Vero Beach - What's there to do?

[DonaldD]

DW's 30th birthday is coming up in 2009 and she's more of a lay around the beach type person, but she's agreed to WDW for our last 2 trips b/c of me (and loves it), but would like a more relaxing vacation for our next getaway (without the kids). I'm wondering if VB would fit this need and what is there to do? (We'd be going either mid-May or end of June.

Any reviews or links regarding VB would be greatly appreciated.

[TW1]

For relaxing vacations, either VB or HHI would be great get-aways during the time frames you listed.

Both are very relaxed and great places to just lay around, either on the beach or poolside.

VB has a wonderful restaurant onsite and a great bar/lounge. VB is also ocean-front property

While HHI does not have onsite sit-down eateries (only counter service) there are hundreds of great places to eat on Hilton Head. The beaches on HHI are nicer in my opinion, and there are two pools, one at the main resort and one at the beach house.

We've been to both. VB is where we were convinced DVC was right for us and we bought at HHI.

[annavn]

We went to VB last september and absolutely loved it! You can be by the pool or at the beach, everything is just steps away. There is a jacuzzi, and a GREAT slide that both kids and adults love. And if after all that you still have energy (we didn't...) there is a sauna, and biking. Table tennis, video arcade, lots of board games to take to your room at night. Or just sit outside on the rocking chairs and look at the stars.... A perfect vacation. The restaurant was great and truly an experience with wonderful seafood. So if you are up for all of the above, you'll love it.
Anna

[tomandrobin]

We are leaving Friday, going to VB for 4 days. It will be just the wife and I, and its our first time going to VB. I'll let you know when I get back how our trip turned out.

[AFMom]

We were there last September and now can't wait to go back.
You'll also be going at prime turtle nesting season - so wonderful time to go! There is live music every night in the Green Cabin Room, the restaurants are quite good (we really enjoyed them), pool is wonderful, many planned activities - and quite a few are some that adults without kids will enjoy. We did the Walk with the Naturalist one morning - it was great. The staff there is amazing, and I doubt you will lack enough to do.
Have a great time!

[greenban]

See post #5 (&6) on this thread for what to do at Vero!

http://www.mouseowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8801&highlight=vero+beach

We love to spend a week there after a week or so a WDW!

Wonderful!

-Tony

[DonaldD]

Thanks all! This is definitely helpful.

TW1 - Aside from the beach what IYO makes HHI better?

[JimP]

We have never been to HHI or VB... but we spend about 1/3 of our life overlooking the ocean here in the PNW. In my (not so) humble opinion... coast activities are one of those areas where "less is more".

The two beach condos where we spend the majority of our time are very different. One has a panoramic view of a big sandy beach with lots of activities... the 2nd has very rugged rocky coast right below our balcony. In big winter storms, the thunderous crashing waves are often higher than the condo! We like being at both locations a LOT... but at both, our activies are usually limited to "walks to nowhere". I think the relaxation can add years to your life!

/Jim

[TW1]

Thanks all! This is definitely helpful.

TW1 - Aside from the beach what IYO makes HHI better?

It's even more laid back than VB. I'll try to elaborate. Vero is very beautiful. You get a very upscale feel just walking into its 4-story atrium with ts bleached wood and tiled floors. The resort is full service in many ways. And it is beach front, which is what most people expect and prefer from a coastal resort.

HHI is simply not an upscale resort, in terms of ambience. It is themed "rustic," and truly is. There are not alot of onsite services, but an oustanding daily activities program. It is not on the beach, but rather the bay, which is a fascinating. The natural beauty of the resort's location is a strong draw for me. They built a 'beach house' on the ocean. It is one mile due east of the resort and features a pool, bar, counter service meals, and more daily activities. The beachfront in HHI is far superior to VB in my opinion, very wide beaches, waves are more gentle. During HHI vacations we spend hours at the beach, on our bikes, going back and forth from the beach to the resort, by the pool. and beyond. The kids are off and about on their own there and we feel very comfortable with this. The resort is a true family experience, lots of kids of all ages, countless activities for every interest and age, and an outstanding team of CM's who never cease to amaze me with their generous spirit.

I understand why some dislike HHI, and that's ok. Many do not like its location, which for me is a plus. Many do not like it's rustic theme, which again for me, I find appealing, (though the rooms can feel dark at times.) And I've heard some say it is boring, though I think these are folks who hoped to replicate some of the theme park excitement, and it can't be done, at either HHI or VB.

Click on this picture for a slide show:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/90Jetta/HHI%20March%2007/th_IMG_1594.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/90Jetta/HHI%20March%2007/?action=view&current=755bfdb6.pbw)

I'm happy to answer any more questions you may have.

[glypnirsgirl]

Thanks for sharing all. I was really curious to the answer to this question. I love the beach, but I have always been a West Coast beach fan - lived in San Diego and Huntington Beach as a teenager and the Atlantic beaches have always struck me as too tame. Maybe Vero will be just my speed!

What a beautiful slide show Tom - very peaceful.

Elaine