Rockets, Alligators and Roseated Spoonbills on NASA Land in Florida

As the saying goes...the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry (h/t Robert Burns). Such was the case during a short trip to Florida's "Space Coast" in mid March. Our plans were rather simple: to visit the Kennedy Space Center and view wildlife via kayak. More on that later. Suffice it to say that the kayak trip was scuttled, but we did enjoy viewing a few shuttles.

A Saturn V Rocket at the Kennedy Space Center

Having a Blast at the Kennedy Space Center

Located approximately 60 miles east of Orlando in Cape Canaveral is the Kennedy Space Center. Built in 1967, The Kennedy Space Center attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors per year. Tickets are currently priced at $57 for adults and $47 for children aged 3-11 and parking is free. Guests might experience a bit of a hike from the parking lot to the main complex, so comfy shoes are suggested.

The first site visitors encounter is the "Rocket Garden,"which sets the stage for what's to come.

The "Rocket Garden" is the first attraction guests see while visiting the Kennedy Space Center.

Exhibits are located both indoors and outdoors and are grouped according to "Mission Zones" and organized by era.  Those who want to make a day of it can purchase food from the casual onsite cafes, or kiosks. Our time constraints forced us to prioritize, so we missed the guided tours, as well as the current IMAX movies, which play hourly and include"Journey to Space," a 2015 3-D film sharing NASA's plans for the future and "Hubble," a story of seven astronauts who travel aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis to repair the famous telescope.

Those who are interested in viewing launch sites, NASA restricted areas, and current working facilities, can take the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which is included in the price of admission. During the 40-minute excursion, a knowledgeable guide explains stops along the way, from the Vehicle Assembly Building, also known as the largest building in the United States by volume, to  launch facilities and other interesting, behind-the-scenes goings on at NASA.

Door to the Vehicle Assembly Building is open to reveal a rocket under construction.

The Vehicle Assembly Building measures 525-feet tall, 716-feet long and 518-feet wide.

At the conclusion of the 40-minute tour, guests are dropped off at the Appollo/Saturn V Center to view the Saturn V, also known as the largest rocket ever flown.

Visitors walk beneath the Saturn V rocket, known as one of the largest rockets ever launched into space.

Another view of the Saturn V.

An enlarged article on the first moon walk can be seen at the Saturn V Center.

After touring the Saturn V Center, we caught the bus back to the main complex to take in a few more exhibits before leaving.

Model of a Mars manned space capsule.

The new Mars Rover.

We spent a half day at the center and still, there was so much more to see. A few things I would have done if I had more time: view the IMAX movies, join the guided tours and experience a simulated shuttle launch in a pilot's seat where a line of children awaited. Watching a real shuttle launch would be certainly be fascinating and with enough pre-planning, it's doable. Launches can be viewed at the Space Center, at the Canaveral National Seashore, or at the Cocoa Beach Pier, to name just a few alternate places to watch. A launch schedule can be seen here.

The Cocoa Beach Pier.

From a Rocket Park to a Wildlife Lark

My husband and I fully intended to view wildlife, and perhaps encounter a manatee, from the bow of a kayak. We arrived at Cocoa Kayaks in Cocoa Beach to prepare ourselves for a 2.5 hour expedition.  We suited up--life vests fastened, wet bags sealed, bug spray applied and soon we were off, with the help of our friendly guide, who pushed us off into the murky waters. Within five minutes, however, I realized that our kayak was different than the ones I experienced paddling down the Swatara Creek in Pennsylvania, or gliding along on this delightful trip to a WWI ship graveyard in Mallows Bay, Maryland.

It seemed like every time either one of us made the slightest move, the boat would jerk back and forth, as if it would tip over at any given second. Heck, I couldn't even raise my voice without feeling as if I was going to capsize and if you know me, I can't be quiet for long. I don't recall the depth of the water, but I did know that I'd rather be observing the fish, than swimming with them. I lasted a full five minutes before bailing, much to the surprise of our flabbergasted guide.

