ISLAND LIFESTYLES SUMMER 2020 | VOL 1 Orchid ISLAND Orchid LIFESTYLES OCEAN TO INDIAN RIVER SUMMER 2020 | VOL 1 THE EDGE OF THE TROPICS HIT THE LINKS WITH ARNOLD PALMER WEST INDIES ARCHITECTURE orchid island We find it an honor and a pleasure to live here in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast. That’s why we wanted to create a magazine to celebrate just how good this life can be. So browse through. You’ll discover first-class shopping and dining—with a twist—in neighboring Vero Beach; a beach where sea turtles return to their ancient homes, protected by a determined band of humans; and a town where everyone can live in harmony. There is so much to do here, from deep-sea fishing to paddling through the beautiful Indian River Lagoon—and we have stories about all of it. Welcome to Orchid Island Lifestyles, celebrating a place where there’s something for everyone to savor. RobGeneral Manager,Tench Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club 1 orchid island THE VERO BEACH: EDGE A History of Citrus, Executives OF and Environmentalism THE TROPICS The Best of Both Worlds 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 or many generations, Vero Beach and its surrounding Throughout the generations of settlers in the Vero Beach area, as the “Gateway to the Tropics” and is areas were known as the benchmark for quality citrus there has always been a common thread—conservation and graced with a unique mix of vegetation. Fproduction and shipment. People all over the world respect for the land. This long-standing culture began in the Growing here are coconut palms and bright enjoyed the juicy Indian River citrus grown here. It wasn’t until early 20th century, when Pelican Island in the Indian River tropical flowers that won’t grow even a Edwin Llwyd Ecclestone Sr. purchased the 3000-acre estate Lagoon was designated as the country’s first wildlife refuge. few miles north. Alongside these tropical on John’s Island that the Vero Beach area began to thrive as a The area has always been developed thoughtfully and with wonders, you’ll find a beautiful, rich resort destination. Ecclestone and his team recruited Fortune care. Instead of the urban sprawl that defines other parts of landscape made up of ancient oak 500 CEOs and entrepreneurs from up north to create a golf Florida, this area was planned in an organized fashion, taking community that drew top tier individuals to this area. Ground green spaces into account and preserving beautiful, historic was broken in 1969, and the first of three golf courses opened structures, allowing it to retain a charming, small-town flavor. 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 The Vero Beach hammocks and dense pine forests. Add to a few hundred British West Indies–style homes overlooking the Airport has a long that the area’s beautiful beaches and the ocean, the Indian River and a spectacular golf course. Ground and storied history, citrus trees that thrive here, giving the area was broken on Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in 1988. Just beginning in 1928 when it became a refueling stop for Eastern the title of “Citrus Capital of the World.” like on John’s Island, this spectacular community became a Airways mail service to Miami. In 1932, the airport began passenger With all this environmental diversity, it’s draw, attracting high-end individuals to this stunning oasis. service with Eastern. During World War II, Vero’s airport served as easy to see why Vero Beach has so Soon, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club was attracting people a naval air station. When the war ended, Piper Aircraft brought its much natural appeal. from every part of the country, as it had quickly become one of business to Vero and has made use of the airport ever since. In 2015, the most desirable oceanfront properties on the Treasure Coast, Vero Beach Airport once again initiated commercial flights when Elite with one of Florida’s few barrier island golf courses. Airways began flying here. 3 orchid island SANDPIPER BEACH ROOM CLUB GATED ENTRY GOLF CLUB GATED ENTRY FROM THE OCEAN TO THE RIVER, A SPECTACULAR PROPERTY IN HARMONY WITH ITS NATURAL SURROUNDINGS Nestled between the peaceful and the stunning golf course. respite. The first-class amenities Indian River Lagoon and the The West Indies–style homes are carefully woven into the sparkling Atlantic Ocean is lend a casual sophistication fabric of the neighborhood, the exclusive Orchid Island to the community. Whether it’s including the