Vero Beach--A Quaint Seaside Destination with Exceptional Standards!

Doing a radio program from the top floor penthouse suite of one of the top 10 celebrity owned hotels in the world is not tough duty. Thanks to the generous hospitality of Monica Smiley, director of sales for the Costa d’Este Beach Resort in beautiful Vero Beach, Florida, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast reached new heights…literally.

Host Gary Guertin and special guest co-host Ed Griffith, the general manager of the Courtyard Marriott Hutchinson Island, had the pleasure of spending a great and informative hour with Monica, Indian River County tourism director Susan Hunt and photographer Susie Canino.

The range of topics covered was broad. Monica shared with listeners the top of the line amenities, features and exceptional service philosophy that makes Costa d'Este Beach Resort one of the best. Susan Hunt described in great detail many of the attractions, activities and events that have continued to attract valued seasonal residents and visitors alike to this quaint seaside town. One thing we learned in today's show is that Vero Beach and Indian River County likes to eat and party! If you ever wondered how much seafood is consumed during the famous Grant Seafood Festival by 50,000 attendees, this show answers that question. If you are not a seafood fan, you could have gone Italian! The Italian American Civic Association in Vero produces an annual Italian fest that's in its 25th year.

Photographer Susie Canino has carved out a niche for her photography business—PS Photography—and partner’s with Costa d’ Este Beach Resort. Bubbling with enthusiasm , she's passionate about her work!  Listen in and discover what exactly her niche is. Here's a hint---it entails a brides wedding gift for her new husband.

Destinations with no boundaries, exceptional service standards, Vero Beach fun facts, and more are all a part of  the show. We didn't have a chance to discuss “Vero Man." We'll do that on a future show when the focus is on Archeological Tourism.

You can download the February 26 show of Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast HERE. And, below is a photo album from this week's live remote. Enjoy!

In search of Carl Hiaasen, Gloria Estefan, John Walsh, and Steve Case.

Vero Beach, here we come!  So what's with the blog's title if Talkin' Tourism is headed to Vero Beach? According to Wikipedia, all three are notable residents of Vero Beach.

As we have demonstrated in the past, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast does not always have to cross the Gulf Stream in order to do a live remote broadcast, although it is pretty darn fun! This week Gary and Robin cruise up the coast to Vero Beach in Indian River County to explore another great resort property, Costa d’Este Beach Resort.  Thanks to the generosity of Monica Smiley, director of sales for this Personal Luxury Resort, we'll take listeners on a personal and up close look at this Treasure Coast gem.

Also joining us this week will be Susan Hunt, the director of tourism for Indian County, and Susie Canino, a photographer and co-founder of PS Photography, who has teamed up with a number of Indian River properties. Sounds like we'll be discussing the merits of collaboration among industry stakeholders.

Other topics up for discussion:  Vero Beach is listed as one of the 100 Best Art Towns in the USA, what’s happening to Dodgertown now that the Dodgers have left, who or what is “Vero Man," and Pelican Island, possibly the very first wildlife refuge in the United States.

This week’s show will once again be packed with information to keep you abreast of all you need to know about Treasure Coast tourism and the players who make it happen.

Tune your radio dial  to WPSL 1590 AM on Friday (February 26) at 10 a.m. or catch the show on your computer at http://www.wpsl.com/.

Listeners, it took 12 shows before we finally made it to Indian River County and we certainly were not disappointed.

At the top of the show, Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors discussed the proposed beach parking fees being researched by the Martin County Commissioners. There are certainly pros and cons to this concept.

Seems like Harborage Yacht Club and Marina keeps the trophies coming to the Club. Last week, Harborage Yacht Club and Marina participated in the 'Taste of Martin County' benefitting Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Martin County and won the 'Best Soup Award.'

Lori Burns, Tourism and Marketing Director for the Indian River County (IRC) Chamber of Commerce, provided IRC Tourism 101: what the Bed Tax percentage is now; what it was in 1988 when the first established; and, much more.

Monica Smiley, Director of Operations for the Gloria and Emilio Estefan owned Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida, a native of Houston, Texas is loving her life and career on the Treasure Coast. The resort's wining restaurant 'Oriente,' specializing in Cuban Fusion cuisine and headed by acclaimed Chef David Rodriguez, is the 'talk of the town.

Monica share with listeners why Ms. Estefan decided to open a great resort property on the Treasure Coast.

Also in the mix, Mary Jayne Kelly, CEO of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, provided an insiders look at the many wonderful environmental, cultural, and art related activities, museums and venues to be found in Indian River County.

Enjoy the show! Listen or download HERE.