Space Center lets visitors relive our longest journey

Maybe you no longer remind yourself to head outside and look north, hoping to catch the rockets' red glare or smoke contrail as a Space Shuttle lifts off. After more than 110 of the launches, many of us have grown blasé.

If you go to the Kennedy Space Center

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITORS COMPLEX Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. year round, except Dec. 25 and certain launch days. Allow 5-8 hours, including the bus tour, which departs every 15 minutes.

FLORIDA

If you're going to Naples, pack your appetite

A Gulf Coast city that's known for its restaurant scene is welcoming several fine new arrivals.

FLORIDA

Bringing the kids is child's play

The only thing the children won't get at our top 10 family-friendly resorts is bored.

Two Florida strands qualify as ''Best Beaches''

Two Florida strands qualify as ``Best Beaches'' College spring-breakers might be the real experts on the world's best beaches, but officially speaking, FIU professor Dr. Stephen Leatherman gets the title of Dr. Beach. His evaluations are a bit more scientific than that of your typical college reveler, factoring in 50 criteria, including sand quality, safety, and environmental management.

In Florida's Theme Park Central, everything's looking up this summer

In Florida's Theme Park Central, everything's looking up this summer. Literally. At Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Disney, park visitors swoop, fly and float in new attractions.

FOR KIDS

Party options that your kids will really enjoy

My son was graduating from high school and turning 18 all within the same week. It called for a major celebration, but didn't require a lot of thought on Aaron's part. He had been planning this since he and his buddy took early morning surfing lessons at Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon and learned that you can rent the surfing experience for 3 hours, 100 waves, and up to 25 people.

Smart new sleeps are cause for 'staycation'

When two Ws are set to open within 24 hours of each other in South Florida, you know the hotel industry has been on a bit of a building binge.

SOUTH FLORIDA

Our great attractions: See 'em like a tourist

Out-of-towners get a good look at our home on trolley tours and narrated cruises. Why shouldn't we?

ON A BUDGET

With deals like these, let's splurge a little

Forget the airline tickets and passports. All you need for these trips is an overnight bag.

Florida food fests

Given our agricultural heritage, it's no surprise that Florida hosts dozens of food festivals worth the drive. Most are in winter -- but one comes up soon. Here are a few worth pondering:

Florida's top spots for family camping

To reserve campsites at state parks, see www.reserveamerica.com. Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County: County park with 238-site, full-service campground that seems to have been created with families in mind. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, fresh water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas and a camp store. The park has more than 7 miles of waterfront recreation, including two fishing piers, nature trails, paved bike trail and a canoe...

Off Fort Myers beach, our hero finds learning to sail's a breeze

The sailboat heeled to its starboard side as it sliced through a narrow, finger-shaped inlet off the Gulf of Mexico. Its sails loomed above me, and from where I sat at the stern, confidently steering the vessel between passing boats and a palm-dotted shoreline, I could see across the sparkling, emerald-green water to a rocky outcropping. Here, hundreds of pelicans sunned themselves in the tropical heat of the day.

BED & BREAKFASTS

These small inns are plenty big on service

Florida's innkeepers will make you feel right at home while you're on the road.

DINING

Pit stops make A1A a delicious road trip

Eat your way north from New Smyrna Beach to St. Augustine.

WHAT'S NEW

Zip through the treetops, visit the stars

Several brand new attractions have opened around the state, and a couple of old stalwarts have a brand new look.

BUDGET TRAVEL

We've found a great deal of great deals

If you're opting for a summer vacation that's closer to home this year, you may find some very attractive vacation bargains. A sampling of summer deals in Florida follow. Terms of all packages and deals are subject to change without notice.

Fun between meals along A1A

There's more to AIA than waterside restaurants. Don't worry, this is not just a string of tourist towns that will slow you down. There's enough variety in beaches and barrier islands and small-town atmosphere to make some of it part of the National Scenic Byway Program.

Destinations around Florida

FLORIDA AND ARIZONA: PLAY BALL! Opening day for Major League Baseball is April 6, but you don't have to wait that long to see your favorite teams. Spring training games begin Wednesday and run through April 5 for Florida's Grapefruit and Arizona's Cactus leagues. One hot ticket this year may be March 12 face-off in Port Charlotte between the 2008 World Series rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Movie magic in Florida

L.A. too far to go? You can find plenty of movie magic in Orlando. Though Florida's version of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure haven't had as much screen time their Hollywood cousin, you'll still have plenty of chances to ''ride the movies'' at Universal Studios with the newly opened Simpsons Ride, Revenge of the Mummy and Men in Black Alien Attack. At Islands of Adventure, attractions include the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride, Juraissic Park River Adventure and the delightful...