Whether you are a Florida native or a transplanted resident, at some point you are bound to have talked with friends or family and lamented the loss of the “good old days” when Florida was an unspoiled tropical treasure. You remember them – the days before the theme parks, interstate highways and high rise condominiums, the days before MacDonald’s, Wendy’s and road side trash! Back then every car greeted every other car with a wave of the hand, and the thick, syrupy smell of orange blossoms filled the air. It was a place in time when you rarely saw another boater out on the water. It was when fishing was a way to make a living. It was “back then.”
Well, “back then” can still be found if you search a little! And the place to start your search is at Treasure Coast Marina and the family of businesses that occupy that property in the tiny fishing village of Grant. Grant is on US Hwy #1 in Brevard County, spanning a small stretch of this busy roadway, and lying along the Indian River Lagoon. Treasure Coast Marina is a two acre parcel nestled between the highway and the water. It is directly on the lagoon at mile marker 35 on the ICW and its docks reach out like fingers into the river, sheltering resident fish habitat. Hundred year old oak trees shade its parking lot.
Turn east at the lighthouse at the driveway entrance, and you are immediately transported back in time. The marina was the former site of several fish processing houses, originating on the site in 1916. The buildings are built directly on the shore, to accommodate boats unloading their catches. Old time ambience is pervasive, and has been carefully preserved and nurtured by the current owners, Bonnie Roberts and Tom Oyler.
The site has been resurrected from abandonment in the late 1990’s and restored to former, authentic construction and décor. The family of businesses located here were carefully chosen to complement each other, and to preserve the fishing and boating culture of this area.
Here you will find a real, working marina. Bait and tackle, non-ethanol fuel (remember the good old days before the ethanol blends? They have it here), rental boats and kayaks are available. Resident boats come and go constantly. An ‘old style, fish hanging board reveals what the captains caught offshore this day. Wander out on the docks to see what the catch is.
You will find Treasure Coast Dive Center offering equipment, lessons, and enthusiastic people who love to dive and want to teach you how. Their expert instructors will answer all your questions, and after a class in diving, you will be ready to take one of the trips they host offshore to see the wonders of the ocean. They are open daily, and can accommodate your every diving need, from the latest technology in equipment, to service and maintenance, as well as air fills. They are also certified in Nitrox and can certify YOU, as well as provide Nitrox for your tanks.
On the south side of the property is the “Grant House”, a private, secluded vacation home with dockage available for your boat, that may be rented either weekly or for a weekend getaway. Lounge poolside, or relax on the beach near the fire pit at night. The upper deck of this house offers a spectacular view of the Indian River Lagoon. ‘Thinking about the aquatic parks in Orlando? Don’t bother. Sit on the beach at dusk and watch the manatees and dolphins frolic in the Lagoon waters just beyond the docks. Their unscripted antics will take your breath away. ‘Like wildlife and exotic birds? This section of the Lagoon is a wildlife habitat. Feast your eyes on the local “residents” of the islands and waters in their natural setting, without cages and handlers. It is a different world.
The jewel in the crown is The Old Fish House – casual waterfront dining serving nothing but the best and freshest seafood and steaks, as well as the old time standards – the biggest burgers you have ever seen, wings, specialty salads with hand-made dressings and home-made desserts. The Old Fish House is dedicated to the “Fresh From Florida” theme, and purchase fish from local fishermen and produce from local farms.
Belly-up to the full liquor bar or steal a seat al fresco on the breezy decks that overlook the river. Sit, relax, and enjoy a beverage. Listen to live music in the evenings and Sunday afternoon. Close your eyes and go back to a time remembered.
Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a relaxing breakfast on the weekends, or a special place to have a quiet dinner with friends or family, you will find what you are looking for here.
Stay for a drink, stay for a meal, stay for a week, stay for a while. Drop by and take yourself back in time to the Old Florida we all remember but thought had disappeared. Recapture it for yourself, you deserve it!
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