I know most folks think of the East Coast of Florida...including the Space Coast and Brevard County as a great place to see a sunrise. Every (clear) morning you will find hundreds of people (tourists as well as locals) snapping photos as the Sun rises above the horizon. We are not known for our great sunsets here. The west coast of Florida has some World class sunset options (Key West and Clearwater really stand out). I have found a hidden gem for sunsets here on the Space Coast, and I visit it often...it is called the Melbourne Beach Pier. On any clear night you will find not only great sunsets, but lots of fisherman, jumping dolphins as well as locals just walking on the pier or maybe reading a book on one of the surrounding benches. It is also attached to a park that includes a gre... 07/20/2012

My boy and I like to go to the Melbourne Beach Library...we pick up lots of books and movies to enjoy. We noticed that across the street from the library was a burrito joint called Robburrito's...my boy told me he wanted to give it a try...and even reminded me that we needed to try the food so I could blog about it! We decided to head over to Robburrito's for lunch. The first thing you will notice when you pass through the front door is the decor. This is 1960's Rock and Roll heaven...if you are, or ever where a Hippie you will love the place. They have posters and pictures of great concerts, awesome bands and 1960s paraphernalia. A TV (that looks like it was built in the 60s) has a loop of Rock and Roll music playing all the time. My boy loves quesadillas and they have an amazingly pr... 06/30/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold, Riverfront Townhome in Melbourne Beach, Florida! Beautiful Melbourne Beach riverfront townhome! Enjoy stunning river views from this direct riverfront townhome in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Situated among the oak trees on a quiet cul-de-sac, this two-story end unit townhome offers three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a separate loft/office area, and a two car garage. With almost 2400 square feet of waterfront living, this townhome features soaring ceilings, tall windows, and a bright, open floor plan. Located in Majorca South in Melbourne Beach, this ocean to river community boasts a private beach access, as well as a private river pier. Private ocean/beach access! Just steps to the community riverfront pier! The f... 06/19/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, Florida Real Estate: Listed and Sold… Melbourne Beach Condo with Ocean Views! Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate – Breakers West Carolyn Smith, Realtor listed and sold this great Breakers West condo in Melbourne Beach in just 20 days! Located directly across the street from the ocean, this condo has everything you need for that perfect beach lifestyle! With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and over 1200 square feet, this Breakers West condo is the ideal beachside getaway. This Melbourne Beach condo features an open floor plan, walk in closets, and OCEAN VIEWS from the living area, master bedroom and large screened balcony. This unit also features a one-car shared garage with storage space. Breakers West Condo with OCEAN VIEWS in Melbourne Beach, FL Breaker... 06/10/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Home Prices Are Rising! Home prices are rising in Melbourne Beach, Florida, along with rising home prices in the rest of the Sunshine State! Home prices are rising, and not just in our beautiful beach communities of Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Suntree and Viera, but in the whole Sunshine State of Florida! According to a recent report by CoreLogic, leading provider of consumer, financial, and property information, tighter housing inventories are starting to lift home prices. This is especially true in Florida, where we are seeing a much higher price boost compared to other areas of the country. Nationwide, CoreLogic’s data shows a month-over-month nationwide increase in home prices of 0.6 p... 05/10/2012

To start off with...Ocean Park in Melbourne Beach, FL has one of the nicest strips of beach on the Space Coast. It is a beautiful wide beach with a nice shelf so you can walk out quite a distance without sinking beneath the waves! The park has a Gazebo, lots of covered picnic tables, free parking, beach access as well as public outside showers to get the sand off after you have taken a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. The park is on the corner of Ocean Ave and Atlantic St (A1A) between all the fun shops and restaurants Melbourne Beach has to offer. The park is right next to Sand on the Beach/Bikini Bar so you can stop by and get an adult beverage or have a great lunch right in front of the sand! Ocean Park does have a smaller sized parking lot so get there early. My suggestion: If you get th... 05/07/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Things to Do in Brevard County, Florida: Check out Founders Day at Melbourne Beach! Melbourne Beach Founders Day 2012 That’s right, it’s that time of year again… Founders Day in Melbourne Beach! On May 5, 2012 Melbourne Beach will be celebrating 129 years! There are tons of great events planned for the day, starting with the 2-Mile Bulldog Pineapple Run at 7:30 in the morning, and ending with “The Street Party” which goes until 10:30 at night! Melbourne Beach Founders Day offers something for everyone – kids, teens, adults, seniors – the whole family will find something that interests them throughout the day. Here is a list of the events scheduled for this year’s Melbourne Beach Founders Day: Lots of family events scheduled for Founders Day at Melbourne Beach 7:... 05/04/2012

