Pet-Friendly and People-Friendly in Melbourne Beach
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By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life MORE PHOTOS: Ocean Pines Motel Revisited MELBOURNE BEACH_ We were on a mission: Find an ocean-front getaway that was not too far and pet-friendly. Sounds easy. It wasn't. Our first stop was Google. Google led us to TripAdvisor. And TripAdvisor led us to ... the Ocean Pines Motel in Melbourne Beach. Located on S. Highway A1A, it's definitely old-school Florida: A tourist court with six, kitchen-equipped, one and two-bedroom units. But what it may lack in pizazz it more than makes up in friendly and inviting. And the location is a knockout -- mere steps away from one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Not only did the owners -- Bob and Lena -- welcome us like family, so did the other guests staying there. More on that shortly. The motel has an interesting history, which Bob related as we sat on the wide gazebo facing the ocean. "It's been here over 50 years," he said, starting out as coastal watch tower during the second world war. At that time, Florida residents and the U.S. military were on high alert for enemy acitivity in the Atlantic. As a matter of fact, the Palm Beach County Historical Society reports this: "The Germans sank 24 ships in Florida waters during the war, eight of them off Palm Beach County between February and May of 1942. Half of those went down near Jupiter Inlet." So the threat was very real. Today, it's easy to tell the motel was once a barracks to the men who kept vigil on the waters. It didn't take long after we unpacked to meet our new neighbors. The couples in the adjoining rooms greeted our arrival and introduced themselves. For Ron, Chuck and the others, Ocean Pines is truly a home away from home. Snowbirds from Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, they book the same room every year, three months at a time, and some have been coming for the past 15 years. Even more amazing, they have even made their own improvements over the years, adding a patio, lighting and a freezer for all the fish they catch on a daily basis. |
Lena and Bob - the owners of Ocean Pines
The entrance is adorned with flower artwork on the walls
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Like surf fishing? This is the place
Ocean Pines doesn't have a swimming pool. But what it does have is the multi-hued blues of the Atlantic Ocean, just a few steps away. Not only are the beaches here gorgeous, but also sparsely populated. Besides the pelicans who gather for fish scraps, you almost have it to yourself.
One of the main activities for the people who stay here is surf fishing. Both early and late, their poles dot the shoreline. And on our visit, the fish were definitely running. The catch of the day was whiting, a white-meat, mild-tasting fish, and they were reeling in 30-40 a day. Once cleaned, they found a new home in Ron's freezer, and later, a starring role in the Ocean Pines Fish Fry.
One of the main activities for the people who stay here is surf fishing. Both early and late, their poles dot the shoreline. And on our visit, the fish were definitely running. The catch of the day was whiting, a white-meat, mild-tasting fish, and they were reeling in 30-40 a day. Once cleaned, they found a new home in Ron's freezer, and later, a starring role in the Ocean Pines Fish Fry.
A fish-cleaning station with a great view
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Chuck and Ron surf fishing
Listen to Our Podcast on Ocean Pines
All Photos: North Palm Beach Life |
Community fish fry: Come hungry!
Every week, the snowbirds get together and stage a big community fish fry. Ron, from Ohio, and Chuck, from Michigan, fire up the grills. Everyone brings pot luck dishes. It usually happens every Friday, but since we weren't staying that long, they very graciously moved it to Thursday for our benefit. Talk about an unexpected bonus!
Besides a big batch of fried whiting, Ron and Chuck also prepared baked whiting, baked pompano, fried drum and even pork chops as another option. The motel owners and manager joined us (they brought blueberry cornbread and rice pudding - delicious!), and the good food, drink and conversation went into the evening. Mother Nature did her part by providing the glow of a beautiful full moon overhead.
Rooms are at a premium December-March (we got lucky), but Sandy, the manager, will do her best. In fact, we have already booked our next stay. The only downside: Chuck, Ron and the rest of snowbirds will have flown back north. We'll have to catch our own fish!
Besides a big batch of fried whiting, Ron and Chuck also prepared baked whiting, baked pompano, fried drum and even pork chops as another option. The motel owners and manager joined us (they brought blueberry cornbread and rice pudding - delicious!), and the good food, drink and conversation went into the evening. Mother Nature did her part by providing the glow of a beautiful full moon overhead.
Rooms are at a premium December-March (we got lucky), but Sandy, the manager, will do her best. In fact, we have already booked our next stay. The only downside: Chuck, Ron and the rest of snowbirds will have flown back north. We'll have to catch our own fish!
Ron cooks up the fish and chops
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Chuck gets the fish ready for Ron
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There was something for everyone, and not many leftovers!
Photo Gallery
Hang your towels outside. There is also a laundry facility in the back.
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The gazebo is a perfect place to relax with friends or enjoy a drink
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Sandy is the motel manager
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Toasting another day in paradise
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Co-owner Bob rocks a white hat
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The gazebo and ramp down to the beach
The end of another perfect day
Reggie got to guard the gazebo for birds and lizards
Fast Facts
Ocean Pines Motel 5055 S. Hwy. A1A Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 (321) 728-7019 - (321) 917-8757 Website: www.oceanpinesmotel.com Email: oceanpinesmotel@bellsouth.net |
The welcome mat is out at Room 6
A full moon, the ocean -- what else do you need?
Nearby: Coppola's Bar and Grille
About four miles south of Ocean Pines is Coppola's Bar and Grille at the Sebastian Beach Inn. Also once a coastal watch station, it features a warm ambiance inside and a great ocean view outside on the patio deck. We were there for happy hour and tried the fish bites -- crunchy pieces of perfectly prepared haddock.
North or south of Ocean Pines you'll find lots of options for shopping, dining and entertainment. There's also a Publix grocey 2.5 miles north. 
The patio at Coppola's
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