It’s out of this world!
Stuart James reaches for the stars at iconic Nasa locations in Florida
When I was a kid there were only a handful of things I wanted to be when I grew up. A footballer, a musician, a firefighter, or if I really was lucky and did well at school, an astronaut.
Growing up in the 1980s, the sight of Nasa’s shuttles launching into space captured not only my imagination, but those of people the world over.
Alas, I didn’t realise that particular dream, but an early entry onto my travel ‘bucket list’ was a trip to Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast and most definitely a couple of days at the famous Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (kennedyspacecenter.com).
When I finally got to make that dream trip across the pond, I was buzzing with excitement.
This dynamic collection of cosmic exhibits and hands-on experiences, will, quite simply, blow your mind. From the garden itself, where an expert will guide you on a fascinating mission through the rockets, to the outstanding Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, which boasts three exhilarating rides taking you to galaxies far, far away, you will journey through the past, present and future of space travel.
The Apollo/saturn V Center, a short bus ride away, tells the story of how the impossible was made possible and pays homage to the people and machines that launched man into space and then landed on the Moon.
But the jewel in the crown has to be the Space Shuttle Atlantis. After standing to watch the story of the shuttle programme, she comes into view as the images projected onto a wall fade away and the doors open. Jaws visibly drop to the ground as you realise the sheer magnitude of what is there before your eyes. It genuinely gave me goosebumps.
Suspended from the roof, this is the final resting place of a famous vehicle that flew 33 missions and logged more than 126 million miles and 307 days in space.
The scorch marks are a reminder of the incredible dangers that are faced on re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere, and there is also a very humbling and respectful tribute to those astronauts who lost their lives in the Challenger and Columbia tragedies.
While there is no denying that the space programme is a major attraction on the Space Coast, there are plenty of thrills to fill your days.
Florida is, of course, renowned for its wildlife and a trip to Camp Holly is an excellent way to get to know the local inhabitants.
In business since 1923, you can take a ride on an airboat and spot alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat along the St Johns River, before dining at Gators Grill.
Camp Holly also offers night rides, where the camp’s experienced captains are equipped with headlamps for viewing the gators eyeing up their next prey (campholly.com $35).
However, if you want to see something other-worldly, try experiencing bioluminescence with Fin Expeditions.
From June to October, you can witness this natural phenomenon first hand as the waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon come alive.
Glittering dinoflagellates and pulsing comb jellies create mystical light shows in the water that you can see for yourself when you embark on a kayak excursion ( finexpeditions.com $74).
Of course, Florida has a wide range of stunning beaches on both the east and west coast and is something of a surfers’ paradise.
For those wanting to try it, what better than to learn from the pros
themselves? The School Of Surf at Cocoa Beach offers people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to don their wetsuits, grab a board and ride those Floridian waves.
Cocoa Beach is also home to the world famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, a surfing museum and other quirky shops, boutiques and food outlets (don’t forget to try the famous key lime pie) while Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is also worth a visit if you want a relaxing day on the beach and somewhere scenic to enjoy dinner and drinks.
For those that like a bit of art and culture, the Eau Gallie Arts District is the place to be. With a cool vibe, this funky district of Melbourne boasts plenty of modern art, craft shops, boutiques and restaurants, while the colourful murals emblazoned across the walls of some buildings each tell their own unique stories. In Cocoa itself, I had my first experience of a ‘grub crawl.’ You guessed it – similar to a pub crawl, but visiting restaurants and eating rather than drinking in boozers.
Our host, Helim, from Village Food Tours took us to three outstanding restaurants in Cocoa while waxing lyrical about the city’s history and its many landmarks.
Particular highlights were the curried chicken salad at Ossorio Bakery & Cafe (whoever thought a croissant in a salad would work deserves a Michelin star) while the gator bites – wild caught Florida gator loin, marinated and coated with rice flour and deep fried until crispy and golden – at Pub Americana were a proper local delicacy.
The Playalinda Brewing Company in Titusville offers a wide range of local brews of varying tastes and strengths, although I am not completely convinced that a pint of the key lime slice really needed the cream on the rim!
But you can ‘try before you buy’ if you are undecided or unsure on a particular brew.
For classic American fare served in almighty portions, petrol station-turned gastro diner, 4th Street Fillin Station in downtown Cocoa is absolutely outstanding.
If you’re staying in town, Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach has direct access to the sands and watersports at Cocoa Beach and is close to Cape Canaveral.
But if you want to go all out on a space-themed adventure, book in at the Courtyard Titusville Kennedy Space Center, which sits adjacent to the five-mile Nasa Causeway.
Fantastically fun, this tech-laden abode has a robot astronaut delivering room service; a lift that counts down for ‘take off ’ propelling you to the stunning Space Bar which boasts views across Kennedy Space Center and the rocket launch pads.
The bedside astronaut light projector is a lovely touch, beaming the Milky Way onto the ceiling as you drift off to sleep.
For anyone who’s ever grown up dreaming of reaching for the stars, Florida’s Space Coast will feed your childhood fantasy.
‘‘ The jewel in the crown is the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It gave me goosebumps