Nothing like waking up early in the morning to feel the warmth of the sun has it rises over the beach. It's one of the givens to living on the Space Coast. But what about viewing a sunset?
J.M. McEwan of Palm Bay did a double take when we recently asked readers to suggest romantic places where one could eat, drink and be merry — in front of a picturesque view of the sunset.
"I would have thought to see a coastal sunset in Florida you would have to go the Gulf Coast on the western side of the state," McEwan wrote in an e-mail. "All the places I know (in Brevard County) face the wrong way."
But you don't have to hit the other coast to enjoy a nice sunset. Here are a few suggestions supplied by readers and staff members.
Sunset Waterfront Cafe and Grill, 500 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach: As if the name doesn't say it all, word has it locals and out-of-towners like to time their dining experiences to view the sunset at this caf and bar that specializes in seafood. Dinner entres range from $8.99 to $22.99. If you're entertaining guests, the restaurant offers sunset catering. Dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For information, visit www.sunsetwaterfrontcafeandbar.com or call 321-783-0485.
Indian River Cruises, Cocoa Village: The beautiful catamaran owned and run by captain Mark Strauchman and first mate Joe Carbone (with help from their toy poodle, Gigi) offers plenty of reasons why you'd want to go on a cruise to nowhere. For starters it's intimate, holding up to six guests max. But it's also available for couples who want to take in dinner catered by a personal chef and view the sunset as they travel around the Banana River. No surprise that Carbone and Strauchman have witnessed their share of engagements on the cruise. But you'll want to make reservations. The cruise isn't just a favorite getaway for locals.
Prices vary, depending on the type cruise you take. A two-hour sunset cruises costs about $50 per person. For more information, visit www.indianrivercruises.com or call 321-223-6825.
Lobster Shanty, 2200 S. Orlando Ave. Cocoa Beach: People go for a casual lobster dining experience, but it's the sunset they often appreciate the most. In addition to a patio area where you can smoke and have a drink, the restaurant offers three dining rooms and a lounge, which offer a direct view of the Banana River. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, 8199 King St., (State Road 520), Cocoa: Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, the fish camp offers a casual dining experience of gator tail, frog legs, turtle, catfish and other local entrees, plus a view of the sunset from the outside dining area. You also can take in an airboat ride. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information, visit www.twisterairboatrides.com or call 321-632-4199.
Cafe Coconut Cove, 4210 S. SR A1A, Melbourne Beach: The restaurant has been in existence since 1951, originally known as "Gray's Landing," which fishermen used it as an access to the Atlantic Ocean. Later, it was known as "Kelly's Landing" and then "Charlie's Landing." Believe it or not, this quiet treasure stood abandoned for two years until the Hommeroeder family bought it in 1987. It now offers tastes of Rhineland and Germany.
Despite all the name and menu changes, one feature remained the same: the view. The restaurant will reopen in October. For more information, visit www.cafecoconut.com.
