Cocoa
Throughout its early history, Cocoa experienced periodic growth spurts interrupted by such reversals as a catastrophic fire, a freeze that damaged the area's citrus crops and the Great Depression. The town's prospects improved considerably in the latter half of the 20th century thanks to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.
Cocoa also offers fun things to do. Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, circa 1924, first featured silent movies before the transition to "talkies." Currently, the theater hosts musicals — honing its "Broadway on Brevard" distinction — as well as educational programming, at 300 Brevard Ave., in downtown Cocoa Village; phone (321) 636-5050.
The Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science , 2201 Michigan Ave., offers local history exhibits as well as a hands-on display of Ice Age mammals and fossils; phone (321) 632-1830. The museum's grounds include a 22-acre nature preserve with trails.