Space nut Visiting Florida - any advice?

[corkyburger]

Hi there. I'm visiting Florida at the end of March/beginning of April and I'm very excited to visit the Kennedy Space Center. I was also keen to find out from any Florida residents of any other Space history related places might be worth checking out in the area.

Are there any good places to find old space collectibles?
Any diners with a space exploration history/connection?
Places to find tacky space collectibles?

Also if you have visited Kennedy Space Center before do you have any tips for what see/what to avoid etc?

Thanks
Corky

 

[bdewoody]

If you are going to the Space Center Museum treat it like you are preparing to get on an airliner at JFK airport. The security there is very tight. I went there last year to an airshow and it took an hour to get through the gate. Unless you are there for a special event you should get in more quickly. I don't know of any other space related attractions in the vicinity but the museum at KSC will fill a day. There are a few aviation collections scattered around Central Florida and there is a P-51 in Kissimmee you can take a ride in if you are willing to cough up the big bucks.

 

[ozspace]

Hi, looks like you might be in luck to see a launch! STS-131 has now moved to April 5th! http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/s ... 0216delay/
A good info source on viewing is here: http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/guide.txt

While you are in the area, make sure you go to the Space Walk of Fame http://www.spacewalkoffame.com/ It is run by volunteers, mostly ex space workers and worth it just to chat with those people! Also, go on the Then and Now and well as the KSC tours from the visitors center: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/cape- ... n-now.aspx

Enjoy!

Peter

 

[Woggles]

Hi, looks like you might be in luck to see a launch! STS-131 has now moved to April 5th!

Wow hope you do! I seen STS-75 and what an experience it was!!!.

 

[bdewoody]

I have moved a little further away but I plan to go over to Titusville to watch all of the remaining shuttle launches because I will probably be dead before the US launches any more astronauts after the shuttles are retired. I wonder what Obama told the astronauts they will be doing for the next 10-20 years without a craft to fly.

 

[wmdragon]

A good info source on viewing is here: http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/shuttle/guide.txt

thank you! so glad to have found this thread and your links. I just came to post and ask about watching shuttle launches. a friend who lives near Miami has tempted me with the idea of catching one of the last shuttle launches, and I knew this would be one of the best resources to find out advice, caveats, suggestions, etc. looking forward to my first - and last - shuttle launch experience. and if I miss it due to delays, well, we have friends and family down there, wont be a wasted trip either way.