Everyone has different reasons for moving to a beach town. Some appreciate the small town atmosphere, while others like how nature is essentially untouched. The Town of Orchid, just outside of Vero Beach, is one such example. Many say that Orchid Island is the perfect place for them because of the weather, the people, and the overall feeling you have in a small beach town. Here are a few reasons why you should move to our beach town.

Mood: Relaxation

It’s hard to find a frown on someone’s face when they come back from the beach. Living so close to it, it’s easy to see why the residents here seem to be in a good mood all of the time. Different parts of the oceanfront environment come together to make beachgoers feel good. The sound of the waves hitting the shore provides a calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the day. Sunny days are abundant here and fill you with vitamin D, naturally raising your mood as well.

Nature Abounds

The oceanfront features a diverse and vibrant ecosystem not found anywhere else. Take a look up to the sky – ospreys, eagles, and pelicans soar through the air. On the horizon, dolphins jump from the water, and schools of fish teem below the surface. From May to October, you’re likely to find a leatherback sea turtle along the shoreline laying her eggs. Check out the historic Jungle Trail, it runs right through Orchid Island, and you’re likely to catch a rare white pelican flying above the trees.

Activities and Things to Do

If there’s one thing that we can say about beach towns, it’s that they have their own way of doing things, whether it be work or play – but especially play. Swing and dance under the moonlight at the Night Sounds Concert Series, or learn of the area’s eclectic art scene at the First Friday Gallery Stroll. Then again, you don’t need a party to have fun here. Spend a few rounds playing golf, or take some time to walk along the beach.

Everyone has a reason for moving to the Town of Orchid. Some of them like the friendly locals and warm neighbors. Some appreciate living so close to the beach. Others enjoy shopping, the atmosphere, and being healthy. One thing that we can say about life in a beach town is that it’s easier. It’s easy to get around on foot, but some residents prefer getting places via golf cart. It’s one of those things that make Orchid Island stand out amongst other clubs.

For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none.   Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the private beach.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses, but also holds an Audubon Certified Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Realty Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

In Vero Beach, Florida, you’ll discover the best of both worlds. That’s because Vero is at the eastern edge of the demarcation line that separates Florida into two different climate zones. North of Vero is a subtropical climate, and south of it is tropical. That’s why Vero Beach is known as the “Gateway to the Tropic” and is graced with a unique mix of vegetation. Growing here are coconut palms and bright tropical flowers that won’t grow even a few miles north. Alongside these tropical wonders, you’ll find a beautiful, rich landscape made up of ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests. Add to that the area’s beautiful beaches and the citrus trees that thrive here, giving the area the title of “Citrus Capital of the World.” With all this environmental diversity, it’s easy to see why Vero Beach has so much natural appeal.

For many generations, Vero Beach and its surrounding areas were known as the benchmark for quality citrus production and shipment. People all over the world enjoyed the juicy Indian River citrus grown here. It wasn’t until Edwin Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. purchased the 3000-acre estate on John’s Island that the Vero Beach area began to thrive as a resort destination. Ecclestone and his team recruited Fortune 500 CEOs and entrepreneurs from up north to create a golf community that drew top tier individuals to this area. Ground was broken in 1969, and the first of three golf courses opened the next year.

In 1987, Orchid Island, north of John’s Island, followed suit, when it was sold to Robert Haines III of Avon, Connecticut, and a small group of limited partners. At that time, the town of Orchid had only seven inhabitants. Haines’ vision was to build a few hundred British West Indies–style homes overlooking the ocean, the Indian River and a spectacular golf course. Ground was broken on Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in 1988. Just like on John’s Island, this spectacular community became a draw, attracting high-end individuals to this stunning oasis.

Soon, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was attracting people from every part of the country, as it had quickly become one of the most desirable oceanfront properties on the Treasure Coast, with one of Florida’s few barrier island golf courses. Throughout the generations of settlers in the Vero Beach area, there has always been a common thread—conservation and respect for the land. This long-standing culture began in the early 20th century, when Pelican Island in the Indian River Lagoon was designated as the country’s first wildlife refuge. The area has always been developed thoughtfully and with care. Instead of the urban sprawl that defines other parts of Florida, this area was planned in an organized fashion, taking green spaces into account and preserving beautiful, historic structures, allowing it to retain a charming, small-town flavor.

For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none.   Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy private beach access and what are even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses, but also holds an Audubon Certified Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800’s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandFL.com

 

From the upscale to the casual, Vero Beach has a culinary culture that drives gastronomes wild. Within the same area, you can sample everything from Latin fusion to comforting classics. While all of the restaurants here are worthy of a visit, we picked five of our favorites below to try. Each of them is unique in character and style.

