Rediscover Brevard’s Hidden Gem
This small cottage built by an early Danish settler, Atley Bensen, is now a historical museum that shows how pioneers to this area lived. The Bensen House sits along the Indian River Lagoon in Grant. There is no admission charge; donations are accepted. TOM WILBY
The kids are back in the classroom. Summer vacations are photos and memories. The thermometer — and the utility bill — are inching down. Say hello to fall along the Space Coast, the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, the many little treasures that make Brevard such a treasure.
According to medical professionals, clocking in 10,000 steps can do wonders for your health and longevity. With cooler, drier days comes the opportunity to visit the parks, the downtowns, the wildlife havens, the museums, and all the other nooks and crannies of the county. Surpassing 10,000 steps is easy-peasy with so much to see and do.
Why wait until the new year for new resolutions? Instead, resolve now to make time for exploration of the here and there in the county. With every issue, Space Coast Living delivers ideas of places and people you would love to meet, but our suggestions are just grains of sand in the vast shoreline of Brevard attractions.
Organize a family picnic at one of the county parks. Sure, everyone is familiar with Wickham Park and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, but how about exploring the paths less traveled? Worth a wander are pocket gems such as Erna Nixon Park in West Melbourne or “the jungle,” as Florida Tech students fondly call the university’s lush botanical garden.
Our downtowns welcome the season with a jubilant army of pumpkins and witches and ghosts. The ocean breezes join us during weekend evening strolls through the downtown areas and may even provide the opportunity to wear long sleeves or [gasp!] even a light jacket. Eventually, Halloween holds us happily hostage until Santa and his decorations arrive once again. Brevard communities such as Viera treasure both of these holidays and celebrate them with vigor, from neighborhood parties to bedecked golf carts. Pluck the phone or tablet from the kids and meander the neighborhoods with them. Bring the dog, too — along with the poop bags, of course.
While the mountains up north may offer golden landscapes and vigorous hiking, the Space Coast provides a brand of hiking that encompasses a variety of habitats: from the sandy trails by Barrier Island Sanctuary in Melbourne Beach to the rich green canopies of Titusville’s Enchanted Forest. They are different but equally drop-dead gorgeous. Also, where in the mountains can you gain elevation while hiking over water, as you can over the Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville?
Fall weather in Brevard County, Florida, may not be as fiery and colorful as it is in Brevard, North Carolina, but it is just as beautiful and special a season. The trees may not look that much different, but we can feel the subtle shift as Mother Nature takes a breather. Summer’s rains and humidity have left us — until next year. Festivals, concerts and other special activities seem to sprout up like a newly planted veggie garden. The year may be winding down, but we’re still wearing flip flops and shorts as we begin planning for the holidays. Before that busy season arrives, take time to enjoy the view — and don’t forget to join us at Space Coast Living.
