As locals, were often asked what are the best things to do in Historic Cocoa Village and its surrounding waterfront enclaves such as Merritt Island, Rockledge and Cocoa Beach, and what are the best hotels, restaurants, shops and places for culture and nature in Historic Cocoa Village and beyond? Timed for the reopening of ONE Sothebys International Realtys Cocoa Village office in our new location on June 1, were sharing a curated guide for our new neighborhood. Read on to see how its evolving for multigenerational visitors and tourists alike.
Historic Cocoa Village Hotels
Despite its proximity to Cape Canaverals Kennedy Space Center, as well as Port Canaveral, the fastest growing cruise terminal and the second largest in North America, the village lacked a hotel. The Cocoa Village Hotel, a boutique concept within the Radisson Individuals portfolio, is slated to open next year in a newly constructed, eight-story building with 107 guestrooms and a rooftop restaurant and bar to take advantage of the propertys views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Its tiered design blends in with the local historic architecture dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Amenities include a spacious pool area with fire pits, meeting rooms, lobby-level dining and market, and a 265-space parking garage that also serves non-guests. Between the much-needed accommodations and parking, the beautifully detailed project will be a win for the whole community. In the meantime, there are many lovely, short-term rental properties through services like Airbnb. Fun fact: OSIRs brand-new office here is housed in the former Parrish Grove Inn. Built in 1891 for the Pettee family from New York, the once private residence was moved by barge from its original address on Rockledge Drive to its current location on Delannoy Avenue in 2002. OSIRs new office is ideally situated to serve any needs or questions regarding Brevard County real estate.
Historic Cocoa Village Restaurants
Do as the locals, and start your day at Ossorio Bakery & Caf. Sip refreshing seasonal drinks like a blueberry white mocha and come back for lunch to try a new salad with peaches picked from nearby Deer Park orchard. The Tin Whiskey Southern Kitchen & Still got a lot of buzz when it opened earlier this year. Patrons like its down-home vibe, the large mac and cheese selection, and the Stevie, a maple syrup-infused bourbon Manhattan garnished with a bacon strip. The Tulip, or Black Tulip as its often called, has been a fine dining mainstay since 1981. Support the Florida Wildlife Hospital at its Tango for Tails five-course dinner with a show in June. A couple of local restauranteurs have taken over another dining institutions space. Named for the locations grocery store from long ago, Murdocks Bistro and Char Bar opens soon after an extensive renovation of Murdocks former rendition. Dcor highlights salvaged materials from arched windows to brass lanterns to a bathtub [to ice beer] from the razed, historic Brevard Hotel. They plan to serve elevated classic dishes and offer live music and indoor and outdoor seating. Among other pending restaurants, look for El Diablo Tequila & Taco Bar launching next door to Dirty Oar Brewing Company, and Bros Burger, Bar & Petiscaria [snack shop] for Brazilian bites and caipirinha cocktails, as well as artisanal American fare. Other places to wet your whistle are the George & Dragon English Tavern in a former Gulf gas station, where theres usually a dart game in play, and Bugnutty Brewing Company, which occupies a former 1932 Buick dealership and produces dozens of beers including the collaborative Tin Whiskey Blonde. Tour the lively wine scene, too, like The Wine Lady for boutique wines and tastings, and Rebellion Wine Bar, which is just as well-known for excellent food (cheese plates, truffled potato chips, seasonal crudos and salads). Carnivores shouldnt miss side-by-side Crydermans Barbecue and Crydermans Meat Market, a one-stop shop for PK grills and smokers, prime cuts, charcuterie, rubs and spices, and a nice wine selection.
Historic Cocoa Village Culture
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse first showed silent movies when it opened as the Aladdin Theater in 1924. Today the villages cultural crown jewel programs a wide variety of entertainment for all ages, such as Broadway musicals, small-production plays and films. The 10-acre Cocoa Riverfront Parks amphitheater accommodates 5,000 people for regularly scheduled concerts. Upcoming acts include Stick Figure reggae band and Texas groups Whiskey Myers with Shane Smith & the Saints. Due to its old-fashioned charm, the village gets a huge turnout for Independence Day. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra will perform a complimentary Fourth of July concert in the park followed by fireworks. The village and chamber of commerce always seem to be hosting an event, too. A few on the books are Cocoa Village Concours with 200 cars, Christmas in July Sip & Stroll, and Arts & Crafts Festivals, which resume in fall. Tourists also like to check out the many art galleries like Carolyn Seiler Studio, and the list is growing with additions such as Street Talk Studios coming in August. Both also host art classes, while new craft studio Suzy Makes Mermaids workshops are popular for birthday parties and bridal showers.
Historic Cocoa Village Outdoors & Wellness
Historic Cocoa Villages views of the Indian River and grand live oaks have enchanted people for centuries. Its beauty even convinces Cocoa Beach native and GOAT champion surfer Kelly Slater to keep a home in the area. (You can visit a bronze statue of him riding a wave in Triangle Park.) Other than surfing, biking is a major activity. Cyclists come from all over to ride along the river and look at the historic mansions lining the 25 MPH Indian River Road, which turns into Rockledge Drive. For bike rentals, gear and tips, The Village Cycle Shoppe will set you up with everything you need. It also hosts or participates in many bike events such as Prides decorated bike parade in June and womens rides on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Its partnering with the new boutique hotel to offer bikes for guests. To take a history walking tour, see the list of historic places on mainstreethistory.com, or simply scan QR codes on entries front doors for information. Let the kids cool off at Cocoa Riverfront Parks splash pad, or wear them out at the playground. If youd prefer to just sit back and relax, hop aboard The Indian River Queen for a cruise. The triple-deck paddle wheel boat starred with Denzel Washington in Out of Time. Private bookings are available, and youd be surprised by the famous faces from around the world who have done so. With an abundance of waterways to explore, boaters usually stop off at the 117-slip Cocoa Village Marina. The evolving wellness circuit offers Village Pilates for in-person and virtual classes, Maven Bloom Beauty Bar for facials, massages and nails, and Lucille Jane Salon for hair, nails, facials and waxing.
Historic Cocoa Village Shopping
Historic Cocoa Village is famous for hundreds of independent boutiques. Embellish your wardrobe and home at Cindy Lees lifestyle store and Bobbis at Parkside, which specializes in womens clothing and jewelry. Midcentury-modern furniture collectors always see whats on the floor at Rocket City Retro, while bookworms never miss perusing he shelves at Hello Again Books. Pamper the pooch with Tails at The Barkerys fresh-baked treats and designer duds for four-legged friends. Theyll be able to strut their stuff, too, given that the village is extremely pet-friendly. Pick out a pretty bouquet at The Patinaed Fleurs fresh flower bar, or take home one of its dried flower works of art including hair ornaments. More plant shops are sprouting, such as The Seaside Succulent for greenery, workshops and more services. While there, pop into its centers new gift store B&B Candles and Soaps for handcrafted products in yummy scents.
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