impressive Beach GOLF CLUB Golf & Beach Club, one of an estate, a courtyard home or Club overlooking the ocean, SANDPIPER ROOM Florida’s only barrier island a spacious oceanfront condo, the well-equipped Tennis & BEACH CLUB golf clubs. This private gated every property has an enviable Wellness Center, and the elegant community has 376 gracefully- view of the lush golf course, Golf Club. Orchid Island TENNIS & TENNIS & FITNESS CENTER FITNESS placed residences in impeccably natural preserve or Atlantic has been lauded as one CENTER GATED ENTRY landscaped neighborhoods Ocean. Orchid Island’s pristine, of Florida’s most visually that meld with the natural private beach is a nesting site for stunning golf clubs for good GATED ENTRY topography of the land, loggerhead sea turtles and offers reason. It truly is a special including the river, lakes, ocean residents a peaceful, natural and unique place. 5 orchid island BOATING AND FISHING hink of flats boats as shallow-water fishing machines, ready to open VERO BEACH your world. For beginner and expert anglers alike, it starts with the EXPLORING THE WATERS OFF VERO: T right knowledge and a positive attitude. FLORIDA INSHORE, OFFSHORE, THE BAHAMAS Properly geared up and supplied with baitfish, you’re off to the mangrove shorelines and inlets of the Indian River and a drift toward the Atlantic. Vero Beach and YELLOWFIN TUNA Sebastian Inlet are blessed with prime trophy fishing spots where plentiful snapper SWORDFISH and redfish—along with the occasional 25-pound snook—await. Here, more redfish, WHITE MARLIN flounder, black drum, snook, mangrove snapper, grouper and even spotted sea trout feed, waiting for your bait. THE BAHAMAS TROUT Piers and jetties welcome fishermen, while the inlets offer excellent shore fishing. 1 For the passionate reef diver or angler, GPS numbers may be your best guide to BLUEFISH Indian River County’s many offshore artificial reefs and wrecks. SNOOK SAILFISH Looking for a little more open water? This area of the Atlantic offers some of the DOLPHIN best sport fishing around. Troll for mahi mahi or tuna and keep an eye out for sailfish as well. And for experienced boaters, the Islands of the Bahamas REDFISH are just a boat ride away. TARPON WAHOO BLUE MARLIN 1 FloridaGoFishing.com lists coordinates for reef lines and underwater sights. No salvage can be taken from the shipwrecks. 7 orchid island HISTORIC JUNGLE TRAIL — If you are looking for a true adventure If you live in right here on Orchid Island, head to the historic Jungle Trail, an the town of eight-mile sandy road built in the 1920s along the banks of the Orchid Island, ALL Indian River. Originally constructed so that the citrus growers you don’t need could transport their fruit, it is listed on the National Register of to leave home Historic Places, as it was the original A1A. Whether you choose to enjoy nature. to bike or hike, you’ll enjoy the scenery along the way, including The Jungle Trail palm tree hammocks and coastal wetland areas. You’ll also get crosses the to see some of the area’s magnificent homes. At the end of entry of the the trail, you’ll come to the Pelican Island Sanctuary, the first neighborhood, TRAILS wildlife refuge in the U.S. National Park Registry. so you can take a leisurely stroll or bike along the breathtaking MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN — If you prefer to enjoy nature in a more shoreline of refined way, you won’t want to miss the lush, 80-acre McKee the Indian River Botanical Garden, named one of “22 Secret Gardens—Soothing waterway. LEAD Places of Surprise and Sanctuary in the U.S. and Canada” by National Geographic Traveler. This spot truly is a haven, filled HERE, IN THE VERO BEACH TO with colorful native plants and exotic specimens from around AREA, THERE IS SO MUCH the world, alongside scenic streams, ponds and trails. With UNTOUCHED NATURAL more than 100 varieties of water lilies, they have the largest HABITAT TO SAVOR. collection in the Southeast, along with an impressive collection NATURAL BEAUTY SO GET OUTSIDE AND of orchids. This venue is also listed on the National Register of TAKE A HIKE! It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining and you’re in the Historic Places and endorsed by The Garden Conservancy as a mood for an outdoor adventure. If you’re in Vero Beach, project of national significance. you’re in luck. In a place where residents have always been dedicated to preserving the area’s natural beauty, it’s no surprise that there are many natural treasures to enjoy.