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| The older section is to the right. The three-story building on the left is also part of the inn. This picture was taken in 2010. Sadly, they are replacing the wooden railing on the left-hand building with something that is more weatherproof. |
In my last post, I wrote about the sea turtles who nest in Vero Beach, Florida. Today, I thought I'd talk about where we usually nest when we are there. The Driftwood Inn is our favorite spot to stay on Vero's Orchid Island. Right on the beach, the original section of the Driftwood was built by an eccentric businessman named Waldo Sexton in the 1930s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a wonderful, quirky spot with bells, ironwork, salvage, and other odds and ends everywhere you look. We first stayed at the Driftwood in 1995, so it feels a little like home to us.
Our favorite "room" is the Gatehouse, a free-standing structure with a private deck perched above the roof.
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| The Gatehouse |
We have also stayed in some of the Cottages, which Driftwood lore says were fishing shacks that Sexton moved to the property initially for use as retail shops, later converted to guest rooms.
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| The Cottages, which run along the north edge of the property, seen from the deck of the Gatehouse. |
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| Looking into Waldo's early in the morning. |
The inn also boasts a very popular restaurant, Waldo's, named for founder Waldo Sexton. On Friday and Saturday nights, it is almost impossible to find a parking place in front of the original building because both tourists and locals pack Waldo's -- inside, on the porch, and on the deck overlooking the ocean. I have so many great memories of delicious meals at Waldo's. My husband has long been a fan of their Cajun fish sandwiches while I alternate between chicken quesadillas and a fabulous hamburger with potato wedge fries. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
Like any place on the beach, the Driftwood is not inexpensive, but the location and the charm keep us coming back.
Do you have a favorite hotel that calls you back time after time?
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| Waldo's back entrance with guest rooms above. |
that looks like a wonderful place. I would much prefer to stay in an inn like that then the mega hotels...but inns are few and far between. but we'll have to check this inn out for ourselves on our next hubby/wife run-away trip. I'll have to google them. hopefully they have a web page.
ReplyDeleteDebbi
-yankeeburrowcreations
It looks like a fun place to stay. Much better than the high rises. No favorite place here. Actually almost all of our vacations are to go to Colorado to see the kids.....and that's okay.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy .
Which coast is Vero on? We stay in Daytona, every year. Love the place. Love to see inside...
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Vero Beach, but this place looks very charming. I hope you are having a fantastic time!
ReplyDeleteYou got me so intrigued about Vero Beach! I'm definitely going to explore that area soon! Thanks so much for sharing! xoxo
ReplyDeleteNot a particular hotel, but seaside town - Southwold. We stay there every November in a cottage, the girls and now grandson come with us, the boys get left at home. I have been going there every year since I was 9 - so a long time!! Its our home from home. Trying out a bigger cottage this year as we will have the new baby with us, hope we are disappointed
ReplyDeleteThis is a piece of old Florida at it's best! I wish them continued success! So many of the smaller hotels and motels are being bought out by the large developers; it's like watching a good friend move away. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! I can totally see why you'd stay there again and again. It's nice to find a place that you know you love and can rely on year after year for a great stay at your favorite vacation spot!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely place. I could go for a little getaway right about now. This has me thinking...Thanks for sharing, liz
ReplyDeleteIf that doesn't make you want to take a vacation, I don't know what will!
ReplyDeleteCajun fish sandwiches - oh, sounds so yummy! This is a beautiful structure and a great view. I can see why you would love to stay there.
ReplyDeleteI love the wagon wheel gate in the Waldo's back entrance pic!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute looking hotel. I love all the timber. You don't see places like that in Sydney! xx
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a fun spot! My favorite "hotel" is my old room at my mom and dad's house ..swedged in a tiny full sized bed with my big old Viking husband. He is threatening to buy an in room air conditioner when we go back this summer!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to stay. It's great that you keep going back so it must be very good. I've always had a bit of a rule about not going back to stay at the same place twice because I tend to think you cannot reproduce the good time you had the first time you stayed. It's not a really strict rule and in the last few years we have gone back to one hotel in Devon where you can take part in lots of crafts and activities if you wish so I've kind of been proved wrong. It's obviously not the case with the Drftwood Inn - looks fab and I like the sound of Waldo's and the Cajun fish sandwich! Maggie xx
ReplyDeleteI moved to Australia from Florida and I love the Vero Beach area. I found your photos nostalgic. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool looking place! Sounds like a great atmosphere and some great food. I'm with you, I'd go for the chicken quesadilas too.
ReplyDeleteI love Vero Beach! I went down there with four girls about four years ago and we had the best time. Two of the gals have second homes there. We ran around town and stayed poolside for a couple days and then headed south to South Beach for the Food and Wine magazine four day festival they have there.
ReplyDeleteToo much fun!
Lots of great national chefs cooking on tents along the beach.
Lots of celebrities, parties at night, etc etc etc.
Fun for even a non-foodie like me!
Two great posts on Vero!
xox
A
Thanks so much for linking this!
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you would do so!
Happy Fourth of July~
Stay cool.
xox
Alison
Another fun beach destination. You are making me long for a trip to the beach.
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