Anna Valencia Tillery Content Director & Contributor
Mike Renfro Graphic Designer
For advertising info please contact:
Angie Schepers
772.633.3777 / salestchl@gmail.com
treasurecoasthomeandliving.com
Dear Treasure Coast Readers,
As the holiday season surrounds us with its warmth and joy, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt gratitude and festive wishes to everyone in our Treasure Coast Home & Living family.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you— our valued readers, dedicated advertisers, and unwavering supporters. Your enthusiasm, loyalty, and belief in this publication have been the driving force behind our success in 2024. Each page we’ve created, every story we’ve shared, and every local treasure we’ve spotlighted have been made possible because of your involvement and encouragement.
This past year has been remarkable. We’ve explored the beauty, craftsmanship, and community spirit that define the Treasure Coast, connecting with inspiring people and sharing their stories with you. As we reflect on the highlights of 2024, we’re already brimming with excitement for what’s ahead in 2025.
The new year promises fresh ideas, bold features, and even more opportunities to celebrate the heart of our community. We are committed to continuing to bring you the stories and inspiration that make Treasure Coast Home & Living a cherished part of your home.
As we step into 2025, let’s look forward with hope, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to the incredible region we call home. Thank you for being part of this journey—we couldn’t do it without you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy, love, and plenty of good cheer. Here’s to a bright and beautiful year ahead!
Warm regards,
Angie Schepers Editor-in-Chief Treasure Coast Home & Living
BUYING OR SELLING... CALL GAIL!!
FABULOUS HOME W/ DEEDED DOCK
Classic,spacious 1910 home. 3 bed, 3 1/2 bath. Sep 1/1 guest qtrs. Garage, gazebo. 1/2 acre+ lot. Deep water dock on River. $1,100,000. Call Gail 2 see today!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Adorable 3/3 home, perfect for entertaining. Huge scrn. lanai opens to most rooms. Great pool for laps.Corner lot-privacy galore. Newer metal roof, windows, etc. $450,000.
Cell/Text: (772) 485-4658
Direct: (772) 288-0107
E-mail: GailMcCallum@gate.net
ROAM + HAVE FUN,TOO!
2 story, 3 bdrm + loft, 2 1/2 bath home.
Liv rm, Din rm, +Fam rm. 2 car gar. Large scrn. pool/ patio. Gorgeous lake views! $599,900. Call Gail 2 see! ROOM 2
BINGO!! INVESTORS, SNOWBIRDS!
My heart is bursting with love and gratitude for my incredible new clients, loyal repeat customers, supportive friends, amazing vendors, referral partners, cheerleaders, followers, and—most importantly—my family.
Jordan and I hope you know what an absolute privilege it is to earn your trust and to walk alongside you in one of the biggest journeys of your life. From the bottom of ours heart, THANK YOU for choosing The RE/MAX Pineapple Group, for sharing our name, and for allowing us to do what we truly love. You are the pineapple of our eyes!
As we step into 2025, I can’t wait to embrace the growth, challenges, surprises, and abundance that the new year will bring. Here’s to another year of turning dreams into addresses! So, who’s ready to make their move in 2025? Let’s make it sweeter than ever!
Available immediately! Move in condition. 2/2 condo, all ages. In-town Stuart location. Fabulous, private,large scrn.porch. Kit. + baths updated. $185,000. Call NOW!
