‘Live’ Opera in High-Definition at Vero Beach’s Majestic 11

For the second year, the Majestic 11 Theatre in Vero Beach will air live simulcasts from New York’s Metropolitan Opera on Saturday afternoons. The 2009-2010 season begins with “Tosca” on Oct. 10 and goes on to include such classics as “Aida,” “Turandot” (pictured), ”Carmen” and “Hamlet.” The nine-performance package concludes with “Armida” on May 1.

While the Treasure Coast Opera Society takes a year-long hiatus in Fort Pierce, area aficionados can enjoy the Met’s high-definition broadcasts in an intimate setting, with close-up camera angles, rich theater sound and behind-the-scenes interviews with performers from Lincoln Center. It’s the next best thing to being there.

For ticket information, call (772) 770-0773 or go to cinemaworldonline.com/vero.

Chick-fil-A’s Labor Day Giveaway

Today only, wear your sports team logo to Chick-fil-A from 10:30 a.m. to close, and get a FREE Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich. Yum!
 
Chick-fil-A in Vero is located in the Indian River Mall at 6200 20th Street.

Town of Orchid: Home of the Rich

Just eight miles north of the Village Spires is the quaint town of Orchid. The population of this town is 140 individuals living in 69 households. The town — as small as it is — holds the distinction of being the 8th richest in the United States.

Most of the town is actually a gated community called Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club. East of SR A1A, there is a beach front condominium complex. The rest of Orchid are uninhabited islands. Some of the islands are Plug Island, Preachers Island and Horseshoe Island. North of Horseshoe Island is Pelican Island, the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. Running along the town limits is the historic, unpaved Jungle Trail.

The Jungle Trail

Have you ever driven the Jungle Trail? It’s free, quiet and full of history!

The Jungle Trail is a narrow, unpaved public road, approximately 7.5 miles long, located on Orchid Island, the barrier island east of Vero Beach. The Jungle Trail began at the turn of the century as a county road, designed to speed the movement of citrus to mainland packinghouses. Called many names — the Orchid Road, River Road, Narrows Road and others — it became Route 252 and later part of the original A1A.

Originally stretching over 14 miles to Brevard County, the road became a major part of the Vero Beach tourist scene in the 1930s and 1940s.

The road today remains unpaved and is currently used by vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. A perfect destination for your next Sunday drive!

Photo: PDUB/Flickr

Photos from Saturday’s Beach Concert Series

Saturday was another installment of the Beach Concert Series, sponsored by Vero Beach’s Oceanside Business Association. The event featured live entertainment by the Landsharks Band, food and beverage vendors, face painting and a hula hoop competition.

Congratulations to Madison of Orlando for winning the youth hula hoop competition, and to Joanna from Charleston, West Virginia who won the adult matchup.

Below are a few photos from tonight’s event. Click here to view a complete photo slideshow.

Cool Event on a Hot Night

Vero Beach’s Oceanside Business Association is hosting a “Cool Event on a Hot Night” tonight. The event will be held from 4 - 8:30 p.m. along Ocean Drive. Local stores will turn the hot Florida night into a cool event.

For additional information, call 772-473-6834.

Vero Beach’s Best Places to Dine

Florida Trend magazine has issued its annual list of Florida’s 500 Best Places to Dine, and two of the locations are right here in Vero Beach:

Sonya’s (Disney’s Vero Beach Resort)
9250 Island Grove Dr.
772/234-2180

Ocean Grill
1050 Beachland Blvd.
772/231-5409

Other Treasure Coast restaurants that made the list this year include:

Hobe Sound
Courtyard Grill (Continental-Italian)

Jensen Beach
11 Maple Street (New American)
Conchy Joe’s Seafood (Seafood)
Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House (Seafood-American)

Stuart
Arthur’s Dockside Waterfront Restaurant (American)
Courtine’s (Continental)