If you are running out of ideas as to what to get loved ones as gifts this holiday season, then it’s time to start thinking outside the gift box. Instead of giving regular material item gifts — try offering them a memorable experience instead. The memory will stay with them for years to come, outlasting any material possession you could give them. They will better appreciate the time spent and preparation you put into it, as a memorable experience is not something you can just hastily pick up at a store. Here is a list of great experiences you can give during the holidays offered right here on the Space Coast, sure to create lasting and happy memories for you all.
Adventure on the Water: Fly above the Water – PowerFly Flyboarding
If you know someone who has always wanted to feel like a superhero, then private Powerfly flyboarding lessons would be the perfect gift for him or her, offered right here on the Space Coast. Those passing over the bridges along the Intercoastal waterways in the last two years have slowed down or pulled aside as what appears to be Superman flying over the water with a jetpack is actually Mark Baxter, owner of Powerfly Products, doing twists, flips, and dives on his flyboard.
Flyboarding is a thrilling new water sport that lets one “fly” over the water while standing strapped to a board that is similar to a wakeboard. The board is connected by hose to a jet-ski, which uses its engine power to push water into the board, propelling it upwards. The jet-ski rider/instructor remains in control of the water pressure, controlling the flyer’s height above the water. “It is a safe watersport as we (the instructors) are in control of the flyers at all times, who do not fly without wearing a helmet and life jacket. We control how high up they go, so they cannot just shoot up to 50 feet as a beginner,” said Mark, a professional flyboarder. He offers private lessons as he also maintains all the equipment one would need to flyboard, which can be costly. “This way,” explains Mark, “adults, teens or parents who have children who want to get better at the sport don’t have to break their bank on the equipment, and at the same time they receive crucial lessons from a seasoned instructor.”
Powerfly Flyboarding insists the sport is easy to do, safe, and that you are “pretty much guaranteed to fly,” even on your first lesson. Flyer limitations are based mainly on weight. First lessons cost between $99 and $150, though family, special and group packages are available. Packages for skill advancement are available as well. They offer photos and video footage of the unique, exciting experience, which will be remembered for a lifetime. Their showroom is located at 268 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. For more information, contact Mark and Sabrina Baxter at (321) 914-4948 or visit PowerflyProducts.com
Adventure on land: Take a Trip to Forever Florida
A trip to Forever Florida is perfect for those who have a knack for adventure and a love for all things nature. Dr. Broussard of Florida Eye Associates founded the Allen Broussard Conservancy (ABC) as a tribute to his son, Allen, a respected wildlife biologist who passed at age 29. Through touching beginnings, Forever Florida opened to visitors eager to learn more about Florida’s pristine wildlife, as well as have the chance to explore it for themselves. The ABC operates Forever Florida, a nature preserve of serene wildlife that runs for 4,700 acres in Osceola County and includes 6.5 miles of the National Scenic Trail. It serves to protect Florida’s fragile ecosystems and endangered species that live in the area, as well as wow guests with amazing views from the ground during picturesque hikes, from fun horseback ride adventures, and from above the ground on one of the thrilling zipline attractions. Guests can also camp to really get a feel for Florida’s natural earth, experiencing its pastures, forests, wetlands and various wildlife, including alligators, black bears, and less dangerous whitetail deer. For more information and to book your trip, visit ForeverFlorida.com and AllenBroussardConservancy.org
Dining: “Cater” to Employees, Family or Significant Other this Holiday Season with A Perfect Pear
Instead of heading out to eat this year, create a memorable holiday party with your employees, a festive night together with your family or a romantic evening in with your significant other using decadent and delicious dishes from A Perfect Pear Catering. If you want to share a lovely holiday experience with your friends and loved ones they will certainly appreciate your well thought out gift, which prompts you to create a charming and lovely atmosphere somewhere you all or both enjoy for a scrumptious dining occasion.
Perhaps you want to dine at a river dock to watch the sunset, on a balcony overlooking the ocean, a community venue or in the comfort of your own home? No matter where you choose, A Perfect Pear Catering offers full services and will happily set the tone right, assisting you in setting up the fantastic surprise while also supplying a variety of incredible appetizers, delicious main courses and divine desserts, displayed gorgeously and cleaned up with a breeze. A passion for cooking runs A Perfect Pear Catering which is family owned and operated by Chef Jimmy Sheridan and his sister Krissy Willer, who have been in business for almost a decade. They cater to parties large and small, and their most famous dishes include crab cake and bacon wrapped jumbo shrimp appetizers, spinach, tomato and mozzarella stuffed roasted pork loin main course, and homemade dessert platters. Call (321) 327- 5983 or visit APerfectPearCatering.com
Get Creative: Painting with a Twist!
Take someone out for a night to remember with Painting with a Twist. This fun “twist” on a traditional art class bears both a memorable experience as well as a tangible gift in one evening. Painting with a Twist offers guests 21 and up the option to bring their own beer, wine and snacks to help them relax as they follow a team of painting instructors that help guide them step by step through the featured painting of that evening. They also have eight years and up child-friendly and family day sessions, so it is also a great gift option for the whole family or your art-loving child, niece or nephew, grandchild, etc. They offer two-hour paintings at $35 and three-hour panting at $45. They are located at 702 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. For more information, call (321) 698-7928 or visit PaintingWithATwist.com
This article appears in the December 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living.
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