Early Thanksgiving Edition! 🦃 Space Coast Spotlight 🚀 Historically Accurate Menu and Meaning of the First Thanksgiving & More

A Thanksgiving Turkey on Every Table

Adam Hunter

4 min read

We’d given our turkey to a family that was even more needy. But who would help us?

By Mary Jarvis, Pawhuska, Oklahoma

I lifted the heavy lid of our old freezer in the garage and peered inside, looking for some vegetables to make for dinner. For the past year, we’d scraped by on my small teacher’s salary while my husband, Mike, was away at graduate school. With three hungry teenagers to feed, it was a challenge to stretch our grocery dollars. Now, one glance at the half-empty freezer made me question what I’d done on impulse a week earlier.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Kathy, my 14-year-old, blurted out that one of her friends wasn’t celebrating the holiday because her mother couldn’t afford it. “We could give them our turkey, Mom,” she said. “We don’t need it since we’re going to Uncle Pat’s.” How could I explain to her that I was saving our turkey for Christmas? We didn’t have enough money for Mike to come home for Thanksgiving. The kids and I were going to my brother-in-law’s so I wouldn’t have to invest in a big dinner. How could I afford another turkey before Christmas?

We taught our kids to help others. But to help someone else when we could barely help ourselves? Still, I knew I couldn’t say no. Lord, I hope you have a plan because I sure don’t.

We gathered up a bag of potatoes and cranberry sauce I had in the pantry. I sent my son, Matt, out to the freezer in the garage to get some vegetables—and the turkey. When we brought Kathy’s friend the food, her mother cried tears of joy. At the time, their happiness made me feel better about giving away our turkey. But now, looking into our freezer, I wondered, Who’s going to help us?

I rummaged through the frozen containers—broccoli, carrots, some blackberries from our garden. I pushed aside some frosted bags of green beans and corn. Wait…something was there. Suddenly I stopped and stared. Nestled among the vegetables was a newly bought turkey.

I never found out who the mysterious donor was. Does it matter? Whoever it was knew exactly what we needed, when we needed it.

The Message That Saved His Life

Mac St. Johns

2 min read

A World War II veteran remembers a life-saving decision he made on Thanksgiving Day in 1944.

In the winter of 1944 during World War II, I was in France, a platoon sergeant in the Yankee Division under General Patton. About mid-December I received a letter from my mother back in the States.

“Can you remember,” she asked, “where you were on Thanksgiving Day?”

Could I remember? How could I forget the odd thing that happened that day. At dawn I was sent to check out a crossroads where an enemy strongpoint was suspected. Normally I would have had my men fan out so that they could move with the cover of the trees. But just before we started out that Thanksgiving morning, I stopped. I stood stark still, arguing with myself about what I should do.

Then, going strictly against the book, I walked my men right down the middle of a road in an exposed column. No one fired at us; there was no evidence of the enemy. We found the crossroads unoccupied and turned to walk back.

There, on the backside of the trees where only the German soldiers would have seen, were signs cautioning minen. The woods were mined. We could have been blown to bits!

Mother’s letter continued. She told me how she awakened after midnight on Thanksgiving Eve when it would have been daylight in France:

“I had a strong feeling that you were in great danger,” she wrote. “When I opened my Bible, a phrase in Second Chronicles [20:17] gleamed on the page: ‘Stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord with you…'”

Stand ye still. Stark still.

Trivia Question❓

Which U.S. president made Thanksgiving a national holiday?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Space Coast Weekend Events – Thanksgiving Thru Nov 30

Space Coast Thanksgiving Weekend Events Guide
Thanksgiving Thru November 30, 2025

