Well, cabin fever has set in and my wife and I needed to GET OUT!!! Only problem, was this whole…read moreCOVID 19 thing. So what to do? Last May, there was an article in the Herald talking about IVC in Sebastian FL, right on the Indian River. It sounded too good to be true and when I looked closer online, there were nothing but 5 star reviews! This immediately set off alarms like buying on Amazon and you look at the reviews, all 5 stars, yet all on the same date and within the same hour! Hmmm, but when checking out IVC, these appeared legit! So I got on the phone and spoke with Beth. She was very cordial and explained how careful they all were and each Cottage (while sharing neighboring walls), had their own A/C unit and separate entrance. There were sanitized with Ozone/UV light and sealed with no entry for days before your arrival. Each cottage is different (there are 12), but for us the 7 units that are pet friendly was one of best conveniences. As a dog owner, one knows that a pet can and will have an odor (no matter how hard one tries). But with the Ozone/UV cleaning, the smells are eliminated as well as COVID free, talk about win-win! The cottages vary from single rooms with kitchenette, to multi-rooms with sun porches. They all have either a full or mini fridge and microwave. Best part, you can park right outside your unit and unload, no steps or elevators to deal with! We made reservations and prayed that no Tropical Storm would ruin our Labor Day Weekend at IVC. I can't describe them all, but do check out their website, it is a perfect overview. They are small rustic cottages so keep that in mind.
Upon arrival we were met by Tim and Beth, our hosts (from PA), why do I say that? Well there is just something about folks from PA, they just good people (of course I'm one too, so maybe I just recognized a good background when I see it). Tim and Beth both remained at a respectable 10 feet away (yes, it was hard not to shake hands, but sadly our new normal). They gave us the "lay of the land" and informed us that the cancelled July 4th Fireworks were rescheduled to this evening and we had prime seating on the dock! NICE! Our unit (4), was at the end, which normally I would be concern due to road noise (found out later that there were railroad tracks further west, but hardly heard the train at all), the A/C unit which needs to run constantly to keep it cool in the 90+ temps outside, masks any road and train noise. We had a dog bed and doggie towels, along with two small bowls, awaiting for our pup and best of all no old pet smells!!! Even our dog couldn't smell another dog! We unloaded the car (we always bring too much), which required leaving the door open for a long period. This left the unit warm and we were concerned that the small A/C wouldn't cool it off, but a few hours later it was good. We ordered dinner (was hoping for delivery, but the locals don't have that perfected yet, so we did pickup). Food can be a challenge during the age of COVID, but Sebastion has (as of this writing) less than 300 cases, so they don't worry too much about all that. The restaurants, while practicing safety with masks and distancing, don't do much in takeout and delivery. But the food was good and the staff was so nice and friendly and helpful. Can't wait to go back and enjoy eating in just for the atmosphere.
After diner it was Fireworks time and the show didn't disappoint! Tim and Beth were there too and offered a free beverage to enjoy the show. It did rain at the end, but it was a quick retreat back to our cottage.
Next day I got up early, they had local ground coffee in our unit and a pot was brewed. Time for a walk to the dock with coffee and the pup. Ended up sitting there for two hours, just enjoying the river and birds. Dolphins even came by to say hello. A trip to the nearby Inlet (which also had limited entrance due to COVID) was a great way to spend the day. Could have also stayed and borrow a canoe or kayak and paddle out to the barrier island (no charge), but maybe next time.
Next day was a nice walk to the local Riverview Park (just up the road). Folks were friendly and respectful of distance. What a wonderful walk with the dog and such a beautiful setting.
We had to leave the next day, but not before thanking our hosts Tim and Beth. They were so warm and friendly, it made the trip feel more like visiting family, thanks so much. WE SHALL RETURN!!!