Summer vacation is your chance to escape your day-to-day responsibilities and create lasting memories with the ones you love. While many may travel abroad this summer, some may not be able to get away for a major trip. This summer, SpaceCoast Living will be exploring some of the cities that make up the beautiful Space Coast. Check back weekly for your staycation guides and let Brevard County surprise you all over again.

Melbourne

Melbourne – The 38-square-mile “Harbor City” is a microcosm of Brevard County, with about 76,000 residents from the rural west to the oceanfront. As one of the region’s premier entertainment and shopping destinations (Historic Downtown Melbourne); an arts districts (Eau Gallie Arts District); and Eastern Florida State’s Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts diverse, top-notch entertainment. Museums, galleries and festivals complete Melbourne’s cultured atmosphere.

 

Visit

Farmers’ Market – There’s nothing quite like wandering through the colorful aisles of a farmers’ market. Between the textures and aromas, some of Florida’s freshest produce can be bought, as well as baked goods and seasonal favorites. There are multiple farmers’ markets taking place throughout the week in Melbourne.

Thursday 3 – 6 p.m.
Wickham Park, Equestrian Area
2500 Parkway Drive

Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3000 Minton Road West
(321) 917-0721

Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Downtown Melbourne
1900 South Harbor City Boulevard
(321) 759-3713

 

Historic Downtown Melbourne – Home of the Henegar Center for the Arts, the Melbourne Civic Theatre and the Strawbridge Art League, charming, busy downtown Melbourne also boasts a number of galleries. Specialty shops, antique stores, trendy apparel boutiques, and plenty of restaurants, bars and pubs are also available.

 

Attractions

Foosaner Art Museum – Located in the Eau Gallie Arts District, the Foosaner Art Musuem features exhibitions and collections of worldwide acclaim and is now part of Florida Institute of Technology. The museum complex consists of the 15,000-square-foot, five-gallery museum; the Renee Foosaner Education Center featuring classrooms that include a painting and drawing studio, a pottery studio and printmaking studio, and the Harris Community Auditorium, used for lectures, demonstrations, meetings and performances.

Fun Town – Fun Town is Brevard’s largest indoor family fun center. Whether you are a big kid yourself or you have children at home, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From laser tag to roller-skating and arcade games, this 30,000-square-foot is family friendly and is equipped with a café. Players can redeem their arcade tickets for prizes, and they also host children’s birthday parties.

 

Getting Physical

Take a leisure walk at FIT’s Botanical Garden

Play mini golf at Andretti Thrill Park

Swing a racquet at Jimmy Moore Tennis Complex

Fish at Eau Gallie Boat Ramp

 

Upcoming Events

June 27: The Food Truck Bazaar

June 28: Downtown Melbourne Sidewalk Sale

July 4: Fourth of July Celebration

July 18 – 19: “Thoroughly Modern Millie”

August 1: First Friday Art Walk

August 8: Friday Fest Family Street Party

To see more Melbourne events, visit BrevardCountyEvents.com

 

Taste of this Town

Island Pasta Company – Located in the center of Historic Downtown Melbourne, Island Pasta Company has long been a local favorite for casual cuisine influenced by the islands. Experience unique pasta dishes, as well as specialties such as empanadas, slow roasted mojo pork, and fresh fish. Relax with a Jamaican beer or a habanero margarita at the bar, or dine in the covered courtyard.

TooJay’s Gourmet Deli – Best known for its New York-style delicatessen specialties, TooJay’s has something on the menu for everyone. Beyond the traditional overstuffed deli sandwiches served on thick freshly baked breads, there are a host of home-style comfort food dinner entrees. Be sure to try the Old Fashioned Pot Roast, Meatloaf with mashed potatoes or Shepherd’s Pie, as well as a host of enticing complete dinner specialties sure to please from kids to connoisseurs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this casual, friendly restaurant is just the place to sit back and enjoy.