Some of the best places to eat are not on the beaten path...they are a little out of the way...and sometimes even a bit of a struggle to find. When you do get there you remember why you were willing to take the drive! Cafe Coconut Cove in Melbourne Beach, FL is just such a place. You can pass by this place two or three times before you find the smallish sign that tells you to drive in...but upon entering you will be hooked! Cafe Coconut Cove sits out on the Indian River with some of the most amazing views and maybe the best sunsets on the East Coast of Florida (suggestion...schedule you dinner so you can sit at your table and take in a sunset...you will be glad you did). The menu is authentic German with a bit of a Florida twist so be prepared for some truly unique Space Coast eats. He... 05/01/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: It’s Sea Turtle Season in Melbourne Beach, Florida! Sea turtles are looking for oceanfront real estate in Melbourne Beach to lay their eggs! Oceanfront real estate in Melbourne Beach, Florida is in high demand right now, as sea turtles begin scouting out the ideal spot to lay their eggs in Brevard County. May 1st marks the official start of sea turtle nesting season in Brevard County, Florida, and Melbourne Beach is prime nesting territory for loggerhead turtles, as well as green turtles and leatherback turtles. Coming soon to Melbourne Beach, FL... sea turtle hatchlings! Melbourne Beach, Florida, and specifically the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, is home to the largest sea turtle nesting area in the United States. Archie... 05/01/2012

We live on the ocean here in Brevard County...so seafood should be plentiful and good. We have a few places that not only offer a nice array of seafood options...but also offer a unique atmosphere...New England Eatery & Pub in Melbourne Beach is one of those! First...location: The New England Eatery & Pub is located on A1A in Melbourne Beach about 10 minutes south of the Spessard-Holland Golf Course (west side of A1A). It looks like a building straight out of some side road New England Village. The inside is nothing fancy (just as you would expect) with plenty of T.V.'s to watch your favorite team (I guess that would be the Red Sox or Celtics here) it is sort of a sports bar/pub/seafood restaurant. They have a really nice bar area with amazing specials for happy hour (and sometimes all... 04/16/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, Florida Real Estate: Just Listed! Waterfront Home in Harbor East in Melbourne Beach! Welcome home to Harbor East, Melbourne Beach! Prime location… one of the best canal front properties in Melbourne Beach! This spectacular 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath pool home has almost 3,000 square feet of living space and is located in the desirable Harbor East subdivision of Melbourne Beach. This home has been beautifully renovated inside and out with an updated kitchen and fully-upgraded bathrooms, as well as an amazing summer kitchen, waterfront covered dock with lift, huge paver patio, and sparkling pool in a private, resort-like tropical backyard. This is a “must see” Melbourne Beach waterfront home! This canal front Harbor East home features living rooms on the... 04/15/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, Florida Real Estate: Just Sold, Charming Melbourne Beach Home, Walking Distance to the Beach! Great location in Melbourne Beach, Florida! Situated in the highly desirable “Golden Triangle” of Melbourne Beach, this remodeled 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home is a beach lovers dream come true! With over 2000 square feet of beachside living, this bright, one-story home sits on 1/3 of an acre, and it is just steps to the beach! Open, bright living room Great kitchen! This charming home is perfect for outdoor living and entertaining, with a large pavered patio, a covered porch area, and a beautifully landscaped yard and garden area. Plenty of room in the huge yard! Pavered Patio! Beautifully landscaped backyard! This Melbourne Beach home features a separate “... 04/11/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Melbourne Beach, FL Real Estate: Just sold a spectacular oceanfront condo in Melbourne Beach, Florida!  Gorgeous condo, direct oceanfront! Brilliant sunrises and stunning ocean views will be enjoyed from this updated Versailles condo! This direct oceanfront, first floor end unit condo is located in the highly desirable Versailles complex in beautiful Melbourne Beach, Florida. With over 2000 square feet of waterfront living, this unit features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, plus a separate den/office, and a 2-car, underground garage. So many upgrades can be found throughout this unit, including a brand new kitchen with gorgeous 42″ maple cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, all finished with beautiful crown molding. Additional features of thi... 04/05/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Things to Do in Brevard County, FL: Don’t Miss Taste, Toast, and Tunes This Weekend in Melbourne Beach, Florida! Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Brevard County, Florida? Check out Taste, Toast, and Tunes in Melbourne Beach! This event sold out last year, but as of today, tickets are still available for this weekend’s Taste, Toast, & Tunes concert. The headlining act of the event is the band “1964″, also known as the “Best Beatles Tribute Band”. This live, outdoor performance will take place on Saturday, March 10th on the banks of the Indian River, on the property of the Immaculate Conception Church in Melbourne Beach (just north of Publix). Along with the live music, the event will feature complimentary food and beverage tastings from 20 local re... 03/06/2012

