The Black Tulip (Cocoa Village)

In the past few months I have had several opportunities to visit The Tulip (formerly The Black Tulip) in Cocoa Village.  At least I think they have changed the name...I'm not 100% certain as I have seen it both ways lately.  I have not had cause to be disappointed in any of these visits.

The first visit was for a friends birthday.  The Tulip arranged for the front bar area to be reserved for the group of about 20.  They provided a limited menu at a fixed price, half price on wine and beer, and the organizer arranged for delicious appetizers to be served prior to dinner.  Every single part of this event was handled smoothly, the food was delicious, and the service was impeccable.

Based on the success of that event, I decided to host my company's holiday party at the restaurant.  We had 45 people and reserved the entire restaurant on a Sunday when they are normally closed.  Again we had appetizers served in advance on trays and a limited menu that included soup or salad, entrée, and dessert.  We offered an open bar.  The staff, again, was perfect.  Friendly, smiling, professional and apparently with amazing memories to remember what everyone was drinking and make sure glasses were always full. 

After the event, the owner, Daniel, gave me a gift certificate as a thank you for having our event at his restaurant.  For our anniversary, we went to the restaurant on a Friday night.  Daniel greeted us at the door and welcomed us back.  It was clear that he knew we had been there before, but he didn't specifically remember us.  That was fine with us.  We weren't looking for any special treatment, just a nice dinner in a good restaurant. 

We had a nice dinner.  I ordered the duck, which is not something I would normally order.  It was good, but I probably wouldn't order it again.  The other meals I had there were more to my personal liking.  We had mentioned that it was our anniversary and they offered us a complementary dessert, but we declined.  Daniel visited our table several times just to check on us and when we declined dessert, he brought us a tequila mix shot instead.  It was very good. 

After we left, having paid with the gift certificate, Daniel remembered who we were and was quite embarrassed that he hadn't remembered us.  He called me on my cell phone to apologize and asked why we hadn't reminded him.  He apologized repeatedly for not visiting with us more (although, the amount of time he spent checking on us was more than you would ever get most places).  It was a super nice gesture.  Something that would never happen at a chain restaurant! 

My concern is this.  Whenever I mention The Tulip to locals, they all say how much they love that place.  But they also say, I haven't been there for years.  When we were there, it wasn't empty, but it wasn't packed either.  I worry that people take these nice places, locally owned, a part of the local history and culture, for granted.  They think they will go there sometime, but they don't and eventually the business is gone and becomes an "I remember when" instead of a vibrant part of the community. 

So, instead of thinking this is a special occasion place, just go.  Our dinner, including a bottle of wine, was $100.  It may not be Applebee's prices, but it isn't Applebee's food either.

Tips:  http://www.theblacktuliprestaurant.com/

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

Winter is a great time to visit the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge!  Migrating birds stop at the refuge throughout the winter. The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife festival takes place in late January, so I take that as a clue as to when the best time to see the most birds is!  http://www.nbbd.com/fly/

There are a lot of trails that are open for walking or bicycling within the preserve (see map).  But since it was quite cold this year, we opted to drive through Black Point Wildlife Drive instead.  This is a gravel, one way, 5 mile loop through wetlands.  There are plenty of places to stop and take pictures or just watch.

There is no parking area at the beginning of the trail from either end, so if you plan to bike or walk you will need to park outside the immediate area.  Perhaps from the visitor center or off on a road shoulder nearby.

Spoonbills

About half way around is a parking area with an entrance to Cruikshank Trail.  It is a nice place to rest and there is a viewing platform just at the beginning of the trail.  There are also restrooms here.  It is a nice walk, but a bit of a challenging bicycle trail.  Off road bikes only.
 

Awkward take off

There is a fee to use this part of the facility.  It is an honor system, pay by envelope stop at the beginning of the trail.  It is $5 per car or $1 per bicycle/walker.  Please don't stiff the park.  This is a well kept road with facilities.  Bring cash and pay your way. 

These birds hovered over the water then dove straight down for snacks.

They also provide informational brochures about the areas at the pay stop.  You can use them while you visit and if you think you will just throw it away when you are done, there is a drop box at the end of the road for returning them for reuse. 

I am not a birder, but I do enjoy beautiful wildlife in all of its forms.  I know enough about birds to tell you that the beautiful pink birds above is a Spoonbill (not a flamingo).  And that awkward looking heron (I think) actually looked quite beautiful in flight once he leveled himself out.  If you want to know more about the birds, I suggest visiting the park and grabbing one of those brochures. 