PHOTO: Lindsay Gifford
Photography
Homes On The Water
Specializing in Martin & St Lucie Waterfront
Everything you are looking for in a waterfront home, just add the boat! 2007 built concrete block home with standing seam metal roof and all impact glass. 160 feet of waterfront wraps around the back and side of the property offering expansive water views from a large, screened porch and deck area. Private dock & no fixed bridges to the inlet. The kitchen you always wanted with high-quality full-size refrigerator and separate freezer, Bosch cooktop with pot-filler & double dishwasher. A large kitchen island is the center for entertaining. Primary suite is on the first floor with 2 bedrooms, a loft space, & bathroom upstairs. Home and pool built on 45 in-ground pilings for added strength. I-95 & Turnpike nearby for commuting and Palm City offers high-quality schools. The protected waterway offers safe back water fishing & boating for kayaks, canoes & skiffs, and just minutes to downtown Stuart and the St Lucie Inlet in your larger sportfish boat. Come live the good waterfront life here!! $1,150,000
Your own private beach access just steps away! Gated Community of only 12 homes. Key West style home with multiple French doors that open to a lovely courtyard, pool, and poolside cabana/guest suite/ bath. Enjoy sunrises on the beach & sunsets from the community intracoastal dock, both just steps away! The interior offers high ceilings & a freestanding double-sided, coral stone fireplace. Lush tropical landscaping provides privacy. Metal roof, cement siding, impact glass & accordion shutters provide protection. Exterior workshop/gardening room. Conveniently located to downtown Stuart just 10 minutes. Coastal living at its finest! Enjoy Island living & uncrowded beaches! $1,450,000
Great cul-de-sac lakefront location with no neighbors across the street! Oakridge offers an ocean-access boat launching ramp, tennis & pickleball, basketball, and community pool also. Low HOA of $225/month. Well maintained CBS home with new metal roof in 2021 and new A/C in 2024 and newer kitchen appliances. Private pool area and fenced yard too. Serene lake views from your patio & pool areas. Highly rated Martin County Schools are an added benefit. $630,000
A rare find! Florida Green Building Coalition certified “Green Home”! Plus ICF poured concrete with impact glass, Icynene insulation & metal roof. Extremely economical for energy usage and very affordable to insure. You will save thousands of $$$ every year!! Pergola covered private courtyard area has room for a pool. Primary suite & office/ potential fourth bedroom are on the first floor. Open entertaining kitchen area with Italian Calacatta gold marble island, beautiful quartz countertops, & dependable Kitchen-Aid appliances. All bedrooms are en-suite. No HOA so bring your boat, RV, etc. Located on a quiet dead-end street, walking distance to highly rated Palm City Grade School & Hidden Oakes Middle School. Publix, shops & restaurants just blocks away too! Extra deep & wide garage with generator hook-up. Convenient commuting location with I-95 and Fl Turnpike nearby. Come live the good life here! Quaint downtown Stuart and the beaches are both just minutes away! Furniture available. $940,000
Charming renovated two-story home, nestled along a serene canal, boasts luxurious knotty pine wood vaulted ceiling & accents & impact windows that blend elegance w/ durability. The main living area opens to a backyard oasis featuring a sports swim spa & a delightful tiki hut w/ summer kitchen, perfect for entertaining or relaxing by the water. Brand new 2-car garage has an efficiency apartment above it which offers expanded living space, separate from the main home, ideal for guests, home office or a private zen retreat. Perfect to use as an AirBnB. Boat Trailer parking on the property. Dock and lift for 20’ - 25’ boat. MLS#M20045506 $1,000,000
1814 SE Ocean Cove Way / Stuart
This 2022 Pulte-built end unit townhome in Ocean Cove offers a prime location between the Atlantic Ocean & Downtown Stuart. Built w/ solid CBS construction & impact glass windows, the beautiful, upgraded home includes open floor plan w/ island kitchen, quartz counters & walk-in pantry. Additional upgrades include custom lighting & fans, plantation shutters, an expanded patio & epoxy floor in the attached 2-car garage. MLS#M20046647 $490,000
9650 S Ocean Dr #1904/ Jensen Beach
Welcome to Paradise! This recently renovated & furnished oceanfront condo offers coastal elegance & modern luxury w/stunning, wide ocean views. Updated kitchen boasts open view to the ocean, pretty white cabinetry, custom sea glass cabinet pulls, new quartz counters, & new stainless-steel appliances. Living Room shiplap wall features TV & fireplace. “Turtle Glass” impact glass windows & sliders. All new main bath. The Princess is a gated & well-managed oceanfront elevator building.MLS#M20045331 $615,000