The Wave

 Emilio and Gloria Estefan are well versed in the nature of mixing things together. It stands to reason that their Costa D’este hotel restaurant, The Wave, would use the flavors of Cuban food to accentuate classic American dishes. The inside reflects as much, with the sharp edges of postmodern American styles meeting the warm woods and sumptuous detail of Havana’s finest residences. The depth of Cuban cooking is on full display here, with dishes such as Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Salsa Verde and the Paella a la Costa made in the traditional style and studded throughout with calamari, scallops, and chorizo. Cheekily named drinks such as the Vitamin Water (Grey Goose Le Citron, Pama, blueberries, and lemon juice) top off the experience, making it a tropical vacation.

Southern Social Kitchen and Bar

The owners of this restaurant call their technique ‘rustic meets refined’, and it’s an approach that follows throughout every part of their business. Customers get a taste of it as soon as they enter, where they’re met with large tables to suit large parties, unfinished wood lining the walls, and simple wall art decorating the area. It’s clear that the chefs here have done their research regarding Southern cooking’s roots, as proved in the Deviled Eggs served Southern style for an appetizer, and Hogfish with collard greens and fried mashed potatoes. Finish off your dinner with a traditional Hummingbird Cake, layered high with pineapples and cherries.

The Kilted Mermaid

When the residents of Vero Beach look to unwind after a long day of fun in the sun, they come to Kilted Mermaid. The Kilted Mermaid serves as the middle ground between the new and old guard of cuisine and alcohol. The proof is in the product. The servers will tell you what wine pairings go best with each dish, the menu describes the flavor profile of certain cheeses, and the bands that play here range from The Leftovers to Wild and Blue. Stop by after a few rounds of golf for the Manchego Pesto Fondue with chicken and bread skewers, served with a Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale.

The Lemon Tree

Sometimes, a sign that something is truly good is that it never really changes. While the rest of the world feels like it needs to catch up with its neighbors, there are certain restaurants that retain their small town charm and great cooking. You’ll find such an example at The Lemon Tree. This diner has been serving up plates to locals for ages. The chefs here don’t feel the need to experiment with tried-and-true menu options. Classics such as Buttermilk Pancakes and Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are served alongside the chef’s take on familiar favorites. The next time that you stop by, grab the Local Mahi Sandwich with Dijon Vinaigrette – you won’t find a fish any fresher than the ones caught locally and served here. Feel free to spend some time here with a cup of coffee, a conversation with a good friend, and a plate of their complimentary muffins.

Waldo’s

 Waldo’s calls itself ‘The last of the great American hangouts.’ Said to have once been the Driftwood Inn, the building is constructed nearly entirely out of wood and retains a quirky, Old Florida aesthetic. True to Waldo’s nature, the extensive menu is of a different theme than the restaurant’s exterior, filled with options such as Southern Style Fish Tacos and Beer Battered Dolphin Fingers. These dining options represent the restaurant’s style: ostentatious, a little brash, but definitely loveable. Top off dinner with one of their over-the-top cocktails, such as their Malibu Confusion or a Pomegranate Martini.

The things that make a great meal vary between every person. One might say that they would need ingredients of the highest caliber or something made with the most advanced tools. Someone else might point out that they like to try new foods and new flavors, or that they like a mix of things. Even then, someone else might say that all they need is a good sandwich and someone to share it with. There’s no argument that Vero Beach knows how to serve up a great plate, no matter what’s on the menu. This isn’t limited to cooking. This ‘Hibiscus City’ has a reputation for offering the best in quality for everything, from shopping to living options. But there’s one neighborhood that puts the best of everything together.

With an amazing history of its own, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club has been proudly serving members for over twenty-five years. Members love to call this place home. The West-Indies style Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holidays are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Championship golf and amenities such as tennis, pickle ball, and a fitness center make it even better. Orchid Island spans from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing an unparalleled level of service. Golf is an experience, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is renowned as an Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary or its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was also the proud host of 2018’s 57th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

Love the Vero Beach location and thinking of making it your home? Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit orchidislandfl.com/real-estate/.

Step behind the gates to learn more about this one-of-a-kind community through the pages of the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine.  To request your copy, click here.

If you’re in the area, stop by the oceanfront Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772.388.3888 to schedule an appointment or for more information visit OrchidIslandFL.com.

Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club has been recognized for excellence by Platinum Clubs® of America, ranking in the Top 5% of Clubs in the nation. Over 3,100 Private Club General Managers, Club Presidents and Owners utilized the Platinum Clubs of America -Seven Selection Criteria, as approved by the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board, to cast their votes in a confidential ballot with the results certified as true and correct by an independent third party.