Baby Gater

Of course, this is Florida, so birds are not the only creatures out there.  This little guy was only about 2ft long and enjoying the warmest part of the sunny day. 

Armadillo

I was worried that this guy wouldn't make it through the day with all of the extra traffic.  He just wanted to be on the road.

Even though the festival was going on and there was a lot more traffic than normal...this is what the road looked like most of the time. 

Its a good place to visit on a bad hair day!

At the end of the one way loop there is a sign pointing towards Haulover Canal.  If you came this far, be sure to go the extra 4 miles over to the full access manatee viewing platform.  On this day in January, it was too cold for the manatees even in this shallow water, but most of the time there are at least a few hanging about.  I'll write another blog soon about the best ways to see the Space Coast's favorite water creature...those majestic(?) manatees.

Tips:  Winter and morning are the times you are most likely to see the greatest diversity.  Smooth morning water makes for nice reflective pictures (unlike these that were taken in the early afternoon on a cold windy day).

Website:  http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/

Del's Freez (Melbourne)

Last night was my wedding anniversary, so we went out to a nice restaurant for dinner.  After dinner they offered us a complementary dessert.  But we turned it down.  Why would we do that?  Because I was craving Del's! 

Del's Freez is a bit of nostalgia.  An iconic piece of history in this town.  It is an old fashioned, walk up to the window and order, soft serv and hot dog place.  It is a tiny place right on the fastest, busiest highway through town (US1).  There is some picnic tables to sit at, but plan on sitting with strangers and sharing your space, because it is always crowded.  At least in the winter!  How strange that an ice cream place where you eat outside is busiest in the winter.  I can only think, well, Florida.  In the summer you can't enjoy it as much because it melts too fast. 

Del's was established in that spot in 1956 as a Tastee Freez.  In the 1970's Del Schmadel bought it and gave up the Franchise name to make it his own place.  Back then, the area had a theater and a Drive In nearby to bring in business.  Nowadays there isn't anything much in that area except car dealers and a six lane highway, but people still flock to the place.  Often there are double lines almost to the highway.  Run a Google search on Del's and you will find lots of 4.5 and 5 star ratings.

There is nothing fancy going on here.  Handwritten signs show menu options.  A roof has been added over the picnic tables for some shade in the summertime.  There is barely room inside for two employees to move around.  All this means that overhead is low and so are prices! 

You know it is cold when they are wearing hoodies inside!
 

You can talk to anyone who has lived in Melbourne for a few years and everyone has been here.  Most will have a story to share about a special memory there.  So here we are in 2016 coming up to 60 years of deliciousness at Del's Freez on US1 in Melbourne.  Go ahead, you know you want to.  And don't be afraid to order whatever crazy combination your heart desires...hot fudge with gummy bears?  Sure!  Enjoy!

Tips:  Bring cash, they don't take debit or credit cards

Here is their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Dels-Freez-144504408914567/ stop by the page to see some pictures of the old days and how similar it looks today.

Here is an interesting article with more history of Del's:  http://www.vieravoice.com/Senior-Life/September-2015/For-decades-weve-all-screamed-for-Dels-Freez-ice-cream/#.VeZqiUJ03bw.facebook

On a sunny summer day (pic courtesy Michaela Thomas)

Treetop Trek Aerial Adventure Park (Melbourne)

Not long ago, I blogged about the Brevard Zoo (love that place).  Attached to the zoo is the Treetop Trek Aerial Adventure Park.  This is great local adventure for the more active person.  To do the adult sized adventures, you do need to be in at least average physical condition.  The longest course takes about 3 hours and some exertion.  There are partial courses and zipline only courses that take less effort, but I recommend doing the obstacles if you are able.  They are fun and there is a great sense of accomplishment when you are finished. 

There is also a child's course called Chutes and Ladders.  Children must be at least 36" tall to do this course.  There is no minimum age, but they should be able to follow all safety instructions and must be able to demonstrate that ability.  I can't imagine a child under 5 being able to do it consistently.  Adults cannot do this course, but walk on the ground under the course to watch and provide instruction (no charge to observe). 

For all courses, you need to be wearing closed toe shoes.  It is recommended that shorts are mid thigh at least for comfort in the harnesses.  Long hair should be tied back. 

