Vero Beach Questions

[RooRach0906]

We have a trip planned for the end of August. This is the first time for all of us to Vero Beach; we are really looking forward to it. We will have a kitchen. What are your best tips for first timers?

Could we arrive before 4 or is it best to wait until after so hopefully the room is ready?

Is there anything locally that is a must do?

We would like to try a local restaurant at least once what do you think is the best and why? (entrees $25 max preferred/ no more than 30 minutes) Any have She Crab Soup?

What is still not in operation? My sister's favorite thing when she went with her family was the goofy meal; is it back?

Also we are thinking of getting our own snorkel gear is that something we could do here or even somewhere near by?

 

[Stargazer65]

Any have She Crap Soup?

She crap soup eh? I've never had that...but it doesn't sound very appealing.

 

[Stargazer65]

I've only been once in our life, 6 months ago but only for two days. So I don't know much. All I can say is our room was ready early. We ate at squid lips one evening, and enjoyed that. The other meals we ate on site. I'll let others who are VB experts give better advice, but we enjoyed our first time and want to go back again.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hope you don't need to evacuate from a hurricane.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Vero is a bit out of the way so bring a cooler of necessary perishables from a grocery on the way. Bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses and bring your own beach chairs. Parking is underneath the resort, so if you can a luggage cart and pile it all up (elevator), that is the way to go. Pool is gorgeous we love it.

Locally, there is Sebastian Inlet State Park, Brevard Zoo (north on 95), Merritt Island (north on 95).

We were there during a hurricane which came close but didn't hit us. It was a windy, rainy day but the overhang on our porch was great and we hung out there most of the day. If you are coming in on a weekday you might get your room early, otherwise there is a gorgeous covered porch with rocking chairs facing the Atlantic! Enjoy!

 

[PalmettoPath]

We've been to DVB around 10 times for summer vacays (followed by a stop at WDW after). One of our favorite summer things to do. Lots to see and do in the area. Sebastian Inlet State Park is well worth it for a beach visit. The DVB beach is nice, but the State Park beach is different and nicer in many ways. Generally better waves and less people. There's a small fee to enter but it's minimal.

Uncle Cracker Airboats is fun if you want an alligator air boat adventure. Lots of wildlife preserves and museums around as well, plus boutique shopping in Vero Beach.

Parking is underground, but not exclusively. Lots of outdoor parking near some of the outer buildings away from the lobby building.

For dining, Ocean Grill in Vero Beach is nice, but might be above your limit. Casey's Place is a local legend outdoor casual burger place (near to where boutique shops are). North of DVB in Sebastian we like Squid Lips over the water dining. The fare is okay, but the location is rustic and fun. We go there every trip. Also we like Ay Jalisco! for Mexican in Sebastian.

There really is a lot to see and do in the area. Don't forget to stock up at Publix on the way in!

Also, here's a pro tip. The noseeum bugs can be super duper killer for the uninitiated. Early morning and dusk are the worst times. So early morning beach walks to see the turtle nests is a must do -- but spray up with powerful deet or other stuff on your legs. Also, if you go to the campfire sing-a-long (assuming it's running now), don't make a rookie mistake. The noseeums are killer there. So no matter how hot it is, cover your legs. Tuck your pants/leggings into your socks and wear shoes. You will thank me. You will watch other guests sit down (bare legged) and within a few minutes the slapping and scratching will start.

Other than that, there is a ton to do onsite. Don't forget the great paradise across the road! Also Disney property with a nature trail, sports and more. Enjoy your stay!

 

[RooRach0906]

She crap soup eh? I've never had that...but it doesn't sound very appealing.

It must have auto corrected lol!!! She Crab Soup - Cream based soup with crab meat

 

[RooRach0906]

Thanks everyone for the tips!! This has been very helpful for me to prepare.

 

[Stargazer65]

It must have auto corrected lol!!! She Crab Soup - Cream based soup with crab meat

Now THAT, I think I could go for!

 

[achinforsomebacon]

Not sure if you'll have kids with you but I would recommend setting some time aside to enjoy some of the activities at the resort, especially since it's your first time. Nothing was super long, but we took advantage of the free activities and some of the paid activities for the kids. There's a nature walk with Barbie (she was great and did a lot of the activities) where she'll take you around and talk about some of the plants/critters in the area. They had origami, shark tooth necklaces($), pillow making($), wine glass painting($), nightly movies on the lawn, sand castle contests on the beach, etc.

 

[Poppins2000]

We have a trip planned for the end of August. This is the first time for all of us to Vero Beach; we are really looking forward to it. We will have a kitchen. What are your best tips for first timers?

Could we arrive before 4 or is it best to wait until after so hopefully the room is ready?

Is there anything locally that is a must do?

We would like to try a local restaurant at least once what do you think is the best and why? (entrees $25 max preferred/ no more than 30 minutes) Any have She Crab Soup?

What is still not in operation? My sister's favorite thing when she went with her family was the goofy meal; is it back?

Also we are thinking of getting our own snorkel gear is that something we could do here or even somewhere near by?

We stay at the Vero Beach resort a few times a year to stay, plus stay with my BFF and her family and they live in Vero.