1602 Weybridge Circle - River Club
A must see! Carriage home with foyer, 14’ ceiling in gracious living room w/ fireplace and crown molding overlooking covered patio. Primary bedroom features coffered ceiling, walk in closet w/views out to garden. All impact glass, den/office could be 3rd bedroom. Well appointed kitchen w/adjoining family room. Gated comm., clubhouses (one on river) guest suites, tennis court & beach access nearby. $1,150,000
1445 W Island Club - Island Club Riverside
Welcome to your beachside retreat in Island Club Riverside! This CBS 3/2.5 home offers the perfect blend of luxury & tranquility. High ceilings & open concept living w/ natural light. Expansive primary bedroom, split floor-plan, breakfast nook and cozy den/office/4th bedroom. Private beach access, clubhouse, tennis/pickleball, 2 pools and fitness center. Private dock on the Indian River on historic Jungle trail. Own this piece of paradise nestled between the river & beach. $895,00
2392 57th Circle #2392 - Palm Estates
Charming 1bd/1ba condo located on the first floor in the gated community of Palm Estates. This condo is being offered fully furnished with a spacious living area, open kitchen w/ granite countertops, desk nook great for WFH, cozy bedroom w/ walk in closet, tub/shower and washer/dryer in unit. Newer clubhouse w/ pool and fitness center, pet friendly and low HOA. Centrally located to shopping centers and 10 minutes to Ocean Dr. Don’t miss the opportunity to own or have an ideal investment property in Vero Beach! $199,000
638 Banyan Road - Central Beach
This stunning 2013 Custom Built residence in prime central beach boasts 5 bedrooms and 4.5 luxurious bathrooms. Open concept living w/ island kitchen + breakfast nook. Downstairs primary bedroom + guest suite w/ front and back stairs to second level. Step outside to your private oasis w/ extra large saltwater heated pool surrounded by lush landscaping & oak trees. Freshly painted, 2024 HVAC/HWH & hardwood flooring. Located a short walk to the beach, restaurants & all things Ocean Drive! $2,100,000
6442 34th Place - Oak Chase
Private tropical retreat w/ fenced yard and screened lanai. Projects completed $80,000 in upgrades include 2023 roof, 2023 HVAC, RainSoft water system, LVP flooring, solar cordless shades in primary/living room, designer interior light fixtures & new irrigation/ landscaping. Alutech Hurricane Roll screen for lanai w/panels & shutters for windows. 12ft ceilings + split floor plan makes for a private primary suite. A true entertainers home w/fully retractable slider, kitchen pass thru window to heated pool w/ spa. Enjoy all things Vero Beach! $590,000
Tip: If you have an allergy to coconut milk, you can try the recipe with almond, oat, cashew, soy, or any kind of non-dairy milk you like. 2. Go low and slow with spices and sweetener. If you feel you need the mixture a little sweeter, you can always add more to get to the taste you like. You can’t take it out once it’s in there so start with the recipe and add from there. 3. If the eggnog is too thick for you once it has been refrigerated, you can always add additional non-dairy milk slowly until you get to the texture you like for your eggnog. Enjoy! Happy Holidays!
For Healthy eating tips and the next episode of the “Health Revolution With V”, visit eatingwithv.com
Presenting the new “Fairgrounds Festival of Lights”
No need to drive to St. Augustine to the see incredible Christmas lights thanks to the unbelievable efforts of the St. Lucie County Fair Association which is proud to present the new “FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” at the St. Lucie County Fairground, a simple and short drive from any part of the Treasure Coast.
The only Reindeer in the State of Florida!
“It’s going to be Christmas the way a fair would do it and with the help of many along the way, this is without a doubt the largest holiday event throughout our four-county area,” boats proudly Jay Spicer, Executive Director of the St Lucie County Fair Association.
Guests will come through a mile long light experience that ends at Santa’s Village; it will be the ultimate new holiday tradition for families and holiday lovers alike. This event lasts for several weeks giving everyone plenty of opportunity to experience its magic beginning Thanksgiving night running through December 29th, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. THIS EVENT RUNS THANKSGIVING NIGHT TO DECEMBER 29TH .
Here are some new things to look forward to!
• Mile long Drive-Thru light display path – Take an easy drive to see oversized light displays while enjoying your favorite Christmas music on 101.3 Joy-FM
• Petting Zoo & Camel Rides – Zoo is FREE. Food to feed the animals is $5. Camel Rides $10.