As of January 2016 prices are: 

Chutes and Ladders        $14.95

Canopy Walk                    $29.95

Treetop Challenge          $49.95

Black Diamond               $64.95

All-Zip Option                  $39.95

 

I have only done the first three options.  The Black Diamond is a newer addition that adds more extreme challenges.  I found the Treetop Challenge extreme enough so I don't think this grandma is going to try the extreme options any time soon! 

 

Tips:  Plan your adventure for morning when it will be a little bit cooler and have a lesser chance of weather problems (thunderstorms) if you go in the summer. 

 

The zoo is a great addition to do when you are done with the course.  Little ones can even cool off in the water play area.  (And big ones can cool off with a beer). 

 

Don't rush through it.  It isn't a race.  Take your time and enjoy yourself.  If people stack up behind you, let them play through, just like golf.

 

Check the Weather forecast.  They will close down for severe weather and no rainchecks will be issued (not a policy I am a fan of). 

 

Website:  https://www.treetoptrek.com/

 

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Orlando)

I love theater.  I can't sing.  I can't dance. I can't act.  I can't even create sets.  I can watch though!  Dr. Phillips Center is the newest venue for Broadway scale productions in Orlando. 

Here is their website:  http://www.drphillipscenter.org/

We have seen several shows in the Walt Disney Theater and every last one of them has been amazing.  These are the traveling Broadway troupes, not local theater (although watch later this month for a review of my favorite local theater!).  The sets are magical, the performances are stunning. 



View from the Mezzazine

The theater itself is beautiful.  It is large, but well laid out. My husband, who is wide shouldered wishes there were two more inches per seat.  Ticket prices are reasonable on the Mezzazine level (~$75) and the view is fine.  Your budget could put you in the orchestra, in the private opera boxes, or in the balcony and I'm sure the view is fine in any of those places.  Tickets for The Sound of Music (and all of the shows this season, I think) start at ~$35. 



There are several theaters within the center.  There are performances of music, dance, comedy, inspirational speakers, television series, and many others.  There are also areas where you can take classes in cooking (Publix Kitchens), dance, and exercise.  I can't speak to the quality of any of those things, I just wanted to make you aware that they exist.  I have only been to plays in the Disney theater, and I highly recommend them. 

Tips:  Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.  Arrive early and place a drink order for intermission if you wish.  It will save you time and standing in line if you like a glass of wine during  the show.

There are a lot of interesting restaurants along Church Street, one block north.  If you park nearby you can walk along Church Street or get a ride to or from the theater in a pedicab for $10. 

There is valet parking directly in front of the theater.  It is a great option if you are running late or don't want to walk.  Cost is $22 for standard valet (less for accessibility parking, more for premium).  The nearest garage is on Boone (City Commons) and costs $10.  From there it is two blocks to the theater or to Church Street (for dining). 

Old Florida Grill (Port St. John)

This isn't the post I had planned for today, but I was out and about and went someplace new.  I liked it, so I must share it with you. 

Some friends and I were out for a midwinter walk up Indian River Road, just north of the Beachline and between US1 and the river.  Beautiful place to take a walk.  This morning happened to be slightly foggy and a the water was still and reflective.  Our walk this morning had a purpose though.  We are walking to support the Hash House Harriers effort to raise money for the Make A Wish foundation. 

The game for the fund raiser is to carry a plunger with a rabbit on the end of it all across America raising money along the way.  The rabbit can only be carried by non-motorized methods:  walk, run, bike, paddle.  It has been making its way through Florida slowly and steadily and certainly not by the most direct route, but almost $11,000.00 has been raised so far!  You can find out more about that here:  http://www.hashacrossamerica.com/#/

At the end of our walk we met up with some people who were going to take the HashIt (the plunger) further up the road towards Dayona by bicycle.  We met at an Old Florida, authentic bar/restaurant called Old Florida Grill. 

This place is authentic Florida all the way.  The bar consists of an inside bar and two outside bars with docks leading down to the river.  The is the mandatory biker only parking near the back bar and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the outside and the refreshments any way you choose. I chose to enjoy a $2.50 margarita and a stroll down to the river. 

After that I enjoyed a very good Ahi Tuna seared with Sesame cooked perfectly (seared only) for only $11.  My husband had the steamed clams and a burger, both perfectly satisfactory.  Other friends had shrimp po'boys.  All enjoyed, but would recommend the blackened over the grilled.  No complaints.  I was surprised how busy such an out of the way place was, but busy they were, so there was some delay in getting food.  But seriously, who cares with views like these? 