I suppose I learned a valuable lesson, which is to question every outfitter before I decide to take to the water. I need to sit in a vessel, rather than perch atop one. When the outfitter called us, I explained this and she assured me that it would take a lot to tip one over--which is kind of surprising, but I wasn't ready to chance it. No more "sit-on-top" kayaks for me.

A Change in Plans

Determined to view wildlife in a less harrowing manner, we began searching on the internet and learned that the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was just a short drive away, so off we went to see what we could see.

The first stop was the Visitors' Center where we sat for a short film describing the wildlife that calls the island home. What we learned, much to our surprise, was that NASA, needing ample space for their rocket program, decided to preserve the land surrounding it by designating it as a wildlife refuge. What the film focused intently on was the Florida Scrub Jay, which is classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. We lacked time to walk the Scrub-Jay trail, but we did learn that the friendly birds appoint a "sentry" to perch on tall structures to scout for hawks and warn the others of impending danger. Later, in another part of Cocoa Beach, we spotted one doing his duty and standing guard atop a tall tree.

People come from miles around to visit the center, see the exhibits and browse the wildlife books in "The Bookery" before moving on to view the wildlife in its natural habitat. One of the more interesting experiences we had while there was listening to a tough-looking group of bikers speaking French while examining the various exhibits.

A helpful hint if you decide to add the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to your Florida itinerary: Don't miss the boardwalk trail. The  quarter-mile loop features alligators and turtles in freshwater ponds, a native butterfly garden, interpretive signs, feeders that attract songbirds like painted buntings, screech owl boxes which allow viewing of the Eastern Screech owl and large Osprey nests, which can be viewed through a scope during nesting season.

The Black Point Wildlife Drive
For $10 a vehicle, explorers can purchase a day pass to spend as much time as they want on a seven-mile dirt road surrounded by marsh impoundments and pine flatwoods. We joined about seven other cars on the day we took the drive, being careful to hug the side of the road when we stopped for pictures so that other cars could pass.

A blue heron crouches in the marsh.

What we saw was an interesting array of wildlife, from waterfowl, to wading birds, to alligators, roseated spoonbills and more.

Wading birds are common on the seven-mile drive.

Roseated spoonbills were seen at a distance drinking.

An alligator lolls about, unfazed by nearby gawkers.

If you take the scenic excursion, be sure to allocate at least an hour since you'll want to stop and take pictures. The place was popular with photographers toting expensive cameras and waiting patiently for just the right shot. If you have a comparatively inexpensive digital camera as I do, you may need a decent zoom to capture clear pictures of the wildlife that can be seen in the distance.

Recommended Accommodations

We really enjoyed our stay in Cocoa Beach at Lost Inn Paradise, a small, gated enclave with a swimming pool, marina and comfortable accommodations located about a half-hour's drive from the Kennedy Space Center.

Our front "porch."

The view of the marina.

Sunset at Lost Inn Paradise.

This home away from home was located on the Banana river on the narrowest strip of Cocoa Beach, with plenty of shops and restaurants just minutes away. The best part is that we could walk across the street to the beach. .

Mike has the beach to himself at 10 a.m.

Exploring the Cocoa Beach area was fun in mid-March, but if you put a priority on spending your days in the sun and surf, I'd recommend waiting another week, or two; it was just a bit too chilly to take advantage of the water that surrounded us while we were there, not that it mattered. There were plenty of interesting things to do and see in the area and our trip was over before we knew it.

A Stay at an Amish Tobacco Farm-Turned Luxury Inn, Paired with an Over-the-Top Meal

I'm a big fan of Valentine's Day, mainly because requests that are shot down during the rest of the year have a better chance of making it past the "absolutely not" stage. I have to thank my husband for his indulgences in this area and for recently treating me to an item that was on my bucket list--a dinner at TÈ restaurant at the Inn at Leola Village located in Leola, Pennsylvania.

TÈ is located within an hour's drive from me in Lancaster County and is particularly special because it is one of the few restaurants in the United States that holds both a AAA Five-Diamond Award and a Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Award.

