East Coast Winery, Melbourne, FL

Just when you thought you had heard it all, along comes Avocado Wine!

by Sally Contess | September 06, 2010

Quick:  Wine is made with what kind of fruit?  If you said grapes, you’re partially right.  If you said ANY kind of fruit, you are 100% correct.  Silly me, I was one of those people who always thought wine was only made from grapes, until I came across East Coast Winery located in downtown Melbourne. 

We stopped by this quaint little shop a few nights ago and we were pleasantly greeted by the owner …

Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera, Viera, FL

A place to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the real Florida!

by Sally Contess | September 03, 2010

Just when you thought there wasn’t one square inch of land on the Space Coast left to be developed, you take a wrong turn and find the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands in Viera.  Ok, so maybe I didn’t exactly find this place by making a wrong turn, but I bet plenty of people have.

Located at the very end of Wickham Road, west of I95, you turn into what appears to be …

Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Florida

A great place to make some new memories!

by Sally Contess | August 29, 2010

What is it about ballgames that make for great memories?  One of my most memorable experiences at a ballgame took place at Yankee stadium some 30 years ago when I found a diamond ring in a box of Cracker Jacks.  That crazy guy who put the ring in the Cracker Jacks and I still enjoy America’s favorite pastime right here in Melbourne.  Space Coast Stadium has been one of our favorite places to …

BCC Planetarium & Observatory, Cocoa Beach, FL

You haven’t lived until you experience Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, U2 or the Beatles under the stars

by Sally Contess | August 27, 2010

What is it about gazing into the night sky and staring at planets, star clusters, the moon and galaxies far, far away through a giant telescope that make even the most inexperienced astronomer fantasize about being Galileo?

If you want to find out, come out to the Brevard Community College Planetarium and Observatory, probably Brevard’s best kept secret. 

Located on the Cocoa campus of Brevard Community College, the observatory is open …

Casbah Wines, Melbourne, FL

Sample new wines while making new friends at a wine tasting!

by Sally Contess | August 23, 2010

One thing that I have noticed lately is the growing popularity of wine shops.  These are shops that specialize in wine and beer that is not generally offered in the local food store or liquor store.  I recently stumbled upon one such shop in downtown Melbourne.  Casbah Wines is only a few weeks old, but I’m sure it will live up to its owner’s name, and will be around for a while. 

Casbah Wines …

Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL

It's all happening at the Brevard Zoo!

by Sally Contess | August 19, 2010

To quote Paul Simon, “Someone told me it’s all happening at the zoo”, and it’s all happening at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne!  One would never think you’d find such a delightful zoo experience tucked between a major interstate and the hustle and bustle of North Melbourne, but you do.  Once you make the turn into the entrance of the zoo, you can’t help but leave your cares behind, relax, and be a …

NKF 25th Annual Pro Am Surfing Festival, Cocoa Beach, FL

Calling all surfers (and anyone else)! Cocoa Beach is THE place to be Labor Day Weekend.

by Sally Contess | August 16, 2010

Ok. Let me say this up front:  I don’t surf.  I got on a surfboard once, but never made it to the vertical position. That being said, whether you are a surfer or not, come out to the NKF (National Kidney Foundation) 25^thAnnual Pro Am Surf Festival being held in Cocoa Beach over Labor Day weekend.   With all the beautiful beaches in Brevard, it stands to reason that this would be the perfect …

Wickham Park, Melbourne, FL

Something for everyone every day of the year!

by Sally Contess | August 11, 2010

With almost 400 acres to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do at Wickham Park regardless of what time of year it is.  There are two lakes to cool off in (on those hot, steamy Florida summer days), trails to hike or bike on, pavilions to picnic under, playgrounds to play on, dog parks to play fetch with Fido,  an equestrian area, archery range, disc golf, exercise trails, and more!  If …

River Rocks, Melbourne, FL

Relax while dining and enjoying spectacular river views!

by Sally Contess | August 08, 2010

Imagine yourself enjoying a cocktail, perhaps accompanied with some fresh oysters, a warm breeze on your face, and every once in a while catching a glimpse of a dolphin.  You don’t have to imagine anymore! Just hop in the car (or boat) to River Rocks located in Melbourne on the Indian River.  With so many waterfront restaurants in the Melbourne/Cocoa Beach area, it’s hard to pick one that stands out.  But River Rocks fits …