Dianne Marcum - Explorers Guide Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach & Floridas Space Coast: A Great Destination ()

Floridas Space Coast is long and narrow, with 72 miles of Atlantic beachfront. Eastbound travelers cross several bridges that span intracoastal waterways flowing like liquid ribbons down the length of the county.

In the beginning of the book youll find Whats Where, an alphabetical listing of highlights and important information that you may want to reference quickly. There follow comprehensive descriptions of the regions history and recreational opportunities, plus a guide to traveling to and within Brevard County.

The next four chapters zero in on specific locales. Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach includes Port Canaveral and a nearby section of Merritt Island. Central Brevard includes historic Cocoa Village and the newer community of Viera; North Brevard is anchored by the city of Titusville; and South Brevard stretches from Eau Gallie and Melbourne to Sebastian Inlet.

Finally comes some suggested itineraries to help you custom-tailor your explorations.

Listings within each chapter are in alphabetical order. In general, most facilities and activities have some degree of wheelchair accessibility, and this is noted. However, the specifics vary considerably, and those with special needs should call ahead.

PRICING CODES

The information in this book is as timely and accurate as possible, but like a beach landscape, the terrain is always shifting. Dining prices are based on the cost of a dinner entre with appetizer and dessert. Lodging prices are a per-room, double occupancy rate, during the peak season. Rates usually drop 20 percent or more during nonpeak times. Not included is a 6 percent Florida sales tax on dining and lodging and a 5 percent countywide resort tax on lodging.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Child-friendly. With a casual atmosphere, miles of beaches, and a multitude of outdoor recreation spots, the Space Coast is an ideal child-friendly vacation spot. The crayon symbol appears next to lodging and activities of special interest or appeal to youngsters.

Pets. The dog-paw symbol appears next to venues that accept pets, although some lodgings may only accept small dogs and have a limited number of rooms available. When dogs are allowed at a dining establishment, seating is always outdoors.

Waterfront Dining. The umbrella symbol highlights restaurants that offer waterfront seating or a spectacular ocean or lagoon view.

Weddings. The wedding-ring symbol appears next to lodging venues that are experienced in hosting weddings and offer a beautiful setting.

Brevard County has one area code, and its easy to remember: 321blast off!

Brevard County

Wildlife Profiles

I t takes a community to write a travel guide. The stories and enthusiasm of the people who live in and love Brevard County are woven through every page of this book.

Thank you to the entrepreneurs and artists I met who care about strengthening the community as much as growing their own business, and were eager to share information and pass along the name of the next person who might help me; and the nature lovers who prove that eco-tourism really works and were generous tutors on surfing, fishing, paddling, birding, and other pursuits.

I appreciate the support of friends in the Space Coast Writers Guild and Cocoa Beach Writers Workshop, especially Mary May Burruss who generously shared her expertise. Florida Today, our local newspaper, does a great job of reporting on current activities, and I have benefited from the talents of writers Chris Kridler, who does restaurant reviews, and John Kelly, who covers space events.

I am grateful to the many individuals that provided information and ideas. Talented photographers Jim Angy and Roger Scruggs contributed to the images that illustrate the beauty and diversity of this area. Bonnie King with the Space Coast Tourism Development Commission was a wealth of information. Roger Dobson and Laurilee Thompson are Brevard County pioneers who inspired me with their love for the area.

To everyone at The Countryman Press, especially Kermit Hummel, Lisa Sacks, and Doug Yeager, thank you for your valuable advice and support, and a toast to Sandy Rodgers for her editing talent and the sunny outlook she contributed to these pages.

My love and gratitude go out to friends and family who joined me on field trips, contributed ideas, and celebrated every small success, especially Maggie Megee and John Anderson who were always ready to head out on a new adventure. A huge, appreciative hug to my grandchildrenCassidy, Jessica, Colin, Alyssa, Carson, and Shaywho hit the sand running when they visit and remind me of the absolute joy of a day at the beach.

H ow would you like to live in a place like this? writes a visitor describing the beauty and wildlife of the Indian River on the back of a postcard. The message was penned nearly a century ago but could just have easily been sent yesterday. Brevard County is one of those rare vacation spots where people picture themselves living one day, an extraordinary blend of sunshine, beaches, pristine natural resources, and space-age technology.