Have you at any time had the best Florida day? There is a little something so exceptional about a day expended exploring a Florida destination you haven’t been to just before. On our initially go to my spouse, son, and I fell in adore with a distinctive location that is frequently neglected: Historic Cocoa Village.
It truly is effortless to target on sites like Cocoa Seaside or Port Canaveral when you’re headed out to Florida’s Space Coast. But just before you access the shoreline you’ll discover the metropolis of Cocoa, and within just it is a charming purchasing, dining, and recreation spot that was recognized in excess of 100 yrs back. Situated together the Indian River, Downtown Cocoa Village brings together a beach front city setting with unique, historic attraction best for guests to expend the working day checking out.
Rumor has it that back again in the 1880s, a woman would offer very hot cocoa to the sailors as they traveled along the river, for this reason the name “Cocoa Village.” Now, this walkable desired destination sits alongside Brevard Avenue, Harrison Avenue, and Delannoy Avenue is bustling with a blend of quaint retailers, places to eat, artwork galleries, and historic web sites.
This is how we explored, the place we ate, and where we shopped.
Up to date February 2023.
Cocoa Village Restaurants
Checking out Cocoa Village on foot is straightforward to do. It is effortless to keep fueled, fed, and happy. And the sheer volume of Cocoa Village Restaurants can be mind-boggling. The good thing is, there are tons of places loaded with superior food stuff and array of diverse types of cuisine.
Some of the Cocoa Village Dining places incorporate:
- OSSORIO Bakery and Café
- The Village Bier Garten
- Pub American
- Rebellion Wine Bar
- Marino’s Cafe and Bar
- Village Ice Product and Sandwich
- Village Idiot Pub
- Cyderman’s Barbecue
- Murdock’s Southern Bistro
- Soiled Oar Beer Organization
- Tin Whiskey
- Hogan’s Irish Pub
The charming setting is excellent for outdoor seating at one of the numerous dining establishments, breweries, or cafes. There are ample possibilities you could program to have just about every meal of the day right here. Investigate on your individual or sign up for the Cocoa Village Food items Tour with Village Meals Tours for a tasty overview of the community alternatives.
Get started your morning like a Parisian at French Delights Bakery. From decadent French pastries to connoisseur breakfast products, it’s straightforward to seize a seat, sip on your espresso and nibble absent.
French Delights Bakery Cocoa Village – Dani Meyering
If you might be ready for brunch or lunch then take into consideration OSSORIO Bakery and Café. There is certainly not an formal brunch menu listed here, but there are various sweet and savory products, in addition the specialty espresso choices are impressive. You can also purchase online, decide on up at the window and walk just a several actions to Taylor Park or Cocoa Riverfront Park.
Lunch and supper solutions abound amongst the several pubs and dining places all over the Village. The South side of the village, in the vicinity of the stop of Brevard Ave, tends to be fewer crowded, and it is easier to uncover parking. We are inclined to desire to dine at the restaurants on this aspect of the village to avoid crowds as perfectly.
Our morning of checking out Cocoa Village on our first pay a visit to led to us being hungry and prepared for lunch, so we grabbed a table at the again patio of Murdock’s Southern Bistro. This everyday location is the best blend of beach front town tavern and Southern Bistro. The menu is somewhat substantial and we could have easily ordered additional, but we made a decision to share the Louisiana Incredibly hot Lobster, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip, and the Pulled Pork – at our son’s request.
Louisiana Warm Lobster, Spinach, and Artichoke Dip – Dani Meyering
Upon returning to Cocoa Village a short while ago, we discovered that Murdock’s appears to be below new management. For the duration of this newest pay a visit to we popped into one particular of the most recent dining places in Cocoa Village. Rise up Wine Bar is a best alternative when you happen to be on a date.
The inside is vivid, modern, and welcoming. I could have listened to the songs they experienced going for several hours. What makes Rise up Wine Bar exclusive is that they aim on “clean” wine – which is wine devoid of the lots of additives most domestic wines in the United states of america tend to have. There are several gains to clear wine, which includes much better style and there is usually considerably less sugar which suggests less damaging aspect effects.
Rebellion Wine Bar at Cocoa Village – Dani Meyering
Numerous wines are accessible by the glass. Experienced our son not been with us we would have quickly purchased a bottle and peaceful for a even though. The songs, the food items, and the customized company all add up to a superb date vacation spot that is really worth the one particular hour drive from Orlando. Oh, and they have a good variety of one of a kind craft beer too!
Look at out George and Dragon English Tavern if you want a livelier environment. This tavern features an outdoor patio, a stage for dwell new music, and a cozy interior. It can be the ideal place to halt for a pint.
Take a look at the Go to Cocoa Village web-site for an overview of accessible eating alternatives.
George & Dragon English Tavern
Area Parks
Right after producing the hour prolonged generate from Seminole County, we parked on Maryland Avenue, just off Brevard Avenue and across from Murdock’s Southern Bistro. It was just previous 8:00 a.m. and we started strolling north on Brevard Avenue, then turned on to Church Street and walked in the direction of the h2o.
