I love to cook! What grocery options are around Melbourne?

With stores and markets north and south of Melbourne as well as right in town, you have plenty of options when it comes to filling your apartment's pantry. Good ol' Mrs. Publix's bakery will fill your nose with the aroma of fresh baked breads and pies, while Downtown Produce's array of colorful produce from around the world will not only be a feast of color for your eyes, but will add a variety of color to your dinner plate. Here's the low-down on the grocery scene in Melbourne, all easily reachable via a short drive from your Melbourne apartment.

For a local and unique food haven, head to Downtown Produce, located at 7856 Ellis Road. Family owned and operated since 1982, Downtown Produce is a Melbourne staple for food connoisseurs. Featuring regular events such as product demonstrations, wine tastings, and more, this upscale farmers market has everything you need whether it's fresh produce for a gourmet meal or a quick lunch. On-site chefs prepare items daily including pastas, sauces and salsas. With Ready to Eat Gourmet meals that are made fresh each day, you can swing by and grab your meal in a jiffy. While there, check out their extensive wine collection of over 800 wines by hundreds of various vineyards. Pick up your favorite year to go with your dinner! Bonus points for this local market: FREE BEER while you shop! You got to love a shop that thinks like that!

With catering as well as wholesale options, Downtown Produce will make your mouth water just stepping through their doors. Be mindful of their hours as they are open until 6:30 on weekdays, and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday – leaving you time to get home in the evening to cook all your wonderful purchases.

If you love a good bargain while supporting local farmers, growers and specialty shops, the Space Coast's largest flea and farmer's market is located right in Melbourne. Check out Renningers Super Flea and Farmers Market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for great deals on farm fresh produce, specialty foods and drinks, spices and more.

If you are looking for some of the best grocery deals in town, head to the Walmart Neighborhood Market, located at 3550 South Babcock Street. Especially on dry food items such as canned goods, pastas, cereals and more, Walmart Neighborhood Markets can make your wallet feel just a little fuller! And if you love shopping in bulk, check out Walmart's sister chain, Sam's Club at 4255 West New Haven Avenue. With a low-cost annual membership, this warehouse store can help you and your family save on groceries and other household items.

And finally, with over half a dozen Publix Supermarkets in the area, you won't have any trouble picking up your weekly milk and bread and more at this Florida staple. With a following like none other, Publix is known for its superior customer service, wide selection, clean stores, and overall grocery supreme-ness. With weekly Buy One Get One deals, Publix is another place where you can save your dough if you watch the sales. Publix supermarkets generally feature a deli, bakery, fresh produce, fresh seafood, floral department, and pharmacy services. Visit their website to locate a store near you and to check out weekly specials and BOGOS.

With a variety of grocery options near your Melbourne apartment, the next question you, your friends, your family, and even I will ask of you is: What's for dinner?!

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of SunStateApartments.com or any of our advertising partners.