“Seriously Nice”

Airways Lands In Vero Beach

What airline serves 39 cities, 20 states, has 25 aircraft, 119 nonstop routes, and has the trademarked tagline “seriously nice?” It’s Breeze and they have just landed here in Vero Beach. Travel and Leisure Magazine rated them as #2 for the World’s Best Award for an airline in America. In fact, Breeze lost the #1 spot by just a “smidgeon.” Passengers, or guest, as Breeze calls them, were positive about the in-flight service, cabin comfort, value, and nice flight crew.

David Neeleman is the aviation industry genius who started five airlines, including JetBlue and Azul (Brazil), and is the man behind Breeze and its mission to serve affluent communities like Vero Beach. Though no longer connected to JetBlue, he is still the chairman of Azul. Breeze will start off going to Westchester, NY and Hartford, CT in the northeast from Vero Beach, but they have

Gareth Edmondson-Jones the Director of Public Relations for Breeze likes to say that “they are the Star Trek of the airline industry—flying to places where other airlines don’t fly non-stop.” It’s been a winning formula for the airline as they have a firm order in for 80 Airbus A220’s. They do have only 18 months of flying, they have boarded 1.6 million passengers! Breeze is similar to Uber and Amazon in that you have to get the Breeze app to get a ticket on a flight or go to FlyBreeze.com. Their customer service team can’t be called, but you can text and get a problem resolved in half an hour, usually. Breeze has found that texting allows them to solve problems more efficiently. Edmondson-Jones says that they don’t charge for cancellations or changes, which should be a relief to many. already received hints that many residents would like flights to Asheville. You can be sure that the Maine and Jackson Hole contingent will be weighing in with their wishes. first class seating and designate the other seats (economy) as nice (1 bag), nicer (bigger and more leg room), and nicest (bigger seat and more legroom). The Airbus A220 will seat 137 passengers. In

Breeze will also be setting up offices in Vero Beach at the former CJ Cannons banquet rooms. The Cannon family voluntarily said that they would give up their banquet rooms as their restaurant business, as locals will tell you, has been very robust. It seems that the City of Vero Beach and Breeze are off to a good start and as they say that’s “Very Vero.”

Written by Susan Harrris Photography by Breeze Airways

Vero Beach: Meet Vero Mountain

ESCAPE THE HEAT THIS SUMMER TO A BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS RETREAT

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina have long been a summer destination for Floridians looking to beat the heat. That includes third generation Vero Beach native, Christine “Chris” Walker, owner of Studio Gabriel Salon and Spa on Ocean Drive.

She continued that tradition into adulthood, vacationing in the Asheville area with her partner, Tom Hope. On several occasions, Chris and Tom visited a working farm in Fairview. That experience is what inspired them to embark on creating Vero Mountain.

Chris’ grandfather, Hamilton Floyd, owned a cattle ranch in Vero Beach. Perhaps it was already written in the stars that she would continue in his footsteps.

To learn more, visit VeroMountain.com or follow along on @veromountainnc.

As a child, Chris traveled to Brevard, North Carolina every summer to visit her grandmother.

“After searching for more than a year, we drove onto the property, in Mars Hill, and felt in our hearts it was the right place,” Tom says. “Although it is larger than we had envisioned, it is the perfect canvas for what we had in mind. The land originally was planned to be developed into a residential community of 150 homes. Much of the infrastructure was already in place, including roads and electricity, which was helpful for streamlining the process to get started. There are two large barns on site. The first one houses animals and equipment. The other is a tobacco barn, and registered with the Appalachian Barn Alliance,” Chris explains. The 1800’s tobacco barn has been a destination for school field trips, photography workshops, and engagement photo sessions. “It was always a dream of mine. I didn’t know how I'd get there, but I knew I wanted a farm with cattle and other animals,” Chris says. “The land needed a lot more work than Tom and I knew how to do, but the right people seemed to show up at the right time and became part of our story.”

With the assistance of neighbors, contractors, friends, and family, Vero Mountain started to take shape. “It’s been a labor of love. Each day begins at sunrise and we pour every ounce of energy we have into taking care of the animals, maintaining the expansive green spaces, and putting the finishing touches on the dome experience for future guests. “Vero means truth,” Chris explains. “We wanted people from Vero Beach to recognize that significance. We wanted to create our own version of a ‘glamping’ retreat for people to escape the crowds of Florida and experience the beauty of the mountains in a luxurious and comfortable place.”

So far, the 158 acres of Vero Mountain features three geodesic domes open year-round with hot tubs and stunning views. Located just a mile from Wolf Laurel Community and Wolf Ridge Ski

Resort, the scenery is spectacular, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets with views of many peaks, including Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah. The Appalachian Trail is accessible just a couple miles away. Guests will find all the comforts of home, including soaking tubs, luxury linens, and top of the line design details.

Of course, it’s not a farm without animals. There’s an interactive stable with goats, pigs, and miniature donkeys, plus Black Angus cattle that roam the property. Guests can snow ski, explore hiking trails, go fishing, and stargaze beside a campfire. Future plans include tree houses, unique cabins, horseback riding, skeet shooting, ziplining, and much more. The domes on the ridge are perfect for couples and those seeking a quiet getaway, or planning an engagement, elopement, or anniversary, while also having an area which will serve larger groups and retreats. Amenity packages will include horseback trail rides with a picnic and session with our onsite professional photographer, and spa service packages.

“It was so much fun to host a retreat at Vero Mountain for the Studio Gabriel team. I enjoy watching others create memories and sharing it with others,” Chris explains. “I’ve had Studio Gabriel for 27 years. Vero Mountain is an extension of my business plan, and the second part of my story. I’m grateful and blessed to have my best friend/spouse on this adventure to another Vero paradise!”

Written by Kelly Bruce Photography by Langevin Clark Photography