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.
Rockledge and Cocoa Area
Rockledge: Dating to 1887, Rockledge is Brevard County’s oldest incorporated community, a winter-resort city that now is largely residential, famed for the stately homes set among tall oaks along its riverfront. The family oriented city of about 25,000 also has a thriving recreational scene that includes various country clubs.
Cocoa: Cocoa boasts old-Florida charm to the east, natural Florida charm to the west and modern Florida assets all around. It has the tree-shaded streets of Cocoa Village, with some of the area’s finest restaurants, shops and galleries, as well as the Cocoa Village Playhouse and Riverfront Park. To the west are the venues for horseback riding, fishing, and air boat rides in the St. Johns River system.
Visit
Historic Cocoa Village
Boasting a bright and vibrant atmosphere, this hidden gem features eclectic shopping, dining, and is home to the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. Local artists’ works are displayed throughout galleries, and shoppers can find sellers of fine jewelry and antiques, apparel and home furnishing boutiques. VisitCocoaVillage.com
Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science
The Brevard Museum, Inc., also known as the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, is conveniently located in Cocoa, bordering the Eastern Florida State College Cocoa campus. Some of the current exhibits include: the Windover People, Butterfly Garden, Hall of Mollusks, By-Gone Beasts & Fossils, Florida Cracker, Seminole Indians, Canaveral Lighthouse, and East Florida Railway Depot. $6, $4.50 children 5-16. BrevardMuseum.com
Attractions
Indian River Queen
The Indian River Queen is a replica of the boats that traveled on the Indian River in the 1800’s. Guests can enjoy a narration on the three-hour scenic ride and have the chance to see herds of manatees, playful bottle-nosed dolphins and a variety of coastal birds. A cash bar will be available for those who would like to purchase beverages and snacks during the cruise. The scenic ride runs once a month, so check the calendar and book your trip today! $35. IndianRiverQueen.com
Eastern Florida State College Planetarium and Observatory
Home to two theaters, guests can explore planetarium shows, movies and laser shows under the dome. $5 – $8. For a full calendar and show schedule, please visit EasternFlorida.edu/Community-Resources/Planetarium or (321) 632-1111.
Getting Physical
It’s easy to work out your body in Rockledge and Cocoa. Here are some ideas:
Cycle on River Road
Golf at the Turtle Creek
Take a Zumba class at Come On Get Happy
Play with Fido at Barks & Recreation Dog Park
Upcoming Events
June 6 – 7: Historic Cocoa Village’s BBQ & Blues
June 14: Rain Barrel Workshop
June 20: Movies and Food Trucks in the Park
July 4: 28th Annual Independence Day Family Picnic
July 4: Independence Day Celebration with Brevard Symphony Orchestra
Taste of this Town
Ossorio – Coffee, ice creams, pastries, flat bread pizzas, sandwiches, salads, omelets. If you think that one café in Cocoa Village couldn’t specialize in all this then you haven’t been to Ossorio Bakery and Cafe. Ossorio.com
Big League Eatery – Baseball memorabilia, displaying the sport’s greatest moments, surrounds this casual, family-friendly restaurant. An array of unique gourmet burgers are created monthly by Chef Don Bianco, co-owner of the restaurant. Besides burgers, Chef Don dishes out wings that are never frozen and crab cakes that have been claimed to be some of the finest in the county. BigLeagueEatery.com