To further guild the lily, he arranged a stay at the Inn at Leola Village in one of the most unique rooms on the property, the historic "Wine Cellar," which dates back to 1867 and was once part of the original farmhouse which is still there to this day.

The Inn at Leola Village

The entrance to the lobby at the Inn at Leola Village.

The lobby at the Inn at Leola Village features beams original to the property.

When Deborah Shirk and her husband, architect and chef John Calabrese, announced that they would be creating an upscale inn and restaurant in the heart of Amish country, area businesses scoffed and told them it would happen when "pigs fly." The couple, undaunted, proceeded with the project and showing their sense of humor, even adopted the flying pig as a mascot. If you visit the Inn, you'll see the winged creature represented throughout the property, often in some unlikely places.

The Inn at Leola Village, listed among the Historic Hotels of America, has received its share of awards and accolades since opening in 1999. It was named Best Meeting Venue by Pennsylvania Meetings & Events Magazine (2017) and recently received the Four Diamonds Award of Excellence (2018). The Inn was also recognized by The Knot as a Hall of Fame Designee (2018) and was nominated as Best Historical Hotel by the Historic Hotels of America (2018).

Sixty-two guest rooms are spread across seven buildings, with four buildings original to the property. Overnight guests can select from several restored antique homes, a restored tobacco barn, and other tastefully appointed accommodations, including my favorite--the wine cellar.

The "Wine Cellar" suite was once the stone-walled cold cellar of the original restored farmhouse. It includes original wood posts and beams, along with a whirlpool, a fireplace, and a separate entrance.

My favorite part of the "wine cellar," is this adorable reading nook.

The property also features an onsite bar where couples can relax with their preferred libation before, or after dinner.

The bar at Osteria Avanti.

A room in a restored tobacco barn features a waterfall shower on the second floor. 

The waterfall shower on the second floor rains into a whirlpool tub.

All rooms are spacious, no matter which one you choose.

The Inn at Leola has two banquet facilities and is particularly popular with brides and grooms who come from miles around. Wedding parties often take advantage of the Forbes-rated four-star spa where they can choose from among a variety of services, from body treatments, to massage, facials, make-up and hair and nail care. The team of onsite wedding professionals includes floral designers, pastry chefs, a resident deejay, photographer and more so that all the wedding party has to do is show up.

The wedding area.

Suites located in the catering hall where bridal parties get ready for the big day.

TÈ Raises the Bar on Fine Dining

Intimate and romantic, TÈ restaurant touts a mere six tables, with a staff the size of much larger restaurants.

The Inn at Leola Village features an upscale Italian restaurant which has earned its share of accolades. Since opening in 2012, it has consistently maintained two prestigious awards--the AAA Five-Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Award. Few restaurants in the United States lay claim to both.

TÈ,which means tea in Italian, offers diners a one-of-a-kind experience in an intimate atmosphere. Reservations aren't just recommended, they're mandatory, which is something to keep in mind, along with the fact that dinner is served on Friday and Saturday only.

Two sandwiches wrapped like little presents came with melted cheese and raspberry sauce for dipping. This set the tone for other little surprises during the course of the meal. 

Guests can choose a five-course, or a nine-course dinner, with the concept of taking a leisurely journey through Italy starting in the northernmost part and working one's way down to the warmer regions in the southern part. Customers can add to the experience by opting for wine pairings and the cheese trolley, which features more than 21 cheeses from Italy and France.

The cheese trolley features almost two dozen cheeses from Italy and France. A fromagier is on hand to explain the various selections and to answer any questions.

If you decide to enjoy this incredible experience, be sure to set aside a few hours. Our five-course meal stretched out for four hours, although it didn't quite feel that long since most courses were introduced with an amuse bouche. Pacing was excellent and service was attentive, with at least five employees for every couple.

Special touches included a stool strategically placed at knee-height so I wouldn't have to sling my purse over a chair, or place it on the floor and a warm finger bowl containing mint and rose petals, which enveloped the table in a lovely aroma.