Sandbar Pizza Grill is an interesting restaurant worth a mention for those in the area...but First it is located in Melbourne Beach, FL on Ocean Ave (300 Ocean Ave in Melbourne Beach, 32951 for those with a GPS).It is the road that jogs (left) off Highway A1A. Why is it interesting...or at least unusual...it is the only Pizza Restaurant I know of that is known for its Fish Tacos (yes...I know...a Mexican dish) instead of pizza! This is not to say the pizza is bad...it is just fine and quite a few of the tables will be filled with folks chowing on the pie...but the draw is defiantly the tasty fish tacos. They offer three styles...Baja, blackened or grilled. Here is the deal...on Tuesdays they are $2 per taco...and two of them will fill you up! The rest of the menu is just fine as well..... 03/01/2012

Learn how to create a Florida-Friendly yard in Melbourne Beach! Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Learn How to Create a Florida-Friendly Yard! Don’t miss this great workshop, coming to the Melbourne Beach Community Center on February 4, 2012. Why make your yard Florida-friendly? Because you will save time, money, and labor, all while protecting the environment. Through this three-hour workshop, you will learn the benefits of recreating your yard the Florida-friendly way. The class will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 10 am – 1 pm at the Melbourne Beach Community Center on Ocean Ave in Melbourne Beach. The cost is $10, and includes refreshments and snacks. The $10 fee is payable at the door on the day of the event by cash or check only. If you are interested in attending the “Florida... 01/27/2012

Carolyn Smith, Realtor – Just Sold! Magnificent home in Aquarina Country Club in the beautiful south beaches of Melbourne Beach, Florida! Stunning Aquarina Home, Melbourne Beach, Florida This immaculate 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath pool home is located in the highly desirable gated community of Aquarina in Melbourne Beach, FL. Aquarina is an upscale ocean-front to river-front neighborhood with its own golf course, tennis courts, ocean access, fitness center, several pools, fully-equipped clubhouse, waterfront boardwalks, fishing pier, and so much more. Golf Course at Aquarina Secluded Beaches This incredible Aquarina executive home has three bedrooms and two and a half baths, including an alluring master-suite with numerous architectural details and plantation shutters, an office/den, interior l... 01/24/2012

Beach Woods is a large complex of homes in the Melbourne Beach area just south of the City of Melbourne Beach. What makes this complex stand out are the nicely wooded grounds, gated security and the absolutely amazing array of amenities offered. Here is a partial list of amenities offered at Beach Woods: 1. Two pools: An east and west pool. Both are heated.2. Tennis Courts: 3 courts...and they are lighted...they also have spectator seating!3. Ocean access4. River Pier: Boat landing platform, fish cleaning area, picnic tables.5. Children's Playground6. Racquet and Handball courts: 3 courts...2 are enclosed7. Health Club and Exercise room8. Sauna9. RV and Boat storage10. Library11. Putting Green12. Bocce Ball and Horseshoe pits13. Clubhouse14. Security Gate Access ....and much more...inc... 01/16/2012

Join in the fun this weekend at the pirate-themed “Shiver Me Timbers 5K and Fun Walk” in Melbourne Beach, FL! The run/walk is hosted by Brevard County Parks and Recreation, and will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the South Beach Community Center at 500 Old Florida Trail in Melbourne Beach. For the inaugural “Shiver Me Timbers 5K and Fun Walk”, participants are invited to dress in pirate gear as they run and walk around the race course, which encompasses the grounds of the South Beach Community Center in Melbourne Beach. The race is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities; the goal of the “Shiver Me Timbers 5K and Fun Walk” is for participants to just enjoy themselves while getting a little bit of exercise, dressed as a pirate, of course! Arrrggghhh, Matey! The “... 01/11/2012

Sandbar Pizza Grill - Family Friendly Restaurant in Melbourne Beach, FL If you are looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Melbourne Beach, FL, don’t miss the Sandbar Pizza Grill on Ocean Ave. The name of the restaurant pretty much sums up their menu – they have pizza and they have “grill”-type items such as burgers, sandwiches, wings, wraps, burritos, and salads, as well as their famous (and amazingly delicious!) fish tacos. The Sandbar Pizza Grill is not fancy and it doesn’t have a ton of seating, but it has friendly service, good food, and great prices. And, if your kids are a little bit loud, it’s okay, the Sandbar Pizza Grill is, as I mentioned, very family friendly. One of the best features of the Sandbar Pizza Grill in Melbourne Beach is their daily specials. A couple of the... 01/08/2012