A Whole New World

My Vacationing Begins in Vero Beach

It was off the farm, out of New Smyrna, and straight to the paradise that is Vero Beach. I've discovered two things during this road trip: when traveling, it's good to have Camp Dudley, and it's good to have a grandfather who is the greatest networker I've ever known. (I guess I already knew that because of my travels in Germany, but this trip has certainly reinforced it). I had two contacts in Vero Beach: the McGlynns, who have been family friends since my grandfather was at Williams, and Bill Black, a company manager and friend who goes back to the early days of my grandparents' Storey Publishing business. 

I drove through Downtown Disney, just for the fun of it

I caught up with Ronnie and Connie McGlynn first. (They are also the grandparents of my Dudley friend Guthrie McGlynn, who lives out in Colorado). Their gated community on John's Island is one of the nicest places I've ever had the privilege of visiting. Not only do they have one of the nicest homes I've ever seen--complete with a pool and a short boardwalk down to a nearly private beach, but they also have access to an incredible beach club and three world class golf courses. I know if I ever have any desire to retire to Florida (and I save up enough money to make it possible), John's Island would be a dream location to live. 

It was nice to see the McGlynns, and soon it was on to the true center of Vero Beach, where Bill Black would be hosting me for the next two nights. Vero is far different from the bustling surf destination of New Smyrna, and to paraphrase Bill's description of the town, it has a lot of nice restaurants and not much else. Fortunately, Bill was kind enough to take me out to two fine dining establishments, where I began my quest to consume at least one type of seafood each day while I'm still in Florida. (Don't worry, the streak is still alive). At Pomodoro's on Tuesday night, I chose a shrimp, scallop, and crabmeat pasta dish, and at the Ocean Grill the next evening I got to indulge on some tuna sashimi and a filet of grouper. I must note that the Ocean Grill may have been the most elegant restaurant I've stopped at during this entire gap year. I can't say with certainty it was the best meal I've had, but as far as setting and decor goes, this place was exquisite. As a solo traveler on many occasions, I wasn't often seeking out the finest places in town (and we all know that Germany doesn't win any "elegant" awards for their food). Still, thanks to Bill, I got to see what the upscale restaurants of Vero Beach were all about, and my meal at the Ocean Grill is one I will remember for a long time.

I will remember Vero for many reasons, but when I think of Bill Black, my mind will immediately jump to one thing: golf. For some, golf is a hobby, a simple way to stay active, or a chance to escape the ups and downs of every day life for a few hours on the course. Bill and I both fit all of those descriptions, but he takes this passion to the point of obsession. Those are the type of golfers that I want to meet--the true golf nerds, who leave golf books out on their coffee tables, speak of course architectural legends like Old Tom Morris and C.B. MacDonald as old friends, and have their clubs ready to go at a moment's notice. Even though golf has taken Bill places I can only dream of, we can relate through our understanding of the game. Best of all, someone so passionate about the game usually has access to a nice course and is happy to share it with fellow golfers.

Bill set me up for a day at his club in Vero Beach, called Indian River. I haven't played at enough private facilities to become accustomed to the unique level of service, so getting the chance to be treated as a "member for the day" was a treat unto itself. Then there was the golf. I played twenty-seven holes, only pausing to devour a chicken caesar salad after the first eighteen (Bill informed me that the clubs in his area compete for the best chicken salads--not burgers, not club sandwiches, but chicken salads). I certainly felt like I was playing Florida golf, but at a course that offeres plenty of variety, interesting design strategy, and immaculate conditioning, I had no trouble enjoying a day on the links.

Looking back up the 6th hole at Indian River

I had an incredible time in Vero Beach with Bill, and having the chance to relax, play golf, and eat well after two weeks on the farm made it feel even better. I even swam in the ocean. I know I'd join Bill for a round of golf anywhere in the world, and I do hope to get that privilege again soon.