GULFPORT, FL HIDDEN GEMS
GULFPORT, FL HIDDEN GEMS
Gulfport, FL is a charming, artsy, waterfront city located on Boca Ciega Bay and its Bohemian, “Old Florida” charm boasts its highly rated local eateries, live music venues, thriving Art Scene and Quirky Festivals.
Some places become more than a hometown. They become part of who we are. For the past 26 years, Gulfport, FL has been a place of raising my family, meeting friends who have become family, waterfront sunsets, dolphins, creative spirits and unexpected discoveries. When I first arrived in Gulfport, many moons ago, I never imagined how my life would turn out and how impactful this eclectic little laid-back waterfront community would become home.
So it seems appropriate to launch my Coastal Compass Series, sharing the amazing community that I call home in Florida!
Here are some of my favorite hidden gems, the spots that shaped our days and still inspire the pieces I create at Coastal Walker. There are so many to share, so this is just the beginning of Gulfport’s hidden gems.
GULFPORT BEACH: A great quick respite away from the hustle and bustle of daily routines. I enjoy bringing my beach chair and a good book, and sitting along the edge of the water and drifting off in the words. Something about sitting by the sea, has a natural remedy effect. The beach has shaded areas to sit on a swing or lay a blanket down and rest or do yoga. There are different yogis who offer their practice and Sound Bowl Healing at sunset is another favorite activity to check out. Gulfport’s Beach at anytime and especially sunsets holds quiet moments and memories that just feel good.
GULFPORT CASINO: The local Historic Gulfport Casino comes alive with the nighttime glow and community energy when the sun sets. Currently, the Casino has taken a hit from Helene and Martin Hurricanes that devastated this area. But the city is rebuilding slowly and coming back to life. My memory of fun times spent there is still with me.
When my Mother moved to FL, to be near our family, I would take her to the Casino. She fell in love with this place as she was a Ballroom Dance Teacher in her day. She felt alive there and she was whisked away but some lovely dancers. My other fond memory is of my dear friend Caroline Morton Hicks, who loved going Swing Dancing on Wednesdays nights there. She made it look effortless and we would laugh the night away.
The Gulfport Casino is worth the visit and plan to get your dancing shoes on for a night of lively dancing, chatter and laughter. It’s a place where friends gather, where the city’s energy feels communal and bright.
WILLIAMS PIER: Historic Williams Pier recently was repaired after the hurricanes and is a popular local fishing spot. Take a stroll down the pier to enjoy the scenery of the many fishermen, pelicans, egrets, dolphins and sailboats anchored off the shore.
ART WALKS: The 1st Friday Art Walk on Beach Blvd takes place in the heart of the cities Arts District. Downtown fills with painterly light and conversation as the Art walks thread through galleries and studios, bringing together local painters, sculptors, and makers. You’ll find seascapes rendered in weathered boards, ceramics glazed in shore-tone blues, and jewelry that favors organic, imperfect lines. The artists’ willingness to try new textures and forms encourages me to experiment—using shells in new ways, combining found beach glass with reclaimed metals, or mounting small seascapes in hand-framed wall pieces.
GULFPORT’S “ART IN THE YARD” is another bi-annual community event where the city’s neighborhoods transform into a massive open-air gallery, allowing residents to showcase and sell original artwork right from their front yards.
These walks are where I reconnect with the creative pulse of the city. In the future, I AKA as Coastal Walker, hopes to be a part of this event at my home!
GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET: The Fresh Market is a year round open-air market every Tuesday. The Market is located in Gulfport’s historic waterfront district on Beach Boulevard. The vendors offer a variety of produce, local raw honey, teas, herbs, gourmet jams and jellies, breads, vegetarian/vegan/gluten free and ethnic foods. It is a weekly treasure trove of so much more bath and body products, artwork, jewelry, paintings, macrame and on and on… I love wandering the stalls for food that soothes my soul and handcrafted wares that decorate my home. These vendors often become the heart of a Coastal Walker piece, reminding me to keep doing what I love and to continue following your own path.
GULFPORT EATERIES:
O’MADDY’S BAR & GRILL located at 5405 Shore Blvd S. is a tried and try staple with its hearty food, live music and entertainment, dancing and lively atmosphere. The outdoor indoor waterfront location is famous for its laid-back beach-bar atmosphere. The upstairs expansion features panoramic bay views to soak it all in. Also it offers boat-docking access for patrons arriving by water.
STELLA’S located at 2914 Beach Blvd S, is my spot for hearty breakfasts and brunches. The outdoor patio and deck have colorful umbrellas featuring a fun, nun-themed motif. This Key-West vibe has a dog friendly patio too and amazing food and music.
TOMMY’S HIDEAWAY-WOOD FIRED PIZZA & PUB is located at 3121 Beach Blvd S. is my spot for the popular Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas. The menu is extensive but my tried and true pizza is the “Fig, Goat Cheese & Prosciutto with drizzled balsamic”. I crave it! The owners roots of New York and Boston, MA makes me feel right at home with my Boston accent. The outside live music is festive in the evenings while taking in the sunset.
Dining in Gulfport is intimate and unpretentious—exactly the kind of warmth I try to mirror in my home decor pieces: familiar, functional, and a little bit poetic.
CLAM BAYOU NATURE PARK TRAIL: is a Secret Coastal Trail at Osgood Point that winds through the mangroves and estuary near the Gulfport Marina District. This is a great place for a walk or drop your kayak in for a paddle. At low tide, clusters of oysters peek above the waterline-clustered together forming natures art. These quiet places feel like a grandmother’s story: full of lineage and patience.
My take away from this great escape spot, inspires me to continue making Oyster Salt and Pepper Cellars and Oyster Ornaments that echo their form—simple organic shapes, gold gilded paint along their rough edges to showcase natures shapes. This place is a relaxing spot to unwind and to explore native plants and simple beauty.
The serenity and vibrant colors found throughout Gulfport often find their way into Coastal Walkers designs, from tropical shell pieces to beach-inspired home decor.
Gulfport offers a lovely community of local shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, galleries, artists that gives Gulfport a sense of identity and character.
My wish is to always support local businesses so my next COASTAL COMPASS HIDDEN GEMS SERIES will highlight: Pia’s Veranda and Pia’s Trattoria, Neptunes, Mademoiselle Paris, Let It Be Ice Cream, Gulfport Brewery…
Happy Traveling,
Diane