MELBOURNE

Thu Nov 27 – Wild Turkey Trot 3k (7:30 AM)
Kick off Thanksgiving with a family-friendly 3K run/walk through Brevard Zoo, weaving past animal habitats and native Florida landscaping.
Location: Brevard Zoo, 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940
Event details: Wild Turkey Trot 3k listing | Map: Google Maps
Fri Nov 28 – Thrifting Black Friday Tour (approx. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Hop on a hosted bus tour that boards in Melbourne and Cocoa for a full day of Black Friday thrift and vintage shopping around the Space Coast. Perfect for guests who’d rather treasure-hunt than hit the big box stores.
Location: Boarding in Melbourne & Cocoa (exact pickup points on event page)
Event details: Thrifting Black Friday Tour info | Map suggestion: Sample Melbourne pickup area
Sat Nov 29 – Farmer’s Market at Riverview Park (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Stroll along the river for fresh produce, local artisans, baked goods, and live music in historic Downtown Melbourne.
Location: Riverview Park, 2301 E Melbourne Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Event details: Market event page | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Green Gables Historic Home Open House (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Tour one of the last remaining Queen Anne–style homes in the area, learn about local history, and support preservation efforts along the Indian River Lagoon.
Location: Green Gables, 1501 S Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901
Event details: Green Gables event page | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Wickham Park Grinch Fest (11:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Family-friendly holiday festival with vendors, crafts, and Grinch-themed fun at Wickham Park’s regional pavilion—great for locals and visiting families.
Location: Wickham Park Regional Pavilion, 2500 Parkway Dr, Melbourne, FL 32935
Event details: Grinch Fest listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Candlelight Shopping & Downtown Tree Lighting (4:00 PM–8:00 PM)
Downtown Melbourne’s official tree lighting and extended shopping event with holiday music, lights, and specials from local boutiques and restaurants along New Haven Ave.
Location: Historic Downtown Melbourne, E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Event details: Candlelight Shopping info | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – 10th Holiday Pub Crawl Downtown Melbourne (5:00 PM–10:00 PM)
A festive, adults-only pub crawl through Downtown Melbourne with drink specials, holiday costumes, and stops at local bars and breweries.
Location: Various participating venues, Downtown Melbourne
Event details: Pub crawl details | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Race to Reclaim History (6:00 PM–9:00 PM; VIP from 5:00 PM)
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation’s signature fundraiser inside the American Muscle Car Museum, featuring an upscale seafood buffet, open bar, museum access, and live/silent auctions.
Location: American Muscle Car Museum, 3500 Sarno Rd, Melbourne, FL 32934
Event details: Race to Reclaim History | Map: Google Maps

PALM BAY

Sat Nov 29 – Turkey Creek Fall Art Show & Holiday Market (8:30 AM–2:30 PM)
Outdoor art show and holiday market with local artists, crafters, and vendors—great for early gift shopping near Turkey Creek.
Location: Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905
Event details: Turkey Creek Art Show listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – City of Palm Bay Free Movie in the Park & Car Show (from 3:00 PM; movie at 6:00 PM)
Classic car & motorcycle show, kids’ activities, and an outdoor showing of A Muppet Christmas Carol under the stars. Bring chairs/blankets and enjoy a free family night out.
Location: Fred Lee Park, 895 Emerson Dr NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907
Event details: Movie in the Park listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Ugly Sweater Dance Party Parents’ Night Out (5:30 PM–8:30 PM)
Drop-off holiday kids event with crafts, foam party fun, and games so parents can enjoy an evening out or shop kid-free.
Location: 1951 Malabar Rd NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907
Event details: Ugly Sweater Parents’ Night Out | Map: Google Maps

ROCKLEDGE & VIERA

Thu Nov 27 – Thanksgiving Buffet at Rockledge Country Club (multiple seatings)
Open-to-the-public Thanksgiving buffet at Rockledge Country Club—carving stations, classic holiday sides, and dessert in a country-club setting. Advance reservations required.
Location: Rockledge Country Club, 1591 S Fiske Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955
Event details: Thanksgiving Buffet info | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Shop Small Saturday at Rockledge Gardens (11:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Garden-center celebration of Small Business Saturday with local vendors, live music, food, and happy hour specials on beer and wine.
Location: Rockledge Gardens, 2153 US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955
Event details: Shop Small Saturday listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Live Music at Pineda Inn Bar & Grill (time TBA, afternoon/evening)
Riverfront live music at the iconic Pineda Inn, a classic old-Florida spot on the Indian River in Rockledge—great casual hangout after a beach or shopping day.
Location: Pineda Inn Bar & Grill, 6533 US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955
Event details: Pineda Inn music listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – VMS Parking Lot Party for Light Up Viera Parade (6:00 PM–after parade)
Paid “premier parking” and party at Viera Middle School along the Light Up Viera parade route, with hot cocoa bar, glow items, music, fireworks, and prime parade viewing.
Location: Viera Middle School, Viera (along Stadium Pkwy parade route)
Event details: Parking Lot Party info | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Light Up Viera Holiday Parade (6:00 PM–8:00 PM)
One of the Space Coast’s biggest holiday parades with floats, music, and fireworks along Stadium Parkway in Viera. Arrive early for parking and best viewing spots.
Location: Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL 32940
Event details: Light Up Viera listing | Map: Google Maps