You can check in early and begin using the pool and beach facilities right away - your luggage can be stored until your room is ready. Excellent changing rooms in the pool area. There is always something going on at the pool in the afternoons, games, beach party, trivia, dance party. There are also crafts (extra fee) and sometimes Cocktail/Wine Tastings for the adults in the Green Cabin Room (extra fee). You will receive a bulletin on all the resort happenings for the week once you check in.

Vero is a sleepy little beach town with few attractions - visiting the beach downtown area is nice, lots of restauarants, shops and ice cream for the kiddos. Go to Countryside Citrus - orange slushy with vanilla ice cream is awesome! The McKee Botanical Gardens are lovely too.

One of our favorite restaurants is Ocean Grill - about a 10 minute drive from the resort, right on the beach (building has been there over 70 years), DELISH and reasonable. Other faves; Riverside Cafe, Waldos (on the beach) & Citrus Grillhouse - not sure if anyone has She Crab Soup. Best breakfast places are the Lemon Tree (close to Ocean Grill) and the Country Ham and Egg in Sebastain (10 minute drive away). We also enjoy the onsite restaurant too!

Not sure if character meals are back yet or if the 9 hole putt-putt course (by the pool) is back up and running.

Keep in mind that August is the rainiest month out of the year in Vero. That doesn't mean the day will be a washout, just expect daily afternoon thunderboomers with the possiblity of showers earlier in the day and sometimes in the evening.

As for snorkeling, I haven't really seen anybody snorkel while at the resort, more people body surfing, use boogie boards or ride jet skis. Probably because the waves can make is rough to snorkel!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[disneydiz]

Ocean Grill is great, but definitely not for those under 10. A lot of "older" clientele having a long dinner hour. We enjoyed walking north on the beach about one block to Beach Bites. Fantastic food--subs, pitas, salads, etc. A lot of the workers from surrounding area go there for lunch hour. We took our food back to the main lodge and ate there, because there were no available tables. They also do a great breakfast items. No kid items, but really good food.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

If you'd like a good breakfast place, you might try First Watch. There's a great deli across the street called TooJays. It's located in a shopping center with a big Publix, so eating in either of those places makes it easy to eat and then do some grocery shopping.

Not exactly she-crab soup, but the seafood bisque at Mulligans (2 locations) is really good. Their firecracker shrimp is also delicious.

 

[sssteele]

We've been to DVB around 10 times for summer vacays (followed by a stop at WDW after). One of our favorite summer things to do. Lots to see and do in the area. Sebastian Inlet State Park is well worth it for a beach visit. The DVB beach is nice, but the State Park beach is different and nicer in many ways. Generally better waves and less people. There's a small fee to enter but it's minimal.

Uncle Cracker Airboats is fun if you want an alligator air boat adventure. Lots of wildlife preserves and museums around as well, plus boutique shopping in Vero Beach.

Parking is underground, but not exclusively. Lots of outdoor parking near some of the outer buildings away from the lobby building.

For dining, Ocean Grill in Vero Beach is nice, but might be above your limit. Casey's Place is a local legend outdoor casual burger place (near to where boutique shops are). North of DVB in Sebastian we like Squid Lips over the water dining. The fare is okay, but the location is rustic and fun. We go there every trip. Also we like Ay Jalisco! for Mexican in Sebastian.

There really is a lot to see and do in the area. Don't forget to stock up at Publix on the way in!

Also, here's a pro tip. The noseeum bugs can be super duper killer for the uninitiated. Early morning and dusk are the worst times. So early morning beach walks to see the turtle nests is a must do -- but spray up with powerful deet or other stuff on your legs. Also, if you go to the campfire sing-a-long (assuming it's running now), don't make a rookie mistake. The noseeums are killer there. So no matter how hot it is, cover your legs. Tuck your pants/leggings into your socks and wear shoes. You will thank me. You will watch other guests sit down (bare legged) and within a few minutes the slapping and scratching will start.

Other than that, there is a ton to do onsite. Don't forget the great paradise across the road! Also Disney property with a nature trail, sports and more. Enjoy your stay!

Picardin, not deet. Much more effective.

 

[LPnerd]

Vero is a bit out of the way so bring a cooler of necessary perishables from a grocery on the way. Bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses and bring your own beach chairs. Parking is underneath the resort, so if you can a luggage cart and pile it all up (elevator), that is the way to go. Pool is gorgeous we love it.

Locally, there is Sebastian Inlet State Park, Brevard Zoo (north on 95), Merritt Island (north on 95).

We were there during a hurricane which came close but didn't hit us. It was a windy, rainy day but the overhang on our porch was great and we hung out there most of the day. If you are coming in on a weekday you might get your room early, otherwise there is a gorgeous covered porch with rocking chairs facing the Atlantic! Enjoy!

publix is about 5-7 min away and easy to find. Ask at the desk or anyone really for directions, super easy.

 

[dfesel1]

Just back. The campfire is not running right now and no character meals, but Green Cabin Room (beautiful ocean view) was serving bfast and light evening nibbles, and movies were being shown nightly on the green right behind the main resort building. There are groceries, Target and Walmart a reasonable drive away. We tried Taco Dive in town and loved it! We are also big Kilted Mermaid fans (dessert fondue). If it rains all day both Kennedy Space Center and the Navy Seal Museum are a reasonable drive and are great! Have a blast!

 

[LPnerd]

any news on 2DC club? I know the pirate ship water play is closed, is the slide open?