Home Florida Plan an Autumn Escape to the Nation’s Happiest Seaside Town

Plan an Autumn Escape to the Nation’s Happiest Seaside Town

by Katie Reeder

Dance in the streets, cheer on cowboys, take it to the skies and more this fall in Martin County, Florida

This fall, chase the last notes of summer sunshine to Martin County, Florida, home to Stuart, which was named America’s 2016 “Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. This easy-to-get-to area, encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island is accented by miles of beaches and 75+ parks–all within two hours or less driving time of four international airports: Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando.

Read on to find out the top reasons Martin County is your destination for welcoming autumn and an ideal place to disconnect while you reconnect:

  1. Cowboys in Florida? Dust off the Stetson and break out the boots and Wranglers for a foot-stompin’ great time at the Annual Indiantown Rodeo in Indiantown, Florida, October 15 and 16, 2021, voted a 2016 Top 20 Event for the Fall by the Southeast Tourism Society. This unique event dates back to 1947 and features live music and endless entertainment. Held in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, this sanctioned event is one fans won’t want to miss. Watch the heart-racing action: steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riders, cowboys and team roping. New this year–Team Ghost Riders, which brings the jungle to the arena with three of the best sheep dog-riding monkeys in the business. www.IndianTownRodeo.com
  2. Take flight! Save the date for the Annual Stuart Air Show in Stuart, Florida, November 12-14, 2021, recognized as a 2016 Top 20 Event for the Fall by the Southeast Tourism Society. The Stuart Airshow draws 40,000 spectators and is the largest show in Southern Florida. This exciting show blows guests away with amazing performances, fireworks, carnival rides and live music. Friday night, catch an air show with nighttime aerobatics and a fireworks display. Purchase a ticket to enjoy the VIP Dirty Flight Suit Party where guests can mingle with pilots and performers of the Stuart Air Show while savoring dinner and drinks. On Saturday and Sunday, watch a WWII battle reenactment and weapons demo, enjoy amusement rides and a dedicated area for children’s activities. The Stuart Air Show is an event that honors the past, inspires the future and is entertaining to all. www.StuartAirShow.com
  3. Named after prolific inventor Sterling Elliott, the nearby Elliott Museum hosts a dynamic and interactive collection of antique automobiles, vintage boats, an extensive baseball collection and a deep trove of Treasure Coast histories and stories. In addition, the museum displays an array of traveling exhibits. For the music lover, the historic Lyric Theatre offers a wide-array of first-class talent nearly 300 days a year. This acoustically amazing theater features concerts from classical to rock and roll, and theatrical performances by local and national talent. Book a Friday or Saturday show and stay the weekend to savor all Martin County has to offer.