Company's Coming

Every year at this time a seasonal change occurs. Not like up North when the leaves fall and you start looking for the snow shovel and ice scraper. Our season consists of entertaining company. This is the time of year that residents finally get around to taking advantage of all the wonderful things there are to do along the Treasure Coast, as we show it off to our visitors.

One of my favorite places to visit is Heathcote Botanical Gardens located at 210 Savannah Rd. in Fort Pierce. The gardens consist of numerous themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, Children's Vegetable garden, Herb garden, Rainforest Display, Native Plant garden, Reflection garden, Palm & Cycad walk, Reef garden and Orchid & Bromeliad House. Plants of interest are labeled to assist people in choosing or identifying plants in their home landscape. Butterflies and hummingbirds fly around for your enjoyment. The resident cats escort you through the pathways or relax in the sun, reminding you why you live in Florida. The diverse foliage provides an excellent source of material for photographers and artists. Teak benches are located in shaded areas and provide a place to enjoying your bagged lunch or for meditation. Love birds will find the gardens romantic, a perfect place to "pop" the question?

Throughout the season, Heathcote sponsors numerous special events. Some favorites include; Artist Days - an opportunity for artists, photographers or wannabes to visit gardens or a local ranch to spend the day painting, drawing or just being inspired. Bus Tours - visit other botanical gardens such as Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Garden Festival and Plant Sale - twice a year the garden is transformed into a market place of plants, garden art, food and entertainment. Workshops - everything from photography , aromatherapy,jewelry making, orchid care, and basket weaving isoffered.

Take advantage of FREE FRIDAYS, which is the second Friday of the month. With the money saved, your company can purchase unique souvenirs from the gift shop!

When you leave Heathcote Botanical Gardens, turn East (left) onto Savannah Rd. On your left side notice the land from the gardens to the Public Works Compound, because in the next several years the area will be transformed into a regional park with hiking trails, a canoe launch on the 21 acre lake, an education center and more gardens! Continuing to Indian River Drive, go North (left) and enjoy the view of the Indian River/IntraCoastal Waterway and the beautiful homes . At the traffic circle you continue straight ahead into Downtown Historic Fort Pierce. On Saturday mornings the Farmers Market and Craft Market occupies the area along the waterfront. This is a great place to shop or enjoy a bite to eat while listening to a local band. The City Marina sponsors many fishing tournaments and is home to charter boats that can take you for a day of sport fishing. Walk along the water front when the boats come in and see the catch of the day! Two restaurants anchor the waterfront and serve delicious food in a casual atmosphere. A short walk will delight you with other shopping and restaurant choices. Continuing North a short distance along Indian River Drive you'll come to The Manatee Center where you can learn about these gentle mammals and search for them as they look for sea grass to eat. Next door at the SevenGablesVisitorCenter you can pick up other information about the area. Then explore the Backus Gallery and be introduced to the work of the legendary Highway Men painters. To explore one of our beautiful local beaches, continue north to Seaway Drive and turn right. Traveling across the bridge you will see pontoon boats available for rent or for a Dolphin Tour. When you come to the intersection where AIA turns right...go straight and park at JettyPark. A walk on the jetty can be an education in local fishing. The beach is a favorite for surf boarding. A visit to South Hutchinson Island isn't complete without a stop at Archie's. The beach bar is famous for their burgers, bands and cold beer. So let you hair down, enjoy the ocean breeze and enjoy the people watching.

The Treasure Coast is full of places to explore, so take advantage of your company and show them (and yourself) a great time!