Food & Fun reporter Valeria Bartra grew up going to school at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy in the heart of downtown Fort Pierce.
Not only is downtown one of her favorite places to take her out-of-town family and friends, but it’s also tied to so many of her core memories.
Flashbacks of school, the Sunrise Theatre, One Eleven Building and P.P. Cobb General Store fill her heart with joy and nostalgia for more reasons than one, she said.
Q: Why is this your local go-to spot to take visitors? What makes it special?
Downtown Fort Pierce isn’t only special to me, but it’s special to my visitors as well.
My not-so-little brother who visits from college in Orlando also grew up attending St. Andrew’s. My older sister who visits from New Jersey attended John Carroll High School. My grandpa from Peru watched us grow up in Fort Pierce, so everyone has memories here.
We love to see how downtown has grown and evolved since I was in kindergarten, and the emotions that come with those visits always make the town a little extra special.
Q: What will out-of-town visitors discover here about the Treasure Coast?
Population growth and development happened a lot faster than they’d expect. They’ll discover we have lots of really great hidden gems as well.
Q: What can you do there?
We usually stop by the farmer’s market, art galleries, coffee shops and have a filling lunch to top off our afternoon.
If we visit downtown at night, there are plenty of places to stop by for a charcuterie board and some wine, listen to live music or watch a theatre show.
Q: What is the “can’t miss” activity or thing to do?
You can’t skip out on the view of the Indian River Lagoon. Chill afternoons by the water are necessary when in town.
Q: What is it known for? Why is it unique?
Fort Pierce is known by many for its history, but more than that, I remember taking guitar lessons in my mom’s art studio and stopping by P.P. Cobb General Store for some vintage candy.
Trips to Uncle Carlo’s Gelato & Patisserie or feeding fish off the marina near The Original Tiki Bar. More than its historical significance, it’s a treasure trove of memories for me, my family and my friends.
Q: How did you find it? How long have you been going there?
I’ve been going in and out of downtown Fort Pierce for as long as I can remember starting school.
Q: Describe this place. What will patrons see when they enter?
From Interstate 95 heading into downtown on Orange Avenue, you’ll see many landmarks and historic buildings such as The Peacock House, Old St. Anastasia Catholic School and Septentrion Market & Restaurant, specializing in Haitian food.
Once you cross the train tracks, you’ll see the cutest little walkable town with so much to offer. It’s the perfect place for anyone to go for fun, relaxation or get-togethers.
Valeria Bartra is TCPalm’s food reporter. Contact her at valeria.bartra@tcpalm.com, 772-978-2246 or follow her on Instagram @vbartrajourno.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Quaint Florida waterfront downtown has grown with endless activities
Reporting by Valeria Bartra, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published October 4, 2026 at 5:00 AM.