Shortly we arrived at Cocoa Riverfront Park and I broke out into an ear to ear grin. This waterside park is host to numerous particular functions, amusement, and festivals all through the calendar year, and delivers lovely sights. As soon as my spouse spotted a bench with a Jimmy Buffett song lyric painted on it, I felt correct at property. Throughout from Cocoa Riverfront Park is a adorable strip of restaurants and other tiny firms.
Cocoa Riverfront Park
Proper next to Cocoa Riverfront Park is Taylor Park. This quaint park was established in 1920. Painted benches, picnic tables, plenty of shade, and a playground make this a excellent location to begin your day if you arrive at Cocoa Village early. Our son performed on the playground as we viewed the Village wake up for the day. There is also an amphitheater exactly where you can delight in live music performances from time to time.
Historic Cocoa Village Purchasing
I experienced to exercising some severe restraint when browsing the various retailers in Cocoa Village. I am thinking a return stop by in the drop to do some holiday getaway searching will be on my agenda later this yr.
There’s lots of shade as you stroll all through the village. Even window shopping is a delight.
Checking out Harrison Street is an absolute need to-do. This small road is treasured to me because it curves close to a several trees, and there’s also an out cove with a bench that helps make way for a tree. You can also locate pretty a several charming special retailers, boutiques, and cafes.
Harrison Street
Brevard Avenue is the primary avenue of the village. As you could possibly assume, staying close to a seaside town, there are a lot of Florida and seaside influenced stores. But you will also find tons of art alongside specialty retailers. Search unique wines and food items at the Village General Retailer. The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse is listed here, regularly showcasing Broadway musicals, as are innumerable outlets and eateries such as Threadneedle Road Mall. Highlights of this selection of retailers includes Caroline’s Documents. The Toy Box is ideal across the road and is a terrific quit for any loved ones.
Historic Cocoa Village – Dani Meyering
1 of the highlights of our stop by was a end at The Sunshine Shop. As a Florida indigenous, I loved remaining surrounded by cabinets stocked with Florida gourmet sauces, cocktail mixes, and far more. There is also handcrafted artwork, jewellery, clothes, and home wares designed in Central The united states. Buys from this store reward reasonable trade village communities in Central The usa and local Floridian food makers.
Cocoa Village Pirate Museum
Obtaining our son with us intended we unquestionably had to prevent at Antilles Investing Organization and Pirate Museum. This specialty shop has reliable pirate costumes, enjoyment kids’ toys, and a again area with unusual finds like initially-version textbooks and props from the Pirates of the Caribbean films. We acquired a handful of minimal treasures to just take property and ended up made available totally free tickets to the adjoining Pirate Museum as a thank you for our purchase. The total of detail and understanding that is packed into the Pirate Museum amazed all a few of us. There are way way too quite a few displays and displays to selection. A couple of entertaining photo prospects produced our go to even much more unforgettable. It is only a person space, with a compact back again home, but it is really properly accomplished and total of fascinating details.
Perspective a total listing of neighborhood shops at Cocoa Village.
Antilles Investing Firm and Pirate Museum
Include in a Go to to Rockledge Gardens
Just after our stunning morning in Cocoa Village, we had just one a lot more place on our itinerary. Just 10 minutes down US 1, Rockledge Gardens is touted as a desired destination yard centre. I had by no means heard the term, but when we pulled into the parking good deal, I knew it was the fantastic description.
Soon after walking below the entrance archway, countless rows of stunning flowers, lush crops, trees, and so many destinations to take a look at greeted us. Team customers prepared to respond to questions appeared at every single convert. And then I read the are living songs. A backyard heart with stay audio? I rushed towards the audio to come across a duo strumming together and singing on the front porch of the Farmer’s Current market building.
Rockledge Gardens
Rockledge Gardens
Within the Farmer’s Sector developing I observed stalls exhibiting handmade merchandise from regional artisans. You can also purchase specialty beer or wine to choose household or appreciate as you stroll through the gardens.
Make positive to stop by The Cypress Table, which is a catering company that has a smaller market onsite presenting some of their own merchandise, as nicely as solutions from artisans in the region. I regretted not bringing a cooler. The Cypress Table has lots of new items to consider household like handmade hummus, dips, a modest collection of develop, and specialty meats. The bacon seemed amazing and had I introduced a cooler bag I would’ve gladly brought some household. Lots of of these products are sourced from local suppliers and creatives, and The Cypress Table’s place showcases these special goods. Don’t make the same miscalculation I did!
Farmer’s Sector at Rockledge Gardens – Dani Meyering
I do not have much of a green thumb, so browsing the gardens was extra about scenery and daydreaming. But it is these types of a charming environment, specifically with the dwell music. There is even a non-public event space, ideal for weddings.
Right before we left Rockledge Gardens we stopped at the River Highway popsicle and coffee stand. I was grateful for the dairy free of charge solutions so my son could enjoy just one. We went with the Grapefruit Lemonade popsicle for him, and I selected the Butterscotch Bliss bar. We sat amid the gardens, enjoying our refreshing popsicles. It certainly had been a ideal Florida working day and wrapping up in this article built for the perfect ending.