Since 1997, Club Leaders Forum (CLF) has been a respected resource for private club leadership, producing an industry publication, The FORUM, that contains Relevant, Interesting and Informative topics. CLF also hosts platforms for Leaders to collaborate on topics that shape the industry at its exclusive annual events.

The clubs published in the Top Private Clubs lists and Honorable Mentions merit respect for this remarkable achievement as elected by their peers in the industry.

Orchid Island is a private and intimate residential golf course community, offering gracious waterfront and golf course homes, an award-winning Arnold Palmer golf course, a state-of-the-art Tennis & Fitness Center and an intimate Beach Club perfectly suited for leisurely gatherings, club activities and exceptional dining. Orchid Island is the proud recipient of the following Awards & Accolades: Americas Healthiest Clubs from Prevo Health Solutions, Platinum Clubs of America from Club Leaders Forum (CLF), Distinguished Club of from BoardRoom Magazine and Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary from Audubon International.

 

In the unique City of Vero Beach as well as all of Indian River County, the locals have a saying: “sunrises, not high rises.” It means that the residents work to preserve local wildlife through extensive and intricate means and they care about the environment. People travel from all over to experience Vero Beach’s uncluttered beaches, bright blue waters, detailed mangrove paths through the rivers and waterfronts, and collection of flora and fauna. For members of Orchid Island, a private oceanfront golf and beach club community just comes naturally. Honestly, what’s more special than that?

With the rise of ecotourism, Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast have begun to appear on a many travelers’ short lists. Who can resist having nearly 26 miles of beach to explore? The secluded and exclusive area’s way of life serves as more than just a draw to those seeking to get away from it all. It attracts residents who appreciate the unique opportunity to live and grow side-by-side with nature.

The area has a few rules in place to protect the surrounding wildlife and its history. The city of Vero Beach recognizes that its future lies in the past as much as it does in the present, and they work to preserve all three through their actions. The end result is everything from beautiful works of architecture, to now historical roads have had an effect on the area’s past. Stop by Gloria Estefan’s renowned hotel, Costa d’Este, for a taste of today’s vibrant energy. Or, while you’re here, take some time to jog or stroll down the Historic Jungle Trail. More than just a dirt road, it was the original A1A and the key to how the city dominated the fruit juice industry for years.

Vero Beach’s carefully forged balance between man, nature, and history is one of the few ways that makes this coastal region so desirable. It’s how venues such as the Orchid Island Brewery can coexist alongside the Atlantic Ocean, or how the McKee Botanical Garden has evolved into one of the top botanical destinations in the state, as well as an important entry on the National Register of Historic Places.

For a community like Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club, it’s more than just trading in skyscrapers for sunsets. When you’re located just a short distance from Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, seeing white pelicans along the lakes and on the golf course is common. When loggerhead sea turtles and slow-moving manatees make their homes in the waterways and when your golf course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary–you’re well versed in tending to nature. What’s really special is how Orchid Island has fostered an environment for families to establish their own traditions, and leave something to pass down to future generations.

For those who want to get close to nature, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the convenience of a golf cart lifestyle. Traveling the community via golf cart makes getting to any of the amenities a fun and enjoyable experience, including the West Indies styled private Beach Club, which overlooks a private beach just for residents and their families to take pleasure in.

This private community is committed to providing an extraordinary level of service. Golf here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed; 18-hole course is not only revered as one of the best in the region, but considered a picturesque nature walk throughout this unique habitat. Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com

Intrigued by this one-of-a-kind destination? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about this amazing community and how the Vero Beach area embraces its natural wonderland.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Realty office and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule a private appointment.

 

 

 

How does where you come from change who you are? Science has sought to answer this question for years, analyzing the working and playing habits of those who live in the city versus those who live in the country versus those who live anywhere else. They’ve never really been able to find a connection to where someone lives and the level of success that someone enjoys, but they have to agree that some places just seem to make great people. Everyone from Tom Fadden to Alison Mosshart to Jake Owen has claimed residency in Vero Beach, or at least have stayed for a while. How did greatness come upon this small town?

Some were born here. Country singer Jake Owen is proud to call Vero Beach his hometown, having skated its roads, played on its beaches, and attended its school (Vero Beach High, Class of ’99, to be exact). The “Good Company” singer always refers to his hometown with a wistful smile and a memory of some fun thing that he would do with his friends here-his performance at the Beach Town Music Festival in 2017 was full of these. Even today, you’ll find him giving back in a variety of ways, such as the Jake Owen Foundation. It seeks to fund youth organizations and charity programs in Owen’s hometown of Vero Beach, while also granting financial aid to families affected by childhood cancer. Guess not even star power can take the hometown values out of a Vero Beach guy.

