Trying to make that headline sound upbeat, when for the first time since 2009 we will not be able to go to the beach and watch the surfing santas. Understandably. A tradition begun by one man; George Trosset, his wife, and his son, has burgeoned into an event that draws over 10,000 spectators. Good call to change it to a...
True story: we know kids who grew up in this area who call it Mel-Boring Beach. While this secretly makes me want to grab them by their shirt fronts and push my face up close to theirs (which I would never do, especially during Covid) I’m thinking that no matter where we all grew up, a good number of us...
And the beach is just a tiny drive away. Stay and play in this shaded enclave of historic cottages, hip restaurants, galleries and shops, where a creative team of entrepreneurs are putting their energetic mark on a once-sleepy riverfront town. The lively downtown has a strong artistic presence and a core group of businesses, residents and volunteers who make up...
Yes, it was chilly Christmas eve morning in Cocoa Beach. Our friends up North scoff at us but guys, it was in the upper 50s at sunrise! Our first year at this event where our cute outfits were covered up by jackets! The frigid temps didn’t keep the crowds away though, and it was reported that over 600 surfing santas...
And without actually seeing the man himself, which would, of course, make our lives complete. But the next best thing is spending time being a typical tourist (which, as you know, we usually run away from as quick as the wind.) 100% of the time we encourage you to play and stay at independently owned places. Supporting small business, experiencing...
Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach has become so huge it’s drawn international media coverage. Wow. An event that started out tiny – just one guy, George Trosset, and his family dressing up to surf – this year drew over 10,000 spectators and 837 Santas riding the waves (how DID they get that exact figure?) With temperatures in the upper 70’s...
When you’re seeking an excellent craft beer the sensation you’re going for is, of course, taste. Not a visual. We’re thinking that’s why most brewpubs are dark and intimate as if you’re hiding from the world while turning inward, eyes closed, sipping that delicious hoppy and bitter, or malty and roasted, cold brew… But this is Florida. And Florida is...
Yes, Surfing Santas is about Santa on a surfboard. Every year here in Florida Santa gets a quick set in Christmas Eve morning before jetting off to deliver presents all over the world. And while these Santas are fun to watch, and most don some kind of festive nod to the season, it’s the crowd who keeps the cameras snapping....
Who knew giant pool floats would become such a requirement? We bypassed the swan float (that is so 2015) but since the pink flamingo is Florida’s state bird – isn’t it? – we didn’t feel quite like lemmings by adding one to our float squadron. Some of our northern friends are clinging to the waning sunshiney days with much weeping,...
Yes, we know: when you go on a beach vacation sometimes you just want to sit on the beach and never leave. Walking might not be anywhere near the top of the list. But if beaching is number one, what important activity comes second? EATING. If you choose a walkable town like New Smyrna Beach, after an afternoon in the...
