Too Do- FL!

Cheap Date: Downtown Melbourne

Brevard, Florida

09/09

 

The Historic area of Downtown Melbourne is a wonderful option for a cheap date. The atmosphere is relaxed and ideal for discovering points of interest through a leisurely stroll. Jay and I took advantage of all the local flavors we could—but we were determined to enjoy ourselves on less than $50!

One of the most obvious strategies when going on a cheap date is to find “free” things to enjoy. So when we heard about the Florida Beer Company’s free beer tasting, we knew exactly where we were going first. The company is located in a run-down looking building, and at first we were unsure that we were in the right spot. But for the sake of free beer, we pushed on. At the top of the dark staircase we found a cozy, well-lit tasting room that looked more like a friendly bar. We were quickly greeted by a worker who was eager to tell us all about the company and the process of making beer. We took it all in, along with lots of great samples, without feeling pressured to buy anything. We walked out more educated about beers, and having discovered a new local favorite.

We drove about 5 blocks away into the heart of the historic district. After finding free parking provided by the city we began a long stroll down New Haven Avenue. We quickly began to find historic spots of interest, and would stand and talk about them. It’s so easy to pass by historic land-markers when you’re in a hurry; sometimes if you slow down you’re surprised to find history that directly links to you and your heritage right under your nose. We took the time to admire the architecture of some of the building that had been standing since before the World Wars. Hand-in-hand we darted in and out of local galleries and shops. It was fun just to admire the work of local artist, or the passions of local collectors. At the edge of downtown we found Henegar Center for the Arts, where a local company was putting on a production of Treasure Island at the time. It wasn’t on our agenda for the day, but I couldn’t help but note that the tickets were pretty cheap. At about $25 a person, it could be a reasonably priced night on the town.

By the time we crossed the street, walking on the other side back towards the car in the hot Florida sun had gotten Jay. We slipped into the cool air condition of Meg O’Malley’s, a local Irish pub that’s pretty darn authentic. We decided on an appetizer to split, and enjoyed tall cool drinks while listening to a live folksinger’s performance in the jovial atmosphere.

After a rest we continued on our walk and found only a few steps away from Meg’s a cool-looking spot called Foo Bar that was just setting up for the night. We took a quick look inside, and even met the manager. After figuring Happy Hour was the best time to return, we kept it moving. After taking in a few more shops, and a manatee/ wild-life viewing station in the heart of downtown, I quick changed into something cute for nightlife, and we headed back to the bar.

By the time we got there we could see it was going to be rocking by the night’s end. Alan, the manager, was singing along with 80s hits he had blasting until the DJ arrived later. He took our orders, and made the dangerous signature concoctions for Foo Tea and Pomegranate Punch Any thought that they could have been overpriced was quickly dispelled when these huge, strong drinks were placed in front of us. After a few sips, Jay and I were discussing the genius Peter and Stewie, and how odd it is that Brain speaks but never wears pants but sometimes wore dress coats (Family Guys fans know what I’m talking about). We were singing along with the 80s music, a becoming mesmerized by the fog coming off our icy drinks. Needless to say, they were good drinks.

 

After our cocktails we headed to Matt’s Casbah to put some food on our stomach at one of the swankest restaurants on the strip. The ambiance of the place is cool, and I’d heard about the food. It didn’t take long to get seated near the sushi bar. After flip-flopping between the many choices we decided to get a Spicy Conch and a Bagel Roll. The food was great, and Jay and I had romantic end to a fun, educational, and cheap, date!

CHECK PLEASE! (prices listed include tip if applicable)

Parking   $0

Florida Beer Company Tasting $0

Local Galleries’ Admissions   $0

Meg O’Malley’s $9

Wildlife Viewing    $0

Foo Bar   $23

Matt’s Casbah   $ 16

TOTAL: $48

We did it!

Follow Us On Foot!