• Real Reindeer – Real live reindeer from up North are here to see you! Sorry, No Rudolph.
• Food – Need a sweet treat? Get your funnel cakes, ice cream, corn dogs & fried Oreo’s! Cash and credit cards accepted.
• Christmas Tree Forest. Stroll through the Non-profit Christmas Tree Forest and discover many non-profit clubs and resources available in our area.
• FREE Santa Pictures – Take as many photos with your camera as you like. No Charge!
• Holiday Selfie Photo Ops – Choose from many back drops, including a 12 foot Santa Sleigh.
• Nativity Sets – Over 150 Nativity Sets from around the world on display.
• Free Activities – Fun activities & games are available in Santa’s Workshop. Make an ornament, play Plinko or Foosball, or write a letter to Santa.
• SANTA VISITS FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, & SUNDAYS from 6:30-8:30pm
TICKETS:
Purchasing your tickets in advance online is easy and can be purchased any time before arriving for an evening of fun.
Go to: www.stluciecountyfair.org to purchase tickets and SAVE MONEY and SAVE TIME WAITING IN LINE AT THE GATE.
Admission is just $25 per car, with up to eight people, in advance or $30 at the gate.
Tickets are good for any day admission and purchasers need to print their own ticket or have it the barcode viewable on their phone to ensure smooth entry.
STARTING DECEMBER 25TH, TICKETS DROP TO $15/CAR IN ADVANCE, $20 AT THE GATE.
HOURS:
WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS , SUNDAYS (6:00 – 9:00pm)
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS (6:00 – 10:00pm)
SANTA’S VILLAGE CLOSES DEC 22ND (SANTA HAS WORK TO DO!)
So be sure to treat yourself, family, and friends to the lights and wonder that only Christmas can bring. Expedite your fun with advance ticket purchases and plan on a night of fun and memories. Please note, tickets are non-refundable and worth every penny. Come join us at the Festival of Lights!
WOW! Spectacular 2/2 plus den/office with French doors. Open concept floor plan everyone desires. This lakefront home boasts beautiful upgrades & designer finishes including shiplap walls and tile floors throughout. Gorgeous Kitchen w/42’’ white cabinets, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, SS app and large center island. Magnificent Primary suite w/spa-like bath, dual sinks, walk-in shower & huge walkin closet. 2 car garage insulated w/epoxy floor, overhead storage, tankless water heater. IMPACT WINDOWS & GENERAC FULLY AUTOMATIC WHOLE HOUSE GENERATOR. Covered, patio with sparkling lake view ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Low HOA, gated entry, lawn maintenance & Resort like amenities! Move-in ready home located on a cul-de-sac block. 10 min walk to Publix, Restaurants & Shops! Buyer’s Agent Compensation Offered 2.5%
Veranda Gardens is a Gated Community known for
spa, lap pool, cabanas,
Showstopper! Spectacular 4 BR, 2 bath, 2 car garage home with over $55,000 in finishes & upgrades including plank tile floors throughout, stunning 42’’ cabinets, Quartz countertops, S/S appliances, gas stove, gorgeous back splash, soft close cabinets with glide out drawers, walk in pantry, large center island & spacious dining area. Magnificent MBR suite w/spa-like bathroom, dual sinks, frameless walk-in shower & walk-in closet. IMPACT WINDOWS! Extended screened in patio & large open patio with awning. An oasis on a peaceful fenced preserve lot. Enjoy scenic sunrise & sunset views. Ideal home for relaxing & entertaining. Nestled on a quiet dead-end street. Low HOA, gated entry, lawn maintenance & Resort-like amenities. Move-in ready close to Turnpike, I-95, Restaurants, Shops & Beach. Buyer’s Agent Compensation Offered 2.5%
The Clubhouse has a resort-style
clay tennis courts, basketball, bocce courts, fitness center, dog park, playground, fire pit, BBQ grills, sidewalks and streetlights. Low HOA with lawn maintenance included! Close to the Turnpike, I-95, Dining, Beach and Shopping!
