by Jeff Voth

The streamlined missile sat poised and ready for launch on the sandy shores of the inner coastal waterway. Under the bright Florida sun, its outward demeanor gave no hint of the turmoil that brewed just below the surface. We stared in awe at the beauty and brawn that lay at rest in front of us, all the while knowing how easily the outward calm could boil over into a massive explosion of fury and fireworks.

Suddenly, spray burst skyward, showering us with warm mist. A defiant response to our passing, it was a clear indication that we were now considered an annoyance. To the local residents watching from the shore, this type of behavior was considered commonplace. But for those of us touring the area for the first time, the site of an alligator charging noisily into a roadside pond was a glimpse at the raw power that defines this magnificent creature.

Of course, there are other missiles that point skyward on Florida's Space Coast from time to time and it is also a significant part of the charm found in this part of the sunshine state.

Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and the Kennedy Space Center have welcomed visitors for many years with a diverse mixture of natural beauty, high tech wizardry and a surfer dude atmosphere. A place to relax and let loose, it's high on the desirability meter.

Less than an hour drive from Orlando, The Inn at Cocoa Beach would be my place of residence while visiting this area. A European-styled hotel located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, it offers spacious, individually decorated rooms, many having large balconies overlooking the shoreline.

During the day, the beach is packed with umbrellas and sun screen lathered bodies. Old and young soak up the heat, taking breaks to cool off in the warm ocean water. At night, the stars come out over the Atlantic while couples stroll along the shore or find a secluded place in which to throw down a blanket.

The atmosphere at the hotel is both casual and friendly. Karen Simpler, the owner, has created the perfect location from which to sample the best of Florida's Space Coast. Under the watchful eye of Innkeepers Lucian & Dirk Oldenburg, guests are treated as family and provided with a comfortable place to relax on a weekend getaway or stay for week or two. (CONTINUE...)