We opted for the five-course prix fixe menu, which included salad, appetizer, fish and main courses.TÈ has a certified sommelier on staff and each of our courses were paired with Italian wines. Highlights of this incredible meal included yellowfin tuna with deep-fried fennel in a 15-year balsamic reduction, butter-poached halibut cheek with mint in a duck egg yolk, lamb, scallops and pork belly and the grand finale: the dessert mat, which was absolutely wonderful, from the little tortes and cakes, to the chocolate cherries the staff set aflame as we watched.

Yellowfin tuna with deep-fried fennel in a 15-year balsamic reduction.

Butter-poached halibut cheek with mint in a duck egg yolk.

We each selected five cheeses and were served candied nuts, bread and fruit alongside.

One of many libations served during the course of the meal.

The spectacular, over-the-top dessert mat.

There's the flying pig again. This is TE's version of milk and cookies, but by the time this course was served, it was 11 p.m. and we were stuffed, so they packed up a few of those chocolate-dipped, anise-kissed biscotti for us to take with us.

On our way out, we were helped with our coats and given a personalized menu with our names, the date and what we ate that evening to take home as a keepsake.

Part of our package included breakfast the following morning, so we headed over to the other onsite restaurant, Osteria Avanti, where I enjoyed a somewhat lighter meal of avocado toast. My husband ordered eggs and scrapple and we both laughed when the flying pig made yet another appearance.

Avocado toast served at Osteria Avanti.

The flying pig makes a final appearance in the form of scrapple.

I have to say I'm not likely to ever have such an extravagant experience again, but it certainly made Valentine's Day memorable--so that's a hint to the men out there--you have time to prepare for next year. An added plus is that if you live in Pennsylvania, you won't even need to hop on a plane.

Four Days in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus Skyline. Courtesy: Brand Columbus

Here in Pennsylvania, so many of us are looking forward to spring and making plans for warmer weather. If you're deciding where to go this year, you may want to check out what Columbus, Ohio has to offer. I visited the area last year and found plenty to do and see, but due to limited time, I had to pick and choose carefully. If you have the opportunity to visit, you may want to consider adding a few of these options to your list.

Arriving in Town

North Market. Photo courtesy Brand Columbus.

Because I knew I'd be hungry after a six-hour drive, I decided that the first order of business should be a visit to the North Market located downtown. Open seven days a week, the market welcomes one million customers annually.

Produce at the North Market. Courtesy: Brand Columbus.

Unlike many of the markets in the Central Pennsylvania region, you’ll pay for parking at the North Market, but not enough to break the bank. The first hour will cost you $1, with subsequent hours costing $2. Of course, you can avoid that through ticket validation and the vendors are always happy to provide that service.

Baked goods, Ohio-raised meats, pasta of all shapes and sizes, prepared foods and ethnic specialties engage the senses so lunch choices can be difficult. I settled on a tasty Greek salad from Firdous Express and was soon on my way to the next destination not far away at the “Arena District,” to check in at the centrally located Crowne Plaza. Staying in the Arena District is a good choice for anyone who wants to be within an easy drive of The Columbus Zoo (20 minutes), German Village (10 minutes), or Victorian Village (five minutes).

Visiting Victorian Village

To experience how the locals live, consider a visit to Katalina’s Cafe . Located in the Victorian Village in a renovated 100-year-old gas station, Katalina’s is known for its funky décor and its locally sourced, made-from-scratch cuisine. Breakfast specialties range from huevos rancheros, a hearty dish which I enjoyed, to various omelets and popular pancake balls made with local stone-ground flour filled with Nutella, dulche le leche, or pumpkin apple butter.

Katalina's Cafe in the Victorian district.

Huevos Rancheros served at Katalina's.

The quirky décor features chalkboard walls with an array of colorful designs. On nice days, diners can enjoy al fresco dining and socialization on the deck.

The surrounding neighborhood is a good place to walk off some of those calories and lay eyes on some of the best examples of domestic Victorian Era architecture in the country.