Florida Beer Company

2500 South Harbor City Blvd.

 Melbourne, FL 32901

http://www.floridabeer.com

Meg O’Malley’s

812 E. New Haven Avenue

Melbourne, Fl. 32901

http://www.megomalleys.com/

Foo Bar

816 E. New Haven Ave

Melbourne, FL 32901

Phone: 321.728.7179

Matt’s Casbah

801 East New Haven Avenue

Melbourne, Florida 32901

http://www.mattscasbah.com/

Florida Foodie Find: Foo-tastic Bar

by Jay

 

 

Brevard, Florida

 

You may have heard of foosball.  You may have heard of the Foo Fighter’s.  But have you ever heard of the Foo Bar? 

This amazing bar is located in the historic downtown area of Melbourne, Florida; the bar is a surprising find in a city that is in-itself a hidden treasure of the Space Coast. The Foo Bar features a tranquil environment in the middle of a place that is anything but quiet. The bar is found on New Haven Ave., just east of the Irish pub name Meg O’Malley’s.  Here you will find what I believe are the best drinks in the city. I ordered the Foo Tea, which is the bar’s spin on a Long Island Iced Tea but features a surprising citrus blend twist that is kind to the tongue. But don’t let this drink fool you—just a few sips in and already I was feeling the effects.

 

 

 

 

 

Day or night, this bar’s atmosphere is mesmerizing. The bar has both indoor and outdoor seating. When you first walk through the entry gates the bar you’ll notice an outside couch on your right along with tables wrapping around all the way to the back of the bar. There is an area that I like to call “the pit” that has seating for you and a few friends that has a rustic look and feel, with beautiful artistry on the wall behind you. If that doesn’t suit you maybe you’re looking for something a little cooler in the summer months? Then just come right in and you’ll find the bar is easily assessable with every drink you may want. The bartenders are always willing to make the drinks to your liking and they don’t water down anything. The bar also has drink specials, with happy hour from 6 to 8 daily.

Inside it is more thrills; on your right you will see a huge couch that goes across the entire back wall—all the way to where the dj plays. 

That’s right I said DJ!  Every Friday they have their house DJ and every Saturday they have guess DJs. Some nights they also feature live music.  Every Tuesday they have two for one premium wells, and a game of Texas Hold ’em that starts at 8pm; every Thursday is Punk rock night with $2 beer, and surf & skate videos playing to your favorite music on the 52” screen above the fire place.  Every Wednesday is game night with special 80’s jams with Alan (one of the best bartenders is town). 

This place has it all in a nice package and the best thing of all…IT’S NO COVER EVER!  That’s right—you can enjoy all of this without paying any money up front. Come out to see this place and I promise you will not be disappointed. 

The Foo Bar is located at

816 E. New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL

Phone: 321.728.7179

Historic Downtown Melbourne

Brevard, Fl

Downtown Melbourne is a slow-moving historic neighborhood that is hidden by fast-paced urbanization. The active train line that runs through it and the hustling traffic of US1 can make its subdued treasures nearly invisible to the untrained eye. If you are on US1 in the area of downtown it seems that the majority of tourist traffic heads over the bridge to the beaches, or turns into one of the many marinas or docks that line the Indian River. If only they knew what a treasure lies just a block over in the other direction.

The relatively small district of downtown would help seed what would become Melbourne, Florida, one of the largest urban areas on the Space Coast of Florida. The area has a rich and long history. The city was officially established in 1888, and would progress slow until 1893 when the Florida East Coast Railway’s first train pulled into Melbourne. Until the railway made its way to Miami, Melbourne was the point where people and cargo connected with steamboats on the Indian River to make their way down to Southern Florida. There are many identifiable historic points of interest, usually with posted signs that tell you about important historic millstones that happened at the location. Change, growth, and culture flowed through historic Melbourne—and it still does.

Downtown Melbourne is now so much more than its past; it is a quite community of older homes, quaint shops, historical sites, theater, antique stores, culinary destinations, and musical escapades. The atmosphere is that of a close knit community; locals know about its secrets, yet it’s still a hidden treasure to most. Owners of small shops run out to use the restroom, and leave small hanging signs that say “Be Right Back” accented with a hand drawn-smiley face. They stop into one of their larger neighbors’ stores to use the restroom, and ask their buddies how business is treating them. Then they are quick to wave good-bye and run back to their shops, normally greeting visitors on the street along the way.

