555 N.E. Ocean Boulevard, 772-225-6818) is the place to go for fresh seafood, mouthwatering steaks and pasta.

Day 3: Stuart
Stuart; a little town with a lot of character. Pull into Harborage Yacht Club & Marina (955 NW Flagler Ave., 772-692- 4000, www.harborageyachtclub.com) located on the St. Lucie River just min- utes from Stuarts' Historic Downtown. Harborage boasts the very best of all types of amenities, ranging from a navigational reference section in the Captains Lounge to a poolside bar.

Downtown Stuart has a free-spirited atmosphere and plenty of activities for visiting boaters. Within walking distance or a short bike ride from Harborage are many dining choices like Courtine's (514 North Dixie Hwy., 772-692- 3662) or places such as Frank'n Stein (395 Northwest Dixie Hwy., 772-692- 9594) that ser ves up great hot dogs and other "fun foods." Wahoo's Restaurant (915 NW Flagler Ave., 772-692-2333) located at Harborage Yacht Club & Marina provides nightly entertainment, an excellent menu and fun for all.

If you are traveling with your pet try out the pet friendly Pelican Cafe (351 SW Flager Ave, 772-283-3133) which provides indoor and outdoor seating. Pelican Café along with Kilwins Choco- lates and Ice Cream Parlor (31 S. W. Osceola, 772-223-6446) are less than a mile away from Harborage Yacht Club & Marina. We also recommend utilizing the Harborage shuttle to get downtown and check out the RiverWalk Jazz concert a free event, held the first Sunday of ever y month, in the heart of Downtown Stuart just behind City Hall. Also downtown are a variety of welcoming boutique shops and galleries. Whether you need plants, homemade honey, flowers, meats or seafood stop by the Stuart Green Market (121 Flagler Ave., 772-528-8900) held every Sunday in the Stuart City Hall Parking Lot from 9 am to 1 pm.

Day 4: Jupiter
Located just minutes from exquisite Palm Beach is the thriving town of Jupiter, tucked between million dollar waterfront homes and along cr ystal clear water. The atmosphere is as relaxing as it is exciting and the locals are very welcoming. Along the west side of the Intracoastal Water way just after the Loxahatchee River merges with Jupiter Sounds is Admiral's Cove Marina (300 Admiral's Cove Blvd, 561-745-5961, www.admiralscove.net) a private countr y club that welcomes transient boaters. Visitors can access all of Admiral's Cove amenities including 45 holes of Cham- pionship Golf, Blue Water Spa & Salon, a world class tennis facility and fabulous causal and formal dining options. We recommend hopping on your bike to explore the rest of Jupiter. Head towards the Jupiter Inlet and visit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which is the fourth tallest lighthouse in Florida! For outdoor fun visit Carlin Park which houses great beaches, picnic areas and great shelling opportunities for the kids.

Need a drink? Stop into Marina Cafe (200 Admiral's Cove Blvd., 561-744- 1700) nestled beside Admiral's Cove Olympic-sized swimming pool, they serve great light fare and refreshing frozen drinks! For a traditional meal in a cozy setting go to Fair ways (200 Admiral's Cove Blvd., 561-744-1700) also located at Admiral's Cove. The intimate fireplace and inviting porch suit the equally classic menu.