64th Annual Under the Oaks Fine Art Show in Vero Beach

BEST ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL IN FLORIDA - Florida Magazine

Atlantic breezes and endless sunshine are two good reasons to live along the Vero Beach beaches. A third reason is the art scene. The 64th Annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show returns March 13-15, 2015 to Riverside Park on the scenic grounds of the Vero Beach Art Museum. The jewel on the Treasure Coast of Florida will become a hotbed of creativity during the second weekend of March as approximately 80,000 art enthusiasts convene from around the country to one of the finest juried shows in America. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, over 200 invited artists will exhibit works of art representing a body of work in eight categories, competing for prizes and recognition under the oaks beside a the gently flowing Indian River.

This huge inspiring event draws art mavens, art dealers, clubs, and families of all ages and sizes from around the state, region, and nation. Vero Beach, known as one of the best cities to live in Florida, offers a vibrant year-round arts scene in addition to its spectacular weather. The Vero Beach Art Club alone boasts over 500 members, meeting monthly at the Vero Beach Art Museum. The museum itself is one of our favorites. The impressive facility has 55,000 square feet of modern exhibit and meeting space rivaling structures found in much larger cities, and is an integral part of the community providing curated collection, exhibits, art programs, lectures, performances and classes throughout the year.

Patrons of the arts – or anyone who enjoys strolling beneath majestic oaks viewing thousands of examples of fine paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewelry, wood crafts, glass works and more – will enjoy this premier juried event. Named “Best Arts and Crafts Festival in Florida” by readers of Florida Magazine, the Vero Beach art show is considered to be one of the top 10 juried shows in the southeast. If you’re exploring Florida for retirement homes, Vero Beach communities are a smart first stop.

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE IN VERO BEACH

Vero Beach has a small-town feel, but comes to the table with a full menu of advantages and amenities that rate highly with Boomers including many new 55+ retirement communities in Florida. Located on the east coast Florida coastline called the Treasure Coast, the area was named because of the number of Spanish Galleons shipwrecked by hurricanes in the 1600-1700s. The beach town of Vero Beach is approximately three hours north of Miami and four hours south of Jacksonville. It straddles the Intracoastal Waterway, including within its boundaries the mainland and barrier island real estate with plenty of stunning river or ocean front views. This beautiful portion of Florida is home to the Indian River Lagoon and its tributaries, estuaries, inlets and parks, making for an outdoorsman’s utopia. Fishing, sailing, kayaking, camping, and wildlife watching are primary activities in this nature-lover’s paradise. Sunshine, deep-sea fishing and surfing off Vero Beach beaches are just some of the other pleasures available virtually year-round. Other recreational activities include spring matches at the Polo Grounds Fields and the Riverside Racquet Complex with two racquetball courts, 10 tennis courts, and a shady half-mile walking trail under the oaks at Riverside Park.

For those who consider shopping a sport, the Indian River Mall, several shopping centers, outlet malls, and the quaint shops, boutiques and cafes of historic downtown Vero will keep the most competitive shopaholics on their A-game. Adventures in dining abound, too, with fresh Atlantic seafood taking center stage. The area is eclectic, blending old Florida with upscale, new development – but it seems to work, with something for everyone from old style neighborhoods to gated luxury communities, golf enclaves, beach condos or even the Disney Vero Beach Resort. The list goes on and on about why Vero Beach is one of the best cities to live in Florida. 

Another reason why so many people at or nearing retirement love Vero Beach is the high quality of life supported by responsible government and a community prone to volunteerism and civic or charitable contributions. The city and its residents support a very healthy cultural environment, and attract the type of people who have enjoyed active professional and social lives, as well as writers and artists. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild has been active since 1958, followed by the Vero Beach Concert Association in the 1960s and the professional Riverside Theatre in the 1970s. The Ann Morton Theatre is home to the Riverside Children’s Theatre. The McKee Botanical Garden and the 51-acre Environmental Learning Center highlight indigenous flora and fauna. This welcoming city is home to myriad galleries, festivals, and arts organizations. All told, one would be hard-pressed to find a more cultural and arts-friendly community when hunting for retirement homes in Florida.

For many Boomers and retirees, access to lifelong learning and medical services are at or near the top of the wish list. Vero Beach scores high here, too, with the Indian River County Main Library, Indian River State College, and Vero Beach Adult and Community Education School offering many classes geared to mature adults in topics that run the gamut – from literary to line dancing. Vero area residents are served by two highly regarded medical facilities – Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach and Sebastian River Medical Center just north.

Vero Beach is truly one of the best cities to live in Florida and the 64th Annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show is a great example of the many events and activities area residents enjoy week in and week out.

If you’d like more information about the best 55+ retirement communities in Florida and along the Vero Beach beaches, please don’t hesitate to contact us.