Some are the witnesses to its history, as writer and resident Carl Hiaasen is. Hiaasen has populated his columns in the Miami Herald and his own novels with a warm wit and analytical eye to the Broward-Palm Beach area and its residents. Always topical, his writing covers ideas that are relevant to Florida’s society and offers deference to the area’s natural beauty. There’s no better example of this than in his Newbery Award-nominated book, Hoot, in which a group of children feel such a strong connection to Florida and it’s landscape that they take incredible measures to protect it. On the book’s setting, Hiaasen told an interviewer that “None of the characters in HOOT are based on real people, but the setting is very much borrowed from own childhood.” Indeed, eagle-eyed readers might note that the sunny shores, quiet waterfronts, and natural areas of the hometown that the characters aim to protect sounds a lot like Vero Beach…

Some are drawn here, such as Gloria Estefan was. When she first visited Vero Beach, she saw its potential within its white sands and blue waters. To Mosaic Traveler, she explained, “Nature and animals are very close to my heart. I wanted to share this experience with people from all over the world, which is why we decided to buy the hotel and create its unique environment.”

Following that instinct, she purchased an older hotel and rebuilt it as the Costa d’Este Beach Resort. Lying on Vero Beach’s shores, Estefan has established it as it as the premier vacation spot for the luxury travelers and the world’s elite. Residents of Vero Beach can even claim Estefan as a neighbor too. Her house is located on the secluded side of town, far away from the world’s rush, but very close to the waterfront. After all, if Vero Beach is good enough for her hotel, it very well should be perfect for her.

Vero Beach has a way of shaping the people who get close to it, no matter how they manage to get here. Some worked here, some played here, many were made here, a few even came here accidentally, but Vero Beach has left its mark on everyone who has come through its city limits, whether guest or resident, superstar or everyday person. Whether it’s the flora and fauna, some native only to this area, all maintained for by the residents of the town, or the small town way of life, cared for and curated by local governments, or even the ability to just kick back and relax on a beach with no one for miles around, residents all agree that Vero Beach brings out everyone’s personal greatness.

With an amazing history of its own, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club has been proudly serving members for over twenty-five years. Members here are even luckier still to call this amazing place home. The West-Indies style Beach Club serves as a gathering place for families and friends to reunite. Private club events and holidays are held in the dining room, and families enjoy fun in the sun along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention the resort style pool and amenities such as tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center available to members.

Even better, Orchid Island is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing an unparalleled level of service. Golf is an experience, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is renowned as an Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary or its commitment to natural preservation. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was also the proud host of 2018’s 57^th Annual U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

Love the Vero Beach location and thinking of making it your home? Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. For a full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island, visit OrchidIslandRealty.com.

If you’re just getting started, request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and the Town of Orchid Island.

If you’re in the area, stop by the oceanfront Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for a true adventure right here on Orchid Island, head to the historic Jungle Trail, an eight-mile sandy road built in the 1920s along the banks of the Indian River. Originally constructed so that the citrus growers could transport their fruit, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as it was the original A1A. Whether you choose to bike or hike, you’ll enjoy the scenery along the way, including palm tree hammocks and coastal wetland areas. You’ll also get to see some of the area’s magnificent homes. At the end of the trail, you’ll come to the Pelican Island Sanctuary, the first wildlife refuge in the U.S. National Park Registry.

The Historic Jungle Trail is also one of the best places to see the island’s flora and fauna. When you’re so close to the country’s oldest bird sanctuary, you’re sure to see some great things. Take a look in the sky every once in a while – you might catch an osprey or a rare white pelican. Pay attention to the grasses – you might find some unique plants. When you ride by the ocean, keep your eye out on the water – there may be a dolphin or a manatee swimming by.

If you can learn a lot about a town from what it saves for future generations, then there’s tons that a place like this one could say. Residents here work to save things not just for themselves, but for their families. Things like the knowledge of swinging a golf club, or the memory of playing on the beach. For those who want to get close to nature and enjoy the creature comforts of home, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members and residents also enjoy the one-mile of private beach access and what’s even better, Orchid Island spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River.

This private community is committed to providing a level of service that stands out from the rest. Golfing here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole course is not only renowned among courses, but also holds an Audubon Certified Sanctuary status for its commitment to natural preservation.

Love the Vero Beach location? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Sales Center and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 for more information.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to over $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums.