Shepard Park Sunsets

I love watching the sunset in the sky. Maybe it is because no two are ever alike. It is always a mystery what develops with clouds and the atmosphere. We have been doing some renovations in our home. I have been busy the last three weeks painting. I needed some rejuvenation, so I headed to a park on the water. Shepard’s Park is one of Stuart’s best spots to watch the sun sink into the St. Lucie River. The park includes a boardwalk and overlooks the St. Lucie River.

Boardwalks & Benches

The wooden walkway at Shepard’s Park snakes around marshy mangroves. We enjoyed taking a stroll around, watching the fish jump, taking in the beautiful scenery, and watching nature’s show of color over the St. Lucie River.

If you get there early and would rather sit and enjoy the view, there are benches scattered throughout the boardwalk.

Picnics & Playgrounds

Bring your family and a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables shaded by trees the park has to offer. There is a pavilion for larger gatherings. The park also has a playground for the kids and restrooms.

Frazier Creek borders Shephard Park and offers beautiful views at sunset. A few clouds are all that is needed to provide a colorful sunset. There is nothing like a perfect sunset to end the day.

Nature and wildlife can also be spotted at the park. Many waterbirds call this area home.

Sailboats dock in the distance from Shepard’s Park makes a nice backdrop as the sun sets in the St. Lucie River.

Fishing from Shore or Stream

In constant hopes of catching that elusive fish, anglers find plenty of shore access. The St. Lucie River is full of snook, tarpon, sheepshead, croakers, and other varieties.  You may see dolphins, manatees, or sea turtles. As you walk by, keep quiet. Shhhhh! Don’t scare the fish.

If you would rather take to the water, the boat ramp at Shepard’s Park takes boaters through Frazier Creek into the St. Lucie River. The river which flows past Downtown Stuart is part of the Indian River Lagoon and streams to the Atlantic Ocean.

And of course The Sunsets

Sun Worshipers gather at the end of the day for the setting sun and to listen to a familiar sound. It’s an experience guaranteed to delight both young and old.

Just as the sun slips beneath the horizon of the St. Lucie River and the water catches on fire, the silence is broken by the music of a bagpipe player. Jeff Smith says it’s a Scottish tradition to play Amazing Grace at sunset.

Smith has been serenading here for several years. When we were there, a couple taped the performance for his Mom. He thanked Smith afterward and said that it made his Mom cry. Oh, How sweet the sound. It’s the icing on the cake at a Shepard Park sunset. Give a listen below!

Drum Circle

Something is always happening at Shepard’s Park. The liveliest day would have to be Sunday when the Sunset Drum Circle gets together to play. The musical group gets some pretty lively rhythms going. Before you know it, you are dancing to the beat. They invite anyone to come out if you play drums, bongos, tambourines, flutes, etc. If you want a place to sit down and jam with a friendly group of people, they invite you to come by. They even invited me to play with them using a spare set of congo drums.

Location

Shepard’s Park is located at 600 SW Ocean Boulevard in Stuart, Florida. You can arrive by car or drift in on a boat.