SATELLITE BEACH

Sat Nov 29 – Jingle: The Big Band Holiday Spectacular! (2:00 PM–4:00 PM)
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s big-band holiday concert with classic swing-style Christmas favorites at Satellite High School’s performing arts center.
Location: Satellite High School PAC, 300 Scorpion Ct, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Event details: Jingle concert page | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Big Kahuna Burger Luau Cooking Class (6:00 PM–8:30 PM)
Movie-inspired gourmet burger luau–style cooking class with Chef Fernando through Florida Academy of Baking—hands-on cooking for “dynamic duo” pairs.
Location: Florida Academy of Baking (Satellite Beach area – see event page for exact address)
Event details: Big Kahuna Burger Luau details | Map: Google Maps search

COCOA BEACH

Fri Nov 28 – Cocoa Beach Art Show Street Party (6:00 PM–10:00 PM)
Thanksgiving-weekend kickoff street party with live bands, food, and drinks in Downtown Cocoa Beach before the full art festival opens.
Location: Downtown Cocoa Beach (Minutemen Causeway/Brevard Ave), Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Event details: City of Cocoa Beach street party listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Cocoa Beach Art Show (9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
Long-running juried art show with fine art, live music, food, kids’ art activities, and a student art show in downtown Cocoa Beach—signature Thanksgiving-weekend event.
Location: Minutemen Causeway/Brevard Ave, Downtown Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Event details: Cocoa Beach Art Show official site | Map: Google Maps
Sun Nov 30 – Cocoa Beach Art Show (9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Final day of the art festival, with more live music, shopping, and food along the streets by City Hall and Minutemen Causeway.
Location: Downtown Cocoa Beach, Minutemen Causeway/Brevard Ave
Event details: Art show day-two listing | Map: Google Maps

COCOA & COCOA VILLAGE

Sat Nov 29 – Cocoa Village Sip & Shop: Small Business Saturday (4:00 PM–8:00 PM)
Wine-tasting shopping stroll through Historic Cocoa Village. Ticket includes souvenir wine glass, shopping tote, map, and entry into prize drawings as you visit 20+ small businesses.
Location: Check-in at Myrt Tharpe Square, 12 Stone St, Cocoa, FL 32922
Event details: Sip & Shop event page | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – A Haunting Holiday Family Ghost Tour (6:00 PM)
Guided walking tour with “Ebenezer Scrooge” through spooky and historic stories of Cocoa Village, with a holiday twist—kid-friendly but delightfully eerie.
Location: 641 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922 (starting point)
Event details: Haunting Holiday Ghost Tour listing | Map: Google Maps
Sun Nov 30 – Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon (early morning start)
Signature Space Coast–themed marathon and half marathon along the Indian River, with a space-exploration medal series and big race-morning crowd in Cocoa. Start time is early morning—check the race site for the exact schedule.
Start/Finish Area: Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32922
Event details: Space Coast Marathon official site | Map: Google Maps

CAPE CANAVERAL & PORT CANAVERAL

Sat Nov 29 – Acrylic Transfer Art Class (11:00 AM–12:00 PM)
City of Cape Canaveral “Acrylic Transfer” class with resident artist Brandon McKay, teaching how to transfer images onto acrylic paintings using gel medium—great for creatives of all levels.
Location: Cape Center / City Arts Program, Cape Canaveral, FL (see city site for details)
Event details: Cape Canaveral programs page | Map: Google Maps search
Sat Nov 29 – Carnival Mardi Gras “Meet n Greet” (4:15 PM)
Informal meet-and-greet event in Port Canaveral hosted by cruise fans ahead of the Carnival Mardi Gras sailing—nice add-on if your readers are cruising that week.
Location: Port Canaveral, FL (exact meeting point noted on event page)
Event details: Meet n Greet event info | Map: Google Maps

