Brushstrokes, Bites, and a Night Out: Discover St. Lucie County’s Art Galleries and Local Restaurants
Looking for a fresh date night or a fun girls’ night out? Pair an evening of art with dinner at one of St. Lucie County’s independently owned restaurants.
Forget the same old dinner plans. St. Lucie County offers a more creative way to spend time together, combining inspiring artwork, charming galleries, talented local artists, and delicious meals at independently owned restaurants.
Whether you are planning a romantic date, gathering your girlfriends for a night on the town, or simply looking for something different to do, exploring the local arts scene is a wonderful place to start.
From the historic streets of downtown Fort Pierce to the growing cultural opportunities in Port St. Lucie, there are plenty of places to discover art and make an evening of it.
And here’s the best part. When you support a local gallery and dine at an independently owned restaurant, you are doing more than enjoying yourself. You are helping keep St. Lucie County’s creative community and small businesses thriving.
Downtown Fort Pierce: Where Art and Dining Come Together
Historic downtown Fort Pierce is the perfect starting point for an art inspired outing. Galleries, working artist studios, specialty shops, and locally owned restaurants are located within a few walkable blocks, making it easy to explore before settling in for dinner.
A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
500 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce
Few names are as closely connected to Florida’s artistic heritage as A.E. “Bean” Backus. The celebrated painter captured the beauty of Florida’s landscapes, waterways, and skies, influencing generations of artists, including members of the legendary Florida Highwaymen.
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery showcases his remarkable work alongside changing exhibitions featuring other accomplished artists.
It’s a wonderful choice for couples who appreciate fine art, history, and the natural beauty of the Treasure Coast.
Make it a date: Visit the museum during the afternoon, then head to Cobb’s Landing for waterfront dining overlooking the Fort Pierce City Marina. For something more casual and seafood focused, try 12A Buoy, a locally owned favorite at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Highwaymen Art Gallery
111 Orange Avenue, Suite 110, Fort Pierce
The Florida Highwaymen are an essential part of Fort Pierce’s cultural story. These pioneering African American artists created colorful landscapes depicting Florida’s untamed beauty and built their own market for their paintings when traditional galleries were largely closed to them.
The Highwaymen Art Gallery celebrates this extraordinary legacy, giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate paintings and learn more about the artists who helped define Florida’s visual identity.
Make it a date: Continue the evening at The Fort Steakhouse, located just a short walk away on South Second Street. Its intimate atmosphere, cocktails, and fine dining make it an excellent choice for a special occasion.
Lisa Jill Allison Fine Art
111 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce
If you love color, texture, and artwork that makes you stop and look a little longer, Lisa Jill Allison Fine Art deserves a visit.
Lisa’s contemporary mixed media paintings draw inspiration from water, light, nature, and the emotions that connect us to the world around us. Her working gallery offers an opportunity to enjoy original artwork in a welcoming setting, and visitors may even have the chance to meet the artist.
Make it a girls’ night: After exploring the gallery, walk over to The Urban Tapas on North Second Street. With creative small plates and handcrafted cocktails, it’s an inviting place for friends to share dishes, exchange opinions about their favorite paintings, and enjoy an evening together.
2nd Street Art Gallery
131 N. Second Street, Fort Pierce
One of the joys of visiting 2nd Street Art is discovering the variety of talent found right here on the Treasure Coast.
This downtown gallery features original artwork and creative pieces by regional artists. It’s an approachable place to browse, appreciate different artistic styles, and perhaps find something special to take home.
You don’t have to be a serious art collector to enjoy visiting. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re simply looking around.
Make it a night out: Head to 2nd Street Bistro for a lively, casual dinner, or visit Pickled Restaurant & Bourbon Bar for Southern inspired dishes and cocktails. Both are conveniently located in downtown Fort Pierce.
The Underground Galleries at 111 Orange
111 Orange Avenue, Lower Level, Fort Pierce
Inside downtown’s historic One Eleven Building, The Vault Underground Creative Arts Centre provides a distinctive setting for discovering original art.
Formerly home to the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s Vault Art Gallery program, the space has entered a new chapter with independently curated exhibitions. The Cultural Alliance continues to support and promote opportunities for artists while expanding exhibitions throughout the county.
With changing themes, group exhibitions, and special receptions, visitors have new reasons to return.
Make it a night out: Pair an exhibition opening with dinner at The Urban Tapas, The Fort Steakhouse, or Casa Pasta, all within downtown’s dining district.
The Galleria of Pierce Harbor
100 S. Second Street, Fort Pierce
Art doesn’t always have to be housed inside a traditional gallery. The Galleria of Pierce Harbor combines local businesses, dining, boutiques, and rotating artwork in one downtown destination.
Its Call to Artists program provides exhibition space for emerging artists, giving visitors opportunities to discover fresh talent while exploring the businesses inside.
Make it a date: Enjoy the art, browse the shops, and have dinner at Casa Pasta, located in the same building. What could be easier than combining art and authentic Italian food under one roof?
Beyond Downtown: More Fort Pierce Art Destinations
The Peacock House Art Foundation and Peacock Art Studio
722 Orange Avenue, Fort Pierce
For something a little different, visit The Peacock House Art Foundation.
Located in the Peacock Arts District, this unique cultural destination brings together art galleries, creative workshops, historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and the property’s famous peacocks.
The Peacock Art Studio and gallery showcases artworks and handmade creations, while guided tours introduce visitors to the foundation’s historic surroundings and arts programming.
