"Space, the final frontier." These are the journeys of Freedom Rolling. Its continuing mission to explore odd tourist destinations. To seek out new states and new attractions. To boldly go where many have gone before.
OK, so Kirk and Picard we are not, but one favorite destination has to be the Space Coast of Florida. Situated between Daytona and Melbourne, the Space Coast was originally chosen in the 1950's being one of the more undeveloped eastern coasts of Florida, but now houses one of the most famous Space Force launch ranges, and attracts many enthusiasts from around the world. Spend a little time in the cities of Titusville and Cape Canaveral, where helpful locals can clue you in on the best sights and deals. Maybe catch a wave or two on the Atlantic Ocean. If fishing tickles your fancy, plenty of piers adorn this coast. If the RV or tent life is for you, then consider one of our well-enjoyed places to stay, Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral. This Florida State Park has its own beach and fishing pier, along with great views of the launch range.
If you came looking upward, then the Kennedy Space Center is the place for you to visit. The Visitor Center boasts a substantial "rocket garden" consisting of the many rockets of yesteryear, along with several exhibits and memorials, such as the Atlantis shuttle and a tribute to the fallen astronauts and potential astronauts in the line of duty. Take their bus tour into the Space Force Station, and you can see an actual Saturn V rocket, once ready to serve an emergency Skylab mission, and is now on display for visitors. Consider spending at least a couple days at Kennedy. With the pricing during our stay before the RV, we were able to get an annual subscription for the price of two entries, with all the associated perks.
If you can time your visit right, combined with a little luck, maybe you can be at the Space Coast on a launch day. Sure, you may have seen some of these from the comfort of your home, but nothing beats witnessing a launch live in person. The Kennedy Space Center offers ticket packages to view near the range, but perhaps you don't want to spend the extra money or be around so many visitors. Head back across the Indian River to Titusville, and there are several parks on the shore to give great viewing opportunities. NASA's website gives the location of several parks with free or limited fee viewing. Rotary Riverfront Park places you directly in front of Pad 39A, famously used during the Apollo days, and now serves as a base for SpaceX's high profile missions. Bring some binoculars or a telescope to see the propellant fills, ignition, and other activities across the river. Wireless usage will be jammed so you may not be able to livestream or hear a slightly delayed cast, but shout-outs to Space Scout for guiding visitors at Rotary Riverfront Park as to what's happening.
If you're going to follow your internal compass, don't burn out your fuse up there alone. Head out to the Space Coast and really explore humanity's journey to the stars.
Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations for millions worldwide. Many flock to the heat of Miami, the theme parks of Orlando, or the gulf beaches of Tampa. There's one area of the state not to miss.
Franklin County, Florida is nicknamed the "Forgotten Coast". The Forgotten Coast is situated south-southwest of Tallahassee and southeast of Panama City, along the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Compared to many of the other shores of Florida, this area doesn't have the hustle and bustle that comes with the more tourist-laden parts of the state. Drive along its main highway, US Route 98, and between the small cities of Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and Apalachicola, you'll see miles of undeveloped beaches, with fishing piers here and there built by the residents along the road.
While at the Forgotten Coast, head over to St. George Island. When you get to Eastpoint, take the long causeway over the Apalachicola Bay to get there. Along the trip, you'll see a fishing pier on either side, which were converted from an older iteration of the bridge connecting the island and the mainland via several man-made islands still in existence. To the east lies St. George Island State Park, which offers RV camping and day use to visitors. To the west and central parts of the island are a multitude of houses and condominiums, along with a free public access to a pristine beach along the gulf. Although the houses are built on stilts to guard against hurricanes and flooding, no high-rises exist, giving that small-city feel.
The Forgotten Coast is also partial home to two protected forest areas: Tate's Hell State Forest, and the Apalachicola National Forest. Both are protected wetland and woodland areas along the panhandle with plenty of wildlife and vegetation. Tate's Hell has an interesting legend to its name, when an 1800's local named Cebe Tate ventured into the forest, and became lost for several days. When he returned to a part of Carrabelle, his last words were believed to be: "My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell."
So the next time your internal compass leads you to the beaches of Florida, don't feel like you have to brave the tourist destinations. Head to the Forgotten Coast, and you may find a much more pleasant experience.
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