Tips:  Here is their website http://www.oldfloridagrill.com/

Be sure to walk out on the docks.  They are safe and sturdy. 

It looks like a biker bar (and it is), but on a sunny afternoon there were plenty of families there. 

Live Music.

Brevard Zoo (Melbourne)

The little zoo in Brevard is consistently rated one of the top ten small zoos in America.  There are good reasons for that.  The zoo has been built almost completely by volunteers and is run almost completely by volunteers.  It is dedicated to conservation efforts on the Space Coast and elsewhere.  And it is, quite simply, one of the nicest zoos I've ever been to. 

The zoo layout is much like a theme park with the animals from different parts of the world grouped together in specific areas.  The newest animal section is the African Safari section.  The nicest part of this section of the zoo is that it is as 'cageless' as possible.  The animals have large enclosures  with natural features and the viewing is from high platforms (or by kayak or train).  Animals that would live together on the plains of Africa all live together here.  One of the most popular (at least in my family) things to do is feed the giraffes.  It costs a dollar or two to buy approved food, but that is certainly worth the amazement on a kid's face when that long black tongue comes out and takes it from them! 



The zoo also has a free flight aviary where you can feed birds.  Another fun thing for the kids (but some of them are afraid, so be prepared).  The birds will sit on your hands and land on your head.  But they also pose nicely for pictures.  There are other animal feeding stations throughout the zoo, so bring a few quarters for the feed machines.




The river otters shouldn't be missed (in the Florida section of the zoo).  They swim and play and will even come up and have a conversation with you through the glass.  The vulture exhibit is also surprisingly interesting. 






Non-animal activities include a small train ride that goes out into the Africa area and gets close to some of the antelope and camels.  Not a thrill ride, but the little ones will love it. Kayak adventures let you paddle a kayak around the Africa area, another way to see the animals up close and away from other guests.  There is a snack bar area where you can eat with the flamingos and local birds (whether you like it or not).  There are gifts shops (of course) and a large pavilion you can rent (who doesn't want to get married with giraffes in the background?)  Often they have special art displays such as "Washed Ashore" art exhibit to save the sea or Sand Castle Art at no extra charge.


The number one non-animal attraction inside the zoo is the splash and play area.  It is wading area deep and made for little kids.  Parents can wade with them or sit up in a snack bar area and watch.  This area also has a petting area (for farm animals and sea animals) as well as a large fish tank to view small ocean creatures. 














I will mention here that the Tree Top Trek, the zipline and aerial adventure are also located at the zoo, but that will be a different post.  It is a separate entry and different day out altogether.

Tips:  One time entry varies between $10 and $20 based on age and category.  If you plan to attend this zoo more than once a year or go to other zoos around the country it is worth checking into memberships.

Strollers or wagons for little ones are a good idea.  You can rent one there if you need one.

Just at the entrance to the Florida section is a very friendly deer.  You have to be looking for him to find him down below you in the brush, but he will come up to be petted or fed (not sure if it is a good idea though). 

website:  https://brevardzoo.org/

Salt and Sweet (Melbourne)

This little restaurant is in the unlikely location of a strip mall in a Publix shopping center.  Why is it that some of the best restaurants in Brevard county are in Publix shopping center based strip malls?

Anyway, Salt and Sweet is a Polish Restaurant.  What is Polish food?  Think comfort food.  Think potatoes.  Think slow cooked roast in gravy and potato pancakes.  Think cabbage rolls and sausage.  And think Pierogies!   Pierogies are little raviolis stuffed with potatoes and/or meat/cheese/onions or other yummy stuff, but without the tomato sauce.  They only resemble the Italian version in uncooked appearance. 

Comfort food, but served in a white table cloth and candles atmosphere.  Once you are inside, you will forget that you are in a Publix strip mall.  The lighting is nice, the lights are low.  The servers speak perfect English in a lilting Germanic/Polish accent.  The wine list is nice and reasonable.  The beer list is also good. 

I have never been inside this restaurant when it has been crowded, which is a bit of a shame.  The most crowded I have seen it was our most recent visit when we had a party of 15.  There were several other tables full as well.  On the other hand, the business seems to be family run with a very small staff.  They keep up well with the business they have and they serve dinner in the European style where the staff doesn't interrupt every 5 minutes to see if everything is "ok."  They are visible and attentive however. 

