Seniors Like The Space Coast

Nearby…yes senior travelers, not the one in Australia, but right along the Florida Atlantic coastline known as the Space Coast about 70 miles southeast of Orlando and 90 miles south of Daytona Beach.

Melbourne, “The Harbor City”, has a population of 77,000. The city, formerly called “Crane Creek”, was named Melbourne in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia.

After the Civil War, pioneer families arrived, and Melbourne was founded in 1867 by former slaves. The first settlers arrived after 1877. Melbourne existed as a small village until its incorporation in 1888.  Some say that the city derived its name based on a drawing of straws, where each straw represented a possible name and the name “Melbourne” was chosen by this means.

Seniors Find High Tech Companies

The development of the Melbourne community paralleled the development of a similar community located a little to the north (Eau Gallie). In 1969, the two cities were consolidated into what is now present-day Melbourne, although the “Eau Gallie” district of Melbourne retains its own character and distinction.

As one of the largest population centers on the Space Coast, the Melbourne area is home to many high-tech companies such as General Electric, Northrop Grumman, Intersil, Rockwell Collins, Harris Corporation, and Liberty Aerospace.

The Melbourne area offers senior visitors 33 miles of unspoiled beaches, fishing, golf, snorkeling and a host of other outdoor activities. Fishing is abundant, both the freshwater variety offered by area lakes and the saltwater species found in the waters of the Atlantic.

Senior golfers, toss in the clubs and take advantage of the city’s 12 courses and tennis enthusiasts have their choice of 8 tennis courts.

Performing Arts, Museums And Galleries

Lovers of the performing arts can enjoy the Brevard Symphony Orchestra as well as Broadway shows and celebrity performances at the Henegar Center of the Performing Arts and the Maxwell King Center.

The area has a variety of galleries showcasing the works of local artists as well as museums such as the Museum of Art and Science. Forever Florida, a nature preserve and cattle ranch offers tours and close-proximity animal viewing. Annual events in Melbourne include February’s Grant Seafood Festival and April’s Melbourne Art Festival.

There are three sites on the National Register of Historic Places: Florida Power and Light Company Ice Plant (1927), William H. Gleason House and the James Wadsworth Rossetter House (c.1860s).

Spend a little time with TripAdvisor and you will note 67 attractions seniors will not want to miss. In Melbourne you can bask in the Florida sunshine…and for you gourmands, enjoy wonderful  seafood from the Atlantic. -jeb