EXPLORING THE TREASURE COAST & BEYOND
Riverroaminwiththetillerys.com Making Memories Exploring & Glamping
By Anna Valencia Tillery
Final River #140 Little Wekiva
After rescheduling due to two backto-back storms and having to reconfigure our son’s 18th birthday to not be a camping trip, we finally got to experience our final river as just our little trio with pooch in tow; this experience was pretty darn amazing friends!
The Highbanks Marina and Campground was our destination because of the fact it offered so much with restaurant, the Swamp House, featuring live music, boat ramp, boat dockage, and was pet friendly. With the time change, we decided to leave around 2pm and taking the fastest route arrived around 5pm going a steady 65mph, because we were trailering the pontoon and our camper was hooked up into the bed of our truck. The sun was already setting, and the office was closed with our information tacked to a board, highlighted for ease. We offloaded the camping gear from our boat making quick work to park the boat in their storage area near the dog park. Sadly, the boat launch was closed due to the high waters because of Helene and Milton. Luckily, they let us know in advance and we had found another public ramp to use and called Volusia County Parks & Rec to confirm it would be open, so our mission for the final river was still intact.
and both the guys, son, and spouse, got souvenir long sleeve shirts which they wore immediately. Stayed up late, watched the Mike Tyson fight on Netflix that aired close to midnight so dad’s shouts at his phone were not well received yet forgiven when we apologized the next morning after learning all the rules we had accidently broken. Promising to be gone for day, and leaving early Sunday, we were granted permission to continue our stay and set out Saturday around 11am with a packed lunch to conquer our last river.
Many boaters were enjoying the perfect weather and as we headed southwest on the St. John’s to enter the Wekiva River, we even got to pass a revitalized steamship that hosted guests for lunch and dinner cruises. Once onto the Wekiva, the winding waterway was quintessential river roaming and multiple gators greeted us in full glory soaking up the sun as the temperature outside dropped dramatically without it. Fall colors adorned the trees and the chill in the air made it extra special. Many downed trees were also on the path and had it have not been for the storms prior to and the flooding that came with it, it is unlikely our boat would have been able to go down the Wekiva let alone the Little Wekiva. How wonderful the divine universe is!
Swamp House
Riverfront Grill
Seger, our chocolate lab, was excited to walk the property as they guys drove to the storage area and he made several friends along the way; though later we found out pets must be 30 lbs and under, his happy disposition afforded us the opportunity to stay through Sunday if we vowed to leave by 10am. That first night, we settled into our comfy camp chairs and watched the sun set over the wooded area of the St. John’s River with cocktails in hand before walking the short distance to the restaurant for dinner. Gator bites, fish tacos, and teriyaki chicken were our choices, and each was delicious. Plus, the music was great, and a full moon adorned the night sky.
488 W Highbanks Rd
DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 668-8891 swamphousegrill.com
It had gotten chilly, we were grateful the restaurant inside had a small store full of apparel
As we entered the Little Wekiva, a small island appeared just in time to allow our dog and us to get out and stretch before having to turn around for the long, slow trek back to the boat ramp before dark. Ran into a local lad who was impressed we had made it as far as we did and exchanged pleasantries before giving him our parking spot at the island.
Once back at the campsite, we went for a nice stroll and took our dog to their park area for a bit before dressing for dinner. It was a bit warmer, and the new musician was pretty good, so we decided to sit outside again and ordered some peel and eat shrimp, a burger, a Cuban, and gator bite tacos. Each meal was tasty and the staff, same as the night before, were friendly plus poured good drinks. After dinner, a nice lady named Tammy came up and introduced herself as our neighbor directly to the north of us. She invited us to play cornhole with her group of friends, most residents at least a few months out of the year. Everyone was nice and exceptional cornhole players! It was a perfect way to end our 4.5-year long journey exploring all the rivers of Florida, meeting nice folks along the way, many sites seen, good food and laughs had. Thank you, river roamin’ fans for joining us on this incredible experience. Cheers to the great outdoors and the wonderful state of Florida, keep river roamin’...we will be!
Mulligan’s Beach House: A New Era as a Sports Bar with Something for Everyone
Since its launch in 1997 by George Hart, Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill has been a beloved staple of Florida’s waterfront dining scene. With fresh, affordable seafood and family-friendly atmospheres across seven stunning locations, Mulligan’s has become a gathering place for generations of local Floridians. Today, Mulligan’s is evolving once again – this time embracing the excitement of becoming a premier sports bar destination with the same beachy attitude that locals love.
