Savor the Season – Top 8 Holiday Happenings Near Vero Beach, FL
November 30, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
Located along Florida’s Atlantic coastline, the holiday spirit is already shining bright in Vero Beach. From glittering light displays along palm-tree-lined streets to an exceptional lineup of holiday concerts, this quaint beach town celebrates the season in style. Timeless annual traditions and family-friendly holiday events fill the month’s calendar, offering something for every age and lifestyle. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most anticipated events that Vero Beach cherishes year after year.
1. Winterfest at Riverside Theatre
Formerly known as the Festival of Trees, Winterfest on December 1-3 transforms Riverside Theatre’s campus into a festive winter wonderland. Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit amidst beautifully decorated trees, Santa’s Village, an “ice” skating rink, live performances, and an array of local arts and crafts vendors. All proceeds from the event contribute to funding Riverside Theatre’s educational programs.
2. Vero Beach Christmas Parade
The 39th annual Vero Beach Christmas Parade on December 2nd is set to ignite the holiday spirit in a beloved tradition. Hosted by the Vero Beach Sunrise Rotary, this year’s event will feature over 100 floats parading down Ocean Drive, each vehicle adorned with creative and imaginative displays that capture the essence of the holiday season. For those who can’t join the festivities in person, the parade will be live-streamed on Facebook with hosts providing cheerful commentary.
3. Holidays at the Vero Beach Museum of Art
The Vero Beach Museum of Art is hosting its annual Holidays at the Museum event on December 3rd. Visitors will enjoy free admission to the current exhibitions with docents in the galleries playing fun games themed around the artworks on display. There will be art hunts with prizes, art-making activities in the Museum Art School Studios, food trucks, live music, dance performances from local school groups, and more.
4. Home for the Holidays Concert
The Atlantic Classical Orchestra is bringing an enchanting evening of musical delights to the Waxlax Center at St. Edward’s School. On December 10th, their inaugural Home for the Holidays Concert will immerse guests into the spirit of the season. Holiday classics will include Carol of the Bells, Winter Wonderland, the Nutcracker, a Hanukkah medley, an audience sing-a-long, and much more.
5. Indian River County Christmas Boat Parade
On December 12th, the Indian River County Christmas Boat Parade invites boats of all sizes to join a beautifully decorated holiday regatta along the Intracoastal Waterway. Mariners are encouraged to decorate their vessels for some festive family fun, with prizes awarded for the best designs in different categories. Attendees can enjoy the parade from various restaurants and parks along the route, including Royal Palm Point and Vero Beach City Marina.
6. Chanukah Music Festival
On December 20th, the Indian River Mall will come alive with a grand menorah lighting festival to celebrate the Hanukkah season. The Chanukah Music Festival, hosted by the Chabad of Vero Beach, will feature live music by Yehudah Glantz, a distinguished cultural ambassador for Latin Hebrew music. Traditional treats like latkes and donuts will be provided, while face painting and an array of kids’ activities create a joyous gathering for all ages.
7. Nutcracker on the Indian River
The Vero Beach Ballet reimagines a holiday classic with Nutcracker on the Indian River on December 30th at the VBHS Performing Arts Center. This adaptation retains all the whimsical magic of the original while transporting the story to the year Vero was founded in 1919. In place of candy characters, Marie embarks on a journey from New York to Florida and is entertained by all manner of local flora and fauna. From land crabs to manatees and river otters to bougainvillea, the production has become an instant classic with families for how it uses magic to entertain and inspire.
8. Ring in 2024 Oceanside
Heaton’s Vero Beach is celebrating the end of 2023 with an outdoor New Year’s Eve party to remember. This oceanfront restaurant will be open exclusively for the event. Guests can dance to the beats of Traxx Entertainment, snack on light bites, and enjoy a midnight toast along the Atlantic Ocean’s shores. Tickets are required in advance and can be purchased at Heatons2023NYE.Eventbrite.com.