The prices are very reasonable.  Entrees run about $15-20.  I have never been able to finish one.  My favorite entrée is the Potato Pancake with Pork and Gravy.  That may not be its official name, but that is what it is and it is to die for.  My husband unfailing orders Russian Pierogies and a sausage. 

We have only had the best food and the best service at this restaurant.  I highly recommend it for a nice, reasonable night out.

Tips:  They take reservations.  There is a small charge to bring in a special occasion cake.  Here is a link to their website:  http://www.saltandsweet.net/

Surfing Santas (Cocoa Beach)

Surfing Santas is an event that is unique to the Space Coast.  It has been going on for a few years (seven), but the last couple of years it has really exploded in size.  It takes place on Christmas Eve Morning and has Santas of all shapes, sizes, colors and genders arriving for the holiday on Surf Board and by parachute.  In 2015 there were hundreds of surfing Santas, ~25 skydiving Santas, and many thousands of spectators.  I think a world record was set this year?  I know that was the goal. 

It is important to note that this event is a charity event.  Proceeds go to Grind for Life as well as some other worthy causes.  The event itself is free, but there are vendors on hand selling everything from donuts and coffee to T-shirts to Mimosas on the beach.  There are also raffles and other ways to support the causes. 

http://www.grindforlife.org/

To enjoy this event, you have to come with a beach life attitude!  The schedule is flexible, the parking is a mess, the sand is everywhere and the crowd is happy!  Show up early and plan to be on beach time for the next few hours. 

Tips:  Come early to get good parking or plan to walk a bit.  Parking costs about $10 unless you get really lucky or walk a bit.  If you set up near the landing zone, there is a chance you could be run over by a parachutist...heads up!  Bring cash for the vendors; some take credit, but it is easier on everyone if you pay in good old American dollars.  Bring a beach friendly camera as there are lots of great photo opportunities.  Give generously...an event this size takes and enormous amount of work and the cause is a good one. 

Art Basel (Miami)

Dave Thomas

Art Basel Miami is one of the largest Art Shows in the world.  I think it is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.  It is an event that draws the richest of the rich and the most elite of artists; yet there is something for everyone who likes art.  It takes place in early December of each year.  I think the first weekend of the month, but you can certainly find the exact dates on an internet search.


David Burton

Now I need to back up and say that I have not yet been to the actual Art Basel venue during the event.  There is a good reason for this.  The actual event is just the center stage for a lot of other events going on at the same time.  Most of the events are happening on Miami Beach, but some stretch across the bridge into the city.  Since I haven't been, I couldn't say for sure, but I am guessing I couldn't afford to breathe the air in the actual venue at the convention center.    I only had one night to spend, so I had to limit myself to what I could see well, not the most art I could possible walk by without appreciating it. 

Derek Gores

This year, I went to the Aqua Art show.  It took place in the Aqua Hotel in Miami Beach.  It is one of the bigger shows (by my understanding).  I chose that one because there was a specific artist I wanted to see there (Shameless plug, the artist is my son, Dave Thomas, pictured above).  I didn't know what to expect and couldn't really figure out how a hotel hosted an art show, so it was an adventure for me. 


How they do it is this:  They clear out every room in the hotel.  Every piece of furniture is removed.  Then the artists or galleries use the rooms as mini-galleries to display their work in every possible nook and cranny.  Closets?  yep.  Bathrooms?  yep.  The lobby area includes a bar with outrageous drink prices and some places to sit. 


The art itself was fantastic.  Prices ranges from $500 to $50,000 where I was looking. In some galleries the artist was there to talk to (my favorite) in others the gallery representative was there.  The only piece I was interested in, the artist wasn't there, and that was why I didn't buy it.  Maybe if he had been there to discuss the work with me, I would have. 


The other area that I enjoyed was the Wynwood area of street art.  The Wynwood Walls is an attraction with nothing but walls and walls of art.  The Wynwood area surrounding it is full of art.  This art is graffiti that has so far surpassed being graffiti as to need a name of its own.  Wall murals?  Sure.  But it seems there should be a better name.  Anyway, it is absolutely worth walking around and taking a look see.  It is completely free, of course.  We went in the morning and there was nobody yet around, but the coffee shops were open. 

Tips:  The closer you get to the venues, the more parking costs.  The further south you get on Miami Beach, the more parking costs.  Some of the lots have a three hour limit.  You can by pass this limit by adding more time in three hour increments (all at once when you park).  Have a plan for where you want to eat unless you have an unlimited budget.