MERRITT ISLAND

Sun Nov 30 – Merritt Park Farmers Market (9:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Neighborhood farmers market with produce, crafts, food vendors, and family-friendly atmosphere in Merritt Island’s Merritt Park area.
Location: McLeod St, Merritt Island, FL 32953 (Merritt Park area)
Event details: Farmers Market event page | Map: Google Maps

TITUSVILLE

Sat Nov 29 – Open Cockpit Day at Valiant Air Command (9:00 AM–5:00 PM)
Aviation history day where guests can climb into the cockpits of historic warbirds, talk with docents, and explore the museum’s aircraft up close.
Location: Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, 6600 Tico Rd, Titusville, FL 32780
Event details: Open Cockpit Day listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Live Art (10:00 AM–3:00 PM)
Downtown Art Gallery hosts artists doing live painting and demos in Titusville for Small Business Saturday, with plenty of local art and gifts.
Location: Downtown Art Gallery, Titusville, FL
Event details: Event page | Map: Google Maps

PORT ST JOHN

Sat Nov 29 – Veterans & First Responders Breakfast (9:00 AM)
Free monthly community breakfast honoring veterans and first responders, hosted by St. Patrick’s Anglican Church—coffee, breakfast, and fellowship.
Location: St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, 4797 Curtis Blvd, Port St John, FL 32927
Event details: Church event info | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – Saturday Craft Crew at Port St John Public Library (9:30 AM–10:30 AM)
Kids’ craft-time at the local library—hands-on creative project for children, perfect for a low-key Saturday morning.
Location: Port St John Public Library, 6500 Carole Ave, Cocoa, FL 32927 (Port St John)
Event details: Craft Crew listing | Map: Google Maps
Sat Nov 29 – “Show Us Your Wheels” Car Event (time TBA)
Car gathering hosted by Daddyos Diner in the Port St John area—classic cars, community vibe, and diner food. Time specifics are posted on the event page.
Location: Port St John, FL (exact location on event page)
Event details: Show Us Your Wheels event | Map: Google Maps

INDIALANTIC & MIMS

No major city-hosted or festival-scale events were listed for Indialantic or Mims specifically on November 27–30, 2025 in the major community, chamber, and events calendars checked during this deep dive. Locals and visitors can still enjoy beach days, small bar/restaurant specials, and nearby events in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, and Titusville over the holiday weekend.

Quote Of The Day

"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day." - Jim Rohn

🚀 Space Coast Launches: Nov 27 – Dec 4, 2025

Here’s your local launch-specialist update: the next two confirmed rocket launches from Florida’s Space Coast in the Nov 27–Dec 4 window. Times are subject to change — for the best experience arrive early, choose a clear view, and keep your plans flexible.

Saturday, November 29, 2025 – ~7:00 p.m. ET

Mission: Falcon 9 Block 5 launching KOMPSAT-7A – a South Korean Earth-observation satellite.

Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

What to watch for: An early evening lift-off, the rocket’s bright plume rising and arcing southeast over the Atlantic, booster recovery downrange. Dusk lighting makes for spectacular visuals.

Viewing tips:

Jetty Park, Port Canaveral – clear pad-to-sea view.
Playalinda Beach – near-shore view of the plume; check for closures.
Space View Park (Titusville) – river-front vantage with a broad horizon.

Tip: Arrive 60-90 min early for parking and to set up. Bring comfortable gear and you’ll beat the rush.

Monday, December 2, 2025 – ~3:16 p.m. ET

Mission: Falcon 9 launching Starlink Group 6-95 – another batch of Starlink broadband satellites.

Launch site: Cape Canaveral region, Florida.

What to watch for: A daytime launch with the plume illuminated by sunlight — great for photos. The trajectory east-northeast over the Atlantic, followed by the booster splash-down, is part of the show.

Viewing tips:

Cocoa Beach (north end) / Cocoa Beach Pier – beach side with easy access and open sky.
Playalinda Beach – ocean-side, if accessible.
Titusville causeways / Max Brewer Bridge – panoramic water/horizon/launch view.

Tip: Day-light launch means you’ll want a good zoom lens or binoculars, sunglasses for glare, and arrive ~45-60 min early to stake your spot.

