The Magic of McKee

Long before Florida had a Disney World or Universal Studios there was McKee Jungle Gardens, the largest natural attraction in the Sunshine State. Today, large groups and crowded spaces have become a serious detraction, so the open-air, tropical garden hammock that is now McKee Botanical Garden is a treasure to experience.

Situated within a part of Florida known as the Treasure Coast, Vero Beach has a certain “Old Florida” charm to it. The folks that call it home and visitors who vacation here come from around the world for its fabulous weather, beaches, arts community, nature, fishing, theatre, stylish shopping, and cool dining spots.

Along a busy stretch of US 1, you might pass right by the understated entrance to McKee Botanical Garden, but it’s interesting to note that McKee has been in the same spot since 1932, that’s when two gentlemen; Arthur McKee, an avid plant lover, and Waldo Sexton, an eccentric collector & builder, opened McKee Jungle Gardens.

Their mission was to create an 80-acre tropical park designed with ponds, trails, and filled with native Florida vegetation and exotic plants from around the world. The garden’s crown jewel was their extraordinary collection of water lilies and orchids. McKee even had monkeys, elephants, lions, tigers, and alligators. In the 1940’s, McKee Jungle Gardens was one of Florida’s earliest and most popular attractions. Decades later, the garden lost its competitive edge when interstates were built diverting traffic away from US Route 1, and in the 1970’s a certain “Mouse” came to Florida and sealed its fate. By 1976, McKee Jungle Garden was forced to close.

Restored and reopened in 2001, this 18-acre subtropical botanical hammock is an Alice in Wonderland-like oasis with plants in brilliant colors, unusual shapes, and incredible sizes. It’s collection of over 100 varieties of water lilies, some over 3 feet wide, would impress even the most ardent gardener.

It’s thousands of species of plants are set among winding paths, towering trees, ponds with bridges, a first of its kind bamboo garden structure, and its historically restored "Spanish Kitchen" and "Hall of Giants", designed after a Polynesian ceremonial palace, are a surprise for the eyes. And as in every garden there is an array of crawling, floating, flying, and chirping critters. If it’s summer, bring the bug spray!

What I find incredibly cool is that McKee Gardens isn’t locked in the past, each year it introduces new and incredibly unique exhibits that catch the attention of modern-day, eco-conscious travelers.

Ocean Sole Africa is the Garden’s newest exhibition. A group of African artisans have recycled washed-up flip-flops found along the beaches and waterways of Kenya and crafted colorful sculptures that teach the wonders of the sea and the importance of conservation. Millions of old flip-flops turned into unexpected and delightful art – turtles, dolphins, seahorses, and more are perfectly placed throughout the Garden.

The Garden's impressive Royal Palm Grove is the setting for another "wow" art installation. It's called “Grand Central”, a one-of-a-kind naturally-made sculpture. International artist, Patrick Dougherty, his son, and dozens of volunteers spent weeks climbing on scaffolding, bending, weaving, trimming, and shaping willow saplings into this mesmerizing stickwork sculpture.

What’s incredible is that this unique piece of art was built to be temporary. After time, its natural willow materials will break down and become part of the landscape again.

While searching for interesting locations for filming, I try not to overlook places that may not catch your attention at first. I often find these spots can genuinely surprise you. The same is true when planning your travels to a new destination, don’t overlook its older gems. The fact that McKee Botanical Garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and endorsed by The Garden Conservancy as a project of national significance, is certainly a feather in its cap, but to me this Florida landmark garden is a place where you can escape the craziness of a busy day, where you can step inside a unique environment, take a deep breath, inhale the fragrant aroma that surrounds you and let the stunning natural beauty of this magical garden calm and refresh you. A Vero Beach gem!

Travel Tips

• Before you go, check out: www.mckeegarden.org McKee Botanical Garden, 350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962

• Whether it’s the cover of Southern Living Magazine or a backdrop brides & grooms choose for their wedding photos, McKee Garden hosts special events year-round. The annual Waterlily Celebration held every June, celebrates the crown jewel of the garden - its fragrant water lilies. The garden also come alive with color in December for their annual Holiday Nights of Lights.

• If you’re in the mood for another slice of Old Florida, head south on US 1 about 15 minutes to Ft. Pierce and stop for lunch at a Mom & Pop roadside diner called “Pineapple Joe’s”. It’s like walking into your favorite aunt & uncle’s kitschy rec room. Try the blackened fish sandwich or conch chowder, save room for a piece of key lime pie! Check out: https://pineapplejoesgrillandrawbar.com/

• So how did Florida’s Treasure Coast gets its name? Its refers to the fleet of Spanish treasure-laden ships which sank off the coast in a 1715 hurricane. That was one of many galleons carrying gold that wrecked in these parts. Mel Fisher, the famous treasure hunter, came to Vero Beach in the 1960’s and 70’s to salvage this famous sunken treasure. The rest they say is history. Stop into Mel Fisher’s Museum in Sebastian, just north on US 1, to cast your eyes on a few of these deep-sea treasures. Check out: https://www.melfisher.com/Sebastian/Sebastian_Museum.asp

Historical photographs are courtesy of McKee Botanical Garden.