Heritage Highlights

Understandably, this area of Florida is dubbed "The Space Coast". In the afternoon, hit the highlights of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, State Road 405 in Titusville, or for an out-of-this-world experience, plan a full day for touring. The bus tour overview is the most in-depth tour, and you'll get to visit the Complex 39 Space Shuttle launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building, where shuttles are actually put together. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is devoted to the 363-foot Saturn V, the most powerful rocket ever launched by the United States.

If you visit on the day of a shuttle launch, expect bumper-to-bumper traffic to Kennedy Space Center, arrive early, and take sunscreen and a cooler of food and drinks. You'll be bussed to a grassy field six miles from the launch site several hours before launch time, where the hundreds of people and the excitement in the air make it seem much like a giant tailgate party. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., daily, except Christmas Day and certain launch dates. Call 321-449-4444 for general information. Call 800-572-4636 for launch information.

Another place worth visiting on the Central East Coast is the Brevard Museum of History & Science, 2201 Michigan Ave., in Cocoa. The Museum features a simulated archaeological dig, and the Life & Times of early Brevard featuring a Seminole family, Pioneer Settler, and the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Sat.; Noon - 4 p.m., Sun. Call 321-632-1830.

In Kissimmee, heritage means rodeo, among other things, and you can experience the thrill of this sport every Friday night at the Kissimmee Sports Arena Rodeo, 958 South Hoagland Blvd. Shows start at 8 p.m. In February and October of each year, you can catch the Silver Spurs Rodeo there - an event founded in the 1940s by a group of young ranchers that would gather for barbeques on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga. Call (407) 933-0020 for other show times at the arena.


Nature Trek

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes originates south of Orlando flows through the Kissimmee/St. Cloud and areas south until it eventually empties into Lake Okeechobee. The fishing here is renowned throughout the nation. Several fishing guides in Kissimmee are ready and waiting to lead you to the big ones! Catch some of Florida's awesome trophy bass or go to the Space Coast for some of the best saltwater fishing with First Strike Guide Service, 1880 Queens Ct. Call 407-935-1559.
Back on terra firma, go on a turtle trek. The Canaveral National Seashore, on A1A near Titusville, is a virtual turtle incubator, with hundreds of sea turtles making the journey to lay their eggs in the warm sands beside the Atlantic.

Another great way to enjoy this magnificent Chain of Lakes is by airboat. Whether you want to glide over the water at a leisurely idle pace, looking for exotic birds, turtles and Florida alligator, or fly like the wind into the swamps at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, 3702 Big Bass Rd., is ready to take you on your next adventure. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., daily. Call 407-344-9550.

Back on terra firma, go on a turtle trek. The Canaveral National Seashore, on A1A near Titusville, is a virtual turtle incubator, with hundreds of sea turtles making the journey to lay their eggs in the warm sands beside the Atlantic. From May to October, the park's Turtle Watch Program marks new nests, excavates nests for trapped hatchlings, and steers baby turtles toward the water instead of toward land, where bright lights are mistaken for moonlight, confusing their migration route. Never disturb a nest - it's illegal - but you might get lucky and spot one of these gentle leatherbacks or loggerheads ambling across the sand or digging a nest with her flippers. Canoe programs and nature walks are also available. Hours: Nov. - Mar., 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.; April - Oct., 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., daily. Call 386-428-3384.

Further south on A1A, the Atlantic Ocean is a surfer's dream come true. Cocoa Beach has been long considered the best surfing spot on the Atlantic Ocean because of the size and regularity of waves. Many beach-side stands rent surfboards and bodyboards. If you forgot your surfboard or board shorts, visit the original Ron Jon Surf Shop, 4151 N. Atlantic Ave., a local landmark. Hours: 24 hours daily. Call World Headquarters 321-799-8888 or 888-757-8737.


Culture Quest

In Kissimmee, the Osceola Center for the Arts, 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Hwy., is a visual and performing arts center. The Art Gallery has monthly shows of established and emerging artists. Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri.; Noon - 4 p.m., Sat. Closed Sundays, except for special events. Call 407-846-6257.

The downtown Kissimmee historic district features an energetic mix of restaurants, specialty shops, historic buildings and residential neighborhoods. Kissimmee Main Street is at 320 E. Monument St.; call 407-847-4194.