#DutyStationSpotlight: Movin to Patrick Space Force Base
If your family just got word that you’re moving to Patrick Space Force Base soon you’ve come to the right place. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill guide.
You won’t discover what schools are the best, where you should live, or the best doctor; instead, you’ll find things you want to know about like favorite day trips, radio stations, and all the yummy places to eat.
Meet Amber!
This Duty Station Spotlight is brought to you by Amber, an Air Force wife and virtual assistant with Sunshine Virtual Solutions. She works at home, remotely helping other small business owners with the admin side of their businesses.
They have two dogs, and have been stationed throughout Florida for the entirety of her husband’s military career so far, so they’re pretty familiar with the area. Follow her personal account here, and check out her VA business here.
First Things First: The Basics of Moving to Patrick Space Force Base
What were your first impressions of Patrick Space Force Base?
It’s gorgeous! Located beachside, and it’s surrounded by water on both sides of the island. Definitely has beachy vibes, but is way less touristy than some other big cities in Florida.
How did you feel at the the end of the tour? Did your impressions change?
We still absolutely love it here. Our drive to the beach is roughly five minutes, the weather is amazing year-round, and the base housing (both on and off base) put you so close to the beach. We love that you get the beach, but the cities of Melbourne and Cocoa Beach are so close for things like shopping and amazing local restaurants.
What is ONE THING you wish you had known before moving to Patrick Space Force Base?
LOVEBUGS! We arrived during their mating season (usually April-May) in the spring and it was insane.
These bugs stick to your car, the sides of your house, and make being outside unbearable during that month depending on how prevalent they are that season. Last year, for example, wasn’t nearly as bad as 2019.
LOVEBUG PRO TIP: We learned to mix warm water with citrus detergent in a cup and leave it near our house outside to attract and kill them so they couldn’t get inside!
Good (Local) Eats
If someone came to visit you, and you had to take them out to eat, what would your TOP THREE favorite places be?
Long Doggers (a MUST), Rikki Tiki Tavern (more for small plates and drinks but located on the pier- gorgeous views), and Melbourne Seafood Station (such good boil baskets of the freshest seafood)
Favorite place(s) for coffee and/or dessert?
Anaya Coffee and The Wicked Pineapple
Best place for brunch? And your favorite thing to order, please!
Backwater. They have griddle tables where you can make your own pancakes, the bacon is AMAZING, and they have delicious mimosas.
How about a fun night out on the town for a date night?
Bioluminescence kayaking! You can see glowing plankton and algae in the Indian River and Banana River. We also love to visit local places for dinner like Hemingway’s Tavern and 28 North Gastropub
Get Around (and out of) Town
Top five favorite things to do around Patrick Space Force Base:
Visit Cape Canaveral for launches
Bioluminescence Kayaking
Brevard Zoo
Kayak with manatees
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Picture this: You have a whole weekend to go somewhere within driving distance: Where are you going and what are you doing?
St. Augustine! It’s a 2 hour drive (we actually renewed our vows and had our wedding celebration here). There are super cute AirBnBs, and it’s a really historic city. The St. Augustine Distillery does free tours and tastings and the beaches are beautiful there too!
What was your favorite park in town?
Lori Wilson Park
All the Extras
Favorite radio station?
107.1 FM
Info on your favorite hair salon/hairdresser, please and thank you.
Hair by Maeghan at Stacy Taylor Salon (women), Nikky Blades (men), Suntree Nails and Spa
Like a Local
Were there any instagramers, bloggers, or specific non-military affiliated Facebook groups you followed?
On instagram, check out Vibe and Dine, and on Facebook look up Patrick Air Force Base Spouses and Patrick Space Force Base Community Support
Any festivals, fairs, or events worth checking out?
Key Lime Pie Festival held in Merritt Island in January
Tell us about the weather.
Hurricane season usually gets bad August-October here; best time of the year is definitely spring and fall. That’s when it’s warm and sunny, but not crazy hot. In the summer it will get up to the mid 80s, but it’s so nice here during the winter it will be around 60s.
Your Turn!
If you’ve been stationed at Patrick Space Force Base please share your favorites in the comments!