Jim Furyk Shares Unique Perspective on Today’s Golf Course Design
November 3, 2023 | Read Time: 5 minutes
Jim Furyk's Global Inspiration
Furyk’s golfing journey began at a very young age under the guidance of his father, who was the head or assistant head professional of several golf courses in Pennsylvania. Jim played collegiately at the University of Arizona, where he was twice named All-American and led his school to the NCAA golf championship. After joining the PGA Tour in 1994, he has won numerous PGA Tour Championships and holds the record for the lowest single-round score in history. Most recently, he was named the Vice Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup and U.S. Team Captain for the 2024 Presidents Cup.
“My career has given me the incredible opportunity to play golf all around the world, exposing me to a lot of different architectural styles for golf courses,” said Furyk. “These travels have provided me with a wealth of experience to draw from for this course’s design. It’s an honor for me to have my name associated with this course, and I’m genuinely excited about this endeavor.”
Assembling a World-Class Design Team
“Mike, David, and I have been putting all our ideas on a piece of paper, two-dimensionally, for years,” said Furyk. “Now, the fun part begins where we get to go out there, play in the dirt, dig around, and create an amazing piece of three-dimensional artwork with our golf course.”
A Friendly Layout For All Skill Levels
Furyk’s aspiration for his golf course was to seamlessly integrate it into the friendly nature of the other amenities, delivering a tour-level experience that remains accessible for beginners. The outcome was a layout spanning 4,249 to 6,755 yards with four sets of tees. Furyk shares, “The design has five par fives and five par threes. It is a par 72 layout but may be a little different. We’re used to seeing four and four.” While the par fives present alluring opportunities for skilled players to chase birdies, Furyk was keen on ensuring that the par threes emerge as unique challenges, framed by breathtaking landscapes and natural features.
“I think too many people see a tour player as the designer and they immediately think ‘Oh my goodness this course is going to be hard,’” said Furyk. “That’s not the case here. Our goal was to create a fun golf course, a fun atmosphere, and a place where all levels of golfers could come together to enjoy the game of golf.”
Design Feature To Look For
The layout of the course was just the first element of its design. Furyk also emphasized bunkers as integral elements of the course’s character. Rather than viewing them as annoying obstacles, he sees bunkers as tools to help guide a player’s strategy, directing towards preferred angles of approach to the greens. The greens vary in size, thoughtfully designed to match the challenges of each hole. Forced carries are kept to a minimum, especially on mid to long-length holes, allowing golfers various options for approaching the putting services. Smaller, more guarded greens are strategically placed for shorter holes, where precision is essential, while longer and more demanding holes feature larger, more accessible greens with ample opportunities for chipping and putting.
The course also blends in with nature to provide a beautiful landscape for all. “The property has a lot of scrub pine that we’re going to save for the course,” said Furyk. “We’ve layered the bunkers and organized the trees in a way that creates some land movement and gives the golfer a pleasant feel. Whether on the golf course or the homes surrounding it, we want residents to enjoy its beauty from every angle.”
Original Article from Glynlea
7 Places You Can Only Enjoy in St. Lucie County
September 29, 2022 | Read Time: 5 minutes
From stunning beaches to miles of nature trails, one Florida region has yet to lose its natural charm. Nestled along Florida’s Treasure Coast, St. Lucie County embraces a unique way of life, with plentiful attractions that allow residents to take full advantage of the area’s beautiful natural surroundings. But it’s not just sunny skies and natural beauty that attracts families to the region. Here are some of our favorite St. Lucie County places to visit.
St. Lucie County is known for providing nonstop action for anglers of all skill levels. Staying inshore on the Indian River Lagoon is packed with spotted sea trout, snook, snapper, black drum, and flounder. Or head to the offshore waters to catch grouper, snapper, and mahi-mahi. Fort Pierce also marks the northern point of Sailfish Alley, a hotspot for sailfish that runs down to The Palm Beaches. If that’s not enough fishing excitement, the west end of the Bahamas is just 80 nautical miles away.
Sporting enthusiasts love coming to St. Lucie County during spring training season, as Clover Park is the spring training hub for the New York Mets, the summer home of the St. Lucie Mets, and the hub for all New York Mets minor league operations. Scoring tickets to the game provides an up-close and personal experience at the ballpark no bad seats in the house. When the players aren’t in town, the Sports Complex is used for a variety of events ranging from festivals and concerts to RV shows and baseball tournaments.
From local boutiques to novelty stores, the downtown Fort Pierce area is filled with shops any fashionista would love to peruse. Artists cherish the several galleries throughout the downtown district, with large art pieces, and murals scattered throughout the city. On Saturdays year-round, the lively Fort Pierce Farmers Market fills the area with delicious foods, farm-fresh goodies, distinctive artwork, and more to peruse – all while enjoying waterfront views. For those just wishing to soak in the Florida sunshine, Jetty Park is a favored destination. Afterward, nearby waterfront restaurants are well-known for their laidback atmosphere and seafood staples, including Square Grouper Tiki Bar, Sunrise Sands Beach Resort, Taco Dive, and more.
History is also intertwined into many of St. Lucie’s attractions, ensuring the lifelong learner has plenty to explore. Take a self-guided tour along a heritage trail, learn the history of the Navy SEALs and how they first began training in Fort Pierce during WWII, or go straight to the St. Lucie County Regional History Museum for a glimpse at the foundation that the St. Lucie County is built on. For more ways to explore the incredible wildlife of the area, airboat rides along the St. Lucie River and the St. Lucie County Aquarium are both dedicated to educating the public on the diversity and complexity of Florida’s marine environments.
The Ultimate Guide to An Unforgettable Buckhead Experience
September 22, 2022 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Shop at One of the Best Shopping Malls in the Southeast
Explore Local History at the Atlanta History Center
Admire Contemporary Artwork
Discover an Ancient River in a Modern City
For those who cherish spending a day outdoors, the Chattahoochee National Park is a great place for a picnic, bike ride, or a leisurely stroll. Over 48 miles of rivers flow through the park, offering excellent opportunities for a leisurely paddle, canoe, or kayak ride to observe the area’s flora and fauna. Fishing in the Chattahoochee River yields year-round catches of trout, bass, catfish, and other species.
Indulge in Critically Acclaimed Restaurants
Known among gourmands and foodies as a top dining destination, Buckhead has an array of extraordinary restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and eateries. Enjoy innovative and carefully curated farm-to-table menus at Atlas Buckhead or Aria Restaurant. Head to Storico Fresco for fresh pasta dishes, Chai Yo for a high-end take on classic Thai dishes, or another of the many eclectic international cuisine venues. No matter where residents choose to dine, there is a perfect choice for every mood, taste, and occasion.
Read the full article here & learn more about the Buckhead lifestyle.
How to Live Like A Fort Lauderdale Local
September 21, 2022 | Read Time: 5 minutes
When you imagine your perfect day – it’s a pretty good bet that soft sand, blue water, and sunny skies are part of the picture. But with the colorful lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale Beach, it’s no wonder why the world is drawn to this part of the Florida coastline. Although Fort Lauderdale Beach is profoundly known to beach lovers, it’s the one-of-a-kind mix of spectacular natural scenery, vibrant arts and culture, delectable and diverse dining options, world-class boating, and a spirit for life that’s captured the heart of its residents. See why so many are drawn to “live like a local.”
The Boating Capital of the World and The Gateway to the Bahamas
They call it the “Venice of America” – a community built around endless canals that connect to the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulfstream waters. Here, boaters from around the world flock for fun on the water, whether close to home, or crossing over to The Bahamas. Head out for world-class fishing and diving offshore or take a water taxi or sunset cruise to numerous dining venues throughout the area. There’s a party-like atmosphere on the waterfront throughout the town, celebrating the water-oriented resort lifestyle. Once a year, the world descends on Fort Lauderdale for the International Boat Show, where thousands of people get a taste of the boating lifestyle.
Coconuts to Casablanca – Walk, Ride, or Glide to Dining Delights
There are few places in the world where such a diverse array of dining venues is concentrated on the sand. The iconic curved walls and pillars along the Fort Lauderdale shoreline serve as landmark guides for a restaurant row unlike any other. For those fortunate to live nearby, the car never has to leave home. Whether you set out to the north or south, a stroll along the beach brings so many dining venues, you need more days in the month to take them all in.
Luxury resorts are a great place for visiting family and friends, but they are also home to some of the freshest dining concepts. At the W hotel, Steak 954 or Sobe Vegan provide options for the carnivore or herbivore. Looking for a little international flair, Tinta at the Westin or El Vez at the W are highly rated. And when you’re ready to be transported to Asia, Takato at the Conrad won’t disappoint. The Hilton’s LaMarche outside terrace is a popular choice. Or many hit the Cornucopia Gourmet Market to take home a variety of savory tastes from around the world.
Nearby five-star resorts also provide exceptional fine dining venues. Evelyn’s at the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carton’s Burlock Coast or The Atlantic Hotel’s WildThyme Oceanside Eatery are all top-rated culinary destinations. Along the beach, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of South Florida. Raise a drink and listen to live music at a variety of places where the names set the tone for the evening. Step out into the Quarterdeck, kick back at Coconuts, or meet up with friends at Casablanca.
Fort Lauderdale Beach – The Epicenter of South Florida
It’s said that Las Olas Boulevard is the melting pot of South Florida. Designer shopping and contemporary art museums are nestled along fun-filled music venues, oyster bars and coffee houses. From morning to midnight, living near Las Olas Boulevard means you’ll never be bored. Catch a water taxi to Pier 66, take a walk over to the Performing Arts Center for a live performance, or be whisked away to a rooftop bar to take in the nightlife overlooking the city skyline.
Throughout the year, endless festivals and events are held throughout the region. At the intersection of Las Olas Boulevard and the Atlantic shoreline, a palm-tree lined public park and open-air amphitheater play hosts to a variety of live performances. The Tortuga Music Festival, the Las Olas Arts Festival, and the annual Land, Sea & Sky air show are among some of the most talked about events in the country.
Just a short 10–15-minute drive from Las Olas Boulevard offers even more arts and shopping scenes for the family fashionista. Explore dozens of global luxury retailers at The Galleria Mall or explore Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s quaint walkable streetscape with fabulous restaurants, nightly live music, and shopping. Head to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or The Parker Playhouse to watch the latest Broadway musical. Or head to Hard Rock, DRV PNK, and FLA Live stadiums for live music from international celebrities, and where the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, Inter Miami CF, and the Florida Marlins provide constant action.
Direct Flights From Nearly Everywhere
Getting to Fort Lauderdale is exceptionally easy by air. The Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale International Airport is the gateway to Florida and welcomes a high volume of travelers embarking on cruises from Port Everglades. The demand results in an enviable number of direct flights from around the country, all touching down just 10 minutes from Selene. Once you’re in town, getting home from Miami or Fort Lauderdale Airports is a breeze on the Brightline high-speed train, with a station just off Las Olas Boulevard for easy access. The Brightline also brings the best of South Florida within reach, with seamless connection spanning north to Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue and south to Miami’s South Beach for easily accessible day trips.
How This Coastal Province Became One of The South’s Best Small Towns
September 20, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes
With picturesque natural scenery and friendly locals in abundance, Florida’s small towns celebrate the very best of leisure lifestyles. Contrary to their quaint sizes, however, charming small-town cities like Stuart along Florida’s Treasure Coast have a renowned reputation. Ranked #6 on Southern Living’s Best Small Towns List for 2022, Stuart encompasses the essence of coastal small-town living. A truly one-of-a-kind area, see for yourself what makes Stuart so authentic.
A Community Surrounded by Water
The Okeechobee Waterway and St. Lucie Inlet converge and surround the quaint city of Stuart to create a natural paradise. Enveloped by these scenic waterways, this community is uniquely connected by bridges. Leading to the Intracoastal Waterway, the bodies of water feed out into the Atlantic Ocean, a true dream for waterfront living. In unique proximity to both fresh water and salt water, locals are often found boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and enjoying the very best of living in paradise.
Dive Into an Active Lifestyle
Given the gorgeous natural scenery, it is no surprise that locals love to live a healthy, outdoor lifestyle. A plethora of ways to stay active provide a fresh and fun twist on staying happy and healthy. Venture into the outdoors and enjoy activities unique to living in a coveted beachside town, including yoga on the beach, hiking protected nature trails, playing racquet sports and golfing on internationally renowned courses. Watersports are popular for those wanting to make the most of coastal Florida living. Spend the day on the water via paddleboard or kayak. With a gorgeous backdrop and sunny weather, there is always something to do on land or water!
Explore The Vibrant Downtown Within This Scenic Hideaway
Known by few but cherished by many, Stuart oftentimes feels like a private hideaway. Surrounded by adjacent coastal towns, Stuart is the local epicenter for shopping and dining. The vibrant downtown embodies the charm and leisure lifestyle of the area. Popular boutiques like April Daze, Matilda’s and Gumbo Limbo are local favorite places to find coastal gifts for family, friends and yourself! A wide variety of restaurants including the Stuart Boathouse, Hudson’s on the River, and The Gafford make dining experiences exciting and lively. This waterfront downtown hosts a green market every Sunday morning, highlighting the best small businesses in Martin County. Immediately following the market is Rock’n Riverwalk, a boardwalk concert series featuring local musicians who never fail to bring the community together for a good time. Although seemingly hidden off the map, Stuart is a lively area with much to see and do.
Over a Century of Rich History
Established in 1870, Stuart has a rich and authentic history. Residents take pride in the area’s locally famous landmarks. A museum that was once a shelter for shipwreck survivors, The House of Refuge is a scenic spot to watch sunsets and learn about Florida’s maritime history. Located in the heart of historic Downtown Stuart, The Lyric Theater was a silent movie house popular in the 1920s and is now a dazzling performing arts venue. For those looking to learn about a century and a half of Stuart’s history, look no further than The Elliott Museum and the Historical Society of Martin County. More than just another coastal small town, Stuart has played an important role throughout the course of Florida history.
A Close-Knit Community Like No Other
A place that is warm and welcoming, Stuart’s locals have a reputation for supporting the community and its people. From supporting local farmers at the green market to inspiring a passion for the arts with the annual ArtsFest, the community prioritizes helping the area and its people in any way possible. Friendly faces are in abundance and community involvement is at an all-time high, as there is always an event being celebrated. United by a love for leisurely coastal living, locals embrace all that the Stuart community has to offer.
Discover Downtown Sarasota’s Culture and Entertainment Venues
| Read Time: 3 minutes
Located in the heart of Florida’s Cultural Coast, Downtown Sarasota boasts an abundance of arts, music, and entertainment venues throughout this quaint, yet cosmopolitan city center. Here are a few of the world-class entertainment destinations that await exploration.
The Bay Park
The scenic nature of The Bay Park along the shores of Sarasota Bay is a unique backdrop for three exceptional venues. This spectacular waterfront setting is undergoing a transformation to integrate the flora and fauna of the Botanical Gardens with a new Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Symphony. In addition, walking trails, fishing piers and boating access make this 53-acre park a central component of the Sarasota lifestyle.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Located within The Bay Park, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is one of the area’s premier entertainment venues. Since its inception in 1970, the Van Wezel has presented spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras, and a compelling mix of classical, modern, and ethnic dance. With over 100 events annually, there is sure to be something to entertain every cultural enthusiast.
Sarasota Opera House
Known as “one of America’s finest venues for opera” by Musical America, the Sarasota Opera House has provided world-class performances since 1960. This internationally acclaimed professional company showcases the best in opera music. Innovative technology ensures visitors of any language can follow along easily. Sarasota Opera House is also the only company in the world to have completed the entire Verdi Cycle, a unique undertaking to perform all 39 works of renowned Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Nearby Main Street also is home to Gallery Row and dozens of top-rated restaurants and boutique shopping.
Ringling Museum of Art
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official art museum of Florida. Established in 1927, the museum’s collection consists of more than 10,000 pieces from across the globe, celebrating every historical period from ancient to contemporary. The campus is located just five minutes north of One Park Sarasota, along the Sarasota Bay Coastline. The impressive campus is also home to a circus museum, the Asolo Theater, and the recently restored Ringling mansion.
