Exploring Historic Downtowns: Cocoa Village, Eau Gallie and Downtown Melbourne
When people picture the Space Coast, they think beaches and rocket launches, and that's fair. But some of my favorite afternoons happen a few miles inland, walking around our old downtowns. Each one has its own personality, and they're all right on the Indian River.
If you've got family in town for the holidays, or you're thinking about moving here and want to see what everyday life feels like, here's where I'd take you.
Cocoa Village
Cocoa Village is brick streets, big shade trees and little shops you can wander in and out of for hours. It feels like a small town that time forgot, in the best way.
The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. It opened in 1924 as the Aladdin Theater, showing silent movies, and today it puts on live shows all year. It even played a movie theater in the 1993 film Matinee.
The Porcher House. Built in 1916 out of native coquina rock, this classic Florida mansion sits right by the river and is worth a walk past.
Riverfront Park. Grab something to go and sit by the water. It's a great spot to watch the sun go down over the river.
The Eau Gallie Arts District
Locals just call it EGAD. Eau Gallie was its own town before it joined Melbourne, and today it's the artsy, creative corner of the Space Coast.
The murals. The district is covered in huge, colorful murals, many painted during its yearly mural festival. Walking the neighborhood is like strolling through an outdoor gallery, and the photos are great.
The Foosaner Art Museum. Run by Florida Tech, it's a small museum with rotating exhibits, and it's an easy stop on a mural walk.
The waterfront. Eau Gallie sits where the Eau Gallie River meets the Indian River, so you're never far from a view.
Downtown Melbourne
Downtown Melbourne, centered on New Haven Avenue, is the liveliest of the three after dark. Think restaurants, local breweries, live music and boutique shopping all on one walkable strip.
Friday Fest. Once a month, the streets close for a big block party with music, food and vendors. It's a fun, easy night out with the whole family.
The Henegar Center. This building opened in 1920 as Melbourne's school, and now it's the Henegar Center for the Arts, home to community theater and concerts.
The riverfront. Downtown runs right up to the water, so a walk after dinner is a must.
Why the holidays are the best time to go
All three downtowns dress up for the season with lights, holiday markets, evening shopping and parades. It's one of my favorite times to visit, and a great way to shop local for the people on your list.
Thinking about living near one?
Each of these areas has homes within walking or biking distance of downtown, from older Florida bungalows to newer builds. If you love the idea of strolling to dinner or a show, I'm always happy to show you around and talk about what's out there.
Either way, get out and enjoy them this season. And if you see me at Friday Fest, come say hi.
Henry Wertin | Broker Associate | Realtor® | Denovo Realty
