65th Annual Under the Oaks Art Festival in Vero Beach

FLORIDA ART FESTIVALS

Art enthusiasts nation-wide are gearing up for one of the most popular art festivals in the country this season at one of the most desirable destinations for coastal retirement living. With over 80,000 attendees expected this year, The 65th Annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show will be held in the beautiful city of Vero Beach Florida.  The event is slated for March 11th through the 13th and is the largest juried art show in the southeast.  Voted in the “Top 200 Art Shows in the Nation” by Art Fair Source Book and the “Top 200 Art Shows in Florida” by Sunshine Artist Folks, this eclectic display of true artistic expression will feature over 220 artists from all over the country who will display their spectacular works of art.   The event will be held at Riverside Park on the grounds of the Vero Beach Art Museum which is canopied by majestic oaks that are signature to the area situated along the serene Indian River. The show will run from 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.  Art lovers concur that this is indeed one of the best art festivals in the country and flock to one of the best Florida retirement cities to enjoy the fabulous weather and culture that makes this seaside city come to life.

This highly respected juried show is sponsored by the Vero Beach Art Club which has an impressive 500+ membership base and the event supports its efforts of cultural enrichment to the community of Indian River County by providing education, exhibitions and social events as well as scholarship opportunities for students pursuing art careers. As part of this annual fundraising event, there will be eight categories voted on for best submissions and artists will compete for prizes and recognition in each venue representing their individual styles.  The Vero Beach Art Club is a non-profit, independent organization and holds its monthly meetings at the impressive Vero Beach Art Museum which is a 55,000 square foot structure that houses modern art, curated collections, art programs, lectures, art classes and performances throughout the year.  

While visiting the 65th Annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show, a visit to the Museum is a must.  Many folks who have attended the event have found affordable beach homes and have become permanent residents of Vero Beach due to the rich cultural environment found in this piece of paradise known as Vero Beach.  Enjoying the warm Atlantic breezes, fabulous fine dining, recreational activities and endless sunshine makes this one of the most popular shows of the season drawing thousands nationwide.  

There is a wide array of artistic styles to be found at this spectacular collection of juried artists.  Here is a list of the different offerings that will be represented this year: 

• Oil/Acrylics
• Watercolor
• Jewelry
• Glass
• Photography
• Digital Art
• Fiber/Leather
• Sculptures
• Mixed Media
• Wood
• Printmaking
• Ceramics
• Pottery
• Metal

With so many collectibles to choose from this show has been named the “Best Arts and Crafts Festival in Florida” by readers of Florida Magazine.  

First timers who visit Vero Beach soon discover that this east coast Florida coastline community often referred to as the “Treasure Coast” is a great place to search for affordable beach homes.  In the 1600’s – 1700s, Spanish Galleons were shipwrecked off the coast during hurricanes and lost their riches in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  Gold coins and heirlooms left behind tagged this region the Treasure Coast.  Vero Beach straddles the Intracoastal Waterway and within its perimeter there is the mainland as well barrier islands that are surrounded by the Indian River Lagoon which is a naturally preserved wildlife habitat.  The beautiful white sand beaches offer amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and provide the perfect place to enjoy the ideal weather found here year round.  The Indian River Lagoon features tributaries, estuaries, inlets and parks where fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching are common place.  An active lifestyle is assured for all who choose to live here and the art culture abounds here which makes Vero Beach one of the best Florida retirement cities.

Baby Boomers looking to live in a tropical oasis should consider Vero Beach.  There is plenty to do here besides enjoy the beaches, sand and marine life.  Foodies can enjoy the best catch of the day at local eateries, cocktails with friends at sunset or a gourmet dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants that can be found in this charming city by the sea.  Spring matches at the Polo Grounds Fields is a local favorite and active seniors enjoy working out at the Riverside Racquet Complex which houses 2 racquetball courts, 10 tennis courts and a half-mile walking course.  Shoppers flock to the Indian River Mall and the many outlet malls for bargain hunting.  Sophisticated shops, boutiques, art galleries and cafes adorn the historic downtown Vero Beach which blends the old Floridian style with the luxuries of modern condo living.  Golf is played year round and boaters enjoy exploring the region on their vessels while taking in the captivating natural habitat.  For families, there is the Disney Vero Beach resort nearby to entertain the kids or grandchildren during their stay.  Vero Beach caters to the over 55 crowd and with fabulous art festivals, great food and affordable beach homes, this is truly one of the best Florida retirement cities.