Get Up Close and Personal with the Animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

A trip to Columbus isn’t complete without a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and if you’re lucky, you just might get a glimpse of President Emeritus Jack Hanna, who maintains a basecamp onsite and visits for special events.

The impressive collection of wildlife from around the world is separated by regions like the Congo, Asia, Africa and North America. Knowledgeable staffers are stationed throughout the park to help visitors navigate the territory, or learn more about the animals.

Flamingos frolic at the Columbus Zoo.

A lion takes a snooze.

A gorilla seems bored with being ogled.

Plan to wear comfortable shoes and to spend at least four hours viewing the exhibits. Not-to-be-missed is the $20 million “Polar Frontier,” where guests can view the polar bears at eye level, or observe them frolicking in the water from below, courtesy of a clear glass tank.

Polar bear entertains onlookers.

Families often enjoy cooling off at the nearby 22-acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark complete with 17 waterslides. Lockers for storing gear like cell phones, credit cards and wallets are available for an additional $10.

Children whoosh down a water slide at Zoombezi Bay. Photo courtesy: Brand Columbus.

Visit the Historic German Village

German Village, Courtesy: Brand Columbus

During your visit, plan to spend some time exploring the historic German Village. For a self-guided walking tour, pick up a map and tickets at the Visitor’s Center in the German Village Society Meeting Haus located at 588 3rd Street. On the tour, you’ll learn about historic architecture and how early German residents lived and worked. Food and drink stops are recommended along the way.

For authentic German food, look no further than Schmidt’s Sausage Haus at 240 E. Kossuth Street, where Adam Richman once indulged in the Autobahn Buffet for an episode of “Carnivore Chronicles.” Visit during the evening from Wednesday through Saturday and step into an Oktoberfest-like atmosphere, complete with live oompa music.

For bibliophiles, a must stop is the Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores. Housed in multiple pre-Civil War-era buildings, it’s easy to spend hours browsing from among the plethora of titles in 32 rooms. Be sure to grab a directory located near the front register to navigate your way around the mysteries, histories, and many other genres available for your reading pleasure.

The Book Loft is one of the nation's largest independent bookstores.

Behold the Beauty of the Topiaries

Located at the former site of the Ohio School for the Deaf, the Topiary Park of Columbus is described as “a landscape of a painting of a landscape.”

Scenes from the Topiary Park.

The brainchild of local sculptor James T. Madison, the Topiary Park was inspired by Georges Seurat’s Post-Impressionist Painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.” The garden is comprised of 54 human figures, eight boats, three dogs, a cat and a monkey and is best viewed in the summer months.

Enjoy an Educational Experience at COSI

The 320,000 square foot structure known as the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is one of the largest, modern-built science centers in the United States and was named by Parents Magazine as America’s number one science center for families.

COSI sign. Courtesy: Brand Columbus

Butterfly made from recycled materials.

During my visit, the science museum and research center was hopping as children dashed from one exhibit to another to experience hurricane force winds in a wind tunnel, play a laser harp, ride a unicycle and gaze at the "sky" in the planetarium. There were just a few of the many family-friendly educational activities available.

A child rides a unicycle at COSI. Courtesy: Brand Columbus.

Have a Laugh at Shadowbox Live

For a fun, adult night out, consider purchasing tickets to Shadowbox Live, the largest resident theater company in America. The non-profit, award-winning, performance troupe employs dozens of full-time ensemble members who entertain close to 100,000 patrons a year.  Theater lovers travel from miles around to visit the venue located in the Brewery District.

Comedians perform at Shadow Box Live.

Multi-talented troupe members wow the audience with original sketch comedy penned by a top-notch writing team. The house band, “Bill Who,” provides the musical backdrop for a variety of show-stopping song and dance numbers featuring the cast. Video shorts are shot and edited in house. The fast-paced show doesn't disappoint.

If you find yourself like me--unable to get away for an entire week, these are just a few suggestions to make the most of your time. I, myself, was glad to take a whirlwind tour of the area to get a feel for much of what the city has to offer and now I have an idea of what to see when I return.