8 Florida Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
Mount Dora hosts over 30 festivals a year. Micanopy's main boulevard shuts down each fall for an arts and crafts festival that fills the street. St. Augustine lights up its entire historic district every November. Markets, art workshops, surf lessons: the events differ, but the welcome is consistent. These eight towns each have their own way of making visitors feel like regulars.
Mount Dora
Welcoming Mount Dora is the perfect small town for community events. Known as Festival City, Mount Dora hosts over 30 festivals every year. Bringing people together through events like the Blueberry Festival and the Mount Dora Arts Festival. If you really enjoy the Arts Festival, explore the Modernism Museum to experience even more of the city’s culture. The museum features works in various media, as well as a restaurant, 1912 Mount Dora, which offers a menu of modern Florida cuisine. One of the best ways to experience the city is via its various food and beverage offerings. The Taste of Our Town tour takes you on a journey through the tree-lined streets, with multiple tastings along the way to keep your taste buds satisfied.
Dunedin
Influenced by Scottish culture, Dunedin is a serene west coast Florida town with an inviting atmosphere and much to explore. The Highland Games and Festival, a two-day-long event, brings the people of Dunedin together in celebration of the city’s heritage. Another must-attend event in Dunedin is the Downtown Dunedin Art Festival, which takes place along Main Street. Meet the artists behind the craft and check out a variety of sculptures, photographs, and other masterpieces on display. If you feel inspired by the works of art, you can learn how to dabble in creating some art yourself at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. The center offers classes and workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Dunedin is home to natural beauty as well. Caladesi Island State Park, one of a few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, features gorgeous beaches and waters ideal for kayaking. Partake in a cozy dinner at The Living Room on Main. On Mondays, from 6:00 pm to closing time, the restaurant brings people together for a Community Monday, offering 30% off all food purchases for residents of Pinellas County.
Stuart
Situated on the eastern point of the Okeechobee Waterway, Stuart is an equally friendly and scenic town, offering fun performances and unmatched views. Attend a musical rendition or comedy show at the Lyric Theatre, a historic fixture in the community. Another spot in downtown Stuart for prime entertainment is the Rock’n Riverwalk. Listen to jams by local artists and take in the views of the St. Lucie River. An additional spot with excellent views is Stuart Beach, which offers a wide shoreline full of soft sand and a relaxing atmosphere. Dive into some history, and enjoy one of the many rotating history exhibits at the Elliott Museum. Become a museum member and experience members-only mixers with fellow members, plus access to fun game nights and other social gatherings.
Niceville
Niceville offers a little bit of something for the entire family. Attend a Broadway show at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The theater also hosts concerts by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, which performs classical concerts and family-oriented performances. Pets are part of the family, too, and at the Niceville Dog Park, your canine can meet other dogs and enjoy four acres of roaming space. For the kids, bring your little ones to the Niceville Children’s Park for an afternoon in the Spray Park. The park is a great spot for socializing and staying cool during warmer days. Partake in a trivia night at 3rd Planet Brewing Co. while enjoying a locally crafted beer. Another community-centered space is Artful Things Niceville: part fine art gallery and part learning center. Artful Things Niceville offers classes led by local artists to teach you how to paint and draw.
Micanopy
A classic Old Florida town, Micanopy is filled with oak trees draped in Spanish moss and real character. Search for wares at the Antique City Mall. The antique mall, selling rare and unique items, is a must for anyone who loves hunting for old treasures. Stop for lunch at the Old Florida Cafe for a taste of classic Florida cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. The Black Beans and Rice Cuban Sandwich, an homage to the state’s diverse culture, is a delicious option. Get lost in the natural beauty found in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida’s first state preserve. Here, you may see herds of wild bison and horses. Micanopy brings its people together with events like the annual Micanopy Fall Festival. Vendors take over the historic Cholokka Boulevard, displaying arts and crafts, while musicians take over the main stage, playing tunes for endless entertainment.
St. Augustine
The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, offers historic charm and abundant hospitality. Take a stroll along the pedestrian-only St. George Street, lined with colonial-era buildings, for a journey into the past while shopping and dining. You can stop for a bite or drink at one of the many restaurants like Prohibition Kitchen. The 1920s- and Prohibition-era-themed pub also features live music every night. Throughout the year, the city hosts fun events like the St. Augustine Music Festival, a free classical concert series at the historic Cathedral Basilica. Night of Lights is another community event worth noting. Beginning in November, St. Augustine becomes a light-filled wonderland and is considered to be one of the best light displays in the world. St. Augustine offers entertainment for animal lovers, too. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, home to alligators, pythons, and more, is a great place to step into the wild and learn about some of the state’s reptiles.
Gulfport
The friendly waterfront community of Gulfport offers an appreciation for the arts and the great outdoors. Go to the state-of-the-art Catherine A. Hickman Theater and see a concert or play commence. Learn from local artists at the Gulfport Arts Center. You can join workshops to learn how to watercolor paint, make pressed flowers, or create small screen prints. Head over to the Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park for a dose of fresh air and wildlife. Some of the park’s critters include bunnies, wading birds, and butterflies in the butterfly garden. Every Tuesday, the town hosts the Gulfport Fresh Market along the historic Waterfront District on Beach Boulevard. The open-air market is an excellent place to purchase locally made baked goods, products, and art. Gulfport also hosts some fun events like GeckoFest, a last hurrah to the end of summer. During the festival, over 200 vendors come together, accompanied by live music and kid-friendly activities for the town.
Flagler Beach
Join Tortugas Florida Kitchen and Bar for live music and trivia nights. The restaurant serves seafood and hamburgers in a welcoming environment that cannot be beat. Some of Flagler Beach’s other community-centered activities include the First Friday Flagler Beach event. Every first Friday of the month, the city welcomes all to Veterans Park to enjoy music and shopping from local vendors. Discover 145 acres of picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and golden-brown coquina sand at Gamble Rogers State Park. Visitors can also learn more about the park at the park’s Coffee With A Ranger event. Flagler Beach is undeniably a beach town, and one of the best spots to ride some waves is the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. If you want to learn to surf, the Flagler Surf School can teach students of all ages. The school’s instructors have over 25 years of teaching experience and a great respect for the ocean.
Friendly small towns offer an unbeatable atmosphere for exploring and unwinding. Whether you are looking to dine somewhere cozy like the Old Florida Cafe in Micanopy, shop at Gulfport's Fresh Market, or learn to surf at Flagler Beach, these towns make it easy. These small Florida towns are diverse with activities, from nature-filled spaces to art-centered establishments, that help you to learn, build connections, and simply enjoy all Florida has to offer.