Here are a couple properties to explore while attending The 65th Under the Oaks Fine Arts & Crafts Show:

SEAGROVE BEACH 

This seasoned Vero Beach community has the option of bordering either white sandy private beaches along the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian River Lagoon.  Seagrove in Vero Beach is a gated community which was built 30 years ago and has two distinctive neighborhoods to choose from.  Seagrove Oceanside has its own private beach access on the east side of AIA and attracts folks who enjoy beachside strolls and glorious sunsets.  There are statuesque oaks lining the properties here where there are 175 homes that adorn the estate. This charming classic Florida location offers the ultimate in retirement living while enjoying the warm Atlantic breezes and fresh sea air only a short walk away.  Seagrove West is located on the west side of AIA, and features a deepwater canal bordering the naturally preserved Indian River Lagoon.  Boaters are drawn here as there are 2 community boat docks to use for enjoying a sunset cruise or perhaps a fishing excursion with friends.  While exploring the properties, folks can enjoy the serenity of living in this natural setting surrounded by water and radiant sunshine.

Seagrove is located on a barrier island filled with exotic birds and indigenous marine wildlife surrounding the properties as the Indian River Lagoon is a protected reserve. Boaters living at Seagrove West have access to the Fort Pierce Inlet which is about 10 miles south.  Each property is managed separately and don’t share amenities.  

SEAGROVE AMENITIES

• Gated Entrance
• Private Beach Access for Seagrove Oceanside
• Two Community Boat Docks at Seagrove West
• Tennis Courts at Seagrove West

Seagrove provides the perfect option of waterfront living with architectural styles ranging from one-story, ranch, Mediterranean Revival and West Indies styles.  The option of Seagrove gives home shoppers the choice of a distinctive lifestyle that fits their own individual needs.  This is an ideal place to search for Florida vacation homes or the perfect retirement nest.  Homes start under $400k and begin in the mid $1million range for deepwater riverfront homes with dockage.

SEA OAKS BEACH & TENNIS CLUB

This action packed gated community is located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the pristine Vero Beach beaches.  This property extends across 125 acres and boasts over 500 affordable beach homes.  Residents at the Sea Oaks Beach & Tennis Club enjoy the good life spending the day at the heated swimming pool and a gourmet dinner at the gazebo gazing over the Atlantic Ocean while catching up with neighbors after a challenging round of tennis at the championship tennis center found here.  The infamous Sea Oaks Tennis Club has a mouthwatering restaurant, lockers, showers and pro shop to compliment its 16 Har-Tru tennis courts accented with grandstand seating.  This highly social neighborhood also has an inviting community center where folks gather to play cards, cocktail parties or attend the fun-filled events for residents that are planned throughout the year. The signature pastel-colored courtyards homes at The Preserve truly represent the distinctive Floridian lifestyle and make this setting ideal for the perfect winter or year round retreat.  Since there is no state income tax in Florida, residents flock from across the country to enjoy the warm weather and active lifestyle offered by living on the water surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.  

The Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club is a great place for boaters.  The Sea Oaks Yacht Club, established in 1983, is located along the Indian River and has a 48-slip marina equipped with power and water as well as its own fishing pier for ambitious anglers.  As a member of the Yachting Club of America, members have privileges at 700 yacht clubs in the country.  With Sebastian Inlet only 6 miles north there is easy access to deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.

Active residents enjoy working out at the new fitness center which offers a variety of workout regimes including state of the art weight equipment, fitness classes and personal training.  Sea Oaks also welcomes pets and because it borders the 8 mile Historic Jungle Trail, this is the ideal destination for walking, hiking and exploring the region in this state protected nature reserve.  Since Vero Beach caters to seniors, this is indeed one of the best Florida retirement cities and Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club provides the ultimate country club lifestyle at an affordable price.  Here is the complete list of amenities found here:

SEA OAKS BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB AMENITIES

• Gated Entrance
• Oceanfront Clubhouse
• Championship Tennis Center with 16 Har-Tru tennis courts
• 48-slip Marina and Fishing Pier
• Community Activity Center
• Heated Swimming Pools
• Fitness Center
• Private Beach

With a multitude of Florida art festivals, awesome tropical weather, fresh seafood and affordable beach homes, it’s no wonder Vero Beach has rapidly become one of the best Florida retirement cities.  So culturally enrich yourself by attending the upcoming 65th Annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show and shop for the perfect retirement haven in the beautiful sunshine state of Florida.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our free Vero Beach relocation information to help you learn more about the area.