The area is artist friendly—almost ever shop is showing off the work of a local artist. When asked, the workers are eager to engage in conversation about the art they display; even some of the local restaurants adorn their walls with pieces from local artists.

During the work week the restaurants are jumping with business with people who work close by. They clog the tables, noisily passing along jokes and office gossip. Skipping the generic cookie-cutter lunch options that are also within driving range, they’ve opted for the more unique and hand-crafted food choices to be found downtown. And true to the stereotype, locals know where good, cheap food can be found. Follow the crowds into restaurants like Matt’s Casbah and Meg O’Malley’s and you won’t be disappointed—the food is great, the prices reasonable, and the environment anything but cookie-cutter.

There are also many cultural options located in the district. Besides the plethora of galleries and museums, the area is also home to the Henegar Center for the Arts, the Melbourne Civic Theater, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, and the Youth Orchestra. You could easily catch a performance without breaking the piggy bank.

If antiquing and specialty shops are your thing, you’ll have plenty of choices. From the store ran by a local teacher whose passion is gorgeous items from the past, to a high-fashion designer consignment store that’s ran by a chic woman who loves to recycle the divine, the area has a very wide variety of shopping and browsing experiences.  One of the trends you’d find when you visit is that the owners love what they are selling, showing, or creating. It’s not unusual to be helped by the owner themselves while in the store. They’ll treat you special, and their excitement about their shop and their historic location is sure to rub off.

Despite the title “historic” , the area is full of youth and vitality. In fact, after ten o'clock many of the restaurants, and even some of the galleries, clear the floor for live bands and DJs. The scene and mood change as everyone from glamed-out couples, to punkers, and even men in kilts, come downtown to invade the night. There’s an Irish pub that has a crowd that can be rowdy and fun; or maybe you’d like a Martini and Tappas place that features laid back music and gourmet treats. How about a relaxed Asia-themed bar where the manager serves strong drinks and friendly service? There is even a gallery that has free Salsa lessons and great drink specials. When the sun goes down, it’s definitely not time to go home.

While there is a constant roll of events and activities hosted downtown, if you can only visit one time let it be on the second Friday of the month. That’s when the area hold’s its monthly “Friday Fest”. This event is themed each month, and all the locals insist it’s the time to see the area at its peak. The stores are open, and the main street is closed down to traffic to accommodate a carnival-like atmosphere that includes live performances and art displays that spill onto the streets. It’s definitely a family-oriented event, so you could bring the kids, though the atmosphere becomes more for adults later into the night, as you would expect. Adults are going to love it because of the great food, wine, beer, and music. Both parking and admission are free, which means everyone is a bit happier.

Historic Melbourne is a blast from the past. It is a community that is full of wonderful shops, culture, and food for visitors to experience. Out of the ordinary, it’s definitely a great day and evening that will leave you planning your next visit.

Where / Parking

Downtown Melbourne is a neighborhood, so no specific address can be given. You can find tons of free parking off of E. Strawbridge Ave (a.k.a New Haven Blvd.) and S. Harbor City Blvd. (a.k.a US 1). There are lots of signs posted from the city pointing you to various areas for parking all over the area. All of the city parking is free.

 Map of the area: Google Maps

Links to help you start planning before you go

Downtown Melbourne (a.k.a Historic Melbourne) - http://www.downtownmelbourne.com/

 

Henegar Center for the Arts-

http://www.henegar.org/

 

Melbourne Civic Theater-

http://www.mymct.org/

 

Brevard Symphony Orchestra -

http://www.brevardsymphony.com

 

Cuba! Gallery of Fine Art -

http://www.cubagalleryflorida.com/

LoPressionism Art Gallery-

http://www.lopressionism.com/

Meg O’Malley’s -

http://www.megomalleys.com/

Matt’s Casbah-

http://www.mattscasbah.com/

Island Pasta Company -

http://www.islandpasta.com/