Note: Nov 27–Dec 4 (window summary)

Only these two currently confirmed launches for the period. No additional flights publicly listed in that range at this time. That said — the 2025 pace has been busy, so keep your eyes on announcement feeds and live-tracking apps in case a new mission pops up.

General Viewing Tips

Check launch status the same day (weather or technical issues can cause delays or scrubs).
Arrive early (at least 45–90 minutes) for parking, setup, and light-adjustment if night or dusk.
Bring essentials: chairs, water, insect repellent, layered clothing (evening/morning can cool down).
For photos: a tripod or steady surface plus a zoom lens or wide-angle gives your best results depending on view location.

Top 5 Restaurants in Brevard County, Florida

Here’s a curated list of five standout restaurants across Brevard County. Each one offers a unique experience, from fine dining in historic Cocoa Village to casual tiki-bar seafood on the water.

1. The Fat Snook – Cocoa Beach

Location: 2464 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Cuisine: Seafood, farm-to-table, locally focused
Website: thefatsnook.com

The Fat Snook is a cozy, beachside restaurant known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, making it popular for date nights, special occasions, and foodies who want a true “Space Coast” dining experience.

Why it stands out: Consistently high reviews, creative seafood dishes, and a focus on local ingredients make this one of the most talked-about restaurants in Cocoa Beach.

2. Café Margaux – Historic Cocoa Village

Location: 220 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
Cuisine: French, Continental, fine dining
Website: margaux.com

Café Margaux has been a long-time fine-dining favorite in Historic Cocoa Village. It offers an elegant European-inspired menu, an extensive wine list, and a charming courtyard setting that feels tucked away from the busy world outside.

Why it stands out: Perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or upscale client dinners. Its reputation and ambiance make it a strong “luxury lifestyle” highlight for anyone considering a move to the area.

3. Crush XI – Downtown Melbourne

Location: 923 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Cuisine: New American, chef-driven
Website: crusheleven.net

Located in a historic flatiron-style building in Downtown Melbourne, Crush XI features a rotating, chef-driven menu with creative New American dishes and craft cocktails. The interior has a warm, industrial-chic vibe that appeals to young professionals and food enthusiasts.

Why it stands out: Great for “downtown night out” content — it showcases Melbourne’s growing food scene and pairs nicely with messaging about walkable, vibrant neighborhoods.

4. Marker 24 Riverfront Grille – Merritt Island

Location: 1360 S Banana River Dr, Merritt Island, FL 32952
Cuisine: American, seafood, waterfront grill
Website: marker24marina.com

Marker 24 Riverfront Grille is tucked along the Banana River with relaxed, open-air seating and beautiful water views. Guests can enjoy seafood, burgers, and daily specials while watching boats and wildlife along the river.

Why it stands out: A great example of the laid-back, waterfront lifestyle that draws many people to Merritt Island and the Space Coast. It’s ideal for lifestyle features focused on boating, sunsets, and riverfront living.

5. Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar – Port Canaveral

Location: 500 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Cuisine: Seafood, tiki bar, casual waterfront
Website: grillsseafood.com

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar is a lively waterfront restaurant and bar where guests can watch cruise ships, enjoy live music, and dine right on the water. It’s known for its fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and relaxed vacation vibe.

Why it stands out: One of the most recognizable spots in Port Canaveral. It’s perfect to feature for out-of-town visitors, cruise passengers, and anyone who wants that “Florida tiki bar” experience just minutes from the beach.

Whether someone prefers upscale French cuisine, chef-driven downtown dining, or casual seafood with their toes practically in the water, Brevard County offers a wide range of restaurant experiences. These five favorites are an excellent starting point for anyone exploring the Space Coast lifestyle.

"Sluggish Growth in Home Prices Expected to Continue as Real Estate Market Remains Hot"

In October 2021, home prices grew at a slower rate than expected, according to exclusive data from Homes.com.

The median list price for homes in the U.S.

increased by only 0.25% month-over-month, which is uncharacteristically slow for the fall season.

This slowdown may be attributed to factors such as rising mortgage rates and supply chain issues affecting new home construction.

Despite the sluggish growth in prices, the real estate market remains hot with high buyer demand and low inventory levels.

Experts predict that the market will continue to be competitive for buyers in the coming months, making it challenging for those looking to purchase a home.