We went to Vero and Loved it!

[bobbiwoz]

What more can I say? We arrived on Sunday the 21st, the sun was shining, checked in around noon, room wasn't ready, so we went off to buy some oranges at Hale Groves for ourselves and to send to friends. We had a garden view room, room 2240 which was perfect, matched my "requests" for non-smoking and not too far from the elevator. During our stay, we noticed that the closet door had an obstruction that prevented one side from closing properly. I wanted the room to be perfect for the next occupants, so as we were getting ready to pack to leave, DH called, and engineering came and the problem was being fixed. It was not as simple to fix as we thought it would be, but it was being done.

The winds and heavy surf caused much beach erosion and rip tides caused swimming deaths along Florida's coasts last week, and Vero Beach wasn't spared. The new sand was being washed away, and the Beach tour which we hoped to go on on Wednesday morning was cancelled. So, we played mini-golf and rode the bikes around the 5 mile or so Jungle Trail route. We had Fun!!!

We joined the Harbor Branch tour on Tuesday and saw manatees in the inlet there, a real treat! Mike the CM from VB was our guide and he made it all especially interesting. The behind the scenes tour was so informative, we saw the submersibles that do the deep investigating and learned that they were actually manufactured there.

We went to the campfire on Wednesday evening, but felt it was more geared for younger families than we are, although we did do "I'm a little teapot" we left afterwards and watched a movie in our room.

The food at Shutters and Sonyas was delicious. We found Shutters Menu more to our tastes.

We ate most breakfasts on our balcony, that was the extent of our "cooking." The OJ from Hales can't be beat, wish we could buy it here in Ohio, but it's another reason to go back.

Now for the total surprise to us, but it's not about the Vero visit per se. We ended our vacation at the Marriott on the bay in Key Largo where we were upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. WOW! We will not willingly go back to a studio anywhere, hence our decision to seriously look into adding on points for our DVC vacations in the future. I've been reading all of your comments about "Once you try a 1-bedroom, you can't go back" and just figured we, read I, am too frugal to allow even a"try" to happen. Well, we were in heaven, and DH is pushing me to see about adding points so when we go back to anywhere, we can have these deluxe accomodations.

Wish us success in finding a resale we can use. We're staying on the waitlist for VWL, we check in with Michelle regularly. DH especially isn't interested in staying at SS, I'm not going to try to convince him to buy something he seems reluctant to go with.

Thanks for all of the wonderful, interesting comments from everyone here. Is anyone has any questions about our trip, please ask.

Bobbi

 

[jaysue]

Excellent - glad to hear you enjoyed VB

We have not been to Hale's but now we will go for sure

thanks
jaysue

 

[new_yawka]

We got a gallon of OJ from Hale's when we were in VB and loved it. My parents, who swear by the OJ from a place in Haines City (near where they live) were also very impressed (because I wouldn't take the word of a Jerseyite, such as myself, on such important matters as fresh-squeezed OJ).

Glad you enjoyed VB...it's a great resort!

 

[mikesmom88]

Bobbiwoz

Glad you had a great time and thanks for sharing.

We just love VB also but have never been ot Hale's. WIll go on our trip in August.

Good luck finding the resale you want!

 

[tinkgrl]

Bobbi,

Thanks for sharing!! Glad you had a good time! Can't wait to go next May! Got your email, will write soon

Allison an associate

 

[chrisanjohn]

We are thinking of going in Sept.

Where is Hale's, on property or nearby?

How did you find out about the Harbour Branch Tour?

Were you happy with your view?

Thanks for your info!

 

[bobbiwoz]

chrisanjohn, Hales on Rt. 1 nearby, it was on the way to the Publix from Vero Beach resort. They have a mail order catalog and we've been sending gifts from them for years, but had been disappointed with the most recent navel oranges we had bought last year. At the store, you can sample different available varieties, and we found one we really liked, I'm not sure what the name is but it's indicated by "ORT" on the bag we bought. If we hadn't gone and tasted I doubt we would have used their catalog again. They were always good about replacing oranges if we complained, but the oranges didn't seem as good as they had been, well, maybe our tastes have changed because we both love this new type.

The Harbour Branch tour is offered by VB and there is a discount for members. They probably have a website. They are doing major research in aquaculture as a means to solve the world's food supply needs.

We had a garden view, it viewed the front of the building. I watched a bird pull material off a tree to use as nesting material. It wasn't a great view, if you noticed, you heard the road noise, A1A highway, but the tropical trees reminded me most of the Polynesian hotel.

An "ocean view" room could be north, south or east, with only east being the direct ocean view in my opinion. DH said he wouldn't be particularly happy with other than the direct east view, I think we did fine.

Bobbi

 

[chrisanjohn]

Good to know! We love those FL oranges - really missed the Epcot Horizon ride & the "orange scent" looking over the future world farm

We'll be sure & stop by Hale's!

Thanks for the info on the views, my main reason for going to VB is the ocean view, so I'll be sure to make the request.

I'd love to get a glimpse of the manatees, so we'll probably try the tour too!

Thanks again for letting me know

 

[mbhoxsie]

bobbiwoz,

Glad you enjoyed VB!!

Hales is always one of the first places we hit.. (Usually right after we check in.) Last year, my DS3 hit the OJ fountain at least three or four "free refills"...

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

bobbiwoz
Thanks for the great report. Glad you enjoyed your stay at VB.

P.S. Try not to let everybody in on our secrets

about VB.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I love to read good things about VB! Thanx for the report, bobbiwoz!
We will be there in less than three weeks!

MG

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks for the report. We'll be at Vero for the first time next week Friday, and I can't wait to see it! We will only be there for one night, but I have been wanting to check it out for some time now. Sounds like you had a very nice visit!