Best of Vero
McKee Garden is one of the treasures of Vero Beach. Originally opened in 1932, McKee became one of Florida's premier tourist attractions, attracting over 100,000 a year at its height. Faced with competition from the new megaparks, and the rerouting of traffic onto I-95, McKee Garden was closed and its land sold. Fortunately, 18 acres were reassembled and a new Mckee opened in 2001. Currently, the Garden consists of a tropical jungle Hammock filled with trees, flowers, ponds, and a lovely walkway. The Garden offers educational classes, lectures, and tours for members and non members alike. For more information visit www.mckeegarden.org.
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 
Located on the 54 acre scenic Riverside Park, the Vero Beach Museum of Art serves as the cultural and recreational heart of Indian River County.
The Museum offers touring and permanent exhibitions, guided gallery tours, classes in the arts, concerts, lectures by nationally known speakers, and cultural celebrations.
In 2006, thanks to a generous donation from Jim and Alice Beckwith, a beautifully landscaped Sculpture Park was opened on the Museum grounds.
The Museum has been recognized as “one of the most active small-town art facilities in the nation, with large areas dedicated to working artists, art exhibitions, (and) student instruction…. "
Learn more at www.VBMuseum.org.
The Environmental Learning Center
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963
772-589-5050
Founded in 1992 and housed on a 64 acre campus on Wabasso Island in Vero Beach, The Environmental Learning Center is devoted to education and the promotion of sound stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon, one of the world’s most diverse coastal estuaries. The lagoon is home to mangroves, marshes, oak hammocks, diverse bird and marine wildlife. From field trips for school children to educational boat rides, kayaking, and bird watching, the ELC reminds us of the wonder of the world around us and inspires us to protect these resources so that they can be enjoyed by the generations who follow us.
For a video introduction of the center, please click on the link below:
http://www.elcweb.org/home/pages/ELCIntroduction.cfm
For a calendar of events and directions, please visit www.elcweb.org
Riverside Theatre
Located near the Museum of Art in Riverside park, the Riverside Theatre offers professional theatre for the treasure Coast.
The theatre produces quality works from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Regional theatres and offers educational opportunities for the youth.
To learn more, visit www.riversidetheatre.com
Where to Stay
The Vero Beach Hotel and Club
Located on the ocean with spectacular views, The Vero Beach Hotel and Club is the newest and most upscale hotel in Vero Beach.
The Hotel has a pool side café and recently opened Heaton’s Reef Bar & Grill, an upscale onsite restaurant. In 2008, The White Orchid Spa will start to offer spa services to hotel guests as well as local residents and visitors.
www.verobeachhotelandclub.com 772-231-5666.
The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel
Located close to the prized beaches of the south beach area, The Caribbean resort offers lovely accommodations in a small tropical boutique setting. The resort offers 18 charmingly appointed guest rooms, a heated pool and sundeck, and one of Vero’s best restaurants, Maison Martinique. For more information, visit www.thecaribbeacourt.com or call 772-231-7299.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Located on the northern end of the barrier island, Disney’s resort offers a range of accommodations from guest rooms in the grand inn, to villas, to stand-alone beach cottages. The resort has all the amenities: two restaurants, a pool with slide, fitness center, spa, and many organized family events. For a virtual tour visit, www. dvc.disney.go.com
Costa d’Este
Gloria and Emilio Estafan will soon open their newest personal Luxury resort on the ocean in Vero Beach. Costa d’Este features 94 deluxe guest rooms and suites, a destination restaurant and bar, a sparkling pool, spa and fitness center and facilities for weddings and special meeting events.
www.costadeste.com or call 772-562-9919
Check back to see photos of the grand opening in July 2008!
Vero Beach Restaurants
On the Island
Maison Martinque- elegant restaurant in south beach. 1605 S Ocean drive, 231-7299, www.maisonmartinique.com. Dinners only Tuesday-Saturday.
The Tides- award winning food, a local favorite. 3103 Cardinal Drive, www.tidesofvero.com, 234-3966. Dinners only.
The Vero Beach Hotel and Club-poolside fare with a gorgeous oceanfront view,
3500 Ocean drive, www.verobeachhotelandclub.com, 231-5666. Heaton’s Grill, a
more formal option.
Pomodora Grill and Pizza-Excellent Italian food and pizza. 3055 Cardinal Drive, #102, www.pomodoragrilltrattoria.com, 234-1123. Dinners only.
The Ocean Grill-Right on the ocean with great views and good food. 1050 Sexton Plaza, www.ocean-grill.com, 231-5409.
The Lemon Tree-dependable American fare, reasonably priced. 3125 Ocean drive, 231-0858
Chelsea’s- Gourmet deli and market. Great for picking up a sandwich or a gourmet salad bar. 3201 Cardinal Drive, www.chelseasoncardinal.com, 234-8300. Typically closed in August and early September.
On the Mainland
Carmel’s- Modern American emphasizing fresh flavorful ingredients. 398 21st Street, www.carmelsofverobeach.com, 299-7131. Dinners only.
Hardwood Grill, 7401 US Highway 1, 563-2999. Dinners only.
Bangkok Inn Downtown- Japanese and Thai, including good vegetarian options 2227 14th Ave, 794-1825.
Briana’s Seafood and Market Café-Casual seafood fare right at Miracle Mile, 642 21st St, 562-0810.