The Historic Belle Haven
Immediately adjacent to One Park within the Quay, this three-story building is an architectural jewel filled with culture and history. Built in 1926, the Belle Haven’s Mediterranean Revival design has become a landmark piece of the Bayfront, as well as a designated historic structure by the city of Sarasota. Currently under a full restoration with GreenPointe developers, this important landmark along the bayfront is a symbol of pride for the city, hosting numerous art shows and events throughout the year.
Theatres and Museums Abound
The Florida Studio Theatre is a local favorite within Downtown’s Rosemary District, bordering the Boulevard of the Arts. The Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Sarasota Classic Car Museum can be found nearby, adjacent to the Ringling Museum campus. The Asolo’s innovative programming is focused on drawing patrons from every generation, including youth training, lifelong learning for adults, and professional development for educators. The slate of plays run the gamut from contemporary drama to classical comedy, introducing audiences to many talented artisans from around the globe.
St. Armands Circle
Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands Circle is an internationally renowned entertainment destination. St. Armands Circle brings outdoor European flair to life, with an atmosphere of genuine warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. This one-of-a-kind marketplace features exceptional local galleries, gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques, and luxury retailers.
Original story published by One Park Sarasota
4 Benefits of Fort Lauderdale Oceanfront Living
| Read Time: 3 minutes
Imagine waking up to the sun dancing along the horizon. The waves are gently lapping on the shore, and you step out onto your terrace and immediately feel that refreshing ocean breeze. With experiences like this right outside your door, it’s no surprise why oceanfront residences are in high demand, especially along South Florida’s Atlantic coastline. But it’s not just the stunning views that attract people to this coveted oceanfront destination. Here’s a glimpse into how Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront encourages a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle.
1. Promoting Physical Wellness
There’s nothing like the sun and the sand to get residents excited to get outdoors and become active. With soft sand that’s gentler on the feet, many residents love to take long walks or jogs in the evenings. Or they head into the water to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and surfing adventures. For those who worry about the sand, A1A stretches the entire coastline, with a wide pedestrian sidewalk perfect for running, biking, roller skating, and more.
It doesn’t take an active person, however, to enjoy the physical benefits of oceanfront living. Oceanfront studies have shown that the salty air encourages respiratory health and stimulates the immune system, while salt water is known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, creating two naturally soothing remedies.
2. Mental Wellness and Relaxation
Known for its restorative properties, being near the ocean also leads to an elevated mood and a more relaxed state. The ocean acts as a regulator, with the sea breeze and frequent, soothing tapping of the waves offering solace and peace. In fact, simply looking at the ocean, or other areas of water promotes dopamine and a good dose of Vitamin D, two feel-good hormones connected to happiness. Sunrise beach yoga is also a perfect way to bring balance to the mind and body, and Fort Lauderdale Beach is filled with classes for all ages and stages of life.
3. Entertainment Venues Surround Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is also one of the few places in the world where residents are surrounded by such a diverse array of entertainment, dining, and boutique shopping just a short stroll away. The Las Olas Oceanside Park, commonly referred to as The LOOP, offers residents a palm-tree-lined public park and open-air amphitheater that plays host to a variety of events year-round. Events are created for every interest, ranging from fitness programs and Saturday morning’s Farmers and Artisan Market to Friday Night Sound Waves every summer. The Tortuga Music Festival, Las Olas Arts Festival, and the Land, Sea, & Sky air show are also favored annual traditions.
4. Ample Beachfront Activities for Every Interest
While there are ample entertainment venues surrounding Fort Lauderdale Beach, sometimes a day spent in the sand is all that’s needed to entertain friends for hours. Volleyball nets along the beach provide the perfect opportunity for a pickup game or bring frisbees and a soccer ball for endless hours of sporting fun. A relaxing dip in the ocean after a hectic day of work is the perfect way to cool off and float away any worries. Or just bring a beach towel and a good book for a peaceful retreat in the sand.