Breakfast is served in the spacious and bright common room, with easy access to the rear deck and lawn. Warm muffins, specialty breads and fruit along with a great cup of coffee greet guests in the morning. Staff is always close by and ready with a smile. Second helpings were never a problem, though with all the dining choices available in the area, it was important to resist the urge to splurge at the start of each day.

A short stroll from the hotel is the Ron Jon Surf Shop. Open 24 hours a day, it provides the Cocoa Beach crowd with the perfect setting for buying the latest swim and surf clothing and accessories. A Florida institution, this surfing megaplex is also the place to sign up for lessons at the Ron Jon Surf School, (formerly the Cocoa Beach Surfing School).

Beginner or novice, it never hurts to take a lesson or two from a pro. Then again, maybe it hurts a little bit, but the pain is only momentary, much like the amount of time you will spend actually standing on the surf board.

Surfing is definitely one of those things that looks easier than it really is. The Beach Boys sang, "Catch a wave and your sitting on top of the world". For me it was catch my breath and hope the next wave doesn't pound me into the ocean floor before I can flop back on top of my board and head towards open water.

Needless to say, the instructors at the surf school are extremely patient and very talented. They have also mastered the technique of keeping things simple while standing in the middle of cresting waves. By the end of an hour, I was actually able to ride the board successfully for more than a few seconds, (I think I counted to five once) and I felt vindicated for all my previous successful attempts at looking like a complete surfer nerd.

A visit to Florida's Space Coast wouldn't be complete without a tour of two "must see" destinations; the Brevard Zoo and the Kennedy Space Center.

A community built attraction located in nearby Melbourne; the Brevard Zoo is divided into several unique exhibits. Expedition Africa is a visit into the wilds of this magnificent continent. We opted for the guided kayak tour as the best way to witness the beauty of the manmade setting. Here graceful giraffes walk alongside as partners paddle together up a lazy river. Close to the water, antelope and gazelle graze in the grass, while off in the distance white rhinos recline under trees, always alert to our passing. (CONTINUE...)