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You may not know much about Vero Beach. The reason, the locals like it that way. The people who live there are glad most people don't know about this small resort town. It's a rich small community with pride in
its theater, arts center, a restored exotic garden and beautiful beaches. Here's a guide on what you need to know about these fantastic sites.
McKee Botanical Gardens: Just south of town, the gardens reopened in 1999 after major restoration. Back in the 1930s, these gardens were well known throughout the country. The gardens first came into existence in
the 1920s when Cleveland industrialist Arthur McKee and citrus farmer Waldo Sexton saved a small area of land from being turned into another orange grove. They commissioned the help of landscape designer William
Lyman Phillips in 1932 and introduced exotic plants from South America.
Phillips first order of business was to transform the 80 acres into a "world's fair of nature." He wanted it to become so beautiful that people would come from all over just to see it. While the exotic flower and plant seeds were brought in and cultivated, McKee designed the world's first mechanically run, air-conditioned greenhouse. It was first featured in National Geographic in 1958.
Now after renovations you can see the Hall of Giants and the Spanish Kitchen. These are two of Phillip's designs. Footpaths lead past native and exotic plants including species ranging from the Old Man in the
Jungle, a 350 year old live oak, to the rare Malaysian black sugar plum.
Riverside Park Cultural Complex: Contains a waterside park, the Riverside Theater and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Riverside Theater: Actors put on several stage shows a year. Call ahead: (561) 231-6990, to see what is showing when you plan your trip.
Vero Beach Museum of Art: The museum has an eclectic collection of mainly 20th century works. There are several galleries that are open to temporary
exhibitions. It has the largest museum art school in the state of Florida.
Have fun while in Vero Beach, in town and on the numerous beaches. Just head towards the water!
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