It’s an especially appealing destination for girlfriends looking for an afternoon adventure or couples who enjoy exploring unusual places together.
Make it an outing: Arrange a gallery visit or guided tour, then head downtown for dinner at Pickled or The Fort Steakhouse. Both offer an opportunity to finish the day with a locally owned dining experience.
The Painted Peacock Gallery at FRAMED
802 S. Sixth Street, Fort Pierce
Tucked inside the family owned custom framing business FRAMED, The Painted Peacock Gallery highlights local artists whose work reflects Florida’s landscapes, wildlife, and distinctive character.
The gallery offers original paintings and other pieces, giving visitors an opportunity to discover artists they might not encounter in larger exhibition spaces.
With changing artwork and special receptions, it’s a hidden gem worth adding to your arts itinerary.
Make it a date: Stop in during gallery hours or attend a scheduled art reception, then take a short drive downtown for dinner at Casa Pasta or 2nd Street Bistro.
City of Fort Pierce Florida Highwaymen Museum
1234 Avenue D, Fort Pierce
Continue your exploration of Florida’s artistic heritage at the Florida Highwaymen Museum.
This important cultural destination celebrates the Original Florida Highwaymen, whose artistic accomplishments and entrepreneurial determination transformed the state’s art history.
Through original paintings, exhibitions, and historical interpretation, visitors can learn about the artists and the community that shaped this remarkable movement.
A visit provides more than beautiful artwork. It offers a meaningful connection to Fort Pierce’s history.
Make it an afternoon and evening: Explore the museum, then enjoy dinner in downtown Fort Pierce. 12A Buoy is an appealing choice for seafood lovers, while The Fort Steakhouse offers a more elegant dining experience.
Discover Art in Port St. Lucie
Fort Pierce may have the largest concentration of traditional galleries, but Port St. Lucie offers cultural destinations that deserve attention too.
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center Art Gallery
9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie
The MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center Art Gallery is one of Port St. Lucie’s best opportunities to explore original artwork by local and regional artists.
Its approximately 2,000 square feet of exhibition space hosts changing collections showcasing a variety of artistic styles and perspectives.
The gallery also hosts artist receptions throughout the year, creating opportunities to meet participating artists and learn about the inspiration behind their work.
The regular gallery schedule is primarily during weekday business hours, making an afternoon visit followed by dinner an excellent option. Evening receptions provide another opportunity for an art centered night out.
Make it a date: After viewing an exhibition, take a short drive to Fernando’s Dockside Grille for Portuguese and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. This independently owned restaurant is an appealing choice for a relaxed and memorable dinner.
Treasure Coast Pottery
6911 Heritage Drive, Port St. Lucie
For those who appreciate three dimensional art, Treasure Coast Pottery offers an opportunity to discover the creativity behind handmade ceramics.
More than a working pottery studio, the venue includes an area where members can exhibit and sell their creations. Visitors can explore handmade pieces, and those who want a more interactive experience can look into classes and creative workshops.
For a girls’ night out, why simply admire artwork when you can try making something yourselves?
Make it a night: Arrange an appropriate studio visit or pottery experience, then enjoy a casual dinner at Ramen Hana & Wings, located nearby on Heritage Drive. Its Japanese noodles, small plates, and specialty wings offer a different kind of local dining experience.
Make the Third Friday of Every Month Your Art Night
If you’re looking for the easiest way to combine art, friends, and dining, mark your calendar for the Downtown Fort Pierce Art Walk.
Held on the third Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m., Art Walk invites residents and visitors to experience the downtown arts community in an atmosphere filled with creativity.
Participating galleries and businesses welcome visitors, artists share their work, and live music and other creative experiences add to the excitement.
It’s ideal for a date night, a girls’ night out, or an evening with friends.
Start by exploring the galleries, discover an artist whose work speaks to you, and then continue your evening at a locally owned restaurant. You can even make it a monthly tradition, choosing different galleries and restaurants each time.
Visit ArtStLucie.org/art-walk for information about the event and participating locations.
Why Supporting Local Art and Restaurants Matters
There is something special about purchasing a painting directly from a local artist or enjoying a meal at a restaurant where the owners have poured their hearts into the business.
These experiences have something in common. They are personal.
When you visit a gallery, you help artists gain exposure, connect with potential collectors, and build sustainable creative careers. When you choose an independently owned restaurant, you help support local entrepreneurs, employees, and the broader economy.
And when you combine the two, you create an evening that supports the community from start to finish.
The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance believes arts and culture are vital to creating a vibrant, connected, and economically thriving county. Supporting local artists and the businesses around them is a simple way for everyone to be part of that mission.
Your Next Great Night Out Is Waiting
The next time someone asks, “What should we do this weekend?” consider something beyond the usual dinner reservation.
Visit a gallery you’ve never explored. Meet a local artist. Discover a painting that makes you smile, sparks a conversation, or reminds you why you love living on the Treasure Coast. Then gather around a table at a locally owned restaurant and enjoy the company of people who make life special.
Whether it’s a romantic evening for two, a long overdue girls’ night, or a spontaneous outing with friends, St. Lucie County’s arts community offers inspiration around every corner.
Great art. Great food. Great company. That’s a night worth planning.
To discover more local artists, exhibitions, cultural events, and creative experiences, visit www.ArtStLucie.org.
Planning tip: Some galleries are open primarily during daytime hours, for special exhibitions, or by appointment. Confirm gallery access and restaurant hours before visiting. Galleries and exhibition locations may change as the local arts community grows.