Over the years, Mulligan’s has seen an incredible shift in its customer base. The children and grandchildren of its very first patrons are now regulars, continuing family traditions of dining and celebration. This multigenerational loyalty is a testament to the quality of service, food, and atmosphere that Mulligan’s offers, and it is why the new direction as a sports bar is being received with open arms.
One of Mulligan’s standout features is its unbeatable breakfast, served every day from 7:30 a.m. to noon. With fresh ingredients and delicious breakfast classics, Mulligan’s has earned a reputation as one of the best spots to enjoy breakfast with a view. Imagine starting your
day with a sunrise over the water, a steaming coffee, and a plate of fluffy pancakes or a savory breakfast sandwich. It’s the perfect spot to kick off a relaxing day.
In addition to its sports bar atmosphere, Mulligan’s offers a state-ofthe-art arcade area that’s a hit with kids and adults alike. Featuring games like Jurassic Park, NBA, and Mario Brothers, it’s a fantastic place for a family outing where everyone can have fun. While the kids are busy in the arcade, parents can enjoy the game on big screens, making it a winwin destination for all ages. With ample photo opportunities around the scenic waterfront and family-friendly ambiance, Mulligan’s creates memories for guests of all generations.
Owner George Hart and the Mulligan’s team are proud to be part of the Treasure Coast community, consistently giving back to support local events and charities. For over 15 years, Mulligan’s has sponsored Vero Beach’s annual fireworks display, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parades, and numerous charitable events throughout the Treasure Coast. George Hart wants to extend a warm invitation to all customers, old and new, to bring their family and friends to Mulligan’s to experience the new sports bar atmosphere, the delicious breakfast, and the exciting arcade.
So, why should you visit and recommend Mulligan’s to family, friends, and guests? Mulligan’s offers something for everyone – a sports fan’s paradise, a family-friendly environment with fantastic food, and an unbeatable waterfront location. It’s more than just a place to eat – it’s a community hub, a family outing, and a venue for unforgettable moments. This holiday season and beyond, Mulligan’s is here to bring families and friends together for good food, fun, and that signature Florida beach vibe.
REALTOR RV TRIP
HEAVEN ON WHEELS
Chased by a black bear on a hike in the Smoky Mountains was hardly the peaceful scenario we imagined that September day. High in a tree, we spotted a furry figure bigger than a cub and rushed to capture the docile image on our cell phones. As if a dinner bell rang, the animal quickly descended, ran to us and stopped just 3 feet away. Someone screamed, we made a hasty retreat, the bear fled. The culprit was peppermint candy in our daughter Rachel’s pocket. A google search revealed bears prefer the scent to honey. Who knew?
This was our first bear encounter in 8 years of summer vacations all over the U.S. in our Winnebago motorhome. With hubby Chris at the wheel and me as navigator, we left Palm City, FL in mid-August and trekked 4,300 miles to Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
For 3 ½ weeks, home was KOA campgrounds with cable, Wi-Fi, pizza and pools as well as state and national parks where it’s BYOE (BRING YOUR OWN EVERYTHING). Primitive digs or not, the Great Smoky Mountains
and living history demos like woodworking and pottery. George Washington, one tavern claims, was a loyal patron.
• Juliette, NC was the location for the 1991 movie, “Fried Green Tomatoes” with Jessica Tandy and Kathy Bates. The Whistle Stop Cafe is still open and the tomato appetizer, coated with cornmeal and fried, is delicious!
• Mt. Airy, NC, Andy Griffith’s hometown, is Mayberry everywhere from an Andy and Opie sculpture, museum of TV and movie memorabilia and souvenirs to ride-alongs in Sheriff Taylor’s black-and-white squad cars.
• The Ava Gardner Museum, Smithfield, NC honors the hometown girl’s life from childhood to Hollywood. The legendary actress, who stared with Clark Gable in “Mogambo” and Gregory Peck in “On the Beach,” was married to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra.
