Art, shops meet in Cocoa Village

On my last visit to Cocoa Village, in 2010, I did my window-shopping in the rain.

Although an afternoon shower doesn't dampen the charm of the cozy shopping village next to State Road 520 and the Indian River in Brevard County, our recent stretch of postcard-worthy fall weather was a perfect backdrop for another Cocoa Village excursion.

Happily, nothing changes much in a district that boasts dozens of antiques shops, art galleries and restaurants. The art scene has become more prominent in recent years, with more than a dozen galleries showcasing works of Florida artists and supporting occasional art strolls.

With the holiday shopping season on the way and the worst of the leftover summer temperatures behind us, shopping in Cocoa Village is a pleasant option. There's an Art & Craft Fair and Holiday Bazaar set for Dec. 6 and 7, a good opportunity to find unique gifts.

On my visit, I considered the purchase of a few stylish hats, browsed the wood carvings at Elements of Paradise and lingered over the record racks at Caroline's House of Records. Both of those shops are in the Threadneedle Street Mall, a name that doesn't convey the vibe of the quirky air-conditioned corridor on Brevard Avenue.

I walked a few blocks to the Magic Dove, a shop that specializes in how-to-books, trick card sets, magic wands and juggling supplies. In one corner, a few magic doves were waiting for would-be illusionists to take them home. Magic Dove also hosts in-store shows by fledgling magicians.

For lunch, the Ossorio Café & Bakery is a reliable spot for wood-fired sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and homemade ice cream. It also offers prime people-watching from sidewalk tables.

Across the street from the restaurant, a lone guitarist played Cat Stevens songs on a park bench. It didn't look like he was making much in tips, but the musician's presence contributed to the Village's artistic vibe.

In that spirit, I took a look at the Florida-themed works at Carolyn Seiler Studio (carolynseiler.com), where paintings share space with mosaic works that transform broken bits of jewelry into vibrant art. Her gallery is across the street from Taylor Park, with its shade trees, playground and walkway to the Indian River.

With sailboats dotting the blue water, the river is a work of art, too.