Our last stop was Plains, GA, President Jimmy Carter’s hometown where the visitor center is his former high school. Lucky for us, the volunteer on duty was an old friend of “Mr. Jimmy,” who blended history with personal stories.
National Park is tops with scenic hikes, mountain-style horseback rides, a sighting of majestic elk and yes, the bear.
The bizarre was photo op heaven: the Mexican-themed tourist stop South of the Border in Hamer, SC; a Russian gift shop with a 7-foot Nesting Doll on a remote mountainside in Boone, NC; and a re-created Bavarian Alpine village in Helen, GA.
Google searches led to these fun stops:
• Museum of the Cherokee People, Cherokee, NC displays cultural arts, and history as one of the country’s oldest run tribal museums.
• Old Salem Museum & Gardens, a historic district in Winston-Salem, NC, has walking tours with churches, homes and shops; costume-clad docents
The self-guided tour at Carter’s boyhood home and farm was exceptional with audio recordings made by the man himself. The train depot-turned presidential campaign headquarters was a must-see as well as brother Billy’s gas station, now abandoned and in disrepair.
I longed to meet this great humanitarian but knew it was impossible. Carter is home in hospice care under Secret Service protection.
Easy to see is the roadside Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue, a town landmark since 1976. The gigantic goober with the big grin bears an uncanny resemblance to the former peanut farmer’s toothy smile. Though not the personal interaction I wanted, it was better than eyeballing a black bear.
Sharon Wernlund is a realtor and
writer
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Treasure Coast: Events, Ideas, and Resolutions
As the year winds down and we prepare to ring in 2025, the Treasure Coast offers countless ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.
Whether you prefer a night out on the town, a cozy gathering at home, or an adventure with friends and family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And as we welcome a fresh start, it’s the perfect time to consider resolutions that can help make 2025 your best year yet.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Treasure Coast
• Elegant Dinners and Parties: Enjoy a delicious meal or festive celebration at one of the area’s top restaurants or resorts. Venues like Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach or the Hutchinson Island Marriott often host special New Year’s Eve menus and parties. Be sure to make reservations early!
• Live Music and Dancing: For those who love live entertainment, local bars and music venues often feature live bands or DJs on New Year’s Eve. The Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce or Terra Fermata in Stuart are great places to check for events.
• Family-Friendly Festivities: Not everyone wants to stay out until midnight! Look for kid-friendly celebrations like daytime balloon drops or countdowns designed for little ones. Parks and community centers throughout the Treasure Coast often host these events.
• Outdoor Gatherings: With the Treasure Coast’s mild winter weather, consider celebrating outdoors. Host a beach bonfire with friends, take a moonlit stroll along the shore, or set up a backyard party with festive lights and games.
New
Year’s
Resolutions to Inspire a Fresh Start
Once the confetti settles, it’s time to think about how you want to shape the year ahead. Here are some meaningful resolutions to consider:
Explore More of the Treasure Coast: Make 2025 the year you uncover hidden gems in your backyard. From local hiking trails to unique shops and eateries, there’s so much to discover.
Prioritize Wellness: Focus on physical and mental well-being by joining a yoga class, walking along the beach regularly, or simply dedicating time each day to mindfulness.
Support Local Businesses: Commit to shopping locally and attending community events. Supporting small businesses strengthens our local economy and fosters a sense of connection.
Learn Something New: Take up a new hobby or enroll in a class to expand your skills. Whether it’s photography, painting, or mastering paddleboarding, the Treasure Coast offers plenty of opportunities to grow.
Give Back to the Community: Volunteer your time with local charities or participate in beach cleanups. Helping others is a rewarding way to start the year on a positive note.
Welcome 2025 with Gratitude and Enthusiasm
Drive Safe This New Year’s Eve
Amid the fun and excitement, safety is paramount. If you’re planning to drink, make arrangements for a designated driver, or use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get home safely. Law enforcement will be out in full force to ensure everyone stays safe on the roads, so plan ahead and avoid driving under the influence. Let’s make sure we all start 2025 on a positive and secure note.
However you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve, remember that this time of year is about reflection and renewal. Gather with loved ones, set your intentions, and step into 2025 with a grateful heart and an open mind.
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